Originally published in April 2018. Updated February 2026. Smith & Wesson is continually improving pistols. One example over the years is the Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm Shield 2.0 with Integral Green…

Originally published July 2019, Updated March 2026 Sturm, Ruger & Co. has earned a well-deserved reputation for workmanlike, reliable firearms. Ruger has armed Americans for decades, even when good…

Springfield Armory introduced the Prodigy pistol as an enhanced, modern 1911, sometimes referred to as a 2011. The full-sized Prodigy DS (double stack) was the first model, featuring a grip frame…

For gun enthusiasts of all disciplines and skill levels, a rimfire handgun, specifically one chambered in .22 Long Rifle, should undoubtedly be part of your collection. Not only is .22LR amongst the…

Understanding the proper use of force is essential for any responsible gun owner. State laws vary on how and when to use deadly force. One key principle in self-defense law is the “duty to retreat.”…

The Ruger RXM is a collaboration between Ruger and Magpul designed to improve on the proven compact 9mm platform. With modern ergonomics, optics-ready capability and everyday carry dimensions, it…

In 1982, I became an undercover narcotics investigator with the Licking County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio, assigned to was then called the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Group (MEG). When I started on…

Vacations are for rest, fun and making memories. Travelers with a personal-defense minset may be wondering how to stay safe on vacation, when you’re outside your comfort zone, navigating unfamiliar…

Many people have heard of the “reasonable person” standard, but few understand what that term actually means, especially in self-defense cases. This is because we all think of ourselves as reasonable…

When we talk about self-defense for women, we often focus on techniques: how to strike, how to break free, how to respond. But in reality, the most important self-defense skills aren’t physical at…

In the latter half of the 20th century, classifying handgun frame sizes was simpler because there were so few models available. Especially when examining semi-automatic pistols, narrowing down the…

When I evaluate any life-saving tool, I consider its application and performance under real conditions. Only hands-on testing answers questions. My evaluations draw on personal experience as well as documented manufacturer testing. Short-term range sessions are only a starting point, while extended firing in adverse conditions tells the real story.

Less-lethal self-defense weapons are tools designed to stop or deter an attacker without the intent to cause death. While often called “non-lethal weapons,” these tools, including pepper spray,…

Key Takeaway: As of February 2026, suppressors remain regulated under the National Firearms Act. While the One Big Beautiful Bill modified aspects of the suppressor tax stamp and registration…

It may seem that comparing the .357 Magnum, designed for use in revolvers, to the 10mm, designed for semi-automatic pistols, is much like comparing apples to oranges. But when you examine their…

The 21-foot rule, a widely discussed self-defense concept, plays a crucial role in determining when one can use force to protect oneself or others. What Is the 21-Foot Rule? Also known as the Tueller…

Whether you’re flying across the country or driving through multiple states, traveling with a firearm requires more than just packing your gun — it demands planning, legal awareness and strict…

More Americans than ever have chosen to take personal responsibility for the protection of themselves and their loved ones. To keep up with a growing demand, firearms manufacturers continue to…

Originally published January 2016. Updated February 2026. I WAS PIG HUNTING in South Georgia. It was a wild, swampy thicket, overrun with deer, turkeys, alligators and feral hogs. Lots of hogs, the…

While the Glock 17 is the semi-automatic pistol that changed everything, the Glock 19 is the pistol made for everyone. Introduced in 1988, this compact 9mm proved that one handgun could serve…