When it comes to opinions on custom firearms, gun owners tend to fall into one of two camps: “Stock is best” or “Custom is life.” It’s true that grabbing a Glock or Walther straight out of the box…

Originally published June 2025 You’re armed, trained and maybe even confident, but that doesn’t mean you should walk into danger or provoke a crowd. Civil unrest can erupt with little warning,…

When I made my foray into the field of law enforcement in 1980, shoulder holsters were a common and practical way for officers to carry handguns while working plainclothes or off duty.  Back then,…

Key Takeaways Clean your firearm after each range session to prevent buildup and maintain accuracy. EDC guns should be inspected weekly for lint, dust, and corrosion. Field-strip and deep clean at least once a month for frequently carried guns. Over-oiling, ignoring magazines, and skipping inspections are common mistakes to avoid.

The Taurus Judge .45 Colt/.410 Shotshell Defender was originally reviewed in October 2015. I have always admired the versatility of revolvers. For example, a .357 Magnum revolver can be loaded hot…

Call me lucky: I get to shoot a lot of guns during the course of a year. Now, the powers that be would like me to distill that list to my top six favorite guns. It’s no small task. Still, I will give…

The Second Amendment remains a hot topic in 2025, with gun rights and regulations sparking debate across the nation. From court decisions challenging long-standing firearm restrictions to new…

Most well-known American gun manufacturers like Smith & Wesson, Remington and Colt were established around 150 years ago. Beretta surpasses them by three centuries. Its first recorded contract…

I’ve been evaluating and writing about firearms for civilian and law enforcement use since the early 1990s. In that time, I’ve handled and fired more handguns, rifles and shotguns than I can count.…

*Originally published in Concealed Carry Magazine, February 2018 It doesn’t happen often that a firearms company makes a genuine change to a proven gun. New models may get new finishes, new sights or…

The Beretta 92 has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable 9mm semi-automatic pistols. First adopted by the U.S. military in 1985 as the M9, the 92 series has since served faithfully in…

There’s a moment — sometimes small, sometimes sharp — when you realize the weight of being responsible for your own safety. Maybe it’s a stranger lingering too long in a parking lot. Maybe it’s a…

Originally published March 2018 It took a little while to get the new SIG Sauer P365 because it was the talk of SHOT Show (2018) and among the sales staff at Vance Outdoors in Columbus, Ohio. Every…

In much of this country, we’ve hit the time of year in which it can get cold enough to kill you. Most of us already know we’re in for months of shorter daylight, unpredictable storms and icy roads.…

Sometimes the changing of seasons or a variation in routine can nudge us toward a new everyday carry gear. But there can also be specific moments in life that force us to rethink our EDC, whether it…

One of the crucial decisions you’ll make when it comes to concealed carry is choosing between an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster and an outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster. You may wonder which…

When it comes to selecting the right self-defense ammunition, understanding the key differences between hollow-point ammo and full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds is crucial. Each type has its own…

After nearly a year of anticipation, the Mantis Titan X has officially launched, and it lives up to the hype. My early hands-on experience with a pre-production unit hinted at its groundbreaking…

Originally published August 2016, Updated November 2025 When I first reviewed the Glock 27 in 2016, I gave it the title of best pistol for concealed carry. At the time, this compact 9+1 capacity…

Christmas is right around the corner, and it can be one of the busiest — and most stressful — season for holiday shopping. Sometimes, for us ladies, that can be a daunting task and, while navigating…