The search for more effective handgun self-defense ammunition has been ongoing for years. As more civilians carry firearms for personal protection, and law enforcement continues to seek the most…

I bought my first holster as a teenager. I found a leather scabbard and gun belt for my .22 revolver in a pawn shop for $15. Less than a decade later, I was carrying a Commander .45 in a Milt Sparks…

Originally published July 2017. Updated February 2026. We gun owners bandy about terms like fit, feel and ergonomics as if they’re critical factors in life-saving encounters. When you think about it,…

Most gun owners believe they’re prepared. They own a firearm. They’ve taken a class. Maybe they carry every day. But ask them to survive 72 hours away from home after a sudden disaster, like a…

A versatile handgun is one that can handle several roles well. For me, that means home defense, concealed carry and protection on the trail. While I used to rely on different handguns for each job.…

One of my favorite western films is Big Jake, set along the Southwest border in 1909. Though it is one of John Wayne’s best performances, what really stands out to me is the time period. The film…

“Buy the best gun you can afford” is solid advice — within reason. When it came to my first everyday carry pistol, the problem was that I couldn’t afford very much. What I Needed in a Concealed Carry…

The double-barrel side-by-side shotgun is the most legendary designs produced, remaining highly recognizable through today. Originally, it gained popularity as a fowling piece because its second…

Like a friend with a new haircut or outfit, it is always interesting to revisit a familiar handgun that has returned with meaningful upgrades. The CZ P-10 C qualifies as an old friend, one that I…

If you’re in the market for a lever-action .357 rifle, there’s no shortage of options these days. I could be wrong, but there may be more centerfire lever-action rifles available today than at any…

The .410 shotgun shell cartridge should be recognized as one of the most remarkable revivals in modern firearms history. Introduced in 1874 as a small-game hunting round, it served as a training…

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…