Mike
151 posts
Mike has been a shooter, bullet caster and reloader for over 40 years. Never one to be satisfied with the status quo, he is often found at his reloading bench concocting yet another load. With a target range in his backyard and after 40 years of shooting, his knowledge of firearms and reloading is fairly extensive. He is married, with four sons and daughters-law and 9-and-counting grandkids.
Best 380 Ammo: Self-Defense & Target Practice
You might ask, Why write a best-of article about ammo for a less powerful carry gun? The answer is its popularity. The .380 is more prominent than ever, with a growing number of people carrying it, myself among them. Its popularity has increased significantly in recent years, leading many to consider it a practical self-defense ... Read more
September 17, 2024
Best Concealed Carry Insurance in 2024
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to carrying a firearm for self-defense. One of the most daunting aspects is the potential legal consequences you may encounter if you need to use your weapon. Even if your shot is justified, there’s still a chance that you could face criminal charges related to the incident. ... Read more
September 16, 2024
Taurus G3 [Review]: Worthy Budget 9mm?
The Taurus G3 is a budget 9mm pistol with some features that may appeal to gun enthusiasts and collectors. Though it’s not perfect, the G3 is worth considering for an affordable 9mm. So, is this budget 9mm worth your attention? We’ll delve into this Taurus G3 review to find out. The G3 is a striker-fired, ... Read more
September 4, 2024
Best Single-Stack Subcompact 9mms [Concealed Carry]
Concealed carry options are widely available across the United States. Each state currently has its own version of concealed carry legislation. The upside to all of this is that more and more people are getting their concealed carry permits than ever before, and most of them seem to be carrying some form of 9mm pistol–which ... Read more
September 3, 2024
[Review] Kimber Micro 9
Kimber is a company that has had a rather rocky past. Known today for high-quality 1911 and other types of pistols and rifles, the company has faced challenges in attaining the esteemed reputation it holds today. We’ll delve into the specifics of the Micro 9 pistol shortly, but first, let’s explore the background of the ... Read more
August 15, 2024
Taurus G2C Review 2024 | A Complete Guide For Taurus G2C 9mm Pistol
Even though the newer G3 and G3c pistols are out, the Taurus G2C is still an excellent choice for concealed carry. With its affordable price tag, you get serious bang for your buck – an accurate, reliable handgun that is serviced by a range of aftermarket accessories. It is easy to use and easy to ... Read more
August 13, 2024
9mm Glock Models [Ultimate Guide]
For those of us who are into handguns and have not been living under a rock for the past 3 decades or so, the name Glock has come to be a household word in the shooting universe. People who may have never held a gun (let alone a Glock) recognize the name. It is estimated ... Read more
August 5, 2024
Best .45 ACP Ammo: Self-Defense & Target Practice
“The only reason I carry a .45 is because they don’t make a .46.” How often have we heard that saying? While there are now rounds like the .500 S&W Magnum (.500 bullet diameter) and the .480 Ruger (.475 bullet diameter) that are technically larger, these are powerful revolver cartridges not ideal for self-defense. Carrying ... Read more
August 3, 2024
Handgun Calibers [Ultimate Guide]
If you’re a novice shooter or an experienced one, it can be beneficial to pause and examine some insights into the cartridges we use. You might be considering expanding your firearm collection and unsure about which caliber to choose, or perhaps you’re curious about the origins of a particular cartridge like the .380 ACP. Maybe ... Read more
July 22, 2024
Rifle Calibers [Ultimate Guide]
It’s past time for firearms deer season here at home. This year, as in previous years, my son and I will head to the deer blind armed with a .308 and .243 respectively. This is notable because it wasn’t long ago that only pistol cartridges were permitted for deer hunting in my state. While carbines ... Read more
July 19, 2024
Best Concealed Carry Guns [2024]
Are you in the market for a new hidden carry firearm? This article will discuss the top concealed carry firearms currently on the market. Deciding to carry a hidden weapon is a significant choice that should not be underestimated. It involves both exercising a fundamental American and, in my opinion, a human right. However, it ... Read more
July 18, 2024
Smith & Wesson SD9 VE: Hands-On Review
To start our Smith & Wesson SD9 VE review, we first need to understand what SD9 VE stands for: SD means Self-Defense, 9 signifies 9mm, and VE stands for Value-Enhanced. How did S&W come up with such a complicated name? I believe they were just trying to differentiate it from its not-so-well-received predecessor, the Sigma. ... Read more
June 23, 2024
DPMS LR-308 Review: Modern AR Basics
In this post, we’ll review the DPMS LR-308. Let’s dive in. These days, MSR can be found not only in law enforcement or military settings (in their select-fire versions). Many civilians now seek a semi-automatic rifle with at least MOA accuracy and versatility across different calibers. The DPMS LR-308 stands out in this category. Introduced ... Read more
June 20, 2024
Best 9mm Ammo in 2024 for Self-Defense & Targets
One of the most widely used cartridges in the world today is the 9mm Parabellum, also known as the 9x19mm, 9mm, or 9mm Luger, which was created in 1901 by none other than the renowned Georg Luger. But which 9mm ammunition is the best? Millions of concealed carriers, military special operations groups, and collegiate shooting ... Read more
May 25, 2024
Beretta 3032 Tomcat [Review]: A Worthy Self-Defense Pistol?
If you’re looking for an ultra-compact pistol chambered in .32 ACP, the Beretta Tomcat 3032 is worth checking out. This little handgun is extremely concealable — perfect for daily carry — and packs a decent amount of firepower. This tiny pistol is simple to operate and features a tip-up barrel that makes loading and unloading ... Read more
January 10, 2023
Citadel 1911 Review: Best Budget-Friendly Pistol?
Another 1911 review. Why? Well, why not? The old 1911 is experiencing a resurgence, the likes of which it has never happened before. I daresay the 1911 is more popular now than ever. Not bad for a 109-year-old design, eh? But why is it so popular? Here are a couple of thoughts on that. Here, ... Read more
July 30, 2023
Smith and Wesson 638 Airweight Review: The Humpback Whale
The Model 638 takes the tried-and-true components of the original Model 38 Bodyguard Airweight and combines them with state-of-the-art improvements. It’s a full-power revolver that’s as straightforward to operate as it is dependable. Learn more about the Smith and Wesson 638 Airweight and decide if it’s the correct handgun for you by reading our in-depth ... Read more
December 18, 2022
Taurus 856 Defender Review: Budget .38 SPL Shooter
Taurus Defender 856 is a J-frame style revolver, which is to say that it has a short frame and a cylinder that holds five rounds of .38 Special ammunition. The J-frame is a common choice for those who like to hide their firearm. The six-shot 32 is no longer the go-to among shooters, who often ... Read more
December 17, 2022
S&W M&P Subcompact 9mm Pistol [2021 Review]
In this post, we’ll look at the S&W M&P Subcompact, review it, and test its shooting performance. The M&P line of handguns and rifles is a big seller for Smith and Wesson. M&P stands for Military and Police. It is one of Smith and Wesson’s several lines of pistols and rifles. The M&P name was ... Read more
December 11, 2022
Taurus 709 Slim Review: Perfect CCW Gun?
If you’re looking for a slim and lightweight pistol that is easy to conceal, the Taurus 709 Slim may be just what you’re searching for. This semiautomatic handgun has a sleek design and 7+1 capacity, making it perfect for self-defense or carrying on the go. This pistol has been getting a lot of buzz lately, ... Read more
December 6, 2022
Ruger 57 Review: Best Handgun-Sized AR?
When Beth from Ruger said that my requested test gun was being shipped, I became excited. This is one gun that has a waiting list of buyers, at least around here. My good friend Duane, who has owned and operated his sporting goods store since 1986, said he had a waiting list of guys who ... Read more
December 4, 2022
Glock 19X Review: A 9mm to be Reckoned With
Have you been scouring the internet for a solid Glock 19X review? Well, you’re in luck. You’ve stumbled upon the right place. We get it, deciding on a new firearm can feel a bit like being a kid in a candy store. So many options, so many opinions, and only so much money in the ... Read more
July 31, 2023
Colt Combat Commander [Ultimate Review]
The Colt (Combat) Commander has had a long, blue-ribbon-pedigreed history. Evolving from the legendary Colt 1911, the Commander is not a lot different from that storied gun. It has gained a reputation in its own right as a tough, reliable pistol. For brevity’s sake, I’m will to refer to the gun as simply the Commander, ... Read more
November 22, 2022
Walther PPQ M2 Review: German Police Pistol
Walther is a company that has earned one whale of a reputation in the firearms industry. This German-based company is responsible for some of the world’s great guns. Here’s a Walther PPQ M2 review. We’ll also take a look at its specs, features, and review its shooting performance. Now, let’s begin. Pros and Cons of ... Read more
August 7, 2023
Smith & Wesson M&P .22 Compact Review
You could really do worse than choosing a slightly-smaller rimfire version of your main gun to practice with. That’s where the Smith & Wesson M&P .22 Compact gun comes in — a stand-in for your centerfire boomer. This Compact is 15% smaller than a full-size M&P 22. Speaking of M&P. The M&P line of semi-auto ... Read more
November 13, 2022
Ruger Security-9 Review: Great Value 9mm Pistol
With its compact size and high capacity, the Ruger Security-9 is an excellent choice for everyday concealed carry. Its hammer-fired mechanism makes its slide more manageable when racking than that of a striker-fired pistol. And there is more. It also has some additional qualities that may make it appealing to many shooters. Today, we’re going ... Read more
November 12, 2022
Kimber Custom II 1911 Review
If you’re a gun owner, you know there’s nothing like owning a 1911. They’re revered for their precision and craftsmanship, and the Kimber Custom II is no exception. It’s been around for years and has built a reputation for being reliable, accurate, and well-made. In this review, we’ll look at why the Custom II is ... Read more
November 6, 2022
Colt Anaconda .44 Magnum Revolver Review: The Big Snake Gun
The Colt Anaconda is a revolver many of us dream about owning. But we have about as much chance of finding a Colt Anaconda .44 Magnum revolver as we do finding its namesake slithering around our backyards. Of the Colt snake guns, the Anaconda seems to be harder to find. The only snake guns newer ... Read more
November 5, 2022
HK 416 Pistol Review: H&K’s Magnificent Rimfire
Some of you gun enthusiasts might be familiar with Heckler and Koch‘s (HK) line of firearms. The company is known for its high-quality, innovative designs that are used by militaries and law enforcement agencies all over the world. Recently, HK has released a new rimfire called the HK 416 pistol. The HK 416 pistol is ... Read more
October 30, 2022
Mossberg MC1sc Review: Handgun of the Year?
1920. That was the year, a hundred years ago, that O. F. Mossberg & Sons produced their first pistol. It was a four-barreled .22 semiautomatic whose firing pin rotated with each trigger pull. It used a latch to keep the action locked. When opened, you used the piece of bent sheet metal provided with the ... Read more
October 23, 2022