By The Graduate Shootist We were mostly through a week-long Basic Pistol program and one trainee was clearly in the lead, no doubt thanks to a previous career with one of the largest metropolitan law enforcement agencies in the U.S. Twenty years of requalification courses left him well-equipped to address Q-type silhouettes, but now it was time for each shooter … Read More
Davey Crickett .22 Rifle Review – From Trainer to Survival Rifle
by Rick Hennigan By now most of you have heard of, seen, fired, or even own the Davey Crickett .22 Rifle. For the those who haven’t, it’s a youth-sized training rifle to initiate young shooters in the sport. Barrel length 16.5 inches, overall length 26.5 inches, and weight is a very manageable 2.5 lbs as it comes from the factory. Built … Read More
Ruger SR22 Review and Problems
My daughter was headed into her 5th year and I was looking for a solid 22lr handgun that she could use when we were camping. She and my son both have been shooting for several years now, both of them are very good shots when they concentrate. Both enjoy firearms and both are safer to be around than most soldiers and … Read More
Smith and Wesson Sigma 9 mm Review (Reliable!)
Smith and Wesson has a well-earned reputation for turning out solid, reliable and sometimes even good looking firearms. This review is not of those well made or solid firearms. The Smith and Wesson Sigma was one of my worst firearms purchases ever. Before you get upset, it was not all bad. It was 1998, I was 21 and wanted a … Read More
Unarmed Self-Defense (for when you don’t have a gun)
by Scott Gillespie As a cop, I gave this topic a lot of thought over the years and I’ve picked up a few techniques that actually work. I’ve been in dozens of fights and without a single exception, every fight eventually went to the ground. Of course, for a cop, you aren’t interested in hurting the suspect (some of the time … Read More
Trayvax Original 2.0 Wallet and Cinch Belt Review
It’s Christmas time again, that time of year when scammers go into overtime to get your information and money. Handheld RFID/card scanning devices are easier than ever to obtain and use. Travel consists of multiple x-rays, full body scanners and other forms of information wiping activities. RFID technology has helped us innovate, and yet it also poses additional risks. Trayvax wallets offer … Read More
How to Teach a Child to Shoot a Gun (safely & effectively)
by Z.H. Former USAF Combat Arms Instructor (AFSC 3P0X1B) There remains a fair amount of hesitation among some in the wider firearms community about teaching their children about firearms (especially those making the transition from urban areas where the very idea of addressing firearms with children seems verboten). Of course, those individuals who have seen their families take an active interest … Read More
How to Clean, Lubricate, & Maintain a Gun
by Mike Reith If you want to start a long-winded discussion or stir up a group of ten gun owners bring up the topic of cleaning and lubrication. You will get ten different personal opinions as to how to do it, when to do it, and what to use. What you won’t get is how to do it simply, adequately, … Read More
What Training Should You Get For Concealed Carry?
by Jesse Mathewson Every state has different requirements for carrying a concealed defensive tool. Some states require evidence of need, other states allow constitutional carry which has no legislative limitations outside of being a resident of the state and a law-abiding citizen. Safety is absolutely the most important part of carrying a handgun for defensive purposes. The most often repeated safety … Read More
Shoulder Holster or Belt Holster for Concealed Carry?
Carrying concealed is a choice between solid retention, ease of use and comfort. It is always my intent to relate what works over what is prettiest or most comfortable. What I can say from experience is that belt holsters are the best for concealed carry, specifically inside the waist band (IWB). There are environments and needs for shoulder holsters as … Read More
Capacity vs Size for Concealed Carry
Of the many things to consider when choosing a firearm, this is easily the most important. The choice itself should be based on what your needs are based on location, environment as well as physical and mental ability. Because you are reading this article the assumption is you want to carry for defense of self. So let us look at … Read More
Do I Need a Concealed Carry Permit for Pepper Spray?
Even though I have a handgun carry permit and legally carry a handgun almost everywhere that I go, I also carry a can of pepper spray. I know some of you are probably thinking… why would anyone need to carry defensive spray if they are already carrying a handgun… Well, the fact is that the majority of the time most situations … Read More