The most common question presented to trainers, writers, and the family ‘gun person’ is, “Which handgun should I purchase for personal defense?” The bottom line is dependent upon the shooter and how much or how little time, effort, and training will go into the final choice. There are many firearms that are well suited to personal defense. But the student differs mentally and physically, and so should the choices each individual makes. The first step is individual research and study.

The AR-15 is America’s rifle in a very personal and individualist way—and in a manner no rifle has been since the Winchester ’73. The AR-15 may be modified, adapted, and built from scratch to suit the user. The rifle can be surprisingly affordable, or it may be as expensive and extensively modified as the user wishes. The rifle that was built as the subject of this review is in the middle of the road for expense, but at the top of my list for performance and versatility.

For practical use, there are several types of shotgun sights. In iron sights, these include the bead, aperture or ghost ring sight, and rifle sight.

When it comes to firearms development, the history of a company is as important as what it does. After all, one cannot survive without the other. Ruger has earned a reputation for innovation and groundbreaking technology.

With the great and growing abundance of concealed carry permits, as Americans exercise their rights and commons sense, and with a political climate that currently nurtures such progress, armed citizens are flexing their political muscles and choosing to be responsible for their own safety.

A few weeks ago, I was able to test and evaluate the Arex Rex Zero 9mm handgun. The results were good as the pistol has proven reliable with every load, more accurate than expected, and ergonomically pleasing.

The AR-15 is America’s rifle. In fact, the black rifle in just about any configuration is very versatile. But choosing the right rifle is a daunting proposition for many. There are many choices, and many good choices. Let’s cover some of the basics.

The SIG P320 strikes a familiar outline. The P320 is an adaption of the P250 to a striker-fired mechanism.

The short-barreled double barrel shotgun with hammers is often called a coach gun or side-by-side shotgun.

Just when you think you have seen it all, someone manages to clone a popular handgun and make it even better. The AREX Rex Zero 1 9mm is an interesting handgun that has proven reliable, accurate, and ergonomic.

The .38 Super was introduced in the 1911 handgun in 1929 to arm peace officers with a hard-hitting handgun that offered good penetration against the new breed of mechanized thug. The .38 Super saw extensive use in the hands of the FBI and figured into the demise of dangerous fugitives such as Baby Face Nelson.

The Honor Defense Honor Guard 9mm handgun is a rule beater. All American, even down to domestic steel, the Honor Guard 9mm isn’t a cheap handgun made to undersell the competition.

The military is making noises concerning a new sidearm. There is some controversy. Handguns, for whatever reason, seem to come with more emotional attachment and a sense of history than the rifle. I believe, that as a close quarters combat pistol, the Beretta 92 is lacking the most important attribute a sidearm should have and that is wound potential.

Walther’s CCP has generated a lot of attention. Light, attractive, and with the Walther name, the pistol was designed to compete with the Glock 43 9mm and similar size handguns for personal defense.

Among the most useful, reliable, and practically accurate .22 caliber rifles made is the Ruger 10/22. Introduced in 1964, the Ruger 10/22 has become the most popular .22 rimfire rifle in America.

In a world awash with mediocre handguns, a pistol with reliability, accuracy, and good features at a fair price is a desirable commodity. The Canik TP9SA exemplifies this concept.

After many years of shooting, training, and carrying the most effective handgun possible, I realized that many of my choices were not practical for the average shooter. There are many demands on their time and mastering a Commander .45, .357 Magnum revolver, or compact .40 is difficult. Compromises are inherent in the game. The happy medium between a service-size pistol and hideout derringer is often a quality self loader. The .380 ACP is a popular choice.

Ruger is an old line maker that has offered quality products at a fair price for more than 68 years. Although Ruger was late getting into the 1911 market, it introduced a short slide 1911 handgun, the SR1911 that has earned an excellent reputation for reliability, accuracy, and value.