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1911 pistol that is cocked and locked

Concealed Carry

Pistols 101: Pistol Actions and Triggers Versus Performance

The story of handguns and how they work is very interesting but may also be frustrating to the beginner. Some definitions are stretched by the makers. As an example quite a few handguns cloud the definition of double action or double action only operation. Understanding how a pistol operates is an important part of the selection process when choosing a handgun. This article details the action and how the trigger action affects performance and handling.

Springfield SAINT AR-15 rifle right profile

Firearms

Range Report: Springfield Saint AR-15

The SAINT is the first AR-15 to wear the Springfield name. That fact should not be lost on anyone looking to purchase their next long gun. That SAINT is billed as entry, and by today’s standards the price point may not be inline with that moniker. However, older shooters such as myself that are able to discern quality at a fair price will appreciate the SAINT. As a Springfield fan the SAINT will take its place beside my 1903 Springfield and the modern 1911 Operator, but there is more to the puzzle than the name.

Kel-Tec KSG shotgun, gray, profile right

Firearms

By the Numbers: America’s Top 5 Shotguns

Semi-auto handguns topped the list, which was not much of a surprise. Likewise, semi-auto rifle topped it category, but when it comes to shotguns, that sweet sound of a pump being racked tops the list. Then again, with some of the awesome sales over the past couple of years, who hasn’t picked up a couple extras for when a SHTF scenario becomes reality?

Sarsilmaz SAR 9 pistol with slide locked back and loaded spare magazine in a gray t-shirt

Firearms

Review: Sarsilmaz SAR 9 Pistol

I was fortunate to get my hands on one of the first 50 SAR 9 pistols imported from Turkey by SAR USA—the American division of Turkish gun and aerospace manufacturer Sarsilmaz. The Turks know a thing or two about making firearms—especially ones that are dependable and affordable. In my opinion, what Turkish producers do best is replicate the most useful features of existing models; most often cranking out products that mix traits of familiar American or western European brands to create a unique firearm that costs a bit less than their predecessors. The SAR 9 is an example of this approach to gun design.

Colt LE6920 AR-15

Firearms

By the Numbers: America’s Top 5 Rifles

If there is one thing we all love, it is a good debate over which gun is best. The regulars all make the list, and that is fine, but the creativity and opinions of the readers is really what’s eye opening and makes it a good a read. That being said, this list is strictly based on national sales numbers, so it’s perfect fodder for a good shredding—do your worst. This first, of a three part series, focuses on the top five selling pistols.

ATI FXH .45 1911 pistol right profile

Firearms

Range Report: FXH .45 — The Hybrid 1911 From ATI

For some time, American Tactical Imports has offered affordable firearms giving everyone a chance to get into the shooting game. These 1911s may be diamonds in the rough, but they are single-action 1911 handguns, and they are .45s. These GI Type guns have given many shooters on a budget the opportunity to try their hand at Old Slabsides at an exciting price.

Performance Center Ported M&P Shield pistol

Firearms

By the Numbers: America’s Top 5 Pistols

If there is one thing we all love, it is a good debate over which gun is best. The regulars all make the list, and that is fine, but the creativity and opinions of the readers is really what’s eye opening and makes it a good a read. That being said, this list is strictly based on national sales numbers, so it’s perfect fodder for a good shredding—do your worst. This first, of a three part series, focuses on the top five selling pistols.

Woman shooting the CZ 9mm wearing yellow ear muffs

Firearms

Range Report: The CZ 75 P-01 — CZ’s Best Pistol?

There are pistols that are so overlooked it boggles the mind. The Czech CZ pistols (Ceska Zbrojovka Uhersky Brod) have appeal to professionals the world over, and the CZ 75 is among the most imitated pistols in the world. At present, few clones have equaled the reliability and build quality of the original. Within the CZ 75 line, is the P01 a new contender for the crown?

Wilson Combat EDC X9 pistol atop several boxes of ammunition

Concealed Carry

Carrying an Expensive Handgun: Wilson Combat EDC X9

Should you carry the most expensive handgun you own or a beater? Some say carry a cheap handgun if you have a cheap life. One camp like to carry a showpiece, while the other wants to have a safe queen in pristine condition. In the end, it is reliability that counts most. Anyway you slice it, Wilson’s Combat EDC X9 is a gun worth betting your life on.

Mauser C96

Firearms

Throwback Thursday: The Top 5 Military Side Arms of All Time

In putting together the top combat sidearms, a number of factors influenced the decisions including design, battle performance, cartridge, performance, comparable technology of the day and reliability versus practicality, but can a Glock be considered a “Combat Handgun?” Read on to see if the author agrees.