SELF-DEFENSE

GUNS, AMMUNITION, GEAR AND TACTICAL ADVICE

Smith & Wesson 686 Revolver

In 1981 a real workhorse galloped out of the Smith and Wesson stable in the form of the company’s model 686 — a stainless version of their model 586.

Make Mine A Shotgun

In the last decade or so, the shotgun has been largely eclipsed by semiautomatic carbines — especially the AR-15/M4 — for use by law enforcement and private citizens.

Smith & Wesson .45 ACP Shield

Back in 2016 Smith & Wesson introduced the .45 ACP Shield and I tested it for a feature article in this magazine. I already owned the 9mm and .40 S&W versions, but the .45 became my favorite...

Streamlight Protac HL-X ...

Don’t look this one in the eyes! Boasting 1,000 lumens plus an integrated red aiming laser, the Protac HL-X light performs near the top of its class at a non-paroxysm-inducing price

Reliant Four-Barrel Pistol

The Reliant pistol from Edge Arms offers a unique defensive solution in a compact size and multiple calibers.

Hot Concealment Trends

Concealed carry trends change over the years. Back in the 19th century it was common for men to stuff a small pistol into a boot top. Fortunately, such a...

Just Enough Gun

I grew up shooting “the carbine.” Back then the term meant the military M1 .30 caliber version, just like saying “forty-five” meant the 1911. The M1...

Tactical Travel Tips

It’s easy to get complacent when travelling, but you need to remember it’s an often ugly world out there, and predators — of the worst variety — are...

.22 Caliber Cross-Training

When the Summer Olympics took place in Rio de Janeiro the entire world focused on the myriad of sporting events on display. One of the techniques many of...

The Home-Carry Handgun

These days, burglars seem to be less concerned about breaking into an occupied dwelling than they did in the past. Doesn’t sound very smart, does it? With...

Fluted Ammo: Great Or Gimmik?

I first became acquainted with the new fluted bullet designs for defensive ammo in the latter part of 2015 with the introduction of ARX ammunition,

Magnetic Gun Mount by Allen

Working from my home office, my desk is midway between two exterior doors, each about five yards away. I’m not anticipating a break-in but I would be...

Affordable Icon: PTR’s 9CT

At one point available in 120 different variations, the roller-lock MP5 is the universal subgun, much as the Porsche 911 is often considered the universal...

Why the Flex is Best

Tim Smith, editor of Airgun Hobbyist, was devoting a whole issue to safety and asked me why I teach a flexed trigger finger position up on the frame at low...

The .357 Magnum Part 2

In the 1950s when the sixgun was still supreme among peace officers, there were many who asked for a less expensive .357 Magnum. The 1954 result was the...

Ruger Doubles Down

Two on two: OK. Here’s the deal: We turned two of our sneakiest shootists — Mike Humphries and Roy Huntington — loose on two new Ruger handguns. These...

The Single-Six

After I got the Marlin 39A Mountie I talked about last month, I soon wanted to add an appropriated companion piece — a really good .22 sixgun. A young...

Gabe White Pistol ...

When Gabe White first trained with me in the early 2000s, he was already well along the way to mastering the handgun. Gathering much training in a broad...

Black Hills HoneyBadger Ammo

Along with the vast array of handgun models available for personal protection, there’s also been a flood of self-defense ammunition. One of the best...

Lipsey’s Lightweight...

In 2014 Lipsey’s released the all-stainless steel, Ruger-made Single-Seven revolver. Chambered in the mightiest .32 caliber round — the powerful .327...

Ruger’s .450 Bushmaster AR

Ruger is proving to be a great proponent of the .450 Bushmaster cartridge — and why not? It’s a great tactical and hunting cartridge wrapped in a...

The .357 Magnum: Part 1

Since the .357 Magnum arrived in 1935 — heralded as the most powerful sixgun in the world — it has been followed by plenty of other hard-hitting cartridges.

Dan Wesson ECP

Dan Wesson continues a history of innovation with the 1911 and their latest offering — the 9mm Enhanced Commander Pistol — is no exception. The ECP...

Rock Your Roller Lock!

Few guns have had the near-universal acceptance enjoyed by HK’s roller-lock family of weapons. From the iconic 9mm MP5 SMG to the .308 G3 battle rifle,...

Remington 870 Tactical DM

“BANG! Ouch! BANG! Wow-owwww! BANG! Jeez oh Pete …” This real-life quote from the shooting range highlights my recent willful violation of the first...

Comfort & Concealment

Let’s face it, carrying a concealed handgun can be inconvenient. Maybe it requires one more garment than you want on a hot day.

Glocked-In Solid

Okay. I admit to being a hidebound dinosaur, especially when it comes to handguns (and pickup trucks). I prefer those with a real soul, which mainly equates...

Here’s A Keeper: FN 509...

When the National Rifle Association (NRA) met earlier this month for its annual meeting in Dallas, the timing for FN could not have been better. Days...

Springfield Armory's New...

When Springfield Armory introduced the SAINT Series of 5.56mm AR-15 firearms, some said they were too late to the game. Everybody and their uncle was...