I’ve bought a variety of gun cases, for transporting handguns, shotguns, and rifles. This article lists some tips that I have come up with for those choosing a gun case, based upon the lessons I’ve learned. Read the rest of this article »
I’ve bought a variety of gun cases, for transporting handguns, shotguns, and rifles. This article lists some tips that I have come up with for those choosing a gun case, based upon the lessons I’ve learned. Read the rest of this article »
I’ve seen that some people dislike handguns such as Glocks and some of the Springfield XD pistols because they lack an external safety, such as can be found on the Springfield 1911. This article addresses my thoughts on the matter: Read the rest of this article »
Pistols and revolvers each have their own advantages and disadvantages. This article discusses the pros and cons of each type of handgun: Read the rest of this article »
The pros and cons of pistol caliber carbines, which are rifles that have a relatively short barrel and are chambered for pistol cartridges, are discussed below: Read the rest of this article »
As previously discussed, safe and responsible gun storage is essential. I’ve been asked what features I recommend for gun safes, which I discuss below: Read the rest of this article »
I see quite a few visitors searching for information on the size of shot in the various shotgun shells, such as 00 buck, #1 buck, #4 bird, etc., and the number of pellets in a one ounce 12 Gauge shell This article provides that information for lead shot. Read the rest of this article »
There are a variety of options when it comes to choosing a sight for your handgun, shotgun, or rifle. Each sighting option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This article discusses each of the major options. Read the rest of this article »
Different shotgun activities require different barrel lengths. This article addresses the recommended barrel lengths for various purposes, and the pros and cons of these barrel lengths. Read the rest of this article »
In response to my articles on selecting a gun for home defense, taking a friend shooting for the first time, and facts about recoil, I have been asked how one can get used to the recoil generated by more powerful guns. Getting used to recoil is not too challenging, as this article explains. Read the rest of this article »
Few topics are as hotly debated as the question of “which caliber”. This article addresses my thoughts on the topic for semi-automatic (autoloading) pistols, intended for self defense use. Read the rest of this article »
Pump action shotguns and rifles are well suited to home defense, due to their reliability. An added benefit of pump action is that it makes storing the firearm in a relatively safe yet ready to use fashion easier. While this practice is likely obvious to those experienced with pump action firearms, it may not be as obvious for those more familiar with other action types, or those new to firearms. This article describes how to store a pump action firearm in a safe yet ready to use manner. Read the rest of this article »
Porting, which refers to the addition of holes near the end of a shotgun’s barrel, can be a good addition to your home defense or sporting shotgun. There are some drawbacks as well, and this article addresses both. Read the rest of this article »
For a home defense or self defense handgun, simplicity and reliability are paramount. That said, there are several accessories which can provide the law abiding citizen with an advantage in a home defense situation, without adversely effecting the simplicity and reliability of the handgun. Read the rest of this article »
Although this site is dedicated to firearms, I thought I would post an effectiveness comparison of the various self defense tools. These are guns, Tasers, and pepper spray. Read the rest of this article »
For a defensive shotgun, simplicity and reliability are paramount. That said, there are several shotgun accessories which can provide the law abiding citizen with an advantage in a home defense situation, without adversely effecting the simplicity and reliability of the shotgun. Read the rest of this article »
Lawfully purchasing a gun online requires only a little bit more work than purchasing most other items online, and this extra effort can be worth the price savings. Other times, the exact firearm that the buyer wants might not be available locally, especially when the gun in question is no longer in production, or is a high demand item that is in short supply. This article describes the relatively simple process of legally purchasing a gun online. Read the rest of this article »
I received an email from a reader of this site, telling me about the Taurus Judge, which is a revolver that can fire either the .45 Long Colt, or a .410 shotgun shell (often loaded with birdshot). By chance I happen to have handled a Taurus Judge right before I read that email. Below is is the email I received, along with my thoughts on the use of birdshot for home and automotive defense. Read the rest of this article »
Below is a how to guide on breaking down, cleaning, and reassembling a Remington 870, complete with pictures of each step. The shotgun pictured is a Remington 870 XCS Marine Magnum, but the steps will be the same for any of the Remington 870 family. The steps for other shotguns are similar as well. Read the rest of this article »
Having discussed how firearms are the great equalizer, enabling a 90 pound grandmother to defend herself against a 250 pound home invader, I thought it would be proper to discuss which guns are best for those sensitive to recoil. Read the rest of this article »
There are a few basics of safe gun handling that everyone should know and abide by before they even consider touching a gun, much less firing one. Safely exercising our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms requires that we be responsible, for our own safety and for the safety of those around us. Read the rest of this article »
Having addressed safe and responsible gun storage, I will now address the importance of protecting your guns from damage due to humidity Read the rest of this article »
Selecting the right ammunition for home defense use is vital to effectively stopping an attacker and reducing the risk of injury to innocent bystanders. This article addresses recommendations for shotgun, handgun, and rifle ammunition. If you’re unsure as to what type of gun to get for home defense, see this article. Read the rest of this article »
Gun ownership is a sacred right, and with the exercise of the right to keep and bear arms comes the responsibility to safely and responsibly store those guns Read the rest of this article »
Many people purchase their first gun for home defense, and the question of which type of gun to pick is a common one. The three basic choices are a handgun, shotgun, or rifle. Of the three, I would recommend a Read the rest of this article »
I am relatively new to firearms and had trouble locating a gun store and range near my home, which is in the Chicagoland area Read the rest of this article »
Getting started as a responsible, law abiding firearm owner in Illinois is a simple process, as this article shows Read the rest of this article »