The Battle of the Subcompacts: S&W Shield Plus vs. Springfield Hellcat
The Smith & Wesson Shield Plus and Springfield Armory Hellcat are both quality micro-compact pistols well-suited for concealed carry needs. While the Hellcat costs considerably more and offers a few high-tech bells and whistles, the Shield Plus delivers impressive capacity and shootability in a smaller package without breaking the bank. Ultimately, it comes down to budget and personal preferences.
TRUGLO Tac-Pod Carbon Pro: Bipod Review
Truglo had flexibility in mind when they produced the Tac-Pod Carbon Pro bipod. It features full pan, tilt, and level control. Because the TAC-Pod Carbon Pro bipod has a rotating base, it allows the shooter to easily adjust their angle of fire without repositioning it. This can be an important feature when your target moves.
Federal’s OOO Buckshot: Bucking The System
Federal advises that their OOO buckshot load has eight pellets and the overall payload of the pellets is 1 1/4 ounces. That's a massive payload delivered to the target with one pull of the trigger, and it all arrives simultaneously.
Ruger Ready Dot Review: A Quality Fiber Illuminated Optic
One of the biggest benefits of using a fiber-illuminated optic is that it doesn’t use batteries. If you are not familiar with this type of optic, it collects ambient light from around you. Very small strands of glass are put together to make fiber strands. Exposed on one end, the light travels through these strands and transmits the light to the other end. A dot appears when the light travels through a different colored lens. In this case, you end up with a light-red dot.
Colt Adds the New CBX Rifle and Several Revolvers to Its Catalog
Colt took the NRA Show by storm by introducing a new series of rifles under the CBX line and several revolvers including the reintroduced Colt Viper, Grizzly, Kodiak, and 8-inch Python revolvers.
EAA Introduces New Witness2311 Match Pistol
Attendees at the 2024 NRA Annual Meeting in Dallas saw plenty of new product offerings, including the newest addition to Florida-based European American Armory (EAA/Girsan) Corp's acclaimed Witness2311 Double Stack series—the Witness2311 Match Pistol.
The Battle of the Subcompacts: S&W Shield Plus vs. Springfield Hellcat
The Smith & Wesson Shield Plus and Springfield Armory Hellcat are both quality micro-compact pistols well-suited for concealed carry needs. While the Hellcat costs considerably more and offers a few high-tech bells and whistles, the Shield Plus delivers impressive capacity and shootability in a smaller package without breaking the bank. Ultimately, it comes down to budget and personal preferences.
Marlin Introduces New Trapper Series Model 1895 With Magpul ELG
Founded 154 years ago—and now a subsidiary of Ruger—Marlin remains the dominant seller of lever-action rifles in North America, and it shows no signs of relinquishing that honor any time soon. It continues to offer new takes on the proven classic, and for 2024, that includes the new Marlin Trapper Series Model 1895, equipped with […]
As the 2024 NRA Show wraps up in Dallas, let's take a look at even more guns that caught our eye over the last three days. From pistol caliber carbines galore to revolver nostalgia, there was something for everyone.
I’m With Roscoe: The New Heritage Roscoe Revolver
In a sea of rubber grips, fancy alloys, and brushed stainless finishes, there is something special about the blued finish and wood grips seen on older revolvers. If you are a fan of hardboiled detective stories and Prohibition-era coppers, or if you want something a little different from the current options out there, check out the new Heritage Roscoe.
HM Defense AR-15 Rifles: A Superior Design?
HM Defense uses forged 7075-T6 lower receivers with Type III Class II hard-coat, black anodized finish. The upper receiver is made from 7075-T6 M4 aluminum with the same anodized finish as the lower. My Raider MC5 has M4 feed ramps and standard 1913 rail on top.
Generations of Marlin Lever-Action Rifles
Modern Marlin lever actions benefit from all the advances in technology over time. That means not only are they backed by centuries of experience on Marlin’s part but they’re well-made, reliable, and durable.
Blackhawk’s Shotgun Bandolier: A Game Changer
Blackhawk's 12 Gauge Bandolier sells for $28.99 at the time of writing, and I believe it represents a solid buy for what the consumer gets. The bandoleer is built very robustly and should last for a lifetime.
Glock 49 and Trijicon RMR: The Perfect Pair
They [Glock] make one style of gun, and they haven’t had a reason to do anything else. Those styles come in multiple sizes, but they all function the same. Because of this, the one that works best for one person may be different than someone else. Trijicon holds the same reputation in the optics world. There are other great handgun optics, but the RMR stands apart from all others.
Outfitter G3 now in 360 Buckhammer
Hunters across the country have been longing for a single-shot rifle chambered in the heralded 360 Buckhammer, and Traditions answered the call.
The Vortex Viper HD 2-10×42 Rifle Scope: Simple and Effective
I really like the Viper HD. Simplicity and effectiveness make a powerful combination, and I see that in this scope. I like the easy controls, the useful but not cluttered reticle, and the quality construction. And I love the clarity of the glass and the low-light capability. I fully expect this scope to have a long and productive life chasing whitetails and other critters.
2024 NRA Annual Exhibits: Top Handguns
The 2024 NRA exhibits are in full swing. After two days on the floor, here are some handguns that caught our eye.
SK Guns Honors Daniel Boone and ‘Lost’ Transylvanian Colony
The Lost States of America: Daniel Boone series 1911 pistol from SK Guns will be limited to just 200 units at $2,700 (MSRP).
Smith & Wesson Introduces New Jerry Miculek Signature Revolver
The Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 327 WR is a limited release of 1,880 units, reflecting Jerry Miculek's recent record time of 1.88 seconds. The revolver ships in a custom PELICAN hard case with foam insert to safely secure the handgun and all of its included accessories. It is available now for $3,499 (MSRP).
The Barrett REC7 DI Rifle is Back!
Is there another name out there that is more synonymous with reaching out and touching something at long distances than Barrett? Maybe that is because they hand-build, test, and inspect each rifle before it ever leaves the factory, ensuring perfection.
2024 NRA Annual Meeting: First Impressions
The 2024 NRA Annual Meeting is upon us and new products, re-designs, and a few overlooked ones are on full display. After a full day, here's a few of many products that caught my eye as unique or worthwhile.
New Vortex UHD 8×32 and 10×32 Binoculars
The new UHD 8x32 and 10x32 binoculars from Vortex are available now and have an MSRP of $2,149 and $2,199, respectively.
Magpul Set to Release EHG SG9 Sig Sauer P320 Grip Module
While not yet available, the Magpul EHG SG9 Compact Grip Module will be available in black or flat dark earth for $59.95 (MSRP).
Springfield Armory Introduces Long-Action 2020 Waypoints
In 2021, Springfield Armory released its 2020 Waypoint bolt-action rifle series after years of research and development. Since their release, the rifles have been heralded as some of the best high-caliber bolt-action rifles on the market. Now, in 2024, the Waypoint family is growing again with the introduction of 20 new variations of the 2020 Waypoint rifle line in a long-action variety.
New For 2024: Radian AFTERBURNER Micro-Compensator + RAMJET
There has been no shortage of new firearms and accessories on display at the NRA Annual Meetings in Dallas, Texas. Included in the hot new releases is Radian Weapons' AFTERBURNER Micro-Compensator + RAMJET Ported Pistol Barrel for the Glock G17 Gen5, G47, and G49.
Safariland Holsters: ALS, SLS, QLS Explained
Glancing at Safariland holsters and all their acronyms can be a little confusing at first. But once you understand what those systems do and how the retention ratings work, it's quite simple. To help with this, I've put together a brief explanation of the three most common acronyms you see associated with Safariland holsters.
We've compiled a list of the top 5 gun belts you should consider adding to your wardrobe for better daily carry. After all, it's not only about the gun and holster — it's also about the belt.
Mixing it Up: New Bond Arms, Revolvers, and a Chronograph
In the last couple of months, it's been my good fortune to test rimfire versions of the Stinger Fireball and Honey B models. These new(ish) guns reflect Bond Arms' responsiveness to customer requests for both chambering and grip design. Lately, I've had the opportunity to shoot both of these little guns and found them enjoyable.
