Travis Pike is a former Marine Machine Gunner and a lifelong firearms enthusiast. Now that his days of working a 240B like Charlie Parker on the sax are over he's a regular guy who likes to shoot, write, and find ways to combine the two. He holds an NRA certification as a Basic Pistol Instructor and is probably most likely the world's Okayest firearm instructor. He is a simplicisist when it comes to talking about himself in the 3rd person and a self-professed tactical hipster. Hit him up on Instagram, @travis.l.pike, with story ideas.

Best Sig P320 Grip Modules

Grip modules, in particular, are a great way to change how a weapon handles, how it performs, and the various tasks it can excel at. Being able to swap the grip module is one of the big reasons why the P320 is so dang cool. My P320 serves as a competition gun and a concealed carry pistol, it also works well for training and home defense. I can do all that through the various grip modules I own and use for the gun.

Open-Bolt vs Closed-Bolt: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the difference between open-bolt and closed-bolt operating systems allows you to understand why the HK MP5 was legendary, how machine guns function so effectively, and why it's tough to find open bolt weapons on the civilian market. We'll dive deep today, and you'll have a fantastic understanding of open-bolt and closed-bolt systems.

Volcanic Arms and the Roots of Smith & Wesson

The new Smith and Wesson Model 1854 lever action pays homage to their founders' first attempt at the lever gun with the Volcanic Arms Company.

Firearm Icons of the GWOT

Every major war gives birth to firearm icons and the Global War on Terror is no exception. Here are five firearm icons of the GWOT.

Hornady Critical Defense vs Winchester PDX1 Elite: The Best Judge Food

Which is better: Hornady Critical Defense or Winchester PDX1 Elite ammo? I like both loads, but they each have their own merits and drawbacks.

Rethinking Handgun Lasers

Lasers aren't a miracle cure to inaccuracy, but they can be a very effective tool on guns with sights that are lacking. It takes training, practice, and effort, but I was impressed at the immediate difference a laser made in my shooting and might slap one of my P32.

The Best P320 Holsters (By Purpose)

We've picked five of the best Sig Sauer P320 holsters, with each aimed at a specific purpose. Not everyone's needs are the same. We divided this category into five groups to bring you five holsters that are at the top of their genre.

The Extar EP9 Pistol Caliber Carbine: Extreme Budget Gun

The Extar EP-9 proved to be a fairly well-made, easy-shooting, and reliable weapon. It has some quirks, but overall, I think it’s going to be tough to find a better semi-auto carbine for $500.

What in the World is .223 Wylde

The .223 Wylde is a great advancement in the world of AR-15s. We are getting a very versatile option for the vast majority of shooters. Plus, Wylde is a great name for a chambering that does it all. 

The Girsan MC P35 PI: Too Cool Hi-Power

The Girsan MC P35 PI turned out to be a surprisingly nice gun. I'm currently craving the Ops model to use an optic and scrambling to find a good holster. Luckily, I think that won't prove to be too tough. While I'm writing this in 2024, the MC P35 PI might be my personal favorite handgun of 2023. 

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