The decision on what makes for the best concealed carry gun is multifaceted and often totally individual. While many turn to the Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 Compact for its reliability and affordability, it’s crucial to understand the breadth of options available. The concealed-carry handgun landscape is vast, with choices spanning various sizes, styles, calibers,… Continue reading Best Concealed Carry Guns of 2023: All Calibers & Carry Styles

Last fall, Springfield Armory announced the release of their new 1911 double-stack pistol, the Prodigy, in 5-inch and 4.25-inch versions. These pistols are squarely aimed at the 2011-style 9mm pistols used by competitive shooters and also found a market with people who traditionally carried a 1911 but wanted more capacity in a carry gun. The… Continue reading Springfield Prodigy Review: A 2011 Wunderkind or More of the Same?

One of the most underrated and primarily unknown polymer pistols available on the market today is the Canik SFx Rival. This full-size pistol is loaded with features out of the box that manufacturers like Glock and Smith & Wesson can’t beat, with a price point that’ll shock you. And the best part about the Canik… Continue reading Hands on with the Canik SFx Rival

Payton Grimes is a professional precision rifle shooter who, in 2022, walked away with the Ladies Open title at the IPRF shoot. She joins me on the podcast to talk about her journey in precision rifle shooting and reminds me of how her first match went, as I just recently shot my first-ever PRS match.… Continue reading Episode 99: Payton Grimes, 2022 IPRF Lady World Champion

Andy Grossman, Founder of Pew Pew Nation, joins me to share about our epic hog hunting trip we had together in Texas, how he found himself in the gun industry, and what the story is behind his arm tattoo. Andy is an accomplished writer in the firearms industry and has several covers for print magazines.… Continue reading Episode 98: Andy Grossman, Founder of Pew Pew Nation

An armorer’s wrench is one of the primary tools that every hobbyist AR-15 owner should have in their toolset. Far too many tinkerers and hobbyists think they can get away with modifying or maintaining their AR-15 or other weapons with common tools. The performance just isn’t the same, and when you’re dropping upwards of $1,000… Continue reading Best AR-15 Armorers Wrenches: Build Better

Ah, a million options for concealed carry holsters and you have to pick just one (or maybe a couple of options). The number of holster options for concealed carry have exploded over the last decade — in part due to the now almost 20 million American CCW holders, having grown 34% since 2016. Rest assured… Continue reading The Best Concealed Carry Holsters in 2023

Luis Espindola and I sit down to discuss how his businesses evolved from Sheep’s Clothing Company to Redefine Violence. We talk about the meaning behind the artwork we see on his clothing designs and how it all got started. Luis and I also dive into situational awareness and martial arts training and talk about the… Continue reading Episode 97: Luis Espindola, President of Redefine Violence

The 9mm pistol is the staple handgun for many Americans. These weapons are versatile, affordable, and easy to learn to use, but sifting through the mountain of 9mm pistol models, sizes, configurations, actions, brands, etc. has led more than one aspiring handgun owner to abandon their search altogether. No need to stress. Below, you’ll find… Continue reading Our Favorite 9mm Pistols of 2023: The Best 9mms for Any Scenario

For the novice, venturing into the vast realm of handguns can feel like stepping into an endless labyrinth. The intricate dance of material, caliber, grip, and safety features may seem bewildering at first glance. As a certified Chief Range Officer, I’ve spent years teaching firearm safety to men and women and individuals ranging from youngsters… Continue reading Best Handguns for First-Time Owners in 2023

If you’re a pistol enthusiast and you want to take your handgun accuracy as seriously as you would any other firearm, we’ve concluded that the new SIG Romeo2 is the best red dot for most people after a renewed round of testing some of the best-selling pistol red dot sights. We tested these in a… Continue reading Best Pistol Red Dot Sights: Find the Perfect Red Dot for Your Budget

The story of Canik pistols mirrors the age-old tale of the underdog. When the TP9 was first introduced to the market, the price tag coupled with the then-unknown brand name meant that for many people the words “quality” and “Canik” couldn’t co-exist. Years after being first introduced to the US market, Canik has become one… Continue reading Best Canik Pistols: Carry, Competition, & Home Defense Picks

In the world of scatterguns, doubles are steeped in tradition, and pumps are very rugged and reliable, but the fact is that “semi-auto shotguns are the best choice for most If that is, you pick one up that’s built to perform. The technology and engineering that powers semi-automatic shotguns have never been better, so prior… Continue reading Best Semi Auto Shotguns: Shoot With More Speed & Precision

John McClain (yes, you read that right) is a 3 Gun competitive shooter who arguably has the best wardrobe in the game. John is recently new to big game hunting as well and has put in a ton of time learning how to harvest his own deer. John also is the National Training Manager at… Continue reading Episode 94: John McClain, 3 Gunner & National Training Manager at Armscor

In the world of firearms, few designs have captured the imagination and ingenuity of enthusiasts and experts alike as the AR-15. At the heart of this iconic rifle’s enduring appeal lies its lower receiver – a component that has undergone a remarkable evolution, mirroring the technological and cultural shifts in the wider world of firearms… Continue reading Elevate Your AR-15 Build with These Top Lower Receivers

Do you remember the TV Show, Top Shot? If you watched Season 1, you might recognize this next guest, Caleb Giddings. Caleb is now the Brand Marketing Manager at Taurus. He is a Revolver Specialist and still finds time to compete in matches with his revolvers. In this episode, Caleb shows us how to speed-reload… Continue reading Episode 93: Caleb Giddings Brand Marketing Manager at Taurus, Revolver Specialist & Shooter

Whether or not you’re OCD about organizing your gear on range trips, a range bag is great for hauling around shooting gear and provides plenty of storage space in an easily accessible package.

Tom Castro is a GM-level competitive shooter, a firearms instructor, and owns Tom Castro Shooting Academy. In this episode, Tom and I discuss his recent win at the 2023 Pan American Extreme Open, his first SHOT Show experience, and how he physically trains for shooting competitions. We talk about how he can switch divisions and… Continue reading Episode 92: Tom Castro, Grand Master USPSA Competitive Shooter, Instructor, & Podcaster

What is a binary trigger? An aftermarket trigger for semi-automatic guns that allows one round to be fired upon the trigger pull and a single round to be fired as the trigger springs back AKA binary shooting or double tap. The binary trigger will enable you to shoot twice as fast with the same amount… Continue reading A Complete Guide to Binary Triggers in 2023

Chris Hutchison is an avid 3 Gunner who competes across the country in Rumbles, Proving Grounds matches, and Multigun competitions. We sit down to talk about the Fall Brawl, the upcoming Battle for the South match, and how Proving Grounds have helped improve his shooting. Chris is active duty military, a dad, husband, and makes… Continue reading Episode 91: Chris Hutchison, 3 Gunner & Active Duty Military

Ready to dive into the world of Česká Zbrojovka (CZ) pistols? CZ’s history, craftsmanship, and proven performance have delivered some of the most beloved firearms in the shooting community. From the heart of the Czech Republic, a land with a rich legacy in arms production dating back to the 1930s, CZ has established its niche… Continue reading The Best CZ Pistols: Czech Value & Precision

In the vast landscape of firearms, pistol-caliber carbines (PCCs) occupy a unique niche. Neither fully a pistol nor a rifle, these hybrid weapons have sparked debates and discussions among gun enthusiasts for decades. But what is it about PCCs that has kept them in the limelight for so long?

Despite their pedigree and depth of experience, Walther Arms seems to be the true underdog of the firearms manufacturing industry, never reaching the ubiquity and prominence of the Glocks and S&Ws of the world. Founded in 1886 by Carl Walther and manufacturing firearms and air guns for over 100 years, the quality of Walther Arms… Continue reading A Long Term Walther PDP Review

The .458 SOCOM (Special Operations Command) round is a powerful defensive round with roots in military history. The best .458 SOCOM Upper Receivers seamlessly handle the firepower this round produces and are engineered to perform in the harshest combat conditions. We’ve provided our selections in both complete and stripped uppers so you can pick the… Continue reading The Best .458 SOCOM Uppers in 2023

Chicago-based Tyrant Designs’ custom AR-15 and aluminum handgun parts will be familiar to anyone who prefers a custom look to their firearms. They are the creators of the skeletonized aluminum AR-15 grip, which many companies have now begun to copy thanks to its light weight and flashy look. Tyrant Designs was made official in 2015,… Continue reading Tyrant Designs Reviewed

Matt Nash is a competitive USPSA shooter who mainly shoots Production. He is on the USA World Shoot team, competing in Thailand. In this episode, we talk about his shooting career success, including his making Super Squad for the 2022 Nationals this year. He shares his dry fire and live fire practice sessions and drills… Continue reading Episode 90: Matt Nash, Production USPSA Shooter on World Shoot USA Team

Charlie Perez has been involved in practical shooting for years. He’s competed in USPSA, IDPA, and Steel Challenge and enjoys every aspect of competitive shooting. He placed 12th at USPSA Limited Nationals this year and shares what he plans to shoot next year in this episode! Charlie is also an instructor and wrote a book… Continue reading Episode 89: Charlie Perez, Practical Shooting Enthusiast, Instructor, Author

HK’s VP9 pistol is one of the most popular full-sized firearms on the market today. Its wide acceptance and popularity have given rise to several versions and variants, and you can now find an HK VP9 in a compact, tactical threaded barrel model, an optics-ready VP9, and even one dedicated to competition shooting. Heckler &… Continue reading HK VP9 Review

Before listening to this episode of the Reticle Up Podcast, be sure to watch Part 1 and Part 2 of Build Box with Ursula, Adam, and me competing in the rifle-building TV Show. On this exclusive Reticle Up Podcast, I sat down with the show creators and one of my judges and talked about how… Continue reading Episode 88: Ryan Gresham, President of Gun Talk Media & Kevin Jarnagin, Content Producer at Gun Talk

Luke Faust is a USPSA Production Master Class shooter who has invested quite a bit of time and energy into shooting. He is passionate about the future of USPSA, so much so that he is running for Area 3 Director. In this episode, we dive into what he’s looking to change if he were elected… Continue reading Episode 87: Luke Faust, Area 3 Candidate, USPSA M Production Shooter, Quality Engineer at Federal

Mason and Kaylee Lane are a power couple competing, training, and shooting together. Mason is a 3 Time National Champion who has grown up shooting professionally. Kaylee got started in Steel Challenge and USPSA, and enjoys competing in both iron-sighted and optic divisions. These two travel the USA and internationally together to compete in shooting… Continue reading Episode 86: Mason and Kaylee Lane, USPSA Competitive Shooters, Firearms Instructors & 2A Ambassadors

Kolby Pavlock, a Rimfire World Champion, and Grand Master level competition shooter, joins me to talk about his shooting career and his move to work with Volquartsen Firearms⁠.⁠Kolby is one impressive young man. He has accomplished goals in shooting sports that so few people will ever accomplish in their lifetime. He has mastered different shooting… Continue reading Episode 85: Kolby Pavlock, Product Developer at Volquartsen, 2015-’18 NSSF Rimfire World Champion

Nicholas Chan started from the ground up in the firearms industry. He put in years of hard work, and when the opportunity presented itself to do more, he jumped at the chance! If you’ve ever attended an industry event and visited the Taurus booth, you’ve probably met Nicholas. He is one of the most friendly… Continue reading Episode 84: Nicholas Chan, Product Specialist at Taurus, Hunter and Outdoorsman

Glock is a household name that most Americans know, whether they’re pro or anti-gun, thanks to Hollywood and television featuring Glocks in thousands of productions. Glock’s catalog has expanded significantly over the years, but regardless of the Glock in hand, the platform has created some of the most reliable and popular handguns on the market… Continue reading Glock 17 Review

Gun Basics The world of firearms is vast and full of many different types of guns with various actions, functionalities, and a slew of different calibers. With the variety of guns in the world today, there’s something for everyone, which is what I love most about the gun industry.  Today we’ll cover the terrain of… Continue reading The Major Gun Types: A (Long) Primer

Lane Nelson is a 19-year-old competitive shooter who has put in the work and trained himself to be a Master Class Carry Optics shooter. His shooting journey started as a junior and now, he’s learning to balance college, shooting, and family/friends time. We talk about his goals for his shooting career and what’s next on… Continue reading Episode 81: Lane Nelson, Master Class Carry Optics 19-Year-Old Competitive Shooter

Lane Nelson is a 19-year-old competitive shooter who has put in the work and trained himself to be a Master Class Carry Optics shooter. His shooting journey started as a junior and now, he’s learning to balance college, shooting, and family/friends time. We talk about his goals for his shooting career and what’s next on… Continue reading Episode 81: Lane Nelson, Master Class Carry Optics 19-Year-Old Competitive Shooter

Lane Nelson is a 19-year-old competitive shooter who has put in the work and trained himself to be a Master Class Carry Optics shooter. His shooting journey started as a junior and now, he’s learning to balance college, shooting, and family/friends time. We talk about his goals for his shooting career and what’s next on… Continue reading Episode 81: Lane Nelson, Master Class Carry Optics 19-Year-Old Competitive Shooter

Lane Nelson is a 19-year-old competitive shooter who has put in the work and trained himself to be a Master Class Carry Optics shooter. His shooting journey started as a junior and now, he’s learning to balance college, shooting, and family/friends time. We talk about his goals for his shooting career and what’s next on… Continue reading Episode 81: Lane Nelson, Master Class Carry Optics 19-Year-Old Competitive Shooter

Hunter Constantine went from a new competitive shooter to GM in USPSA simply by buying a ton of ammo and practicing at the range. He is an instructor at Field Craft Survival and helped co-found Two Track Nation. Hunter spends a lot of time on the road for events and oftentimes overlands on his travels.… Continue reading Episode 80: Hunter Constantine, Firearms Instructor, USPSA GM

Will and Ben are two of the most hardworking and humble guys I have worked with. Their company, Forge Relations, puts relationships before business and cherishes the connections they’ve made over the years. If you don’t know about Forge Relations, they’re the team that puts on the annual Gundies Awards!⁠ The Gundies Awards are the… Continue reading Episode 79: Will Renke & Ben Stacy, Partners of Forge Relations

Billy Barton joined USPSA and started shooting competitively to get more proficient with his carry gun. Now, Billy is a GM-level Carry Optics Competitive Shooter and a firearms trainer/instructor. In this episode of the Reticle Up Pod, Billy and I sit down to talk about his Carry Optics setup, how he improved his own shooting… Continue reading Reticle Up Episode 78: Billy Barton, USPSA Carry Optics Grandmaster

If you’re in the IPSC or USPSA world, you’re sure to have heard the name Travis Tomasie. Travis is a National and World IPSC and USPSA Champion. He is an Army Veteran and Former US Army Marksmanship Unit Member. When he’s not competing, he teaches firearms courses across the country. Travis’s latest collaboration has been… Continue reading Reticle Up Episode 77: Travis Tomasie, MPA Pistol Team Captain

Foster and his brother, Matt, shoot for Team Browning and Winchester and are both Multi-World Trap Champions. We sit down to talk about how he and his brother got into shooting trap, his love of hunting, and more! Foster shares his knowledge on fitting a shotgun to you, what chokes he runs, and what ammunition… Continue reading Reticle Up Episode 76: Foster Bartholow, Multi Trap World Champion

Guide to Everything AR The AR-15 is arguably the most common rifle Americans own, and then can be found at just about every LGS. ARs are also relatively simple to build on your own. Whether you plan to buy or build an AR, someone has to have the proper tools to put it together. Thanks… Continue reading Real Avid AR15 Armorer’s Master Kit Review [Hands-On]

From the rudimentary iron sights of yesteryear to today’s state-of-the-art optics, the journey of rifle scopes mirrors the evolution of shooting as both a sport and a survival skill. With a myriad of options spanning price points, sizes, and features, the modern shooter is presented with an overwhelming array of choices. Yet, at the heart… Continue reading The Best Rifle Scopes in 2023

The Palmetto State Armory PA-15 is the best AR-15 for most people. Over the years, I’ve put nearly every kind of AR to the test, and time and time again, PSA comes out on top with a solid mix of value and availability — with a huge array of models, calibers, and feature sets across… Continue reading The Best AR-15s: Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever walked into Home Depot or Lowe’s and been overwhelmed by how many brands of tools there are on the shelves and what all those tools do? It’s hard to know what brand makes the best products, what tools will last a lifetime, and what is crap. Shopping for AR-15 tools is similar… Continue reading Real Avid Tools Review: Unlock Your Inner Gunsmith [Hands-On]

When it comes to AR-15 optics, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. A rifle’s purpose — what you are trying to achieve with your rifle — should inform your choice of optic. From red dots to prisms, holographic sights, reflex sights, and long-range scopes, we’ll go over what to look for in a quality optic, as… Continue reading The Best AR-15 Optics in 2023

The AR-15 rifle, a descendant of the original design by Eugene Stoner in the late 1950s, has seen various modifications and improvements over the decades. Yet, one accessory remains paramount regardless of the rifle’s iteration: the sling. Historically, slings have been instrumental in warfare, allowing soldiers to carry their weapons with ease, from the Roman… Continue reading 11 AR Slings That Don’t Suck

Despite some myths that were circulated in the late 1960s to catastrophic effect in the jungles of Vietnam, the AR-15, like any other firearm, needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain maximum effectiveness. When it’s time to do so, which you should do after every range session, having the right rifle cleaning kit for the… Continue reading The Best AR-15 Cleaning Kits

If you’re anything like me, you are pro-gun control. No, we don’t mean taking away people’s constitutional rights; that’s absurd. I’m talking about making every shot count. Where rounds travel when fired is our responsibility, and it’s in everyone’s best interest for us to have as much control over them as humanly possible. One important… Continue reading Best Shot Timers: Feel The Need For Speed

Whether you’re in the process of building an AR-15 or are looking to accessorize one you already own, an angled foregrip can be a helpful tool for anyone. You would think that choosing one would be straightforward, but because everyone has a different hand size or shape, a different purpose for the gun — and… Continue reading The Best Angled Foregrips

Stock shotgun sights are fair at best and will get the job done in a pinch, but who doesn’t love customizing the sights on a new gun? Like anything else, choosing an aftermarket sight is about setting the shotgun up for a specific purpose. Shotgun sights vary in application – -some excel at hunting, others… Continue reading Best Shotgun Sights: From Tactical to Practical

Modern small arms ammunition can be confusing due to the myriad common types, calibers, and sizes involved, but with a little research, navigating the “bullet aisle” at your local gun store is a snap. We’re here to hold class on the essentials. This article is part of our series on Gun Basics. If you’re in… Continue reading Bullet Basics: Understanding Sizes, Types, and Calibers

While many individuals use traditional belt holsters for any situation, there’s an emerging appreciation for the versatility and comfort of belly band holsters. What sets the belly band holster apart is its adaptability to a huge variety of situations, whether you’re embarking on a casual jog, hiking under a hot sun, or dressing in attire… Continue reading Best Belly Band Holsters: Carry In (Relative) Comfort

For those exploring the world of firearm optics, the rise of the Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) presents a fascinating convergence of versatility, technology, and user-friendly design. Originating as an answer to the evolving needs of modern marksmen, LPVOs bridge the gap between the short-range rapid target acquisition of red dot sights and the distance… Continue reading The Best LPVO Scopes: From Rimfire to Long Range

The AR-15 platform, originally designed by Eugene Stoner in the late 1950s, has undergone numerous transformations over the decades, adapting to the ever-evolving needs of firearm enthusiasts and professionals alike. Among the most popular transformations was the emergence of the AR pistol variant, which capitalized on the platform’s versatility and inherent adaptability. While the AR-15… Continue reading The Best AR Pistols in 2023

The AR-15 is the most popular rifle in America, in large part because it’s incredibly versatile. You can change-out most components – upper and lower receivers, furniture, triggers, and just about everything else – and there are enough third-party options to make your head spin. Plus tweaking your rife to get it just right is… Continue reading The Best AR-15 Tools & Kits

The S&W M&P9 M2.0 Subcompact is the best subcompact 9mm pistol for most people. Beyond its easy-to-use, concealable design, the M&P line has an incredible number of options, calibers, and models — making it hard to beat when it comes to ensuring you can find the right pistol for you.

What is the .17 HMR and what makes it exciting? We look at this tiny rimfire round, break down the features, and provide a selection of great .17 HMR rifles.

If you’ve ever contorted yourself into a pretzel to make a shot (or struggled to keep your rifle stable when balancing the fore-end on a pointy rock) an extendable rifle bipod made to work with your M-Lok mounting system will make your life considerably easier. The trouble is that M-Lok bipods vary in size, weight,… Continue reading Best M-Lok Bipods: Take Aim with Confidence

In the annals of firearm history, the humble .22LR once occupied a niche corner, primarily reserved for Bullseye-style competition shooting and military handgun marksmanship training. However, its evolution tells a story of adaptability and innovation. Did you know that during the early 20th century, .22LR firearms were often used in shooting galleries at fairs and… Continue reading Best .22LR Pistols of 2023: Find Your New Favorite Plinker

Gun magnets can add a level of accessibility to firearms that concealed carry holsters cannot. The entire goal of a gun magnet is to allow you to reach your firearm faster, surprise your attacker, and neutralize the threat. Gun magnets are ideal for people who travel a lot or spend most of their time in… Continue reading The Best Gun Magnets

The grandfather of all the modern sporting rifles — and the daddy of the comparatively smaller AR-15 — the AR-10 rifle has been around for 65 years. Despite going extinct for a short time, the AR-10 has seen a rebirth and has grown today to be one of the best and most widespread .30-caliber autoloading… Continue reading The Best AR-10 Rifles of 2023

If you want to get on-target faster, a holographic sight can be an excellent asset. They increase accuracy and reduce the amount of time it takes to aim and fire your weapon. They also provide more reticle options than a red dot sight – like a variety of crosshairs or dot configurations – so if… Continue reading The Best Holographic Sights

The most classic and timeless of American firearms, the 1911 has sleek lines that are instantly recognizable and a fan base that has spanned centuries. However, is this gun still a great choice for defense, competition, and collectors? We cover a selection of the best 1911 builders so you can make a fully informed choice… Continue reading The Best Custom 1911 Builders of 2023

Patented on Valentine’s Day in 1911 by firearms genius John Browning, the M1911 has been in continual production and use for well over a century – and for good reason – it’s an instantly recognizable classic that has improved on Browning’s original design time and time again.

When it comes to building or buying any kind of rifle, the two most important parts that affect accuracy are the barrel and the optic. If you are interested in building an AR-10 chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, you need the best 6.5 Creedmoor barrel to perform at a distance. There are tons of barrel manufacturers,… Continue reading The Best 6.5 Creedmoor Barrels

Smith & Wesson’s M&P (Military and Police) pistol has been on many best-of lists since its inception in 2005. This polymer-framed, short recoil-operated, semi-automatic pistol has the reliability of a Smith & Wesson coupled with newer tech like a polymer frame and ergonomic improvements from the combination of two other S&W guns — the Smith… Continue reading Unlocking Your M&P 2.0’s Potential: Top Trigger Upgrades

Glock pistols are popular for a good reason: they’re durable tools that serve people well around the world. Whether it’s in military settings, law enforcement, tactical or civilian uses from self-defense to the highest echelons of competition, you’re likely to find a Glock anywhere someone is using a handgun.

It’s not every day a new company can come out of the blue to challenge well-established competitors in a massively competitive industry — but Olight has somehow managed to do just that by creating new, interesting illumination products and offering them at remarkably competitive prices.  We put one of their most popular products, the PL-Mini… Continue reading Olight PL-Mini 2 Review [Hands-On]

Gun Basics When it comes to gun handling, trigger discipline is one of the essential skills to master. It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-time gun owner or have been around firearms your entire life. When it comes to firearms, always maintain proper safety fundamentals.

Gun Basics Learning how to build an AR-15 is essential for not only custom ARs but also for developing a thorough understanding of how the parts and pieces of your rifle fit together. This can help with triaging issues as you use it and for mastering the AR platform over time.

Canik calls the TP9SFX “The Choice of Champions.” And with all the features packed into its price point, it’s hard to argue with that sentiment. If you’re entering the competitive shooting world, this gun is ready to take home the gold right out of the box.