Recent Articles

Rimfire Showdown: .22 LR or .17 HMR — Which One Truly Fits Your Needs?
Few debates in the shooting world are as enduring as the comparison between the .22 Long Rifle and the .17 HMR. One is the most prolific and affordable cartridge ever produced. The other is a modern hypervelocity round designed for flat trajectories and explosive varmint performance.

The Overlooked Hammer: Why the .444 Marlin Still Deserves a Spot in Your Lever Gun
In an era dominated by sleek bolt-actions and high-BC 6.5mm cartridges, the big-bore lever gun refuses to fade away. Quick-handling, hard-hitting, and perfectly suited to thick timber, these rifles continue to draw loyal hunters. While the 45-70 Government often steals the spotlight, the .444 Marlin remains a formidable and often underestimated alternative. If you hunt in heavy cover and value fast follow-up shots, the “Triple Four” deserves a serious look.

Dialing In the Perfect 12-Gauge Load for Opening Day Dove
When early fall mornings start cooling off and the first flights of dove streak across open sky, it’s a reminder that wingshooting season is officially underway. Fast, darting, and unpredictable, doves demand quick reflexes and the right shotshell. While 12-gauge dove loads aren’t overly complicated, small differences in shot size and payload weight can make a noticeable impact depending on your setup and hunting environment.

Stopping Power Without the Funeral: A Closer Look at Byrna’s 12-Gauge Less-Lethal Round
For decades, less-lethal shotgun ammunition was largely the domain of riot control teams and specialized military units. Today, that technology has crossed into the civilian market. With its Kinetic 12-gauge offering, Byrna Technologies aims to provide a defensive option that discourages aggression without the destructive consequences of traditional buckshot or slugs. The concept is simple: deliver enough blunt-force trauma to stop bad behavior without penetrating flesh.

Built to Win: Federal’s Purpose-Driven 3-Gun Shotgun Load
Competitive 3-Gun is fast, technical, and unforgiving and nowhere is that more obvious than during a shotgun stage. While rifle and pistol work demand precision, it’s often the shotgun reload that determines who lands on the podium. Recognizing that reality, Federal Premium developed its Action Shotgun line specifically for the demands of modern 3-Gun competition. This isn’t repurposed trap or field ammo. It’s a shell engineered from the ground up for speed, reliability, and smooth cycling in competition guns.
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Black Hills Elevates the 6mm ARC with a Premium 103-Grain ELD-X Load
The 6mm Advanced Rifle Cartridge (ARC) has steadily built a loyal following since its introduction by Hornady. Designed to deliver exceptional accuracy and downrange performance from a standard AR-15 platform, the cartridge filled a niche that previously required stepping up to larger-frame rifles. Now, Black Hills Ammunition has added its stamp of approval with a new Black Hills Gold load featuring the 103-grain ELD-X bullet a move that signals long-term confidence in the cartridge.

Short Barrel, Big Performance? Rethinking the 16-Inch .308
The .308 Winchester has long been associated with 22- to 24-inch barrels. That’s the length range it was originally optimized around, and for decades that became the “standard.” But modern rifles are trending lighter and handier and that raises an important question: Does a 16-inch barrel cripple .308 performance, or is the velocity loss overstated? Let’s break it down.

China’s 5.8×42mm: The PLA’s Quest for a True Do-It-All Combat Cartridge
Adopted in the late 1980s, China’s 5.8×42mm cartridge was designed to do something few military rounds have successfully achieved: replace both an intermediate rifle cartridge and a full-power machine gun round with a single unified caliber. More than three decades later, it remains one of the most unique service cartridges in the world.

Beyond the Shotgun: Why 5.56 NATO Might Be the Smartest Choice for Home Defense
Most gun owners suggest a 12-gauge shotgun or handgun for home defense, overlooking the AR-15 in .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO. However, considering terminal ballistics and control, the 5.56 carbine is a strong contender. Is the stigma against rifles in homes based on fact or myth?

5.7x28mm: History and Usage Review
Much of the renewed interest in modern compact carbines and pistols centers around a small, high-velocity bottlenecked cartridge with Cold War roots: the 5.7x28mm. Designed to solve a specific battlefield problem, the cartridge has evolved into one of the most discussed PDW rounds in the commercial market today.

Hornady Critical Duty 9mm 135-grain JHP +P: Field Review
In recent years, defensive handgun ammo has evolved, with manufacturers improving bullet designs to meet strict standards. Hornady's Critical Duty 9mm 135-grain +P load is designed for the FBI Ammunition Testing Protocol and is well-regarded in both commercial and law enforcement sectors, even adopted by the FBI after extensive testing.

A Competitive Shooter’s Take on Revolvers Everyone Should Own
The .41 Magnum and .45 Colt are enduring revolver cartridges, valued for their balance of power and control. The .41 Magnum bridges the gap between the .357 and .44 Magnum, offering strong performance with manageable recoil. The .45 Colt, with its large bullet and low-pressure design, is well-suited to modern ammunition. Both cartridges excel in Smith & Wesson’s N-frame revolvers, known for their durability and comfort. They are versatile, ideal for target shooting, competitions, hunting, and defense. Despite the popularity of modern pistols, these cartridges remain respected for their power, control, and historical significance.

Springfield Armory Expands Echelon Line with New Compact Model
The Springfield Armory Echelon Compact is a downsized, modular striker-fired pistol built for concealed carry. It keeps its swappable chassis system while adding optics-ready capability, ambidextrous controls, and strong ergonomics. With a crisp trigger, reliable performance, and manageable recoil, it competes with mid-size pistols like the Glock 19 at a solid value.

Canik SFx RIVAL-S Pistol Delivers Competition-Ready Performance
The Canik SFx RIVAL-S is an all-steel 9mm built for competition, with a five-inch barrel that reduces recoil and enhances accuracy. It includes a generous accessory package, optics-ready slide, ambidextrous controls, and a crisp trigger. While heavy for daily carry, it delivers premium competition features at a competitive price.

Ruger’s RXM Pistol the Best Compact Carry Handgun Yet?
The Ruger RXM is a compact, striker-fired 9mm developed with Magpul, offering a Glock 19-sized platform with an improved trigger, modular chassis, and optics-ready slide. Its ergonomic grip and swappable fire control insert enhance versatility. Reliable and accurate, it delivers premium features at an excellent value around $499.

Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Competitor: A Performance-Focused Metal-Frame Powerhouse
The Ruger RXM is a compact, striker-fired 9mm built with Magpul, featuring an improved trigger, modular chassis, and optics-ready slide in a Glock 19-sized package. Its ergonomic grip and swappable fire control insert add versatility. Reliable and accurate, it offers strong value at around $499.

Wilson Combat EDC X9 2.0: A Refined Compact 1911 for Everyday Carry
The Wilson Combat EDC X9 2.0 is a modern double-stack 1911 that blends classic feel with optics-ready capability and higher capacity. Slim, customizable, and highly accurate, it suits both carry and enthusiast use. Premium-priced, it delivers top-tier craftsmanship and performance.

Jacob Grey TWC Black: A High-End Double-Stack 1911 for Modern Carry
The Jacob Grey TWC Black is a high-end double-stack 1911 built for modern carry. It pairs classic 1911 controls with a hybrid frame, optics-ready slide, and refined recoil system for enhanced performance. With strong ergonomics, a crisp trigger, and premium materials, it delivers competition-level precision in a carry-capable package.

FN Reflex XL MRD: Full Review of the Expanded Micro-Compact
The FN Reflex XL MRD is a modern micro-compact offering higher capacity, improved handling, and optics-ready capability in a concealable design. With a slim frame, extended grip, and crisp trigger, it bridges the gap between micro and full-size pistols. Though slightly pricier, it delivers strong performance and durability for concealed carry.

The History and Impact of the Glock 22
The Glock 22 helped popularize the .40 S&W cartridge, offering law enforcement and competitive shooters a balance of power, capacity, and reliability. As Glock’s first big-bore handgun, it remains respected for durability, strong aftermarket support, and long-term ammo availability, making it a solid choice for those seeking a powerful, affordable handgun.
