They’re Easy to Find

Glocks can be found anywhere. This means that you can go anywhere and find accessories, parts, and a gunsmith for your pistol. In some places, you can even find parts for them at your local department store. Knowing that you can find accessories so easily makes owning this type of pistol more convenient. Plus, they are one of the handguns certified for sale almost everywhere. 

They’re Easy to Maintain

These pistols are simple. Only two tools are required for most fixes. All you need is a pin punch and a knife. Then, you can sit down with one of the many how-to videos and modify your gun. If you don’t feel like doing your own work, a gunsmith can quickly fix your weapon. This brand is so popular that you never have to worry about finding a gunsmith. Plus, work tends to be cheaper on a Glock. 

They’re Interchangeable

Many of these pistols use the same frame, so you can easily buy a caliber conversion kit for yours. These may be harder to find on some of the newer models, but it is especially true for slightly older ones. You can also easily change to a different magazine for extra bullets. You can even get giant magazines that hold over 30 rounds for your Glock. One thing you can’t do is swap the slide from a standard caliber with one on a .45 ACP or 10 mm. However, there are aftermarket kits for this conversion. 

It’s Easy to Find Aftermarket Parts

In some cases, the aftermarket has more options than the original company. You can get aftermarket kits to change calibers anywhere. You can even find conversions to exotic calibers. Night sights are also readily available. Almost every major manufacturer makes a night sight for a Glock. You can also find parts in different materials if you don’t like the ones your gun comes with. Basically, every accessory imaginable is available for this brand. If it exists, they probably make it for a Glock. 

They’re Light

A typical Glock weighs 1.5 pounds when empty and 2 when loaded. Loaded with 17 bullets in the magazine. That’s less than most other brands unloaded. 

There are many more reasons you should buy a Glock. So go out today and get yourself one of the most convenient pistols on the market.

The post Why You Need a Glock appeared first on The Gunsman.

Manufacturers are trying their best to come up with 9mm handgun models that everyone loves and, to be fair, there are quite some pistols that managed to make an impression. If you’re looking for a 9mm pistol for your self-defense, then here are some models that might spark your interest.

Heckler & Koch USP

If durability is your top requirement for your concealed carry weapon, the Heckler & Koch USP series will not disappoint you. They are some of the most thoroughly torture tested handguns, so you can rest assured they have a lot to offer in terms of quality.

That being said, these pistols were put through rain, snow, mud, sleet, and dirt, to test whether they would be able to keep performing properly or not. Furthermore, the manufacturers tried switching compatible parts between the guns they were testing. The USP series performed without any problem. Not to mention that the guns had more than 200.000 rounds ran through them and had no issues either.

Although the USP handguns are a little bigger and quite chunky, they are still great for concealed carry and will be perfect for protection. You will have to spend more on such a pistol, but considering how durable it can be, it’s worth it.

SIG P226

This gun became one of the United States Military’s sidearms of choice. This pistol is amazing, mostly due to its durable construction and how fast it can be when it fires. But that’s not all – it can also shoot accurately, which is a very important consideration. You want to be able to strike your attacker if you are ever in that situation, right?

It’s also amazing to see how safe this weapon is to use. It relies on the long initial double-action trigger. This helps prevent any potential accidental discharge, which is great in case of any unexpected situation.

The frame is an all-metal one, and the gun itself can handle about 15 to 20 round magazines.

Ruger SR9c 9mm

The Ruger SR9c handgun is another amazing alternative. For people who want to have more options to choose from, it’s a great one. It has four different versions, with one of them being able to use a 17+1 round magazine. Besides, each version varies in color. This handgun can pretty much give you everything that you need in terms of a concealed pistol, so you won’t regret buying it. It’s not that expensive either, at least in comparison to other similar handguns.

Glock 34

If you want a handgun for different actions, then Glock 34 may be the perfect 9mm pistol model for you. That’s because the item can be used not only as a defense gun but also as a competition gun, which makes it pretty versatile and more accessible for multiple people. It has many useful features that make it popular, such as the milled side that allows you to add a red dot optic, as well as the adjustable sights and the long barrel.

All in all, the weapon can be a nice investment, especially because it doesn’t let you feel a lot of recoil, and it’s lighter than many similar products.

Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0

The 2.0 model is an upgrade of older Smith & Wesson M&P pistols. It has a much better grip, as the texture around the grip prevents slipping, and the frame is stronger too. That being said, you won’t have to worry when it comes to its durability, because the frame will protect the weapon from damage.

You will be able to shoot accurately considering it has such a good grip. On top of that, it feels extremely comfortable. For a decent price, you can ensure that you will shoot accurately and smoothly. Is there anything better than this?

Walther PPQ M2

One of the most popular choices for a 9mm handgun among gun lovers is the PPQ line of pistols by Walther. With these pistols, you will get an amazing grip and the trigger is also great. The Walther PPQ M2, for instance, has a nice size that makes it suitable for shooting at the range, but it is also great for a closer range. At the same time, it is amazing for concealed carry, being a great ally for whoever wants to protect themselves from potential threats.

CZ P10C

CZ P10C is a newer gun model on the market. It was released only in 2017, although its development began in 2014. If you heard about the CZ 75, then you might know that the CZ P10C is another version of that model – a striker-fired version.

Its safety measures are amazing. The gun can pretty much prevent accidental discharge. It does that through a firing pin lock. At the same time, the trigger has been made in such a way that it prevents accidental discharges. Unless it has been fully depressed, the trigger will not allow any discharge.

Apart from the obvious safety benefits, the gun is a high-quality one, having a polymer frame that has been reinforced with glass fiber. It can use 15 rounds.

Final Thoughts

9mm pistols are popular choices for people who want to have a self-defense method. If you’re one of them, you need to know which models are better than others. Luckily, there are many guns that have just what you need – they are durable and come with many safety precautions. Hopefully, one of the models above will catch your interest.

The post 9 mm Pistol – Our Top Picks appeared first on The Gunsman.

If you plan on hunting long term, and often, I highly encourage you to engage in workouts that will enable you to enjoy it without getting so fatigued. The good news is that there are many such exercises. It’s up to you to choose the workouts that will fit you well. If you are constantly hiking/scouting, your legs are most likely already getting a pretty good workout, but core work and upper body suffer. Consider using some of the exercises listed below.

Push-Ups

Our list starts with this basic, but versatile workout. Push-ups, or Press-ups as they say in the UK, are considered military-grade exercises for building strong triceps and core muscles. The good thing is that they do not require any equipment to perform. Consistently doing about 5 sets with 15 to 20 reps of push-ups will do. Your stamina for things like holding up your rifle will be improved as your upper body and core strength improve.

Weight Lifting

Now, I know that hunting can be an obsessive hobby, thus, weight lifting and hunters don’t normally mix. In fact, I don’t know many hardcore hunters that exercise on a consistent basis. Hunting is their exercise! However, I promise you that if you’ll engage is regular, light weight to moderate lifting, your joints will thank you for when it comes time to go trumping through rough terrain.

You can include dumbbells, kettlebells, deadlifts and any other exercise that works well for you. Target all body areas in a uniform way so that strength and endurance will be distributed evenly. In other words, don’t skip leg day.

Various press workouts like the chest press, leg press and bench press among others are very effective in increasing your strength. They also improve endurance because they are challenging. Steadily increase weight after each set according to your fitness level. Be sure to push yourself without doing too much as to avoid injury.

Tire Drags and Pulls

These are some of the toughest workouts for enthusiasts who want to improve their strength. Even athletes and heavy weightlifters who use gear from the Valkyrie Online website perform tire drags and pulls. Basically, you need a big tire—nothing less than a truck tire. Tie a rope to the tire and drag it with your hands or waist or try to walk with the rope on your thighs. Consistently doing this will definitely improve your strength and endurance, guaranteed. 

Squats

The nice thing about squats as well as push-ups is that they can be done without any equipment. However, to make squats even more effective, add some weights in your hands such as dumbbells or kettlebells, or use an olympic lift bar. Include a variation of squats in your weekly workout to get the most from your fitness routine. If you are not sure what is best for you, then you can consult an expert.

With these workouts, you will be preparing yourself for enjoyable hunting days ahead. All you need is to complete the exercises in the right way and make sure that you are consistent.

The post Increasing Strength and Endurance for Hunters appeared first on The Gunsman.

It doesn’t take much to become infected….a simple glance at a catalog, seeing it in action on a TV show, visiting a gun shop and actually holding one.

It’s a struggle! Every time you think of that gun, you get an unquenchable lust for it and may experience a slight twitching in your trigger finger. The sound of the reload, the brass hitting the ground or something as simple as the sound of switching the safety lever are the things that make it real to you.

Lately, I’ve been struggling with the Colt LE6940 Series. Trying to find ways to justify the purchase seems like the bulk of my thoughts these days.

Steps to Overcoming Your Gun Lust

First Step

Give in. Visualize yourself being the owner of that firearm. If you can’t see yourself gun in hand, then it may never become a reality. Take a few minutes, several times a day, visualizing yourself at the range with, out on a hunt with, or cleaning your new firearm. Before long, you’ll actually believe that you own it and it will become real to you.

Step Two

Pull the trigger, literally! If you can’t afford to get your gun right away, which happens, don’t be embarrassed. We all have budgets to work with…or no budget at all. So get out and pull the trigger on something until you can afford to purchase your dream gun. Shoot other guns you have or ask a friend to bring his and shoot something different for a change. It may give you some temporary relief from the struggle.

Step Three

Pull the trigger, somewhat literally. When you’re ready, it’s time to pull the trigger and make the purchase. It’s time to rid yourself of this heart-ache and become one with your destiny. Purchase that sucker.

Your wife will forgive you. Your kids will love you and your friends will envy you.

However, if you’re ready to pull the trigger but don’t exactly have all of the funds you need right now, believe it or not, but there is such as thing as firearms financing. Shoot now, pay later…as they say. Or, put it on layaway and pay on it over a period of 90 days. I know that for the most part, we should avoid debt, but in a life and death situation, extreme circumstances take extreme measures.

In conclusion, I hope these steps to recovery from gun lust have been helpful to you. When all else fails, just give in….even if you have several firearms already. It never hurts to have one more gun in the safe these days. And if you have any feedback on steps that have helped you cure your insanity, I’d be glad to hear it.

The post Gun Lust: The Struggle is Real appeared first on The Gunsman.

The Salt Home Defense Gun

Salt has created a CO2 propelled pepper spray pellet fired through a gun that’s Matrix worthy in size. I like to call it the Salt Gun. Their main customers are those looking for a viable form of home protection and self defense other than using an actual firearm. As an example, I know there are those of you out there that just aren’t confident in using a firearm yourself and fear that your children will find a firearm in your home and potential harm themselves with it, either accidentally or intentionally.

Personally, I’ve always been the kind of guy that feels proper education and quality handling time with your children will solve most potential firearm related accidents. Plus, if I feel threatened by another person, I want to make sure they can’t get up after I fire at them…if you know what I mean.

But if you’re not like me and feel you’re not quite ready for a firearm in your home, this is safe for kids. Yes, it will hurt if shot by it. Yes, the pepper spray will burn if shot with it, but, it’s safer than a real firearm, for children.

Other uses for this type of a weapon would be limited only by your imagination. I can see it being used on that annoying dog that chases my kids down the street as they ride their bikes, or that drops a dookie in my front yard.

It’s a pretty large gun, so concealing it on your person or in a purse might be a task. It’s lightweight, easy to fire and launches the pellets at a pretty good velocity, reaching distances of over 150 ft.

Curious of your opinions. What do you think?

Again, this is just my review of a product I think could be of help in either self defense or pest control. That’s up to you to decide for yourself. If you’d like your product reviewed, I review pretty much anything from hunting gear reviews to hunting boots, which you can read more about here.

The post Salt Home Protection Gun for Self Defense Uses Pepper Spray Pellets appeared first on The Gunsman.

The Most Popular Firearms vs. The Kevlar Vest

Colt Python

The Colt Python was first made in 1955 by Colt, and is often referred to as a ‘combat magnum’. Colt stopped production in 1999, and the final release of the Python was in 2005. This revolver was originally favored by law enforcement, with different variants used for different roles. However, the modern need for semi-automatic pistols meant it fell out of favor. To protect against the Colt Python you will need a Level II bullet proof vest.

Smith & Wesson 686

The Smith & Wesson 686 double action revolver was first introduced in 1980, and gained fame and popularity thanks to its adoption by the US Navy Special Operations. This revolver is popular for waterborne missions in particular because of its durability in the face of exposure to the elements, and it is easy to maintain compared to similar weapons. The Smith & Wesson 686 is also famed for its use by Luxembourg’s Grand Ducal Police. Protection against this weapon requires a vest at Level II.

Sig Sauer P226

The SIG Sauer P226 follows the same basic design of the SIG Sauer P220, but was developed to use higher capacity staggered-column magazines. It was originally conceived as a replacement to the M1911A1 used by the US Army, but it was eventually beaten by the Beretta 92F. However, the SIG Sauer P226 still gained fame thanks to its adoption by the Navy SEALs. A bullet proof vest at Level II is needed to protect against this weapon.

Ruger 10/22

The Ruger 10/22 is a semi-automatic rimfire rifle, designed as an ‘adult gun’ that could nevertheless provide easy handling. This, coupled with low recoil, made the Ruger 10/22 popular with young and inexperienced shooters, as well as being popular among small game hunters. It is also known for its compatibility with modifications, which are relatively easy to create and equip compared to other rifles. Protection from this rifle would require a Level II bullet proof vest.

FN SCAR

Constructed to be extremely modular, the FN SCAR became incredibly popular thanks to its use by the US Military. It is available in two common variants; the SCAR-L for ‘light’ ammo (5.56x45mm NATO) and the SCAR-H for ‘heavy’ ammo (7.62x51mm NATO). The first rifles were issued in April 2009, and given to a battalion of the US 75th Ranger Regiment. However, US Special Ops Command would later drop the SCAR-L in favor of the SCAR-H, and plan on adopting conversion kits for the MK17 SCAR-H to enable their use of 5.56mm ammo. As of early 2015 the FN SCAR in various types was used by special ops/police in over 20 countries. The FN SCAR-L requires a Level III bullet proof vest, though only a Level IV vest can protect against the SCAR-H.

HK416

Named for the makers (Heckler & Koch), the HK416 is based on the AR-15 platform and was designed as an improvement on the M4 Carbine for the US army. This Automatic was made famous as the rifle used by the Navy Seals to kill Osama Bin Laden. The HK416 was adopted as the standard rifle of the Norwegian Armed Forces and is in official use by countries all over the world. This famous weapon uses a gas system which reduces malfunction and increases the longevity of its parts. A Level III bullet proof vest is necessary to protect against this weapon.

AK-47

Designed in 1945, finished in 1946, and adopted by the Soviet Army in 1948. In 1949 it became the official weapon of the Soviet Armed Forces. The AK-47 is one of the most famous weapons in the world, and there is little that can be said about it that hasn’t already been said. The AK-47 is renowned for its reliability, accessibility, and its low production costs. The AK-47 is so popular that they make up approximately 15% of all firearms in the world. Protection against an AK-47 requires the highest level of protection at Level IV.

M16

A US military adaptation of the AR-15, the M16 is another incredibly famous and popular rifle. The M16 was most famously used in Vietnam from 1963, and in 1969 the M16A1 replaced the M14 rifle to become the US military’s standard service rifle. In 1983, the USMC adopted it as their official weapon, and three years later the US army did the same. The M16 is the most produced firearm of its 5.56mm caliber, and total worldwide production of the rifle is approximately 8 million. The M16 was originally designed as part of an effort to replace the M1 Garand and other similar weapons, but also as a direct US competitor to the AK-47. Protecting against this famous weapon will require a vest at Level III.

The post Guns vs. Armor; What Level of Kevlar Vest Matches up Against the Most Popular Firearms? appeared first on The Gunsman.

That’s a lot of guns! If an armory were to sell that many rifles today at an average cost of $800, that would be around 3.6 billion in gross sales. That’s not including upgrades to the rifle, such as sniper packages. If you look at the prices of the M1 Garand on The Civilian Marksmanship Program, which is a website, you can purchase an M1 Garand anywhere between $600 and $3200, depending on its condition and setup. The sniper M1’s are going for a higher dollar, as they should.

Imagine factoring those prices into our equation of 4.5 million!

Okay, I’ll turn the businessman off for a moment here and move on.

The M1 Garand gave Allied forces a huge advantage over the Axis’ slower firing bolt-action rifles. Standard issue of the M1 holds eight rounds inserted with a metal clip. When the last shot is fired and the clip is empty, it ejects with a distinct “ping” sound.

The M1 Garand to this day is still used by the military. Although it isn’t used in combat, it is still used in training and by the honor guards.

Springfield Armory

Since it’s first design, Springfield Armory has also been through some changes. Founded during the American Revolutionary War, it was a great asset in ammunition and weapons for the US military, being retired in 1968. It is now the Springfield Armory Inc, established in 1974, and produces the M1A rifle, mostly chambered in 308.

You can read more about the history of the Springfield Armory as well as browse a little of their inventory on one of my favorite websites, besides my own, http://grabagun.com/springfield.

The post The Springfield M1 Garand Rifles appeared first on The Gunsman.

Bullet proof vests are tested and graded according to the protection they can offer. This testing is undertaken by the US National Institute of Justice (NIJ), which is widely regarded as the world leader in ballistic testing. This grades body armor according to its level, with higher levels naturally offering more protection than lower levels. For example, bullet resistant armor at Level IIIa is capable of stopping the vast majority of ammunition used in handguns, while still remaining lightweight and flexible. However, it may be that this is not adequate protection; there is no reason to sacrifice protection in the face of high caliber ammunition.

Body armor is capable of protecting against all manner of ammunition, including high caliber rounds usually fired from rifles and automatics, and even armor-piercing ammunition. Protection at lower levels uses materials like Kevlar that are soft and flexible, yet still very strong. These work by ‘trapping’ and flattening a bullet, dispersing its energy and slowing it until it comes to a complete stop. Armor at higher levels still uses these materials, but needs additional protection to stop high caliber rounds. Bullet proof vests at Level III or IV will therefore use rigid plates made from Ceramics, Polyethylene, or a blend of the two. These plates will increase the weight and bulk of armor, but will help protect against higher caliber ammunition. This is done by absorbing the bullet and deforming around it, absorbing its energy in a similar way to Kevlar.

Bullet proof vests at Level I-IIIa use Kevlar inserts, keeping bullet resistant vests soft, lightweight and flexible. However, even higher level armor is lightweight and comfortable to wear, and is available in different styles. Body armor can largely be split into covert and overt styles. Covert vests are designed to be worn underneath clothing, providing discreet protection, whereas overt armor is worn over clothing, and can form part of a uniform. While both styles will be lightweight and comfortable, they each have their advantages.

Overt armor has the advantage of being customisable, and can be augmented with additional protection for the neck, throat, upper arms, and groin. Similarly, high-visibility covers, logos, and insignia can all be added to make overt armor more useful. At high levels, overt armor can form complete protection for high risk situations. Of course, it may not always be beneficial to display your armor, and certain situations will require more discretion. Covert armor offers lightweight and discreet protection, and can still be upgraded to higher levels with rigid inserts at Level III or IV. Covert armor has the advantage of being available with temperature regulating technologies to help keep the wearer cool.

Body armor is a diverse term that encompasses bullet proof vests, stab proof vests, and even ballistic helmets. Understanding the nuances of body armor will help you make the right decision when choosing your vest, and will keep you completely protected. However, whatever the style of vest and however it is worn, complete protection against even armor-piercing rounds is available to be worn however is best for you, keeping you as safe as possible.

The post High Caliber Protection; How Covert Bullet Proof Vests Can Stop High Caliber Rounds appeared first on The Gunsman.

I recently did a review on another headlamp from Sportstek, which I believe is in a different class when it comes to headlamps. If you’re looking for something a little more heavy duty, with a bit more range and focus on your main LED beam, then you might take a look at the Sportstek Headlamp as well…just to compare.

The Companion Light S from Carpathen

Let’s take a closer look at the Companion Light S. My first impression of this headlamp, after receiving the headlamp from Sportstek was, “Wow, this is light!” And it is. It’s built that way and takes AAA batteries instead of the much larger and heavier AA. With that said, it feels like you’re wearing less on your head, which I like. Lighter is sometimes better!

Just a few features on the Companion Light S headlamp:

• It has a main LED light as well as red lights positions on either side of the main LED, each having multiple settings (flashing/constant/high/low). Depending on the setting, you’ll have up to 16 hours of steady LED light.
• Each light, red and white, has it’s own button for easy operation.
• The lamp is adjustable for changing the beam angle, of course.
• The straps are very easy to use and can fit small and large heads alike.
• Comes with a smaller red light which can be fastened to a bike handle, or in my case, a PowerWheels steering wheel.

After reviewing this headlamp for quite some time, including extensive use from my son, it’s a great headlamp. If you’re looking for a gift for your Dad this next Father’s Day, a birthday gift for your brother or friend, or just needing some hands free light, the Companion Light S Headlamp will do the trick.

If you’d like to check it out on Amazon, use the link above.

The post Carpathen Companion Light S LED Headlamp Review appeared first on The Gunsman.

It’s a lose, lose situation.

I’m also the kind of guy that hates to have stuff in my pockets, because I hardly ever wear a belt. And without a belt, there’s always the threat of a full moon….if you know what I mean.

However, with as cool as some of these knives are, it’s making me want to keep one on me. Let’s take a look at a tactical pocket knife by Alphatek.

This spring assisted tactical knife measures in at 4.75 inches closed, around 8 inches open and 1.5 inches wide. It has a black stone wash 440C high-carbon stainless steel serrated blade, a bottle opener, G-10 handle, lanyard hole and a pocket clip.

I’ve used it in a number of applications so far, including slicing tomatoes, cutting sub sandwiches, carving sticks with my kids, knife throwing at logs, and opening packages. You know, the basic stuff. I’m still waiting on the opportunity to test it during close combat with a mountain lion or a terrorist, but if something presents itself, and I survive it, you’ll be the first to know.

I did receive this tactical knife in exchange for my honest opinion of it, so here it is…..

One thing I look for in a pocket knife is my ability to use it one handed. In certain situations, not necessarily tactical, you only have one hand to work with. When you’ve got a fish in one hand, and you need your knife, it’s nice to be able to open it with one hand. This knife is spring assisted and opens very easily using one hand.

It’s very sturdy and made of quality materials. The blade has no wobble to it. Great knife. Five stars for me. If you’d like this Tactical Knife, click the link to see it on Amazon.

The post Tactical Pocket Knife by Alphatek (Product Review) appeared first on The Gunsman.