From the basics of selecting a shotgun to maintenance, upgrades, and how to use them, our shotgun guide will keep you up-to-date on all things scattergun.

If you need to know the difference between break action and birdshot,  have no fear — these these articles cover “Shotgun 101”.

Basics

Shotguns differ from other firearms in many respects, but getting your shot on target should always be a priority. We cover the how-tos of getting good with a shotgun.

Shotgun Marksmanship

Shotguns are simple to clean and maintain, but there are a few tricks to getting it right and saving time, especially with gas-operated sorts.

Maintenance

The diversity of load and ammo available with a common shotgun can be both a blessing and a curse for the uninitiaited. Luckily we make it easy for ya.

Shotgun Loads & Calibers

A shotgun doesn’t have to be just that — you can add a number of fantastic accessories to the mix and get even more out of your chosen scattergun.

Accessories & Security

Just want recommendations? We’re constantly combing through the latest and greatest (and timeless) to provide useful, up-to-date selections.

Shotgun Recommendations

From the basics of selecting a shotgun to maintenance, upgrades, and how to use them, our shotgun guide will keep you up-to-date on all things scattergun. 

Shotgunning Guide

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 on a precision-engineered firearm, you need the right tools for the job. We’ve all used a screwdriver as a pin punch now and again, but the first time your tools slip off target and put a nice 3″ scratch down the side of your upper, you’ll wish you did it right the first time.
Wrenching with anything other than a purpose-designed product won’t give you the fit, versatility, convenience, or piece-of-mind that a great armorer’s wrench can bring to your work table.
Let’s break down the best armorer’s wrenches on the market, so you never have to make do with a sub-par wrench again. This article is part of our ongoing series on <a href="/firearm-basics/">Gun Basics.</a>
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Best Armorers Wrench: Build An AR Better

As a hunter and provider, there is no worse feeling than knowing you just made a poor shot on an animal due to a lack of stability. As hunters, we want to make the most ethical shot possible so the animal doesn’t suffer, and that begins with a stable shooting position.
That’s why many hunters often lay prone on the ground. While this works, it also increases the number of obstacles.
Hence, the reason for a shooting tripod.
A good shooting tripod provides the stability we all need in a comfortable position to avoid obstacles and make a clean, ethical shot. But how do you ensure a tripod fits with your hunting style? No worries! We break down the world of tripods to make it easy.

Best Shooting Tripods: Hunting & Precision Game Changers

The Ruger 10/22 has become easily one of the most successful rifles of all time. It’s reliable, affordable, and has a wealth of accessories and customization options available, making it great for those who want to tinker and upgrade.
If you’re one of those folks, chances are you might want to add a sling to your shiny new (or old and beloved) rifle, but which one?
We <a href="https://cms.americanfirearms.org/a-guide-to-the-ruger-10-22-crazy-popular-for-a-reason/">love the Ruger 10/22</a>, and we love dressing ours up, so we wanted to take a look at the best slings on the market and find the ones that are worth the money.
Let’s talk about why you should care what we think, and which ones stood out in our testing.

Best Ruger 10/22 Slings in 2023

<a href="/category/headstamp-to-headstamp/">Headstamp-to-Headstamp</a> is our series aimed at helping you grok everything ammo.
It’s September of 1970. After a strongly worded letter from President Johnson and six weeks at Paris Island, a fresh recruit finds himself walking down a trail through a dense section of jungle, a newly minted Private in the Marine Corps.
In his hands is the new Colt M16 assault rifle — derided by some and loved by others in the platoon. Chief among the 5.56 NATO rifle’s dissenters is the platoon sergeant, who has been using the M14, chambered in 7.62 NATO, since the war to end all wars.
The going concern is that the smaller 5.56 round won’t perform at 500-yards or even the 300-yard mark the corps has long-held as a sacred test for long-range shooting. The M16, other hand, has been engineered to deliver effective stopping power and range for the kids of bad-breath distances all too common in the jungles of Vietnam.
In the bushes just off the trail, a young LASV guerilla stalks with his AK-47 chambered in 7.62×39, listening to this conversation amongst the U.S. troops, before deciding to ruin everyone’s day.
This anecdote, the likes of which played out for nearly a decade in the jungles of Vietnam, gets at the heart of this article; the two of the rounds that defined Cold War firearms development, the 5.56mm NATO and the 7.62×39.

5.56 vs 7.62: A Comparison

<a href='/firearm-basics/'>Gun Basics</a>
Possibly the most popular centerfire ammunition made today, and almost certainly one of the most prolific, landing on the right 9mm ammo load for home defense, plinking, or carry ammo can sometimes get a little overwhelming. 
We dive deep into the world of Herr Luger to point you in the right direction for the ever-popular 9mm — both for range time and self-defense.

The Best 9mm Ammo in 2023

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 <a href="/firearm-basics/">Gun Basics</a>.
If you’re in the market for ammo check out our guide to the <a href="/ammunition-manufacturers/">best places to buy ammo online</a>.

Bullet Basics: Understanding Sizes, Types, and Calibers

When it comes to modern pump-action shotguns, two models immediately stand atop the heap– the Mossberg 500 and Remington 870, each accounting for tens of millions produced. We wade into the murky waters of which is the better gun by stacking them side-by-side.

Mossberg 500 vs. Remington 870: A Comparison

The differences between the Glock 17 and Glock 19 are subtle but the two 9mm pistols certainly bring a different design philosophy to the user.
Each Glock is engineered around specific strengths that play to its respective purpose. With that in mind, we dive into the debate over which gun is better for which kind of user.

Glock 17 vs 19: A Comparison

The AR-15 platform in its standard caliber, the 5.56mm NATO, is an excellent rifle, but at 500 yards or so, the round’s limitations become pretty apparent. It was, after all, intended as a multi-role combat rifle and not a long-range tack driver.
That’s why, in recent years, people have been going with bigger pills and, for instance, giving the rifle a 6.5mm twist with other long-range rounds like the 6.5 Grendel or 6.5 Creedmoor. Another quality option for those interested in extending their AR range is the .224 Valkyrie.
With just the swap of an AR-15 upper, this caliber can add some serious range to your rifle with better ballistics, a flatter trajectory and less drift than the traditional AR chambering. In this article, we’re going to list six of the best .224 Valk uppers available then walk you through our reasoning behind recommending a .224 Valkyrie rifle. This article is part of our ongoing <a href="/guide-to-all-things-ar/">Guide to Everything AR</a>.

The Best .224 Valkyrie Uppers: Get Some Longer Distance Pew

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 rifles available.
The realm of semi-automatic rifles is rich with history and innovation, and within this domain, the AR-10 stands (almost) alone. Hailing from the foundational days of the DI rifle system, the AR-10 has carved its niche not just as a sibling to the more famous AR-15, but as a formidable force in its own right.
Its power, precision, and versatility, paired with medium-bore caliber options like .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, and .260 Rem., make it a sought-after choice for those in pursuit of long-range applications or those who just want more pow from their AR.
While some rifles might suffice for varmints and smaller game, the AR-10&#8217;s broad capability — equally adept at handling whitetails and big game such as elk, wild boar, and moose &#8212; gives it range and power that distinguishes it from its counterparts.
Yet, as with almost all things AR these days, the market is awash with AR-10 variants. Some boast history, some bank on innovation, and others promise affordability. For the AR-10 buyer, the challenge is to sift through this dense market and pinpoint a rifle that aligns with specific needs, be it hunting, home defense, or target shooting.
Our goal is to provide a clear roadmap to the AR-10 landscape, ensuring that by journey&#8217;s end, you&#8217;re equipped with the knowledge and perspective to make an informed choice.
Ready? Let&#8217;s jump in.

Best AR-10 Rifles: Power, Precision, and Versatility

The 6.5 Grendel is a flat shooting round with little recoil, so many shooters are switching to this caliber in their ARs. However, to change to this caliber, you need to change the upper, including the bolt carrier group (BCG).
What are the best 6.5 BCGs? I’m glad you asked because we compiled this list to help you choose the one that best fits your situation. This article is part of our ongoing <a href="/guide-to-all-things-ar/">Guide to Everything AR.</a>
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The Best 6.5 Grendel BCGs in 2023

Proper gun safety is a cornerstone of responsible gun ownership. But sometimes, a gun safe or cabinet won’t fit the bill. Some can take too long to open – preventing you from accessing your weapon in a hurry -and they tend to be both very large and expensive – meaning you need to be ready to send some cheddar and they can’t easily be taken with you.
Enter trigger locks. These portable and easy-to-attach security solutions cover and protect the trigger of your firearm(s), preventing an unintentional discharge. While trigger locks are affordable and effective means of securing your firearms against misuse or accidents, some are certainly better than others.
Let’s break down the best trigger locks on the market so you get a lock that lasts a long time and doesn’t break the bank.

The Best Gun Trigger Locks in 2023

Storing handguns in a pistol safe is a best practice for any gun owner who owns a handgun, and gun owners have a universal responsibility to prevent our firearms from causing injury or harm. A critical piece of this puzzle is ensuring our guns are safely stored when not in use.
The meaning of “safely stored” can be a challenge to define universally, as there’s a natural tension between quick access and preventing unwanted access to the firearm. Guns locked away in 400 lb combination safes will keep your firearm safe from the wrong hands, but you will not be able to gain access particularly quickly in an emergency.
Likewise, a Glock sitting on your nightstand will be available almost instantly, but for kids or visitors it’s far too easy to access to be considered safe.
There’s a lot to consider before you even get to the thousands of products on the market. Where do you even start? Which handgun safe should you choose? What are the best criteria with which to make a choice?
You have to make the best decision for you, but we’ve broken down the key features you’ll want in a good pistol safe, with 6 excellent examples to suit almost anyone.

The Best Pistol Safes in 2023

To create this guide, we got our hands on a number of these long gun safes and spent hours researching and testing them and their security features.
We also interviewed gun safe experts who know a shocking amount about how to break into (or otherwise destroy) a gun safe.
Here’s our advice on everything from door locks to keypads to the right gauge of steel, with trustworthy recommendations that can keep your firearms and loved ones safe.
We also relied on gun safe experts’ first-hand experiences recalling their customer’s losses – both in terms of theft and fire – which helped shape the recommendations.
Gun safes are an essential part of any gun owner’s collection – even if you don’t own high-end or expensive guns – it’s critical that you are prepared to safely house the firearms you do own.
Those of you who are accustomed to using a handgun safe – either for bedside quick-access or as your lone gun storage – might now need a reliable home for your long guns – without breaking the bank.
Luckily there are quite a few options for the budget-conscious – which we detail below.
Note: all prices accurate at the time of publication.

Budget-Friendly Gun Safes: Top Picks Under $500

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 — this guide will tackle a variety of options of high-quality holsters and help define what to look for when selecting the perfect fit for on-body carry.
If you take nothing else away from reading this article, remember this: what works for your friends and family may not be what works best for you. Read that again. Only you will be able to find out what works best for your needs. So, let’s dive in!

The Best Concealed Carry Holsters in 2023

An ankle carry holster lets you carry a gun or backup weapon on your lower leg while keeping your upper torso unencumbered from larger, bulkier holsters. These holsters are designed to make it nearly impossible for people to detect (or print) your firearm, are small, stable, and do their job without jostling or discomfort.
We tested 15 ankle rigs to find ones you (and others) will notice the least while carrying either a primary or backup pistol. We recommend the <a href="https://amzn.to/2O4sIQm">Alien Gear ShapeShift Ankle Holster</a> for daily carry.
If you are new to the world of ankle holsters, think you need more capacity than our top, want other features, or are looking for a budget option we included those recommendations for you, too.

Best Ankle Holsters: Add CCW Versatility

While many individuals use traditional belt holsters for any situation, there&#8217;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&#8217;re embarking on a casual jog, hiking under a hot sun, or dressing in attire that just isn&#8217;t belt-friendly.
The Kydex material, prevalent in many of today&#8217;s belly band models, provides a robustness that rivals conventional holsters, but when paired with the elasticity and fit of the belly band itself, offers unparalleled concealment opportunities without compromising firearm retention.
As someone who has carried concealed every day since the age of 21, I&#8217;ve tried every holster under the sun, and I can say belly bands offer an unmatched blend of concealment, comfort, and accessibility. The beauty of these holsters lies in their ability to accommodate different clothing styles – from workout gear to trail wear and formal attire.
They fill a unique gap, especially for those occasions when traditional belted holsters are too cumbersome or downright incompatible. Both men and women can attest to moments when fashion and function clash – the belly band is the bridge that marries the two.
But as with all things firearm-related, it&#8217;s crucial to approach the world of belly band holsters with knowledge and awareness. Not every holster is created equal. The choice of materials, design decisions, and even weight distribution can make a world of difference.
Furthermore, it&#8217;s essential to stay updated on legal requirements and concealed carry permits in your state or county.
As we delve deeper into this topic, remember that while a belly band holster might not be everyone&#8217;s daily go-to, its innovative design and versatility make it an indispensable tool for those moments when conventional options fall short.
Let&#8217;s take the plunge.

Best Belly Band Holsters: Carry In (Relative) Comfort

Georgia&#8217;s Daniel Defense has long been a big name in factory SBRs and pistol-length ARs in 5.56 and <a href="/best-300-blackout-rifles/">.300 Blackout</a> but plans to get into the pistol caliber carbine market later this year.
The unimaginatively named Daniel Defense PCC was at <a href="/shot-show-best-new-guns/">SHOT Show last month</a> but isn&#8217;t listed on the company&#8217;s site just yet as the release is tentatively set for the second quarter of this year, which means it will likely be the third quarter. In other words, just in time for Christmas.

Lost in the Sauce: The New Daniel Defense PCC

Something is going on when it comes to .22 caliber ammunition. There is both a move to make current .22LR loads much better, delivering almost unheard-of performance out of guns that already exist, as well as introducing new cartridges to further break the mold.

Is a .22 Ammo Revolution Underway?

The folks that put on the &#8220;Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show&#8221; issued press creds to something like 2,000 members of the gun media from around the world. Here are the coolest tragically underreported guns from the event that deserve a second (or even first) look.

Ohio Ordnance the Recoil Enhanced Automatic Precision Rifle (REAPR) 1300

5 Unsung Guns from SHOT Show

The Beretta Model 21A, commonly just called the Bobcat, is an ultra-compact semi-auto pistol offered in .22LR and .25 ACP. With a single-stack magazine that gives the user 7-8 rounds, it is fun to shoot, can be dependable in operation with the right ammo, and is easy to load and operate with its &#8220;tip-up&#8221; barrel widely acclaimed. 
Best yet, it is small enough to be unseen in areas where larger carry guns could never travel.

Beretta Bobcat M21A Review - EDC Pocket Load Out

Beretta Bobcat Review: A Palm Full of 22 Caliber Prevention

Canik Firearms 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.

Canik TP9SFX Review: A Feature-Rich Turkish Competition Pistol [Hands-On]

Undoubtedly one of the most popular handguns ever made, the Beretta 92 has been around for a solid half-century and has no signs of going away any time soon.
We detailed the 100-year <a href="/beretta-firearm-reviews/">history of Beretta’s pistols</a> previously, but the 92 is a beast of its own. With that, how do you pick a good one that does everything you want?
Buckle up, we’ll walk you through it.

Guide to Beretta 92 Models Through The Years

If you want to put down a lot of coyotes, chances are you&#8217;ll have to do it at night. To do that, you need the best thermal scope you can get. It is not uncommon to put shots on coyotes at over 100 yards, so a good thermal scope is a must if you want to make consistent shots.
In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about thermal scopes and show you a few of our favorite products.

The Best Thermal Scope for Coyote Hunting

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 <a href="/recommends/pistol-red-dot-sig-romeo2/">SIG Romeo2</a> 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 variety of locations – just outside Nashville, the Gulf Coast, and the Oregon countryside.
For more casual shooters, we also have a budget-friendly pick, the <a href="/recommends/pistol-red-dot-sig-romeo-zero-elite/">SIG Romeo Zero Elite</a>, which packs a lot of the features of higher-end red dots into a more approachable price point.

Best Pistol Red Dot Sights: Find the Perfect Red Dot for Your Budget

Are you a fan of long-range shooting? Are you constantly putting your targets out further and further? If so, then you need to start thinking about first focal plane (FFP) rife scopes. These scopes are fantastic optics for long-range rifle enthusiasts, and they’ve become far more popular in recent years.
There are a lot of options out there when it comes to FFP scopes.
As the popularity of long-range shooting (generally over 500 yards) has increased, so has the need for optics that enable shooters to get on target at greater and greater ranges. The explosion in quality lens technology in recent years has lead to a tremendous number of these scopes hitting the market – which can make choosing the right option a little daunting.
There are, however, plenty of great options out there – and we have pulled together a list of the best FFP scopes for the money.

FFP Rifle Scope Mounted on a Bolt Action Rifle

Shotgunning Guide

Shotgunning Guide

Section 1

Basics

Section 2

Shotgun Marksmanship

Section 3

Maintenance

Section 4

Shotgun Loads & Calibers

Section 5

Accessories & Security

Section 6

Shotgun Recommendations

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