What is the Legal Barrel Length for an AR-15

If you are trying to build an AR-15 and avoid having to go through the process of getting an ATF-approved tax stamp, you’re going to need to know the legal barrel length for your weapon.

In the military, M4 barrels are 14.5 inches long. This was a vast reduction in size and weight compared to the 20-inch barrel of the M16.

However, what barrel length is legal in the civilian world?

The Simple Answer for the Legal Barrel Length for an AR-15

Putting it as simple as possible, the answer to this question is 16 inches. However, as with many things in the firearms world, there are some workarounds to this.





Muzzle Device

The first workaround is a permanently attached muzzle device, such as a flash suppressor.

In this situation, you are able to buy a 14.5-inch barrel and a specific muzzle device and have a gunsmith pin-and-weld the muzzle device to the barrel.

In most of these flash suppressors, it will be specifically stated that you are able to have it pinned and welded, so be sure to check if it’s possible before buying the muzzle device.

Essentially, pinning and welding the muzzle device makes it permanent, which in turn makes it part of the barrel. For that reason, you are able to count the extra length of the flash suppressor as part of your barrel length.

Keep in mind that this will come at an added cost, since you’ll have to purchase the muzzle device and also pay to have it welded on for you.

AR-frame Pistol

Black Pistol with High Capacity magazine full shot
With High Capacity Magazine Full Shot

The 16-inch barrel length only applies to rifles, NOT pistols.

You are able to build an AR pistol in various pistol and rifle calibers, which would eliminate the need for the 16-inch barrel. If it is technically a pistol, the barrel can be much shorter.

However, when building an AR pistol, there are a few laws that you need to keep in mind. Since that isn’t the point of this article, we won’t go too much into them. It basically boils down to the buttstock of the weapon, and there are some specific design features that must be accounted for. Make sure you know your laws if you take this route!

Get the Tax Stamp

Lastly, if you want a shorter barrel, you can always just get the tax stamp from the ATF. Once your weapon is classified as a short-barreled rifle (often called SBR), the length of the barrel won’t be a problem.

This is a somewhat length and time-consuming process, but it is the only way to legally have an AR-15 rifle with a barrel less than 16 inches. Related that, if you are intending to buy a scope for your ar 15, you should choose Nikon or Vortex, it’s my favorite.





Looking for AR-15 parts? Check out these from Brownell’s

We found a collection of great AR-15 parts and accessories that may interest you, check them out:

Conclusion

To make a long story short, the answer to the question is 16 inches. Your AR-15 barrel must be at least 16 inches in length to be considered legal by the ATF. Anything shorter than that, and you will have to get an SBR tax stamp from them.

However, as we mentioned in this article, there are a couple of workarounds you could pursue to avoid having to get the tax stamp. But, like with anything, make sure you know the laws about what you are doing.

Sig P320 Review [2020]

The SIG Sauer is a handgun originally designed with military use in mind. Given its popularity among law enforcement and the general public, we wanted to undertake a SIG P320 review to see what the weapon is really all about.

Our SIG P320 review takes a look at the popular handgun’s modular design that lets you change the caliber and size of the gun to meet your individual needs. This gun is large enough for home defense while being small enough for many individuals to conceal and carry.

We also looked at some of its features, such as the three-point take-down safety system that keeps the piston from breaking down when a magazine is still inserted or if the slide is locked to the rear.

This SIG P320 review will demonstrate that this is a customizable pistol that meets a variety of needs; but how does it compare to similar competitors?




Recommended Read: What’s the Best Conceal Carry Gun? Top 10 Revealed

What Is the SIG P320?

The SIG Sauer P320 pistol is used by government agencies as well as sportsmen for its efficiency, adaptability and customization. The SIG Sauer P320 comes in four different sizes: Full Size, Carry, Compact and Sub Compact. For our SIG P320 review, we looked at the full-size and compact model, each chambered for 9mm cartridges. The models also come in .40 and .45 as well.

The SIG Sauer P320 is a striker-fired pistol with a polymer frame. The polymer is fiberglass-reinforced, and the full-size SIG offers a sturdy rail for accessories. The SIG system has a barrel and chamber titled downward from the slide at the time the gun is fired. The striker is cocked every time you rack the slide. The full-size SIG comes with 17-round magazines, while the compact offers 15 rounds.

Recommended Read: 4 Things You Need to Know When Buying a Used Gun

Grip and Feel

SIG’s grip options come in a variety of sizes and switching grips in the SIG P320 review was easy to do. Changing the caliber is also user-friendly with the SIG P320, as the pistol offers guaranteed modularity.

Textured panels are round on each side of the handle as well as the frontstrap and backstrap. The magazine release is reversible for right- and left-handers. All the SIG’s features are ambidextrous. The trigger guard features an upward curve with a deep undercut for a high, comfortable grip. This also helps control recoil.

Recommended Read: How Often Should I Clean My Gun?

Durability and Performance

The slide is made of a high-grade stainless steel with bevels that run the length of the unit, and it features slide serrations on the front and rear. The slide has a Nitron finish to defend against corrosion. The Nitron finish involves heat treating the steel with a chemical bath in order to create a very hard oxidized surface.

A sturdy three-dot sight system sits atop the slide. Windage can be adjusted by drifting the dovetail sights. Both models of the SIG Sauer P320 consistently scored well on accuracy in a range of weather conditions. Recoil is minimal in both models, and the iron sights useful to most shooters.

Product Specs

Depending on the size of your SIG Sauer P320, the striker-fired autoloader has a magazine capacity of 12 to 17 rounds.

 

The length of the gun ranges from 6.67 inches to 8.05 inches. The barrel length runs from 3.55 inches to 4.7 inches, and the gun’s height range is 4.29 inches to 5.51 inches with a maximum width of 1.38 inches.

 

Unloaded, the SIG Sauer P320 weighs from 24.9 to 27.6 ounces. The trigger pull weight tests at about 6.88 pounds. Safety features in the SIG P320 review included an integrated trigger safety and automatic firing pin block.

Pricing

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the SIG Sauer P320, depending on the model, ranges from $597 to $679. During our SIG P320 review, we found a number of SIGs for sale around $530, and one listed near $500.

Prices of similar competitors ranged from around $450 to near $630.

How It Compares

We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.

  • Glock 19 Gen5

  • HK VP9

  • Ruger SR 9

Sig P320

Price $$

Ease of Use [***]

The SIG Sauer P320 is comfortable in the hand with grip panels that feel like non-slip floor tape. Serrations in the slide help with gripping and pulling, but it can still be difficult for weaker shooters to pull. During SIG P320 reviews, sweaty hands also caused problems despite the serrations.

The magazine floor plate is actually a piece of the grip. Some shooters with bigger hands accidentally prevent the magazine from dropping while gripping the gun.

When using the weapon, the SIG Sauer P320 handles very well.

Design Quality [****]

The SIG Sauer P320 modular design lets you customize your gun. The handguns made in 9mm, .357 SIG, and .40 S&W calibers can be converted from one to another using a caliber exchange kit. Some switches require only a barrel change.

SIG Sauer P320 features a lightweight polymer frame with interchangeable grips. It uses contrast sights for accuracy. The front and rear sights are fixed.

Warranty [****]

The SIG Sauer comes with a limited lifetime warranty covering defects in material, workmanship and mechanical function.

Pros

  • Consistent trigger
  • Customizable
  • Good warranty

Cons

  • Expensive magazines
  • Slide pull can be difficult

Glock 19 Gen5

Glock is a heralded name in the firearm industry, and the Glock 19 was already one of the best handguns on the market before the Gen 5 updates. For starters, the finger grooves were removed, making the grip a better fit for a larger number of people.

The G19 Gen 5 slide is ambidextrous. The slide-release lever is more pronounced and offers a smooth release. The finish on the barrel and slide is durable, but in extreme conditions or with sweaty hands it can be slippery. A Marksman barrel offers a recessed crown, and they have eliminated the polygonal rifling.

Price $$

Ease of Use [****]

The Glock 26 Gen 5 utilizes a dual recoil spring to absorb recoil. It features a 10-round magazine capacity.

An ambidextrous slide stop lever allows users to manipulate the slide as right- or left-handers. Further personalization is available in the customizable frame size. The Gen 5 comes with backstraps in two sizes, with and without beavertail. The customizable frame allows users to adjust the circumference of the grip for individual hand size.

A safe-action system features three safeties that disengage as the trigger is pulled and automatically reengage the trigger after release. A loaded chamber indicator assures the user the chamber is empty.

Design Quality [****]

At least 20 changes improve the Glock19 Gen 5 over predecessors. Among these changes are the elimination of finger grooves, a glared mag well, ambidextrous slide stop, and a Glock marksman barrel.

The overall length of the Glock 19 is 7.28 inches including a 4.02-inch barrel. Trigger pull weight ranges from five to 6.5 pounds. With an empty magazine, the gun weighs about 24 ounces. It has a width of 1.34 inches.

Warranty [**]

Glock handguns have a one-year warranty, but Glock consistently services their guns beyond one year.

Pros

  • Improved trigger from the Gen 5
  • Internals from Gen 4 can be used in Gen 5
  • Marksman barrel
  • Good accuracy for a small gun

Cons

  • Addition of the ambidextrous slide release may not work with your previous holster

HK VP9

The Heckler and Koch VP9 features a unique striker-firing system and light-pull trigger. It offers some of the best trigger quality available for striker-fired handguns. The trigger has a short, light pull with a crisp, single-action break and a clear reset.

The Heckler and Koch hammer-forged barrel of canon-grade steel ensure long life.

Price $$

Ease of Use [***]

An extended Picatinny rail is molded into the frame allowing users to add lights or other accessories they need.

A proprietary captive flat recoil spring efficiently reduces recoil when shooting and helps the shooter better control the gun. It also helps enable more rapid fire. The polygonal bore has no grooves or similar features.

The most user-friendly feature of the VP9 is the custom striker-fired system and top-of-the-line trigger.

Design Quality [****]

An ergonomic hand grip features three changeable backstraps and six side panels sure to service all hand sizes. The front of the grip has finger grooves. All VP9 controls are ambidextrous with slide releases on each side of the gun. The magazine release is placed for right- or left-handed access.

The rear slide has components on each side to offer better grip and leverage for racking the slide. They also serve shooters with less hand strength. Ten and 15-round magazines are available. A rail can support accessories up to five-and-a-half ounces.

The gun is 7.34-inches long and 5.41-inches tall. Its width measures 1.32 inches. The barrel is 4.09 inches with a sight radius of 6.38 inches. The trigger pull weight is 5.4 pounds. With an empty magazine the gun weighs 25.56 ounces.

Warranty [***]

Heckler and Koch offers a limited one-year warranty.

Pros

  • Customized grip system
  • Top-notch trigger
  • Ambidextrous options
  • Unique striker-fire mechanics

Cons

  • Some do not like the paddle-style magazine release
  • Some do not like the unique gripping

Ruger SR 9

The Ruger SR9c is a compact pistol with a 1.27-inch-width grip; the same as its full-sized counterpart, the SR9. It includes a 10-round magazine, a finger grip extension, and an extra 17-round magazine.

The pistol has is a 3.5-inch barrel with noticeable three-dot sights. The slide is serrated for a better grip and an easy way to check the chamber. Other safety features include an ambidextrous manual safety, internal trigger bar, striker blocker, and loaded chamber indicator.

Price $

Ease of Use [***]

The SR9c handles nicely for a small gun with very little recoil. The gun gives the shooter 9mm power with very little effort on the shooter’s end. Shooters do experience a bit of muzzle climb, but it is subtle. Short distance accuracy is attainable without the need for extra optics. The gun is point-and-shoot-ready from the box, and it assembles and disassembles easily.

Design Quality [***]

With a thick grip and double-stack magazine, the firearm has been used by law enforcement and is popular among concealed carry options for the public.

The 9mm pistol has a polymer stock with a Nitride finish accomplished by heating in the presence of ammonia or other nitrogenous material to increase durability and corrosion resistance.

The gun has on overall length of 6.85 inches with a 3.5-inch barrel. The gun’s width is 1.27 inches, and it measures 4.61 inches in height. The overall weight of the gun is 23.4 ounces. It includes two 17-round removable magazines. All the gun’s sights are fixed within a three-dot scheme.

Warranty [**]

This gun comes with a one-year warranty for the original owner.

Pros

  • Sights are easy to use and do not snag on clothes or holster
  • Loaded chamber indicator
  • Nitride finish
  • Minimal recoil

Cons

  • The grips are sticky enough to catch debris
  • Some users report difficulty racking the slide

Conclusion: SIG P320 Review

After completing our SIG P320 review, we confidently give the SIG Sauer P320 four stars. Its incredible adaptability and customization are as good as any in the business, from calibers to sizes to grips.

A shooter never again has to worry about the width or circumference of grip with SIG’s interchangeable modules. Convertible calibers include 9mm, .357 SIG, or .40 S&W. Even the pistol sizes range for your preference from full-size all the way to subcompact.

This SIG P320 review also alerted us to the accessory rail. This is one of the most stable systems we have seen and great for lights, lasers and other needs.

Also, it should not go unnoticed that SIG went out of its way to put safety first. The Striker safety does not allow the pistol to release until the shooter pulls the trigger. SIG worked hard to make a great pistol, and they have succeeded.

What’s the Best Conceal Carry Gun? Top 10 Revealed

talon grips for glock 43

Featured Image via Amazon

You have the right as an American Citizen to keep and bear arms. You have the right to protect yourself and your family. But choosing the best conceal carry is an important decision.

Even though we would like it to be otherwise, the world is a dangerous place. Crime and violence happen all around us. Turn on the news and see for yourself.

The most important things in your life, your family and safety, must be protected. A concealed firearm is the perfect way to ensure you have the protection you need.



Many times, it is the lawful citizen legally carrying a firearm that rescues would-be victims and saves lives. It could be a friend, co-worker, or stranger.

Gone are the days when guys used to settle differences behind the barn with fists. Fights today involve knives and firearms. Others have lost the ability to defend themselves physically due to injuries or old age. A concealed firearm can help you repossess the defense you once had.

Different individuals have different reasons and desires for a concealed firearm. We believe this review will help you understand the variety of firearms available and what may work well for you. There is a perfect firearm for everybody.

Comparison Table

Product Name

Image

Price

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.cabelas.com/product/home/nd-amendment-classic/nd-amend-firearms/pc/105625080/c/635005080/sc/607995180/smith-wesson-m-p-shield-m-cf-pistols/2650428.uts?slotId=1&avad=194130_d15c71741&WT.mc_id=al155690&Subid1=SID&subacctid=155690&subacctname=155690&adname=Custom+Link&adtype=cl&adid=NA&utm_medium=AFF&utm_source=155690&rid=12&WT.tsrc=AFF” title=”Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield® M2.0™“]

Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield® M2.0™

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.cabelas.com/product/home/nd-amendment-classic/nd-amend-firearms/pc/105625080/c/635005080/sc/607995180/smith-wesson-m-p-shield-m-cf-pistols/2650428.uts?slotId=1&avad=194130_d15c71741&WT.mc_id=al155690&Subid1=SID&subacctid=155690&subacctname=155690&adname=Custom+Link&adtype=cl&adid=NA&utm_medium=AFF&utm_source=155690&rid=12&WT.tsrc=AFF” button_text=”Check Price”]

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/g26-g5-9mm-3-46-10-1-prod114375.aspx?avs|Make~~Model_1=Glock__26&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CbwfP1A4Wk0″ title=”Glock 26“]

Glock 26

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/g26-g5-9mm-3-46-10-1-prod114375.aspx?avs|Make~~Model_1=Glock__26&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CbwfP1A4Wk0″ button_text=”Check Price”]

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.cabelas.com/product/SIG-SAUER-P-CF-PISTOLS/2730718.uts?slotId=0&avad=194130_c15c93455&WT.mc_id=al155690&Subid1=SID&subacctid=155690&subacctname=155690&adname=Custom+Link&adtype=cl&adid=NA&utm_medium=AFF&utm_source=155690&rid=12&WT.tsrc=AFF” title=”SIG Sauer® P365 Pistol“]

SIG Sauer® P365 Pistol

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.cabelas.com/product/SIG-SAUER-P-CF-PISTOLS/2730718.uts?slotId=0&avad=194130_c15c93455&WT.mc_id=al155690&Subid1=SID&subacctid=155690&subacctname=155690&adname=Custom+Link&adtype=cl&adid=NA&utm_medium=AFF&utm_source=155690&rid=12&WT.tsrc=AFF” button_text=”Check Price”]

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/m-p9c-handgun-9mm-3-5in-12-1-10191-prod92553.aspx?cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CbSHP1A4Wk0″ title=”SMITH & WESSON M&P9C“]

SMITH & WESSON M&P9C

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/m-p9c-handgun-9mm-3-5in-12-1-10191-prod92553.aspx?cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CbSHP1A4Wk0″ button_text=”Check Price”]

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/g43-handgun-9mm-w-2-6-round-magazines-prod84679.aspx?avad=avant&aid=155690&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine” title=”GLOCK – G43 HANDGUN“]

GLOCK - G43 HANDGUN

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/g43-handgun-9mm-w-2-6-round-magazines-prod84679.aspx?avad=avant&aid=155690&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine” button_text=”Check Price”]

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/g19x-g5-9mm-4-coyote-17-1-night-sight-prod114372.aspx?avs|Make~~Model_1=Glock__19&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CYT%3AP1A4Wk0″ title=”GLOCK – G19X G5“]

GLOCK - G19X G5

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/g19x-g5-9mm-4-coyote-17-1-night-sight-prod114372.aspx?avs|Make~~Model_1=Glock__19&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CYT%3AP1A4Wk0″ button_text=”Check Price”]

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/12516/Springfield+XDs+9mm+3.3+ESSENTIAL+Black” title=”SPRINGFIELD ARMORY – XD-S“]

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY - XD-S

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/12516/Springfield+XDs+9mm+3.3+ESSENTIAL+Black” button_text=”Check Price”]

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/xd-s-essentials-package-3-3in-9mm-stainless-8-1rd-prod92636.aspx?avs|Price_1=300xzzx00%20TO%20799xzzx99&avad=avant&aid=155690&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine” title=”The Sig Sauer P320 Compact“]

The Sig Sauer P320 Compact

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/xd-s-essentials-package-3-3in-9mm-stainless-8-1rd-prod92636.aspx?avs|Price_1=300xzzx00%20TO%20799xzzx99&avad=avant&aid=155690&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine” button_text=”Check Price”]

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/fnx-45-4in-45-acp-black-stainless-10-1rd-prod90071.aspx?avad=avant&aid=155690&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine” title=”FN FNX-45“]

FN FNX-45

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/fnx-45-4in-45-acp-black-stainless-10-1rd-prod90071.aspx?avad=avant&aid=155690&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine” button_text=”Check Price”]

[amazon link=”B00WRICTHU” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/vp9sk-9mm-black-3-39-10-1-2-10-round-magazines-prod107989.aspx?cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CfXOP1A4Wk0″ title=”Heckler & Koch VP9S“]

Heckler & Koch VP9S

[amazon fields=”B00WRICTHU” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/semi-auto/vp9sk-9mm-black-3-39-10-1-2-10-round-magazines-prod107989.aspx?cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-IR-_-60594&utm_content=60594&aid=1221452&utm_source=ir&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_medium=affiliate&source=ir&clickid=1MZxj-yw2xyJUESwUx0Mo38zUkl1CfXOP1A4Wk0″ button_text=”Check Price”]

Product FAQ

1. What Is Concealability?

2. What Is Capacity?

3. What Is Stippling?

4. How Big Should a Conceal Carry Gun Be?

5. Where Should I Carry My Concealed Weapon?

How We Reviewed

We reviewed a variety of the best conceal carry guns based on their features, pros and cons, availability, and price. We also took a look at factors such as the gun's portability, ease of use, weight, and stopping power.

We know there are a variety of guns that serve different needs, and there is an equally large number of gun buyers with different preferences and needs. Understanding the differences between common options can help you get the most out of the following review.

Guns come in a variety of styles and options, and best conceal carry for one individual may be different than for another person. Guns can accomplish many purposes, including self-defense, but the gun you use to defend your home and family may be very different than the gun you choose to keep on your person.

The size and body type of the individual lends itself to personal gun choices along with countless other factors. It can be beneficial to choose a go-to gun for conceal carry in order to familiar and comfortable with it.

There are some standard options a person needs to understand if he or she is going to make the best possible choice.

Revolvers

While pistols dominate the world of concealed carries today, revolvers are one of the most traditional guns. They feature a barrel-like cylinder that revolves in order to line individual bullets with the barrel.

revolver gun

Image via Pixabay

Single-action revolvers are old-fashion revolvers that require a manual cock with each shot. They can still be purchased today, but they are more nostalgic than practical.

Because of the extra time and effort between shots, they are not a legitimate choice among the best conceal carry weapons.

Modern revolvers are double-action guns. When you shoot a double-action revolver, the trigger cocks and releases the hammer in the same pull.

Double-action revolvers are much easier to use than single-action, and a more common choice for conceal carry needs.

Revolver Perks

Many people choose a revolver as the best conceal carry option because of its ease of use and simplicity. The cylinder is easy to open for clear vision of the individual cartridge chambers.

When you insert cartridges in the chamber and close the barrel, you are ready to fire. Unloading it merely requires you to open the cylinder, tip the barrel upward and press the extractor in the front.

Loading and unloading a revolver takes no unusual strength or strategy. The simplicity carries over to shooting as well. In the event of a cartridge misfunction, a second squeeze of the trigger simply rotates the cylinder to align the next cartridge.

Another perk of the revolver is its individual bullet chambers. Because each cartridge has its own chamber, the shape of the ammunition can vary more than other weapons.

Because the cartridges are sized for width, most revolvers can utilize smaller-caliber cartridges with the same diameter. Common conceal carry revolvers use .357 Mag. and .38 Special chambers. The Magnum is a longer bullet and more powerful, but both are compatible because they have the same diameter.

The golden rule in this situation is that shorter cartridges can be loaded into guns with longer chambers, but longer cartridges cannot be loaded into guns intended for shorter cartridges.

Other perks include the revolver's resistance to jamming and the ability to fire a revolver through clothing. They are easier to clean than some other options and do not need to be disassembled.

When the barrel of a revolver is pressed directly against an attacker, it is not hindered by the pressure.

Revolver Grips

Revolvers offer a wide variety of grip choices. Most revolver grips cover a metal frame, and you can choose different grips to fit around the metal frame of your gun.

Small grips can be easier to conceal, but large grips can be easier to access and shoot. Grips can also be customized for your hand size and personal preferences.

Revolver Disadvantages

A primary disadvantage to revolvers is the limited capacity. The most common barrels are six-shooters, and some revolvers that are smaller and good for conceal carry only have five rounds.

You can purchase eight-shooters, but they are usually too large to serve as the best conceal carry weapons.

When you run out of ammunition, it can be time-consuming to reload a revolver. You have to eject the spent cartridges, reload new ammunition in each cylinder, and close the barrel again.

While a speed loader can make the process faster, it is still an overall disadvantage. Another disadvantage of the revolver's cylinder is the width. Some barrels are wide enough to make concealing difficult.

While the lack of a safety on double-action revolvers, it can be a perk to shoot without worrying about an additional step, but for some the lack of a safety option is a danger.

Pistols

Modern pistols are usually semi-automatic weapons with many different features. A magazine is housed inside the gun's grip. The magazine holds cartridges, and the capacity of the magazine varies depending on its size and other factors.

pistol gun and bullets placed in a table

Image via Pixabay

A pistol is operated by a slide that engages the gun. Within the slide is a single barrel that holds one bullet at a time.

The shooter loads his rounds into the magazine and inserts the magazine into the pistol until it clicks into place. By pulling back on the slide, the first round is chambered.

The gun is now ready to fire. When the first round is fired, the first cartridge is expelled, and the second cartridge is automatically chambered. You can fire repeatedly until the magazine is empty.

Pistol Perks

The first and primary perk of pistols is its ability to fire repeatedly. It is not uncommon for a pistol to accommodate 17 rounds. It is also easy to keep extra, fully loaded magazines nearby.

Pistols are also flat and sleek, making them easier to conceal than many revolvers. The slide on a pistol is also more resistant to recoil than a revolver, and many have a safety mechanism.

This is beneficial due to another pistol perk, a light trigger squeeze. The squeeze is light, and the trigger pull is short. Pistols also have a short reset, meaning the trigger does not have to return all the way forward before it can be fired again.

Firepower is the recurring theme that differentiates the pistol from the revolver. Pistols can shoot faster and more often than revolvers.

They also have safety perks, such as hammer drop safety. Many pistols have internal mechanisms to prevent the gun from firing if it is accidentally dropped.

Pistol Grips

While you can buy pistol grip accessories and replacements, the variety of grips is less than revolvers. The grip on a pistol is important not only for shooting but also for manipulating the slide.

For shooters with less strength or hand grip in general, it is important to have a firm grasp of the weapon when pulling the slide.

Pistol Disadvantages

Unlike the revolver that excelled in simplicity and ease of use, beginners often find pistols difficult to master. There is no uniformity among pistols, and one pistol can vary greatly from another.

Magazine releases, safeties, and other functions can be activated differently and found in different locations on different guns. Disassembly and cleaning also vary widely between guns.

Pistols offer less ability to interchange ammunition, and they are more susceptible to jams. Some pistols even lend themselves to accidentally hitting the magazine release and being left with only one cartridge in the chamber and no magazine in the handle.

Caliber

A gun's caliber is the diameter of the barrel. The bullet size matches the barrel. For instance, a gun is labeled as “9x19” then the diameter of the bullets used in the gun is 9mm and the length of the bullets is 19mm.

caliber handgun

Image via Pixabay

However, caliber is not always measured in metric units. The same caliber could be measured as .223 inch or 5.56 mm.

Another common mistake is based on relative measurements and what seems like an insignificant difference. For instance, how much difference could there be between 9 mm and 10 mm? Could a 9 mm bullet not travel through a 10 mm barrel?

But the truth is guns are precision instruments. Every millimeter counts. Even fractions of a millimeter count.

Pistol Caliber

Some pistol calibers are common, and others have recurring spots on our list. The 9 mm is very common, called a 9x19mm Luger or 9x19mm Parabellum.

The 9 mm has always been used by a lot of military outfits, and recently the FBI switched all agents to 9mm firearms.

It also has benefits to newer gun users, including minimal kickback. It is powerful enough to stop any attacker.

Overall Price Range

The guns we reviewed ranged in price from under $400 to around $750. A buyer's budget can be affected by a number of items, including specific needs or preferences he or she has in a gun. Some may prefer a specific type of steel or simply be averse to polymers. Others may want a certain size or grip style.

Ultimately the value of the gun is determined by how desirable it is, and what is desirable for you may be different than what another person desires.

As you peruse our list of the best conceal carry guns, remember that you are looking for a gun you can carry every day, if need be. You should desire a gun that you are comfortable using and, more importantly, that you are confident using. Do not let somebody talk you into something you don't want, because you will likely spend too much money on something you are not comfortable using.

Finally, remember that a conceal carry is not a showpiece. Your gun is not to impress others; it is meant to protect yourself. So as you investigate our list of the best conceal carry guns, find the ones that you could carry every day with confidence to establish a range of what you will likely need to invest.

What We Reviewed

  • Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield® M2.0™

  • GLOCK 26

  • SIG Sauer® P365 Pistol

  • SMITH & WESSON M&P9C

  • GLOCK - G43 HANDGUN

  • GLOCK - G19X G5

  • SPRINGFIELD ARMORY - XD-S

  • The Sig Sauer P320 Compact

  • FN FNX-45

  • Heckler & Koch VP9S

1

Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield® M2.0™

Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield® M2.0™

Image via Cabelas

Features

Smith & Wesson makes the M&P Shield M2.0 with two barrel lengths to choose from, including 4-inch and 3.6-inch versions. The shorter barrel offers more concealability, but the longer barrel offers more accuracy.

The 4-inch barrel also comes with less muzzle flip. The gun is made of a durable polymer frame with black, corrosion-resistant coating on stainless steel sides and barrel.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

The Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield® M2.0™ is slim and easily concealed for portability. Made of a lightweight polymer and stainless steel, it boasts a one-inch profile.

Pros

  • The quality is outstanding.

  • Multiple barrel lengths.

  • Good stippling.

  • Comfortable ergonomics.

Cons

  • Lack of texturing on the forward frame for the support-hand thumb.

2

Glock 26

Glock 26

Image via Brownells

Features

The Glock 26 is a 9mm pistol with 3.43-inch barrel a 10+1 capacity. The Glock 26 has been a favorite among concealed carries for several years, the upgrades to the fifth generation model are bound to make it a favorite for years to come.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

The Glock 26 is slightly thicker than its relative, the Glock 43X, but it makes up for it with a shorter height. It is one of the shortest 9mm on the market, making it very portable.

Pros

  • 10+1 capacity.

  • Upgrades from Glock 26 Gen 4.

  • Short 9 mm is concealable.

Cons

  • Thicker than some similar guns.

3

SIG Sauer® P365 Pistol

SIG Sauer® P365 Pistol

Image via Cabelas

Features

The SIG Sauer P365 pistol features an abundance of capacity, concealability and versatility in a conceal carry weapon. It was selected by the NRA's Shooting Illustrated Magazine as their Golden Bullseye winner for 2019 Handgun of the Year.

This 9mm Luger has a micro-compact frame made of stainless steel with a polymer grip. a 10-round flush fit magazine, and a 10-round extended magazine.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

The SIG P365 is truly a tiny gun. It's micro-compact carry size makes it nearly effortless to take with you. Micro-compact everyday carry size with unprecedented 10+1 full-size capacity.

Pros

  • Tiny but without compromise.

  • 10-round magazine and other magazine options.

  • Positive feedback on the trigger and handle.

Cons

  • Double-feeds have been reported where the fired case fails to be fully extracted.

4

SMITH & WESSON M&P9C

SMITH & WESSON M&P9C

Image via Brownells

Features

The Smith & Wesson M&P9C comes with two magazines, one flush fitting and another with a finger extension. The magazines hold 12 rounds.

There is no safety on the 9C unless you special order that option, so those who want as few steps as possible will see that as a perk.
The 9mm gun has a 3.5-inch barrel length.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

The weapon features a stainless-steel slide and barrel along with a polymer frame. This weapon is smaller than the Glock 19 but maintains a double stacked design.

Many still prefer single stacked guns for conceal carry, so this may be too fat for some buyers.

Pros

  • No safety switch.

Cons

  • The shorter barrel leads to recoil.

5

GLOCK - G43 HANDGUN

GLOCK - G43 HANDGUN

Image via Brownells

Features

The Glock – G43 handgun combines a lightweight frame with reliability to offer a true fighting caliber conceal carry.

This striker-fired, polymer-frame semi-auto is as small as they come yet offers full 9mm power. It is small enough to carry in most reasonable fashions but large enough that it fits comfortably in the hands of most shooters.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

The small, thin nature of the gun can be carried in a pants pocket, yet it is also perfectly fitted for a belt holster. Pocket carries are not the most comfortable or safe.

It would be hard to find a more portable gun on our list.

Pros

  • Small but still powerful.

  • Fits most shooter's hands.

  • Reliable and portable.

Cons

  • Limited 6+1 capacity.

  • The trigger pull is heavier than other Glocks.

6

GLOCK - G19X G5

GLOCK - G19X G5

Image via Brownells

Features

This Glock features a “crossover” design as the result of a military contract. It is an all-purpose gun that combine a full-size frame with a mid-size slide.

It sports a Marksman Barrel that is hammer-forged with a hexagonal rifling and improved crown from previous Glock designs.
The gun is just over four inches long and 5.47 inches in height. It includes a set of magazines with a 17+2 round extension.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

This gun is meant to be carried in a duty holster, but common users want to have it with them as a conceal carry weapon. The frame is a bit bulky to carry with total concealment, and a unique grip angle complicates the matter.

If you use the 17+2 extension magazine, it is nearly hopeless to fully conceal the G19X.

Pros

  • Marksman Barrell.

  • Improved Crown.

Cons

  • Seven-pound trigger press may be difficult for some shooters.

7

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY - XD-S

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY - XD-S

Image via BudsGunShop

Features

The Springfield Armory XD-S is a thin, single-stack subcompact pistol. It is an extremely small gun that maintains the 9mm chambering and can be carried in almost any situation.

The XD-S is one of the best guns in the subcompact category. It measures 6.3 inches and stands 4.4 inches tall with a 3.3-inch barrel. It offers black or stainless-steel slides.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

The grip is short, even for a subcompact, helping the gun's concealability. A 9+1 magazine is compatible, but you will lose your full concealability.

The ergonomics allow for a good grip and draw when being carried on your person. It is just a bit too big to carry as a pocket pistol for most folks.

Pros

  • Iron sights and minimal recoil.

  • Accurate and easy to shoot.

  • 7+1 capacity for a single-stack gun.

Cons

  • Doesn't handle triple Homady Critical Duty polymer-tipped ammunition well.

8

The Sig Sauer P320 Compact

The Sig Sauer P320 Compact

Image via Brownells

Features

The P320 Compact pistol is a polymer weapon with a pleasing appearance. The ergonomics of this gun fit a wide variety of hands by offering three different grip sizes. You can choose the one that is best for your hands.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

The overall height of the gun, including the inserted magazine, is 5.27 inches. The length is 7.21 inches.

The gun is readily portable, though full concealment would be difficult on many body types.

Pros

  • Pleasing aesthetics.

  • Multiple grip sizes.

Cons

  • Some buyers avoid polymer components.

9

FN FNX-45

FN FNX-45

Image via Brownells

Features

With the power of a full-size pistol in a slim body, this lightweight weapon is about the size of your hand and holds 15+1 rounds of 45. It is reliable and durable.

It has been used for law enforcement applications and is equally suitable for personal defense. With a stainless-steel barrel and slide, it is a top contender on the list of best conceal carry weapons.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

By conceal carry standards, this is a big gun. It holds 15+1 in 45, and it favors shooters with big hands.

If you do not like big guns or are specifically shopping for a small, concealable gun, this may not be what you're looking for. however, if you want to tote a medium-sized beast, it could be right up your alley.

Pros

  • Checkered polymer grip.

  • Loaded-chamber indicator on the external extractor.

Cons

  • Some users report difficulty using the trigger.

10

Heckler & Koch VP9S

Heckler & Koch VP9S

Image via Brownells

Features

Heckler & Koch offer this VP9S pistol with a polymer frame. It is striker fired from a 9 mm chamber.

  • Portability
  • Ease of Use
  • Weight
  • Stopping Power

The most positive reviews are from users who belt carry the VP9S. Some are able to carry the gun in a fully concealed manner, but for many users is too long.

The gun has a 4-inch barrel and total length of 7.32 inches.

Pros

  • Good balance of power and performance.

  • Light trigger with short reset.

Cons

  • The size is in a gray area where some may conceal it and others not.

The Verdict on the Best Conceal Carry

Choosing the best conceal carry weapon is difficult task because there as so many variables among both guns and shooters. Guns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and people do too.

A gun that could be concealed on one individual may not be concealable on another. A gun that is light enough for one shooter may not be light enough for another.

We wanted to give our nod of approval to a weapon that efficient and usable for a wide variety of buyers, and one that was simple enough for pros and newbies alike. We opted for the Glock – G43.

Glock G-43

The Glock G-43 gets our nod for the best conceal carry. This compact 9 mm is designed with conceal carry in mind. It combines a single-stack magazine that gives it a thin build alongside stopping power on par with larger weapons.

[amazon box=”B00WRICTHU”]

Glock has a reputation for that is esteemed by military and the public alike. They make some of the best combat pistols for all purposes, including some that have landed police and military contracts. The Glock G-43 is on par with the best of them all.

The semiautomatic gun has a polymer frame manufactured in Austria and imported to it Georgia location in the United States. Just under 18 ounces with unloaded magazine, the gun six-and-a-quarter inches long and four-and-a-quarter inches tall.

It is about an inch wide with a narrow steel slide. It sports the familiar square-shaped black finish common among Glocks. It is a square-nose slide and a 3.39-inch barrel with hexagonal rifling.

Using the Glock–G43

Test the Glock–G43 and you'll find it to be a very well balanced. It is accurate and controllable for a small gun, and the grip is comfortable to hold.

The magazines lock easily into place, and a variety of ammunition, from low-end to high-end, can be used without any malfunctions. Bullets weighing less than 115 grs. had the least recoil.

The accuracy of the small gun is reassuring for concealed carriers. It is as accurate as many larger guns. This gun is a semi-automatic with a narrow 9 mm barrel that lives up to Glock's storied tradition. In a search for the best conceal carry weapon, it does not disappoint.

4 Things You Need to Know When Buying a Used Gun

Getting guns both new and used is a viable way to buy them. There are benefits to both methods and neither one is wrong.

Some people may be scared to buy a used gun. There is more risk when buying a used gun, but if you follow the advice given in this article, then you can get some great deals.

We will cover some tips that you should follow when buying a used gun. After reading this you will be able to buy a used gun without any issues.

1. Buy from the right place.

The first tip to follow when buying used guns is to buy from the right place.

There are four main ways you can buy guns these days. The internet, from a gun shop, at a gun show, and from an individual in person. All these methods have their benefits and disadvantages none are wrong, but some require more caution than others.




Internet

We will start with buying used guns online. The great thing about buying online is that you have a very large selection to choose from. You can buy from coast to coast and this large selection can allow you to get some great deals.

Buying online though you need to make sure you are buying from a reputable place. If it is a dealer’s website, you can trust that the gun is not dirty, but if you are just buying on a random site, then you need to do your research on the gun and its numbers. Check the numbers is an important step for a few of the methods of buying.

Another good thing about buying online, is you can determine the value of a gun pretty quickly. You can look for similar ones that sold and see what they brought. This way you can know if you are getting a good deal or not.

You got to be careful with the ones way below market though because ones that may seem like a deal might not be. This is because online you can’t see the condition of the gun. You just have to go by the pictures and they won’t always tell everything.

Also, buying online you can’t get a feel for the gun. Online is still a great way to research guns and learn values to help when buying in other methods.

You also can buy the best scope for AR-15 on the internet, and on Amazon too.

From a gun shop or gun show.

I will lump these two together because they are similar.

The downside to buying from a shop or show is you will most likely pay full market value.

The benefit that you get from this though is that you can check the gun’s condition in hand.

This is very important. Also, a lot of shops will let you fire the gun first to see how it feels, and if you like it.

Buying from a show or shop is a great way for a beginner to get into buying a new gun because you can check it out and most of the time the person selling it will be reputable. They should also be licensed to sell used guns which means you won’t have to worry about getting ones that have been used in crimes.

Person to Person

The last method we will talk about for buying guns is person to person.

This comes with the most risk for getting a gun that has been used for illegal activities, so be sure to check the serial numbers in databases and make sure it is registered to the person you are buying it from. You can follow How To Check If A Gun Is Stolen to know more specific.

The good thing about buying from an individual though is that you can see the gun in person and exam the condition, but you still may be able to get a good deal like the online prices. The seller may not know the full value or have a way to get the full value for the gun and will take less than it is worth. If you know the value you can get a great deal on a gun that you have been wanting or resell it to make some extra money.

2. Condition

The next thing to consider when buying a used gun besides where you are buying it is the condition of the gun. This has already been mentioned, but the condition is key. The condition is a big part of its value, and a gun that can fire safely is worth a lot more than a gun that won’t fire. When checking the condition you want to exam all parts of the gun.

Key things to look for when checking a gun for its condition are cracks and rust. You don’t want the moving parts to be rusty and you don’t want the barrel or other parts to be cracked. If you are on a budget, then a gripe that is cracked or rusty screws may be okay to you, but you want to make sure to give the gun a good look over. You also, want to make sure the end of the gun is round where the bullet comes out and that the barrel is straight and not dented up.

Tied into the condition is if the gun fires or not. Try to buy a used gun that you are able to fire first. By firing the gun you can make sure that it is working properly and that nothing unexpected happens. Most good shops will let you fire the gun and most people selling a used gun will know that the person looking at it will want to fire it.

Also, one last thing when examining the guns is if it has any aftermarket parts installed make sure that they are installed correctly. If they are not installed correctly fix this before firing and also remember that because it means they might not have the rest of the gun put back together properly.

3. Ask Questions

The next thing to do is ask as many questions as you want. Ask the history of the gun, why they are selling it, and anything else that will help you with making a good decision. By asking questions you can figure out if the seller is for real and also learn any problems that they know about. If you are considering meeting someone from an online place, then starting with questions can help you determine if you want to meet or not to look at the gun.

Also, when asking questions it is good to learn if the gun has a warranty or return policy. If it does, then that will help give you some peace of mind if something goes wrong. This is especially helpful if you are buying sight unseen from somewhere online.

4. Reviews

The last thing to consider when buying a used gun is the reviews of it. Do a fast online search and see if others like it. You can also do a search on the person you are buying it from to see if they have a good reputation. Reviews aren’t everything though. If you think you will like the gun, then even if most don’t, you should still buy it if it is what you want.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you should now be able to buy a used gun and come out with a good one. Sometimes the only way you can get a certain gun is used, so by being scared to buy a used gun it may limit you from getting the gun of your dreams. Just be sure to consider where you are buying the used gun from and do your research. Exam the gun well if you can and ask as many questions as you need to to make yourself comfortable with the purchase. Buying a used gun can be scary, but it can allow you to get some great deals.

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Understanding Handgun Calibers: The Definitive Guide

Looking to purchase a handgun, but not sure what caliber is best for you? In this article, we will go over some of the most common handgun calibers and make some recommendations for you about when to use each one.

Handguns are very widely used. They are commonly used for home defense, personal defense, and can be used for hunting as well. There are tons of different calibers out there, and it can get a little confusing.




The Guide to Understanding Handgun Calibers

We’ll get this started with common pistol calibers, from small to large.

.22LR

Yes, the rimfire cartridge commonly found in bolt action rifles. While not all that common, .22LR can be found in both pistols and revolvers. They don’t see much personal defense or home defense use because the round is so small, but they are pretty fun for just plinking around.

Due to the fact that the ammunition is readily available and pretty inexpensive, most people like their .22LR pistols and revolvers for range shooting. However, some people do decide to carry them. You know the old saying, the gun on you is better than the one in the gun safe. If you’ve got nothing else, carry a .22LR by all means, but you can certainly do better.

.380 ACP for handgun

.380 ACP for handgun
.380 ACP for handgun

Next up we’ve got another small round, the .380 ACP. These bullets are .355 inches in diameter, weigh between 90 and 100 grains, and are fired around 1000 feet per second. These projectiles are still very small, but the round is barely suitable for personal defense.

This round is commonly found in really small frame concealed carry pistols. Many of the pocket pistols and secondary weapons that you see are chambered in .380 ACP. I carry a .380, but only in the summer when people are wearing less clothing. I would definitely recommend 9mm over .380 for personal defense, but .380 is acceptable.

However, for home defense, you aren’t worried about the size of the weapon, so I would recommend a larger caliber projectile.

9mm Luger

Now we’re getting into more widely used rounds. 9mm is one of the most common rounds in the world. The bullets are .355 inches diameter as well, but they weigh 115 to 130 grains and are fired around 1100-1200 feet per second. These bullets are much larger and are fired faster, so this is a better round for any defense purposes.

9mm is a great round for range shooting and any defense purposes.

There’s an absolutely gigantic array of weapons available, ranging from tiny carry weapons to full sized weapons.

You can get a single stack carry weapon in 9mm, but also a double-stack weapon with a 17+ round magazine capacity for home defense. For range shooting, the recoil is manageable, and the ammunition isn’t that expensive.

.40 Smith & Wesson

While this round is not nearly as common as it used to be, .40 Smith & Wesson is a pretty good round. The projectiles are .4 inches in diameter, weigh between 135 and 165 grains, and are fired around 1100 feet per second.

.40 S&W is sort of on the way out, due to the fact that 9mm offers such similar performance in a smaller frame. 9mm is a smaller round, so you are able to fit a few more in a magazine, while achieving similar ballistic results to the .40 S&W.

However, despite this fact, I still think that .40 S&W is a great round for any defense uses. I would shoot 9mm at the range over .40 S&W, but I feel very comfortable carrying around a .40 S&W weapon. There aren’t quite as many weapons out there, but they are suited great for personal and home defense uses.

.45 ACP

Now we’re getting into much larger cartridges. These projectiles are .451 inches in diameter, weigh between 165 and 185 grains, and are fired around 1050 feet per second, dependent on the round.

These are large, heavy bullets that are fired pretty fast. For this reason, they are great for defense uses and as a hunting sidearm.

Due to the size of the cartridge, there aren’t many .45 ACP weapons that are meant for concealed carry. There are a couple, but your magazine capacity is going to be extremely small. I would recommend .45 ACP for home defense, such as in a full-size 1911. This same weapon would be decent for a hunting sidearm, but slightly larger cartridges might perform a little better for this. .45 ACP will take care of smaller targets, but if you’re going to hunt deer with a handgun, you probably want a bigger round.

I’m not going to say you shouldn’t shoot .45 ACP at the range, but the ammunition is pretty pricey. Your wallet will probably thank you if you shoot a smaller cartridge.

10mm

This is the largest pistol cartridge we will talk about. There are some exceptions out there (looking at you, Desert Eagle), but 10mm is the largest pistol cartridge that is really commonly found. The projectiles are slightly smaller than .45 ACP, with a diameter of .40 inches. However, they are usually about the same weight but are fired at 1200-1300 feet per second.

These projectiles generate a lot more energy because they are moving so much faster. In terms of terminal performance, .45 ACP is a larger bullet, so they create larger holes and damage more tissue, but these bullets are moving faster. It’s almost a tie between the two for which one does better in terms of ballistics.

However, I prefer 10mm for hunting because it retains energy over a longer distance. 10mm performs similarly to .45 ACP in terms of handgun hunting. Both are decent cartridges that can put a deer down, dependent on your shot. Personally, I like 10mm better due to the flatter trajectory, but both are decent.

Similar to the .45 ACP, 10mm is decent for defense uses. The round has a lot of recoil, so I wouldn’t recommend it for plinking at the range.

Let’s get into revolver rounds now.

Note: If you have a handgun, i think you should have best handgun safe to keep it safe. It’s very important.

.38 Special

These projectiles are .357 inches in diameter, weigh between 125 and 150 grains, and are fired around 950 feet per second. In terms of ballistics, these bullets are larger and heavier than 9mm bullets but aren’t fired as fast. For the sake of comparison, it definitely outperforms .380 ACP.

Due to the similar performance, I would recommend this for the same uses as 9mm. It’s great for home defense, self-defense, and range shooting. It’s a pretty commonly carried cartridge because there are some tiny revolvers that are available in .38 Special.

.357 Magnum

Up next is another great defense round. The bullets are also .357 inches in diameter and are commonly 125 or 158 grains, but they are fired much faster than .38 Special ammunition. These rounds are fired closer to 1200-1400 feet per second. For this reason, it is an even better defense round. It will do a ton of damage in tissue.

The revolvers are usually not that large, so you can carry them somewhat easily. They are great for home defense as well, and would definitely be fun to shoot at the range.

.44 Remington Magnum

These bullets measure .429 inches in diameter, weigh from 240 to 300 grains, and are fired between 1200 and 1400 feet per second. As you can see, these are some giant rounds that are being fired extremely fast.

While they aren’t as wide as .45 ACP pistol projectiles, they are significantly more heavy, and are fired significantly faster. This round is really devastating. However, as you can imagine, the cartridge itself is pretty large. It’s fired from much larger weapons, so you won’t find many people trying to conceal this.

When you get into these much larger revolver cartridges, you get more into handgun hunting. Due to the fact that the projectiles are so large and are fired so fast, many people do different kinds of hunting with these revolvers.

.44 Magnum is the first of our revolver cartridges that I would recommend hunting with. It will put down all different kinds of animals with relative ease. It’s an excellent choice.

However, this combination of size, weight, and speed also means that the round is good for home defense. While it’s certainly not my first choice to shoot at the range, it is a great revolver to have in the nightstand.

.454 Casull

Similar to the pistols, we won’t talk about the absolute largest revolver cartridges available (such as .460 S&W Magnum), but we will talk about .454 Casull, which is absolutely giant. The bullets are .452 inches in diameter and are usually over 300 grains. They are fired at 1500 to 1600 feet per second.

Once again, these are fired out of huge revolvers. You could definitely hunt with these, and you can definitely defend your home with it as well. They are huge bullets and will do all kinds of damage within a target.

Shotgun Home Defense Ammo-What Should You Choose?

For many reasons, shotguns are considered the ideal home defense weapon. At short range, they are extremely deadly. For home defense, this is an ideal situation. In the event that someone were to break into your home, a shotgun should be the first weapon you reach for.

However, shotgun shells can be a little confusing. What really is the best shotgun ammunition for home defense?

In this article, we will go over some of the best options, and talk about what makes them so great.

The Basics – Types of Shotgun Ammunition




Shotgun ammunition can be a little confusing. There are three different main types, and beyond that, there are sizes for each.

The primary types of shells are buckshot, birdshot, and slugs. Birdshot has more, smaller pellets. Buckshot has fewer pellets, but they are significantly larger. A slug is one solid piece of metal, and they are usually very large in size. This turns your shotgun into a crude rifle and is very effective for taking down big game.

Next up, there are numbers associate with each type. For example, there is 00 buckshot, #4 birdshot, 4 buckshot, #8 birdshot, and many more.

As the number increases, the number of pellets within the shell increases. However, this also means that the size of the pellet decreases.

So, for example, #8 birdshot has hundreds of pellets that are .09 inches in diameter. #2 birdshot has 90 pellets that are .15 inches in diameter.

#4 buckshot pellets are .24 inches in diameter, and 00 buckshot pellets are .33 inches in diameter.

Make sense so far?

So, Which of These are the Best for Home Defense?

As you can imagine, buckshot is the best for home defense. Birdshot has more pellets, but they are very small in size, and usually don’t penetrate deep enough to be effective against a human target.

Buckshot penetrates much deeper, and it has larger pellets to damage more critical tissue.

Slugs would be effective in bringing down a target, but they require much greater accuracy, and they penetrate too deep. If you were to miss your target, that slug would travel through anything in its way for quite some time. This can be dangerous in a home defense situation.

What About Specific Ammunition?

How to choose a shotgun
How to choose a shotgun

In general, 00-1 buckshot is more than effective rounds for home defense. If you aren’t interested in buying ammo specifically for home defense, any of these buckshot shells will work. In fact, the military and many police departments use simple 00 buckshot for their shotguns.

Are you using a shotgun? Let’s buy the best scope for shotgun, you will never regret about it.

However, there are some ammo choices available that are made specifically for home defense. Keep reading to check some of these out.

  • Federal Premium Personal Defense PD13200. This is a simple 00 buckshot shell. It is aimed for home defense and is loaded with 9 pellets. It offers reliable, tight shot groups, and does more than enough damage.
  • Federal Tactical 1 Buckshot. This is a 1 buckshot round. Similar to the previous ammo, this ammo offers reliable groups. However, this one has 15 pellets as opposed to 9.
  • Winchester PDX1. These rounds are more specifically for personal defense. In 12 gauge, there is a segmenting slug and one shell that has a slug and buckshot in it. The segmenting slug will break apart on impact, which damages more tissue. The slug and buckshot round spreads apart very rapidly, so you are able to cover more surface area.

Conclusion

As previously mentioned, shotguns are absolutely key to home defense. However, due to how confusing shotgun shells can be, it is difficult to choose one specific ammo for home defense.

Generally speaking, buckshot is a great choice. While there are fewer pellets, they are much larger. However, if you are looking for a shell that is specifically for home defense, there are a few out there. Winchester specifically makes a great shell for personal defense.

You can’t go wrong with most buckshot, but getting a more specific shot for home defense certainly won’t hurt. The extra cost will be worth it in the event that you need it.

How Hot Does a Gun Barrel Get? How to Get It Cooler Faster?

As many rifle shooters know, rifle barrels can get extremely hot. While all barrels will heat up, it is most noticeable in rifles, since the metal of the barrel is exposed. However, how hot can they actually get? What damage could this cause?

How Hot Does A Gun Barrel Get? How Get It Cooler Faster?

In this article, we will start with the basics, and eventually work into answering these questions.




The Basics – Why Does a Barrel Get Hot?

To understand this question, you have to understand how a bullet is fired. When you pull the trigger, it causes a firing pin within the weapon to strike a primer on the bullet. The primer ignites the gunpowder, which burns extremely fast. As it burns, it generates gas, which creates pressure and pushes the bullet out of the barrel at a high rate of speed.

The answer is right there. Gun powder burns and expands extremely rapidly, which is very hot. In fact, gunpowder burns near 5000 degrees Farenheit.

Repeating this process over and over again generates more and more heat. This heat transfers to the metal of the barrel, where it can’t dissipate as quickly, and the barrel will feel hot to the touch.

Okay, Cool. So What Does That Mean?

Alright, so now you understand WHY your barrel can get hot. What are the side effects?

First and foremost, a hot barrel can seriously affect your accuracy. While it depends on the exact rifle and barrel, some barrels can be extremely negatively affected by heat.

Match grade accuracy barrels are often less heat tolerant, so you will find that your shooting may be a little off. Common AR-15 and AK-47 barrels on the other hand are more heat tolerant, so you can shoot them more.

However, it could also be much worse than this. In serious situations, you could harm your barrel or your weapon. It would be very hard to do this, but it is absolutely possible to damage your weapon.

How Hot is Too Hot?

Basic reticle scope
Basic reticle scope

So, how can you tell when your barrel is too hot, and how hot can they get?

While there isn’t exactly much science behind it, an extremely common recommendation is that if your barrel is too hot to touch for more than a second or two, you probably shouldn’t shoot with it. Like I said, there isn’t much science behind it, but this is the line of thought that I subscribe too.

But, as far as how hot the barrel can get, it is absolutely possible to have the barrel be glowing red. For this to occur, it would have to be around 1500 degrees Farenheit. However, in a range setting, this would be nearly impossible.

I Want to Shoot More! How Can I Cool Off My Barrel?

There are a couple tricks to cool your weapon off faster.

First, try bringing more than one rifle to the range, and alternating between the two. This will give each rifle time to cool off.

When letting your rifle cool off, take it out of the sun. You should also leave the action open, and stand it straight up and down.

You could also put a cool, damp rag on the barrel, but make sure you get any surface rust off the barrel afterwards.

Conclusion

As you can see, barrels can get extremely hot, and shooting it while it’s too hot could be detrimental to you and the barrel.

Remember, if it’s too hot to touch for a second or two, don’t shoot it! Keeping this simple rule in mind will prevent you from shooting a barrel that is too hot.

If your barrel is too hot, try leaving it in the shade with the action open and standing it up on the butt. This will help it cool off faster.

How Often Should I Clean My Gun?

Ah, the age-old question. It has been answered many times in many different ways. So, what is the correct answer to this question?

As I’m sure we’re all aware, weapons require maintenance in the form of cleaning. If you own a weapon, you’re going to have to clean it. It’s as simple as that.

Owning a gun and not cleaning it is negligent, and could potentially ruin your weapon. I don’t mean to use scare tactics, but these are the facts. Even if you aren’t shooting much, not cleaning your weapon could harm it.

So, let’s get into the question at hand.




The Basics: Why do I need to clean my weapon?

Simply put, because it gets dirty!

When you clean a weapon, you are cleaning some type of dirty residue. While there are many kinds, this is most often carbon. Carbon buildup occurs in your weapon each and every time you fire it. When the propellant burns, it leaves carbon behind.

Other types of residue could be trace bits of metal, which could be left behind by the bullets you are firing. However, this is somewhat uncommon, and 99.99% of the time, you are cleaning residual carbon out of the weapon.

Another reason to clean your weapon is to remove any rust from it. If you use your weapon outdoors, it is exposed to moisture. Some places are more moist, such as when you are duck hunting in a swamp, or deer hunting in the rain. However, even without precipitation, your weapon is still being exposed to water in the air.

When the metal of the weapon is exposed to any moisture, it could begin to oxidize. As a result, rust will form. Rust on a weapon is not a good thing, especially if it is inside the barrel.

By the way, you should have the best gun safe for the money for your weapons, it will protect your “wife” 🙂

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOVfxE5VOhA

What happens if I don’t clean my weapons?

Eventually, if the carbon buildup inside the weapon gets to be too much, the weapon can stop cycling properly.

If the buildup gets to be too severe in the barrel, the weapon could be similarly negatively affected. The bullet trajectory could be ruined, or worse. If there is too much rust built up, the same thing will happen.

Okay, I get it. Dirty weapons are bad. How often do I need to clean my weapons?

Now this is where it gets a little tricky. No one argues that you do have to clean your weapons, but plenty of people argue about how often it needs to be done.

To put it simply, you really can’t clean the weapon too often, as long as you are using the correct cleaning tools and not putting too much oil on it.

However, we will make a few recommendations for how often to clean your weapon.

Personally, I like to clean my weapons after each trip to the range. I find it to be soothing, but I also realize that not everyone feels this way.

Most weapons will be good for around three to four range trips, dependent on how many rounds you shoot.

My recommendation would be to clean the weapon every 250 rounds, if you don’t want to clean it each time you shoot.

If you don’t go to the range much, cleaning your weapon is still important. At the very least, you should break your weapon down and clean it twice per year, if you are never shooting at all.

should you buy or build an ar15

However, there are a few exceptions to these guidelines.

If your weapon is primarily for self-defense or home defense, it is extremely important to clean it each and every time. This will ensure it will function each and every time.

For the competition shooter, cleaning a weapon each time you use it is extremely important as well.

Lastly, if you use your weapon in a swampy area or in any precipitation, you should clean it as soon as possible, to get any surface rust off of the weapon before it becomes a problem.

Conclusion

Cleaning weapons is a pretty easy and relaxing thing, but many people don’t know how often you should do it.

I would recommend cleaning your weapons each time you shoot, but not everyone likes to do this. If you prefer to wait, every 250 rounds is probably a decent guideline for you.

When cleaning your weapon, be sure to keep safety in mind. Always clear the weapon and use proper materials and cleaning techniques!

What Cool Alternatives Are There to an AR-15?

Don’t get me wrong, AR-15s are awesome. They are an extremely popular weapon system because they are very easy to build and use. They are extremely customizable and are available at inexpensive prices.

However, some people may not like them for a variety of reasons. They are extremely common, so maybe you are trying to stick out at the range.

Whatever, the reason may be, there are some excellent alternatives available to the classic AR-15. While these may be slightly more expensive for the most part, they are still fun weapons. In this article, we will go over a few examples of these AR-15 alternatives. Let’s get into it!




  1. AK47

AK47
AK47

First and foremost, let me say how much I love the AK47. There are hundreds of different variants available, and I’ve enjoyed every one that I have shot.

Compared to an AR-15, AK47s aren’t quite as accurate, but they do shoot a larger bullet. For hunting and defense purposes, this could be a good feature for you.

I think the weapon is pretty sleek looking, especially with wood furniture, and they are notorious for their reliability.

2. FN SCAR

Anyone who has spent some time playing video games is familiar with the SCAR. It is used by some militaries, and is an absolutely excellent weapon.

Similar to the AK47, this rifle also shoots a larger bullet. While the AK shoots 7.62×39, one version of the SCAR shoots 7.62×51. This is an excellent round for big game hunting or defense purposes. The other version of the SCAR shoots the same round as the AR-15.

However, for as high quality as this weapon is, it is also worth mentioning that is about five times as expensive as the least expensive AR-15 weapons. If that is not a problem to you, definitely check out this weapon!

Bushmaster makes a version of the SCAR, called the ACR, that is slightly less expensive.

3. Steyr AUG A3 M1

This is the first of the so called “bullpup” rifles we will talk about. These types of rifles have the action behind the trigger, which shortens the overall length of the weapon. Essentially, these are similar to the P90, except they are in rifle calibers.

The AUG is used in the Austrian army, and is available with multiple different optics and rails from the manufacturer.

The rifle is extremely easy to breakdown, and shoots extremely well. Its distinct styling is sure to stand out, and the performance will be there to back it.

It shoots the same NATO ammunition as the AR-15, and is a pretty lightweight weapon. The trigger pull is slightly heavier than some others, but it is a great weapon to shoot.

However, similar to the SCAR, this weapon is significantly more expensive than the AR-15. Relevant to it, if you are looking the best scope for ar-15, i highly recommend the Vortex :).

4. IWI Tavor

Next up is another bullpup rifle. The Tavor X95 shoots the same NATO round as the AR-15. It cycles extremely smoothly, and has an excellent trigger pull. It’s got a great rail system, and is a very accurate weapon.

It is available in a few different colors, and has some excellent stock sights. The front folding sight has tritium inserts, so they are extremely easy to use. In my opinion, this weapon is slightly better looking than the AUG, and is also available at a less expensive cost.

In my opinion, both the AUG and the Tavor are fun to shoot. The difference between the two is almost negligible.

5. FN FS2000

The last bullpup rifle on our list is the FS2000. Similar to the SCAR, this rifle is made by FN, and it is an extremely high weapon. It shoots 5.56x45mm NATO.

This weapon only has one rail, as opposed to some of the others, which had more.

In my opinion, this rifle isn’t as sleek looking as the other bullpup rifles, but it is still a cool looking weapon. In terms of action, this is a good weapon. The FS2000 is also significantly less expensive than the other bullpup rifles.

6. Springfield M1A

Last up is a modernized predecessor to the AR-15. The Springfield M1A is a modern tactical M14. It is an extremely high quality weapon, and is a great AR-15 alternative. It shoots 7.62×51 NATO, so it is a larger cartridge than the AR-15.

This weapon has been around for a long time, and the modernization is a welcome touch. There are multiple models, so you will be able to meet your needs. Overall, this is a great quality weapon.

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