Personal Defense

Colt’s classic 1911 still remains America’s favorite handgun, and there are a host of different models that draw in premiums on the collector’s market.

John Browning was one of the most prolific firearms designers in history, producing a number of great guns in his career. Here are nine of his best.

Beretta’s most famous firearm may well be its Model 92 pistol, first offered in 1975 in 9mm. Now, the impressive new Beretta M9A3 model is a serious contender as a modern survival gun.

Tacticool instruction might be fun, but it won't make you a more prepared armed citizen. Handgun training should focus on the skills with practical tools that will save your skin.

Everyone loves the classic .45 Colt cartridge, and it’s still relevant after almost 150 years.

Handgun trainers typically come from a variety of shooting backgrounds. But do these background necessarily make them the best trainers for armed citizens?

Concealed carry of small handguns, a.k.a. micro guns or pocket pistols, is controversial. But sometimes it makes sense for self-defense, if you know how to make the most of those smaller calibers.

Springfield has upped the ante with its XD-E, releasing the hammer pistol in the hard-hitting .45 ACP.

A shotgun is an exceptional all-around weapon for home defense, especially when you build it to your preferences.

Rightsized, the Walther PK380 is small enough to slip into a pocket, but has the performance of much larger self-defense handgun.

The Nighthawk Border Special 1911 does whatever you ask of it, and it does it well. It is designed by former peace officer Jim Wilson.

Most firearms handgun drills are universal, applying to both semi-automatic pistols and revolvers. But there are a few more facets that need to be mastered when becoming proficient with a pistol.

There’s a lot of information out there regarding concealed carry. How much is fact and how much is fiction?

Given the lack of national reciprocity, armed citizens must be aware of other states’ concealed carry laws if they travel. Ignorance to other states’ firearms laws when traveling can set you on a course for serious trouble.

The .380 ACP is little in a lot of ways. But is it big enough where it counts?

Laser sights are powerful aiming tools in low-light defensive scenarios for those trained in their use.