Best Tactical Lever-Action Rifles [Field Tested]

February 24, 2025

When legislation or preferences steer a shooter away from a semi-auto carbine, it's time to go with Plan B: The tactical lever-action rifle.

I live in one of those onerous corners of America, where the boot heel of tyranny has attempted to exert pressure. In short, my particular municipality took a crack at banning a host of firearms. This included, of course, the venerable AR-15 among other semi-auto carbines.

Thankfully, the law was eventually rebuked by the state supreme court, but the situation did get me thinking … The times being what they are, what’s a passable stand-in for a semi-auto carbine? Not exactly the thought experiment most want to conduct, but an unfortunate one many citizens must ponder or at least should perchance the inmates ever end up running their particular asylum.

As chances have it, some gunmakers appear sensitive to this very question and, for all intents and purposes, have concocted a workable solution. Here, I speak of the tactical lever-action. By no means are the systems a one-for-one analog of an AR, AK or any other semi-auto, but the quintessentially American gun has proven itself time and again.

Crack open a history book concerning the nation’s westward expansion, and the examples are rife—from the legendary Winchester 1873 taming the frontier to the Marlin 1894 opening up the vast Alaskan backcountry. These are as carbine hard as the men who used them living off the land as they were fending the back forty. Quite a résumé! And they’ve only grown better with time. In their present modernized form, the lever-gun is equally as adept an instrument for guarding the suburban homestead as they are a do-anything option for tackling the apocalypse.

Tactical Lever-Gun Breakdown

There’s no hard and fast rule on what constitutes a tactical lever-action. Certainly, many write them off as merely polymer-stocked iterations of the originals. True, some wear plastic, but not all. And really, there are some nuances to what’s offered, besides dark finishes and ominous names, such as “Dark Series” (Marlin) and “Model X” (Henry).

XS Sights Tactial Lever Action Upgrade — Looking to build your own tactical lever-action? Upgrades, such as XS Sights’ ghost ring/rail system for the Marlin 1895 are readily available.

To the quick of the matter, tactical lever guns are generally modernization efforts, retaining the heart of the carbine—receiver, etc.—and offering more utility. In particular, it’s usually found with the combination of these four features:

Accessory Mounting: Much like AR-style rifles, Picatinny rails and M-Lok slots make adding a useful accessory such as a weapon light easy.
Threaded Muzzle: For a gun meant to defend in close quarters, the option to attach a suppressor without the aid of a gunsmith is welcome.
Sighting Systems: Many, if not most, offer faster-target acquisition systems out of the box, such as ghost ring aperture, as well as rail systems more conducive to attaching modern optics.
Aftermarket Support: Accessory manufacturers have also noted the trend of tactical lever-actions and offer a wealth of upgrades to tailor them to particular applications.

By no means do these modest improvements completely reinvent the wheel. There was no need to.

Despite more than 150 years old in concept (at least in its modern form), the system still proves among the most versatile and fastest available today. At the same tick, these features enhance the already solid firearms, better tailoring them to modern tastes and applications. So don’t fret if your predilections or local laws run counter to semi-auto currents. The tactical lever-action more than holds its own in today’s rough-and-tumble world. Here are six I’ve found that particularly excel in the role.

How We Made Our Picks

While I appreciate a good lever gun as much as the next guy, and I’ve owned and shot plenty of them over the years, the Gun Digest team is full of downright lever-action fanatics by comparison. Combined, we have extensive time behind a wide variety of lever guns, including all the tactical lever-action rifles on this list and several others that were left off. Using our combined experience, we found that the following models are the best-executed examples of the tactical lever-gun concept. From features and ergonomics to general reliability and performance, these are the top space cowboy lever gats to get.

Raise Your Lever-Action IQ:

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5 Must-Have Henry Lever-Action Rifles
.357 Magnum Lever-Action: The Best Pistol Caliber Carbine?
9 Greatest Winchester Lever-Action Rifles, Shotguns and Bolt-Actions

Best Tactical Lever Actions

Best Overall Tactical Lever Action: Marlin Dark Series 1895
Best PCC Tactical Lever Action: Henry Model X Big Boy .45 Colt
Best Takedown Tactical Lever Action: Taylor & Co. 1892 Alaskan Takedown Black .44 Magnum
Best .22LR Tactical Lever Action: Rossi Polymer Rio Bravo .22 LR
Best Budget Tactical Lever Action: Rossi R92 Triple Black .357 Magnum
Best 9mm Tactical Lever Action: POF USA Tombstone

Tactical Lever Action Specs Comparison

Make/Model	Caliber	Capacity	Barrel Length (inches)	Overall Length (inches)	Weight (pounds)	Stock Material	MSRP
Marlin Dark Series 1895	.45-70 Gov't	5+1	16.17	35.5	7	Polymer	$1,429
Henry Model X Big Boy .45 Colt	.45 Colt, .357 Mag/.38 Spl, .44 Mag/.44 Spl	7+1	17.4	36.3	7.3	Polymer	$1,124
Taylor & Co. 1892 Alaskan Takedown Black .44 Magnum	.44 Mag, .357 Mag/.38 Spl	7+1	16	34	5.95	Wood	$1,731
Rossi Polymer Rio Bravo .22 LR	.22 LR	15+1	18	35.9	5.17	Polymer	$357
Rossi R92 Triple Black .357 Magnum	.357 Mag/.38 Spl	8+1	16.5	33.7	6.11	Wood	$1,061
POF USA Tombstone	9mm	20 or 10	16.5	36	5.75	Polymer	$1,962

Best Tactical Lever Actions

Best Overall Tactical Lever Action: Marlin Dark Series 1895

Dark Series 1895 Specs
Caliber: .45-70 Gov't
Capacity: 5+1
Barrel Length: 16.17 Inches
Overall Length: 35.5 Inches
Weight: 7 Pounds
Stock Material: Polymer
MSRP: $1,429

Pros

Classic Design
Improve Build Quality
Excellent Accuracy

Cons

Trigger Wasn't Smooth

Since Ruger acquired Marlin, the company has been reintroducing many of the most popular lever-action models, including the tactical Dark Series. However, at the time of this writing, the lineup only includes the Model 336 in .30-30 Winchester and the 1895 in .45-70 Gov't.

For this list, I chose the latter. Sure, .45-70 may not be quite as versatile as something like .357 Mag. or .22 LR, but if you're shopping for a tactical lever-action rifle for defense in grizzly bear country–or close quarters verses two-legged predators–the heavy-hitter can be a very smart choice. I don't peg this rifle as a jack-of-all-trades carbine, but I find that what it does, it does well.

Notably, the pre-Ruger Marlin Dark Series rifles were not nearly as well thought out as these new models. No longer sporting wood furniture with a coat of black paint and a few pre-installed aftermarket accessories, the current production Dark Series guns were given a much more serious tactical treatment. The rifles now feature nylon-reinforced polymer furniture with M-LOK slots, a threaded barrel with a radial muzzle brake, QD sling attachment points and of course a Picatinny rail for optics.

Perhaps our favorite aspect of the entire build is the gun's M-Lok handguard, which sadly remains an aftermarket upgrade for most lever actions–tactical or otherwise. In our book, this makes the Marlin the best overall option in tactical lever actions at present, or at least the one best living up to the moniker.

As for shooting, I found Ruger has done a phenomenal job with the 1895. With the right ammo–in our case Hornady Subsonic–the rifle prints sub-MOA. The user interface is well thought out and comfortable, making the rifle fast and accurate–particularly with the included radial brake or a suppressor. It's about everything I wanted in a modern lever action… almost.

I found two sticky points to the gun. The snap on comb isn't the easiest install and is necessary. And the trigger–at least on my model–had a hitch at the start of the pull. Cleaned up the gun would have been near perfect. I still think it's dang close and with a LPVO on top believe it would serve most shooters well.

Read our complete Marlin Dark Series 1895 review.

Dark Series Deals

Palmetto State Armory	$1,500
Guns.com	$1,780

Best PCC Tactical Lever Action: Henry Model X Big Boy .45 Colt

Model X Big Boy Specs
Caliber: .45 Colt
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 17.4 Inches
Overall Length: 36.3 Inches
Weight: 7.3 Pounds
Stock Material: Polymer
MSRP: $1,124

Pros

Ergonomic
Smooth Lever Throw
Pistol Grip

Cons

No Picatinny Rail

Among the most popular of Henry’s rifles, the pistol-caliber carbine succeeds wildly in the company’s polymer-stock Model X line. Light and responsive, the rifle sings in the right hands and is as dependable as the day is long.

While I have an affinity for carbines chambered .357 Mag./.38 Special, and the Big Boy is available in .44 Mag./Special, shooters are well served in considering the Big Boy in .45 Colt. The gun digests spicy hunting loads, giving it plenty of hitting power and versatility—it’s a particularly apt survival option with brush-gun chops.

Especially welcome on the 17.4-inch barreled rifle (it’s threaded, mind you) is a well-thought-out polymer forend, staying true to the Big Boy’s feel while improving its utility. To this, we point out the section of Picatinny rail below the forend and the M-Lok slots at the 3 and 6 o’clock positions just above the rail.

Further back, Henry opting for a pistol-style grip (as opposed to the original’s straight grip) is appreciated and adds a level of control to the rifle—as does the company adding a side-loading gate for fast reloads. Its 7+1 capacity is ample for most circumstances, but it doesn’t hurt to have a backup to keep it in the fight.

And this gun might very well be the best tactical/hunter options on the list. I found the gun an extremely fast shooter, even without a muzzle device installed, and fairly danged accurate 50 yards and in. Stand hunting or a very manageable and overpowering defensive option, the rifle excels in either role.

About the only bone I have to pick is Henry opting for drilling and tapping the receiver; many shooters might’ve felt better served with an optics rail. Given it’s a side ejector, it would’ve worked like a beauty. Though, that’s no dealbreaker, since you can add the asset at home. As an aside, Henry also offers Model X .45-70 and .30-30 options, if those are better suited to your circumstances.

Get the whole story, read our Henry Model X review.

Model X Big Boy Deals

Palmetto State Armory	$1,027
Scheels	$950
Sportsmans Warehouse	$950

Best Takedown Tactical Lever Action: Taylor & Co. 1892 Alaskan Takedown Black .44 Magnum

1892 Alaskan Takedown Black Specs
Caliber: .44 Magnum
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 16 Inches
Overall Length: 34 Inches
Weight: 5.95 Pounds
Stock Material: Wood
MSRP: $1,703

Pros

Takedown
Maintains Zero After Being Taken Down
Light

Cons

Top Ejection Limits Optics
Loading Gate Has Bite

Up front, we’ll say this rifle misses a few key tactical features: threaded muzzle and accessory-attachment points. However, it makes up for these shortcomings with one notable asset. It’s a takedown.

Some might pick nits with the concept, but I still contend it’s a worthwhile way to make a long-gun more accessible away from home—be it stowed in your pickup or backpack. In this case, again I prefer the .357 Magnum/.38 Special version, but some might find the .44 Magnum/.44 Special iteration more suitable.

In either case, the Alaskan breaks down to a tidy 17-inch package. And at roughly 6 pounds empty, it isn’t much of a burden. That’s surprising, because the rifle has a thick octagon barrel and is stocked in wood with a rubber overmolding. Chiappa, the manufacturer, obviously could’ve cut a few ounces with polymer furniture, but the touch more heft feels right in this particular style of rifle.

A Winchester ’92 clone, it spits spent cases out the top. While not the best system to run an optic on, Chiappa avoids conflict on this front by moving the Weaver-style optics rail forward, scout-rifle style. I'm going to be honest here, I'm no fan of a Scout scope mount, but understand the need with the action.

The rail also includes the rear section of the iron sights system, a Skinner adjustable rear peep with an ample aperture, giving it a function much along the lines of a ghost ring. Enhanced by a bright red fiber-optic front, it’s quick to the target in a pinch, but more than capable of holding on a distant shot. The lever loop is larger than I prefer, but not Hollywood by any stretch.

Performance-wise, the gun ran smoothly through all my tests and proved acceptably accurate. I was pleased with the the mate-up of barrel and action as well. My scope maintained its zero between taking down and putting together, which is a decent sign the Alaskan was made to acceptable tolerances.

It no tack driver, averaging 1.5 inch groups at 100 yards, the trigger also could use some cleaning up and the loading gate could bite, but neither precludes this carbine from consideration in my book. I believe adding a red dot and a suppressor (it has a threaded muzzle), it'd make a dandy little home defense, truck or backpack option.

Alaskan Takedown Deals

Guns.com

$1,734

Best .22LR Tactical Lever Action: Rossi Polymer Rio Bravo .22 LR

Rio Bravo Specs
Caliber: .22 LR
Capacity: 15+1
Barrel Length: 18 Inches
Overall Length: 35.9 Inches
Weight: 5.17 Pounds
Stock Material: Polymer
MSRP: $357

Pros

Lightweight
Good Capacity
Accessory Attachment Points

Cons

No Loading Gate

Honestly, you needn’t have a tactical bent to go with this Rossi. Snappy and responsive, the polymer Rio is like most .22 LRs—just plain fun and difficult not to love. It’s got a lot going for it beyond enjoyment, making it a candidate for a bug-out gun or a home-defense option nearly anyone in the family can wield effectively. Among the most noteworthy, its ample 15-round tubular magazine gives the 5-pound rifle plenty of firepower.

Outside of foreign invasion, it should prove to have enough on tap to face down most circumstances. Though, I confess the addition of a side-loading gate would improve peace of mind.

As for the stock, it’s a very simple polymer affair that doesn’t stray too far off the reservation. The exception being the six M-Lok slots—three on each side—on the front of the fore. They’re well placed, near the top and just the right position to intuitively operate a light, no matter if you’re right- or left-handed.

Sights are fiber-optic three-dot, green in the rear and red upfront—very basic, but familiar to most shooters and eye-catching in all but low-light conditions. The front is shrouded so you don’t bust the pipe, and the rear is fully adjustable for windage and elevation—nice, large and tactile knobs, too.

As for accuracy, it's fairly on target for a lever-action within reason. I often take mine to the range as a diversion between drills and can pound a 5-inch hostage plate from 30-yards all day long with it. For a lever action 22, that's acceptable accuracy in my book.

I used to complain the only shortcoming this rifle had was the lack of a thread muzzle, but Rossi stepped up to the plate an recently rectified this with the Rio Bravo Tactical model. Essentially, it plays friendly with suppressors and has a pic rail on the receiver. But there's a price to pay with this configuration, it drops down to a 10 round capacity. Personally, I'd rather have the ammo on board.

Find out more about this plinker, read our Polymer Rio Bravo review.

Rio Bravo Deals

Sportsmans Warehouse	$300
Gritr Sports	$291
Scheels	$410

Best Budget Tactical Lever Action: Rossi R92 Triple Black .357 Magnum

Rossi_Triple_Black_Tactical Lever Action

R92 Triple Black Specs
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Capacity: 8+1
Barrel Length: 16.5 Inches
Overall Length: 33.7 Inches
Weight: 6.11 Pounds
Stock Material: Wood
MSRP: $1,061

Pros

Integrated Picatinny Rail & Peep Sights
Solid Capacity
Lightweight & Compact

Cons

Scout-Optics Mounting Only

Like the Rio, the R92 Triple Black is just off the mark in some respects. But overall, for the right application, is a solid option.

The R92 is a proven line of Winchester ’92 clones that offer a good mix of quality and affordability. With the Triple Black, the Brazilian manufacturer tweaks the formula with some well-thought-out upgrades, while keeping the rifle tied to its roots. I made my preference of .357 Magnum clear earlier, and, despite a .44 Magnum option, I again contend shooters are better served with the smaller caliber unless they’re buying a dedicated hunter.

Perhaps my favorite aspect of the rifle is the integrated Picatinny rail/rear sighting system–even if it's a the dreaded scout mount. Rossi opts for a peep rear with a relatively large aperture in conjunction with a large blade front, making it quite useful where nimbleness is at a premium. But most, I imagine, would take advantage of the rail and a 1x optic or multi-powered scope—both are apt for the 16.5-inch barrel gun.

Lever-actions, particularly pistol-caliber models, are well served with a suppressor and the Triple Black is threaded for action. Until you mount yours, the rifle comes with a factory-installed knurled thread protector.

However, and this is odd, the 8+1 rifle doesn’t have any accessory attachment points, which perhaps makes it better suited as a bug-out gun, rather than a home-defense specialist. That and the grip and loop, at least for me, leave something to be desired. Rossi kept the same stock design as its hardwood R92, straight; and the company couldn’t resist running a larger lever loop. Though, admittedly, it looks nice.

R92 Triple Black Deals

Sportsman's Warehouse	$890
Guns.com	$710

Best 9mm Tactical Lever Action: POF USA Tombstone

LVRB Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: Ships with 20- or 10-round magazine
Barrel Length: 16.5 inches
Overall Length: 36 inches
Weight: 5.75 pounds
Stock Material: Polymer
MSRP: $1,962

Pros

Unique Design
Short Lever Throw
Excellent Accuracy

Cons

Reliability Issues
Expensive

What can I say, other than POF cooked up what might be the coolest lever action since Winchester slapped on a loading gate. The Tombstone is a 9mm, magazine-fed lever gun with perhaps the most tactical profile of all tactical lever actions. It could be the whole package… could be.

To the good first. As I mentioned the carbine is among the most unique-looking guns almost Tombstone meets Heat. The front end resembles an AR-15, with an aluminum M-Lok handguard wrapping the lower end of the barrel. The aft is all lever action, with a largish action and an extended hammer—though the Magpul stock takes us back to modern times. The Tombstone comes with a Picatinny rail on the action to mount a scope, though POF includes a blade front and ghost-ring rear as part of the package.

Given that 9mm isn’t a lever-action cartridge—much shorter than what the platform was engineered for—the lever throw is much terser. This is where the bad creeps in. I found you had to work the action to avoid malfunctions. Generally, it was a failure to feed issues that plagued the gun, and in all fairness, these worked their way out throughout shooting. But I didn’t find the lever as smooth or enjoyable as most lever guns I’ve shot.

One other point worth considering is the way the stock is configured, low rings are advisable. Go even moderately high rings pull the cheek off the comb; with irons, my weld was perfect.

This is forgivable in some respects, given the gun is very accurate for what it is. At 50 yards, I had it printing between 1.5 to 2 MOA. With the action broken in—and aided by the included brake—the polite 9mm ammo could print out groups at double time. The Tombstone has the potential of being a defensive option if it weren’t so prone to malfunctions. At this point, I consider it more a range toy, ranch gun or competition carbine than anything else.

Tombstone Deals

Palmetto State Armory	$1,849
Guns.com	$1,734

Tactical Lever Action FAQ

Can you use a lever-action rifle for home defense?

Yes, the lever-action rifle is a solid option for home defense. While its rate of fire isn't as great as an AR-15 or other semi-automatics, the rifles are generally accurate and fire powerful cartridges. In particular, the pistol-caliber lever-actions opens the door to a host of magnum cartridges, such as the .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum.

What are the disadvantages of a lever-action rifle?

The main disadvantages of a lever-action are its rate of fire, capacity and the need of two hands to operate it efficiently. The rifle shoots at a slower rate than AR-15s and other semi-automatics, given the operator must actuate the lever to cycle the gun. Compared to most modern semi-autos, the capacity is much lower–the AR-15 uses a 30-round magazine, while most lever actions hold 8 or less rounds. Given an operator must work the lever to cycle the gun a lever action is much more difficult to run if injured and the user only has one hand to manipulate the rifle.

Why are lever action rifles not used anymore?

Lever actions are not used as much now because semi-automatic rifles surpass them in performance. Thought, the classic design has regained favor in recent years, somewhat do to legislation limiting ownership of semi-auto rifles.

What is the most common lever action round?

While lever actions are presently found in a multitude of different calibers, the most common remains the .30-30 Winchester. Given the cartridge was originally a black-powder cartridge and its favor among deer hunters, the .30-30 in lever actions is prolific. While it might not be the most popular cartridge today, nearly every lever action designed to shoot bottleneck cartridges will have a .30-30 chambering.

Hardware Talk: Ram-It AR-15 Speed Loader

Patrick Sweeney

February 21, 2025

Ram your AR-15 magazines with a Ram-It speed loader, your fingers will thank you.

A day at the range is fun. Well, there are some un-fun parts. You know … taping targets, picking up brass and loading magazines.

Fortunately, J&M Innovative Products (aka Fastloaders.com) has a solution to that last one: Their Ram-It patent-pending gizmo makes loading an AR-15 magazine easy.

Ram-It AR-15 Speed Loader — Here’s the Ram-It with the two rear plates and the ram. This will make range day a whole lot more fun.

The tool is bigger than a magazine, so it won’t fit into your pocket … but that also makes it easier to keep track of. (This has a good chance of being “lost” at the range, if you aren’t careful.) And it fits nicely in your range bag next to the magazines it will load.

The system is easy. Take the main housing and slide it onto a magazine. It locks in place, using the magazine latch slot. If you’re using loose ammo, slide the rear plate off, drop rounds into the slot and slide the plate back on. Then, use the rammer to shove them into the magazine.

Ram-It speedloader — The Ram-It with loose rounds dropped in (you’ll have to keep it more or less vertical) and the ram in place. The rear plate is off to show how it works.

If you have ammo in boxes, use the extra back plate. Slide its slot over the rims of the boxed rounds and lift them out of the box. Slide the back plate into the Ram-It, and—bingo—use the rammer.

You can even use rounds that are already on stripper clips. Slide the stripper clips into the Ram-It body without the back plate there and shove the rounds into the magazine.

This is cool, but why spend $40 to load magazines? Simple: It makes life easier.

Unlike the spoon found with a bandolier of ammo, the Ram-It locks onto the magazine. And unlike the GI method, you don’t use your hand to strip rounds—you’ve got the tool for that. I’ve seen more than one instance of someone at a Patrol Rifle class using USGI strippers who ended up bleeding from one sharp edge or another. The spoon is small and easily lost (and bends when stepped on), while the Ram-It isn’t.

You can get your Ram-It in colors—Desert Tan, gray and FDE. And for those who are shooting the big bores, they make one for the AR-10 platform as well.

When I load magazines, I do it in one of two settings. If I’m testing a rifle, I load five of this, then five of that, and so on. It’s a hassle, but it’s hard to justify a magazine loader for that. When I’m practicing, training or competing, however, I load up my magazines with only the one type of ammo I’m using. That’s where a speed loader like the Ram-It (and I have mine, so I’m set) makes life easier.

As I said, the Ram-It is too big to fit in a pocket, but that makes it easier to manipulate. And, because it’s molded plastic, its size makes it perfect for some stencils and spray paint … because you’re going to want to put your initials on yours to warn off otherwise-envious shooters.

I’m not saying the guys at your gun club can’t be trusted, just that they will be giving your Ram-It an “I want one of those” looks.

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the April 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Get On Target With The AR:

Best Budget AR-15 Options And Buyers Guide
Go Small With These 8 Economical AR Pistol Options
AR-10 vs. AR-15: How Stoner’s Rifles Stack Up
AR-15 Lower: Putting The Internals Together
How It Works: The AR Upper
Top AR-15 Upgrades From Top To Bottom
Upgrades: Top AR-15 Parts

First Look: Bear Creek Arsenal .22 ARC BC-15 Rifles

Adam Borisenko

February 20, 2025

A quick look at Bear Creek Arsenal’s four new .22 ARC BC-15 rifle and upper options.

Hornady released its .22 ARC cartridge late last year and firearms manufacturers have naturally responded by developing new guns chambered for it. Four of the latest semi-automatic options come from Bear Creek Arsenal.

Expanding its already impressive catalog of AR caliber options, Bear Creek is initially offering four different .22 ARC BC-15 variants and each was designed with durability and accuracy in mind. All four are also available as either a complete rifle or as a standalone upper. Regardless of which you pick, all current .22 ARC BC-15 models in the lineup feature a 20-inch heavy-profile barrel with a 1:7 twist and a rifle-length gas system. They also all feature BCA Talon 15-inch M-LOK Split Rail handguards, BCA bolt carrier groups and flash hiders.

The only places where the rifles or uppers differ are their charging handles and barrel finish. Two of the .22 ARC BC-15s feature right-side charging handle upper receivers while the other two feature standard AR-15 rear charging handle uppers. Both of those options are also available with either a parkerized barrel or a 416R Stainless Steel barrel.

The MSRP for complete rifles starts at $534.98 and the MSRP for standalone uppers starts at $349.99.

For more information, visit bearcreekarsenal.com.

Get On Target With The AR:

Best Budget AR-15 Options And Buyers Guide
Go Small With These 8 Economical AR Pistol Options
AR-10 vs. AR-15: How Stoner’s Rifles Stack Up
AR-15 Lower: Putting The Internals Together
How It Works: The AR Upper
Top AR-15 Upgrades From Top To Bottom
Upgrades: Top AR-15 Parts

PSA JAKL Review: No Nepo Baby

Adam Borisenko

February 19, 2025

We hit the range to test out the PSA JAKL, a long-stroke hybrid child of the AR and the AK.

An AR-15 and a Kalashnikov walk into a bar. They hit it off, go home together, and 9 months later a JAKL rolls off Palmetto State Armory’s production line. At least, that’s how I imagine it happened.

Jokes aside, the JAKL is an AR/AK hybrid rifle. Its lower receiver is that of a standard AR-15, and its upper is a monolithic unit that houses an AK-style long-stroke piston system.

So, what happens when you cross the world’s two most popular small arms platforms? I found the result to be a damn fine rifle, but unlike its parents, one that’s not exactly revolutionary either. Children of celebrities have big shoes to fill, and they typically don’t, but the JAKL is no nepo baby either. It’s a rock-solid shooter with more qualities than quirks, it’s just never going to be an A-lister.

PSA JAKL SPECS (Tested):

Caliber: 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem.
Barrel Length: 13.7 inches
Barrel Thread Pitch: ½x28
Twist Rate: 1:7
Weight: 8.1 pounds (measured)
Gas System: Long-Stroke Piston
Handguard: M-LOK
Stock: F5 Mfg. MSS
Grip: Magpul MOE SL
Trigger: PSA EPT
Muzzle Device: JMAC Customs GFHCE-28-S-KM Pin & Weld
Magazine: 30-Round PMAG
Finish: Smoke Cerakote
MSRP: $1,299.99

What Is A PSA JAKL?

As mentioned, the JAKL uses an entirely mil-spec AR-15 lower receiver. All it takes for PSA to convert one into a JAKL lower is the addition of a simple adapter. Due to the JAKL upper being slightly wider, a proprietary bolt catch is required as well, but all other lower components are standard AR-15 parts.

The adapter also deletes the buffer tube, a feature no longer needed due to the long-stroke piston system. This detail allows JAKLs to have folding stocks.

The proprietary upper receiver houses the bolt carrier group/piston assembly, the recoil spring, the charging handle and the barrel with its adjustable gas block. One should note that the 7-lug bolt itself is proprietary and not a standard AR bolt. The upper sports a full-length Picatinny rail on top and an M-LOK handguard for mounting optics and other accessories.

Put the upper and lower together, and you’ve got a JAKL—for all intents and purposes a long-stroke piston AR-15. It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first design that’s attempted to transplant an AK’s operating system into a more Western body, as the FN FNC, Daewoo K2 and Sig SG 550 all did something similar. However, all of those are quite rare and expensive in the U.S., not to mention lacking modern features.

Mechanically, the JAKL is basically all AR and AK, but aesthetically it draws inspiration from the Bushmaster ACR and the FN SCAR as well. At least the JAKL models that come with an F5 stock, but not all do.

jakl vs ak bcg and spring — The PSA JAKL's recoil spring and BCG/piston assembly (top) versus an AK's.

PSA offers a huge selection of different JAKL variants, so as a platform, it’s much more than “the ACR we have at home.” They’re available as pistols with folding braces and as rifles with several different barrel lengths, and both versions are available with various furniture options, muzzle devices and finish colors. Not just in 5.56, but in .300 BLK too.

The model featured in this review is chambered for 5.56mm NATO, has a 13.7-inch nitride-finished barrel with a 1:7 twist and a pin and weld JMAC Customs muzzle device. It also features a PSA Enhanced Polished Trigger, an F5 buttstock, a Magpul MOE SL grip and a Smoke Cerakote finish. The only change I made to mine before testing was throwing on some Magpul BUIS since no irons are included.

On The Range

Upon receiving the JAKL, I proceeded to take it straight to the range and try shooting it without any cleaning or lubing. It ran so well right out of the box that I chose to not do anything to it until it started slowing down or malfunctioning. I’m happy to report that it ate through the 700 rounds or so that were allocated for this review with only a single malfunction—an anomalous failure to extract.

I ran some Lake City M855 and steel-cased 55-grain TulAmmo through it, but the bulk of the testing was done using Fiocchi Range Dynamics 55-grain .223. Big thanks to AmmunitionToGo.com for supplying it.

I also tested the JAKL using a variety of magazines and all worked without a problem. That includes the PMAG it came with as well as some various aluminum 20- and 30-rounders.

Upon getting a JAKL, the first thing you’ll have to do is dial the gas system. I found it to be a very quick and easy process. I turned it all the way open to max gas then turned it down one notch after every shot until it no longer cycled, then turned it back up one. At this setting with the Fiocchi ammo, it ran reliably and with a pleasant, mild recoil impulse. The nature of its long-stroke piston system makes the JAKL kick much more like an AK than an AR, albeit a 5.56 AK that’s not overgassed to hell.

jakl adjustable gas — The knob for adjusting the JAKL's gas.

The ergonomics and general handling felt good too, but that should probably be expected since it uses an AR lower. Control-wise, running a JAKL feels just like an AR besides the relocated charging handle which is easy to use and non-reciprocating. It’s worth mentioning that the charging handle can be swapped to the right side of the upper as well.

The handguard felt very solid and comfortable, and all the fasteners holding the upper together stayed tight throughout testing.

While dialing a rifle's gas helps lower its recoil, part of the JAKL's soft kick is simply due to its weight. The nature of long-stroke piston guns results in a lot more mass forward of the chamber than what AR-15s have. My JAKL weighed in at just a hair over 8 pounds unloaded, meanwhile, basic 16-inch AR-15s typically weigh more like 6.5 pounds. Those extra 1.5 or so pounds up front are noticeable, especially when trying to do things like presenting from low-ready or target transitions. That said, the weight is not terrible by any means, especially if you’re used to shooting heavier rifles like AKs. The obvious solution is to just hit the gym more often, but it’s still something to be aware of.

As far as the JAKL’s accuracy goes, given I only put backup iron sights on it, I didn’t attempt to put any tight groups on paper. That said, it had no problem ringing a quarter-sized silhouette steel target at 100 yards all day. I’m confident that it would be capable of good precision with the right optic, and PSA’s Enhanced Polished Trigger would only make the job easier. The trigger felt great even for the shooting I was doing thanks to its minimal take-up and very short reset. It’s much crisper than a mil-spec.

The final point I want to discuss is the F5 stock. Firstly, it does look cool, and it is the pièce de résistance for those who want a rifle that looks like an ACR. But as far as functionality goes, it’s not my favorite.

First, let’s look at its positive traits. The length of pull is easily extended by up to 3 inches, it has an adjustable cheek riser, a rubber recoil pad and it can fold to the left. I really like folding stocks, so that last point is a big plus to me. Further, when shouldering the JAKL, the F5 stock does feel comfortable.

However, it has some downsides too. The stock, especially when fully extended, just doesn’t feel solid enough. It has a bit of play when rocking it up and down by hand, and that’s exaggerated when it’s shouldered and being shot with. This doesn’t make the rifle unusable by any means, but it is less rigid than an AR-style stock system with a buffer tube. While I didn’t torture test it, the quality of the polymer used just feels less durable than what the industry has come to expect these days. I don't think it would give you any problems at the range, but for serious, heavy use, I suspect that it wouldn’t last as long as you’d want it to.

Also, while it’s great that the stock can fold, it would be preferable if there was something that locked it in place. The stock has quite a bit of play in the folded position.

Parting Shot

So, should you buy a PSA JAKL? It depends.

If you’re a relatively new shooter looking for your first 5.56 rifle, I’d say no, you’d be better off with an AR-15. An AR will be cheaper, lighter and have better parts availability, and most would agree that ARs are simply better fighting rifles. That said, I doubt PSA disagrees. The company got its start by making affordable, good AR-15s to help arm average Americans, and they did that in droves and continue to do it today. But PSA has gotten bigger, and its production capabilities have expanded to the point that it can make more interesting, niche products as well, and that’s what the JAKL is.

To reiterate my only two real complaints, the JAKL is a bit front-heavy, and I think the F5 stock could have been better executed. If you don’t care about having ACR-ish looks, I’d pick one of the models with a different stock. And if you’re looking for a rifle to strap several more pounds of accoutrements onto, choosing a lighter host gun would make more sense. But if you already have your practical bases covered with an AR and just want something different, a JAKL could be an excellent choice.

If you want an ACR lookalike for fun, one of the 5.56 rifles with an F5 stock will scratch that itch. If you need firepower in a compact package, one of the pistol models with a folding brace would accomplish that handily. Or, if you need a suppressor host, one of the .300 BLK models that come with a muzzle brake mount would make a great option thanks to the adjustable gas system.

The bottom line is that JAKLs come in a lot of shapes, sizes and flavors, and the various models could fill many different roles that range from practical to fun. As long as you’re not shopping for your very first rifle, the JAKL lineup is well worth taking a look at.

Pros

Very reliable
Low recoil, nice shooter
Adjustable gas system
Very modular/customizable
Offered in many variants and different calibers

Cons

A bit heavy
F5 stock could be better
Not as good of a general-purpose rifle as an AR-15

More 5.56 Rifle Reviews:

Harrington & Richardson XM177E2 Review: The Lion Eats The Pony
Bushmaster XM15A2 Review: Born Again Hard
IWI Carmel Review: Sweet & Salty
Bravo Company Lightweight Lead-Slinger Build

First Look: Staccato HD Pistol Line

Adam Borisenko

February 18, 2025

We take a quick look at the Staccato HD pistol line, a new family of 2011s that take Glock mags.

If you like 2011s, you’re probably going to love the new Staccato HD line. Available in two sizes, Staccato HD pistols were designed based on direct feedback from law enforcement officers and other government agents, and the changes and new features certainly look interesting.

The first and biggest change is that Staccato HDs now feed from ubiquitous and affordable Glock-pattern magazines, and they accomplished this without even changing the grip angle. The grip safety has been omitted entirely as well. Further, the manual thumb safety, slide release lever and forward thumb index points are all fully ambidextrous and the magazine release is reversible. The final external change is that the forward slide serrations have been elongated and given a more aggressive profile.

The HOST red dot mounting system has been updated on the Staccato HD too, now allowing for direct-to-slide mounting of “the industry’s most popular optics” using a spacer system. The rear iron sight has been moved forward of the optic as well. Internal upgrades include an improved recoil system that should make for a better shooting experience and the addition of an active firing pin block.

The first of the two Staccato HD pistols to release is the P4 and it’s available now. This model features a 4-inch barrel and a full-size grip that will accept any full-size Glock-pattern mag. However, each P4 will ship with two 18-round steel mags that feature a low-friction coating. In Spring of 2025 the other Staccato HD pistol, the P4.5, will be released. This model will feature a 4.5-inch barrel but will have its front sight mounted on a stationary block at the front of the slide. This will maintain the same cycling speed of a 4-inch slide while providing more barrel length and more weight at the muzzle to fight recoil.

The Staccato HD P4 has an MSRP of $2,499 and the HD P4.5 will have an MSRP of $2,699 when it’s released.

For more information, visit staccato2011.com.

More On 2011s:

On The Range With The Springfield Prodigy DS Commander
Two Turkish 2011s: Tisas B9R Carry Vs. MAC 1911 DS
Prodigious Pistola: Springfield Prodigy DS Full-Size Review
The Oracle Arms 2311

Best Bullpup Shotgun Options For Compact Defense [Tested]

Elwood Shelton

February 14, 2025

There's no need to go full-sized in a defensive smoothbore with bullpup shotguns around. We give you the best to guard hearth and home.

Gun design is fairly rote. By that I mean, there is an accepted configuration to a particular style of firearm, which is generally adhered to. Sure, there are tweaks here and there—different grip rake or fore-end—but overall anomalies aren’t tolerated. Unless you’re talking about the bullpup.

In 1901, Thorneycroft Carbine turned gun design on its ear reconfiguring the standard rifle design in a bid to shorten the overall length of British military rifles. It certainly did the job, but proved unwieldy in almost every other respect. Given this, the bullpup design should have been just another footnote. Except as materials and mechanical design advanced, so did the feasibility of the shortened system. Now today we have quite a few choices when it comes to these odd-ducks, particularly bullpup shotguns.

If you’re unfamiliar with what’s available in this unique gun niche, we’ve gathered a few of the best bullpup shotgun options available today. But before we touch upon them, perhaps we should go over some bullpup basics.

What Is A Bullpup And Why Would I Want One?

Essentially, the bullpup—be it bullpup shotgun or bullpup rifle—is simply a design that moves the action from above the trigger to behind it. It’s as uncomplicated as that and has a profound effect on performance. At the same time, it shortens the overall length of the firearm, while maintaining its ballistic potential. It’s quite a feat when you consider it.

The easiest way to shorten the length of a firearm is to trim down the barrel. Just like that, the gun is shorter. But you potentially pay a price in ballistic performance given most cartridges (or shotgun shells) produce more velocity through a longer bore. Conversely, the bullpup ignores barrel length and shortens the system by kicking everything back a few inches.

There are pros and cons to this approach, which we go in-depth on in our piece about bullpup rifles. But in thumbnail the ups and downs of the design are these:

Pros

Compact size helps it excel in close-quarters
Support hand closer to the muzzle makes it more controllable and nimble
Mass closer to the body makes it easier to manage for longer periods of time
Longer barrel improves ballistic performance

Cons

Triggers tend to be poor and squishy
Many are not friendly to lefties, ejecting spent rounds into the face
Some designs, particularly ones with box magazines can be difficult to reload quickly
Design is inherently tail heavy

Like any firearm design, the bullpup shotgun has its good and bad points. Some shooters might find it the perfect tool for their particular application. Others might chalk it up as just another useless twist to proven designs. If you don’t know where you fall but are interested in a bullpup shotgun or rifle, it’s worth doing your homework.

More than reading an article, try to find a gun range or dealer that has specimens you can test fire. Only after you’re behind the business end of a bullpup will you truly know if it’s the loyal companion you’ve been searching after.

Get More Bullpup Info:

Nimble Advantage: Best Bullpup Rifle Options
So, You’re In The Market For An SKS Bullpup…
Oddities: The AK Bullpup?
Gun Review: The IWI Tavor SAR Bullpup
Escort BTS Bullpup Shotgun

Are Bullpups Any Good?

For the most part, when manufactured by a reputable company, bullpup shotguns are a solid and fun addition to an arsenal. There's a rub to this: there aren't many reputable companies making this class of gun. It's mind boggling how many bullpups there actually are on the market, many of which are a step above fly-by-night importers with dubious QC. While there are fine guns made in Turkey, buyers do have to beware because there are more factories turning out dumpster fires than quality guns in that region. The question you might ask yourself before rushing off to buy that $200 bullpup is: Is this deal too good to be true? The answer to this is typically yes.

How We Selected The Best Bullpup Shotguns

The shotgun is as common as bluegrass in the suburbs and is a class of firearm we Gun Digest editors have spent a lot of time behind the trigger. These include seasoned hunters, sporting clays competitors and in tactical games–such as 3-Gun. Our experience runs from gun enthusiast to veteran military and law enforcement, which gives us a pretty good cross-section of potential users. Based on our combined and hands-on experience with bullpup shotguns we chose the best off a number of criteria, the chief of these being:

Reliability–does the gun actually run, because there are a lot of trash bullpups that do not.
Ergonomics–Does the gun have an intuitive and familiar Manual Of Arms–was the gun comfortable and were the controls laid out in a logical fashion?
Accessory Compatibility–Given many bullpups are import trash, built and sold quickly, many components–such as rails–are not in spec. We want our guns in spec.

Weighing these criteria and many others, we agreed these were the best bullpups from our standpoint. Now, onto the good stuff.

Best Bullpup Shotgun Comparison

Make/Model	Available Gauges	Overall Length (inches)	Barrel Length (inches)	Weight (pounds)	Action	Capacity	Frame	Sights	Choke	MSRP
S&W M&P 12	12	27.8	19	8.3	Pump-Action	12+1 3″ shells, 14+1 2 3/4″ shells	Polymer	Optics Rail	Rem Choke	$1,239
IWI Tavor TS12	12	28.34	18.5	9	Gas-Operated Semi-Auto	8+1 3″ shells, 10+1 2 3/4″ shells	Polymer	Optics Rail	Beretta, Benelli	$1,399
Rock Island Armory VRBP-100	12	32	20	7.94	Gas-Operated Semi-Auto	5+1	Polymer	Flip Up, Optics Rail	Beretta, Benelli	$599
Kel-Tec KSG	12, .410	26.1	18.5	6.9	Pump-Action	12+1 3″ shells, 14+1 2 3/4″ shells	Polymer	Optics Rail	Choke Tube Adaptor Sold Seperately (compatible with WinChoke)	$845
TriStar Compact Tactical	12	30	18.5	8.6	Gas-Operated Semi-Auto	10+1	Polymer	Flip Up, Optics Rail	Beretta, Benelli	$749
Escort Bultac SA	12, 20, .410	27.75	18	7	Gas-Operated Semi-Auto	5+1	Polymer	Detachable carry handle w/ fiber optic front ; Optics Rail	Fixed Cylinder	$350

Best Bullpup Shotguns

Best Overall Bullpup Shotgun: S&W M&P 12
Best Semi-Auto Bullpup Shotgun: Rock Island Armory VRBP-100
Best Looking Bullpup Shotgun: IWI Tavor TS12
Best Pump-Action Bullpup Shotgun: Kel-Tec KSG
Best AK Bullpup Shotgun: TriStar Compact Tactical
Best Newcomer Bullpup Shotgun: Escort BullTac SA

Best Overall Bullpup Shotgun: S&W M&P 12

M&P 12 Specs
Gauges Available: 12 (tested)
Overall Length: 27.8″
Barrel Length: 19″
Weight (Unloaded): 8.3 lbs.
Action: Pump-Action
Capacity: 12+1 3″ shells, 14+1 2 3/4″ shells
Frame: Polymer
Sights: Optics Rail
Choke: Rem Choke
MSRP: $1,239

Pros

Excellent Capacity
Top-Notch Ergonomics
Reliable

Cons

Expensive

What we like about Smith & Wesson is the pump-action 12-gauge boasts dual magazine tubes, providing a total capacity of 14+1 when loaded with 2 3/4-inch shells. The M&P 12 does feature a 3-inch chamber, however, so it can also be loaded with 12+1 3-inch shells–defensively, we'd go for the capacity over power. That's us.

The M&P 12 also sports two pistol grips for better control, one rear and one forward on the pump, and both are modeled after the M&P pistol series which includes the ability to swap backstraps according to user preference. The total package is 27.8 inches long and weighs just over eight pounds unloaded, making its heft comparable to many of the other bullpup shotguns on this list. Unlike some of the other listed models, however, the M&P 12 sports fully ambidextrous, AR-15-style controls and its muzzle is compatible with Rem Chokes.

Other features on the M&P 12 include a loaded chamber indicator, Picatinny rail for optics, M-LOK for mounting accessories and a push-button assisted loading/unloading system. That being said, the complex loading process means that you will never want to top off in the middle of a defensive scenario, so hopefully the shotgun’s generous 15-round potential capacity proves large enough to get you through the fight.

In testing the M&P 12, we found the bullpup among one of the most reliable on the list with zero malfunctions in our time with it. This shouldn't prove much of a surprise, given it is a pump-action. However, dual-tube ‘pups have been known to act wacky, particularly when jumping between the magazines. This certainly didn't happen to us.

The gun felt good at the shoulder, though bucky on the trigger pull. We also appreciated the ambidextrous controls, as they not only made the gun lefty-friendly but truly tactical as well given how it facilitates easy operatation with either hand.

Overall, the gun ticks all the boxes to make it the overall best bullpup shotgun at present, except for price. Like all guns in this class, it's plasticky, so the above $1,000 price tag feels steep.

M&P 12 Deals

Guns.com	$1,114
Palmetto State Armory	$1,150
Sportsman's Warehouse	$1,200

Best Semi-Auto Bullpup Shotgun: Rock Island Armory VRBP-100

VRBP-100 Specs
Gauges Available: 12 (tested)
Overall Length: 32″
Barrel Length: 20″
Weight (Unloaded): 7.94 lbs.
Action: Gas-Operated Semi-Auto
Capacity: 5+1
Frame: Polymer
Sights: Flip Up, Optics Rail
Choke: Beretta, Benelli
MSRP: $599

Pros

Affordable
Very Ergonomic
Accurate

Cons

Lengthy Break-In period

Known for its economical 1911 pistols, Rock Island Armory has made a lot of noise lately on the shotgun front. While much of this has been accomplished in the AR-style shotgun realm, the gunmaker has expanded into bullpups with the VRBP-100. Shooters are lucky they have. The 12-gauge is a stout shooter, but inexpensive and effective.

The main draw of this bullpup shotgun is that it’s a gas-operated semi-automatic, quick shot-to-shot, and highly reliable. With time, when it comes to the gun's reliability. RIA specifies a 500-round break-in period for its semi-automatics. While the gun wasn't overly finicky in kicking shells early on, the further we pushed it the better it performed.

The VRBP-100 isn't as tame as many semi-autos, we consider it a downright thumper, truth be told. Still, even with a kick, it remains a very nimble option and accurate at shotgun ranges.

If you're a righty, the ergonomics are excellent. For a gun that falls in the budget category, we were surprised with how well RIA laid out the VRBP-100. The controls are right in reach and once you are familiar with the layout the gun is quick to manipulate. The only ping we give it here is the charging handle is not reversible, something lefties might not care for. And it left us scratching our collective heads because the gun boasts an ambidextrous safety and mag release.

The gun feeds off 5-, 9- and 19-round detachable box magazines, which gives it fairly ample firepower. However—as is the case with most bullpups—the mag well residing in the stock slowed down our reloads. If you're dedicated to the system and work on it, I'm sure you'll swap mags much faster than we did.

Finally, you can't beat RIA's price on this semi-auto bullpup. Sub-$600, the gun makes it well worth enduring its break-in period and we find it an overall potent choice in bullpup shotguns.

VRBP-100 Deals

Palmetto State Armory	$437
Sportsman's Warehouse	$500

Best Looking Bullpup Shotgun: IWI Tavor TS12

TS12 Specs
Gauges Available: 12 (tested)
Overall Length: 28.34″
Barrel Length: 18.5″
Weight (Unloaded): 9 lbs.
Action: Gas-Operated Semi-Auto
Capacity: 8+1 3″ shells, 10+1 2 3/4″ shells
Frame: Polymer
Sights: Optics Rail
Choke: Beretta, Benelli
MSRP: $1,399

Pros

Excellent Firepower
Surprisingly Lightweight
Good Accessories Support

Cons

Malfunctions
Manual Rotation Of Tube Magazines

The elephant in the room is this is a mammoth bullpup shotgun. Not in length—it measures 28 inches (for reference, that’s 2 inches longer than a Mossberg Shockwave). But in bulk. Despite this, we found the TS12 surprisingly easy to manage, and paid us back for adapting to its size.

Much of the bullpup's mild manners are thanks to the TS12's gas-operated semi-automatic nature, and the 12-gauge does not want in firepower either. How about 15+1 shells on tap in a three-tube rotating magazine—a design point we like because it adds to the gun's sci-fi good looks. Unfortunately, tube rotation is manual, but we found the procedure can be mastered through familiarity with the firearm. The only way IWI could onboard more ammo would be to go drum magazine, which by all accounts is as impractical as it is heavy.

We'd love to say IWI’s design makes for a true fighting shotgun—easy to maneuver and relatively comfortable to operate. Particularly obliging is a reversible charging handle that’s accessible and modifiable to the dominant hand or shooting style. Except, we did find the bullpup tended to malfunction.

In particular, failure to eject. Specifically, this occurred with lighter low-brass loads as it fared well with buckshot. Early on, we didn't find setting the gas system to “L” (Light) did anything to alleviate the issues with bird shot. However, shooting the gun more did. We cleaned and lubed the gun, ran heavier loads, and then went back to birdshot. This reduced the failures to eject considerably. We believe the gun requires a break-in period before it hits its stride and—like many gas-operated shotguns–diligent cleaning and lubrication.

That out of the way, what we love about this gun is the TS12 is astonishingly light for its size, a scant 8 pounds and with an 18.5-inch barrel the bullpup is relatively nimble. The gun's 3-inch chamber, M-Lok compatible rails, compatibility with Benelli/Beretta chokes and cross-bolt safety are also appreciated.

We wish we could suggest this gun as a defensive option but are tentative given the malfunctions. Still, we believe in a less serious role, the TS12 is out of sight and has the potential to become the most interesting gun in your safe.

Tavor TS12

Palmetto State Armory	$1,289
Guns.com	$1,428
Sportsman's Warehouse	$1,290

Best Pump-Action Bullpup Shotgun: Kel-Tec KSG

KSG Specs
Gauges Available: .410, 12 (tested)
Overall Length: 26.1″
Barrel Length: 18.5″
Weight (Unloaded): 6.9 lbs.
Action: Pump-Action
Capacity: 12+1 3″ shells, 14+1 2 3/4″ shells
Frame: Polymer
Sights: Optics Rail
Choke: Choke Tube Adaptor Sold Seperately (compatible with WinChoke)
MSRP: $845

Pros

Compact
Great Capacity
Ambidextrous

Cons

Malfunctions can be hard to clear

The KSG, in some respects, is the granddaddy of the bullpup shotgun renaissance. I suppose that's thanks to John Wick. Still, the Kel-Tec being long in the tooth doesn't mean the gun is out to pasture. It's certainly one we found cut muster in our testing and is still holding its own in this class of firearms.

Where we get excited about this gun is its compactness. At 26 inches, we flew through target transitions and found it easy to manipulate around cover. Plus, we can't complain about the gun's firepower. Twin-tube magazines give the shotgun impressive firepower, 15+1 2 ¾-inch shells and 12+1 3-inch shells. More than enough ammo on tap to get most jobs done.

Furthermore, the controls of the gun are comfortable and well laid out. Kel-Tec makes it easy to jump from one magazine to another via a selector switch behind the grip. The one addition we suggest is adding a hand stop to the slide—you'll thank us later.

Convenient, the KSG loads very similarly to a traditional pump-action, through a bottom port. Conceivably, this should make it simpler to load on the fly–but trust us, it's still a slog given it takes a lot to juice this gun. However, it makes it lefty-friendly, given that spent shells eject out of the same port downwards.

To the bad, the all-things-in-one-port design makes clearing malfunctions lengthy. We had to invert the gun in most cases to clear failures to eject—not optimal. Then there's the factor of malfunctions in general.

This has always been the knock against the KSG and mainly had to do with feed issues early in its life. Much of this has been ironed out by Kel-Tec redesigning the troublesome parts. Now if it occurs, it’s generally an operator error. In our case, the failures all occurred when short-stoking the slide.

One last point, the gun is a kicker and not exactly something you want to take out for a couple rounds of skeet. Then again, the gun wasn't designed for clay. It's a fighter and if run properly fills that role.

KSG Deals

Scheels	$530
Palmetto State Armory	$727

Best AK Bullpup Shotgun: TriStar Compact Tactical

Compact Tactical Specs
Gauges Available: 12 (tested)
Overall Length: 30″
Barrel Length: 18.5″
Weight (Unloaded): 8.6 lbs.
Action: Gas-Operated Semi-Auto
Capacity: 10+1
Frame: Polymer
Sights: Flip Up, Optics Rail
Choke: Beretta, Benelli
MSRP: $749

Pros

AK-Style Controls
Decent Trigger
Affordable For A Semi-Auto

Cons

Gas Adjustment Is Tedious

Better known for its classy and economical field and range shotguns, TriStar has also tried its hand in the tactical end of the market. The Compact Tactical is the result and offers shooters a fairly tidy package with one of the most affordable price tags on the market.

As things go, we like the Compact Tactical given it's essentially an AK shotgun, though looks nothing like one at first blush. But from it's lever safety, paddle release, side charging, and rock-and-lock mags—it's all there. For our editors who live and breathe Russian guns, running this was like slipping into an old pair of shoes.

The other surprising point, the trigger is not a hot mess—as is the case with many bullpups. The break is very acceptable, though the reset is a little craggy. And the gun's recoil is very acceptable, even boarding on superb.

A few of the down points, the gun has an adjustable gas block so it can run a load of different shells. However, we found when set for heavier loads, it most certainly wouldn't kick birdshot. Then there's the issue of adjusting the gas block, which we despised, given you've got to take the Compact Tactical upper body off, which involves screws. Eesh.

Then there's the elephant in the room—the bullpup's looks. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, particularly with bullpups. But for many on the Gun Digest editorial team, Tri-Star's offering pushes the limit on acceptable aesthetics. Finally, it's the least compact offering of our choices—a full 30 inches long. At this point, it is almost a deal breaker, given the whole appeal of bullpups is their compact size.

All that said, we can't help but like the Compact Tactical. It runs well and offers you Saiga familiarity. There is a lot to appreciate in that.

Compact Tactical Deals

Palmetto State Armory	$715
Gritr Sports	$684
Sportsman's Warehouse	$660

Best Newcomer Bullpup Shotgun: Escort BullTac SA

Escort BullTac SA Specs
Gauges Available: .410, 20, 12 (tested)
Overall Length: 27.75″
Barrel Length: 18″
Weight (Unloaded): 7 lbs.
Action: Gas-Operated Semi-Auto
Capacity: 5+1
Frame: Polymer
Sights: Detachable carry handle w/ fiber optic front , optics rail
Choke: Fixed cylinder
MSRP: $350

Pros

Entry-Level Pricing
Reliable
Available In Multiple Gauges

Cons

Low Capacity

Save Smith & Wesson jumping into the bullpup game there have been few new entries of note lately in this class of gun. The BullTac SA is the exception.

Manufactured by Hatsan (yes, of airgun fame), the gun is not a bad option for those who want to add a bullpup to their collection but not break the bank doing so. In short, it's a fun gun that could push into the defensive realm and is worth its sub-$400 price tag.

The gun to us is straightforward, simply a single-tube pump-action. While the capacity game has driven bullpups in recent years, there is something to be said about sticking to the tried and true. And in the case of the BullTac, this equates to a highly reliable shotgun. We tested the 12-gauge version and didn't come up with a single malfunction, aided by a very workable slide.

The gun is comfortable too. The editors found the gun fit at the shoulder and the controls were intuitive and in reach, with a shotgun mainstay cross-bolt safety and a loading port typical to most pumps—though further back. Also, we like the side ejection port, which should cut down on clearing malfunctions—we can't say, we didn't have one.

To the pros, we also liked the carrying handle with the pic rail, which gives the gun a unique look and the stop at the end of the pump, which improved cycling the gun. Finally—though we only tested the 12—we love Escort/Hatsan offers this gun in multiple gauges and we'd love to give the 20 a day in court.

On to the bad. It's a 5+1 capacity shotgun, given it's imported from Turkey. Honestly, this is a minor ding, given that 6 rounds are ample for a lot of situations, plus the BullTac loads quickly. But we agree that it might not suit some folks' needs.

All that said, we like this gun and think it's a worthy addition to our list. Given its price, the BullTac punches above its weight.

Bulltac SA

Guns.com	$260
Palmetto State Armory	$300
Sportsman's Guide	$260

Bullpup Shotgun FAQ

Are Bullpup Shotguns Legal in All States?

For the most part yes. There are no state laws banning bullpup shotguns, however, a certain model may run afoul of certain state laws. This is especially true concerning magazine capacity. Always check your local laws to ensure gun you're thinking of purchasing is legal.

Are Bullpup Shotguns good for home defense?

Yes, bullpups can be good for home defense if they are reliable. The guns are compact, thus excel in close-quarters combat. Like all shotguns, they have a devesting payload. And many bullpups have excellent capacity. However, if they have a tendancy to malfuntion–which many do–all of those assets don't amount to much.

Do Bullpup Shotguns have better recoil management?

A bullpup's recoil depends on a number of factors; its action, weight and type of load are among the most important. For the most part, a heavy gas-operated bullpup should have fairly tame recoil, while a light pump-action will prove stouter. Overall, bullpups do not inherently have more or less recoil than a traditional shotgun and are very similar in managment.

How do Bullpup Shotguns compare to traditional shotguns?

The bullpups main difference compared to a traditional shotgun is its compact size. Arguably, traditional shotguns are more versitile and have a better track record for running smoothly.

Updates: February 2025: Removed UTAS UTS-15, added Escort Bultac SA.

Explore the World of Shotguns: Tips and Insights

Best AR-12 – Top Picks for Tactical Shotguns
410 Shotgun Buyers Guide – Everything You Need to Know
Best Over/Under Shotguns – Affordable Doubles
Best Semi Auto Shotguns – Scatterguns For The Field And Defense
Buyer's Guide: Best Budget Double Barrel Shotguns
8 Gauge Shotgun – A Closer Look at This Forgotten Classic
Tactical Shotgun Buyers Guide – Everything You Need to Know
Lever Action Shotguns – Past, Present And Future
Best Pump Action Shotguns – A Buyer's Guide
How To Improve Tactical Shotgun Skills

Adam Borisenko contributed to this article.

First Look: Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot

Adam Borisenko

February 14, 2025

Turkey hunters rejoice! Vortex has just announced the direct-mount Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot.

Turkey hunters, wingshooters and anyone else that could benefit from an easy-to-mount shotgun optic should be pleased to hear about Vortex’s new Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot. Featuring an enclosed housing and an integrated mount designed for shotguns that are drilled and tapped, the new Viper should be rugged in the field and easy to install on a variety of standard shotguns.

Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot

The integrated mount doesn’t just allow for the Viper to be installed on tons of common shotgun models without any plates or adaptors, but it also places the optic in a natural location that plays nicely with a normal cheek weld.

Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot 1

The optic itself is available with either a 3-MOA red dot or a multi-reticle configuration that allows for 7 different combinations of a 3-MOA dot, a 32-MOA circle and a 65-MOA circle, and both models feature 12 brightness settings. Regarding the multi-reticle Viper model, Vortex says that the 3-MOA dot is best for slow or stationary targets, the 32-MOA circle approximates the pattern of a full choke and is best for targets at a distance and the 65-MOA circle attempts to match the pattern of a modified choke and is best for closer-range targets. Both versions of the Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot are powered by a single CR2032 battery and have advertised battery lives of 50,000 hours. They also feature side-load battery compartments and automatically activate and shut off based on motion.

MSRP for the 3-MOA dot Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot is $430 and MSRP for the multi-reticle version is $500.

For more information, visit vortexoptics.com.

More On Shotguns:

The Night's Watch: Choosing The Best Home Defense Shotgun
Best Semi-Auto Shotgun: Scatterguns For The Field & Defense
The Pump-Action Shotgun Buyer's Guide
The AR-12 Shotgun Buyer's Guide
Best Double-Barrel Shotgun: Affordable Edition
Top Bullpup Shotgun Options For Compact Defense
The Best Tactical Shotgun Options: Buyer's Guide
All About AK Shotguns

Self-Defense: May You Vs. Should You

Grant Cunningham

February 13, 2025

The decisions you make in the moments following a self-defense shooting will define the rest of your life.

Defensive-Revolver-Fundementals-1 — This article is an excerpt of *Gun Digest's Defensive Revolver Fundamentals, 2nd Edition*.

In the world of defensive shooting instruction, there is always the “what if” discussion: “What if this happens? Is it legal to shoot someone?” These kinds of hypothetical questions are a traditional part of internet gun forums, to the extent that many of them have sub-forums just for such discussions.

Even in courses devoted to self-defense law, much time is spent examining whether you may or may not legally shoot someone. How close does someone need to get before shooting is allowed? What kinds of weapons constitute a threat that would excuse shooting? Big attacker versus small one? Multiple attackers versus one? Young versus old?

Don’t get me wrong; all these questions are valid, and the answers are essential to understanding the application of law in self-defense cases. Knowing legal concepts such as the affirmative defense and its burdens on you as a defendant in court is a vital part of your defensive training.

It’s also critical you understand that shooting an attacker may very well lead to their death. While you never, ever shoot with the intent to kill, you do shoot to stop someone from killing you. Very often, the result of that fight-ending action is the attacker’s death. This reality makes the decision to use your gun a very (pardon the pun) grave one: You may end up justifiably taking the life of another human being.

Just Because You May …

From a philosophical standpoint, our laws recognize the reality that sometimes it’s necessary to shoot and possibly kill someone to save your life or the life of another innocent person. That’s the basis of the affirmative defense, which itself is the foundation for any claim of legitimate self-defense: Yes, you shot them, but you had an excusable reason for doing so.

In other words, there are situations under the law where you may shoot someone.

That doesn’t mean you always should, however. Regardless of any local requirements for you to retreat unless otherwise unable, shooting someone should be reserved for those situations where you really need to: when there is no other recourse.

That isn’t a defeatist attitude, nor am I saying that you must cower in fear. It’s an acknowledgment that shooting another human being—even a lifetime criminal who has done no good in society—will change your life. It will cost you money, time, reputation and friendships. A criminal defense might cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Even if you’re cleared of criminal charges, the attacker’s family might decide to press a civil suit against you, which is a common happening in today’s world. Again, think tens of thousands of dollars at a minimum for your legal defense fees.

Shooting someone, therefore, should always be reserved for those situations where it’s necessary. How do you know it’s necessary?

In the legal portions of many self-defense classes are taught such concepts as ability, opportunity, jeopardy and preclusion—the criteria by which the use of lethal force is justified. You need to know those things ahead of time to fully understand where you’re allowed to use lethal force and where you aren’t.

That kind of legal analysis is not something you’re likely going to have time to do during an attack, however. Instead of focusing on whether you may use lethal force in the heat of action, I believe it’s better to focus on whether you need to.

It’s possible, perhaps even likely, that when you really need to shoot, there won’t be enough time to run through the legal analysis that answers the question, “May I?” Your attacker appears suddenly, you see a known and articulable threat to your life, and respond appropriately. That’s the very situation for which our laws are made: when your life is in immediate and otherwise unavoidable danger, and you must make a decision now.

Knowing ahead of time the kinds of attacks for which lethal force is appropriate, and deciding under what circumstances you would and would not shoot, will lay the groundwork for responding efficiently and appropriately.

Don’t misunderstand. You may be legally allowed to do so at that point. The totality of the circumstances may be such that, as the old saying goes, there isn’t a jury in the world that would convict you. You may have met all the legal criteria. None of that means you should exercise your trigger finger unless you need to. The question you should be asking yourself when reaching for your revolver isn’t “may I shoot this guy?” but rather “do I need to shoot this guy?” If you have time and the presence of mind to consider that question, the answer is “probably not.”

It illustrates why a class in the legalities of lethal force is so essential.

The Courtroom Downside to “May I?”

One of the problems with focusing on the “May I” rather than “Do I need to” question comes when that jury starts looking at your case. There have been court cases where someone was legally allowed to shoot their attacker (or at least believed they were legally justified), but the jury looked askance at their decision.

Focusing on the “May I?” question tends to look very much like searching for loopholes or legal technicalities to get a guilty person off. Whether that’s right or valid is a discussion for another book, but in those cases where the shoot decisions weren’t clear-cut, the defendants had a much harder time (sometimes requiring more than one trial).

If you’re the defendant, this is probably how it seems your testimony is being evaluated.

As I see it, it’s a lot easier to defend the claim that “I needed to, and here’s why” than it is to defend “the law says I could, so I did.” That’s why I focus on “should” rather than “may.”

Common Misconceptions

One comment I frequently hear when talking about the legal aspects of self-defense is the idea that someone who has been involved in a “clean” or “good” shoot doesn’t have to worry because their innocence will shine through to protect them.

I have a bridge I’d like to sell you if you believe that.

The trouble is that neither you nor I, nor the investigating officers, get to decide what’s “clean” and what’s not. That’s not to say that the police can’t choose to drop an investigation due to overwhelming evidence or lack thereof—they certainly can—but not every self-defense case is absolutely clear-cut. There are many instances of legitimate defensive shootings where the evidence wasn’t unequivocal (those situations are occasionally exploited by politically motivated prosecutors).

Ultimately, it’s only the trier(s) of the facts—the jury or the judge in a bench trial—who can definitively declare your case to be clean or not. In my state, a Grand Jury makes the first decision, and if they say it isn’t “clean,” it then goes to trial, where you have the opportunity for a jury of your peers to make the final decision. At trial, someone else will be scrutinizing your acts, and you’ll be paying a lawyer a vast sum of money to present your case in a favorable light.

If you remember nothing else, remember this: what looks clean to you or me may not look that way to a person who doesn’t understand self-defense. Even if you explain it in detail, they may still not understand, especially if they’re weighing your explanation against someone else trying to convince them of the opposite.

Noted defense attorney Jim Fleming was fond of saying that self-defense is determined by inches and seconds. What seems perfectly fine to you may be interpreted entirely differently by people looking at those inches and seconds in detail and with the dual luxuries of time and undivided attention.

After Your Ears Stop Ringing

After the incident, you need to articulate why you did what you did. This point is where your education in self-defense legalities becomes crucial, so you understand why the law allowed you to respond with lethal force.

Whether you shoot or not, you must make your own call into the 9-1-1 center as soon as you can. Though it’s not legal proof of innocence, investigators often take the stance that the first person to call in is the victim. This status tends to influence opinions throughout the justice system.

Make sure you’re the first to call 9-1-1, whether you shot or not.

This maxim is particularly true in those cases where a gun was drawn and, for whatever reasons, was not fired. The bad guy gets to a phone first and says you assaulted them with a gun; minutes later, your call comes in, and you say they attacked you with a rock. Which of you is more believable at that moment?

Call 9-1-1 and describe your address and important landmarks. Then say that you need the police, that you were forced to shoot someone in self-defense, and that the attacker is down and needs medical attention. Then, describe yourself: height, weight, clothes and distinguishing features. That’s so that officers will be able to instantly identify you, the victim when they get on the scene.

When the police arrive, make sure that you’re not holding your revolver in your hand! Either holster it before they see you or put it down—cylinder open—and step away. The last thing you want is an officer to get out of their car at a shooting scene and see you holding a gun. They don’t see the halo we all believe we wear; they see a person with a gun and a body on the ground leaking bodily fluids. It’s not a situation where you want to be mistaken for the attacker.

Tell the officers that you were attacked, that you were forced to shoot in self-defense, and that you will “sign the complaint” (the legal version of “I’ll press charges”). Be sure to point out any evidence (attacker’s weapon, signs of a scuffle, indications on your person that you were assaulted, etc.) so that it isn’t missed in the investigation. (Or so that it doesn’t magically stick to an accomplice’s fingers and be taken from the scene. It happens.)

Make sure the officers know who can corroborate your story. Point out any witnesses. People tend to wander off, particularly if they’re of the “I don’t want to get involved” mentality.

Once that’s done, it’s time to exercise your right to remain silent. In other words, stop talking. Don’t give any more detail about how the incident happened or why you did what you did. Human memory is fragile, especially amid a traumatic incident, and you want to avoid saying anything that might be used against you later. You might think you’ve made an innocuous comment, which later proves to be a significant point of contention when it doesn’t precisely match the objective evidence or eyewitness testimony.

A good course of action is to say something like, “I know this is a serious situation, and you’ll have my full cooperation as soon as I’ve had a chance to speak with counsel. I’m sure you can appreciate the gravity of my position.” This is likely to be pretty close to what those same officers have been taught for those instances when they are involved in an on-duty shooting and serves as one more indication to them that you are, in fact, the innocent party.

This procedure ensures that you’ve given them the vital information they need to start their investigation while at the same time you’ve exercised (and protected) your rights against self-incrimination.

How you interact with the police after you’ve been involved in a shooting, how you articulate why you did what you did, and how well the forensic evidence is preserved will all inform the jury about whether you were justified or not. It’s in your best interest to not screw any of that up.

The foremost expert on the legalities of self-defense is Massad Ayoob. His classes on judicious use of deadly force should be considered a “must” if you plan to carry a gun for self-defense.

Use Expert Resources

I’ll repeat what I said at the top: I strongly recommend that you get appropriate instruction in the legal aftermath of defensive shootings. The premier source for training in the judicious use of lethal force is the Massad Ayoob Group, which sponsors classes all over the United States.

Famed instructor Massad Ayoob travels the country teaching what is probably the best course available on the legal issues of self-defense. Called MAG-20, you can find the schedule at massadayoobgroup.com.

(On a personal note, I consider MAG-20 to be so important that I suggest everyone who even contemplates using a gun for self-defense take the course, even before they take a “shooting course.”)

Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt of Gun Digest's Defensive Revolver Fundamentals, 2nd Edition.

More Knowledge For The Armed Citizen:

Carry Law: What Is A Righteous Shooting?
Concealed Carry and the Right to Remain Silent
Tips For Communicating With Police After Shootings
Concealed Carry: After the Shooting
Q&A: Massad Ayoob On Self-Defense

Ballistics Basics: Holding Or Dialing For Drop And Windage?

Ryan Cleckner

February 13, 2025

There are two methods of correcting for elevation and windage when shooting at extended distances — holding or dialing. The choice is yours.

Some things to know about elevation and windage corrections and holding or dialing:

You can compensate for elevation and windage two ways — holding or dialing.
Holding for drop involves Kentucky windage — holding high to compensate.
Its biggest plus is speed; there are new reticles that improve this method's accuracy.
Dialing involves adjusting scope turrets to address bullet drop and wind.
To start, it's best to dial for elevation and hold for wind.
As you advance, you can hold for both.

If you’ve been following this column, you already know that the only two variables that affect the path of your bullet on the way to the target are gravity and wind. Yes, there are other variables that also have an impact. However, they only change how much of an effect gravity and wind have.

Gravity causes your bullet to begin falling the moment it leaves the barrel, and wind can blow it off of its original path. So what? What do we do with that information?

We compensate for it!

To counter the effects of gravity, we aim higher. To offset the wind, we shoot “into the wind” so that the wind blows our bullet back into exactly where we want to hit.

You can compensate for elevation and windage — it figures that the horizontal correction for wind is called “windage” — two ways:

You can “hold” the reticle
You can “dial” the reticle

Thus begins the debate between holding or dialing.

The ‘Holding’ Technique

“Holding” the reticle, which is sometimes called “Kentucky windage,” involves aiming higher than your target to allow the bullet to drop into the target and aiming to the left or right to compensate for the wind. There are pros and cons to this method.

The biggest benefit to holding is speed. It’s much faster to aim at a new location than it is to adjust the turrets on your riflescope.

If you have a standard duplex reticle or simple crosshairs, the biggest downside to holding for both elevation and windage is that your target is now in the clear portion of your scope. This is a problem because I believe that one of the keys to successful long-range shooting involves focusing on the reticle instead of the target. Another problem with a standard reticle involves knowing exactly how much you’re holding in either direction.

Long-range shooting can be done with a standard duplex reticle, but the author recommends utilizing the advantages of a “Christmas tree” reticle to calculate holds for both elevation and windage, such as this configuration from Schmidt and Bender. - holding or dialing — Long-range shooting can be done with a standard duplex reticle, but the author recommends utilizing the advantages of a “Christmas tree” reticle to calculate holds for both elevation and windage, such as this configuration from Schmidt and Bender.

Even while using a reticle with measurement marks (a mil-dot reticle, for example), this is near impossible. Yes, you have precise marks for measuring your hold; however, you’ll need to keep shifting your eye from the target to the horizontal and vertical portions of your reticle to ensure that you’re holding the correct amount. This is OK for a quick shot, but it’s a recipe for disaster if you’re expecting accurate hits.

There are newer reticles that can help eliminate this problem. These reticles don’t feature simple crosshairs. Instead, they have a series of gradually longer horizontal lines below the main reticle that allow a shooter to focus on the correct line for their elevation hold and also for their windage hold. The pattern of these lines has caused these types of reticles to be called “Christmas tree” reticles.

Another problem with holding is that many scopes with mil-dot reticles used to have adjustable turrets with MOA adjustments. This meant that you might have known your MOA adjustment for a certain target distance, but you now needed to convert from MOA to Mils to make that quick holdover shot.

Thankfully, riflescope manufacturers have figured out that shooters want measurement marks on their reticles in the same measurement system as their turrets. My personal favorite scopes, the Vortex Razor line, come in either MOA turrets with a MOA Christmas tree-style reticle, or in a matching Mil variety.

I learned on MOA and that’s what my brain naturally thinks in first. If you’re just starting out, go with Mils — you’ll thank me later.

With these newer Christmas tree reticles, you don’t just have the benefit of holding for both windage and elevation in precise measurements while still focusing on the reticle, you also no longer need to rely on the precision of the scope’s turret adjustments.

Previously, a large cost of the scope was due to how precisely (and consistently) it could adjust. With these new reticles, you could zero your rifle and then realistically never need to touch the turrets again!

The ‘Dialing’ Technique

The second method for compensating for wind and gravity in the holding or dialing debate is adjusting your turrets to move the reticle within the scope. I call this “dialing.”

With a standard or a mil-dot reticle, I strongly recommend dialing only your elevation into the scope via the turrets. In other words, if you choose to dial for elevation adjustments you should still hold for windage adjustments.

This is for three reasons:

Your elevation adjustment should stay consistent while shooting at a certain target
The wind often changes faster than you can stop, readjust and then get ready to shoot again
You can quickly move from side to side along the horizontal reticle for windage and still focus on the reticle while shooting. This is because once you dial for elevation, the horizontal line of the reticle will be lined up with the target.

If I have the time, I still find myself dialing for elevation even with the newer Christmas tree-style reticles. Maybe it’s an old habit that hasn’t died, or maybe I like not having to worry about losing track of which elevation line I’m supposed to be using.

Where Should You Start?

So, here we go again. Is holding or dialing the proper course of action? Well, especially if you have a standard reticle with only one vertical and one horizontal line, you should learn by dialing your elevation and holding for your windage. It’s most efficient.

Don’t dial for wind! You likely won’t have an accurate wind-hold as the wind changes, and you’re setting yourself up to forget your currently dialed wind adjustment and miss the next shot completely.

This will help keep things simple and consistent as you shoot.

After you’ve mastered that, then you can graduate to holding for both windage and elevation. However, you really should have one of the newer Christmas tree-style reticles if you’re going to hold for both.

And here’s something I always teach my students — if you dial, turn your turrets back to the zero setting between targets (if you have time) and when you get off the rifle. Too often I see a new adjustment stacked on top of a forgotten prior adjustment.

That's about the gist of the holding or dialing debate. Ultimately, you'll have to make the choice.

This article is an excerpt from the December 2017 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

First Look: Wilson Combat Silent Bandit Suppressor

Adam Borisenko

February 12, 2025

We check out Wilson Combat’s new all-titanium suppressor called the Silent Bandit, available in four caliber options.

Wilson Combat has just expanded its suppressor line with the Silent Bandit, an all-titanium can that will be available in four different calibers. The new model is named after Bill Wilson’s dog, Bandit, as the company says both are exemplars of toughness, reliability and readiness.

Wilson Combat says that the Silent Bandit provides an average noise reduction of 31 dB, all in a sleek, lightweight design with low backpressure. Offered in 5.56mm, 6.8mm, 7.62mm and 9mm, all versions are available in either 5- or 6-baffle configurations. All baffle stacks are titanium, but the 5-baffle version is obviously a bit shorter and lighter in exchange for slightly less noise reduction. Regardless, all Silent Bandit variants have a 1.75-inch outer diameter.

As for mounting, Silent Bandit suppressors feature steel HUB mounts that attach via 1-3/8-24 UN-2A threads. The endcap is also steel and attaches via 1-3/8-24 OD threads. This also means that the can is easily user-serviceable. The QUELL K-Mount Interface also ensures that the cans will be compatible with existing Wilson Combat QUELL suppressors. Finally, all the titanum bits are coated in ARMOR-TUFF® Protective Finish, a heat-resistant material that will protect against corrosion and abrasion. The steel parts have a black nitride finish. MSRP starts at $1,119.95.

You can test the Silent Bandit yourself at CANCON Arizona! April 10-12, 2025 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility outside Phoenix, Arizona. Wilson Combat will have all of their suppressors, including the Silent Bandit, on the line for the public to shoot. Tickets to CANCON are on sale now!

Visit CANCONEVENT.COM

For more information, visit wilsoncombat.com.

More On Suppressors:

The Suppressor: How They're Made, How They Work, And How To Buy One
Best AR-15 Suppressor Options For A Quiet Advantage
Handgun Gear: Best 9mm Suppressor Choices
Best .22 Suppressor Choices To Mute Your Plinker

Large-Frame ARs: The Big Boys

Josh Wayner

February 11, 2025

We take a closer look at the AR-10 and other large-frame AR rifles like it.

Living through historical events provides perspective on the past and future, and we are definitely living during interesting times. We’re also trending toward interesting new things across the gun industry: new ammunition technology, optics and, of course, firearms.

We’re at a very interesting crossroads in our national small arms history as well: Our military has settled on a new, large-frame combat rifle and cartridge, and we’re seeing a resurgence in interest in large-frame designs and cartridges. This is about to be the golden era in many ways, and we are certainly about to enter the golden age of the large-frame AR rifle.

Bigger Might Be Better

The AR-15 may be the most popular type of rifle in the country today, but it was not the first in the AR family to exist, nor was it the last modern design to emerge from its designers. This is pretty well-known history here, and I don’t want to offer a whole lesson on Eugene Stoner and ArmaLite in the mid-20th century … and the history of the M16 in Vietnam.

The takeaway here is that the designs we are about to discuss are rooted in the original AR-10, and even AR-18 models, developed by Stoner. The world at the time was looking for what amounted to a full-size battle rifle that would ideally be chambered in the then-new 7.62×51 NATO cartridge. Many were adopted, including the famous M14 and FAL rifles.

These full-size rifles were supplemented and eventually superseded by smaller and lighter weapons in 5.56×45 NATO, as military and civilian needs and interest shifted in the latter half of the 20th century until the War on Terror. The 21st century has seen a slow and relatively begrudged slog back to more powerful cartridges in larger and heavier weapons. The modern American military ended up facing 7.62x54R rifles and machine guns courtesy of Soviet presence in much of Asia for more than 2 decades, as well as in fighting by proxy in Eastern Europe and directly in Africa against Islamist groups.

556 vs 308 mag — The 5.56mm mags are notably smaller in size than the 7.62/308 pattern common to the large-frame ARs we are discussing. Ammunition is from Black Hills and Remington.

The effectiveness of these Cold War-era weapons has always been apparent, and for many reasons Western militaries have struggled against them in combat. The Tongo Tongo ambush of 2017, of which there is plenty of video, demonstrates how fearsome the 7.62x54R cartridge is from the point of view of Americans being killed by it. The same goes for the countless hours of combat footage from the Russo-Ukrainian War, where we consistently see the effects of larger rifles and cartridges.

All this to say is that there is significant interest in our modern era concerning larger rifles and more powerful ammunition. The American military has chosen the Sig XM7 as part of its Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program to, at least on paper, replace the M4 Carbine and M249 LMG. Both the M4 and M249 are chambered in 5.56x45mm, whereas the new weapons will be chambered in 6.8x51mm Fury.

How this will work out long-term is yet to be seen, but the modern military is placing emphasis on a larger primary weapon and a more powerful cartridge. The XM7 is a large-frame “AR” variant in that it has a similar manual of arms to the AR platform while not being of the same design. This is of critical importance to this discussion, as the large-frame “AR” market consists of a vast number of non-standard, non-compatible designs that share perhaps only a common magazine type.

The Mess

We commonly refer to the large-frame, semi-auto rifles we have today as the AR-10. This is the same thing as calling every tissue a Kleenex.

In fact, the AR-10 is a specific design among many, and there are very few true AR-10 designs on the market today … compared to what we may address as “308 AR” sized guns. There is very little standardization among these designs. In fact, I would go so far as to say that they are all largely incompatible, except that most today use the SR25 magazine, the common .308 mag we all know and love that is available from Magpul, Lancer and more.

Large-Frame AR lancer mag — The Lancer mags featured here are very reliable and available in several colors. The Aero lower takes most standard AR-15 small parts, but the takedown pins are specific to large-frame guns. Trigger by Timney.

There is no common mil-spec set of parameters that dictate the large-frame markets. Each company does things a bit differently and, aside from a few metrics, you might find that parts you like are incompatible from rifle to rifle. You should consider most large-frame designs to be proprietary and unique.

This lack of standardization in firearms parts has resulted in some generally agreed upon standards that are much looser than those for the AR-15. For instance, the two feature rifles in the photography for this article have a good number of common parts but are not entirely interchangeable.

The Aero M5E1 upper cannot accept the PRI handguard system, but they do share a common bolt and charging handle and barrels. There are several thread-pitch variances between various upper receivers, so the PRI handguard might not even fit upper to upper with a “standard” profile.

m5e1 upper Large-Frame AR — The M5E1 upper uses a different barrel nut setup than the Faxon upper. Something to be aware of is that certain uppers may require the use of manufacturer-specific handguards.

These rifles are loosely the same pattern externally, both being DPMS style, not AR-10. You can tell the difference because a true AR-10 variant will have a sharp angle at the rear of the receiver by the takedown pin, whereas the DMPS pattern receivers—not true AR-10 in design—will have a rounded junction between the upper and lower.

The DPMS-style receiver design has become something of a default standard for the large-frame AR, at least to consumers interested in building their own guns. You can use standard AR-15 lower parts on most of the build, but you do need different takedown pins, buffer and occasionally proprietary magazine release and bolt stop parts.

More maddening to the large-frame market is the large/small factory guns that occupy a bit of middle ground between AR-15 and DPMS AR .308 sizes. These should be considered entirely separate from builders’ discussions. The current generation of folding stock, self-contained upper rifles, such as those from Sig, are based on entirely different operating systems … as opposed to the direct-gas AR types.

While these uppers might fit on various lowers out there, there’s no guarantee of function across the board. You’ll notice that self-contained uppers designed for the AR-15 footprint are usually compatible with standard lowers, such as the BRN-180 family. You can use these on a lower with no buffer tube if you choose or simply swap them on to any mil-spec lower. This compatibility is not guaranteed to exist with the large-frame guns.

With an eye to the future, I know that we probably won’t be seeing anything resembling a completely standard footprint for the large-frame rifles. We seem to be looking at a permanently mixed market with perhaps a center that has conforming parts, but until we as a consumer base and industry at large can agree on what those truly standard specs may be, we will continue to have an ever-growing variety in terms of what constitutes these large-frame rifles.

At the very least, we are essentially at a point of general standardization for magazines, which is a step in the right direction.

The Author’s Builds

Some shooters have this idea of the AR-10 size rifles as something of a “battle rifle,” a full-horse cartridge out of a full-size gun, lower capacity and heavy—but advantageous—at medium to long range. The issue we run into is that this is a somewhat narrow point of new, and it really doesn’t give the large-frame rifle a good chance to show its versatility. These guns, even for the home builder, can be lightweight and offer a wide variety of possible build options.

I took it upon myself to construct a couple of very different large-frame rifles that were designed for different purposes, but also sharing the best aspects of each other and modern technology concerning optics and suppressors. Both of these rifles are of DPMS pattern and chambered for .308 Winchester.

I wanted to demonstrate that the large-frame rifle, while being bulkier than a standard AR-15, is still capable of being deployed as a compact, handy carbine … and as what people think of as a better role for a bigger gun, that of a long-range marksman’s rifle. You can, in fact, do it all with this frame size, from a 16-inch fast-handling carbine to a 20-inch precision rifle. However, the end use is subjective; both of these finished guns occupy much of the same effective range.

The cosmetics and ergonomics don’t influence the effectiveness of the .308 cartridge. A 16-inch barrel and a 20-inch barrel are functionally identical with most modern ammunition in terms of velocity and accuracy. At the general effective range of most semi-auto .308 rifles, this isn’t much, typically around 75 to 100 fps at the muzzle, and about 2,500 to 2,800 fps. In all my years of ballistic testing and working as a gun writer, I have never seen a need to go over 20 inches on a .308 Win.; 14 to 18 inches is, in fact, ideal for 99 percent of uses.

These rifles were completed to give you an idea of what you can do creatively, both with manufacturer-exclusive and “standard” parts for the large-frame, .308 AR-sized guns. Both guns are based on the DPMS pattern receivers but are not entirely interchangeable. Of note is the incredible One Hundred Concepts scope caps with glint-blocking front caps, easily one of the best small features on both builds.

Same But Different

The first is what I’d call a traditional-style, modern-twist SPR build using a PRI handguard for that mid-2000s War on Terror vibe. The receiver set and bolt carrier group are from Faxon Firearms and have a threaded barrel nut setup similar to common AR types. Assembly of this rifle was a little complicated with getting all the rail system and barrel nut situations in place, but it all went together nicely.

Large-Frame AR SPR build — The author’s SPR-style build with 20-inch barrel as described in the article. This is a large rifle but it’s still handy.

I opted for a 20-inch, fluted Faxon .308 Win. barrel and installed a Superlative Arms adjustable gas block to use with the JK Armament 155 suppressor on a Rearden mount. I also used a PRI charging handle. The lower is outfitted with Geissele parts and has a Magpul PRS Light stock and B5 grip. For optics, I wanted something in the medium-range class, so a Leupold MK5 HD 2-10x and brand-new Armasight clip-on thermal were used. These both feature AMD QD mounts.

clip-on thermal optics — Clip-on thermal optics are easily applied to large-frame rifles with continuous rails. Optics by Armasight and Leupold, and scope caps by One Hundred Concepts.

What we have here is something a bit retro and a bit modern, but making the best of both worlds to fit that full-size, stereotypical semi-auto .308 flavor we expect for this class of rifle.

The second build I went with my knowledge and experience in building a lighter and more linear .308, so I selected the Aero M5E1 receiver set in Partisan camo. The trigger and lower parts of this gun are respectively Timney and Aero, all great stuff. The bolt carrier group is also from Aero. I went with OD green Magpul furniture that fits my hands and shoulder really well while being low profile. The upper contains a Geissele charging handle and Criterion chrome-lined 16-inch barrel, choices I made for their ease of operation and ruggedness. I used a Q Cherry Bomb brake to mount the SilencerCo Omega 36M with Rearden adapter.

aero precision partisan camo AR — If you like colors, Aero Precision releases a monthly themed camo pattern for a variety of their receiver sets. This color was “Partisan” and was from fall 2024.

The optical package is geared for medium range nighttime hunting and daytime speed: a Vortex Razor 1-6x in ADM mount combined with a AGM Rattler clip-on thermal. Note how far forward you can mount the optics on this rifle, making it fast-handling but also compact with the advantage of being able to use the gun with the stock collapsed completely. Angled Magpul sights are also in play for close-up hog hunting. The underside of the handguard has a Magpul ARCA rail to allow tripod use in the field.

This is a great example of an intentionally built field rifle that takes advantage of many of the best components for hard use … but not overbuilt into a boat anchor.

Building these rifles was a bit of a trip. There were enough non-standard parts I had to make triple sure I was getting the right stuff in. Compared to building a regular AR-15, these took a little guessing to get right, but I did achieve what I set out to do without a lot of extra effort.

Be careful when ordering large-frame parts, because there are differences. If you want to play it safe, order from one place or contact a retailer like Brownells (the source of many of these parts) to talk with an expert before doing a build with parts from multiple makers.

Large-Frame AR Consumer Guide

Sig Sauer

As of this point, you’ll find a number of large-frame rifle options from Sig. The company lists their MCX designs in a variety of options to include the military 6.8x51mm chambering, arguably as close as you can get to the military’s new weapon. In addition, the SIG 716 is still available as a more traditional AR variant if the proprietary MCX lineup isn’t in your budget. While the 716 is affordable, the MCX variants run up the price tag notably.

Ruger

The Ruger SFAR is a middling class rifle that occupies that territory between larger AR-10 type guns and the smaller AR-15. It is, in fact, much closer in size to the latter than the former and feels quite small in the hand. I was very impressed when I first got a chance to look at these rifles, and it could well be one of the premier platforms for the light-recoiling 6.5 Creedmoor. I do not have much time on these rifles but that will hopefully change in the future, because the weight savings for a hunter like me is very interesting.

POF USA

Patriot Ordnance Factory has been making some very interesting designs for some time. Their Revolution models are of particular interest though, while a proprietary design significantly reduces the size of the rifle over a common AR-10 or .308 AR. The company’s website is extremely helpful in showing the real-world size differences you can expect to see with these models over both the original AR-10 and the DPMS-style variants. This is an example of a true reinvention, not just a cosmetic change.

Aero Precision

Aero Precision is one company dominating the builder’s market for the large-frame guns. They use DPMS pattern receivers for the M5 series and these are very straightforward to work with and are doing a very good job at forcing an industry standard by sheer numbers alone. If you’re planning to build instead of buy, Aero is an extremely strong brand for maximizing your options to get exactly what you want. I use this company often for my builds and they have yet to fail me even when there is so much variation in the large-frame market.

Faxon Firearms

Faxon Firearms is a company best known for their barrels. I have worked with them for over a decade and have a great many of their barrels in my rotation. All of them shoot lights out. The company produces barrels for your large-frame builds (one is in this article) but also complete rifles if you want to skip the build and get to business. They’re on the forefront of many new calibers, such as the 8.6 Blackout, and have a range of factory options you can choose from if the common chamberings aren’t exciting enough.

Springfield Armory

Springfield Armory lists several models chambered for .308 in their Victor lineup. These are affordable rifles and are feature rich right out of the box. While not exactly entry level, these guns are pretty much ready to go and are a great value for people looking for a no-frills pig or deer rifle that isn’t going to break the bank while still offering incredible accuracy and reliability. I can heartily recommend the Victor if you want to get straight to the field.

Palmetto State Armory

PSA is out there cranking out all the guns you didn’t know you needed. The company is making a great splash in the AK and historical markets without a doubt, but they’re also putting out some stunning large-frame AR rifles at a very good price. I had the opportunity to fire several over the last fall and winter, and I was shocked to learn that their price tags were very reasonable for the kind of accuracy and shooting I was getting. Their Sabre-10 rifles are visually pleasing and come in a number of color options, from black to pseudo-military. I’ve fired their M110 “clone” that retails at around $1,500 and was legitimately impressed past 800 yards.

Daniel Defense

At the time of writing, Daniel Defense has a few large-frame guns listed on their website, including the somewhat obscure .260 Rem chambering, a round that runs great in the AR but is commercially inferior to the 6.5 Creedmoor. I’m not one to ask questions in this aspect, but it is curious. The DD5 rifles are well known for reliability and accuracy, I’ve shot them plenty over the years and have always been impressed with what they can do.

Other Companies

These are just a few of the highlights for the large-frame rifles available today. Plenty more companies make this class of rifle including, but not limited to: CMMG, H&K, Franklin Armory, Rise Armament, Smith & Wesson, Rock River Arms, Radical Firearms, LWRC, PWS and so many more. The list will continue to grow as time goes on. That much is certain.

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the March 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Get On Target With The AR:

Best Budget AR-15 Options And Buyers Guide
Go Small With These 8 Economical AR Pistol Options
AR-10 vs. AR-15: How Stoner’s Rifles Stack Up
AR-15 Lower: Putting The Internals Together
How It Works: The AR Upper
Top AR-15 Upgrades From Top To Bottom
Upgrades: Top AR-15 Parts

Hardware Talk: Mission First Tactical BUIS

Patrick Sweeney

February 10, 2025

When it comes to rifle sights, two is one and one is none, so here we look at Mission First Tactical’s BUIS.

You’ve heard the phrase, “Two is one, one is none.” But, do you really know what it means?

If you have just one tool, and it breaks, you are out of luck. If you have two of them, and one breaks, you can still get the job done. Some tools never break … and some situations cannot abide the risk of the only one breaking.

That’s why it’s prudent to have backup sights. Yes, you have a high-performance optic on your rifle, and it does everything but look around corners (give the optical engineers time). But one hard whack or errant bit of flying whatever and your optic is a mess of aluminum and glass.

Enter BUIS (back-up iron sights), and I prefer that my backup be as solid as I can make them. So, despite the popularity of a certain brand of polymer folding sights, I prefer metal. Aluminum will do, but steel is better. (The pre-dawn mechanical engineering materials courses inform that mindset.)

Mission First Tactical BUIS backup sights — The MFT sights, front and rear, all-steel and durable as all get-out

So, Mission First Tactical got the nod on the latest build. Their folding BUIS is all-steel and tough enough to take whatever happens. In fact, they can probably withstand more abuse than you, or the rest of your rifle, can.

These are the EXD front and rear and clamp onto the top rail of your rifle. They both fold down flat enough that they will not be in your field of view in your red-dot or magnifying optic.

The front post is threaded so you can zero your irons (always a good idea, because if you’re at the point of needing them, you are likely deep in the weeds and need all the help you can get). The rear is windage adjustable, so once you have done your proper range work and zeroing, you won’t have to have a taped set of offsets for your Kentucky windage.

They’re as lie-flat and slim as they can be, so they will be as much out of the way until you need them as possible. The folding is spring-loaded, so once you get them started up (and it takes a bit of work—they won’t be popping up on you when you don’t need them), they are spring-loaded up.

They don’t lock in the upright position, which some OCD types insist on. The springs are strong, and the sights don’t stop at some middle position.

The two sights are black with a nitride finish. If you want to have the BUIS on your rifle matching your tacti-cool camo paint job, you’ll have to take care of that yourself. That’s a small price to pay for durability.

What isn’t a small price is the cash cost. I’ll admit that durability is good, but be ready for the bill, because the front is listed at $99.99 and the rear at $124.99. But, as with so many things, the “pay once, cry once” law of economics applies here as well.

Short of being attacked with a ball-peen hammer, I don’t see these sights quitting on you. And they come with a lifetime warranty, so if they do break, MFT will take care of you.

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the March 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Get On Target With The AR:

Best Budget AR-15 Options And Buyers Guide
Go Small With These 8 Economical AR Pistol Options
AR-10 vs. AR-15: How Stoner’s Rifles Stack Up
AR-15 Lower: Putting The Internals Together
How It Works: The AR Upper
Top AR-15 Upgrades From Top To Bottom
Upgrades: Top AR-15 Parts

Best 9mm Pistols For Defense, Competition And Beyond

Adam Borisenko

February 7, 2025

Whether you need a handgun for the nightstand, competition or just plinking, here are our picks for the best 9mm pistols.

Our 9mm Pistol Picks:

Best Full-Size Defensive 9mm Pistol: Glock 17
Best Compact Defensive 9mm Pistol: Sig Sauer P365XL
Best Budget 9mm Pistol For Competition: Canik SFx Rival
Best High-End 9mm Pistol For Competition: CZ Shadow 2 OR
Best 9mm Pistol For Range Fun: Tisas 1911 Tank Commander

While the best handgun caliber is still an often-debated question, it’s far less heated than it used to be. Fans of .45 ACP, 10mm Auto and 5.7x28mm all have their arguments, but today even their most dedicated users will usually begrudgingly admit that 9x19mm Parabellum is a very good round as well.

There’s a reason why it’s become the de facto standard of handgun cartridges around the globe, and for most shooters in the market for a new pistol, 9mm is the most logical choice outside of specific use cases like bear defense. When it comes to defense against humans, participating in shooting sports or just plinking at the range, for most people, a 9mm pistol remains the all-around best option.

Why A 9mm Pistol?

There are a lot of reasons. First is ubiquity. The handgun world has standardized so widely on 9mm that those who shoot it are spoiled for choice across the board. Ammo availability, ammo variety, handgun options, holsters and aftermarket accessories, the list goes on. Whatever your handgun needs are (outside of rimfires), you’ll have the most options, the highest availability and the best ammo prices with a 9mm pistol.

Of course, 9mm wouldn’t have reached this dominant position in the marketplace if it didn’t shoot and perform well, too. While it may not be “the best” at a singular task like some other handgun cartridges, 9mm shines as a Goldilocks, do-it-all cartridge.

It’s small enough to allow for relatively large magazine capacities while still being powerful enough (with the right ammo) to effectively stop human attackers, and it does all this without having too much kick. With the right gun, 9mm can actually be incredibly soft shooting, and this makes it a popular choice for competition as well. With the exception of individuals with hand strength issues or other handicaps, just about everyone can handle a 9mm pistol.

How We Chose The Best 9mm Pistols

Due to just how common 9mm pistols are, it’s certainly the handgun cartridge that we Gun Digest editors have collectively spent the most time shooting. We have wheelgun aficionados and .45 freaks among our ranks as well, but given that they review new guns too, we have all spent a lot of time behind many different nines.

Based on our combined experience shooting these 9mm pistols as well as each of their general reputations, we weighed the most popular models against each other using factors like reliability, shootability, ergonomics, features, accessory support and price. In the end, these are what we agreed were the best 9mm pistols for each respective category.

The Best 9mm Pistols

Specs Comparison Of The Best 9mm Pistols

Model	Action	Capacity	Bbl Length (in.)	Overall Length (in.)	Width (in.)	Height (in.)	Weight (oz.)	Safety	Optics-Ready?	MSRP
Glock 17	Striker-fired	17+1	4.49	7.95	1.34	5.47	24.97	Glock Safe Action Trigger	No	$600
Sig P365XL	Striker-fired	12+1	3.7	6.6	1.1	4.8	20.7	w/ or w/o manual thumb safety	Yes	$685
Canik SFx Rival	Striker-fired	18+1	5	8.1	1.41	5.7	29.5	Trigger safety	Yes	$680
CZ Shadow 2 OR	DA/SA	19+1	4.89	8.53	1.4	5.75	46.5	Ambi thumb safety	Yes	$1,479
Tisas 1911 Tank Commander	SAO	9+1	4.25	7.75	1.3	5.4	34	Thumb safety	No	$490

Best Full-Size Defensive 9mm Pistol: Glock 17

Pros

Incredibly reliable and rugged
Great customization potential
Wide accessory availability
Good capacity

Cons

Doesn't come optics-ready
Factory trigger is just OK

Glock 17 Gen5 Specs:
Action: Striker-fired
Capacity: 17+1
Barrel Length: 4.49 Inches
Overall Length: 7.95 Inches
Width: 1.34 Inches
Height: 5.47 Inches
Weight: 24.97 Ounces
Safety: Glock Safe Action trigger
Optics-Ready?: No
MSRP: $600

This pick is probably a bit predictable, but that’s a good thing. The Glock 17 has become practically as ubiquitous of a handgun as the 9mm cartridge itself, and it needs no introduction let alone an essay espousing its virtues, so we’ll keep things short.

Used and loved by police forces, militaries and regular Joes since its introduction in 1982, the Glock 17 is essentially the gold standard for full-size self-defense 9mm pistols. You simply can’t go wrong with one. We love the current newest model is the Gen5 that features some nice improvements, especially the customizable backstrap system to custom if it to your hand. But we find older and/or used model will serve you just fine. Check out LEO trade-ins to find some great deals.

The gun is boringly reliable, shoots great and boasts the widest aftermarket support for any handgun model out there. One of the thing we love most about the G17 is finding the right holster, spare parts, extra mags and accessories isn’t a problem at all.

Perhaps the only downside to the Glock 17 we found is that new-production Gen5 MOS (optics-ready) models are presently only available to law enforcement, but that’s easily solved by getting a G47 MOS instead if you want to mount a red dot. The G47 is basically a G17 with a shorter dust cover. It could also be easily remedied by getting an aftermarket slide. Another point worth mentioning is that the Glock 17’s qualities are true of basically every other Glock model, so don’t read this as solely an endorsement of the 17. The Austrian company offers both larger and smaller 9mm pistols that are equally excellent.

Glock 17 Review

Glock 17 Gen5 Deals

Guns.com	Starts at $539.11
Cabela's	$540

Best Compact Defensive 9mm Pistol: Sig Sauer P365XL

Pros

Very comfy to carry concealed
Optics-ready
Great shooter for its small size
Plenty of holster/accessory options

Cons

Not great for huge hands
12-round mags will leave some wanting

Sig P365XL Specs:
Action: Striker-fired
Capacity: 12+1
Barrel Length: 3.7 Inches
Overall Length: 6.6 Inches
Width: 1.1 Inches
Height: 4.8 Inches
Weight: 20.7 Ounces
Safety: With or without manual thumb safety
Optics-Ready?: Yes
MSRP: $685

The Sig P365 is probably the most popular concealed carry gun currently on the market, and it’s easy for us to see why to see why. Its small, slim profile combined with its relatively high capacity made it an instant sweetheart amongst concealed carriers. Our editor's have carried the pistol extensively and overall find it among the most concealable and comfortable 9mm to have on person. We also found it the pistol as easy to shoot as it is to carry comfortably carry. Impressive, because that’s a hard balance to strike.

Sig offers a few different model variants, but our pick for the best is the P365XL as we believe it strikes the best balance between concealability, shootability and capacity, but the standard model is great too if you want something a bit smaller. Holster and accessory support is nearly as good for the P365 as it is for Glocks at this point, and all versions come optics-ready out of the box as well.

Our only real complaint is both minor and understandable, and that’s the P365XL’s capacity of 12 rounds with flush-fit mags (two included). That’s not bad, and a necessary concession for the gun’s small size, but some people like having a few more rounds on tap. Those individuals will simply need to settle for a larger compact 9mm pistol like the Glock 19.

Sig P365 Review

Sig P365XL Deals

Guns.com	Starts at $599.99
Palmetto State Armory	$619.99

Best Budget 9mm Pistol For Competition: Canik SFx Rival

Pros

Accurate
Great trigger
Very modular/customizable
Optics-ready
Comes with a ton of extras for the price

Cons

Polymer-frame version is a bit too light
No spare part support from Canik

Canik SFx Rival Specs:
Action: Striker-fired
Capacity: 18+1
Barrel Length: 5 Inches
Overall Length: 8.1 Inches
Width: 1.41 Inches
Height: 5.7 Inches
Weight: 29.5 Ounces
Safety: Trigger safety
Optics-Ready?: Yes
MSRP: $680

There are plenty of good competition 9mm pistols available these days, and many of those are affordably priced as well, but none offer the same great value as the Canik SFx Rival. We believe this is an excellent first competition handgun for those looking for as little setup or fuss as possible. In this niche, we think the Rival is without rival.

Out of the box, besides the pistol, you get two 18-round mags, a holster, a few optic plates, three backstraps, three magazine release extensions and plenty of other goodies, and it all comes in a plastic hard case. Of course, none of that matters unless the gun is good. And it is.

We love the feel of Rival SFx especially flat-face trigger, which does it's part in making the break feel lighter than what it is and facilitating good finger placement quickly. Additionally, it feels good in the hand thanks to its double undercut trigger guard, interchangeable backstraps and aggressive texturing, and the external magwell makes speed reloads a breeze. The slide is optics-ready too, of course, and its dimensions allow it to compete in IDPA, IPSC, and USPSA without restrictions. Plus the pistol is lights-out accurate, extremely feature-rich and modular.

Of course, what we like best about this Canik is you get all of these assets for less than $700. Impressive.

To us, the biggest downside of the SFx Rival is its relatively lightweight polymer frame. It’s not a snappy shooter by any means, but some extra weight to absorb recoil would definitely be appreciated for a competition gun. A lot of people agree, which is why Canik also makes the all-steel SFx Rival-S. Frankly, if you can swing the extra $200 or so bucks, we suggest the steel version. But for those on a budget, the polymer model is still a great value budget competition gun.

Though we didn't run into any trouble with our SFx, we have seen a small number of owners report having issues that had to be sent in to be fixed. Frankly, this is a budget gun at the end of the day, so less-than-perfect QC is to be expected. As long as you’re the original purchaser Canik’s warranty should have you covered.

It’s available in either gray with gold accents or in solid black.

Canik SFx Rival Deals

Guns.com	Starts at $607.99
Bass Pro Shops	$629.99

Best High-End 9mm Pistol For Competition: CZ Shadow 2 OR

Pros

Big, heavy and easy to shoot
Low bore-axis
Great single-action trigger
Optics-ready

Cons

Expensive
DA/SA not for everyone

CZ Shadow 2 OR Specs:
Action: DA/SA
Capacity: 19+1
Barrel Length: 4.89 Inches
Overall Length: 8.53 Inches
Width: 1.4 Inches
Height: 5.75 Inches
Weight: 46.5 Ounces
Safety: Ambidextrous thumb safety
Optics-Ready?: Yes
MSRP: $1,479

Many people consider the CZ Shadow 2 to be the gold standard of modern competition pistols. In the days of yesteryear, it was tricked-out 1911s, but today if you go to any shooting match involving handguns you’re bound to see a lot of CZ Shadows 2s sitting in holsters. And that’s for good reason, this gun is great at its job.

An evolution of the classic Cold War military sidearm, the CZ-75, the Shadow 2 is simply the bigger, more athletic younger brother of the Czech Wonder Nine. The 75 was already known for its exceptionally low bore-axis, but it’s even lower on the Shadow 2 thanks to the addition of an undercut trigger guard and a redesigned beavertail. We found these features makes the pistol incredibly easy to shoot quickly and accurately. The hefty steel frame helps with that too given its ability to eat up recoil and ask for seconds. This entry specifically outlines the optics-ready model because we like red dots, but if you’re dedicated to irons, you could save a few bucks by getting the standard model instead.

The trigger is awesome, but it’s also this gun’s one potential downside. That’s because like the CZ-75 the Shadow 2 is a double-action/single-action pistol. Some shooters love DA/SA, and when you feel the crisp single-action pull of a Shadow 2 you’ll understand why. But there are also a lot of shooters today who grew up on striker-fired pistols and get thrown off by DA/SA guns’ two distinct trigger weights. If you hate DA/SA, there are some very nice striker-fired competition pistols to consider instead, but we think that the Shadow 2 is one of the best-shooting out-of-the-box competition pistols you can buy.

CZ Shadow 2 OR Deals

Guns.com	$1,417.99
Sportsmans Warehouse	$1,269.99

Best 9mm Pistol For Range Fun: Tisas 1911 Tank Commander

Pros

Sold, reliable 1911 for the price
Classic, handsome aesthetics
Fun to shoot

Cons

Small black iron sights

Tisas 1911 Tank Commander Specs:
Action: SAO
Capacity: 9+1
Barrel Length: 4.25 Inches
Overall Length: 7.75 Inches
Width: 1.3 Inches
Height: 5.4 Inches
Weight: 34 Ounces
Safety: Thumb safety
Optics-Ready?: No
MSRP: $490

Some say that a 1911 chambered in anything besides .45 ACP is heresy, but we love shooting 1911s so much that we even like them in 9mm. In fact, it’s not historically inaccurate either, as the Colt Commander was originally offered in 9mm and this Tisas is commander-sized as well.

With self-defense and competition covered by the other entries, we wanted this slot to go to a gun that’s fun to shoot, affordable and something that would add a bit of wood, history and class to a list otherwise dominated by modern designs and plastic fantastics.

We estimate that of the many new shooters who have standardized on 9mm as their handgun cartridge, most of them don’t own a 1911, and it’s probably because they don’t want to stock up on .45 ACP too. The obvious remedy to that is to simply get a 1911 in 9mm, and we think the Tisas 1911 Tank Commander is the best option for the price.

It’s a no-frills, commander-length 1911 chambered for 9mm with a ring hammer and Colt Series 70-pattern internals, and each pistol ships with two 9-round magazines, a hard case and a cleaning kit. It shoots as you’d expect of a 9mm 1911—nice—but there’s nothing special about the Tisas that will blow your socks off. However, in our experience, these have very good reliability and are well built for their price. The sights are slightly larger than original GI-pattern irons, an improvement, but they’re still black and pretty small.

If you’re dedicated to 9mm but don’t have any classic or classy handguns in your safe, we think this Tisas would make for a very fine addition.

Tisas 1911 Tank Commander Deals

Palmetto State Armory	$429.99
Guns.com	$462.99

9mm Pistol FAQs

Is a 9mm Good For Self-Defense?

Yes, and many experts would even argue that a 9mm pistol is the best choice for self-defense. It may not be as powerful as 10mm Auto or .357 Magnum, but cartridges that big are difficult to shoot quickly and accurately as well. For most people, their ability to make good hits with a 9mm will be more effective at stopping a threat than having a bigger bullet. Further, defensive projectile technology has progressed leaps and bounds, so modern 9mm self-defense ammo provides excellent, reliable expansion and penetration.

Are 9mm Pistols Good For Beginners?

Yes, for the most part. Sometimes it's best to start a first-time shooter with a .22 LR, but unless they're small children, they should quickly be able to graduate to and handle a 9mm pistol. For able-bodied adults looking to get a pistol for defense, sport shooting or plinking, 9mm is the best choice.

Does 9mm Kick Hard?

Not particularly, but it depends. Somewhat simplifying things, a handgun's recoil is mainly a factor of the pistol's weight and the power of the cartridge in question. A very small, light 9mm pistol loaded with a powerful +P will definitely kick hard, but a full-size steel gun loaded with range ammo will not. Generally speaking, 9mm is not considered to be a hard-kicking round.

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Less-Lethal Carry: What’s The Best Pepper Spray? [Field Tested]

Sam Hoober

February 7, 2025

Picking the best pepper spray isn't easy with so many options, but here we take a closer look at oleoresin capsicum.

Pepper spray, also called OC spray for the active ingredient of oleoresin capsicum, is the most effective less-lethal weapon available. Whether carried alongside a firearm or instead of one, pepper spray can make for an excellent addition to anyone’s arsenal.

So, what pepper spray should you buy? What brand? What type? Let’s take a closer look at exactly what features make for the best pepper spray models and which ones are just glorified hot sauce.

A Quick Rundown On Pepper Spray

Pepper spray was developed in the late 1980s/early 1990s as a riot control agent by Kamran Loghman, a scientist working for the FBI. The idea was to create something akin to tear gas that was effective at gaining control of suspects but was also more portable, and therefore usable by individual officers.

“Tear gas” (of various types) has been in use since the early 20th century in warfare and riot control. Tear gases are known as lachrymators, substances that cause the eyes to water. This makes pepper sprays lachrymators as well since they cause irritation of the eyes among other things. What separates pepper sprays from conventional tear gases like CS gas is mostly what they’re made from.

The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, a vanilloid compound found in chili peppers, which are in the plant genus capsicum and part of the nightshade family. Capsaicin is an irritant, causing a burning sensation on the skin and any other tissue it contacts.

To make pepper spray, chili peppers are soaked in a solvent that extracts capsaicin from the flesh of the pepper. The solvent is evaporated or distilled off, leaving oleoresin (a waxy compound) of capsaicin, aka oleoresin capsaicin or OC.

The concentration of capsaicin depends on the peppers used, as some chilis have a lot (habaneros, Scotch bonnets, ghost peppers, etc.) and some have comparatively little, such as guajillo, jalapeno or Hatch chilies. This means that OC content alone isn’t always the best way to determine the efficacy of a pepper spray. Chemistry is complicated, and there are plenty of other factors that will impact just how good a given spray is at incapacitating someone. Rather than buying the highest content OC spray you can find or trying to unravel the intricacies of these complex compounds, your best bet will be to stick with a proven brand and model with a long record of effective use.

To aerosolize it, the oleoresin must be emulsified with some sort of agent (typically propylene glycol) and water, which is pressurized to make it sprayable. This is where many brands will differ the most because the exact formulation will impact how the consistency affects the accuracy, range and pattern of a spray. Much of this will come down to personal preference, however, as there are pros and cons to the different styles.

pepper-spray-on-face — A U.S. soldier receiving OC spray to the face as part of his training. Photo: Wikipedia.

After its introduction, OC spray was also noted for its effectiveness against animals which is why it's used as bear spray as well. Bears have many more times the olfactory receptors of humans, making them even more susceptible to its effects when correctly deployed.

So…what's the difference between bear spray and self-defense spray?

For the most part…marketing. The concentration of most bear sprays is 2 percent, which is about the same or only slightly stronger than most self-defense sprays. Where bear spray usually has an advantage over self-defense OC spray isn’t the potency of the compound, but the larger and therefore easier to use delivery system. This is why many riot police use OC spray canisters that more closely resemble bear sprays than traditional pocket-sized defensive models.

pepper-spray-police — A larger style OC spray canister carried by some police. Photo: Wikipedia.

Why Should You Carry Pepper Spray?

As John Correia of Active Self Protection likes to say, OC spray gives you an option between “a harsh word and a gun.”

OC spray is more effective than any other less-lethal tool. Electrical weapons (e.g., Axon-brand TASERs) have a failure rate close to (or more than) 50 percent, making pepper spray the far more reliable option.

Pepper spray can be an indispensable tool for both uniformed officers and private citizens. For the former, it helps to gain control of a violent suspect without resorting to beating or shooting them. For the latter, it provides a self-defense solution for situations where lethal force may not be justified.

Pepper spray can also give you a tiered force response if carried in conjunction with a firearm. For example, maybe a wild dog is approaching you with aggressive body language. Preemptively putting a hole in it before it actually attacks you may result in legal trouble or upsetting your neighbors, but deploying OC spray can silently dissuade the situation before it has a chance to escalate.

If a person wanted to carry a weapon of some sort but not necessarily a firearm or anything else potentially lethal, pepper spray is far and away the best option regardless of gender. Man or woman, cop or civilian, pepper spray works if used correctly.

Is OC Spray Legal?

International regulation is mixed. Some countries prohibit possession, some require a background check or a permit, and some countries let anyone of age buy it.

In the United States, federal law only regulates possession of OC spray on airlines. You can carry up to a 4-ounce container in your checked baggage.

Just as with firearm laws, state regulations vary wildly.

California only prohibits carrying OC spray with more than 2.5 ounces of spray, as well as possession by minors and felons. Florida likewise doesn't mandate who can possess it but forbids carrying a canister with more than 2 ounces of spray.

New Jersey doesn't prohibit possession, but limits capacity to 0.75 ounces. New York mandates it to be purchased in person from a pharmacy or sporting goods or gun store, but the OC content can't be more than 0.7 percent.

Michigan restricts purchase and possession by anyone under 18, and purchase of any OC spray with an OC content of more than 18 percent. Nearby Wisconsin, which has a football team that's actually good, restricts the sale of any OC sprays with more than 10 percent OC content. Wisconsin also mandates the container have a safety device and be sold in a tamper-proof container.

This isn't a comprehensive list of all the states' different regulations, so make sure you look into your own local laws regarding OC spray before deciding to carry one. Since they can set their own policy in many states, some colleges forbid possession on campus and others do not. Bear that in mind if purchasing some for a student, or if you carry pepper spray and will be visiting (or attending) a college.

What To Look For In Pepper Spray?

High OC content is a good thing, but it’s also not the only factor to consider. Some sprays that advertise a high OC content may be achieving that number through methods that actually negatively impact its effectiveness in other ways.

It’s simpler to just look for a reputable brand that has plenty of recommendations from respected trainers and/or law enforcement agencies. If the brand has a presence in the LE market, it tends to be good.

Avoid any OC spray or other OC device that looks like a gun. Police and militaries use regular old pepper spray in canisters, not gimmick devices. That there is a clue! Further, police happening upon a scene where a person holding a gun-shaped object is not likely to end well.

pepper-spray-gun — A gun-shaped pepper spray device. Photo: Wikipedia.

The more important aspects of choosing an OC spray are its size, safety mechanism and delivery style. The best bear sprays will feature a large canister, be quick to deploy and have a long-range stream that’s resilient to wind. For EDC, however, the best pepper spray models come in smaller canisters and feature fast and intuitive safety systems that are unobtrusive but effective.

It’s also good to look for a pepper spray that has an inert version so you can practice and train with it. Just like you’d pattern your shotgun, pattern your pepper spray.

pepper-spray-practice — A woman practicing with her OC foam. Photo: Wikipedia.

Gel or spray is down to preference. Gel is less susceptible to wind, has a longer effective range and is safer to use indoors, but requires more accurate placement.

You may also notice that some sprays are advertised as having UV (ultraviolet) dye mixed in. This dye is only visible under blacklight and is added to aid in the identification of a suspect who has been sprayed. Whether that’s something you want yours to have is up to you, but it will have no bearing on the immediate efficacy of deterring an attacker.

Something else to keep in mind is that most sprays have about a 4-year shelf life, so remember to replace them periodically if they don't get used!

How I Chose The Pepper Spray

I went through an exhaustive process of evaluating pepper sprays, just short of live testing on humans (none of the interns were takers). My evaluation standards were based on effective range of each spray, how well it carried throughout the day, how many bursts a canister held and a proven mixture of active ingredients. Of all the sprays I tested these were the ones that most consistently met these testing criteria.

The 5 Best Pepper Spray Comparison

Models	Active Ingredients	Payload (fluid oz.)	Container Height (inches)	Container Diameter (inches)	Effective Range (feet)	MSRP
POM Pepper Spray	Oleoresin Capsicum, Major Capsaicinoids	.5	3.5	1	12	$14.20
SABRE Campus Safety Pepper Gel	Oleoresin Capsicum	.54	3.6	1	12	$11.99
Counter Assault Bear Deterrent	Capsaicin and Related Capsaicinoids	10.2	8.5	2.25	40	$64.99
Mace Police Strength Pepper Spray	Oleoresin Capsicum, UV Dye	.6	1	3.5	12	$17.99
SABRE Red Compact	Oleoresin Capsicum	.67	4	.875	10	$9.99

Best Pepper Sprays

Best Overall Pepper Spray: POM Pepper Spray
Best Pepper Gel: SABRE Campus Safety Pepper Gel
Best Backwoods Pepper Spray: Counter Assault Bear Deterrent
Best Police-Grade Pepper Spray: Mace Police Strength Pepper Spray
Best Compact Pepper Spray: SABRE Red Compact

POM Pepper Spray

Original Specs
Active Ingredients: Oleoresin Capsicum, Major Capsaicinoids, UV dye
Payload: .5 Fluid Oz.
Container Height: 3.5″
Container Diameter: 1″
Effective Range: 12′
MSRP: $14.20

Pros

Compact & Portable
Decent Range & Duration
Practice Canisters Available

Cons

Clip & Lanyard Options Could Be More Secure

POM pepper spray is affordable, portable and one of the most trusted names in OC sprays. The standard canister is pocket-sized, roughly double the size of a AA battery. You can get it with a pocket clip or lanyard ring with an included keychain.

It has a flip-top safety device covering the spray button, with 2 ounces of 1.4-percent spray with UV dye. Each canister has about a 10- to 12-foot range and holds about 12 seconds worth of spray. Inert canisters are available too for practice, and you can buy them in single, double, triple or even six-packs.

POM Pepper Spray Deals

Amazon	$13
POM Industries	$14

SABRE Campus Safety Pepper Gel

Campus Safety Pepper Gel Specs
Active Ingredients: Oleoresin Capsicum
Payload: .54 Fluid Oz.
Container Height: 3.6″
Container Diameter: 1″
Effective Range: 12′
MSRP: $11.99

Pros

Reduced Blowback
Twist-Lock Safety
Quick-Release Keyring

Cons

Requires More Precision to Aim

SABRE is one of the most trusted brands of pepper sprays, and the Campus Safety Pepper Gel is a good choice if you prefer a gel to a stream or spray. It holds just under 1 ounce of 1.3-percent gel, good for 25 bursts up to 12 feet of range.

The Campus Safety model includes a hard polymer housing, with a twist lock safety, and a lanyard loop for the included quick-release keyring. Inert models are available as well, and they can be bought in black or pink.

SABRE Campus Safety Pepper Gel Deals

Sabre	$12
Amazon	$11

Counter Assault Bear Deterrent

Bear Deterrent Specs
Active Ingredients: Capsaicin and Related Capsaicinoids
Payload: 10.2 Fluid Oz.
Container Height: 8.5″
Container Diameter: 2.25″
Effective Range: 40′
MSRP: $64.99

Pros

Stronger Than Standard Spray
Large Capacity
Includes Holsters

Cons

Too Large For EDC

Counter Assault is one of the most common bear sprays on the market and has been used successfully to deter bears and other predators, including human threats. It comes in a standard 10.2-ounce canister with an included holster. The spray paddle has a simple wedge safety that's easy to disengage.

The spray is 2 percent capsaicin, with a 40-foot spray distance and up to 8 seconds of spray in the can. It can be found online and in many sporting goods stores but has a typical price of around $50 or more. Combined with the extra bulk, this probably isn’t the best pepper spray for everyday carry, but if concealability and price aren’t of concern then this is certainly one of the most effective options available.

Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Deals

Black Ovis	$65
Amazon	$53

Mace Police Strength Pepper Spray

Police Strength Pepper Spray Specs
Active Ingredients: Oleoresin Capsicum, UV Dye
Payload: .6 Fluid Oz.
Container Height: 1″
Container Diameter: 3.5″
Effective Range: 12′
MSRP: $17.99

Pros

Multiple Carry Options
Discreet
Good Safety

Cons

Limited Spray Duration

The Mace brand is synonymous with self-defense sprays, to the point that some people still refer to any pepper spray colloquially as “Mace.” Their Police Strength Pepper Spray model is a good choice of compact spray for daily carry.

The polymer housing has a flip-top safety cap, with Personal-, Pocket- and Police-sizes ranging from less than 1 ounce to about 3 ounces. All models are about 1 inch in diameter and 3 to 5 inches in length. Content is over 1 percent, so more than potent enough. Lanyard loops and pocket clips are included as well.

Mace Police Strength Pepper Spray Deals

Mace

$18

SABRE Red Compact

Red Compact Specs
Active Ingredients: Oleoresin Capsicum
Payload: .67 Fluid Oz.
Container Height: 4″
Container Diameter: .875″
Effective Range: 10′
MSRP: $9.99

Pros

High Number of Bursts for Its Size
Affordable Pricing
EDC Sized

Cons

Shorter Spray Range

SABRE Red is common in police use and is one of the most highly recommended sprays on the market, with an OC content of 1.3 percent with included UV dye. The Compact model is better for EDC, being roughly 4 inches long and 1-inch in diameter.

The Compact emits a stream rather than a spray, with an 0.67-ounce capacity, max distance of 10 feet and up to 35 bursts. It has a swiveling safety mechanism (push to align and spray) and an included pocket clip.

SABRE Red Compact sprays can be bought online or in stores for around $10 per, though two-packs can be had for about $15, making it affordable as well. Inert cans are also available for practice and training.

SABRE Red Compact Deals

Amazon	$11
Sabre	$10

Pepper Spray FAQ

What brand of pepper spray do police use?

While many different police forces use many different brands of pepper spray, Sabre is among the most utilized. Specifically Sabre Red is preferred by many in law enforcement.

Is it illegal to carry pepper spray?

Pepper spray is legal in all 50 sates, however, there are some state laws restricting certain aspects of less-than-lethal option. For instance, California does not allow canisters larger than 2.5 ounces and you need a license to carry pepper spray in Massachusetts. Always review your local laws before purchasing pepper spray.

What do you look for when buying pepper spray?

There are many points to consider when buying pepper spray, but some of the main ones are the product’s spray pattern, effective range, safety features, portability and percentage of oleoresin capsicum (the active ingredient).

What is better, pepper spray or mace?

The original chemical mace has largely been abandoned by law enforcement do to injuries caused to LEOs. Pepper spray is the standard today and performs better, given it is effective against those under influence of alcohol, drugs or psychotics. Mace was not always successful against those individuals.

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Concealed Carry: After the Shooting
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