The Thrive HD is also a first-rate option for recreational shooters, plinkers, and handgun hunters who need a compact red dot featuring a sharp reticle and long battery life.

The Maven B.3 provids sharp, clean images, with controls that adjust quickly. All this in a small package that weighs just over a single pound and fits into my hand.

With so many new and updated handguns on the market, a first-rate pistol can receive a media blurb or two and then disappear from the larger discussion. One such pistol?

I made my ten-shot groups from a rest at 12 yards at my outdoor range. Perfect day, sunny and 63 degrees. The Force 22’s iron sights popped nicely.

Let’s say someone needed to leave their carry gun in their vehicle (for example, running mail into a  U.S. Post Office facility where carrying a firearm is illegal). The Mobile Mag would certainly provide added security here.

It was my third night of hog hunting at the invitation of Armasight, and all our hunting lands were also home to cattle and deer.

A great option is the new Super Wrangler from Sturm, Ruger, and Company, a single-action revolver that fires both .22 caliber rimfire rounds. Yes, both 22 LR and 22 WMR!

The Samaritan is a solid reflex optic that I would use on my concealed carry and home defense pistols. Yes, it is basic and pretty simple—both of which I consider top qualities in most gear.

I’ve done a number of my own gel tests with self-defense and hunting handgun rounds and watched ammunition company staff do many more of these tests.