Tired of staring at shelves of optics and guessing at the buzzwords? This quick glossary breaks down real red dot sight terms so your next pick is simple and smart.
Kat Ainsworth Stevens is a prolific outdoor writer based in North Texas. Her love and enjoyment of firearms extends to both self-defense and hunting, and she’s driven to teach safe gun handling. Kat’s the author of several books and thousands of articles as well as a successful editor with more than a decade of experience in marketing. With experience in everything from defensive handgun use to field dressing a deer, Kat’s background is varied and extensive. She firmly believes in the importance of protecting the Second Amendment as well as the First.
When she’s not behind a gun or processing her own game meat, Kat can be found trapping, boating, doing yoga, and mudding. The outdoors and the Lone Star State are where she belongs.
Experience
Author:
Handgun Hunting and anthologies including The Deer Shot Back: And Other Hunting Tales and How Not to Shoot Fish and Other Deer That Got Away.
Dedicated Outdoorsman:
Year-round enthusiast of hunting, trapping, and fishing.
Advanced Training:
More than 1000 hours of training in defensive handguns, long guns, edged weapons, self-defense law, force-on-force, handgun retention, and related topics.
Focused Specialty Skills:
Expert witness. Massad Ayoob Group certified Deadly Force Instructor and graduate of Active Self Protection The Practice & Preparation of Being an Expert Witness.
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Used Gun Gold: What To Check Before You Pay
Published: January 11, 2026 { 0 comments }Want the deal without the dud? Use this simple checklist to inspect used guns, keep it legal, and skip the lemons while you save real money.
Guns 101: A Gun Guide for Beginners
Published: January 4, 2026 { 1 comment }Brand new to firearms? This quick-start guide cuts through the noise and provides you with the must-know terms, smart store strategies, safety rules, and a lifesaving medical tip.
Lever Actions Still Rule Deer Season
Published: November 3, 2025 { 2 comments }Two centuries in and the lever-action still drops deer, runs fast, and keeps the fun meter pegged. From 45-70 Government to 357 Magnum, here’s why a lever belongs in your safe and in your truck.
243 Winchester Still Hits Above Its Weight
Published: November 3, 2025 { 3 comments }Seven decades in and the 243 Winchester still runs flat, hits hard for its size, and keeps varmints and whitetails honest while treating your shoulder kindly.
SilencerCo Scythe Ti Review: Ultra-Light Titanium Rifle Suppressor
Published: October 19, 2025 { 1 comment }SilencerCo Scythe-Ti, the model designed to launch the manufacturer’s premium line. This is the suppressor you should be considering, whether you prefer shooting from the bench or from a hunting blind. Here’s why.
Savage Mark II Minimalist Review: Lead-Free 21 Sharp Hits Hard
Published: October 12, 2025 { 4 comments }The Savage Mark II Minimalist is one of their top-selling bolt-action rifles, and they wisely chose to make it one of the offerings chambered in 21 Sharp.
Gun Dogs: Training for Gunshots
Published: October 8, 2025 { 0 comments }We’ve put together some basic tips and tricks for gun dog training—for all dogs.
Trail Camera Roundup: Use the Best
Published: October 8, 2025 { 1 comment }Whether you want all the bells and whistles or prefer a simpler setup, there’s a camera for you.
Hands-On: The Canik Mete MC9 Prime
Published: September 28, 2025 { 2 comments }As a fan of polymer pistols, I’m pleased to report the Canik Mete MC9 Prime not only meets but exceeds its price point (and then some).