reviews

The Browning X-Bolt family has grown from an excellent hunting rifle into a sprawling X-Bolt 2 lineup covering lightweight mountain guns, long-range rigs, carbon-fiber builds, and almost everything between.

The VX-Freedom still proves you do not need mortgage-payment money to put dependable Leupold glass on a rifle. But in 2026, the harder question is whether the VX-3HD or VX-5HD gives you enough extra performance to justify climbing the ladder.

“Trying to stop a bad-guy with a nine mm is like trying to stop a charging buffalo with a twenty-two. Might as well use a fly-swatter”.

Such statements were common when I was a kid, and at the time there was some truth to them. Many experienced shooters, veterans, and L.E. officers still preferred the hard-hitting .45 ACP, (Automatic Colt Pistol) to the 9mm with its smaller, lighter and more streamlined projectile.

After more than 250 rounds, the optics-ready Walther WMP proved accurate, comfortable, and ridiculously fun. Its 15+1 capacity, .40-inch best group, and surprising .22 WMR energy make this full-sized rimfire far more than a casual plinker.

As an outdoorsman, I enjoy being afield in all sorts of capacities. While hunting is one of my favorite pastimes, fishing and hiking are a wonderful means of spending time with friends and family and living in close proximity to both the Catskill and Adirondack mountains, there is ample opportunity for both of those activities. I am also, by trade, a Professional Land Surveyor, so my work hours are often spent in the remote wilderness areas.

The Beretta 92 Compact (like this Beretta 92 Compact with rail INOX) is a classic reborn, channeling its double/single action predecessor.

The adjustable component trigger assembly JP pioneered years ago was the benchmark of aftermarket triggers available for the MSR.

If you have a hole in your gun safe, maybe one of these guns will be a good fit. They each offer something new and innovative, and they are often priced a bit lower than most.

The Backcountry 2.0 lineup is available in four configurations including a steel or titanium action with either carbon fiber or traditional fluted barrel.