Self-Defense

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Ready to Strike: The New .38 Special Colt Cobra – Full Review.

Colt Cobra vs. King Cobra: Which One Wins in 2026?

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Colt brought the Cobra back as a soft-shooting six-shot .38 Special, then followed it with the harder-hitting .357 Magnum King Cobra. We revisit the original Cobra review and break down which stainless Snake Gun makes the most sense in 2026.

.22 Magnum for Personal Defense – Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?

Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Gel Test vs .22 LR

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It seems the armed community is rediscovering the advantages of the small revolver over the pocket auto!

Cartridge Showdown: 9mm Versus .45 ACP

9mm vs .45 ACP: Which Is Better for Self-Defense in 2026?

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“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.

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Best Bear Defense Handguns (2026)

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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.

S&W 640-1

Best .38 Special Self-Defense Ammo (2026): Snub-Nose Tested

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A .38 Special for self-defense? It’s not the fastest or most powerful round, but it is the best round if it meets two key criteria: It’s the one you’ll actually carry and you can shoot it accurately. So, yes, a .38 Special for self-defense.

Wally West: A Good Guy with a Gun

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Much like insurance, I don’t carry a firearm because I ever expect to use it. I keep a gun handy in the rare event that there are no other options available.

exodus 9mm gforce pistol on a table

GForce Arms Exodus: Affordable Carry

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The GForce Arms Exodus is a 9mm compact handgun designed for self-defense applications. It’s made for both form and function.

handguns ona table

The Reasonable Person: The Legalese of Self-Defense

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Carrying a firearm to defend your life comes with certain responsibilities, and one of those is understanding the laws and regulations.

anderson kiger 9c

Anderson Kiger 9C: The Polymer Pony Pistol

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The Anderson Kiger 9C is a gun that’s been met with skepticism by many—and understandably so—but it’s also one that’s done surprisingly well. So, just how good is the Kiger 9C?

Staccato C Full Review: Conceal, Compete, and Conquer!

Staccato C Full Review: Conceal, Compete, and Conquer!

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Over the past few months, I’ve been thoroughly testing the Staccato C. I’ve competed in a 3-gun match, carried it concealed, and even used it at the Staccato-sponsored Area 4 USPSA Championship.