Category: Guns

Choosing between a hard case and soft case is easy when you know where, when, and how long you’ll be using it for.  Hard cases provide more airflow and may help prevent degradation or corrosion making them better for longer term storage like an extended vacation, while soft cases more easily trap moisture and oils leading to more frequent cleanings or faster corrosion.  

While hard cases can better protect a firearm, soft cases are easier to carry and less expensive to buy, so they can be better for short term transportation including practicing at a gun range or carrying a few firearms during a competition.

Whether you need a gun case for camping trips, carrying to the range, or competing, here’s how to decide when to go with a hard case, a soft case, and when both work equally well. 

Hunting and Camping Trips

Comfort, weight, the climate, and your amount of comfort all matter when picking a gun case for the outdoors.  If the firearm is only for protection while hiking vs. needing multiple rifles for different types of game, you’re going to want to change your gun cases.  

A Lot of Hiking

When you’ll be traveling with a pack and have to hike a reasonable distance, soft gun cases are better than hard cases because they weigh less so you’ll put less strain on your body and you’ll be more comfortable.  Soft cases don’t have the foam padding and protection of a hard case, but they can be slimmer helping you to carry your case, pack, and gear more easily.  And they take up less space in a tent which is important if yours does not have room.

Less Hiking

For camping and hunting trips with less hiking or no hiking, go with a hard case.  You will have the protection of the foam padding and likely better waterproofing if it rains.  Hard cases can have better latches and locks making them more secure, and this is vital if you’re using an RV and there will be kids around.

Long Periods of Time

For extended camping and hunting trips, and when you’ll be using a cabin with a proper gun safe, go with both hard and soft cases.  Soft cases are easier to carry if you’re going to practice target shooting or have a mini-competition with friends, and hard cases add to the protection of the firearms when you first transport them to the lodge and when you move them back home.  If you’re going out daily for hunting, the soft case will be easy and more comfortable to carry, but you’ll be happy with the security and ventilation for storage if the cabin does not have a gun safe or it’s already full.

Trips to the Range

A trip to the range is going to be easier with a soft case as they are lighter, easier to carry, and you’ll be actively using the firearm then placing it back into proper storage when you get home.  If the firearm is only for range use and you forget to place it back into your gun safe after shooting, you may want to go with the hard case over the soft case as the hard case is more protective and may have vents to keep airflow going.  You’ll only be carrying the case for short distances so the weight and bulkiness won’t be as important.

Competition Shooting

From marathons to competitions, hard case vs. soft case depends on the length of the competition, if you have to travel long distances to get there, and where the location is.

Here’s a good rule of thumb:

• Single day – bring a soft case as you’ll be more comfortable carrying it around and the firearm will be used and then place back into proper storage once the day is over.
• Extended events and marathons – hard cases may be better because you can store everything securely with a stronger lock and you don’t want humidity to build up inside the case.  The hard case helps prevent damage as you go through the event.  This may be important as the excitement and adrenaline while getting ready to compete could result in some extra bumps.

You can always mix and match depending on the events.  If you have to store multiple firearms as you’ll be switching them in and out during competition, use a hard case for the main storage in your basecamp, then bring soft gun cases to transport your firearms for the actual competitions.

Hard and Soft Gun Case Comparison

Both types of gun cases serve a purpose, and if you’re still trying to decide between them, here’s a table to give you the pros, cons, and similarities in a quick and easy format.

Hard cases provide better protection and security than soft gun cases, but they come at a price, weight, and comfort level.  Soft cases won’t protect your firearms from bumps and dings as well as a hard gun case, but they are easier to carry if you’re going to the range, a dealer, or to target shoot.

The M1 Garand is a military grade rifle that comes with a magazine that holds eight rounds of .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, and 7.62×51 NATO cartridges, and was used predominantly in both World War II and the Korean War.  As with every military grade weapon, rumors and myths begin to develop, especially when it comes to war stories, and the M1 Garand has its share of them.  

This rifle in particular has one about soldiers being killed because of the signature ping noise (similar to a cymbal) created as it fires its final shot alerted the enemy to that soldiers location.

Fact or Myth

Fact: Yes, the M1 Garand’s magazine change can be loud enough to alert a nearby enemy—if they’re close, there are no other distractions, they recognize the sound, and can act quickly before the person has reloaded.  

In a war zone or combat area, these circumstances are highly unlikely, so although it could happen, this one sound in particular likely would not result in getting soldiers killed.  On top of that, a skilled shooter can change the magazine in under 3 seconds so the enemy would need to locate the direction of the ping and get a round off perfectly before the new magazine is loaded.  

It is also likely there will be someone who has the soldier’s back while they reload.  If the enemy made themselves a clean mark because they had to readjust to locate the direction of the noise and aim, the person covering may be able to pick them off.  

This makes it unlikely that the ping sound from soldiers changing the magazine on the M1 Garand would have caused soldiers to get killed by identifying their location.  Let’s dive in a bit more.

The noise from firing an M1 Garand is 168 dB when fired at 1 meter according to Lasalle University, so the enemy would need to know what the sound was like of the cartridges being fired and then recover their hearing to hear the ping.  

In addition to the M1 Garand, the Sten and MP40 (Maschinenpistole 40) sub machine guns were used on the battlefields.  Both are about equal and potentially louder than the M1 Garand, so they could drown out the noise of the ping with the magazine.

Yes, it is possible that the M1 Garand could give the location of a soldier away in a battlefield, but is highly unlikely.  There would have to be a perfect scenario, and the enemy would likely not have enough time to aim and get a round off in time to hit their target.  So we call this one a myth even though it could technically have happened.

Both the Ruger RXM and Glock 19 are compact 9mm pistols chambered in a Luger and are highly popular for concealed carry and personal defense as they have striker-fired vs hammer-fired mechanisms for consistent trigger pulls and have a 15 cartridge capacity.  Although they’re both compact, the Glock 19’s barrel is .02 inches longer than the Ruger RXM’s barrel, although this doesn’t make much of a difference.

The polymer frames on both firearms make them lightweight,  and they both have trigger safeties and striker blockers built in so you don’t need any external accessories.  It’s hard to choose between the two when you look at specs alone, so we’re breaking down the details of both the Ruger RXM and Glock 19 by specifications and when to choose one over the other so you can make the right choice based on your needs.

While the two firearms are similar, Glock 19 is the more popular option as it’s featured in movies, music, and tv shows helping to increase its popularity over other equally reliable concealed carry firearms.  While it is an excellent choice, there are situations where a Ruger RXM may be better than the Glock 19, and vice versa. 

How to Choose Between the Glock 19 and Ruger RXM 9mm Pistol

The way to choose between the two depends on how you’ll be using it like gun runs and concealed carry, your ability to manage it and get a second shot off in a threat situation, as well as price points and the accessories you want to use.  

• Accuracy – Glock 19 tends to be more accurate than Ruger RXM when comparing the base models, but it all depends on the customizations and how well you handle the trigger pull, recoil, and if you’re using accessories like a custom grip.  This one is a tie.
• Trigger pull – Ruger RXM beats the Glock 19 when it comes to having consistency with firing so you can focus on the target.
• Price – Ruger RXM costs less than a Glock 19 and both are equally good for concealed carry, so if you want a more affordable option, go with the Ruger RXM.
• Sights – If you like iron sights, the Glock 19 is going to be better than the Ruger RXM.  If modularity is important because you like to mix and match optics, go with the Ruger RXM over the Glock 19.
• Accessories – The Glock 19 is the winner for aftermarket accessories as it is the more famous firearm.  
• Resale value – Glock 19 has a higher resale value compared to the Ruger RXM, so if you plan on selling in the near future, go Glock 19.  If you plan on using the firearm while new generations are released, Ruger RXM may be a good choice if you like the handfeel as there are less frequent new releases keeping the value stable.
• High capacity magazine compatibility – Both can use extended mags (Glock can use 17, 19, 33-round mags; Ruger may accept extended mags but they’re less common). Glock has more options for high-capacity mags due to its longstanding popularity and wider market support.

When to Choose Ruger RXM Over Glock 19

With a lighter trigger pull you may find the Ruger RXM more accurate, especially in stressful situations, than the Glock 19 whose trigger pull has a larger fluctuation.  The price point on the standard model of the Ruger RXM is less than the Glock 19, so it is more economical with the same standard capacity at 15+1.

Ruger RXM is also optic ready where only specific generations of Glock 19 like Gen 5 are, so if optics matter to you, go Ruger RXM over Glock 19.  Because the Ruger RXM 9mm is slightly thinner and lighter, it may be more comfortable for appendix concealed carry than the Glock 19.  The 18 degree grip angle is similar to the 1911, which some people will prefer over the 22 degree angle of the Glock 19.

When to Choose Glock 19 Over Ruger RXM

If you’re into aftermarket customizations and highly customized firearms, Glock 19 is going to be a better choice than the Ruger RXM as it has one of the largest selections of aftermarket gear.  Ruger RXM is very new, so the amount of options available will grow over time.  The Glock 19 is easier to clean and maintain as it has 34 internal parts while the Ruger RXM has roughly 40.

The Glock 19 also has a lower bore access than Ruger’s RXM 9mm which will help reduce the recoil a bit, but they’re very similar.  This is only a slight advantage the Glock 19 has over the Ruger RXM 9mm.  Because of the massive demand and accessories, finding parts and resale values on Glock 19 are easier and better than Ruger’s RXM.

Both firearms are great options for concealed carry, it all comes down to price, the grip angle and trigger pull you can manage better, and if you want more options to customize your firearm.

Introduced in 1997 and was referred to as the Gen 2.5 because it brought innovation to the line of Glock 357 caliber handguns, the Glock 33 quickly swept the personal defense market for concealed carry due to its accuracy, size, high muzzle velocity, and ease of control. It gives you the power of a revolver, with the technology of a modern semi-automatic firearm for personal defense.

Unlike the Gen 2 models that did not have finger rails (the grenade grip), which some people liked, the Gen 2.5 features these but lack the accessory rails of the Gen 3.

For Glock enthusiasts that love the feel of the finger rail, it was a game changer as you get the power of the 357 magnum in a sub compact and semi-automatic handgun. Now that it comes in a Gen 4 iteration that is shorter in length and lighter in weight, the Glock 33 is perfect for concealed carry coming in at 6.42 inches and rivals a SIG Sauer p365 for accuracy and feel, although we don’t play favorites.  

Fun fact: The Glock 31, 32, and 33 were all released in February, Glock 34 broke the pattern by coming out in April of 1994.

Ready to learn more about this firearm for self defense and how it bridged the gap between Gen 2.5 and future evolutions?  Keep reading to learn its history, the specs, and some fun facts you can use as ice breakers, for trivia nights, or to stump your friends.

Glock 33 Specs

How it Compares to Similar Concealed Carry Firearms

People love the Glock 33s power and compare it to the Sig Sauer p365, but unlike the Sig which has an effective range of roughly 13.7m, the Glock 33 maxes out around 50m making it better if the threat is further away. They’re both effective for close range protection and both models have strong recoils, but the Sig’s recoil is lighter making it easier to control and get the next round off for newer shooters.  

If you want the effective range of the Glock 33, you’ll need to train before using it for concealed carry and personal defense. If weight is a concern for you, the Sig may be a better choice as it comes in at 17.8oz vs. the Glock 33 Gen 4 at 19.75oz. If you’re not a fan of the Sig p365, the p239 could be a great alternative.

The Heckler & Koch P2000SK could be another 357 subcompact alternative to the Glock 33, as it comes in at 24oz giving you the extra weight if you like to feel the firearm in your hand and a 6.4 inch length, making it just a bit shorter than the Gen 4. Both can be found around $500, and if you don’t mind used, you can find great deals making them affordable options for concealed carry.  

Although the P2000SK is snappy, the recoil is manageable compared to the Glock 33, so it could be better for people that are newer to personal defense and have not had as much experience at the range.

Pop Culture References and Fun Facts

The 33 never had the same accolades and recognition as the 19, but it did make its way to some TV shows and pop culture references. Two characters in Fabio Montale carry the Glock 33, and the same goes for martial artist Cyril Raffaelli who is seen with one in the movie District B13. Even though it isn’t as famous, it still deserves some recognition.

If you’re looking for a powerful concealed carry that gives a kick and won’t break the bank, the Glock 33 is for you.

The Beretta 1301 is an Italian manufactured gun that was released in 2014 as an upgrade to the Tx4, and at the time their newest gas fueled tactical shotgun for home defense.  Although demand for the Tx4 was and still is strong, the price point drove away potential customers creating a hole in the market for the Beretta company to fill.  

This is how the 1301 model came to pass. It isn’t only the price that makes this long gun appealing.  The Beretta 1301 has features that make it more usable than its predecessors like the Tx4 including the kick-off system which was unnecessarily complicated.  

The 1301 also contains oversized controls and can come with the Pro Lifter system of the A400 making it the best of both worlds if you loved the Tx4 and A400.  For seasonal hunters, the oversized reversible safety button makes it easier to handle in snow and harsh conditions.  So how does it stand up on its own without the whistles and bells?

With its 12 gauge bore diameter, easy-to-control recoil, and ability to fire off 7 rounds with an extended magazine, the Beretta 1301 is one of the best shotguns for home defense.  This is especially true if you’re getting a bit older and your shoulder cannot take the recoil from more intense shotguns.  When seconds matter, getting the next round off could mean life or death, and the quick loading, semi-automatic technology gives you those seconds.  

The higher muzzle velocity is able to project the shot with a flatter trajectory and the force will aid it with a deeper penetration helping you to neutralize the threat more efficiently.  But the Beretta 1301 isn’t only for defending your home in urban, suburban, and rural areas, it can be used for sport shooting and competition.

The enlarged controls help you maneuver and handle the weapon.  If you’re feeling excited as you approach the station and set your hold point, your hands stay in control so you can claim that gold.

Skeets and clays aren’t the only opportunity for this shotgun.  It can cycle shells roughly 36% faster using its BLINK speed technology than comparable semi-automatic shotguns so it is perfect for birds like pheasant and turkey.  By having a light recoil and quick reload, you can get a second shot in or hit more targets before the opportunity passes. 

The serrated design of the bolt release lets you keep your fingers without having to constantly reposition your firing hand making it easier to hunt, including slightly larger game and smaller predators like coyotes.  It can be a great alternative to the A300 which is designed for waterfowl and birds.

Although you can technically use a Beretta 1301 for deer, it may not be the best choice on large game.  It will fire through vegetation like any other shotgun, but this is a home defense and tactical model vs. shotguns designed specifically for deer like the Winchester SX4 Cantilever Buck or the Mossberg 500 Slugster.  You can learn about the Mossberg 500 series here if you’re interested.  

The Beretta 1301 has also made its way into movies, tv, and even video games according to the IMFDB including The Tomorrow War, The Terminal List, and Ready or Not.  

You’ll want to choose a Beretta 1301 for home defense, 3 gun competitions, and every day practice or sporting.  If you need something on a budget, or want to go for large predators and big game, go with an alternate shotgun like the Mossberg Patriot.  Although it is a tactical shotgun, the Beretta 1301 is not being used by the military as rifles are better suited towards their needs with the longer effective range.

Now you know the history of the Beretta 1301, when it makes a good long gun for needs like home defense and competitions, and alternatives for larger game.

Both gas and inertia powered long guns (shotguns and rifles) work for home defense, hunting, and sports like skeet shooting.  Gas powered long guns provide less recoil and faster loading making them better for self defense when seconds matter, and for older and young shooters because they are easier on your body.  

Don’t count inertia powered firearms out as they’re easier to maintain and are more reliable in harsh environments.  This is especially important if you live in areas with dust, sand, etc…  Because gas loading firearms tend to get blocked by this type of debris more often than inertia powered long guns, inertia is more reliable for protection when hunting large predators and rural home defense.  

At the same time, if you need to get multiple shots off because you’re a new hunter or you can’t handle the recoil as much as you used to, the gas is going to lessen the kick and allow for a faster cartridge replacement giving you an advantage.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed deciding between gas and inertia powered long guns, we’re here to help with this easy guide.  You’ll find a quick comparison table and how to choose between them based on your needs.  Please note the numbers on the table are on a scale of 1 to 10 with being poor and ten being the best.

Age

For younger sport shooters and hunters, go with gas powered long guns over inertia because the handler will be able to control the firearm better.  As their skills develop and bodies adjust to the recoil, they can progress to an inertia powered firearm.

For healthy enthusiasts in their late teens, 20s, and up to 40s, inertia is the way to go.  These age groups can handle the kick better and may be more open to hunting in harsh environments as this age range tends to be more adventurous.

Once your 50s kick in, it’s all about pleasure.  The recoil will be felt more making gas powered a more enjoyable experience as you’ll give your shoulder a needed break after decades of shooting.

Defense

There are three types of defense to consider when choosing between gas and inertia powered rifles and shotguns.  

• Home defense
• Predator non-hunting
• Predator hunting

For home defense you will want to choose gas powered rifles and shotguns over inertia because the ammunition loads faster and the firearm is easier to control with the lower recoil.  If you’re hunting deer, waterfowl, or other animals and there are predators, both inertia and gas powered can be effective.

Because you’re hunting and know the fauna in the area, you’ll likely already have a firearm you are familiar with for hunting and can control.  So always take what you are best with regardless of inertia or gas powered when predators are around.  When you’re going into areas with large predators and big game, it comes down to the environment you’ll be in.

If the trip is going to be clear skies and clean environments, choose gas powered long guns so you can get more shots off which can matter when predators are ready to attack.  When the weather is mixed or you’re in harsh environments like desert sand, inertia has less chance to clog keeping your firearm working for when you need it.  This applies to safaris and long trips where you may not have cleaning and maintenance on the top of your mind.

Sports

There is no difference in accuracy between inertia and gas powered rifles and shotguns, so both work perfect for distance target practice and marksmanship.  When it comes to skeet shooting, gas powered guns have an advantage over inertia firearms because of the lighter recoil and faster loading.

If you plan on entering a sport competitively and always put off cleaning your long gun, inertia will likely be a better choice because these firearms require less maintenance than gas powered even though they load slower and have more kick.

Now that you’re ready to choose between gas and inertia powered long guns, don’t forget to check out our long gun safes for proper storage.

Released in July of 2019, the Glock 43X became one of the most sought after 9mm Luger (semi automatic) pistols in the USA for concealed carry due to its compact frame, 10 round capacity compared to the 6 of the Glock 43, and being easier to grip than the 43 due to the longer length of the handle. 

Being part of the Gen 5 series, the Glock 43X has an ambidextrous slide, a flared mag-well for easy reloading, and no finger grooves on the handle.  Not to mention a lighter feeling recoil due to the handle being easier to grip.  This makes it an easier to use and by more people helping it become popular almost overnight.

Glock 43X may be a snub nose with a barrel under 3.5 inches, but it is also highly accurate with an effective range at 25 yards as it has the marksman barrel design.  The shorter length with a slim frame makes it easy to hide in a holster almost anywhere on your body.  

The Glock 43X also rose to fame with the customizations, especially the art decals including 80’s and 90’s retro patterns, a famous jewelry store’s teal and silver coloring, and of course camo and military themes.  Price wise, it is affordable ranging between $400 for refurbished to $600 brand new. 

It may not have the 55’ range of the Glock 19, but who needs that when it is for self defense and when you can rebound more quickly when seconds matter.

Before you buy: The Glock 43X is not legal everywhere, so check with your local government before you buy.  There has been legislation in states like California where it may be currently banned as there is no microstamper on the firing pin to identify the gun owner.  

Now that you know why the Glock 43X became popular immediately after it hit the market, lets jump into the specs, how to determine if it is the right concealed carry firearm for you, and how it compares to similar pistols.

Glock 43X Specifications and Comparisons

What the Glock 43X is Good For

The Glock 43X is a perfect handgun for concealed carry and personal defense as it is under 3.5” in length, has a slender frame, and the light recoil that allows you to restabilize if you need to get another shot off.  Unlike the 43 which has a capacity of 6, the Glock 43X has a 10 cartridge magazine giving you more flexibility for a miss in a threat situation. 

The recoil on both the Glock 43 and 43X are similar, but the additional length of the grip makes it more easy to control which is why the Glock 43X feels like the recoil is lighter.  When seconds matter, keeping control of your firearm is vital and so are the extra rounds.  

Another reason we recommend Glock 43X for personal defense is for threat situations where hand-to-hand combat is unavoidable.  The additional length of the grip may give you a stronger hold with more control so you can maintain possession of the firearm and use it to ward off the threat.

These are the reasons why we recommend Glock 43X over the Glock 43 when it comes to concealed carry.  You’ll get plenty of distance as the effective range is 25 yards, and you have more control and more ammunition than other 9mm’s in a threat situation.

It may not be as famous as the Glock 19 which you’ll see in movies, TV, and music videos, but fame doesn’t mean function.  When you or the ones you love are in danger, you’re going to want a firearm that can protect, and the Glock 43X is a great option.

Both automatic and semi-automatic rifles hold multiple rounds of cartridges and fire quickly since they both reload automatically after they fire, but they are not the same as semi-automatic rifles like the AR-15 or Ruger 10/22 only fire a single cartridge when the trigger is pulled, and automatic rifles like the AK-47 and M16 fire continuously in one pull.  The automatic firing of bullets until the trigger is released is the main difference between automatic and semi-automatic firearms. 

The two types of rifles have similarities as well, and this is why some people confuse them.  Both can hold multiple cartridges with semi-automatic rifles normally maxing out at 10, and automatic rifles like the Colt AR-15 having 30 rounds and the Lewis gun coming in at 97 rounds.  The naming can also be confusing where some people assume the AR in AR-15 means “automatic rifle” but it actually stands for the manufacturer, ArmaLite and Rifle.

Automatic and semi-automatic rifles can be stored in the same type of long gun safes, and both can benefit from modular gun safes like our Agile™ line with configurations that allow you to protect accessories like scopes.  And both are not classified by size as some automatic rifles like the M4 are carbine models meaning they’re a bit shorter than a typical long gun.

Outside of mechanics, there is another similarity in semi automatic and automatic rifles in that both can be considered “assault” weapons.  Both are outlawed in certain states, and other states allow them or specific models as each state can assign their own definitions and choose which firearms are permitted.  And this applies to bump stocks which can be used to make a semi automatic rifle mimic the capabilities of an automatic rifle.

As a responsible gun owner, it’s important to know the differences and each state law as you don’t want to wind up in trouble for having a banned weapon.  We hope you found this guide to the differences between automatic and semi automatic rifles helpful, and if you did, enter your email below for more guides like it.

Outside of the revolving chamber that gives revolvers their name, there are a few main differences between revolvers and pistols like the amount of recoil you’ll feel, and the chamber capacity which is beneficial for self defense that make them different.  These differences will help you determine which type of handgun is the right one for your needs.  

Fun fact: The first version of a revolver was created in the 15th century and was known as a hand canon.

If you’re using the ATF’s definition, pistols are any form of handgun where the cartridges are not contained in a revolving chamber.  An industry standard definition for revolvers would be the opposite of a pistol where the cartridges are held and loaded from a rotating chamber. 

Outside of the definitions, here’s some more similarities and differences between them.

Both pistols and revolvers are good for self defense, but in different situations.  If you’re an outdoors enthusiast, a revolver won’t give you enough rounds to stop or deter a bear or a wild boar as larger prey will likely need a rifle.  But to be fair, no handgun is going to fully neutralize a bear.  There are handguns that are better for defense against bears though.

Revolvers have six cartridges giving them the name six shooter, where a Glock could have 17 or more bullets giving you additional resources to slow down or deter the threat.

You could make the argument that a revolver can handle a larger caliber bullet, but that comes with extra recoil and bears can charge at speeds over 20mph.  This includes the Grizzly bear which has the ability to charge at 35 mph and maintain speeds up to 28 miles per hour over a 2 mile stretch.  That is faster than the average domestic horse!

If you live in an urban or suburban area and your hands are smaller, it may be harder to charge the slide on a standard pistol.  The difficulty in charging the slide may prevent you from getting rounds off in time where it may be easier to fire the second shot from the revolver, but this depends on the specific firearm you carry and your experience with it.  

If you run out of ammo, it’s going to be faster and easier to reload a magazine than popping the bullets out of a revolver.  When seconds and rounds matter, the pistol wins over the revolver.

Revolvers are heavier and have more recoil than pistols, and this makes them less appealing than a pistol for self defense.  But when it comes to larger and heavier ammo, the revolver is going to pack a punch as they are designed to handle this.  

The two are fairly similar in accuracy as accuracy is more dependent on the barrel length.  But recoil also impacts accuracy for the second shot, so the pistol will beat the revolver in self defense situations where your hands may be more shaky and you’re feeling nervous.  The need to recover from a recoil could cost you precious seconds.

If the firearm is for show or fun, like shooting targets on a ranch or for general concealed carry, revolvers are great.  They’re iconic pieces of firearm history and pop culture.  And revolvers tend to be less expensive than pistols, so you could save some money if that is a deciding factor for you. 

Both pistols and revolvers are storable in a standard handgun safe, so there is no difference with regards to storage, but there is with maintenance.

Revolvers have a simpler design and that makes them easier to clean than a pistol.  You still have to strip both firearms down, but you’ll save a bit of time with your revolver, not much, but a bit.

Here’s how we recommend choosing between the two if you’re shopping.  Both can work for multiple purposes, but as you’ve learned above, they have slight advantages in certain situations.

Either way you go, both pistols and revolvers can work for self defense and target practice.  Pistols tend to have the upper hand when it comes to defense when compared to revolvers, which is why pistols are the preferred firearm for law enforcement. If you found this guide helpful, join our newsletter by entering your email below for more content like it.

If you like rimfire rifles that are built to last, and are semi automatic, the Ruger 10/22 is your new go-to!  Since hitting the market in 1964, this American made firearm from the Sturm, Ruger & Co. has been in continuous production as a low cost carbine rifle for sports shooting and self defense.  

Although some may use it to hunt, rimfire cartridges do not carry as much power as centerfire.  This is why rimfire rifles may be banned in certain areas for hunting, especially medium to large game.  They are not as effective at neutralizing the target quickly making them unethical for use when hunting.

Why the Ruger 10/22 is So Popular

The standard carbine model can normally be found online for under $300 for the base model, and there are numerous third parties that produce customizations, upgrades, and enhancements like barrels, magazines, and the machined receiver for more accuracy which is vital when using the 10/22 for sports.  Because the 10/22 is a semi automatic carbine, it is easier to carry and maneuver than a standard semi automatic rifle or musket making it more ideal for the military.

Ruger 10/22 Specs

With its low recoil, readily available upgrades, steady weight, and price point, it’s no wonder sports enthusiasts love this firearm.  But they’re not the only ones. 

The Ruger 10/22 has been featured in pop culture across tv, music, and movies, and is standard issue by some of the world’s most elite military and law enforcement agencies.

Pop Culture and Military Uses of The Ruger 10/22

To name a few, here’s some of the militaries that use or have used the Ruger 10/22:

• Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) 
• Brazilian Military Police
• Peruvian National Police 
• Guatemalan Military

And you’ll find the Ruger 10/22 rifle in the following movies and TV shows according to IMFDB:

• Picasso Trigger (1988) – Taryn is seen with a customized model.
• Halloween (2007) – On the gun racks in the store.
• The Walking Dead (2010) – There is a Ruger 10/22 in the armory.
• Top Shot (2011) – In season 3 episode 7 you’ll find a tricked out 10/22.

The Ruger 10/22 is not going anywhere as it has become a standard for sports shooters and military combat due to its low cost to purchase, accuracy and size, as well as ability to be customized.  If you found this guide interesting join our newsletter below for more like it.

According to search engine traffic monitoring tools, roughly 40,500 people are searching for the Sig Sauer p320 every month making it one of the most sought after handguns next to the Glock 22 which has the same consumer demand.  The Glock 19 still dominates with more than 200,000 searches a month, even more so than the AR-15 at just over 100,000.  This is likely due to the Glock 19’s popularity in pop culture.  So with all this popularity, why would the original version of the p320 firearm get discontinued? 

First let’s jump into the reasons why the Sig Sauer p320 was created and became a beloved handgun, then go into the reasons why the Sig Sauer company would discontinue it.   If you’re in the market to purchase one, but it doesn’t feel just right, we share a few alternatives to the p320 for personal defense.

Nicknamed the M17 (full size) and M18 (compact) for modified versions, the Sig Sauer p320 was introduced in the USA in 2014 by the Sig Sauer company as a semi automatic handgun for the military.  Its popularity soared quickly due to the firearm being able to handle multiple calibers including 9×19mm Parabellum.357 SIG.40 S&W; 10 mm Auto.45 ACP, and having an effective range of 75 feet making it perfect for defense against direct threats in close quarters and near distances.

In addition to accuracy and being easy to handle, the 3-point take down system makes disassembling the Sig Sauer p320 easy as you don’t have to pull the trigger when it’s time to clean and lubricate it.  You can also purchase an extended magazine for this model that contains 30 rounds making it effective for military and law enforcement use in combat situations. 

Compared to the Glock 19 with a magazine weighing 29.6oz, the Sig Sauer p320 comes in at 28.3oz giving people that same hand feel weight wise for many.  

Although the p320 is a little bit larger than the Glock 19 at .81 inches in length, .15 inches in width on the grip, it still stores easily in most handgun safes.

Because this handgun sounds like a dream for the military, law enforcement, and personal self-defense, you’re likely wondering why they took it off market for a while.

The Sig Sauer p320 was discontinued temporarily because when it was dropped at certain angles there was a likely chance it would discharge creating a hazard that can harm innocent bystanders.  This is also known as a “drop safety” issue. 

Think about law enforcement and tactical situations with direct threats and your fellow officers getting hit.  There may be a situation where the handler needs to quickly release a firearm if someone is struck or someone needs help, and in this situation there is no time for an accidental discharge making it a potentially fatal flaw.  That’s why Sig Sauer temporarily took it out of circulation.

Knowing the firearm on its own had potential, Sig Sauer offered customers a program to get an updated model that is retrofitted with technology to make it drop safe.  So in reality, the Sig Sauer p320 is not discontinued, it just got an upgrade to help keep it being a defensive handgun.  You can learn more about the upgrade program here.

And the Sig Sauer isn’t going anywhere soon thanks to its popularity in TV and the Movies.  Here’s a few examples of where you’ve likely seen it.

• John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017) – John Wick (Keanu Reeves) uses a Sig Sauer P320 during various shootouts in the film.
• Gunpowder Milkshake (2021) – The character Shocker (David Burnell IV) uses the P320 in a climactic gunfight.
• Interceptor (2022) – J.J (Elsa Pataky) uses a P320-M17 in her role as a military officer.
• Blindspot (2015-2020) – Special Agent Kurt Weller (Sullivan Stapleton) carries and uses a Sig Sauer P320 throughout the run of the show.
• SEAL Team (2021-2022) – Brock Reynolds (Justin Melnick) carries a P320-M18 during his missions.
• Hawaii Five-0 (2018) – Neil Voss (Phillip Phillips) and Adam Noshimuri (Ian Anthony Dale) are seen using the P320 in multiple episodes during this season.

Maybe you love this firearm, but the hand feel or grip just isn’t right.  No problem, firearms for self defense need to be able to stop a threat, and that means you need to feel confident and in control when handling it.  

Two alternatives to the Sig Sauer p320 are the Glock 19 we mentioned above as it is reliable, can hold fifteen rounds, and has roughly the same weight, and the Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 not only for its visual appeal, but it’s M2.0 has an advanced trigger system and low bore axis to help with its accuracy.  

The Sig Sauer p320 has made its mark as a protective firearm for the military and law enforcement, and is a staple in many personal armories.  If you enjoyed learning about this firearm and want more content like this guide, subscribe below.

The Glock 26 (baby glock) was first introduced in 1994 as an easy-to-conceal self defense firearm as it is similar in both size and weight to snub nose revolvers, fires a 9mm cartridge, and has a polymer frame with Gen 5 features.  The Gen 5 features include the triggering mechanism and slide stop levers that are ambidextrous.  

Although the Glock 26 doesn’t have the same power as the popular 17 and 19 models that are more common for self-defense, it does make a perfect backup if you are often in situations where these two models are needed.  And that includes law enforcement and security professionals.

The standard capacity of the magazine is 10 cartridges, but you can hold more rounds by changing it out.  Remember, it is for personal defense and in close quarters, so it is likely not going to be good for hiking or outdoors, and certainly not a proper handgun if you come across a bear in the wild.  It could however be good for self defense if you’re camping and a human intruder decides to create a situation where self defense is necessary because of its accuracy and ability to be concealed.

The effective range of the Glock 26 is only 20 to 150 feet depending on who you ask compared to the 1911 which is more commonly considered to be effective up to 150.  That’s also why the Glock 26 is recommended for self defense in close encounters situations.

An alternate handgun to the Glock 26 is the Glock 27 known as the “pocket rocket”.  They are interchangeable, so if you have to choose between them, find a firing range that lets you try both and see which feels better for you.  Both are for self defense, and in threat situations you’ll want the handgun that “shoots better” for your ability.  The 27 is a bit more powerful so there will be more recoil than a Glock 26, and that can make a difference when seconds count.

Fun Facts About the Glock 26

If you find yourself in a game of trivia, here’s some Glock 26 fun facts to stump your friends and win.  

Hugh Jackman carried one in the movie Prisoners in 2013, and so did Gerard Butler in the same year with his role in Olympus Has Fallen.  Emily Blunt had a Glock 26 for her sidearm in the 2015 film Sicario, and Keanu Reeve’s sports one as one of his go-to guns in John Wick Chapter 2.

Glock 26s have been seen on TV including shows like Breaking Bad, Dexter, and The Walking Dead.  It’s also in music videos like Nicki Minaj, Drake and Lil Wayne’s “No Frauds” and “Rockstar” by Post Malone.

Coming in under $600 on average, it’s an affordable pistol for self defense, and it is fairly easy to clean and lubricate.  Always check the owner’s manual, but here are some basic steps.

How to Clean a Glock 26

1. Start by removing the slide pulling it slightly back and then pull down on the slide lock lever on both sides of the frame, and move the slide forward off the frame.
2. Remove the recoil spring assembly and barrel from the slide.
3. Clean the barrel by applying a small amount of solvent to a cleaning patch.  This is done by attaching the patch to a cleaning rod and running it through the barrel from the chamber end to the muzzle end. 
4. Then let the solvent sit for a bit to break down residue.
5. Now use a bore brush to scrub the inside of the barrel running clean patches through the barrel until they come out clean.
6. Next clean the slide with a nylon brush and solvent to clean the inside focusing on the rails and breech face.  
7. Wipe down with a clean cloth to remove residue and solvent.
8. Now clean the frame with a nylon brush, especially around the trigger mechanism and rails.
9. Last is to wipe down any remaining parts with residue on them, making sure to check the recoil spring. 
10. Lubricate and reassemble.

Remember to always make sure the firearm is unloaded and no ammunition is nearby when you’re cleaning it.

And now you know everything about the Glock 26 whether you’re looking for a new pistol for self defense, or were just curious about this make and model.