When Kimber introduced its Micro in 2013 it was a fast success among those who carry for self-defense. The pocketable single-action semi-auto pistol has all the looks and feel of a 1911, but in a much more compact size. It is chambered in .380 ACP, a suitable choice for summarily stopping a criminal attack …

The new Stance pistol from Savage Arms is a micro-compact 9 mm that is right-sized for concealed carry. Successful concealed carry, however, requires a secure and comfortable holster that can be worn everyday, which is why several major holster manufacturers have new models out right now that are designed to fit the …

It’s a question those of us in the gun writing business often get asked. “What’s the best caliber for a self-defense handgun?” Those expecting a one-to-three digit answer from me will be disappointed. I respond to their simple question with a complex one. “What is the most powerful cartridge that …

When .357 Mag. double-action revolvers fell out of favor with law enforcement in the 1980s, it forced many of the budget-priced and mid-grade double-actions out of the market. But, in recent years, defensive revolvers have enjoyed something of a revival as certain states have instituted regulations to further complicate the …

With 2021 in the rearview mirror, and the first anniversary of the Biden presidency nearing, it is useful to remember what President Joe Biden (D) has said about the Second Amendment since assuming office. 1.) During a CNN “town hall” meeting in late July, Biden implied that he hoped to outlaw America’s …

Smith & Wesson went back to the drawing board when designing its latest micro-compact concealed-carry pistol, and the result is a unique offering in the form of the metal-framed, hammer-fired, 9 mm Luger-chambered Smith & Wesson CSX. This new pistol features an aluminum-alloy frame complete with interchangeable backstraps and includes a 10-round …

2021 was a busy year for all things Second Amendment related. Here is a look back at 10 of the most noteworthy events—good and bad—as we start off into 2022. Looking back is important, as it can show what’s coming. 10. The NRA turned 150. Founded in 1871 by Civil …

The first time I went gun shopping, it was a dizzying experience. I was greeted by seemingly endless possibilities, and I had little knowledge of how to differentiate between them beyond my limited budget. That “problem” of too many options—wonderful problem that it is—has only increased with the advancement of …

Springfield Armory is not a stranger to the concealed carry market, with compact models of the well-known XD line of handguns. Yet, the company turned heads in 2019 when it released the micro-compact Hellcat handgun. Chambered in 9 mm with a gracious magazine capacity for the size, American Rifleman staff evaluated the Hellcat in 2020. The Springfield …

The Stance is a new 9 mm pistol from Savage Arms, which is the company’s first pistol in many, many years. Savage is known for its rifles and the new Renengauge shotgun, and now with the introduction of the Stance, it is re-entering the pistol market with a gun that is …