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Most well-known American gun manufacturers like Smith & Wesson, Remington and Colt were established around 150 years ago. Beretta surpasses them by three centuries. Its first recorded contract occurred on October 3, 1526, when master gunmaker Bartolomeo Beretta agreed to produce and sell 185 arquebus barrels to the Republic of Venice. Despite revolutions, wars, economic […]

I’ve been evaluating and writing about firearms for civilian and law enforcement use since the early 1990s. In that time, I’ve handled and fired more handguns, rifles and shotguns than I can count. But there have been very few that have made me think, “Don’t change a blessed thing about this gun.” Testing the Smith […]

The blued steel Smith & Wesson Model 36, chambered in .38 Special, debuted in 1950 at the International Association of Chiefs of Police convention. It made such an impression that attendees voted to name it the “Chief’s Special.” Ever since, it’s been known by that moniker. Carrying five rounds of powerful .38 Special ammunition, the […]

When I saw the first image of the new Smith & Wesson Model 10 Classic .38 Special revolver — built on the iconic K-frame and featuring no internal lock — I knew I had to own one. The Model 10 was more than a firearm — it was the defining law enforcement revolver of its […]

When I heard that Smith & Wesson was introducing its own American-made lever-action rifle, I received the news with enthusiasm. That was because another high-quality, top-tier firearms manufacturer was doing its part to expand the legacy of the classic American rifle — a foundational piece of U.S. history now getting a modern upgrade. I was […]

When I became interested in the world of shooting at age 14, the Vietnam War was still raging. The walnut-stocked M-14 7.62mm NATO was the primary battle rifle. And the early Smith & Wesson revolver I initially used for police duty was blued steel with Cocobolo (Rosewood) grips. Back then, wood and steel defined the […]

Few topics generate more debate among gun owners than identifying the best gun for self-defense. That’s because defensive situations vary widely, and what works well for one person may not be ideal for another. For the purposes of this article, I’m focusing on the most common scenario responsibly armed citizens are likely to face: one […]

Many shooters have used red-dot technology on long guns for upward of 30 to 40 years. Since Aimpoint AB’s introduction of the first electric red-dot sight in 1975, micro red-dot sights have exploded in popularity. Now rugged, compact and reliable enough for everyday carry, these optics are showing up on concealed carry guns everywhere. What […]

It wasn’t until I had three or so years on the job as a cop that I began to carry a backup gun on a regular basis. Working at a mostly rural sheriff’s office in Ohio in 1980, I didn’t feel the need. At the time, no one at the agency was wearing soft body […]

Choosing your first gun — whether for self-defense, hunting or sport shooting — is a big decision. With countless models available, finding the best first gun can feel overwhelming. This beginner-friendly guide simplifies your search for the best starting gun by highlighting top handguns and rifles, focusing on ease of use, reliability and safety. We’ll […]