Archive for category: Handguns

Loading a gun with ammo was a lot more complicated before B. Houllier, a gunsmith in Paris France, invented the ammo cartridge in 1847. Before this invention, the components of the cartridge were separated and loaded individually into the gun.

Before cartridges, it could take from 20 seconds to 2 minutes to load a gun with ammo, and that would be for a single shot. On top of that, one had to constantly contend with keeping the powder dry and not losing the ram.

If you’ve ever wondered about firearm ammo basics and the various components of an ammo cartridge, read on to learn what goes on, and why, inside a cartridge when you pull the trigger of a gun.

Cartridge Ammo Basics

Cartridges come in varying shapes and sizes, materials, and types of primers and propellants used.

There are three basic types of cartridges. Pistol cartridges are the smallest and the shortest. Rifle cartridges are the longest and have the longest range. And shotgun cartridges are powerful and typically fire multiple projectiles.

The Cartridge Case

The case holds the projectile in place at the neck, the propellant underneath the projectile, and a primer in the base. The case must be strong enough to withstand the pressure (up to 80,000 PSI) of deflagration (rapid burning) of the gunpowder without cracking or exploding.

Cartridge cases are generally constructed from brass, but some are made of steel. Brass is economical, strong, and can be easily hardened. Shotgun cases, however, are mainly made of plastic.

The size of the case gets determined by how much gunpowder (measured in grains) the bullet specification requires and by the size restriction imposed by the magazine the bullets fit into, or the chambers in the case of revolver pistols.

The Cartridge Projectile

The projectile is typically made from lead-antimony alloy. Full metal jacket bullets are made of lead encased in a jacket of steel. Another type of projectile is hollow points, which have the center hollowed out so that the bullet explodes more easily into shrapnel inside the target.

The size of the bullet in circumference is referred to as its caliber. Popular calibers for pistols are 9mm, .357, .38, .40, .44, and.45. For rifles, popular calibers are .22, .223, 30.30, 30.06, .270, and 5.56mm.

You will notice that most pistol projectiles have a blunt top, whereas rifle projectiles are pointed. The blunt-nosed projectile imparts the maximum amount of energy to the target at close range. The pointed rifle bullet explodes deeper into its target (think deer and bear) for a cleaner and more sure kill.

Propellant Used in Cartridges

In the past, guns used black powder to fire projectiles, but its corrosive nature would cause damage to guns over time. Modern cartridges use a solid fuel instead of an explosive. It’s called smokeless gunpowder.

Ingredients

Single-base gunpowder is made from nitrocellulose. Double-based gunpowder adds nitroglycerin to the mixture.

Most gunpowders also contain graphite to make them smoother so they flow through funnels for loading cartridges. Other chemicals get added to make gunpowder moisture resistant and to cut down on muzzle flash, and stabilizers are added to give the propellent a longer shelf life

Grain Sizes

Gunpowder uses different-sized grains to manipulate burn rates. They call these flake, ball, and extruded.

Pistols and shotgun shells tend to use flake (which has a large surface area) for faster burn rates.

Rifles use round or cone-shaped grain sizes for the slower burn rates needed to continue propulsion through long rifle barrels.

Bullet weight often determines the size and type of the grain as well. A heavier bullet requires a slower-burning grain for the longer propulsion needed to move the larger mass at the desired speed.

Primers Used in Cartridges

Gunpowder does not explode, but it is flammable, yet it will not ignite from the strike of a gun’s firing pin. To burn, it requires an exploding primer to provide ignition.

Ingredients

The primer has been 800 years in the making, advancing from matches to percussion caps, to primers using fulminate of mercury, and lastly to primers using lead styphnate, barium nitrate, and Tetrazene. These three ingredients act as an initiator, an oxidizer, and a sensitizer. 

Components of a Primer

There are two basic primer designs: Boxer and Berdan. While they differ slightly, they use the same components. The Boxer method has the advantage of being the best of the two designs for those wanting to reload cartridges.

A cup holds the primer parts and chemicals. An anvil inside the cup strikes the primer ingredients when hit with the gun’s firing pin. The explosion in the cup propels hot gases through a primer vent and into the midst of the gunpowder in the main part of the cartridge.

Rimfire Primers

These special types of primers reside in the rim of the cartridge. This method is used in low-powered cartridges such as the .17 and .22 caliber cartridges.

Shotgun Cartridges

Shotgun cartridges vary in the types of loads they carry, from a single giant slug to tiny BBs called birdshot. Even though there are many different kinds of shotguns, they all use the same cartridges.

They employ a primer similar to the Boxer design, which ignites gunpowder surrounded by a “wad.” The wad sits between the primer and the projectiles. When the primer gets struck, the gunpowder propels the wad against the shot and out of the top of the cartridge and into the barrel of the gun.

The wad provides an even surface for the gunpowder to compress against. Otherwise, the gases would hit the shot pellets with uneven force and dispel too much energy.

Modern Miracle of Ammunition Innovation

An ammo cartridge appears simple from the outside, but a lot of innovation went into making it possible. It took a millennium from the creation of black powder until cartridges were developed as we know them today.

Think about ammo basics as you load up your gun, considering all that went into making it possible to place a self-contained cartridge into a chamber, then pull a trigger and hit a target with a high degree of accuracy, and then do it again in under a second.

When you are ready to purchase ammo cartridges, click on the following link and we will help you find a gun shop anywhere across the USA where you can stock up on the right ammo for your gun. 

Did you know that America is the most armed country in the world? If you combine civilian weaponry with armed forces and police weaponry, there are about 398.7 million guns in the US! With such a demand for guns, cheaper and better handguns are coming into the market each year.

Being easily concealable, handguns are the go-to weapons for anybody who is looking to quietly defend themselves. Do you need a new gun but only have a budget of $500 or less? Read on below and find out about the best handguns for under $500!

Springfield Xds 3.3

The barrel on the Springfield XDS 3.3 is only 3.3 inches, making the handgun lightweight and easy to use. The aftermarket support on the brand is very good should you need to find spare parts or want anything upgraded.

The gun is also found in nearly every gun shop in the country, making it a popular choice. You can expect to pay around $499 but in some cases, you could pay as little as $450. 

Ruger Lc9s

The Ruger LC9s is a mouse gun that does all its work up close and personal and isn’t meant for long-range shooting. One of the most affordable and best micro guns on the market, this upgrade of the LC9 now has adjustable sights built-in.

You can get your hands on one of these micro pistols for about $400.

Beretta Nano

Beretta has never compromised on quality, so you know with the Nano you will be getting a high-quality made pistol, that has the consumer market in mind. Nano is said to shoot just as well as the Glock 43 and is worth taking a look at. 

For under $500, this gun makes a handy backup weapon or concealed firearm, that won’t let you down.

Smith and Wesson J-Frame

The good thing about Smith and Wesson is that you have 15 varieties of J-frame models to choose from, all for under $500.

You can get light alloy frames, shrouded hammers, and even a pink handle should you so wish. With this many options, the J-frame is probably the best-concealed weapon on the market, that you can buy for $500. 

Canik TP9SA

You’ve probably never heard of this Turkish-made poly-frame striker gun. This plastic-made gun goes for very little money but shoots as accurately as any other poly-made gun on the market. The TP9SA is a service gun, yes, but it can be easily concealed and carried for daily use. 

The great part about the TP9SA is that you get an 18+1 capacity and it uses easy to acquire parts, so you can repair and upgrade the weapon with relative ease. You can easily find the gun for $350 or less and wonder why you paid so much for other handguns.

Mossberg Mc1sc

Mossberg is best known for having one of the most popular shotgun series to ever exist but shotguns aren’t the only thing they do. What makes the MC1SC standout is the premium options that you have available.

A flat-faced trigger, diamond-like carbon coating, reversible magazine release, and safe takedown system can all be added to this handgun.

Taurus Millennium G2

For $500 you could buy two of these best handguns if you really wanted. Easily found for under $250, the cheaper price tag definitely doesn’t mean a lack of quality. 

A Taurus can hang with the boys like a Glock 26 or Shield, plus shooters with bigger hands have very little problems, getting a solid grip. The Taurus is the best budget option gun available and shoots as well as guns twice its price.

You’ll have to deal with less pleasing aesthetics but a handgun shouldn’t be bought off looks alone.

Kel-Tec PF9

First introduced in 2006, the PF9 has stood the test of time and is still a popular choice for handgun consumers. Everything on the gun is basic with not much to it, even disassembly for cleaning can be done easily.

The PF9 measures six inches long, four inches high, and .88 inches wide, making the gun easily concealable, even under light clothing. The pistol is reliable and easy to operate. Hardened steel barrels and slides stand up well to years of use. You can expect to pay about $350 for this masterpiece.

Choosing The Best Handguns 

Handguns come in a variety of sizes from different manufacturers. Because you can easily get a full grip on full-size handguns, they are often more comfortable to shoot. Though most modern handguns aren’t particularly heavy, the extra weight of full-sized handguns can reduce recoil significantly.

Larger handguns, on the other hand, are more difficult to conceal, so they’re unlikely to be a good choice for concealed carry.

Always Test Drive Your Choice 

Before you buy a handgun, you must test it out. This is especially true for those who want to use them for self-defense, as you risk not being able to use them properly when the situation arises.

As a result, a trip to a gun range is an absolute must for anyone looking for their first handgun. You’ll also be able to try out different calibers, barrel lengths, and other features to see which ones you prefer.

Learning proper gun safety is also essential, as a firearm (even when not in use) poses a threat to everyone in the vicinity if proper behavior is not followed.

Attending a safety course, where certified instructors will provide you with all of the necessary information to safely handle a gun, is the best way to educate yourself.

Choosing Can Seem Difficult 

When looking at a list of the best handguns and trying to choose which one is for you, you might seem overwhelmed. The truth is, nobody can help you make this decision as everything is based on your personal preferences. 

The trick is to be informed and do your research, you can make the best gun decisions if you’re armed with the right information. 

If you’d like more bespoke advice, check out our blog for everything and anything gun-related, we’ve got you covered, start with this article on starter handguns for more information! 

The United States is one of the most accomodating countries in terms of gun rights. While specific laws vary from state to state, Americans, in general, enjoy the second amendment right to keep and bear arms.

Though 32% of Americans own firearms, buying your first handgun can be a little intimidating. This is especially true if you’re not familiar with these types of guns. Handguns are exceptionally dangerous and must be approached with caution and respect.

The question is, how do you pick the right starter handgun? Which type of handgun will serve you best?

Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry, we’re here to answer all of your questions. Keep reading for a quick guide on how to buy a handgun.

Identify Your Needs

First, you need to identify the purpose of your future firearm. What will you be using the handgun for? Is it going to be used for home protection, concealed carry, target shooting, competition shooting, small game hunting, or something else?

Answering this question is important because it will dictate the best type of handgun. It will also help you determine the right size and caliber for your needs.

For example, concealed carry pistols should be light, small, and thin. This makes them easier to conceal and more comfortable to carry. If you’re looking for home protection, on the other hand, you might want something that provides maximum round capacity.

Trial Different Types of Handguns

If you’re new to firearms, we highly recommend trialing your options before committing to a starter handgun. Different calibers and styles of handguns fire differently. Some have more of a kick than others, which can be intimidating for new shooters.

Additionally, some handguns have a smoother and lighter trigger pull. While this makes firing the gun easier, it can also make new shooters more prone to accidentally discharging the weapon.

There are revolvers that have external hammers which must be cocked before they will fire. Some pistols, on the other hand, have internal hammers.

To understand the best starter handgun for your needs, experiment with a variety of different styles and calibers.

Understand the Safety Features

Before you purchase a handgun, it’s a good idea to determine the best type of safety features for your needs. These vary from firearm to firearm.

For example, a 1911 pistol might have a safety lever as well as a grip safety. Like revolvers, the external hammer needs to be pulled back before it will fire.

Conversely, Glocks offer more subtle safety features, such as the trigger safety mechanism. Ultimately, it comes down to what you’re more comfortable with.

Some people feel better about having multiple safety features. For tactical reasons, other people find excessive safety features to be a hindrance.

Choose the Right Caliber

Earlier, we talked about handguns coming in different calibers or ammunition sizes. This is an important factor to consider when picking a starter handgun.

Again, consider what you’ll be using the handgun for. For example, if you want a target shooter, you might be alright with something small, like a .22 caliber pistol.

These rounds are easily the most affordable. However, they also have limited range and penetration power.

On the opposite side of the scale, you have .50 caliber pistols like the Desert Eagle, which are unnecessary and excessive for most purposes. We recommend finding something in between these sizes, which include:

• 9mm
• 10mm
• .40 caliber
• .45 caliber
• .38
• And more

These calibers are practical and easy to find.

Pistols that fire smaller rounds like 9mm bullets will be able to hold more ammunition in each magazine. Many 9mm pistols can carry upwards of 15 rounds, while a .45 1911 will only hold 8.

Consider Your Budget

Before buying a handgun, you must also think about your budget. How much money can you afford to spend on a starter handgun? If you’re taking out a loan or using a credit card, how soon will you be able to pay off the expense?

Buying a handgun for $1,000 on credit could end up costing you twice that if you don’t pay it off quickly. In most cases, it’s better to put money aside until you can afford the expense outright.

If you’re limited on funds, that’s okay too. You can find a cheap handgun on the market that’s reliable for any situation.

For example, you don’t have to empty your bank account to secure a firearm to keep you and your family safe. Take a look at this list of budget handguns for protection.

Think About Weight

Whether you’re in the market for a cheap handgun or are going all out, it’s important to consider the weight of the weapon. The lighter your starter handgun is, the more kickback you’re going to experience with each shot.

A light pistol made with a polymer frame, for example, won’t offer much compensation. On the other hand, a pistol with an all-metal frame will reduce the recoil. Of course, the amount of recoil produced with each shot fired also depends on the type of ammunition you’re using.

Weight is a vital consideration if you’re planning on using the handgun for concealed carry. The heavier the firearm is, the more noticeable it will be to you as you’re carrying it. It might also be uncomfortable and lead to wardrobe issues.

Find the Right Aesthetics

Finally, no matter how much money you’re spending on your starter handgun, you need to find a firearm that you find aesthetically pleasing. While performance and reliability are certainly more important, you can’t discount the visual appeal of the gun.

Some people appreciate the classic style and ethics of revolvers while others lean toward tactical pistols. Which style draws your attention the most? You also have plenty of options regarding color and other stylistic features.

Are You Ready to Choose a Starter Handgun?

We hope this guide helps you find the best starter handgun for your needs. As you can see, there’s a lot to consider before you invest in a firearm.

Remember to stay safe and familiarize yourself with each firearm’s safety features. And of course, follow the gun safety rules.

If you’re looking for more information on finding a handgun on a budget, check out this article. Otherwise, look through the rest of our blog to find more content on guns, ammo, gun laws, and more.

The debate over gun laws has been raging for decades, but every state in the Union currently has some form of concealed carry laws in place. Though the odds of someone murdering you are astronomical (1 in 16,000), you can never be too careful.

If you’re planning on buying a gun for concealed carry and self-defense, it’s best to study the laws of your state. This will help you get through the process legally.  The penalty for unlawful gun possession can be a year in prison and a few thousand dollars in fines, so it’s vital that you follow the law.

We’ll offer our own advice and list a few candidates for the best concealed carry gun in this article.

1. Ruger LCR

The Ruger LCR is a favorite among many handgun owners, not only because it’s affordable, but also because it’s convenient. The Ruger LCR is legal in even the most regulated states.

It’s also a revolver, which makes it somewhat unique among modern handguns. Since the 1980s, the amount of revolvers purchased has dropped, and now the vast majority of handgun owners have magazine-fed pistols rather than revolvers.

One of the main reasons this gun isn’t currently banned in its default form in any state is because it’s a revolver. Many of the current laws applied to pistols involve magazine capacity, and revolvers get around this because it is impossible to load more than a few rounds. The Ruger LCR, for example, can only hold five rounds.

2. S&W M&P Shield

Two of the most iconic names in firearms are Smith and Wesson, and the Shield might be some of their best work. This weapon takes concealing and carrying very seriously, clocking in at roughly a pound and a half and boasting a 3.5-inch barrel.

The Shield is also designed to be simplistic and easy to use, making it perfect for those who would otherwise be at a disadvantage when defending themselves, such as the elderly or those with disabilities.

Some models of the Shield come with a useful feature known as a thumb safety. For those new to the world of firearms, a thumb safety is a button located right behind the trigger, near where your thumb would be when holding the gun.

Pushing that button through to the other side turns on the safety and keeps the gun from firing. Pushing it back turns the safety off again.

3. Sig Sauer P365

The most remarkable thing about the Sig Sauer P365 is its size. Weighing in at a little over one pound, this weapon doesn’t trade function for convenience. It comes standard with a 10-round magazine, but you can upgrade it to a 12-round magazine if you wish.

Keep in mind that opting for the 12-round magazine will make the weapon illegal in seven states, eight if you count Washington D.C. There are a few downsides to this weapon, the biggest being that the trigger can be sensitive, and the aiming system has a bit of a learning curve.

The gun is still powerful for its size, and it does come with a tough grip and night sights, which add control and accuracy. 

4. AR-15 Pistol

You do have the option of modifying an AR-15 into a pistol, but this comes with a lot of pitfalls. Between the legal issues surrounding the AR-15 and those surrounding handguns, you will need to walk a very fine line.

The main point to remember is that things designed to fire from the hand count as a pistol under most laws. Meanwhile, anything firing from the shoulder is a rifle. This means that getting rid of the stock is the main step to converting a rifle into a pistol.

That’s not the only modification you need to make. You also need to make sure that the barrel length is between 16 and 26 inches long. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay a special tax.

Also, AR-15 pistols are quite large and look a bit like something out of Star Wars. Even if you can get an AR-15 modified into a pistol, it won’t be practical as a concealed self-defense weapon.

5. Glock 43

Another amazing lightweight gun, the Glock 43 weighs about a pound. The Glock brand built its reputation by being reliable, and the 43 continues this legacy.

Easy to learn, easy to use, and very easy to hide, this firearm might be the best concealed carry gun on the market. It also comes standard with a six-round magazine, so you won’t run into any legal trouble.

The 43 was a hit when it came out, and it served as a milestone in the company’s history. It was the first time Glock had created a single stack 9 millimeter pistol.

Single stacked refers to a gun that contains a single column of ammunition in its magazine, rather than two. This makes the gun thinner and, by extension, easier to conceal. Glock’s customers had been demanding this for a while, and Glock delivered big time.

The Best Concealed Carry Gun to Own

The best concealed carry gun is hard to determine, because every gun owner is going to have different needs and preferences. Those who are buying or using a gun for the first time may want to go with a Glock 43, while someone with kids in the house might prefer an S&W Shield, with an easy-to-use safety.

If you want more information and advice about firearm ownership, please visit our site. If a handgun isn’t your thing, or if you’re more interested in hunting or sport than self-defense, read up on the various types of rifles.

Building your own AR-15 Pistol can a very hard, yet rewarding experience for those who want to get the most out of their personal defense weapons. However, it isn’t always as easy as it sounds.

Apart from actually building the pistol, there are some legal issues and regulations that usually come to part with it.

As owning an AR can be a trial in itself, there are ways to building an AR Pistol while still staying within the regulations of the federal government’s laws.

So let’s take a look at what you need to do when building your own AR pistol.

Disclaimer

Do not attempt to tamper or modify firearms without the proper training. Exercise caution when using firearms.

 

What Is an AR Pistol?

Just in case some are unaware of it, an AR Pistol is a handgun that’s built on an AR-15 receiver. This means you have a pistol buffer instead of a carbine buffer, which limits the addition of attachments and power for compact design.

Now while this may sound strange and just a fancy word for a sub-machine gun, the fact is that AR pistols are not built like sub-machine guns.

While they can be of any caliber, they’re not limited to just pistol ammunition. However, it really all depends on what you’re looking for in terms of an AR pistol.

Are AR Pistols Legal?

Since it’s a modified weapon, the question comes is are they legal to carry

The short answer to that is yes. A more detailed answer would be that it has to fall under certain categories to be considered a legal firearm.

While every state varies and their laws of firearms are different, ATF’s regulations state that an AR Pistol must have the following to be considered legal to own.

1. The barrel has to be no more than 16 inches in length
2. Cannot be classified as a “rifle” thus can’t have a rifle stock
3. The overall length of the AR Pistol has to be no more than 26 inches in length
4. Cannot have a vertical foregrip, must be angled

A lot of this may sound a bit simple to consider, on paper. When trying to actually make one, however, it can get very technical when you start making it.

So before you purchase an AR pistol kit, do your research to see how you can keep your AR pistol in the green.

Best AR Pistol to Have

Really to say which AR Pistol is the best model is really subjective. All shooters are different and their preferences and needs are different. However, some are more practical than others.

A 9mm AR would be the most practical and useful caliber to have in an AR Pistol. While having one in 5.56 NATO is an option, they’re also expensive.

Glock has made a variation of 9mm AR pistols that are built with quality in mind and compact maneuverability. All the components are built and legally made.

However, if you’re looking to build your own AR pistol, you’ll need an AR Pistol Kit, a workbench, and an AR-15 to work on. Keep in mind, you have to register the AR as a handgun and not a rifle if you want to keep this legal.

It will also help if you have some experience building, stripping, and cleaning firearms when tackling this project. There are plenty of helpful books and videos that explain it, however, it is best to take classes.

What Are the Pros and Cons of an AR Pistol?

The idea of a compact AR is that they’re very easy to handle and lightweight in comparison to a rifle. However, with every modification to a weapon, there is a trade-off and some disadvantages to take into consideration.

To get the bad news out of the way first, since you can’t have a rifle stock on this, otherwise, it be considered an SBR (short-barreled rifle), you need to use a handgun brace.

This strange replacement might be awkward at first, as while you can shoulder it like a rifle, it might not be the most comfortable way to shoot.

Another obvious issue is the lack of range one would get from this as opposed to a regular AR-15 rifle. Even more so if using pistol rounds instead of rifle rounds. Though this is assuming you are aware of the trade-off.

Lastly, the weapon can’t have any attachments like a vertical foregrip. It has to be angled, otherwise, it can’t be considered a pistol. Unless you want ATF to give you that tax stamp and pay a fee, keep that in mind.

However, despite all of this, you can expect to have an easier time using an AR Pistol in compact areas. This makes close-quarters combat easier and can get through doors without having to angle your weapon as much.

Being small also means it’s lightweight, so fatigue is less common carrying an AR Pistol over an AR rifle. 

Probably the biggest advantage is that it’s not limited to what caliber of rounds you can make your AR pistol in. Between the options of using 9mm to going as big as a .308, the versatility in these weapons is truly remarkable.

Should You Start Building an AR Pistol?

This all boils down to what you’re really after and what you plan to have an AR Pistol for. The option of having a compact rifle-like firearm for personal defense sounds good, though ask yourself if it’s neccesary.

There’s a lot of red tape that you have to remember when you start making one, as even the smallest changes can decide whether you get to keep it without a hitch have to pay a fine.

Be sure to talk with your local gun store and firearms experts on what you can do if you really wish to start this kind of project.

If you’d like to know more or want to see what else there is for firearms, be sure to check us out and contact us for further information.