Safety & Protection Essentials

Safety should always be the top priority on the range. These essentials can make every outing safer and more comfortable, and more stylish!

D-Wipes Lead Remover Towels are a portable and convenient way to clean the hands, arms, face and body after range sessions. They're saturated with a gentle pH balanced cleaner to quickly remove lead and heavy metals. 

The Remove Before Pew Pew Chamber Flag (3-Pack) is a bright red safety tag inspired by the classic “Remove Before Flight” tags. Fun and functional, it's a must-have for safe handling at the range, and it can be used as a fun keychain or a gun case zipper pull!

Training & Skill Building Essentials

These training essentials help shooters build skills and improve accuracy, making them great gifts for anyone who wants to become more proficient.

Convenience & Comfort

These comfort and convenience picks can make range days easier and more enjoyable - something every gun owner will appreciate!


Everyone loves the UpLULA Magazine Loader, and for good reason! It's a universal pistol magazine speed-loader and unloader that fits virtually all 9mm, 10mm, .357, .40 and .45 caliber magazines. With this easy to carry tool, loading magazines is quick and easy, saving time and sparing your thumbs!

Splurge: the GPS Rolling Range Bag is built for easy transport and organization, with a telescoping handle and oversized ATV wheels that handle gravel like a breeze. It includes a clever Visual ID System that makes it simple to locate your gear on the spot.

Deciding to become a gun owner is a big and deeply personal decision influenced by a lot of factors. The reasons people buy guns can be as varied as the people themselves.

We wanted to know what motivated our social media followers to purchase their first firearm, so we asked them a straightforward question: "Why did you buy your first gun?" We also gave our followers a short list of possible reasons to choose from: 1. self-defense, 2. competition, 3. recreation, or 4. ???.

The responses we received revealed a diverse range of motivations, showcasing the many reasons why people decide to become gun owners. Here's a ranked list of answers, along with some personal stories and insights from our respondents.

1.Self-Defense: Safeguarding Personal Security

Not surprisingly, self-defense was the most popular reason given. Several people answered they purchased their first gun "for protection." Some provided details of the situations that made them take the leap - one of our respondents said they bought a gun because they were being stalked, and another said a bad divorce resulted in a situation where their family thought they might have to defend themselves.

Owning a firearm can also be about finding the empowerment that comes with being able to protect yourself. Jessica explained, "Mine was needing to find myself and take back some control in my life. Taking my LTC course and learning to shoot and buying my own first firearm was so empowering and helped my confidence a lot. 12 years and 7 purchases later, I've also taught my daughters that a restraining order is a piece of paper." 2.

2. Recreational Shooting is a Big Driver for New Gun Purchases

Recreational shooting was the second highest answer given. Whether it's the camaraderie of a day at the range or the thrill of hitting targets, firearms offer a source of relaxation and fun. Of those who answered "recreation" as the reason for purchasing their first gun, several of them also said self defense was a factor:

Dottie answered, "first was for recreation, then competition in high school and college, and continuing as an adult. And then self defense.

Kristin replied, "I've been shooting my Dad's guns since i was really young. Mostly just for fun but after my neighbor was murdered, I bought my first gun for protection.

3. Competition Prompted Some to Buy Their First Gun

Competitive shooting ranked a little lower among the motivations for firearm ownership, which makes sense since most people find their way into competing after they've been shooting for a while. These gun owners were drawn to the thrill of competitive shooting, and found themselves taking the next step by purchasing their first firearm to pursue their passion for competition.

Not on the List, but Very Popular: Hunting

Plenty of people got into firearms because they have a passion for hunting. It's one of the big reasons why folks decide to buy guns because hunting offers a unique way to connect with firearms. It's not just about hitting the range - it's about heading out into the wild, tracking game, and experiencing the thrill of the hunt.

We didn't get as many detailed answers here, but Eric said, "My first gun I bought was a .22 rifle for squirrel hunting. I was 13."

All of the Above!

If you had multiple reasons for buying your first gun, you're not alone! Dana, Jeani, and Tommy, among others said "all of the above," which shows that the motivation for buying a gun include a wide range of factors. This answer also underscores how firearms can serve various purposes in people's lives, and reflects the versatility and importance of these tools.

Learn the 4 Rules of Gun Safety

When it comes to firearms, there's no such thing as being too safe. There are four common safety rules that every gun owner needs to have memorized to ensure you'll always have fun and stay safe.

These rules apply in every situation - it doesn't matter if you're on the range or in your living room. These rules also hold true whether your gun is loaded or unloaded:

Rule #1 – All guns are always loaded! Treat your firearm the same at all times, as if it actually had ammunition in it. 

Rule #2 – Never let the muzzle cover anything which you are not willing to destroy. Sometimes, this rule is explained as always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.

Rule #3 – Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target. Any time you are handling your firearm, but not yet ready to shoot your firearm, your index finger should be along the frame of the gun, not inside the trigger guard. 

Rule #4 – Be sure of your target and what is beyond it. If you confront a bad guy in your hallway, make sure that your child’s bedroom is not directly in line behind the bad guy. In a self-defense situation in a public area, you have to make sure that an innocent bystander does not happen to be behind your target.

Get to Know Your Gun

Before you head out to the range, take some time to familiarize yourself with all of your firearm's parts, including the magazine release, slide lock lever, and safety (if applicable). Using the 4 safety rules above and with an unloaded gun, work all the controls, rack the slide several times, and insert and release an empty magazine several times. 

Make Sure You Have the Right Accessories

Beyond your firearm and some ammo, you're going to need some items that help make shooting fun and safe. Eye and Ear protection is mandatory at nearly every range (and it's best to use both even if it's not) and a range bag or backpack will be necessary for carrying the you'll want to take to the range. If you're planning on carrying your gun in any capacity (open, concealed, or in competition), you'll need a high-quality holster and possibly magazine pouches so you can carry at least one spare.

On a fun note, you can also give your firearm a personal touch by adding accessories that provide some flare or some extra bling! 

Practice, Practice, Practice!

First, work on the fundamentals - sight picture, trigger press, and grip are a great place to start. The more you practice, the more fun firearms are to shoot! You don't have to shoot up a bunch of your precious ammo to get the basics down, you can improve your skills at any time with dry fire practice. Make sure to follow the rules above when dry firing and triple check to make sure your gun is unloaded before starting any session.

Consider Carrying Your Gun

Carrying your gun is a big decision that requires some extra preparation and a shift in mindset, so this is a good time to start thinking about what's involved. Do your research on all the local and state laws in your area to make sure you understand the legalities of carrying. There's no pressure to start carrying right away and if you take the time to learn about situational awareness, gun laws, and study real-world self-defense incidents, you'll be in a great position once you decide to start carrying your gun.

"What one piece of advice would you give to someone who's in the process of buying their first gun or just new to our 2A community?"

We received more than 100 very smart and thoughtful answers, and interestingly, most of our followers had very similar advice. Here's what they had to say, starting with the most popular answer and highlighting a few very insightful responses. Read every response on the post itself:

Try Out Several Guns Before You Buy

This is one of the best pieces of advice you can give to someone looking for their first firearm, so we're happy to report it was the most popular answer.

Stacy H. - "Guns are like shoes. You need to try several on and get the one the feels right in your hands."

Jessica K. - "Find a firearm that works for you. Don’t let someone else decide what you should have. Try out several at the range first."

vangallivanting - "Take your time. Pay attention to how the various guns for rent at the range feel to YOU. Don't buy a gun because your friend says they love that one. Find your own."

Start Training and Practicing Immediately

The advice to train, practice, and take classes came in a VERY close second. Some suggested training before purchasing a gun and a majority of those who gave this answer made a point to mention that knowing how to use your gun and shoot competently is the most important part of being a gun owner.

Doug M. - "Learn to use it safely. You don't necessarily need training, but it doesn't hurt. Bullets don't do "take backsies" and guns aren't magic wands that make bad people disappear. What gun you buy is unimportant compared to being able to use it responsibly."

aurora.isa.40_31 - "Learn safety and then train, train, and train some more."

Pamela H. "Be sure to schedule/purchase your training classes at the same time. A tool is no good unless you learn how to use it properly."

Know Your Local and State Gun Laws

There are (unfortunately) thousands and thousands of gun laws on the books across the country. Laws and policies restricting where or how you can carry your gun and what you're allowed to own vary wildly from state to state, so in addition to knowing and understanding federal gun laws, it's vitally important to study up on the laws in your immediate area.

Ling E. - "Know your area's laws on shooting intruders." (find out if your state has a 'Castle Law' or 'Stand Your Ground' law)

Additional Advice

Several of our followers had advice that fit into more than one category. Here are just a few notable answers we'd like to pass on:

Amy R. - "Think about whether you’re really willing and able to end the life of another human being in order to defend yourself and/or others. Don’t buy a gun if you’re not willing to use it, train with it, carry it, etc. In today’s world, also understand that if you do have to use it, you may be arrested, guilty or not. Those are big personal choices to make. Being a gun owner is not for the faint of heart.

Melissa H. - "To be a responsible gun owner you need to know more than just shooting targets at the range. If you choose to carry a gun, take a "stop the bleed" class. You never know if the life you are saving is your own or your family. You are responsible for every round that leaves your gun. Train and remember you can't put a price on your life. Don't be cheap, reliability is very important. Know how to clear malfunctions under pressure. If you ever need to pull your gun, adrenaline will take over and training will kick in."

onemadpatriot - "I think before you invest in any gun, you have to know what you are getting in to. Owning a firearm is not just buying it and hiding it, you have to educate yourself and your family about firearm ownership and this education is not just about the firearm itself , but also about the laws in your area. Also, it can not become a safe or closet artifact; you must practice, practice, and practice again."

Feel free to share this list with anyone you know who just bought their first gun and let us know if you have any advice of your own to pass on to someone purchasing their first firearm!

We love learning from you and sharing that information with other gun owners, so we recently asked people about their favorite carry gun on our social media pages.

We received an overwhelming response (thank you!), so we've decided to share what new and seasoned gun owners had to say about their favorite gun for carrying concealed. Here are their answers, starting with the most popular:

1. SIG SAUER

Not surprisingly, concealed carry guns made by SIG were overwhelmingly the most popular. The P365 was at the top of the list, followed by the P238, P320, and then the P938.

2. Glock

Glock came in a very close second, with only a few votes separating them from SIG. The Glock 43 (including the 43x) got the most votes, followed by the Glock 21. The Glock 48 and 42 both received a few votes.

3. Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson carry guns were mentioned slightly less often than the first two manufacturers. The S&W Shield got the most votes, which includes the increasingly popular EZ (9mm and .380). There were a few votes for revolvers, and Smith & Wesson dominated the responses in that category.

4. Springfield Armory

Springfield Armory has recently upped their concealed carry guns game, and it shows in our results. Coming in strong was their new Hellcat, followed by a few votes for the EMP 9mm. Surprisingly, there were no votes for their XD models.

5. Ruger

Falling out of favor with concealed carriers, but still in the mix was the LCP (both 9mm and .380). The LCR revolver was mentioned just a few times.

6. Kimber

Kimber had a small showing but did (just barely) make the list. Their 1911's came in first, followed by the Micro 9.

7. Taurus

Taurus has recently made a commitment to improving their quality, and a few of their concealed carry gun models have been gaining traction as a response. The most popular Taurus was the G2 series followed by the P19T11.

Did your favorite carry gun make the cut? Feel free to reach out to us to let us know!

We want to make sure you choose the right firearm, so we've defined some of the most common terms you are likely to encounter when shopping for a handgun.

Parts of a Handgun 

Muzzle - The end of the barrel where the bullet comes out.

Cylinder - On a revolver, it's the spinning part that stores the ammunition.

Double-Action/DAO - The trigger both cocks and releases the hammer.

Decocker - A lever on double-action handguns that mechanically lowers the hammer without firing the gun.

Backstrap - The rear part of the grip. Some handguns offer removable multiple sizes of backstraps that can be easily switched out.

Ejector: The mechanism on a firearm that ejects a case from a firearm.

Extractor: The part of a firearm that removes a case from the chamber of a firearm.

Firing Pin: The part that strikes the primer of a round to initiate ignition. This may also be called a striker.

Frame/Lower: the housing of the gun that the slide sits on top of.

Grip Safety - A safety mechanism built into the grip that unlocks the trigger of a firearm when pressure is applied by the shooter's hand.

Rifling - The spiral grooves cut inside a gun barrel that gives the bullet a spinning motion. Rifling can have a left or right twist.

Action/Trigger Group - this contains the parts that fire cartridges.

Grip: the part of the handgun that you hold on to.

Single-Action/SAO: the hammer must be cocked manually before the trigger is pulled.

Magazine: A spring-operated device that stores cartridges and feeds them into the firearm.

Clip: A simple metal device that stores multiple rounds of ammunition together as a single unit.

Slide: The upper part of the handgun that moves during operation.

Ammunition Terms

Caliber: the size of the ammo, usually measured in hundredths of an inch or millimeters.

Projectile: Another word for bullet.

Cartridge/Round: A completely loaded piece of ammunition that's made up of a case, powder, primer, and a bullet.

Spent Brass: an empty, previously fired case

Headstamp: The markings that are stamped into the head of a round of ammunition. With centerfire ammunition, the markings usually circle the primer.

Centerfire: A cartridge that contains the primer in the center of the base.

Rimfire: A cartridge that has the primer distributed around the base.

If you are confused about a term that's not listed here, feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected] so we can help!

What's so special about a gun belt? Here's a guide that will help you understand why having a gun belt is so important and provide some tips on how to choose the right one.

What's a Gun Belt?

Proper gun belts are most commonly made from leather, nylon, or other synthetic material specifically made for carrying a gun on your body. A good gun belt is reinforced so it is much stiffer than the average belt and supports the weight of the holster and the firearm. 

A good, stiff, quality gun belt balances the weight around the circumference of the belt so it will not sag, droop or pull to one side. It will support the weight, which acts as a sturdy foundation for both holster and handgun.

A good gun belt is made sturdy by several means. Some of them are a single thick layer of leather or nylon, while others are a double layer, double stitched. Other gun belts actually include a reinforcement material of some sort sandwiched between two layers of leather or nylon.

Another feature of many gun belts is a sturdy fastener or buckle that allows for a tighter cinching of your belt. This is a really important feature to make sure your gun sits in the right place on your waist and stays there.

Why Should You Use a Gun Belt?

A regular belt can stretch to the point that there is no way to tighten it enough to hold your holster securely. And as the gun begins to slide down your side under its own weight, you run the risk of the firearm showing from underneath your shirt or jacket if you were trying to conceal. Having the belt stretch and sag can also create an unsafe drawing condition. Plus, it can be painfully uncomfortable to have all the weight pulling to one side.

Have you ever tried to use a regular belt you happened to have in your closet? If so, the weight of the holster and gun likely caused the belt to pull and sag, so that you felt like you were carrying a dead weight on your gun side. A regular off the rack belt will not support and distribute the weight of your handgun, or even just the holster.

If you have any question about gun belts, please get in touch with us so we can help you choose the right one!

How do you make sure a handgun fits your hand? Read these tips to find out how to test a gun to make sure it's a good fit for you.

Getting your grip

When shopping for your handgun, you will want to acquire a shooting grip to test how the gun fits your hand (make sure it is unloaded first). The back of the grip, often referred to as the backstrap, should fit right in the middle of your palm. The web between your thumb and index finger should be as high up on the grip (under the beavertail) as you can get it. If you hold the gun out in front of you with only your shooting hand, you should be able to visualize a straight line from the muzzle of your gun up your arm towards your elbow.

With your grip in place, using only your main shooting hand no support hand), you will want to check and make sure you can reach all the necessary elements. First, can you reach the trigger? There are many schools of thought on how much of your index finger should be on the trigger, but generally speaking, you want the pad of your index finger between the tip and the first crease to rest on the trigger.

If you can’t get enough of your finger on the trigger with a proper grip, the gun is too large for your hand and it will be difficult to place your shots where you want them.

Many handguns come with some type of grip that will allow you to adjust the fit. With removable backstraps or grip parts, the size can be adjusted to fit many hand sizes. For example, the Smith & Wesson, M&P 2.0 comes with four different size backstraps to help the shooter find the best grip size.

You will also want to be able to flip the safety off with your thumb while maintaining your grip with your shooting hand. It is not as important to be able to reach the magazine release with the thumb of your shooting hand. To do so is ideal, but you can always use your support hand to activate the magazine release.

The Gap

Take a look at your grip from above the gun. With your finger on the trigger, you will want to have a space between the side of the gun and the base of your index finger. This allows for a good front to back trigger press. If your index finger is flat against the gun from the trigger back, the gun is a little bit too big for you, but may still be manageable. If you have to shift the gun toward your thumb so you can pull the trigger, the gun is too big for your hand.

What about small guns?

Also, when you grip a handgun that is too small, you might find there is no place to put your little finger. In many cases, small handguns such as this offer extended magazines which give you more to hold on to and a place to grip with that pinkie. However, if the handgun is really too small, when you try to get a shooting grip snug under the beavertail, you might find that your hand interferes with the controls, such as it may cover the safety lever or even worse, be a position to be cut or pinched by the slide during recoil. These are the things to be aware of when purchasing a small handgun.

The most important considerations for handgun fit are the ability to get a solid grip, proper trigger finger placement, and being able to disengage the safety without compromising your grip. When shopping for a new gun, be sure to check those things first. Then consider how well you can manipulate the slide stop and magazine release too. Even though you like a particular handgun, the fit may not be right for you. Good fit makes a difference in good shooting.

What should you look for when you're trying to choose the "right" firearm? The answer to that question depends on your purpose for that gun.

But as for size…it does matter.

Small Handguns

The biggest perk for a small handgun is that it is easy and versatile to conceal, fitting in a bra holster, an ankle holster or appendix carry holster with ease. But there are some drawbacks to the small frame handgun that gun shoppers should be aware of.

For example, many of the micro-guns have low profile type sights. This is important to a carry situation as they are less likely to snag clothing or get hung up somewhere inconvenient. When it comes to learning and practicing fundamentals such as sight alignment/sight picture, the low-profile sights are hard to see and hard to line up.

With a smaller firearm, the perceived recoil is sometimes greater. It is not unusual to hear that shooters do not like to shoot their small gun very often because it leaves them feeling “beat up.” Part of the problem with managing recoil on a smaller firearm occurs because of the small grip so there is less to hold on to.

Although shooters with small hands often turn to a subcompact because of the small grip, the subcompact or micro-compact gun often means that at least your pinkie finger will have to hang off the bottom of the grip.

Another consideration for small handguns is the number of rounds they hold. Round count in a small gun is generally limited to less than 10 and often more like 6 or 7.

Full-Size Handguns

A big firearm might seem a little intimidating and it’s easy to get caught up in “the bigger the firearm, the bigger the boom” type thinking. In reality, a larger firearm has less felt recoil.

However, large handguns can be difficult to conceal without making some changes to wardrobe and carry preference. For ladies, they are not going to fit in a bra holster or a corset holster and they will weigh down a purse if you carry off-body. Full-size handguns are generally heavier, which is great for perceived recoil but not as great for concealed carry.

Full-size handguns do have a distinct advantage in the training department. A full grip helps develop good habits for drawing and shooting and it's easier to develop good sight alignment and sight picture habits. Figuring out what a good sight picture looks like is much easier with a bigger firearm with bigger sights and if you are taking a lengthy firearms course, a full-size handgun usually means less fatigue in your hands due to less perceived recoil.

For home defense situations, people like to have the largest frame, highest caliber they can, making the full-size firearm a good nightstand gun (properly secured, of course). With a full-size firearm, you get a higher round count per magazine. While you are limited to less than 10 rounds in a small gun, a larger magazine holds almost double that.

A larger grip may make it difficult for shooters with small hands to reach the trigger or the magazine release, but many full-size firearms are sold with variable size grip inserts for a more custom fit.

Size does matter when it comes to handguns–there is no one size fits all and deciding what size you like best depends on the purpose of the purchase.

Large handguns are an excellent choice for learning to shoot, taking professional training, entering competitions and practicing fundamentals. Smaller handguns are an excellent choice for concealment or when you want to carry more than one at a time.

Perhaps the best choice is one of each!

Any of the items above will make a great gift for any new shooter. If you need help picking out the perfect gift for the new shooter in your life, feel free to get in touch with us!

Where do you start?

Well, you start with the manual. The manual that came with your handgun will discuss the types of ammunition that you should use with it. If you bought the firearm from a third party and it didn’t come with a manual, you can search for it online. There are normally electronic versions of your firearm manual at the manufacturer’s website and other places as well.

Next, you select by caliber. If you bought a 9mm firearm, you’ll need 9mm ammunition for it. When you are matching firearm to ammunition, there are three places to match the caliber.

First, the caliber should be engraved somewhere on the firearm.

Second, the caliber is written on the original manufacturer’s box of ammo.

Third, the bottom of the cartridge, known as the headstamp, also has the caliber written on it.

Target Ammo

The best ammunition, or cartridges for practicing or range time with your handgun are those where the bullet portion is fully encased in metal. These are called full metal jacket and the box will have the abbreviation FMJ on it. This type of ammunition is relatively inexpensive. On the side of the box, there is usually something called grain. For a 9mm, you might see 115, 124, or 147 grain. This measurement refers to the weight of the bullet. The higher the number, the heavier the bullet.

Personal Defense Ammo

Selecting personal defense ammunition is a bit different. With target ammunition, overpenetration, or going through the target is not an issue at most ranges. If you are engaged in a personal defense situation, having your bullet go through your intended target and possibly striking an innocent bystander is not what you want to have happen.

Ammunition for your concealed carry firearm should be one that is intended for personal defense such as a cartridge with a hollow point bullet. Hollow points are built to open as they enter or bloom as some people call it. This slows the bullet down and decreases the chance of it passing completely through the intended target.

What is +P?

Once again, be sure to check your manual before using ammunition that has been designated as +P. Some manufacturers advise against this kind of bullet. Ammunition with a +P or +P+ label on the box is an overpressured round also meant for personal defense. The overpressure gives the bullet a higher velocity.

Before you fill your magazine with personal defense rounds, holster up and head out to conceal carry, make sure you have gone to range and run some of that personal defense ammunition through your firearm.

It is important to be able to depend on the ammunition that you have chosen for your concealed carry firearm. In the heat of a situation is not when you want to learn that your firearm does not work with that ammunition. It’s also a good idea to shoot your personal defense ammo through your concealed carry firearm on a regular basis, to get a feel for the increased recoil.

Why is Ear Protection Important?

One of the very few downsides of shooting is that it puts you at risk for hearing loss - if your ears aren't protected, just one gunshot can lead to immediate and permanent damage.

First, it's important to understand just how loud firearms can get. While a standard conversation is about 60 dB, an unsuppressed gunshot can reach 140-190 dB. If you're shooting a rifle with a muzzle break or a ported gun, those numbers can get even higher. Sounds as low as 78db can cause hearing loss over time, so there's absolutely no excuse for not wearing ear protection.

The Occupation Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) categorizes 140 dB as painful sound, which means you are at risk when shooting any type of gun and caliber.

What is Noise Reduction Rating?

Simply put, Noise Reduction Rating is measurement that's used to determine the effectiveness or maximum sound reduction of hearing protection. The higher the NRR number, the greater the noise reduction. When you're shopping for ear protection, always make sure you take a look at the NRR rating to make sure it's high enough to protect you in the atmosphere you'll be shooting in.

What NRR Do You Need?

The short answer is: The more, the better. Most electronic ear protection is rated from 22dB to 33dB, and anything in this range will give you some amount of protection.

There are no absolute standards for how high the NRR number should be because it depends on where and what you're shooting. If you are mostly shooting indoors, shooting high-caliber rifles, or spending a lot of time on the range, selecting the highest NRR rating possible will provide you with the most protection.

If you've already suffered hearing damage or in a really loud environment, you may even want to consider "double plugging", which is using both in-ear and over the ear headphones at the same time to get maximum noise reduction.

Hearing Protection Options

There are two main types of hearing protection: In-Ear and Over-the-Ear. To break them down further:

Ear Plugs - This is the type that you shove inside your ear. Foam plugs, plastic corded plugs and custom molded in-ear plugs are all part of this category. They can be super cheap (foam style) to expensive (custom molded). If you're going to use the inexpensive, foam-style plugs, make sure you're using them correctly and getting them all the way inside your ear.

The upside of using in-ear protection is that they're easy to transport and can be very inexpensive. The downsides are the discomfort of having something inside your ear and the fact that they muffle all sounds, so it can be hard to hear range instructions and other noises around you when you're wearing them.

Over-the-Ear Hearing Protection

These are the headphone style of hearing protection that you see many shooters wear. A lot of people prefer them because they're generally more comfortable than in-ear plugs and some types offer extra features that make spending a day at the range even more enjoyable.

Passive Ear Muffs - these block sound using foam and ear cups that press against your head. Passive means that they are not amplified in any way, so you may have issues hearing range commands or other noises around you.

Electronic Ear Muffs - These are often considered the best of both worlds. They offer the same comfort as passive ear muffs, but they have integrated microphones that amplify noises and help you hear better when you're on the range. They also have a feature where they block loud sounds or "cut off" the volume of high dB noises, which further protects your ears. Some electronic ear muffs even include a jack so you can plug in your music player of choice.

If you're using ear muffs, make sure they fit right! They should press firmly, but comfortably against your head and they shouldn't gap anywhere.

Regardless of what you're shooting or how often, don't ever go without ear protection. Taking a few minutes to select the right type of ear protection can go a long way toward preventing hearing damage and making sure you'll be shooting for a very long time. If you have questions about any of the hearing protection products on our website, please feel free to call our customer service department.

Those are questions that require a little discussion rather than a one or two-word answer, so I developed a process of sorts for when you’re ready to purchase your first (or second or third…) handgun.

Purpose

The first thing you need to decide about the gun you’re shopping for right now is what its purpose will be.

For women, in particular, there is not a one size fits all kind of firearm. I tell my students that guns are like shoes. There’s not one that is suitable for every occasion. So decide if you’re shopping for a gun you want to carry concealed, when size might be a consideration OR do you want a gun for home defense, where a full-size firearm might be a better choice.

Other considerations with regards to purpose may be if you want to use it for competition or taking classes or just plinking at the range. Once you have decided on a purpose, it’s time to go shopping.

Shopping (NOT to be confused with Buying….Yet!)

Now, head to your favorite gun store or if you have them in your area, a gun show! But choose a venue where you can fondle multiple handguns. Bring pen and paper or use your smartphone to take notes. Remember your safety rules and watch where you point that muzzle while you’re shopping.

Pick up as many handguns as you want, get a good grip on it. Manipulate the slide if you are allowed. You are looking for something that feels wonderful in your hand and allows you to reach the trigger without twisting your hand around to do so. Somewhat in jest, I tell my students that they should hear angels sing when it feels right.

The bottom line is, if it doesn’t feel right, you’re not going to practice with it. (We’ll bring this up again later.) When it does feel right, jot down the make and model of the firearm but don’t buy it just yet. When you have about five or six on your list, the shopping phase is over, although you may come back to it later.

Test Drive

Find a gun range that will let you rent handguns. I know that depending on your area it may not be possible, but find a way to try the firearms on your list. Many firearms look and feel great but are uncomfortable to shoot. Here’s that “rule” again…if you don’t like the way it shoots, you will not take it to the range and practice with it. So out of your five or six listed, you are looking for one where again, when it feels right to shoot, you will KNOW!

Once you know you have THE GUN, you are ready to make your purchase. If you find after shooting all on the list, there’s not one that you like, simply start the process again.

Other Considerations

Thinking about make and model, sometimes it’s good to stick with the more well-known models. Why, you ask? Because for one, they didn’t get popular without a reason. Perhaps because they are known to be more dependable, but also because it will be easier to find holsters, extra magazines and other accessories for the more popular brands.

It can be confusing if you’re a new shooter and ready to buy a gun. Perhaps you already have one that was given to you and now you’re ready to choose your own. Following this process will make the choice a bit easier and less daunting!

Because shopping should be fun, right?

Caliber

It's important to know the caliber of the firearm you own. Ammunition is sold by caliber so in order to purchase the correct ammunition, you must know the caliber. This is especially true if there are multiple guns (and ammunition) in the household. Grabbing a box of ammunition that is not right for your handgun can have catastrophic results if you actually load it and pull the trigger.

Striker vs Firing Pin

A striker or firing pin is the part of the gun that impacts the primer in the round, with the purpose of igniting the gunpowder. The average gun owner might not need to FULLY understand the differences in operation of these two different parts, but you should know which one your particular gun uses. The manufacturer website or a reputable YouTube channel can offer good information. Although not the gospel, a good rule of thumb to indicate which part your gun has is whether or not it has a hammer. Generally, a gun that has a hammer (Sig Sauer, HK or revolver for example) also uses a firing pin, while a pistol without a hammer (Smith & Wesson M&P for example) utilizes a striker. Why is this information important? The gun that has a hammer/firing pin arrangement will generally have a heavier trigger pull than the pistol with the striker. The individual with arthritis in the hands may want a pistol with a lighter trigger pull for ease of operation. Either way, the choice is a personal one and should be made by the individual gun owner.

Basic Disassembly and Cleaning

The handbook that comes with a handgun usually has written instructions for basic disassembly as well as for cleaning and lubrication. If you are more of a visual learner, check out YouTube. A word of caution here is to look for videos from the manufacturer or reputable instructor. Some of the less than professional videos on YouTube will make you shudder. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, check with your local gun range. Many offer classes in gun cleaning at an affordable price.

Parts

Most firearms have parts that can be changed out to customize the fit or shooting experience for your firearm. For example, some, such and the Smith and Wesson M&P Pro, Full Size and Compact have different size palms swells or backstraps so you can select the one that best fits your hand. The backstraps are very easy to change out. There are many additional ways to customize your firearm, such as sights, triggers or extended magazines, but you must know what type of gun you own so you are sure to purchase the correct parts.

If you got a new firearm for a Christmas present, you probably can't wait to get to the range. But whether you need to learn how to clean it or want to buy something to personalize it, it’s important to get to know your gun! Happy New Year and Happy Shooting!

Every year, I see the same question pop up. Significant Others with the best intentions in mind asking the internet what kind of gun they should buy their sweetheart for Christmas. It seems like an innocent enough question, but it’s a lot more loaded than you might think.

Unless her gift list includes the EXACT model of gun she's wishing for (that she's tested out and knows she wants), PLEASE don't buy a woman her first gun.

Why on earth would I tell you to NOT buy a gun for your lady? Because guns are incredibly personal – the right gun for you is probably not the right gun for her, and choosing a gun by looks alone is just not going to cut it. There’s a huge risk that your choice won’t be right for her and that can make all the difference in the world when you’re trying to introduce someone to shooting. If she doesn’t like it or it’s hard for her to shoot, you’ve done the opposite of what you’ve set out to accomplish and she may never want to shoot with you again.

I’m not trying to talk you out of getting a gun for the female in your life, it just needs to be the one that works best for her, not the one the internet told you to buy her.

Instead of getting her a gun, get her a gift certificate that she can use to purchase the right gun once she’s had a chance to try a few out. And make sure that gift certificate includes an invitation to go to a range that has a rental counter so she can try several out side-by-side. Once she’s done that, she’ll have the confidence to know which gun is right for her.   

Now that I’ve told you what not to buy her, here’s what to put under the tree instead. These items make great present for any female gun owner, and she’s going to need them as soon as she gets her gun anyway, so you may as well get them for her now. Tuck that gift certificate for a gun in the same box as one of these items and you’ve got yourself a gift that’s going to make her very, very happy.

A Good Range Bag – She’s going to need someplace to put her gun and accessories when she goes to the range, and a quality range bag always makes a great gift (even for us seasoned shooters). Having a dedicated range bag is essential for every shooter and the choices in bags are better than ever these days. I’m a big fan of the backpack range bags, but any good bag will set her up for success. 

Eye and Ear Protection – You can’t shoot without them, so give her a head start by getting her a good set of eye and ear pro. For the ear protection, you can choose between passive and electronic, but I’d recommend an electronic set. It’s much easier to hear range commands and other things going on around you, which makes for a more pleasant range experience. For eye protection, choose any set that meets or exceed ANSI Z87.1 + safety standards.

A Gun Case – Whether she’ll be buying a rifle, pistol or a shotgun, she’s going to need a case for transport and storage. Gun cases come in all sorts of patterns and colors, so give her a chance to show off her personality by choosing something fun and colorful.

If you are set on getting the lady in your life some accessories for her new gun (That you’re going to let her choose), but aren’t sure what colors or styles are right for her, you can always pick up a Gun Goddess gift card, they’re available in denominations from $25 to $200. You'll receive it by email, and it’s in a format that’s printable for gifting in person

Having something new is always so exciting, and that applies to guns, too!

To Shoot or Not to Shoot

The first thing you want to do is get it right out the range and shoot it!  If you happen to purchase your new gun at a store with an attached range, that temptation is even greater.  I am certainly guilty of taking that brand spanking new box with a box of bullets straight out to a lane at the range.  But is that really a good idea? Is there something you should do first? 

While certainly not as exciting as having it go bang, reading through the manual that comes with it is probably a good idea.  The first thing you want to know is if you should clean it first.  But if it’s brand new, why do you need to clean it?  First, you probably don’t HAVE to but consider these things.  Many guns come from the factory with some kind of grease or lubricant to protect it from rust.  You have no idea how long that particular gun has been sitting in its case with all that oil and grease on it.  Clean the old oils off and put the lubricant of YOUR choice on it!  Glocks, in particular, come with a copper-colored grease inside.  The Glock owner’s manual states that a new owner should clean the firearm prior to the first firing with the exception of this grease under the slide. 

Cleaning a firearm prior to shooting for the first time gives you the opportunity to give it a good going over.  Does everything look like it should on the inside?  Has anything come loose during shipping?  Or perhaps when someone was checking it out in the store, they accidently moved something out of place.  Stripping the gun down to clean will make these things immediately visible to you. 

You’ll hear some shooters say that if a gun needs to be spotless to fire, they have no use for it.  That really isn’t the point here.  Shooting it before cleaning it isn’t a good test to see if it will fire dirty.  Shooting it prior to cleaning it probably won’t cause any harm if you find that you just can’t wait.  But there’s even less chance of causing harm by cleaning it first.  Err to the side of caution in this case.

Other New Items

If you intend to carry it, you’re probably going to need a new holster too. Something else you might need is new equipment to go with that new firearm.   And of course be sure to buy the right caliber of ammunition. 

The holidays are approaching and it’s a great time to think about which firearms and equipment you’d like Santa to bring you.   Remember, it’s a good idea to clean that new gun before you take it to the range.  And while you’re looking for goodies to put on your wish list, be sure to check out the consumerlawyernetwork.com website!  There are plenty of ideas here!

Written for consumerlawyernetwork.com by Tracy Hughes. Tracy is a firearms instructor, competitive shooter, facilitator for A Girl and A Gun Women’s Shooting League and the owner of Brilliant Backstraps.

Now, with the advent of online advice, it’s up the the new shooter to filter out the good information from the chaff. Ask a simple question like “should I get a semi-automatic or a revolver” and you’ll get 4,357 opinions and a few offers for diet plans of the stars.

I wanted to address one of the most persistent, and challenging, decisions for new shooters: revolver or semi-auto? Granted, to you, I’m also one of those 4,357 opinions on the internet. But on the plus side, I do this for a living and I’m a student just like you. I’ve been shooting and studying shooting issues for decades, yet I still learn something new every day. I love that. More importantly, I love sharing what I learn. So what do you say let’s get started?

The first order of business is to resolve some of the perpetual myths that surround the revolver versus semi-automatic decision.

“Revolvers are more reliable!”

“Semi-auto’s are prone to jamming!”

“A snub-nose revolver is the perfect carry gun for beginners!”

“Semi-automatic pistols are hard to operate!”

And so on… You could write a book on revolver vs. semi-automatic myths.

Let’s address these issues with the appropriate level of detail and care.

Bull hockey!

So what are issues to consider? Let’s talk about some real decision criteria. The goal isn’t to provide an answer for what’s the best choice for you, but rather to give you things to think about. Why? Because there is no “best” choice. The best choice for you depends entirely on your situation and preferences.

Let’s take a look at a few factors that might influence your decision.

Reliability

This is sort of a “trick” criteria. Modern guns made by reputable manufacturers are reliable. You have to work pretty hard to find a newly manufactured gun from a major manufacturer that is not reliable enough for practical use. You’ll recognize the names, like Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Springfield Armory, Glock, Taurus, Kimber, Colt and many others. One thing I’ve found is that gun manufacturers really want to please their customers, and most provide excellent service.

You’ll hear some couch commandos talk about esoteric things like “second strike capability.” That simply means that if a cartridge doesn’t fire, you can just pull the trigger again. Revolvers operate like this, as a trigger pull advances to the next cartridge. Some semi-automatics have a similar capability that allows you to just pull the trigger again to re-strike the same cartridge. Don’t get too wrapped up in these types of details. Modern self-defense ammunition – I’m talking about the premium stuff you will bet your life on – works. In all my years of shooting, I’m still waiting on my first round of premium self-defense ammunition to fail. Can it happen? I suppose. Do we equip our homes with redundant light switches “just in case” the first switch doesn’t work? Nah – that would be overkill for a very unlikely situation. The same idea applies here.

Don’t base your personal buying decision on some anecdote about revolvers being more reliable. If you like a revolver, great! Get one! If you like the feel of a semi-automatic, great! Get one! Just don’t stress about hearsay anecdotes.

Recoil

At risk of making my high school physics teacher cringe, let’s talk about recoil differences. That really smart guy Newton figured out that every action has an equal and opposite reaction, so a given cartridge will have the same “recoil” regardless of whether it’s fired from a revolver or semi-automatic. What does differ is the recoil perception, or as some people call it, “felt recoil.”

In a revolver, once the hammer drops, the bullet exits the barrel, but nothing else moves. The equivalent amount of energy that just went forward with the bullet is also sent backward to your hand. It may “feel” a little different if you have a very heavy revolver, or one of the new polymer revolvers that flex and “absorb” some of the recoil, but the energy is the same. Your hand will feel pretty much the full force of the forward-traveling bullet.

With a semi-automatic, a lot happens to dissipate the felt recoil impulse. The energy going backwards is the same, but it feels different. Some is used to move the slide backward against pressure of the recoil spring. Some bleeds off moving the barrel. The whole process of motion in the gun is a little more indirect and drawn out, so that same recoil impulse may “feel” more drawn out than in a revolver.

Bottom line? All else being equal, a semi-automatic of the same power level and weight will generally “feel” like it recoils less than a revolver. Heavier models of either style will have less “felt” recoil than ultralight models.

Capacity

Generally speaking, semi-automatics can have higher capacity without reloading than revolvers. You’ll see some exceptions, but the basic concept that semi-auto’s use – storing ammunition in the magazine – provides more space for cartridges than the cylinder of a revolver. It would be kind of clumsy to have a revolver cylinder that held fifteen rounds or so.

The question is, does that matter to you? Are you wanting a gun for recreation? Hunting? Home protection? Concealed carry? For many anticipated uses, capacity may not be a deciding factor. Just because model A holds more rounds than model B, that doesn’t mean it’s better.

Complexity

While I won’t say that semi-automatics are complex, they generally do have more buttons and levers than revolvers. Assuming one has already been trained on basic gun operation and safety through professional instruction, a revolver is pretty simple. Put cartridges in the holes, close the cylinder and pull the trigger. Semi-auto’s have more steps. For example, after inserting a magazine full of cartridges, one must generally “rack the slide” to load a cartridge from the magazine into the chamber. Many models of semi-auto’s also have safety or de-cocker levers the change the firing status of the gun.

But let’s get real. We live in an age where we learn all sorts of new skills like texting, beaming pictures around the internet and operating the office Keurig machine. Learning the basic safe operation of any handgun, revolver or semi-automatic, is not really a show stopper is it?

So how do you choose?

When we try things out, it becomes clear what we like, just because, and what we don’t like, just because. I think the very best way to pick which gun is right for you is to try a few samples of each type, preferably under the supervision of an instructor. Once they try, some people are more comfortable with revolvers. Others are comfortable with semi-automatics. No worries, the most important decision factor is your level of comfort with the chosen option. If you like it, and are comfortable with it, you’ll shoot it more. You’ll become proficient and confident. And that’s what matters.

~~~

From NSSF

Here is one shooting woman’s answer to this perennially recurring question.  These are the things you need to know and remember as you shop for a handgun for her. 

The best defensive firearm for someone who doesn’t want one, or who won’t practice with it, is …

NONE.

This is true even if the person is someone you love. It is true even if you really want her to carry a gun, and even if you have picked out a gun for her and pressured her into taking it. If she does not intend to practice with it, there is no point in getting her a gun. A gun is nothing but a dangerous nuisance to someone who is not motivated to learn to use it properly and well.

Yes, I’m heartless. But it’s true anyway.

If this describes your woman, go do something else because the rest of this article isn’t for you.

There is no one best caliber or gun for all women.

Oddly enough, women are all individuals. Asking what caliber or gun is best for a woman is exactly the same thing as asking what caliber or gun is best for a man. And the answer is, “It depends.”

While it may be the most important thing about her in your eyes, her sex is simply not much of an issue when it comes to choosing a gun.

Your woman’s physical size (or lack of it) has very little to do with which caliber will be best for her.

I’ve seen tiny little women with great big grins on their faces as they hammered away with full-powered “manly” guns. I’ve also seen sturdy-looking Amazon-woman types wincing from what I consider to be mild recoil. And vice versa, of course.

What I’m getting at here is that it doesn’t matter if she weighs 90 pounds soaking wet or if she’s taller than you are and twice as fluffy. Her hand size will matter when it is time to pick a platform, but the size of her body isn’t going to tell you much that is useful about her tolerance for recoil or the caliber she’ll prefer shooting.

The caliber she’ll prefer probably isn’t the one you expect.

Some women love big calibers but hate small calibers. Some love .40s and hate everything else. Some hate .380s but love 9mms. Some find the recoil of a .40 too spiky for their tastes but find a .45 pleasant to shoot.

Women are individuals, just like men. You can’t pick a caliber for her, or even predict which caliber she’ll prefer, because you can’t crawl inside her skin and feel what she feels when she pulls the trigger.

There’s more to choosing a gun than caliber!

Here we’re really getting into it. Sorry if this bothers anyone’s sacred cows, but even a tiny little woman with tiny little hands doesn’t necessarily need, won’t necessarily like, and possibly won’t even be able to shoot a tiny little gun.

There’s no point in getting her a .380 to avoid recoil, if the platform is a straight blowback, super lightweight gun which has lousy sights and a stiff trigger.  A difficult little gun doesn’t suddenly become easy to shoot simply because it eats a lesser caliber. Sights, trigger pull, basic ergonomics, and weight will all have their effects.

You know this when you’re picking out a gun for yourself. You may want to remember it when you’re helping her pick out a gun, too. 

Beginners really should start with a .22 — but that may not be best for her and her situation.

Another sacred cow here.

All other things being equal, someone who starts out with a .22 is going to spend less time fighting the flinch, and will thus find it easier to learn to shoot well. The ammunition is cheap and plentiful, so you have fewer excuses to avoid the range, and we all know that more practice is better. It’s not as loud as most other rounds, and so shooting a .22 is generally a more pleasant experience for newbies who aren’t yet accustomed to the sound of gunfire.

So it’s great if she can learn on a .22.  More people have probably learned to shoot with a .22 than with any other single caliber.

However.

If she’s only going to own one gun of her own, and needs a defense gun, a .22 is really a poor choice. The .22 is simply not well suited for defense work. While lots of people have been killed with .22s over the years, the record shows that the .22 caliber is generally poor at stopping the attacker (which is the sine qua non for a defense gun).

It is notably easier to learn to shoot with a larger caliber than it is to improve the terminal ballistics of a .22.

Furthermore, if she’s excited about learning to shoot a larger caliber, it’s probably not worth insisting she start with the .22.  Let her learn on the gun she wants to learn on and even if it’s a steeper learning curve she’ll be more likely to hike up it.

Size matters
Hand size, that is. Since women generally have smaller hands than men generally do, and since most firearms are designed to fit the male hand, recommendations for women’s guns usually focus on guns which are suitable for people with small hands. If her hands are very small, finding a firearm which fits her hand might be an issue. It is worthwhile to keep looking until she finds one that does fit.

Remember, people have different-sized hands.  You really cannot pick out a gun for her without her active involvement because your hands are not the same as her hands.  A gun that fits your hands quite well might fit her hands like socks on a rooster.  She needs to check gun fit herself to be certain it fits her hands, to be sure she can reach and use all of the controls.

Just as she would always try on a pair of shoes before buying them, she should try on and, if possible, fire the gun or one like it before you purchase.  Many gun stores and ranges have rental guns. While rental fees can be expensive, paying them can often save considerable money and hassle in the long run.

If she’s very petite, and it’s rifles or shotguns you’re shopping for, check out this list of long guns suitable for small-statured shooters.

Looks matter.

Guys, your wives and girlfriends wear pretty underthings that they know no one else is going to see. They wear feminine, lacy underthings even when they aren’t in the mood and have no intention of getting into the mood. ¹

Women wear things like that even when no one else will see it simply because we like to wear pretty things. Pretty things make us happy.

If you want your lady to be happy tucking a gun underneath her clothes next to her pretty underthings, it’s a good idea to help her look for a pretty gun and a pretty holster to carry it in.

Oh, one more thing: her fashion sense is better than yours. If she says a flashy gun is pretty, don’t argue. It’s not a pimp gun if a woman is wearing it.

There is ² no such thing as a healthy adult woman who cannot be taught to retract the slide of a semi-automatic handgun.

If yours can’t, it’s probably because no one has ever shown her the correct technique. Get her to a class.

She doesn’t have to carry in her purse.

All other things being equal, on-body carry in a dedicated holster is a lot more secure than off-body carry in a purse or bag. It’s also faster to access and easier to use in self defense.If your wife or girlfriend is willing to make minor wardrobe changes and is stubborn enough to keep trying until she finds the gear she needs, she can conceal a firearm underneath regular women’s clothing and still look like the attractive woman she is.

Because there are significant advantages to on-body carry, you do yourself and her a serious disfavor if you simply assume that she will carry in her purse. She would be better served if you helped her explore the pros and cons of both types of carry, and then encouraged her to purchase whatever tools ³ she needs in order to make her chosen type of carry work for her.

However, if your wife has given on-body carry serious consideration, and opts to carry in her purse instead, you’re smart when you support her choices. While her choices may not be the same as the ones you would make, they are her choices. And she is almost certainly better off armed than unarmed, regardless of how she decides to carry.

Finding a holster is a different ballgame for her than it is for you.

Newsflash: her body is shaped differently than yours. Your cast-off old holster probably won’t work well for her. But there are holsters that work particularly well for female body shapes, and there are holstermakers who specialize in women’s gear. It is worthwhile to seek them out. 

You are probably not the right person to teach her how to shoot the gun you just bought her.

Yes, really. Sorry.

It boils down to three groups of problems: safety concerns, instructional difficulties, and emotional considerations. Of these, safety is the most important (and most often overlooked) aspect. You can certainly enjoy going to the range together, though! Just let your range time together be pure shooting fun, without taking on the instructional burden.

When you approach the knife counter these days, there are so many choices in front of you that it is hard to know where to begin.  Buying your first knife is an exciting venture.  When you see the array of fancy handles and big blades in the cases, it is easy to start confusing what you want with what you need.  So in order to stay focused, begin by asking yourself what the purpose will be for the knife you are purchasing – what will you be using the knife for?

There are many uses for knives – sharpened blades have been utilized by mankind for centuries.  For the purpose of this discussion, let’s assume the knife is for Every Day Carry (EDC).  The EDC knife is mainly for smaller jobs, meaning don’t assume you can cut open the roof of an SUV with it, although if that is your everyday need, there are knives that can accomplish it!  For my needs, an EDC knife is a versatile knife that can do anything from cutting off clothing tags and opening boxes to extracting jammed cartridges from the ejection port of my gun, but most knives can cover far more utilitarian jobs than that.   If your EDC needs include using your knife for hunting or fishing, then other considerations like rust resistance and blade sharpness should be considered when choosing the blade material.  I prefer something that holds its edge fairly well for less frequent sharpening.  (A straight edge will be easier to sharpen than a serrated one, although the serrated edge is better for certain jobs.)  I also want my knife to be a lightweight folder with easy access opening and to fit in comfortably in the pocket of my jeans.

There are many fancy and expensive knives out there but an EDC knife doesn’t have to break the bank.  It needs to be durable enough to hold up to the jobs you will put it through every day. A less expensive knife will generally have a lower quality steel blade ie softer (and probably will not be made in the USA if this is a requirement of yours.)  This does not have to be a deal breaker however, I have known people to swear by knives that cost less than ten dollars and quite frankly I don’t want to pull out a $300 knife to cut through corrugated cardboard boxes and packing tape all day long.  But you do get what you pay for and a lower quality blade may take a sharp edge quickly, but will not hold it for long periods of time under constant use.   Steel blades come in many formulations and the elements of each one define the finished product.  Carbon steel blades may be cheaper and stay sharp longer but are not as durable (rust resistant) or versatile as stainless steel over time.  They can also be harder to sharpen due to the hardness of the blade.  If you need a very sharp and hard blade, for example for use in hunting, then carbon steel might be a consideration.

One type of steel is not necessarily “better” than another.  Steel is an alloy made by combining Iron and Carbon using heat.  There are many types of steel and the properties of the finished product, such as hardness, corrosion resistance and edge retention, are determined by the type of ingredients in the recipe for that particular type of steel.

Another term you may hear in addition to the types of blade steel and handle materials are the “tang” of the knife.  This refers to how far the blade extends into the handle.  In a fixed blade, the tang may extend all the way through the handle.  There are also several different types of locks that are used on folding knives among them are compression locks, liner locks and Axis locks.  The type of lock is basically the manner in which the blade is held open and prohibited from closing while “locked back” in use.

I work in the hunting department of an outdoor store.  We sell a variety of knives in all price ranges.  I have assisted all types of knife buyers, from boy scouts to collectors who own hundreds of knives worth thousands of dollars.  Like many other purchases, your EDC knife has to be right for your needs and comfortable for you to use or you will soon start looking for a replacement.

My EDC knife is a Spyderco CAT.   The CAT is a small, lightweight knife, with a 2.5 inch blade, which is big enough to take care of whatever daily paces I put it through.  It fits perfectly in the small pockets of my favorite jeans and has a deep pocket clip.  Spyderco knives have an easy access thumbhole for one handed opening and my knife locks back.  Being able to open and close your knife one handed can be very useful if you often find yourself with your hands full.  The CAT falls in the $75 range, but with a quick internet search many knives can be located at websites like Amazon and Knifecenter.com for competitive prices.  I like the look of my knife as well, so I didn’t mind spending a little bit more for a quality knife that fit my needs.

******

by guest writer Shari Spivack from Second Amendment Women