Installing a spiffy new handguard for your AR-15 used to be a somewhat complicated process, requiring special tools that almost no casual shooters have. No more. The folks at Brownells have released the new Wrenchman series of AR handguards. What’s the big deal? All you need to install a spiffy new M-LOK attachment points is a […]
About Tom McHale
Concealed Carry: Traditional IWB, “Hippendix”, or Appendix?
I’ve been using the Federal Air Marshal qualification course of fire as a fun and challenging training aid. This routine isn’t easy—only a small percentage of concealed carriers will pass it without serious practice. What makes it a great training tool is that it requires absolute and legit concealment. I’m not talking BS concealment like a floppy […]
Too Much Gun for Home Defense?
According to the media, no one could possibly need something like a “weapon of war” as a home defense firearm. Then again, it was television and movie people who came up with that whole idea of shooting the gun out of the bad guy’s hand. If you’re reading this, you already know that an AR […]
Which One’s the BB Gun?
I live under the ruthless and oppressive iron fist of a neighborhood association. For some reason, they get all torqued up when I practice things like rapid fire and shooting on the move in the backyard. Oh, and setting up a plate rack in the neighbor’s lawn? Forget it. Some people just don’t appreciate fun. […]
The Sound of Silencers
Think that fancy new suppressor you bought will “silence” your gun? Think again. There’s more to it than just that. But let’s start at the beginning. There are two components to gunshot noise: muzzle blast and sonic booms. We usually think of muzzle blast as some kind of noise associated with exploding (or technically speaking, […]
Federal Syntech Defense: Ammo Test
Federal Syntech ammunition, launched a couple of years ago, turned a few heads with its bright red polymer jackets. But those bright colors are not some marketing gimmick. In fact, there are good reasons for discarding copper jackets in favor of advanced polymer coatings. Until now, most of the benefits have been demonstrated through the […]
How to Prepare for Your First Trip to a Gun Shop
My first trip to a gun shop was a bit like my first visit to Wild Birds Unlimited. In both cases, I had no idea what I was talking about, little concept of what I wanted (much less needed) and was convinced that everyone in the store would spot me as a poser. That’s the […]
How To Perfect Your Handgun Skills
As any good handgun skills instructor or coach already knows, a required component of improvement is an accurate and immediate feedback loop. If you don’t know exactly what you’re doing wrong, it’s awfully hard to get better. If you don’t have a way to confirm when your actions are correct, you don’t know when you’re […]
Concealed Carry Tips: What’s Hurting Your Holster Draw?
I’ve been learning how to draw. No, not with colored pencils or finger paints—I suck at that. I’ve been learning how to draw, or more accurately, relearning how to draw from legitimate concealment. I’ve been eating some portions of humble pie while experimenting with the new Mantis X10 magic computer training tool recently, and it’s […]
Top 5 Worst Self-Defense Guns
If you buy essential oils on the lower rungs of the quality ladder, the worst thing that can happen is that you’ll be out a few bucks and feel a bit slimy. Oh, and your friends will think you weird for investing in magic oil in the first place. If you buy a self-defense gun […]