What Makes a “Great” Gun? Part 2: Range Time
Part 1 covered what you can check at the gun shop. Part 2 is what happens when you finally get the thing to the range, where most of the real character comes out.
What Makes a “Great” Gun? Part 1
We've all done it at the range. Somebody hands you a pistol, you put a few rounds through it, and the verdict comes out: "great gun." But strip away the nostalgia and the "my buddy said it's awesome" factor, what actually makes a gun great?
It’s Time to Buy Another .22
I did a spring chore this past week: a gun inventory. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not personally in a position to have to inventory my own guns all the time. I wish that were a problem. The nature of my job means there are loaner guns coming and going constantly. It’s surprisingly easy to lose track and find some sitting around that should have been returned long ago.
Rhino Time: Chiappa’s 10mm 60 DS Beast
I tested a new Chiappa Rhino. It looks somewhat… OK, a lot, non-traditional, but boy was it comfortable to shoot. Yeah, I know. These aren’t new, but somehow I just hadn’t yet crossed paths with one. Their new 10mm beast was a great excuse to rectify that omission in my catalogue.
The 007 Life: Walther PPK/S SD and SilencerCo Spectre 9
I’m glad to see new variants of this classic pistol coming back, especially the threaded models. I’ve got a few Walther PPK-family pistols, including a Manurhin PP, which is an exceptionally well-made gun.
Nighthawk’s Hi Power: A Classic Reimagined with Modern Flair
Massad Ayoob explores the Nighthawk Custom Browning Hi Power, highlighting its modern upgrades like a beavertail grip tang, improved trigger, and Heinie sights, all while retaining the classic 1935 design’s essence. Discover how Nighthawk revitalizes this iconic pistol for today’s shooters.
The .38 Super: Journey from Gangsters to Competition… with Some “Super Face” Blowouts on the Way
Explore Jeremy’s comprehensive look at the .38 Super cartridge, tracing its evolution from early 20th-century law enforcement use to modern competitive shooting. Learn about its historical significance, performance characteristics, and reloading considerations.
Tisas ASF M1911A1: A WWII Classic Reborn Without Breaking the Bank
Discover the Tisas ASF M1911A1—a faithful and affordable reproduction of the WWII-era Remington-Rand 1911. Priced around $435, this pistol offers authentic features like military markings and a correct ejection port size, delivering historical accuracy without the collector’s price tag. 
Sneak Peek: Must-Have Guns and Gear for 2025
Explore these top picks from the 2025 SHOT Show, featuring innovative firearms and gear like North American Arms’ belt buckle revolver and the limited-edition Korth Bitcoin Revolver. Get the scoop on this year’s must-have shooting accessories.
Experience the Pinnacle of Revolver Craftsmanship with the Korth Mongoose .357
Discover Roy Huntington’s in-depth review of the Korth Mongoose .357, showcasing its unparalleled craftsmanship and the successful collaboration between Korth and Nighthawk Custom that has set new standards in revolver excellence.