Author: Kat Stevens

Guns are purpose-driven tools. That is something that’s said regularly, and it’s true. When you choose a firearm, you’re selecting it for a specific application. That might be self-defense, home defense, hunting or competition—but you probably have something specific in mind. However, it’s also true that some of your guns should be for fun. While they’re absolutely purpose-driven, that purpose can—and should—occasionally be fun. So, what makes a gun fun? A Piece of History If you’ve never considered adding a gun to your collection based entirely on its history, you should reconsider that. Historical firearms of all kinds are a…

Armed and Responsible Whether they’re kids or adults, new handgun shooters play a key role in keeping the shooting sports going. And when it comes to selecting a handgun for a beginner, it can get a little overwhelming. There are a lot of handguns on the market, and there’s really no such thing as a one size fits all model. When choosing a first handgun, several factors need to be taken into consideration. We’re here to help simplify that process and explain why the following guns are our pick for the best handguns for beginners. What to look for in…

For gun owners, it can be easy to get caught up in the idea that a favorite handgun is all that is needed for self-defense purposes. After all, the handgun really is the great equalizer, and it can appear to be a one-size-fits-all solution for threats. However, there’s far more to being a responsible defender than owning and carrying a handgun (or having one tucked into your bedside table drawer). If you want to be a well-rounded, capable defender, you need to master skills far beyond the feel of a pistol grip in your hands. Secondary Measures A handgun shouldn’t…

Sweetheart grips are a piece of history I’d love to see returned to the gun world. During World War II, soldiers often placed pictures of girlfriends, wives and other loved ones in the grips of their 1911s. The practice sometimes extended to revolvers as well but tended to be limited by the availability of a grip that was see-through enough to serve as a make-shift picture frame. This effort was often accomplished by taking pieces of Lucite from the canopies and windshields of downed airplanes and cutting new grips for their guns. It was all for the purpose of carrying…

On the surface, calling coyotes might appear to be simple: Play coyote sounds on your snazzy electronic caller, wait all of 30 seconds, and they’ll come hard- charging in, right? Not exactly. It’s true that there are times it can be that easy, but that is the exception, rather than the rule. Whether you’re new to the world of calling or just want to up your game, here are 10 tips to help you along the way. 1: YOUR E-CALLER DOESN’T MATTER. This might come as a surprise, but when it gets right down to it, this skill is less…

Maybe you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors fishing, camping, or hunting. During those times, is self-defense from threats a priority? If it isn’t, you’re not alone in that thinking. If you’re a woman, odds are that good defense of your own self isn’t a driving factor. Women have a tendency to focus on protecting others—usually their kids—before considering themselves worthy of that same aggressive approach to self-defense. It’s not at all uncommon for a woman to get into guns and self-defense because she became a mom or due to some sort of threat to her children’s well-being. I’m…

When it comes to selecting a handgun for carrying in the great outdoors, the vast number of possible configurations and calibers to consider can be overwhelming. One cartridge that’s frequently mentioned by those interested in self-defense and handgun hunting alike is the 45 ACP. Many gun owners boast about its sheer bulk and “stopping power,” but is that true? Is the 45 ACP a good idea for defensive purposes, whether you need it against two-legged or four-legged attackers? Does it work for handgun hunting? Read on to find out. What is the 45 ACP, Really? The 45 ACP was designed…

When you picture hunters, you probably imagine long guns or bows. Similarly, when you think about hiking or camping, your mind likely envisions good boots and tents, not guns. In reality, whether you’re a hunter, hiker, or other outdoor aficionado, it’s wise to consider making handguns part of your defensive toolbox. It’s all too easy to get caught in the notion that you’re immune from harm while you’re in the mountains and woods, but that’s not an accurate picture. We might think the outdoors is our playground, but animals call it home, and it’s entirely possible to anger the wrong…

How to Catch Big Catfish Catching monster catfish—not simply keepers, but giants—is the dream of most of us who spend time on the shores and on the water with a rod and reel in hand. It’s easy to say you’re out on the water to connect with nature, enjoy the silence, and maybe bring some fish back at the end of the day. But don’t we all want a big fish story that’s…real? Catfish are among the creatures of the deep (and not so deep) waters that are a focus for a lot of fishermen. Maybe it’s because there are…