Guides

155 posts

This is where I dump all the hard-earned, no-BS lessons I’ve picked up in the woods, on the range, and while carrying every day. Whether you’re trying to figure out the best chest rig that won’t flop like a dead fish, how to zero a red dot without wasting a box of ammo, or what budget gear actually survives a rainy deer season, I’ve got you covered. Real-world tests, zero sponsorship fluff—just straight talk from a guy who’s broken, soaked, and shot the stuff so you don’t have to learn the hard way. Dive in and level up.

  • A 24-inch 6mm ARC AR-15 next to a Fierce Fury LR 6.5 Creedmoor bolt rifle
    HuntGuide

    The 6mm ARC, Five Seasons Later

    I built a 6mm ARC in 2021, promised more posts, and then let it sit for five seasons. Deer season got me curious about what changed while I wasn’t looking. A lot, it turns out.

    11 min
  • SilencerCo Omega 300 and Harvester 300 suppressors in camouflage covers, lying on approved Form 4s sealed in zip-top bags atop an envelope marked NFA Trust
    HuntGuide

    What the ATF’s NFA Changes Mean for a Suppressor Owner

    The ATF quit enforcing NFA registration for suppressors on October 9. I own two cans in an NFA trust. Here’s what changes for them, what doesn’t, and why I’m not buying a third.

    12 min
  • DefendGuide

    The Pros and Cons of Using Optics on Handguns

    Red dots on handguns aren’t magic and they sure as hell aren’t a free lunch. The real advantage is target focus—if you’re willing to train.

    6 min
  • Heckler & Koch VP9 and Staccato C2 2011 pistols with red dot sights – #5 and #1 best concealed carry pistols 2025
    DefendGuide

    Best Concealed Carry Pistols 2025: My Top 5 Picks

    You asked for it — my battle-tested Top 5 concealed-carry pistols for 2025. One costs less than date night. One more than a used bike. All five I’d trust my life with — and one rides my hip every day.

    5 min
  • FundamentalsDrill

    Central Texas Standards: A Classic IPSC Benchmark Drill

    Central Texas Standards – Chip McCormick & Ronin Colman’s nearly forgotten 125-round monster. Weak-hand, reloads, 50-yard shots, even prone. This 1980s beast still demands Master-class skill to clean in 2025.

    6 min
  • FundamentalsGuide

    Using the Manual Thumb Safety… Uhm… Well… Safely

    Proper manual safety use is critical for safe shooting. Follow Col. Cooper’s binary rule—on target, safety off; off target, safety on—to build strong safety discipline and prevent mishaps with your pistol.

    5 min
  • DefendDrill

    Ken Hackathorn’s The Wizard Drill

    Ken Hackathorn’s The Wizard doesn’t mess around—it’s a raw competency test for concealed carriers. You either have the skills to nail it, or you don’t. So, how tough is it? Let’s break it down.

    6 min
  • DefendGuide

    Building an EDC Medical Kit You’ll Actually Carry

    Emergency medical gear might not be sexy, but it’s vital—especially for everyday carry (EDC). Building a kit isn’t rocket science, but creating one that’s compact, organized, and practical enough to carry daily? That can be a challenge.

    4 min
  • HuntGuide

    Zeroing Optics for Supersonic and Subsonic Ammo

    A longtime reader asked the 300 Blackout supersonic vs. subsonic question: does the rifle need a new zero when the ammo changes? The honest answer is “it depends,” so here is what it depends on.

    8 min
  • Guide

    Let’s Meet For Tacos

    The four core gun safety rules are essential lifestyle principles crafted to prevent unintentional tragedies. A mnemonic can make them easier to recall, so you can live them every day. Let’s meet for tacos.

    4 min
  • FundamentalsDrill

    Jim Shanahan’s Helluva Little Drill

    Jim’s Helluva Little Drill is deceptively challenging. When executed correctly, it sharpens your ability to stay process-focused while running a gun, all while honing often-overlooked marksmanship skills. Let’s explore it.

    5 min
  • FundamentalsDrill

    1-2-3-4-5 Drill

    The 1-2-3-4-5 Drill is an easy but sneaky challenge. Clean it at 5 yards, then chase 15 Xs or push the distance. Ready to test your skills? Dive into the breakdown and give it a whirl!

    4 min