Guides

174 posts

How-tos and explainers, from choosing gear to running the drills.

  • DefendGuide

    Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Firearm for Self-Defense

    Selecting a firearm for self-defense means taking an honest look at your skills and the situations you’re likely to face. There’s no single best option—choose the one that fits you, train hard, and put safety first.

    7 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
  • Guide

    Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals 2025

    Black Friday & Cyber Monday are here, and I’ve already sifted through the noise to find the lowest prices I’ve ever tracked on guns, ammo, and gear. No fluff, just the real deals worth your money—come grab ‘em before they’re…

    4 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
  • CompeteGuide

    Zo’s Reloads: 9 Major

    9 Major is a hot-rodded 9mm Luger, a wildcat cartridge cooked up by IPSC and USPSA shooters to hit major power factor on a budget. I set out to load it for my CZ Czechmate. Does it deliver? Let’s find…

    6 min
  • CompeteGuide

    Zo’s Reloads: 9mm Luger 147 Grain FMJ

    Welcome to “Zo’s Reloads,” a new post series where I share my blunders and breakthroughs as I fumble into the world of reloading. Buckle up—this wild ride starts with 9mm Luger!

    13 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

    Should you re-zero when switching between supersonic and subsonic loads? Short answer: yes, it optimizes accuracy for each load. But re-zeroing isn’t always practical. Let’s explore some zeroing and reticle options.

    6 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
  • FundamentalsGuide

    Which Shot Timer Should You Buy?

    Need a shot timer to up your game? Don’t sweat range yahoos and knuckleheads—I’ve got you covered with pro picks and alternatives for dry fire, matches, and coaching. Let’s make matchmaking magic!

    8 min
  • FundamentalsGuide

    NRA Basic Pistol Qualification

    Been slacking on drill posts—oops. Time to get back on the horse with the NRA Basic Pistol qual. 5 yards, 5 shots, 4-inch circle, no clock. Cakewalk? Maybe. I broke it down to see if it’s worth your time—read on…

    4 min