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The most common sub-$200 firearms we find are from questionable manufacturers, in extremely poor condition, or come from a country that no longer exists. But we like to look under rocks at small gun shops and kick tires at pawn brokers during our travels — and occasionally among all the zinc-alloy Saturday Night Specials from the ’70s and assorted antiques that aren’t safe to shoot, we’ll uncover something decent from a name brand with a sterling reputation. Such was the case when this Ruger EC9s was unearthed in an Idaho pawnshop. This slim 9mm holds seven rounds in the magazine,…
Uncontrollable variables and physics argue strongly against excessively long-range hunting. But how far is too far?We don’t wish to create a political divide here. Nor can we, because the debate over long-range hunting has long existed. But technological advances over the past quarter century have accentuated it. Laser rangefinders. High magnification scopes. High-BC bullets. Pocket anemometers with barometric pressure gauges. Computerized scopes and binoculars. Turret dialing scopes. Even scopes that automatically illuminate the proper aiming dot for precise shot placement at any distance.We have the equipment. Question is, do we have the wisdom?You know the arguments…“I have a world-class, ¼-MOA…
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New Jersey confirmed Wednesday that two municipal water systems were hit by cyberattacks involving internet-exposed industrial control systems. Operators temporarily lost the ability to remotely monitor or manage parts of their plants and were forced to switch to manual operations.According to the state, water service was not interrupted and the drinking water remained safe. Nobody got sick, nobody lost water, and employees at both utilities were able to keep the systems running.That is the good news.The bad news is that New Jersey passed one of the toughest water cybersecurity laws in the country nearly a decade ago. The state required…
Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At…
To me, there’s nothing quite as sad as a well-made machine not being used in the role for which it was created. Life’s too short for Corvettes that only sit in climate-controlled garages, beautiful timepieces that won’t ever be strapped to a wrist, or “safe queen” 1911’s that never see trigger time. By the same token, I know far too many people who don’t carry or use the knife they want because they don’t want to muck it up or dull the factory edge. A folding knife makes so many tasks a lot easier. However, do you have the skills…
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When it comes to carry guns, are red dots really that much better than iron sights? I hit the range to find out.Just 13 years ago, when I authored the book, Handgun Training for Personal Protection, I included a chapter on red dot sights, where I wrote, “The future is coming. When it gets here, we will all shoot better and faster.” In some ways, reflex-style red dot sights have come a long way in the past 13 years, and today, many believe a self-defense handgun without one is unsuitable … or even antiquated. I’ve spent a good part of…
Shooting sports are constantly evolving, mostly. While age-old classics like High Power, Trap, Skeet, and F-Class rarely (if ever) change, the world of action shooting sports is constantly on the move. USPSA, PCSL, PRS, 3-Gun, and 2-Gun are pushing a new frontier. The newest evolution comes from FAST, the Firearms Action Shooting Trials. Long stages, lots of shooting, harder-than-average targets, and a whole lot of fun. 2026 is the first year for FAST, and the Retro Rifle FAST match in Buckeye, Arizona, was the first full-size match held with more FAST matches coming later in the year. There are several…
The Brief: A 22-year-old man used a secondary firearm to defend himself during an armed robbery near downtown Des Moines. After a group ambushed the man in his vehicle and a 17-year-old suspect stole his primary handgun, the victim drew a backup weapon and critically wounded the teenager in a shootout. Des Moines Police and the Polk County Attorney’s Office determined the driver acted in lawful self-defense and released him without charges. While the injured suspect remains in critical condition, authorities continue to search for the remaining accomplices involved in the late-night confrontation near Pappajohn Sculpture Park. DES MOINES, IA…
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The Brief: Selecting a first concealed carry handgun requires balancing concealability with shootability. Beginners should prioritize reliable, 9mm compact or slim-line pistols that allow for a secure grip and manageable recoil. Smaller firearms are often harder to control, while oversized models can be difficult to carry consistently. Success depends on more than the firearm itself. A complete system includes a quality holster, a sturdy belt, and regular training. Choosing a well-fitting, proven handgun encourages the practice necessary for safe and effective use, ensuring the carrier develops confidence and responsible handling habits. Walk into any gun store and ask for the…
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