CheaperThanDirt Blog

Here's are a few things you can do to make your house less appealing to burglars.

The pistol-caliber carbine enjoys a long and storied history. The Winchester lever action and Colt Single Action Army combination started the ball rolling. Today, the modern self-loading carbine is the popular option. The Just Right Carbine (JRC) is available in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP calibers. The JRC may be changed from one caliber to the other relatively easily, but that is not the best reason to own a JRC.

The slightest slips in judgment have found many experienced and inexperienced hikers in jeopardy. Even the most practiced outdoorsmen can be lost or injured in the field. Are you prepared to spend a night, or even a few days in the wilderness when you least expect to? To help search and rescue find you if you happen to get lost during an outdoor adventure, pack essential survival items, learn how to use a compass and know the international distress signals for help.

Pro-Second Amendment legislation should get a push when the new Congress convenes in January, 2017, after more than a dozen Republican House members revived the Congressional Second Amendment Caucus (CSAC).

The Ruger SR1911 is an outstanding value for a feature-loaded production 1911 that you can just buy and have the confidence to pull it out and shoot. The Commander version offers a carry option, which is a ¾ inch shorter, and a few ounces lighter to increase all day carry comfort. But how does it compare tot he full-sized SR1911?

The Second Amendment is not about hunting, it is about our Constitutional right to bear arms for any reason or no reason at all. It would seem that some in Pennsylvania needed a reminder, so the local courts stepped to defend the citizen's rights with Pennsylvania's Uniform Firearms Act (UFA) thanks to the Firearm Owners Against Crime.

Firing 20 full-power buckshot loads from a 12 gauge Mossberg ended with my wrist resulted in Epsom salts the next morning. The pistol grip shotgun is acceptable for entry team use, or crowded areas, and ideal for keeping handy in fishing trawlers to take out flipping, gnashing sharks brought in with the more mundane catches. However, for extended shooting sessions, upgrade to Magpul's SGA stock.

The Hexmag Advanced Tactical Grip (ATG) is designed for competition and shooters with special needs/requirements. This patented and easily-installed grip allows shooter to adjust the grip angle by several degrees to accommodate different preferences, hand sizes and/or shooting positions.

Many have claimed that the Social Security Administration has been trying to force recipients to choose between benefits and their Second Amendment rights. Arguments and counter arguments have been wielded for and against the proposal for some time. Without a final version, there was no way completely sort the wheat from the chaff. Now, in the final days of Obama's time as President, it looks like there will be one more push for backdoor gun control.

A recap or sampling of the most active, interesting, or on occasion, randomly selected reader comments from the previous week.

SIG offers full metal jacketed training loads in the popular calibers but also hollow point defense loads. Among the most interesting are the three choices in .45 ACP hollow point loads. As with all top tier manufacturers, premium names need to deliver a premium product—preferably at a reasonable price. For this review, we put 185-, 2000, and 230-grain V Crown offering through their paces.

There are shotguns that do not look like shotguns. All are not practical but a few have merit. Among the most innovative and interesting is the Kel Tec KSG shotgun. The KSG is unmistakably a Kel Tec; the modern design and engineering shows. This is a shotgun you should immerse yourself in to learn the nuances of the design and operation if you plan to deploy the shotgun for personal defense.

From the minute we were conceived, our mothers spend almost every minute of their days—and nights—worrying over and protecting us. Not only from grievous bodily harm, but also from the heartaches and hardships that life so viciously deals out. The mother who takes up arms to protect her children will stop at nothing to secure the future of her children and self.

Gun owners and shooting enthusiasts are looking forward to the next President in hopes of a friendlier Executive Branch when it comes to matters of the Second Amendment. For maximum effectiveness, the President needs the support of the Legislative Branch and to that effort, a group of U.S. Representatives, led by Congressman Thomas Massie, launched the Congressional Second Amendment Caucus.

Two men were recently convicted in Kansas under the National Firearms Act for doing what was legal under state law. The feds ignored a state law that prohibited the federal government from enforcing any laws restricting firearms within the borders of Kansas. This showdown pitted States Rights and the Second Amendment against the taxing power of the federal government. U.S. Law Shield will explore the history behind the NFA and why now may be the right time to challenge its constitutionality.

There may be others nominated for this club of gunfighter’s guns, but these six have an impeccable reputation and more story behind them than any other group of handguns in history. They have been used in innumerable gunfights around the world. Even if you only punch paper, these handguns are worth the price of ownership. However, if you carry to defend your life, this is a must-see list. Did you favorite make the list?

The Smith and Wesson Military and Police Shield is among the most popular carry guns in America. Light but reliable and accurate this slim line single column magazine pistol has much to recommend. In fact, many believe Smith and Wesson’s .45 ACP Shield is the answer to their personal defense needs. The author certainly agrees. Will you?

Price, quality. and attention to detail make the Escort MP-S/A a fine choice for tactical, home defense, and pursuing many types of game. Read more to find out why it has earned a place this gun writer's home.

Firearm sales continue to rise in the United States, with more Americans than ever investing in guns for a variety of reasons. From personal protection and home defense to recreational target shooting and hunting to collecting as an investment, increasing numbers of citizens are purchasing guns. Firearm sales continue to rise in the United States, with more Americans than ever investing in guns for a variety of reasons. From personal protection and home defense to recreational target shooting and hunting to collecting as an investment, increasing numbers of citizens are purchasing guns. On Black Friday 2016, the FBI processed 185,713 background checks through their National Instant Criminal Background Check System, breaking last year’s record.

The AR-15 is America’s rifle. In fact, the black rifle in just about any configuration is very versatile. But choosing the right rifle is a daunting proposition for many. There are many choices, and many good choices. Let’s cover some of the basics.