CheaperThanDirt Blog
Holster Maintenance
It’s gratifying to see how conscientious the huge majority of carry permit holders are, and how seriously they take their responsibilities. Despite what the mainstream media would have you believe, these folks are not just numerous—now somewhere north of 14 million nationwide—but also astonishingly law-abiding—6 to 10 times more so than law enforcement, who are in turn 30 times more law-abiding than the general public. However, they are plagued by a few common problems.
Reloading: Loads for the Bunker
With an ammunition shortage coming and good quality ammunition at a premium now is the time to get the loading press cranked up and rolling. Here is one plan to keep shooting.
Apex Releases New Action Enhancement Kit For Glock Pistols
Apex Tactical Specialties makes some of the best aftermarket drop-in performance parts for firearms and Cheaper Than Dirt! carries a bunch of them. Now, Apex Tactical Specialties has expanded its line of Glock compatible parts with the release of the new Apex Action Enhancement Kit for Glock pistols.
U.S. Law Shield: National Reciprocity Wanted as Trump’s First Gun-Law
U.S. Law Shield/Texas Law Shield surveyed its members to determine which law or laws topped the list of what its members wanted. Topping the list was National Concealed Carry Reciprocity, Ending Gun-Free Zones On Military Bases, Legalizing Silencers, NICS Background Check Reform, and Allowing Importation of Collectible Historical Firearms.
NRA: How Will Trump Recast the Supreme Court?
Senate Republicans held a Supreme Court seat vacant for the next president. Now that it’s President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican majority in the Senate, what happens next?
UTG Adds 4X32 Compact Prismatic T4 Scopes to Lineup
Looking for a compact optic that excels in ruggedness, clarity, and fast target acquisition? Check out UTG's new 4X32 Compact Prismatic T4 Scopes.
Honor Defense Honor Guard — Designed for +P 9mm
The Honor Defense Honor Guard 9mm handgun is a rule beater. All American, even down to domestic steel, the Honor Guard 9mm isn’t a cheap handgun made to undersell the competition. It is an affordable handgun that costs a little more than some competitors and a little less than others. The thing to remember though, is that there is no compromise with this handgun.
Video Review: TruGlo Tru Tec Red Dot Sight with Integrated Laser
TruGlo added an integrated laser to the Tru Tec to create a winning combination. Then, by pricing the combination under $250 it created a story worth reading—even if you’ve been burned by budget optics before.
Reader Comments of the Week — November 12, 2016
A recap or sampling of the most active, interesting, or on occasion, randomly selected reader comments from the previous week.
Swab-Its — Simple, Cool, Reusable, and Durable
I first saw the Swab-Its at the 2015 SHOT Show and simply didn’t get the concept of them—hmm... disposable foam bore cleaners. Yeah, the concept was cool. However, I wondered why anyone would buy such an expensive single-use product. Like many times in life, I was wrong. I learned my lesson, even though it took me a full year. My mistake was thinking, “Swab-Its are a one trick pony.” In actuality, Swab-Its are a well made, non-damaging, bore cleaner that can be cleaned and continually reused many, many times.
Happy Veterans Day—Honoring Those Who Took the Oath
Veterans Day is not a day for political punditry. Instead, November 11 is a day to honor the 21 million living U.S. veterans who either served or are currently keeping the wolf from America’s doors. Read this article to learn more about this important United States holiday.
Review: Is the Beretta A3 Ready to Be the Military’s Next Sidearm?
The military is making noises concerning a new sidearm. There is some controversy. Handguns, for whatever reason, seem to come with more emotional attachment and a sense of history than the rifle. I believe that as a close quarters combat pistol the Beretta 92 is lacking the most important attribute a sidearm should have and that is wound potential. In actuality, the Beretta A3 isn’t a new pistol but a modified Beretta M9/M92. Did it pass the author's range test? Read the full details here.
Video: Firearms in School Zones, Federal vs. State Law
Many people with firearms think they know the local laws affecting them, but do you know the state law? Did you know you could be arrested for simply driving by a school with a firearm. In this video, U.S. Law Shield breaks breaks down the laws and contrasts them against the laws of Texas, but it is a great start to do your own research for your regardless where you live.
Throwback Thursday: 8 Great Home Security Measures to Implement Today
With a new home, the author had to “re-do” all of his home-security measures. Here’s a list of the easiest ones to implement.
Why I Will Remain a Big Bore Man (And Validity of Research)
The Thompson LaGarde test of handgun calibers has been brought into controversy by some, but it was the definitive word when conducted. Their biomechanical fidelity in the use of both cadavers and live animals must be respected. Others point to the success of the .45 ACP during WWII or the works of Elmer Keith and Skeeter Skelton to determine the best caliber to stop a threat. IN this feature article, Bob Campbell makes his case why he relies on big bores for defense.
NRA: Gun Control Mind Games
Gun control advocates would have you believe, if only there were background check requirements for all gun sales and transfers and if only the so-called “private sale loophole” was repealed, criminals would no longer be able to obtain guns online or at gun shows without a background check. Then, they’d have you believe, we’d see an end to the proliferation of guns and “gun violence.” Who needs empirical evidence when you can have "magical thinking?"
Rifle Manufacturer AXTS Becomes Radian Weapons
In an effort to better align the brand with their ever-evolving products, AXTS Weapons Systems has launched their new name—Radian Weapons.
Video Review: Trijicon MRO—American Made
Much has already been written about the Trijicon MRO. One forum has no less than 52 pages of arguments, many of which seem to be written by people who don’t actually USE their optics beyond their couch or local gun range. Unlike others we have seen, this MRO review points out one really big thing that many have ignored or glossed over.
Reader Comments of the Week — November 5, 2016
A recap or sampling of the most active, interesting, or on occasion, randomly selected reader comments from the previous week.
Range Report: Walther CCP
Walther’s CCP has generated a lot of attention. Light, attractive, and with the Walther name, the pistol was designed to compete with the Glock 43 9mm and similar sized handguns for personal defense. However, not all ammunition ran smoothly for the author. Read the full review.