Pietta brought back the Starr 1858 Double-Action in November 2025 — a faithful reissue of the unusual Civil War cavalry revolver, complete with the period-correct two-trigger system and SA/DA selector. Hands-on with the reissued reproduction, including the mechanism that sets it apart from every other black-powder repro on the market.
Category: Pistols
Bear Creek Arsenal BC-9 Bufferless: The Compact 9mm AR That Deletes the Buffer Tube
The Bear Creek Arsenal BC-9 bufferless pistol removes the buffer tube entirely, putting the recoil spring inside the bolt carrier group. The result: a folding, genuinely compact 9mm AR that fires from the folded position, takes Glock magazines, and costs under $600. A hands-on review from an owner who runs it alongside a CMMG Banshee, Stribog A3, and more.
The Volcanic Pistol: How a Gun That Couldn’t Kill a Rabbit Created Winchester and Smith & Wesson
Two of the most iconic names in American firearms — Winchester and Smith & Wesson — share a single origin: the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company. The full story of the Volcanic pistol, the Rocket Ball ammunition, and how one bankrupt company spawned two firearms empires.
The Reichsrevolver: Germany’s First Standard Military Sidearm
When the German Empire unified in 1871, it inherited a logistical headache that would have made any quartermaster reach for a bottle of schnapps. Prussian officers carried one sidearm, Bavarians another, Saxons something else entirely. The Franco-Prussian War had exposed the absurdity of fielding an army where even the revolvers spoke different dialects. The solution…
The Mauser C96 Broomhandle: The Pistol That Won Wars
The Mauser C96 Broomhandle served in conflicts across six continents. Explore the history of the pistol that defined early semi-auto design.
The Browning Hi-Power: It Armed Both Sides of WWII
The Browning Hi-Power armed over 90 countries and both sides of WWII. Explore the full history of John Browning’s final masterpiece.
CCW Training Essentials: 7 Skills Every Carrier Needs
Quality CCW training is the single most important investment a concealed carrier can make. Getting your concealed carry permit is not the finish line. It is the starting line. Quality concealed carry training goes far beyond fulfilling a permit requirement — it builds the skills that matter when seconds count.
Best Pistol Red Dot Sights in 2026: Top Optics Reviewed
Trijicon RMR, Holosun 507C, Aimpoint Acro — we compare the best pistol red dots for carry, duty, and competition. Real-world tested, honestly ranked.
Best Concealed Carry Holsters in 2026: Top 14 Reviewed
Find the best concealed carry holster for IWB, OWB, and appendix carry in 2026. Expert reviews of Kydex and hybrid holsters tested for comfort and retention.
Best Gun Belts for Concealed Carry: Top 6 in 2026
Find the best gun belts for concealed carry in 2026. Expert reviews of leather, nylon, and reinforced belts that support your holster weight all day long.