The Ruger Bearcat is one of those little revolvers that looks almost too pretty to be useful until it starts punching tidy clusters in the target and riding unnoticed on a belt all afternoon. Small, light, and elegant, it has been a favorite trail gun and plinker for generations. To understand why such a tiny...
Category: Pistols
Czech Weapons Systems CSV-9: Retro-cool!
The CSV-9 is a Czech made 9×19 pistol caliber platform that blends a compact, quad-rail chassis with a striker-fired, direct blowback action. It entered the United States in small numbers through Four Peaks Imports and has found a niche among shooters who want a compact 9 mm pistol that accepts Glock pattern magazines, offers generous...
The 1911 Pistol Legacy: Fierce Warrior for over 100 Years
Dominates in competition, defense, and collector markets.Designed by John Browning, adopted by the U.S. Army in 1911.Chambered in .45 ACP, but available in 9mm, .38 Super, 10mm, and more.Over 4 million produced for military use and countless civilian models since.Manufactured by Colt, Springfield Armory, Kimber, Dan Wesson, Wilson Combat, Staccato, and dozens more.Continues to evolve...
Savage 1861 Navy Revolver: A Bold Union Sidearm
The American Civil War brought with it a flood of innovation in firearms design, and few weapons better illustrate the era’s mechanical ambition than the Savage 1861 Navy revolver. Its double-trigger design, unconventional profile, and mass production at a time of national emergency mark it as one of the most intriguing—and misunderstood—sidearms of the conflict....
PSA Dagger Review 2025 -- Value Shooter's Choice?
The Glock-style pistol market is crowded, but none match the value and versatility of the Palmetto State Armory Dagger. Available in Micro, Compact, and Full-size variants and aimed squarely at CCW users, range enthusiasts, and first-time gun owners, the Dagger gives you a durable, optics-ready 9mm platform that punches far above its price point.The PSA...
The Colt M1902 Pistol
The Colt M1902 pistol was a milestone in early semi-automatic handgun development. While it never achieved full military adoption, it was highly regarded by officers and private buyers, thanks to its innovative design, increased magazine capacity, and semi-automatic operation.Although it was ultimately overshadowed by the M1911, the M1902 contributed to the evolution of military and...
The Colt Third Model Dragoon: A Firepower Precursor
The Colt Third Model Dragoon was the pinnacle of Samuel Colt’s early revolver designs, refining the Walker and earlier Dragoon models into a more balanced, reliable firearm. As a powerful .44 caliber black powder revolver, it served cavalry units, lawmen, and settlers, becoming a symbol of the rugged frontier spirit.While it was eventually succeeded by...
Deringer: A Journey Through American Firearms
Henry Deringer Jr., an American gunsmith, is best known for his iconic pocket-sized pistols that are an integral part of American history, embodying the spirit of innovation, practicality, and rugged elegance that defines the era. This article explores the founding of his workshop, the arms he manufactured, his storied history, his major innovations, and the...
North and Hall: The Birth of Interchangeable Parts
The intertwined but separate legacies of Simeon North and John Hall shaped American firearms and industrial history.North perfected the use of interchangeable parts in pistols, ensuring standardization in military weapons.Hall introduced breech-loading and high-precision machining, laying the foundation for modern manufacturing.Their work not only revolutionized firearms but catalyzed the American Industrial Revolution, influencing industries far...
Colt 1860 Army Revolver: History, Specs, and Legacy
The Colt 1860 Army revolver is one of the most well-known firearms of the American Civil War era, widely regarded as a masterpiece of mid-19th-century firearms engineering. Designed by Samuel Colt, this revolver combined firepower, reliability, and portability, making it a favorite among Union soldiers, lawmen, and civilians during and after the war. With its...