Recommendations

We have used and abused a ton of firearms, gear, and accessories so we can give you some advice on where to begin and what to buy. All you Gucci gunners, take it easy on us. This is just a quick reference page for people who are dipping their toes into the weapon waters for the first time.

Let's Get Started

Best EDC Handgun

WALTHER PDP 9mm COMPACT 4"

It's safe to say that Walther has truly put together one heck of a pistol with the PDP Compact. It has one of the best out-of-the-box triggers available, is light weight, and has an ergonomically contoured grip. The 4 inch barrel and sleek profile has made this our go to concealed carry pistol and we haven't had any issues after throwing tons of lead downrange. Throw in it's very reasonable price and you'll see why it's quickly become a fan favorite. Check it out here.

Best Holster

C&G Holsters

With so many holsters floating around covered in flags, unicorns, and your mamma's taco recipe, it's easy to get distracted from their basic purpose: It needs to work flawlessly every time. That's what C&G does best. This no-frills holster allows you to clip onto your belt one handed, deploy smoothly, and already has a groove cut for your red dot. Made of .08 inch Kydex, its firm, but has just a bit of give to add comfort while staying in place throughout the day.

Best EDC Knife

Spyderco Paramilitary 2

Not that we would really call this knife "entry-level", but it is simply one of the best knives on the market. It has a lightning quick action, grippy G10 handles, and razor sharp SV30 steel. The coolest part of this knife is it's compression lock system that allows you to deploy and stow quickly and easily with one hand. Honestly, every knife should have this system and it takes about three minutes to get used to. The Spyder flick may take you a bit longer to master and more than likely will annoy the missus as you practice while she's watching Downton Abbey next to you. (It's a joke ladies! I know you want one too - and that you actually watch Outlander)

Best Entry Level AR Platform

Ruger AR-556 MPR

Looking for your first AR and don't want to go through the often costly and annoying (part shortages anyone?) process of building your own? Well, look no further! This rugged Ruger rifle really rocks! You get the comfort of having one of the world's finest brands and their awesome engineering built into this rifle and also some cool Magpul parts to round out the package. The final result is a dependable and sexy rifle that comes in at just around a grand. Note that you'll need some add-ons like an optic (Primary Arms), riser (Aero Precision), extra magazines (Magpul M2), sling and quick disconnects (GBRS Group - 2nd Best Sling). This will round you out for relatively little cost and get you out to the range and ready to rock.

P.S. Do yourself a favor and get your suppressor now. It's an annoying process, but your ears and neighbor's ears will thank you.

What Caliber Should I Aim For?

.556 Vs. .300 blk vs. 7.62x39

In the realm of modern rifle cartridges, three contenders vie for supremacy: the .556, .300 BLK, and 7.62x39mm. The .556, born of military heritage, strikes with the precision of a surgeon's scalpel. Its small caliber and high velocity grant it remarkable flat trajectory and minimal recoil, providing the discerning shooter with an advantage in accuracy and control. On the other hand, the .300 BLK, a more recent arrival on the scene, emerges as a versatile companion for the AR-15 platform. With both supersonic and subsonic loads in its arsenal, it caters to the tactical enthusiast, embracing both stealth and stopping power. Finally, the 7.62x39mm, with its Soviet lineage, delivers a decisive punch. Though less refined in ballistics and accuracy, it remains steadfast in reliability, ensuring effectiveness against fleshy targets. In close to medium-range engagements, it is a force to be reckoned with. Each of these cartridges possesses its unique charm, be it the precision of the .556, the adaptability of the .300 BLK, or the raw power of the 7.62x39mm. The choice, ultimately, lies with the discerning marksman and the demands of the mission at hand.

Keep it Clean

Birchwood Casey 3-in-1 cleaning kit

Throwing a couple thousand rounds down range can seriously muck up your gun and stripping and cleaning are definitely necessary. The 3-in-1 kit from Birchwood Casey can make your life significantly easier through their spray and wipe process. We generally will use the first two parts of the kit and then clean the residue with cotton pads, then spray down with barricade and wipe again. Finish up the process with a dab of Hoppe's #9 on all major moving parts.

Add-ons, Upgrades, & New Toys

Shine On!

HRT AWLS Compact 18350

There's a lot than be said by this little beauty, but we'll just summarize it by saying, "someone turn of the sun, that's bright!" The Advanced Weapon Light System, is rapidly becoming the new standard in modern weapon mounted lights. Designed from the ground up to be a simple, reliable, modular, and ambidextrous solution that takes all the little annoyances of a standard rail light and throws them out the window. Our favorite part, besides the 1700 lumens, is the awesome switch that can be pushed, jabbed, nudged, or otherwise fingered to turn on and off. This allows for a quick access from your stabilizing hand and removes the need for a remote switch which frees up flat-top real estate. Oh, and it can be locked for transport, so you don't blind your neighbor 600 yards away (that's the actual beam distance).

Going Deep

MDT ACC CHASSIS and Accessories

Want to shoot something really really far away? Need something that can get the job done and doesn't weigh 40 lbs.? MDT has you covered and will change the way you view your long distance rig. Specifically designed for competition shooters, this rifle's high levels of adjustability and significantly lower weight will make you want to have it with you on all your hunting trips, especially when you need to hump it miles back and forth where every pound counts. It's not inexpensive, but definitely worth it, so start saving your nickles and dive into the future of long range shooting.

The Cool Kid

Tinck Arms Perun X-16

This new and truly innovative rifle is a combination of direct impingement and short stroke piston operation. Most parts are interchangeable with ARs and FN SCARs, allowing you to mod it to your hearts content with the tons of stuff already on the market. We have been shooting with one for a few months and it is amazing. Think of it like this: If this gun was in a movie, it would be Brad Pitt's character from Mr. & Mrs. Smith.