Michael Crites is el jefe around here. He has spent more than 30 years shooting, learning about guns, and collecting firearms old and new. He holds his Oregon Concealed Handgun License, and enjoys testing products in the back 40 of his farm.

Michael Crites

Best Double Stack 45? Reviewing the FN 545

Lost in the Sauce: The New Daniel Defense PCC

Is a .22 Ammo Revolution Underway?

Ohio Ordnance the Recoil Enhanced Automatic Precision Rifle (REAPR) 1300

5 Unsung Guns from SHOT Show

Beretta Brings Straight Pull Bolt Rifle to America

10 Best Guns of SHOT Show 2024

Breaking: Smith & Wesson Now Makes Lever Action Rifles

Top 5 Things We’re Excited About Headed into SHOT Show

Back with a Bang: SIG Sauer, Ruger & Beretta’s Nostalgic 2024 Lineup

Herr Glock ist Tot. What now for GLOCK?

Beretta 92XI SAO basic and launch edition

Beretta Tripling Down on Single Action Model 92 Game

Everything is coming up 2011

Is Ruger Trying to Jumpstart Another Forgotten Round?

New From Glock for 2024: Gen 5 G29/G30, G17L Coming Back, and More

Springfield Hellcat Pro Review: 4,000 Rounds & One Year Later [Hands-On]

Ruger Making Strides in Rebooting Marlin Lever Guns

Is the .40 S&W Dead or Just Misunderstood?

Glock Finally Dropped a Factory 19L: Meet the New (To Glock) G49

Has SIG Sauer Made a Power Move in the 10mm Carry Game?

The Best Budget AR-15 Scopes

TASER Pulse Review: Watt’s Up Doc

Review of the Ruger SFAR: A 7 Pound .308 That Carries Like a 5.56

Admiral: A New Name Enters the 1911 Game

Hellion Bullpup: Now in Three Flavors

The Yeet has Finally Hit the Streets

A Look At The World of Micro Compact 9mm Pistols

A Look at Trijicon’s Updated RMR & New RCR Closed Emitter MRD

The P320 Shake Awake Trigger?

What’s up with the 5.7 Resurgence?

The Echelon: Is Springfield Armory Getting It Right?

Taurus Judge Review: From The Courtroom to The Range

News: A Look at the Q Boombox: the first gas-operated 8.6 BLK

News: Luth Saves The Slick Sided A1 Day, Sub Guns Holding Fast, and a New Marlin 1894

Shadow Systems MR920 with Gold Tyrant Designs Glock 19 Barrel Slide Back

The Best Glock Barrels in 2023

SIG M400 Review: A Duty-Grade AR That Won’t Break the Bank

News: SIG Optics, Viridian, POF-USA, and KAK Industry Announce New Summer 2023 Products

Beretta Bobcat M21A Review - EDC Pocket Load Out

Beretta Bobcat Review: A Palm Full of 22 Caliber Prevention

HK416 Review: A New Take on the Iconic HK416

News: Nighthawk’s Double stack Boardroom, a competition-ready Holosun 507, & Anderson’s Legit Budget Dissipator

Vortex Sonora Reviewed: Affordable Mid-Power Precision

News: AAC E3: Coming soon, new CMMG Dissent Rifles, & Ghost Gunner has SIG P320’d the Glock

AR-15 Laser Sight Reviews: Top Picks for 2023

The,Atf,(bureau,Of,Alcohol,,Tobacco,,Firearms,And,Explosives),Painted

News: Pistol Brace Era Ends, Weatherby’s new 307 rifles, & new TriStar Matrix Shotguns

Best Shooting Tripods: Hunting & Precision Game Changers

News: GX4 Safety Notice, New Colt 1908, Ruger LC Charger 5.7, SA Saint Law Folder

Best Shooting Sticks: Elevate Your Hunting Game

FFP Rifle Scope Mounted on a Bolt Action Rifle

Best First Focal Plane (FFP) Scopes

News: SW PC M&P 10mm M2.0, a ‘Star Spangled Banger’ Desert Eagle, & Compensated CR920P

News: Hellcat Pro Threaded Barrel, SA Operator in 9mm, More Turkish 1911s, & a Ruger Suppressor Host

Springfield Armory Threaded Barrels xdm0901-1080x510-2-2

News: P210 Carry Custom Works, DBX 57 Stormtrooper, SA Threaded Barrels, & Girsan Negotiator

A Long Term Review of the PSA PA-15

The Best Gun Trigger Locks in 2023

News: Lone Wolf DUSK19 Pistols, Grayguns’ P320 Verdict, & Movie Mausers Hit the Market

The Best Side Charging Upper Receivers in 2023

2023 Roundup: Top M&P 15-22 Suppressors for Every Budget

News: Beretta Steiner Bundles, Sig Cross STX bolt action, WA AR Ban

The Best .300 Blackout Uppers in 2023

The 16 Coolest Things We Saw at NRA Show

The Best 6.5 Grendel BCGs in 2023

Two Very Different Auto Ordnance 1911s

Glock Finally Makes an American G28

Gavel and scale on the judge desk. Book shelf in the background.

LA Gets Tough on Deputy with ‘Assault Rifles’

New Ruger Super Wrangler 22 Magnum Convertible

Marlin Announces New Ruger-made 336 .30-30

Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro, Now in Platinum

The Best AR-15 Upper Receivers in 2023

For those who want an 1875 Remington in…9mm?

EAA Goes Tips Up for 380 Fans

The Best .224 Valkyrie Uppers in 2023

The Best Long Range AR-15 Uppers in 2023

New from Vortex: Meet the Defender-CCW Micro Dot

Springfield Armory has lots of new Color Choices

Bear Creek Debuts 10mm, .45 PCCs

SIG Buys Israeli Combat Robot Company

The Best 6.5 Grendel Uppers in 2023

The Best Bergara Rifles in 2023

Mastering the 10mm: Top Pistols and Essential Buying Tips

Looking for a new 38 Super Comp? MPA has one

Rock River Armory Goes DMR

Beretta Releases Three New Bobcats

SIG Announces Four New 9mm Pistols

The Best Truck Gun Racks in 2023

Savage Adds Driven Hunter to Impulse Straight Pull Line

Volquartsen Releases 22 LR VT2 Takedown Rifle c

Volquartsen downsizes the VT2 to .22 LR

Sig Sauer Debuts Civilian Variant of New Army Rifle

Cosaint Arms New 2011 CP Series

S&W Introduces Folding 9mm Carbine, the FPC

SilencerCo Will Paint Your Old Can (or New One)

Beretta Channels King Tut for One-of-a-Kind Shotgun

Wilson Combat Debuts 16 Models of Customized P365s

NYPD Taps Sako for Precision Rifle Needs

New from Daniel Defense: RIII URGs

The Best Pistol Safes in 2023

The Best 9mm Ammo in 2023

Best Ankle Holsters: Add CCW Versatility

More on the Henry Homesteader 9mm PCC

Pythons in the News

Dirty Harry, by Way of Germany

The Best .224 Valkyrie Rifles in 2023

Fiocchi Stepping up U.S.-loaded 5.7 Ammo, including Subsonics

Magpul has been killing it in the dependable 50- and 60-round drum business in the past few years. Sure, these types of mags have been around for decades, but Magpul’s actually work, so there’s that.
The three newest in the collection– all priced at a “they cost what they cost” $124– are 50 rounder 9mm drums for <a href='https://magpul.com/firearm-accessories/pmags/pmag-d-50-gl9-glock.html?mp_global_color=118'>Glock pistols</a>, <a href='https://magpul.com/firearm-accessories/pmags/pmag-d50-mp.html'>MP5 style clones</a>, and <a href='https://magpul.com/firearm-accessories/pmags/pmag-d-50-gl9-pcc.html?mp_global_color=118'>PCCs</a> that accept Glock patterns.
Like their M4/AR and EVO9 drums, they all have a ratcheting lever, high viz follower, and clear rear witness window.

Coming Soon

MAG1033-Hero_Magpul_PMAG_D-50_GL9_Glock_01

Magpul has three new 9mm drums

As a hunter and provider, there is no worse feeling than knowing you just made a poor shot on an animal due to a lack of stability. As hunters, we want to make the most ethical shot possible so the animal doesn’t suffer, and that begins with a stable shooting position.
That’s why many hunters often lay prone on the ground. While this works, it also increases the number of obstacles.
Hence, the reason for a shooting tripod.
A good shooting tripod provides the stability we all need in a comfortable position to avoid obstacles and make a clean, ethical shot. But how do you ensure a tripod fits with your hunting style? No worries! We break down the world of tripods to make it easy.

While U.S. hunting participation has declined by almost half since the 50s, more than 11 million Americans participate in hunting activities today — taking more than 147 million trips annually — so hunting remains a very popular sport. While often not the first piece of kit that comes to mind when building out your bag, one decidedly useful piece of gear is a high-quality shooting stick.
Range shooting is a great way to get familiar with your rifle, zero your scope, and train, whether off a bench or standing. Shooting in the field, often unsupported, is usually a lot more challenging.
Hunting, be it with a firearm or crossbow, has a primary ethical responsibility to deliver a clean shot. This can be difficult under stress or after a long trek along uneven ground.
That’s why I recommend shooting sticks: these relatively simple shooting supports make for a more stable shot that keeps your rifle locked into position. Since the colonial period, they’ve been in use in the US and have been helping people maintain a good shooting position ever since. Today, we’re going to look at the best shooting sticks to give you a solid rest for your hunting tool in the field.
Shooting sticks come in various systems, from monopods to bipods and tripods, all of which deliver support for shooting from standing, which keeps you from ending up prone in the mud to make a good shot. The market has various options, with different degrees of adjustment and lots of options to accommodate all kinds of shooting positions and shooters.

An armorer’s wrench is one of the primary tools that every hobbyist AR-15 owner should have in their toolset. Far too many tinkerers and hobbyists think they can get away with modifying or maintaining their AR-15 or other weapons with common tools.
The performance just isn’t the same, and when you’re dropping upwards of $1,000 on a precision-engineered firearm, you need the right tools for the job. We’ve all used a screwdriver as a pin punch now and again, but the first time your tools slip off target and put a nice 3″ scratch down the side of your upper, you’ll wish you did it right the first time.
Wrenching with anything other than a purpose-designed product won’t give you the fit, versatility, convenience, or piece-of-mind that a great armorer’s wrench can bring to your work table.
Let’s break down the best armorer’s wrenches on the market, so you never have to make do with a sub-par wrench again. This article is part of our ongoing series on <a href="/firearm-basics/">Gun Basics.</a>
&nbsp;

Best AR-15 Armorers Wrenches: Build Better

<a href='/firearm-basics/'>Gun Basics</a>
Possibly the most popular centerfire ammunition made today, and almost certainly one of the most prolific, landing on the right 9mm ammo load for home defense, plinking, or carry ammo can sometimes get a little overwhelming. 
We dive deep into the world of Herr Luger to point you in the right direction for the ever-popular 9mm — both for range time and self-defense.

Modern small arms ammunition can be confusing due to the myriad common types, calibers, and sizes involved, but with a little research, navigating the “bullet aisle” at your local gun store is a snap. We’re here to hold class on the essentials. This article is part of our series on <a href="/firearm-basics/">Gun Basics</a>.
If you’re in the market for ammo check out our guide to the <a href="/ammunition-manufacturers/">best places to buy ammo online</a>.

Bullet Basics: Understanding Sizes, Types, and Calibers

<a href='/category/headstamp-to-headstamp/'>Headstamp-to-Headstamp</a>
One of the most often seen tropes in the gun community– and even by some in the firearms industry to an extent– is that the designations “223 Remington” and “5.56x45mm NATO” are used interchangeably in a sort of “six of one, half a dozen of the other” kind of indifference. 
However, there are at least a few, sometimes important, differences between the two that the savvy black rifle (or pistol) owner should keep in mind.

.223 vs 5.56: A Comparison

In short:
<ul>
<li>The <a href="/recommends/glock-43-review-glock-43-pistol/">Glock 43</a> is an unbelievably concealable pistol but may be too small or lean on features for some.</li>
<li>The <a href="/recommends/glock-48-review-cta/">Glock 48</a> ups the features and size, but isn&#8217;t as concealable nor as shootable as the G43.</li>
<li>The <a href="/recommends/glock-48-vs-g43-g43x/">Glock 43X</a>, which shares a frame with the G48 but with a shorter slide, is a solid compromise.</li>
</ul>
There’s a good chance you or someone you know owns a Glock. For nearly 40 years, the company has been manufacturing high-quality, reliable handguns. What started as service pistols for the military and law enforcement community has expanded into concealed carry guns for civilians.
Today we will compare two Glock pistols designed for carrying concealed &#8212; the G48 and G43 &#8212; to help you determine if one might be the right Glock pistol for you.

Glock 48 vs. Glock 43: A Comparison

<a href='/category/headstamp-to-headstamp/'>Headstamp-to-Headstamp</a> is our series aimed at helping you grok everything ammo.
Today, two of the most popular caliber choices for AR-15 style rifles and pistols are in the go-to standard that is 5.56 NATO, and the newer, but no less versatile, .300 AAC Blackout.
Choosing between the two takes a little thought and boils down to the intended purpose the gun is set to fill, with the two calibers being very different in background, terminal ballistics, performance, and use.

300 Blackout vs 5.56: A Comparison

Despite all of the lasers, tech accessories, and modern features, the AR platform is more than half a century old.
Originally chambered in .308 as the AR10, Eugene Stoner made a rifle that was chambered for a round that was full of compromises, the 5.56 NATO.
To be fair, we certainly like the 5.56mm: it’s a capable round that’s lightweight, shoots reasonably straight out to about 500 yards, and has been getting the job done since Vietnam.
With that said, we’ve had 50 years or so to optimize the system, and that is exactly what has happened with the .300 BLK round. The .300 Blackout was engineered from the ground up for the AR platform – and it does not disappoint.
If you have ever fired an AR in 5.56mm indoors, whether a range or in some other circumstance, you know that it is, in fact, a seriously bad time for you and anyone north of the barrel in terms of sound, flash, and concussion.
So, in trying to develop a round that hits harder at short ranges, as well as suppresses supremely well, you’ll want to take a look at the .300 BLK. This article is part of our ongoing <a href="/guide-to-all-things-ar/">Guide to Everything AR.</a>
&nbsp;

The 6.5 Grendel is a flat shooting round with little recoil, so many shooters are switching to this caliber in their ARs. However, to change to this caliber, you need to change the upper, including the bolt carrier group (BCG).
What are the best 6.5 BCGs? I’m glad you asked because we compiled this list to help you choose the one that best fits your situation. This article is part of our ongoing <a href="/guide-to-all-things-ar/">Guide to Everything AR.</a>
&nbsp;

Arguably one of the most vital elements of the AR-15 is picking the right upper receiver group. After all, your upper provides the lock-up between the bolt and barrel, leaving you with either an accurate and dependable firearm or something that offers little more than consistent frustration.
If you want to build an AR for precision shooting, general use, or home defense/close-quarters combat, there’s an upper out there for you, but how do you go about picking the best one?

Proper gun safety is a cornerstone of responsible gun ownership. But sometimes, a gun safe or cabinet won’t fit the bill. Some can take too long to open – preventing you from accessing your weapon in a hurry -and they tend to be both very large and expensive – meaning you need to be ready to send some cheddar and they can’t easily be taken with you.
Enter trigger locks. These portable and easy-to-attach security solutions cover and protect the trigger of your firearm(s), preventing an unintentional discharge. While trigger locks are affordable and effective means of securing your firearms against misuse or accidents, some are certainly better than others.
Let’s break down the best trigger locks on the market so you get a lock that lasts a long time and doesn’t break the bank.

Storing handguns in a pistol safe is a best practice for any gun owner who owns a handgun, and gun owners have a universal responsibility to prevent our firearms from causing injury or harm. A critical piece of this puzzle is ensuring our guns are safely stored when not in use.
The meaning of “safely stored” can be a challenge to define universally, as there’s a natural tension between quick access and preventing unwanted access to the firearm. Guns locked away in 400 lb combination safes will keep your firearm safe from the wrong hands, but you will not be able to gain access particularly quickly in an emergency.
Likewise, a Glock sitting on your nightstand will be available almost instantly, but for kids or visitors it’s far too easy to access to be considered safe.
There’s a lot to consider before you even get to the thousands of products on the market. Where do you even start? Which handgun safe should you choose? What are the best criteria with which to make a choice?
You have to make the best decision for you, but we’ve broken down the key features you’ll want in a good pistol safe, with 6 excellent examples to suit almost anyone.

To create this guide, we got our hands on a number of these long gun safes and spent hours researching and testing them and their security features.
We also interviewed gun safe experts who know a shocking amount about how to break into (or otherwise destroy) a gun safe.
Here’s our advice on everything from door locks to keypads to the right gauge of steel, with trustworthy recommendations that can keep your firearms and loved ones safe.
We also relied on gun safe experts’ first-hand experiences recalling their customer’s losses – both in terms of theft and fire – which helped shape the recommendations.
Gun safes are an essential part of any gun owner’s collection – even if you don’t own high-end or expensive guns – it’s critical that you are prepared to safely house the firearms you do own.
Those of you who are accustomed to using a handgun safe – either for bedside quick-access or as your lone gun storage – might now need a reliable home for your long guns – without breaking the bank.
Luckily there are quite a few options for the budget-conscious – which we detail below.
Note: all prices accurate at the time of publication.

Budget-Friendly Gun Safes: Top Picks Under $500

Ah, a million options for concealed carry holsters and you have to pick just one (or maybe a couple of options). The number of holster options for concealed carry have exploded over the last decade — in part due to the now almost 20 million American CCW holders, having grown 34% since 2016.
Rest assured — this guide will tackle a variety of options of high-quality holsters and help define what to look for when selecting the perfect fit for on-body carry.
If you take nothing else away from reading this article, remember this: what works for your friends and family may not be what works best for you. Read that again. Only you will be able to find out what works best for your needs. So, let’s dive in!

The Best Concealed Carry Holsters in 2023

An ankle carry holster lets you carry a gun or backup weapon on your lower leg while keeping your upper torso unencumbered from larger, bulkier holsters. These holsters are designed to make it nearly impossible for people to detect (or print) your firearm, are small, stable, and do their job without jostling or discomfort.
We tested 15 ankle rigs to find ones you (and others) will notice the least while carrying either a primary or backup pistol. We recommend the <a href="https://amzn.to/2O4sIQm">Alien Gear ShapeShift Ankle Holster</a> for daily carry.
If you are new to the world of ankle holsters, think you need more capacity than our top, want other features, or are looking for a budget option we included those recommendations for you, too.

While many individuals use traditional belt holsters for any situation, there&#8217;s an emerging appreciation for the versatility and comfort of belly band holsters. What sets the belly band holster apart is its adaptability to a huge variety of situations, whether you&#8217;re embarking on a casual jog, hiking under a hot sun, or dressing in attire that just isn&#8217;t belt-friendly.
The Kydex material, prevalent in many of today&#8217;s belly band models, provides a robustness that rivals conventional holsters, but when paired with the elasticity and fit of the belly band itself, offers unparalleled concealment opportunities without compromising firearm retention.
As someone who has carried concealed every day since the age of 21, I&#8217;ve tried every holster under the sun, and I can say belly bands offer an unmatched blend of concealment, comfort, and accessibility. The beauty of these holsters lies in their ability to accommodate different clothing styles – from workout gear to trail wear and formal attire.
They fill a unique gap, especially for those occasions when traditional belted holsters are too cumbersome or downright incompatible. Both men and women can attest to moments when fashion and function clash – the belly band is the bridge that marries the two.
But as with all things firearm-related, it&#8217;s crucial to approach the world of belly band holsters with knowledge and awareness. Not every holster is created equal. The choice of materials, design decisions, and even weight distribution can make a world of difference.
Furthermore, it&#8217;s essential to stay updated on legal requirements and concealed carry permits in your state or county.
As we delve deeper into this topic, remember that while a belly band holster might not be everyone&#8217;s daily go-to, its innovative design and versatility make it an indispensable tool for those moments when conventional options fall short.
Let&#8217;s take the plunge.

Best Belly Band Holsters: Carry In (Relative) Comfort

Georgia&#8217;s Daniel Defense has long been a big name in factory SBRs and pistol-length ARs in 5.56 and <a href="/best-300-blackout-rifles/">.300 Blackout</a> but plans to get into the pistol caliber carbine market later this year.
The unimaginatively named Daniel Defense PCC was at <a href="/shot-show-best-new-guns/">SHOT Show last month</a> but isn&#8217;t listed on the company&#8217;s site just yet as the release is tentatively set for the second quarter of this year, which means it will likely be the third quarter. In other words, just in time for Christmas.

Something is going on when it comes to .22 caliber ammunition. There is both a move to make current .22LR loads much better, delivering almost unheard-of performance out of guns that already exist, as well as introducing new cartridges to further break the mold.

The folks that put on the &#8220;Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show&#8221; issued press creds to something like 2,000 members of the gun media from around the world. Here are the coolest tragically underreported guns from the event that deserve a second (or even first) look.

With a striker-fired answer to the 2011 game that keeps &#8220;The Lord&#8217;s caliber&#8221; at its center, the FN 545 series hits the market with an up to 19-shot capacity in .45 ACP and makes an excellent choice for a lot of users.
I put it through the wringer over the past few months and have finally published a full, unvarnished review for your reading pleasure.

Most of us probably started shooting on one of the many rimfire rifles that have been produced since the round’s 1887 introduction.
Whether it be one of the countless versions of the <a href="/a-guide-to-the-ruger-10-22-crazy-popular-for-a-reason/">Ruger 10/22</a>, a bolt action Remington or Savage, or in my case a Browning Semi-Auto 22, the .22 LR has a storied history in the world of shooting, beginning as a basic training round and evolving into a favorite for competitive sports and leisure target shooting activities.
Its affordability and low recoil make it an ideal starting point for beginners, while its versatility keeps it relevant for experienced marksmen. The Bergara BMR (Bergara Micro Rimfire), our focus in this review, represents a modern interpretation of this classic caliber, blending traditional values with modern, competitive rimfire features.
The precision rifle shooting craze has spawned all kinds of alternate sports. The <a href="https://nrl22.org/">NRL 22 league</a> is an extremely competitive sport that is hardly child&#8217;s play, and in that realm live some pretty impressive rifles. Our subject today, the Bergara BMR is one of the rifles you might find on the shooting line of a local NRL .22 match (along with others like the Tikka T1 and the Ruger RPR, more on that later.)
The Bergara BMR isn’t just an inexpensive complementary offering, like all Bergara rifles it comes with Bergara’s well-known high-quality barrels. The rifle is purpose-built for the competitions I mentioned above.
It offers excellent accuracy and reliable function without costing a fortune. It&#8217;s a rifle born from a heritage of accuracy found in the company’s centerfire offerings.

Bergara BMR Review: A Rimfire Wonder

Few brands resonate with American firearms heritage like Smith &amp; Wesson, a cornerstone in American firearms culture for over 150 years. Renowned for pioneering numerous innovations in firearm design and function, today we delve into one of S&amp;W’s newer pistols: the M&amp;P M2.0 chambered in 10mm.
There is quite a lineup of competition for the M&amp;P line when chambered in 9mm, but in the 10mm chambering, there are far fewer options. While there are many competitors to this handgun, few of them have the reputation of S&amp;W or the service record of the M&amp;P line.
In today’s review, we are going to look into this model to see if it stands up to the M&amp;P standard and evaluate the value of the M&amp;P 10mm in the field of 10mm semi-automatic pistols.

Smith & Wesson M&P 10mm M2.0 Review: The Chuck Norris of Handguns?

Technology often has a fantastic trickle-down effect. Anti-lock brakes used to be fully optional – now they’re standard safety features.
The same kinds of dynamics are at play in the world of AR-15 optics. You’d be surprised what you can get in an AR-15 scope under $100 – while these aren’t going to be as feature-packed as more expensive options, the truth of the matter is for a recreational shooter or someone who’s not interested in dropping half their paycheck on a new scope, rest assured – there are lots of options to consider.
That said – these scopes aren’t going to be all things to all people.
In fact, you have to be realistic about what a budget scope for an AR-15 can do – and you won’t find premium brands on this list – but if you’re going to drop your hard-earned money on a new AR-15 scope rest assured we’ve done thorough testing with experts to help ensure we can steer you in the right direction.
To find the best budget scope, we had a professional shooting instructor spend over 20 hours field-testing 18 pairs against his own $2,500 high-end rifle scope.
After using our test budget scopes in the mountains and hills of Eastern Idaho, then on a mountain trip through Montana, he found that the <a href="/recommends/budget-ar-scopes-utg/">UTG BugBuster Scope</a> was the best of the test group, offering performance comparable to his premium scope on a few fronts for a fraction of the price.
This means you’ll see hit more targets and spend less on gear than any of your shooting buddies. This article is part of our ongoing <a href="/guide-to-all-things-ar/">Guide to Everything AR</a>.

Many a rifle whisper will spew forth the advice that one should “spend as much on the glass as the rifle” &#8212; but what if that’s not in the cards? I’m more of a “spend what you can realistically afford” kind of guy, which means certain brands aren’t really on the radar a lot of the time.
One brand that is often in my price point wheelhouse is Vortex Optics &#8212; they’re known for quality and reliability and offer serious bang for the buck across a wide range of price points. They really deliver for any kind of shooter.
The Vortex Sonora 4-12&#215;44 is one of their value-focused offerings, aimed at providing hunters and shooters with affordable glass that can perform &#8212; but does it? In this review, we’ll delve deep into the details of the Vortex Sonora, exploring its features, performance, and suitability for various shooting applications.

Ah, the laser sight. Conjuring up images of Stallone&#8217;s iconic &#8220;Cobra&#8221; or the jungle hunts of &#8220;Predator,&#8221; laser sights have made a lasting impression on our imaginations.
Chasing the fantasy alongside our childhood heroes, we dove deep into the realm of AR lasers, leaving behind the Hollywood nonsense and highlighting their unique practicality.

Magpul has three new 9mm drums

Michael Crites

Editorial Team

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In-Hand Reviews

Best Double Stack 45? Reviewing the FN 545

Bergara BMR Review: A Rimfire Wonder

Smith & Wesson M&P 10mm M2.0 Review: The Chuck Norris of Handguns?

Firearm News

Lost in the Sauce: The New Daniel Defense PCC

Is a .22 Ammo Revolution Underway?

5 Unsung Guns from SHOT Show

Featured Comparisons

Glock 48 vs. Glock 43: A Comparison

.223 vs 5.56: A Comparison

300 Blackout vs 5.56: A Comparison

Firearm & Ammo Reviews

The Best 9mm Ammo in 2023

Bullet Basics: Understanding Sizes, Types, and Calibers

.223 vs 5.56: A Comparison

Popular Guides & Stats

The Best .300 Blackout Uppers in 2023

The Best 6.5 Grendel BCGs in 2023

The Best AR-15 Upper Receivers in 2023

Range Gear & Accessories

Best Shooting Tripods: Hunting & Precision Game Changers

Best Shooting Sticks: Elevate Your Hunting Game

Best AR-15 Armorers Wrenches: Build Better

Gun & Ammo Safes

The Best Gun Trigger Locks in 2023

The Best Pistol Safes in 2023

Budget-Friendly Gun Safes: Top Picks Under $500

Scopes & Optics

The Best Budget AR-15 Scopes

Vortex Sonora Reviewed: Affordable Mid-Power Precision

AR-15 Laser Sight Reviews: Top Picks for 2023

Holsters & Concealed Carry

The Best Concealed Carry Holsters in 2023

Best Ankle Holsters: Add CCW Versatility

Best Belly Band Holsters: Carry In (Relative) Comfort