Michael Crites has served as executive editor of AmericanFirearms.org since 2016 and previously held positions as associate editor and range correspondent dating back to 2000. He discovered his passion for precision shooting at age 12 during his first visit to his grandfather's shooting range, eventually earning an Expert classification in three different shooting disciplines before age 18. 

During his studies at University of Wyoming, he earned four varsity letters on the collegiate rifle and pistol teams, serving as team captain for three consecutive years. He became the first UW student to complete the NRA Range Safety Officer certification while maintaining full-time student status. He graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Sports Communications.

His diverse career has included roles as Range Safety Coordinator for the National Rifle Championships in Camp Perry 2001; editor-in-chief, Precision Shooter Quarterly; series editor, Modern Firearms Handbook collection; managing editor, National Shooting Sports Foundation Newsletter; editor, Competitive Shooter Magazine; operations director for Western Arms &amp; Ammunition Co.; senior editor for the Shooter's Reference Annual (Cheyenne); content director for The Firearms Report, published by the American Shooting Coalition in Billings, MT; firearms correspondent for Hunting &amp; Shooting, produced by Outdoor Sports Media Group in Jackson, WY; and publisher for Wyoming Shooting Sports Journal in Casper. He has contributed as a regular columnist for American Rifleman (NRA Publications), technical editor for Precision, a publication of the National Bench Rest Shooters Association (Phoenix, AZ); and as firearms specialist for the Gun Owner's Annual. 

As a digital content creator, he has written more than 400 articles on AmericanFirearms.org, developed shooting technique coverage for the Brownells Shooting Blog (Montezuma, IA) and Federal Premium "Range Notes" platform (Anoka, MN), and served as lead content strategist for International Defensive Pistol Association (Berryville, AR). Beyond Tactical Firearms, his current endeavors include content development for the Wyoming State Rifle Association (Cheyenne, WY) and technical manual production for High Plains Publishing of Laramie, WY. 

He has contributed to the 12th, 13th, and 14th editions of Modern Sporting Rifles Guide and edited The Complete Guide to Tactical Shooting and Competitive Shooter's Reference Manual (Gun Digest Books).

Michael Crites

Our Fav New Guns from Shot Show 2026

Complete Recce Rifle Guide: Build, Buy, and Optimize Your Setup

The Best Revolvers: Expert-Tested & Rated for Defense, Hunting & Plinking

Diamondback Firearms Review [2026]: Complete Guide to All Models

The Ultimate M4 Upper Guide

5.56 vs 7.62: Complete Comparison Guide [Ballistics & More]

In-Depth Review: M&P Shield 2.0 Compact [Hands-On]

TASER Pulse 2 Review: Watt’s Up Doc

Best AR-15 Buffer Tube Kits: 8 Tested Systems & Complete Guide

CZ Shadow 2 Carry Review: Competition Genetics Meet EDC Performance

Springfield Armory Kuna Review: Roller-Delayed Pew Without the Premium Price

PMAG Gen 2 vs Gen 3: A Comparison

The Best Under Bed Gun Safes

The Best Beginner Hunting Rifles

The Best AR-15 Lower Parts Kits

Best Gun Safe Dehumidifiers: Keep Your Firearms Rust-Free

Sig Sauer Has 2 New M400 Rifles

The Dicken Drill Emerges

FBI is buying a lot of suppressors

The Best Ruger 10/22 Upgrades

The Best Shotgun Suppressors

Best Tactical Shotguns: Stay Ready

Best Rangefinder Binoculars: Budget, Hunting, & More

Best AR-15 Foregrip Bipods

The Best Gun Safes & Cabinets

The Best Browning Guns

The Best Pistol Cases

The Best Dry Fire Training Systems: Time to Train

The Best Gun Racks: More, Better Storage

The Best .300 Blackout Magazines

Top .308 Rifles: Unleash Your Potential

The Best .300 Blackout Uppers

Best .308 Muzzle Brakes: Taming the Recoil

The Best 7.62×39 Rifles: AKs, ARs, And More

From Novice to Expert: The Best .22LR Rifles for Any Shooter

Top Concealed Carry Pants: Stay Prepared and Comfortable

The Best SKS Scope Mounts

The Best Bedside Gun Safes

The Best Long Range AR-15 Uppers: Get Some Distance

The Best Budget AR-15 Scopes

Magpul Stock Differences: MOE, STR, CTR, & SL Compared

The Colt 1911: The History & The Glory

Best Shooting Sticks: Elevate Your Hunting Game

The Best 6.5 Grendel Uppers

AR-15 vs. M4: A Comparison

The Best .224 Valkyrie Rifles

Find Your Perfect Fit: The Best Shooting Gloves Tested

The Best Coyote Hunting Scopes

Best .300 Win Mag Rifles: Big Power, Big Precision

The Best Pump Action Shotguns

The Best Concealed Carry Jackets

Kimber 2K11 Review: The Double-Stack 1911 That (Almost) Changes Everything

Ruger RXM Review: 1,500+ Rounds With the Magpul-Designed Glock Alternative

Taurus GX4 Review: Complete Analysis After 2,500+ Rounds

Top Handguns for Home Protection: Defend Your Domain

Serious,Young,Bearded,Hiker,In,Cap,Setting,Fire,In,The

Top Survival Rifles: Backpacking & Emergency Preparedness Picks

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

Glock Barrel Upgrades: Precision Picks for Every Model

The famous Kalashnikov assault rifle with magazine and cartridges on an old, damaged board

AK-47 Rifle Shootout: Finding the Right Kalash for You

A Look At The World of Micro Compact 9mm Pistols

FFP Rifle Scope Mounted on a Bolt Action Rifle

Best First Focal Plane Scopes: Top FFP Scopes

Best Truck Gun Rack: Overhead, Seat Back & Window Mounts

Remington 870 Tactical Review: A Guide & Retrospective

Short and Mighty: The Best Bullpup Shotguns

IWI Tavor TS12 Review

Glock 17 vs 19: A Comparison

The Best 6.5 PRC Rifles

Top AR-15 Build Kits For Your Next Project: From Basics to Ballistics

Best Shooting Tripods: Hunting & Precision Game Changers

Top AR-15 Upper Receivers: Build Your Perfect Rifle

Top Bergara Rifles For Long Range & Hunting: What Makes Them Special?

Hunting & Sport: Your Guide to the Best Over-Under Shotguns

The Best .300 Blackout Barrels

Best Laser Bore Sights: Get On Target Faster!

Best Rimfire Scopes: Small Calibers, Big Performance

The Best .30-06 Rifles: A Timeless Caliber for Modern Hunters

Best Home Defense Shotguns in 2025: Tactical vs. Traditional Picks

Best Lever-Action Rifles: From Classic To Cutting-Edge

The Best 9mm Suppressors: Let’s Get Quiet

The Best 300 Blackout Rifles: These Dominated Our Range Tests

The Best .45 ACP Pistols: Big Bore Choices That Still Deliver

Glock 19X Review: The Crossover Champ?

Best Pocket Carry Guns: True Ultra-Compact Options

The Best Single-Shot Shotguns

Best 9mm Ammo: Hollow Point, Range & Self-Defense Rounds

Rimfire vs. Centerfire Ammo: A Comparison

The Best Taurus Revolvers

The Best 10mm Pistols: Top Choices and Essential Buying Tips

Budget-Friendly Gun Safes: Top Picks Under $500

The Best AR-12 Shotguns: Modern Firepower From Tactical to Sport

Best Pistol Lights: Compact Weapon Lights & Laser Light Combos Tested

The Best Thermal Scope for Coyote Hunting

The Best .224 Valkyrie Uppers: Get Some Longer Distance Pew

9mm Revolver Evolution: The Best on the Market

Ultimate Guide to Smith & Wesson 9mm Models

Beretta Bobcat M21A Review - EDC Pocket Load Out

Beretta Bobcat Review: A Palm Full of 22 Caliber Prevention

Mossberg 500 vs. Remington 870: A Comparison

Guide to Beretta 92 Models Through The Years

Sig P365 XMACRO Review: 18 Rounds Ready

HK 416 Review: A New Take on the Iconic HK416

Best Double Stack 45? Reviewing the FN 545

Mauser has been marketing their <a href='https://www.mauser.com/en/MAUSER-18-Standard/80112498'>entry-level M18 series</a> of bolt-action hunting rifles for the past couple of years.
They have a lot to like, with synthetic furniture 21.75 or 24.5-inch threaded cold hammer-forged barrels, a sub-MOA guarantee, the ability to use Remington 700 LA-style mounts, and offered in a huge range of popular hunting calibers (.223 Rem..243 Win., .308 Win., .270 Win., .30-06, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm Rem. Mag., or .300 Win. Mag.).
Well, besides the standard black stock, Mauser now offers the M18 in a Savanna tan stock with black grip inserts for $850.

Coming Soon

New Mauser Savannah M18

If you’re anything like me, you are pro-gun control. No, we don’t mean taking away people’s constitutional rights; that’s absurd. I’m talking about making every shot count. Where rounds travel when fired is our responsibility, and it’s in everyone’s best interest for us to have as much control over them as humanly possible.
One important element that goes hand-in-hand with control is, of course, speed. If you’ve wondered how Keanu nails his precise shots in the John Wick movies, or have ventured into many shooting competitions, you know that — with some practice — it‘s possible to maintain impressive control over even the biggest, baddest firearms: it just takes some polished shooting skills.
He IS John Wick
A piece of kit we think is critical to leveling up your speed and firearm control is a shot timer. There’s a lot of these on the market so we’ve pulled together this shot timer comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Time spent at the range with one of these little tools will help get a lot more out of your sessions, and before you know it you’ll be giving Keanu a run for his money.

Best Shot Timers Tested: Our Guide to Faster, More Accurate Shooting

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!

Top Concealed Carry Holsters for Every Carry Position & Budget

A balanced firearm is a beautiful thing. Not only is it easier to shoot and less prone to wear and tear, but shooting a truly balanced gun is satisfying in a way less orderly set-ups can’t touch.
In addition to being one of the best ways to dial in the feel of your rifle, no AR-15 build is complete without a buffer tube kit. These unassuming collections of parts are one of the easiest ways to work out the kinks in your set-up and improve your shooting experience.
Be it building a custom AR or upgrading from bone stock, it’s incredibly important to understand the minor differences in these critical pieces of your rifle. Buffer kits are a must-have, but — just like any other component — it’s important to remember not all parts are made equal. This article is part of our ongoing <a href="/guide-to-all-things-ar/">Guide to Everything AR</a>.

<a href="/category/headstamp-to-headstamp/">Headstamp-to-Headstamp</a> is our series aimed at helping you grok everything ammo.
It’s September of 1970. After a strongly worded letter from President Johnson and six weeks at Paris Island, a fresh recruit finds himself walking down a trail through a dense section of jungle, a newly minted Private in the Marine Corps.
In his hands is the new Colt M16 assault rifle — derided by some and loved by others in the platoon. Chief among the 5.56 NATO rifle’s dissenters is the platoon sergeant, who has been using the M14, chambered in 7.62 NATO, since the war to end all wars.
The going concern is that the smaller 5.56 round won’t perform at 500-yards or even the 300-yard mark the corps has long-held as a sacred test for long-range shooting. The M16, other hand, has been engineered to deliver effective stopping power and range for the kids of bad-breath distances all too common in the jungles of Vietnam.
In the bushes just off the trail, a young LASV guerilla stalks with his AK-47 chambered in 7.62×39, listening to this conversation amongst the U.S. troops, before deciding to ruin everyone’s day.
This anecdote, the likes of which played out for nearly a decade in the jungles of Vietnam, gets at the heart of this article; the two of the rounds that defined Cold War firearms development, the 5.56mm NATO and the 7.62×39.

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.
This article is part of our series on <a href="/firearm-basics/">Gun Basics</a>.

For some people in the shooting community, choosing ammunition can be a little daunting. There are a lot of bullets out there – which makes for a steep learning curve, especially when it comes to teasing out the relative strengths of different calibers and ammunition types.
At first glance, all ammunition might look pretty similar – a metal case with a bullet on one end and some kind of firing mechanism on the other. But here&#8217;s the thing: the design differences between rimfire and centerfire cartridges can make a huge difference in performance, cost, reliability, and what you can actually do with them. These distinctions affect everything from how much you&#8217;ll spend on a range day to which rifle you&#8217;ll want for your next hunting trip.
Rimfire ammunition – think your classic .22 LR – is affordable and gentle, making it perfect for new shooters and anyone who wants to burn through 500 rounds without breaking the bank. Centerfire ammunition, from 9mm pistol rounds to powerful rifle cartridges, brings the reliability and stopping power you need for serious work.
We&#8217;re going to take a deep dive into both types, comparing how they work, what they cost, and when you&#8217;d want to use each one.
This article is part of our series on <a href="/firearm-basics/">Gun Basics.</a>

Magpul has been behind some of the most reliable firearm products in the world for over a decade. Their polymer PMAG magazines have seen use and abuse in nearly every environment on Earth and will continue to do so for a while given the green light from Uncle Sam and militaries across the globe.
A question we often get is “What, exactly, are the differences between Gen 2 and Gen 3 PMAGS?” Well, you’re in luck — we’ll spell out the differences below so you can get the right PMAG for your application. This article is part of our ongoing <a href="/guide-to-all-things-ar/">Guide to Everything AR</a>.

<a href='/guide-to-all-things-ar/'>Guide to Everything AR</a>
Both the <a href='/best-ar-15-rifles/'>AR-15</a> and the M4 are based on the Armalite Rifle design from Eugene Stoner in the 1950s. These rifles have, in their respective roles, served the United States well since the Vietnam War. 
In service arenas, they are both select-fire, automatic combat rifles capable of fully automatic fire, but they differ in terms of historical context, features, and handling characteristics. These high-profile firearms have been dissected and discussed at length by both firearms enthusiasts and within the public arena – and here we’ll detail the histories, similarities, and differences between these two rifles and offer you some examples that can be purchased and used by civilians today.

Revolvers are a staple American firearm and arguably some the best self-defense weapons you can buy. Wheel guns tend to be small, simple to use, easy to conceal and work in any type of holster, either open carry or beneath your shirt.
More than that, most of them are chambered for cartridges that are powerful enough to serve you well when it comes to self-defense. But you can also use revolvers for backyard fun or target practice at the shooting range if you like thanks to a huge variety of barrel lengths.

Selecting the perfect M4 style upper receiver can be confusing, especially when it comes down to all the assorted flavors that are floating around out there.
However, we have done the homework to answer those questions and guide you to the best options in what to look for in a good M4 upper.

Is Smith &amp; Wesson’s second-generation M&amp;P Compact one of the best polymer-framed handguns on the market today?
I put this striker-fired pistol through its paces and help you determine if this affordable 9mm is right for you.

Storing your guns safely is arguably the primary responsibility of any gun owner. However, you also want your guns to be relatively close at hand in case you need them for a self-defense situation or if you’re visited by an unwanted house guest while asleep in your bed.
An under bed gun safe is an ideal solution – it’s a compromise between keeping a firearm locked away in a closet and keeping your self-protection on your nightstand. These safes still allow you to keep your guns locked away from kids or guests, but make them readily available should the situation arise.
As with many home defense products – there are almost too many to choose from, so we consulted with home defense experts to break down the critical criteria for ensuring your next under the bed gun safe offers the best mix of safety and performance.

Dehumidifiers are the perfect accessory for a gun safe. They regulate a safes internal humidity levels so your firearms will retain their cosmetic integrity and optimal functionality.
Failing to control your gun safe’s humidity can result in rust or corrosion – which completely defeats the purpose of storing them to begin with.
We’ve compiled a list of handpicked recommendations from our team of experts to help you separate the wheat from the chaff – and hopefully give you a little education along the way.

Someone once said that with great power comes great responsibility. And as a proponent of the 2nd amendment, there are few responsibilities more significant than keeping your weapon out of the wrong hands.
Striking a balance between security and availability can be a challenge, and navigating the array of features of American firearm safes can make anyone’s head spin. Luckily we’ll cover everything from the basics to biometrics to help you understand your options a little better.
We gun owners have to material types of guns to house – long guns and handguns. As such we’ve reviewed both categories – starting with handgun safes.
After researching the majority of firearms safes from the major manufacturers and inspecting more than a dozen, including testing the fit of various rifles and handguns with the help of two experts, we recommend the <a href="/recommends/gun-safes-vaultek-vt20i/">Vaultek VT20i Biometric Handgun Safe</a> as the best safe you can get for your firearms.
Its mix of multiple entry mechanisms, lighter weight, and variety of advanced features make it a great handgun safe.

After diving deep into the world of EDC pants, we think <a href="/recommends/concealed-carry-pants-511/">5.11 Tactical’s Defender Flex Jeans</a> are the best concealed carry pants for most people.
They use a 65% polyester/35% cotton blend that offers rip-stop to keep your pants in one piece, are water-resistant yet breathable, come in multiple inseam lengths, have rear-slanted side pockets that work well when seated, offer such features as front slip pocket, articulated knees, and are more affordable than many of the other pants we tested.

The <a class="thirstylink" title="Rothco Special Ops" href="https://www.americanfirearms.org/recommends/rothco-special-ops/" target="_blank" rel=",sponsored nofollow noopener" data-linkid="48242" data-nojs="false">Rothco Special Ops Soft Shell</a> CCW jacket is the best concealed carry jacket for most people. It is lightweight, comfortable, and easy to use, and has a huge number of pockets. Most importantly, the internal carry pockets are easy to get into and make pocket carry a breeze.

As we do every January, we spent the past week running around Las Vegas at SHOT Show 2026 to sniff out and lay hands on the 20 best new guns. Here&#8217;s our rundown.

The New Hampshire-based small arms giant has turned its eyes to its direct impingement 5.56 NATO AR-15 beanstalk and shook out a pair of new M400 series rifles. This includes the <a href='https://www.sigsauer.com/m400-xseries-sdi.html'>M400 SDI X-SERIES</a> and <a href='https://www.sigsauer.com/m400-tread-predator.html'>M400 Tread Predator 2.0</a>.
If the “X-SERIES” sound familiar, Sig uses that name for its optimized P320 pistols that include lightening cuts and high-speed features. To live up to that, the M400 SDI X-SERIES includes a flat-blade 2-stage trigger, lightened receivers, and a 16-inch 1:7 barrel.

No, it’s not a new line of power tools available at your local big box home improvement store, the Dicken Drill is now the most popular handgun drill in the country. In an ode to 22-year-old armed bystander <a href='https://www.cbsnews.com/news/indiana-mall-shooting-elisjsha-dicken-neutralized-gunman-15-seconds/'>Elisjsha Dicken</a> who, clad in shorts and a T-shirt, earlier this month engaged and stopped an Indiana mall gunman from approximately 30-50 yards away.
Police say he fired 10 shots at the active shooter from distance and continued to move closer, making at least eight hits in 15 seconds.
Now that is an impressive performance, especially in the days when inaction by <a href='https://www.texastribune.org/2022/07/17/law-enforcement-failure-uvalde-shooting-investigation/'>literally hundreds of law enforcement officers</a> standing around at a school shooting led to a much different result. As such, numerous outlets are taking a stab at the Dicken Drill, including <a href='https://www.facebook.com/MALCtraining/posts/pfbid0rCD53JLGAVMbuJViUSF7UPSxZuFpp3thAYjsswBgYgF9njEKwa5ae893sAv1nSi1l'>MALC</a>, Caleb Giddings <a href='https://www.tactical-life.com/videos/the-elisjsha-dicken-drill/'>over at The Tactical Life</a>, Demonstrated Concepts, and Garand Thumb, the latter with almost a million views in the first 24 hours.
If nothing else, maybe it will get more people to the range to up their skill level.

There are many things I never thought I’d see in the firearms world, a bullpup AR15, an 8&#215;57 M1 Garand, and a suppressed shotgun are a few that come to mind.
But a red dot mounted on a small frame revolver is a bit more believable, and today we are looking at the first example; the <a href="/recommends/taurus-defender-856-toro-review-cta/">Taurus USA Defender 856 TORO</a> in 38 Special.

Taurus Defender 856 TORO Review - Vortex Defender

Taurus 856 TORO Review: An Honest Look at the First Optic-Ready Carry Revolver

The Ruger Wrangler has quickly become one of Ruger’s most popular offerings and is a fan favorite among rimfire shooters on a budget. These kinds of inexpensive plinkers are fun to shoot, but with many brands that focus on fun can mean sub-standard quality and, uh, generous tolerances.
That said, Ruger has a reputation for putting out quality, reliable products, so were curious —  is the Wrangler really such a great value or is it a case of being blinded by a cheap price tag?
We wanted to find out. Ruger has a long history of well-made .22 revolvers with the Single Six, so we had high hopes for the Wrangler, which is marketed as a stripped-down, budget-friendly version of the iconic Single Six.
Let’s see how Ruger did on this one.

Ruger Wrangler Review: Is This $180 .22 Revolver Worth It in 2026?

The evolution from primitive weapons to modern self-defense tools has been nothing short of remarkable. Long gone are the days of relying on stones or pointy sticks &#8212; since the invention of firearms, humans have always sought better and more effective ways to protect themselves.
Enter the <a href="/recommends/taser-pulse-review-cta/">TASER Pulse 2</a>, a less-than-lethal tool that promises safety without lethal consequences.
The TASER Pulse 2 is designed with the civilian in mind. It offers a blend of usability and straightforward effectiveness by mimicking the dimensions of a subcompact handgun; a nod to familiar self-defense tools but with a twist. Instead of bullets, it fires two dart electrodes that deliver a jolt of electricity, causing &#8220;neuromuscular incapacitation” (say that five times fast.)
What sets the TASER Pulse 2apart is how light and user-friendly it is. Anyone who has shopped for a concealed carry pistol is familiar with the features that add value (compactness, a light rail, easy-to-manipulate controls, etc.), and the TASER’s integrated flashlight and laser, (which performed well in our nighttime environment tests) demonstrated the device&#8217;s adaptability to various scenarios.
Historically, the concept of a TASER isn&#8217;t new. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/16/us/16cover.html">Jack Cover</a>, a NASA researcher, invented the first version in 1969, naming it after a book he loved as a child, &#8220;Tom Swift and His Electric Rifle&#8221; (but adding an &#8220;A&#8221; because they got tired of answering the phone ‘T.S.E.R.’). The TASER Pulse 2 builds on the concept, refining the technology into a more approachable civilian-friendly package.
As we delve deeper into this review, we&#8217;ll explore the TASER Pulse&#8217;s features, its real-world applications, and its place in the broader context of personal defense tools.
Whether you&#8217;re a seasoned self-defense enthusiast or someone looking for a reliable safety tool, this review promises a comprehensive look at a device that might just be a game-changer.

If you want to get on-target faster, a holographic sight can be an excellent asset. They increase accuracy and reduce the amount of time it takes to aim and fire your weapon.
They also provide more reticle options than a red dot sight – like a variety of crosshairs or dot configurations – so if you have a strong preference for a specific reticle a holographic sight will probably be your best choice.
While quality holographic sights can help you track targets within a range of around 300 yards, they tend to be used for close-quarter situations. They provide a single focal plane by superimposing the reticule over the target – eliminating the need to decipher the reticle from the target – drastically improving target acquisition speed.
To find the best holographic sight we had a combat shooting expert spend over 10 hours reviewing more than 25 holographic sight options – both through online reviews and via his experience with different models and manufacturers. Our recommendations are listed below.

The Best Holographic Sights

To find the best rangefinder binoculars, we had a professional hunting guide spend over 20 hours field-testing 12 pairs against his own $2,600 Leica Geovids.
After using our collection of test pairs in the mountains and forests of Eastern Oregon, then on a hunting trip in the heat of southern Mexico, he found that the <a href="https://amzn.to/2JiyfQx">Nikon Laserforce Rangerfinder Binoculars</a> offered the best mix of laser performance, range, and price – plus the widest field of view of the binoculars within its price range.
This means you’ll be able to range better, further, and you can get this performance for less than half of premium units.

After more than 70 years in service, SKS rifles have been around the block. After replacing the Mosin Nagant the world over (and given the amount of time this rifle has been in the hands of recreational shooters) there’s an incredible number of aftermarket components available to help bring these rifles into the 21st century.
That said, if there’s one thing Russian battle rifles don’t cotton to, it’s easy optics. Every model from the AK to the SKS shares this characteristic – so when you’re looking to improve the target acquisition capabilities of your SKS, chances are you’ll need to purchase and mount your preferred scope separate from the rifle itself.
Luckily we’re here to make the process a little easier by testing, reviewing, and providing these guides to SKS scope mounts. You’ll find our recommendations below.

New Mauser Savannah M18

Michael Crites

Editorial Team

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In-Hand Reviews

Taurus 856 TORO Review: An Honest Look at the First Optic-Ready Carry Revolver

Ruger Wrangler Review: Is This $180 .22 Revolver Worth It in 2026?

TASER Pulse 2 Review: Watt’s Up Doc

Firearm News

Our Fav New Guns from Shot Show 2026

Sig Sauer Has 2 New M400 Rifles

The Dicken Drill Emerges

Featured Comparisons

5.56 vs 7.62: Complete Comparison Guide [Ballistics & More]

PMAG Gen 2 vs Gen 3: A Comparison

AR-15 vs. M4: A Comparison

Firearm & Ammo Reviews

5.56 vs 7.62: Complete Comparison Guide [Ballistics & More]

Best 9mm Ammo: Hollow Point, Range & Self-Defense Rounds

Rimfire vs. Centerfire Ammo: A Comparison

Popular Guides & Stats

The Best Revolvers: Expert-Tested & Rated for Defense, Hunting & Plinking

The Ultimate M4 Upper Guide

In-Depth Review: M&P Shield 2.0 Compact [Hands-On]

Range Gear & Accessories

Best Shot Timers Tested: Our Guide to Faster, More Accurate Shooting

Top Concealed Carry Holsters for Every Carry Position & Budget

Best AR-15 Buffer Tube Kits: 8 Tested Systems & Complete Guide

Gun & Ammo Safes

The Best Under Bed Gun Safes

Best Gun Safe Dehumidifiers: Keep Your Firearms Rust-Free

The Best Gun Safes & Cabinets

Scopes & Optics

The Best Holographic Sights

Best Rangefinder Binoculars: Budget, Hunting, & More

The Best SKS Scope Mounts

Holsters & Concealed Carry

Top Concealed Carry Holsters for Every Carry Position & Budget

Top Concealed Carry Pants: Stay Prepared and Comfortable

The Best Concealed Carry Jackets