Guides & Tutorials
First-time 1911 Pistol Buyers' Guide
The 1911 is one of the most iconic and enduring handgun platforms in American history. Designed by John Moses Browning and adopted by the U.S. military in 1911, this single-action semi-automatic pistol has served soldiers, LEOs, competitive shooters, and civilians for over a century. We carry a wide selection of 1911 pistols for sale across multiple calibers, frame sizes, and configurations - from mil-spec classics to more modernized handguns - sourced from the world's most trusted manufacturers
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Jul 31st 2026
Echelon 4.0C Launch and Its Impact on Handgun Design
Recently, Springfield released the new Echelon 4.0C (aka Echelon Compact) 9mm pistol. Read to learn what makes the Echelon series unique compared to other pistols, including the XD lineup and the advancement behind the new Echelon Compact.The Original Echelon: Born to Redefine Modern Duty Pistols
Springfield Armory shook the firearms world in July 2023 with the launch of the Echelon (today, the Echelon 4.5F), a completely new striker-fired duty pistol series. Designed with ergonomics, v
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Dec 18th 2024
The End of an Era: Why Cheaper Than Dirt Stopped Selling Guns
Recently, Cheaper Than Dirt, a major online gun store based in Fort Worth, made headlines by stepping out of the firearm sales business. This move has left the shooting community without another major supplier, and many are missing their go-to place for "dirt cheap guns." What led to this decision, and is there a deeper story behind it?Who's Cheaper Than Dirt and Why They're Bowing Out of Gun SalesCheaper Than Dirt started its journey at gun shows, where a savvy entrepreneur sold firearms for ch
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Oct 24th 2024
A Guide to Hunting, Sporting & AR-15 Rifle Barrels
In this post, we’re discussing rifle barrel types in terms of materials, finishes, profiles, twist rates, and more. So if you’re choosing your first rifle or upgrading your current one, this is a must-read. Let’s get started!
Rifle Barrel Materials Overview
Chrome Moly (Alloy Steels)
Alloy steels are popular for rifle barrels because they are versatile and cost-effective. They can be coated and lined more readily than stainless steel and can be cold hammer forged without cracking. Add
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Jun 11th 2024
Rifle Magazine Variants: Choosing the Right Capacity & Material
We made this quick guide to rifle magazines for all beginner rifle owners wondering what the capacity is right for their shooting activity and how to choose a good magazine that will serve a long time. Let’s get started.
Common Rifle Magazine Capacities
Low-Capacity Magazines (5-10 Rounds)
Low-capacity magazines, holding between five to ten rounds, are often chosen for hunting and target shooting where precision and accuracy matter more than sending a lot of rounds downrange. S
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Jun 3rd 2024