General Firearm Articles - USA Carry

SPRINGFIELD, MO — Missouri State University is mourning the tragic loss of senior football player Todric McGee, who died early Saturday, April 19, from injuries sustained in what authorities say may have been a self-inflicted gunshot wound resulting from a negligent discharge.

As reported by NBC News, Springfield Police responded to McGee’s residence Friday morning for a wellness check. Upon arrival, officers discovered the 21-year-old with serious injuries. He was transported to a local hospital where he later died. Authorities have not released additional information as the investigation remains ongoing.

McGee was a native of Wichita, Kansas, and a graduate of Wichita Northwest High School. He was entering his fifth season with the Missouri State Bears and had earned all-conference honors in 2023 as the team’s starting safety.

“This tragedy has shaken our football program to the core,” said Missouri State Director of Athletics Patrick Ransdell in a statement. “We want [Todric’s] family, friends, and teammates to know we are here to support them in every way possible at this extremely difficult time.”

Head football coach Ryan Beard also expressed his sorrow: “Our football family is in shock and in mourning at the loss of Todric. We ask everyone to please respect the privacy of his family and our MoState football team as we begin the healing process. Join us in praying for Todric and the people who loved him.”

Grief counseling services have been made available to Missouri State student-athletes and staff.

While many details about the incident have yet to be released, authorities indicated that the shooting appears to have been the result of a negligent discharge — a preventable tragedy that underscores the critical importance of strict adherence to firearm safety protocols.

The four fundamental rules of firearm safety, as outlined by USACarry, are designed to prevent precisely this type of incident:

A negligent discharge often occurs when even one of these rules is ignored. Whether experienced or new to firearms, the responsibility to handle guns safely is paramount. Firearms are tools that demand constant awareness, discipline, and respect — especially in domestic or casual settings, where complacency can be deadly.

This devastating loss is a sobering reminder that gun ownership carries not only the right to self-defense, but a profound duty to uphold the highest standards of safety.

Our thoughts remain with the family, friends, teammates, and Missouri State community during this time of grief.

Read the original story: Missouri State Football Player Dies Following Apparent Negligent Discharge

Go to any gun forum or blog, and sooner or later, you will run across gun shop stories. Most will start with something like, “I was at the gun shop the other day and this guy came in…” What will follow will be a story about someone doing or saying something ignorant, rude, or unsafe. Some things will be funny, some will be aggravating, and some will be dangerous. There may even be videos. Sometimes it is someone new to the world of guns and gun shops, in which case it is understandable and excusable unless it was dangerous, and other times it is someone who should know better.

None of us wants to be ‘that person’ and have our story told over and over on the internet or at the range. We certainly do not want to be the person who causes an accident that kills or injures someone. To avoid that dubious honor, it might be wise to review some dos and don’ts that will help us follow the best gun shop etiquette.

According to the dictionary, “etiquette is the set of rules or customs that control accepted behavior in particular social groups or social situations.” These rules or customs are intended to show courtesy and respect to those around you and to keep things running smoothly. Etiquette works the same way in a gun shop. 

It will save everyone time and be a lot more productive if you do some research before going to a gun shop. A couple of decades ago, gathering information about anything could be time-consuming and involve a lot of running around to libraries or other information sources, but that is no longer the case. Using the internet, you can research all about different types of guns, their pros and cons, and which ones are popular for concealed carry or whatever purpose you want. That will give you a head start on the kinds of questions to ask and what guns you ask about. If you are new to guns, even just understanding the types of guns on the market will be beneficial. 

If you are not sure, call the gun shop and ask what you will need to bring to buy the kind of gun you are interested in. That may sound silly since most of the time all you need is a picture ID or driver’s license with your address on it, but that is not always the case. In my state, you can buy a handgun with a picture ID, but if you want to buy what the anti-2A folks call an “assault rifle,” you need two IDs. I have no idea what that accomplishes except to make you jump through an extra hoop since the second one does not even need to be a picture ID, but that’s the law.

It’s also a good idea to make sure you do not have any pending legal issues before you go in. If you are in doubt, ask the person at the gun shop when you call them. There’s no reason to feel stupid about it, they get questions like that all the time. If you have a situation that might be a problem, explain it and ask if that will be a problem before you fill out the paperwork and sit there while it goes through the system, just to get turned down. You can even research what questions are on the ATF Form 4473 by going to the ATF website.

Along with confirming what their business hours are, also ask about peak hours. Lots of people stop on their way home from work, so the shop might be busier then, which will leave the employee less time to answer your questions and show you guns you are interested in.

Buying a gun is not as simple as buying a soft drink at the 7-11, and it takes longer. You will have to fill out the form, wait while an employee enters it into the system, and then wait while it goes through the NICS background check. Background checks can take anywhere from ten minutes to several hours. Be sure to allow enough time for the process to be completed and have scheduled your day to accommodate it.

If you are carrying your EDC concealed handgun, keep it concealed. There is no need to pull out a loaded gun. If you are bringing a gun into the store for another reason, to sell or get repaired, for example, it is a good idea to put it in a case, so you are not walking into the store carrying a gun. Gun shops are robbed from time to time, and store employees are usually armed, so it’s wise to avoid misunderstandings.

Tell the employee what kind of gun you are looking for and what your budget is. That will save you both time and get you the best service and help in finding exactly what you want. If you are not sure what you want, at least tell them your budget and what you plan to use the gun for.

Be patient, especially if the store is busy. The employee knows you are there, and they will help you as soon as they can. Put yourself in their position. It is a good idea to ask questions, but they may give you answers you are not happy with. They may even make suggestions you don’t like. If that is the case, just stick to what you want. If, for some reason, you are not happy with them or the service you are receiving, for example, if you are a first-time gun buyer and you feel like they are talking down to you, just smile, thank them, and leave. There is no need to tell them off; that will only make a scene and affect other patrons’ experience.

Always follow the four rules of gun safety.

1. Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction: It’s normal to look down the sights of any gun you are thinking about buying. You want to see how it feels in your hand and how good the sights are. But don’t point it at other people. People have been shot and killed in gun shops, and people have been asked to leave gun shops for not being safe.

2. Treat all guns as though they are loaded: Even if I see the employee clear the gun before they hand it to me, I treat the gun as if it is loaded. Period. Doing so builds a good safety mindset and habits.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot: This goes back to having a safety-conscious mindset. Of course, you can’t tell how the trigger feels without pulling it, but before you do so, you should ask the employee if that is okay. They will usually say yes, but it is courteous to ask first.

4. Always be sure of your target and what’s beyond it: This one may not seem to apply when you are in a gun shop, but always keep it in mind.

Guns are tough, but they can be blemished through carelessness. When you are shopping for a car, you don’t carelessly scratch the paint, and you should be just as careful when looking at a gun. For example, if you want to check the magazine release to see how easy it is to manipulate and how well a magazine drops out, don’t let the empty magazine drop on the floor or another gun on the counter.

Have you ever seen an article or heard about someone in a security line at the airport getting dragged out of line because they made a joke about a bomb, and thought how stupid that person must have been? Making jokes about making a straw purchase or using the gun you are buying for a crime is just as stupid. Jokes like that are not funny, and they may get you kicked out of the shop. At the very least, you will lose all credibility with the employees and anyone else who is listening.

Personally, I do not mind if a stranger who is obviously a fellow gun nut shares an experience or what they like about a gun I’m looking at, as long as they are low-key and not pushy, but not everyone feels that way. I tend to keep my opinions to myself unless someone asks me what I think. I’ve had strangers on ranges ask me to shoot their gun and give them my opinion, and I am happy to do that. But, unless someone is obviously being given some very bad advice about a gun, I just live and let live.

There is a definite shortage of courtesy and polite behavior in the world today, and there is no reason to add to it. For example, if you think the price of a gun you are interested in is too high, there is no reason to berate the store employee and tell them you can get it cheaper somewhere else. Just thank them and move on. For all you know, they don’t have anything to do with setting the price, they’re just doing their job. Even if you can get a gun cheaper somewhere else, at least you got a chance to check it out, so just enjoy the experience and then go buy it somewhere else.

The proper gun shop etiquette is pretty much the same as anywhere else, with an important caveat. You should always be courteous and considerate of the people around you, and in a gun shop, you absolutely must add being safe to the behaviors you should demonstrate. Doing so will gain you the respect and willingness to go the extra mile of the people around you, and most importantly, will ensure that you are never “that person” whose story gets told on the internet.

Read the original story: Gun Shops Etiquette: The Dos and Don’ts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A controversial federal gun charge has been dropped against Taylor Taranto, a man accused of illegally possessing a braced pistol that the government claimed was a short-barreled rifle (SBR). The move by President Trump’s Department of Justice marks a key moment in the ongoing fight over how braced firearms are classified under federal law.

According to court documents, Taranto was originally charged with possessing an unregistered SBR after he was found with a CZ Scorpion pistol equipped with a stabilizing brace. The charge was based on the claim that the brace made the firearm a “rifle” under the National Firearms Act (NFA) — and because it had a barrel shorter than 16 inches and wasn’t registered, it was considered illegal.

However, federal prosecutors have now filed a motion to dismiss that charge “in the interest of justice.” That means Count One of the indictment — the NFA violation — is no longer being pursued.

The key issue here was how the firearm was classified. The DOJ argued that a gun with a brace couldn’t legally be considered a pistol if it was designed or intended to be fired from the shoulder. In other words, they said a gun cannot be both a pistol and a rifle. That interpretation would have made thousands — possibly millions — of brace-equipped pistols illegal overnight.

Second Amendment supporters have strongly pushed back against this kind of classification. The ATF’s shifting stance on braces has caused confusion and concern in the firearms community. For years, stabilizing braces were considered legal when used as intended. But in 2023, the ATF issued a new rule saying many braced pistols were now SBRs, requiring registration under the NFA.

In Taranto’s case, public attention and pressure from gun rights advocates may have played a role in the decision to drop the charge. Firearms commentator Mrgunsngear credited the shift to grassroots activism, thanking those who raised awareness and contacted members of the Trump administration.

Although the federal SBR charge has been dropped, Taranto still faces a separate D.C. local charge for carrying a pistol without a license. That case is ongoing.

This outcome is important for the 2A community. It shows that pushing back on overreach matters — especially when it comes to how federal agencies interpret and enforce firearms laws. Millions of law-abiding Americans own braced pistols, and this case highlights the risk of vague or changing rules turning ordinary gun owners into criminals.

As legal challenges to the ATF’s brace rule continue in the courts, the dismissal in this case is a small but meaningful win for Second Amendment rights and due process.

Read the original story: Trump’s DOJ Drops Charge Claiming Braced Pistol Was an Illegal Short-Barreled Rifle

DENVER, CO — In a move drawing sharp criticism from Second Amendment advocates, Colorado Governor Jared Polis has officially signed SB25-003 into law, enacting one of the most aggressive state-level restrictions on semiautomatic firearms and rapid-fire devices in the country. The signing, which occurred behind closed doors and was not listed on the governor’s public calendar, has raised concerns not only about the bill’s content but also the lack of transparency surrounding its enactment.

BREAKING: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signs SB25-003 into law, banning the manufacture of and severely restricting the sale of certain semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines. #coleg #copolitics @DenverChannel pic.twitter.com/kmN56Nt80a

The newly signed law prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution, transfer, and purchase of what it defines as “specified semiautomatic firearms.” This includes semiautomatic rifles and shotguns with detachable magazines and gas-operated semiautomatic handguns with detachable magazines. While certain rimfire firearms and listed older models are exempt, the scope of affected firearms is significant.

The law also classifies rapid-fire devices—accessories or modifications that increase the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm—as “dangerous weapons,” making their possession a criminal offense.

To legally purchase a specified semiautomatic firearm under the limited exceptions, individuals must complete both a certified hunter education program and a state-defined firearms safety course. They must also obtain a firearms course eligibility card issued by a sheriff, which requires a criminal background check. These new hurdles will likely create delays, higher costs, and confusion for law-abiding citizens attempting to remain compliant.

Violations of the new law are punishable as a class 2 misdemeanor for a first offense and escalate to a class 6 felony upon subsequent violations. Firearms dealers found in violation will have their state permits revoked.

State Senator Lisa Frizell (R-SD2) voiced her opposition on social media, stating, “Behind this locked door & away from the public eye, Governor Polis is signing SB25-003… a flagrant assault on our Second Amendment rights.” She emphasized that the signing was “invite-only” and deliberately excluded from the governor’s public calendar.

Behind this locked door & away from the public eye, @GovofCO is signing SB25-003: Semiautomatic Firearms and Rapid-Fire Devices- a flagrant assault on our Second Amendment rights. Witnessing this radical attack was invite only & it wasn’t listed on the Governor’s public calendar. pic.twitter.com/mceBKlw6UL

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) also condemned the bill, calling it an “unconstitutional law limiting Second Amendment rights” and warning that it will likely be challenged in court. In a public statement, the NSSF accused Colorado lawmakers of using misleading terms and bypassing normal democratic processes.

According to reporting by ConcealedCarry.com, critics argue that the law penalizes responsible firearm owners without effectively addressing crime or violence. The bill’s opponents assert that it unfairly targets semiautomatic firearms that are in common use for self-defense, sport shooting, and lawful hunting.

The law is set to take effect on August 1, 2026, giving state agencies time to implement the firearms training record systems, instructor verification processes, and eligibility card infrastructure. Gun owners and dealers are advised to closely follow rulemaking updates from the Colorado Department of Revenue and the Division of Parks and Wildlife, as both agencies will be responsible for enforcement and interpretation of the new law.

Legal challenges are expected. Given the breadth of SB25-003 and the U.S. Supreme Court’s clear guidance in Bruen regarding firearms in “common use,” many gun rights advocates believe this law will not withstand judicial scrutiny.

Read the original story: Governor Polis Quietly Signs Sweeping Semiautomatic Firearm Ban Into Law Behind Closed Doors

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a major policy shift, Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced the creation of a Second Amendment Enforcement Task Force at the Department of Justice, signaling a significant realignment of federal priorities regarding gun rights and regulatory enforcement.

Bondi stated that the new task force will focus on reversing what she described as “undue burdens” placed on law-abiding gun owners and vendors by the previous administration. “The Department of Justice’s new 2nd Amendment Task Force will combine department-wide policy and litigation resources to advance President Trump’s pro-gun agenda and protect gun owners from overreach,” Bondi said in a press release issued Wednesday.

This move follows Monday’s joint announcement by the DOJ and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) repealing the Enhanced Regulatory Enforcement Policy, commonly referred to as the “Zero Tolerance Policy.” Introduced in 2021, the policy had implemented stricter compliance measures for Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders, often resulting in license revocations for minor infractions.

As part of the task force’s broader mission, DOJ and ATF have also begun a formal review of two controversial rules:

“These steps mark a pivotal turn toward restoring fairness and clarity in firearms regulation,” said Acting ATF Director Kash Patel. “We are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure our policies are balanced, constitutional, and protective of Americans’ Second Amendment rights.”

According to the DOJ’s internal memorandum, the newly formed task force will be chaired by the Attorney General and composed of high-level representatives across multiple DOJ divisions and agencies, including the ATF and FBI. The task force is tasked with developing and executing legal and policy strategies to ensure all federal actions are in alignment with the constitutional protections of the Second Amendment.

The initiative is part of the DOJ’s implementation of Executive Order 14206, which directs federal agencies to safeguard Second Amendment rights as a priority. Bondi emphasized that the Second Amendment is not a “second-class right” and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting lawful gun ownership across the country.

The review process for the stabilizing brace rule and firearm dealer definition will involve consultations with industry experts, legal scholars, and gun rights organizations. Further updates on the task force’s actions and any potential regulatory changes are expected in the coming months.

The formation of this task force reflects a growing emphasis on defending the rights of responsible gun owners at the federal level. By reevaluating previous rules and removing overreaching enforcement policies, the DOJ is taking steps to ensure that federal firearms laws are applied fairly and in accordance with constitutional principles. Law-abiding citizens should not face regulatory uncertainty or punitive action for exercising their Second Amendment rights.

Read the original story: Bondi’s DOJ Launches 2nd Amendment Task Force to Overhaul Federal Gun Regulations

SPOTSYLVANIA, VA — A third-grade student at Lee Hill Elementary School unintentionally discharged a loaded handgun inside a classroom last week, prompting a swift response from school staff and law enforcement. Fortunately, no students or staff were injured.

According to a press release from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 10:50 a.m. when the child reached into their backpack and unintentionally pulled the trigger on a handgun that had been placed inside. Early interviews with the student indicated there was no intent to cause harm.

The classroom teacher immediately evacuated all 26 students and contacted the on-site School Resource Officer. A subsequent investigation revealed that the child had found an unsecured, loaded handgun inside their home and placed it in their school backpack.

Following the investigation, both parents of the child—Ciara Armstead, 36, and Terrence Carroll Jr., 34—were charged on April 7. Each faces one misdemeanor count of recklessly leaving a loaded, unsecured firearm so as to endanger the life or limb of a child under the age of 14, and one felony count of willfully or negligently endangering the life of a child while having custody. Both were released on a $5,000 unsecured bond and are scheduled to appear in Spotsylvania County Juvenile Domestic Court on April 11.

Authorities confirmed that the child will not be charged, in consultation with Spotsylvania County Juvenile Intake and the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The parents have cooperated with investigators throughout the process.

This incident highlights the critical importance of responsible firearm storage, particularly in homes with children. Firearm owners have a legal and moral responsibility to prevent unauthorized access to their firearms. Secure storage solutions—such as lock boxes, safes, and other modern gun security devices—can significantly reduce the risk of unintentional access and discharge.

For more information on how to properly secure your firearms at home, in your vehicle, or while traveling, see our related guide: Secure Your Guns: My Setup for Home, Vehicle, and Travel.

Read the original story: Parents Charged After Child’s Negligent Discharge of Handgun in Virginia 3rd Grade Classroom

I realize the title of this article is going to rub some people the wrong way, but before you break out the torches and pitchforks, please allow me to explain. The 9mm Luger cartridge has progressed from being an ‘also-ran’ in the cartridge race to a pariah in the defensive shooting world, and ultimately, to the single most popular handgun cartridge in the United States. For a while, the FBI considered it “unsatisfactory” as a self-defense round, but the 9 mm is now, by far, the most common chambering for law enforcement, EDC, and home defense handguns. So, what changed?

The 9mm Luger cartridge, also known as the 9mm Parabellum, was developed by George Luger in 1902 for the German arms manufacturer Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken, commonly known as DWM. The name Parabellum comes from the Latin motto of the company, “si vis pacem, para bellum,” which translates to “if you want peace, prepare for war.”

The 9mm Luger was derived from an earlier 7.65×23 Parabellum cartridge developed in 1898, but being only 19 mm long, it was more convenient for pistols that held their magazine in the grip. There were other 9mm cartridges around at the time, such as the 9mm Largo, 9mm Makarov, 9mm Short, and the 9mm Browning Long. All enjoyed a degree of popularity for a time, but the 9mm Luger eventually outshone them all.

The Parabellum pistol chambered in 9mm Luger was presented to the British Small Arms Committee, who liked it, in 1902, and to the United States Army in 1903. The U.S. Army also liked it but continued to look for other handguns, both revolvers and pistols. Unsurprisingly, it was the German military that wholeheartedly embraced the 9mm Luger. The German Navy began using it in 1904, followed by the German Army, which used it heavily both in pistols and their early submachine guns. The rest is history, and eventually, the 9mm Luger was adopted by most of the militaries in Europe and North America.

At the time it was developed, the 9mm Luger was designed to improve penetration. The goal was a cartridge that would penetrate the military uniforms and field gear of the day, which often included a heavy coat and leather harness. It is ironic then that the U.S. Army considered it too underpowered for combat and went instead with the now famous 1911 chambered in .45 ACP, eventually also adopting submachine guns like the Thompson and the M3 Grease Gun chambered in it. Stories of the big 230 grain .45 ACP bullet taking a man off his feet with one shot abound, from the Moro pirates to Vietnam. An infantry major I knew told me he hit an NVA soldier in the ear with his .45, and the shock when it jerked the man’s head around broke his neck. Whether that is true or not, who can say, but the guy was a solid officer and not known as being prone to exaggeration. I will admit that I was happy when I was issued a Kimber 1911 on a contract while I was in Iraq.

Another blot on the record of the 9mm Luger was the infamous 1986 Miami shootout between the FBI and two bank robbers. In that gunfight, one of the robbers received what should have been a fatal wound with a 9mm round yet continued to fight on. The incident wounded five FBI agents and killed two more, including the agent who had shot the bad guy with the 9mm. That episode prompted the FBI to abandon the 9mm as being ineffective because it was not considered powerful enough to immediately incapacitate a criminal. This eventually led to the development of the .40 S&W after the 10mm was determined to be too powerful for many FBI agents to handle. That prompted a law enforcement exodus away from 9mm pistols in favor of pistols chambered in .40 S&W and .45 ACP.

Despite the negatives of the past, the 9mm is currently the most popular handgun cartridge in America. There are several reasons for this. For one thing, in 1985, after 74 years, the U.S. military abandoned the 1911 in favor of the Beretta M9, chambered in 9mm Luger. Civilian gun culture tends to follow the military, perhaps even more closely than it does the police, so the FBI notwithstanding, the 9mm gained in popularity. It didn’t hurt that the Beretta 92, the closest civilian version of the M9, is a beautiful gun and remains popular to this day. In 2017, the U.S. military left the Beretta M9 behind in favor of Sig M17 and M18 handguns, both of which are chambered in 9mm.

Another factor that kept the 9mm popular was the introduction of the 9mm Glock 19 in 1988. It was a pioneer in handguns designed for concealed carry and was the best-selling compact gun for many years. Even today, with plenty of competition, it remains a very popular gun for EDC.

Probably the biggest factor in the rise of the 9mm has been the continuing innovation in 9mm defensive ammunition. The improvement in the lethality of the 9mm cartridge prompted the FBI to reevaluate its previous position and conduct ballistic testing as well as reviewing police shooting incidents. The result was that in 2014, the FBI officially announced it was dropping the .40 S&W and switching back to 9mm. It went so far as to state in its 2014 FBI 9mm White Paper that “9 mm Luger now offers select projectiles which are, under identical testing conditions, outperforming most of the premium line .40 S&W and .45 Auto projectiles tested by the FBI.” They also stated that “there is little to no noticeable difference in the wound tracks between premium line law enforcement projectiles from 9 mm Luger through the .45 Auto.” Finally, the FBI tests resulted in the conclusion that handgun stopping power, once a claim to fame of the .45 ACP, is a myth. Once the FBI switched back to 9mm, most law enforcement agencies began to follow, which built up confidence in the cartridge among civilian gun owners. Today, the market is flooded with police trade-in handguns chambered in .40 S&W.

Handguns chambered in 9mm are by far the largest selling handguns in the American market. They come in all shapes and sizes, from full-size duty and home defense guns to micro compacts for concealed carry. There are even double-stack 1911s in 9mm (no, not all double-stack 1911s are 2011s). It is estimated that approximately 3.5 billion rounds of 9mm are sold in the U.S. each year for military, police, and civilian consumption. Worldwide, it is estimated that 10% of all the ammunition manufactured is 9mm Luger. That may not sound like a big percentage, but keep in mind that includes 7.62×39, 5.56 NATO, 7.62 NATO, and every other handgun, rifle, and shotgun cartridge made in the world.

As for 9mm handguns, they combine all of the most popular characteristics of a good EDC gun. They can be made compact and light while still offering excellent capacity, making them ideal for a long day of carrying your handgun in an IWB holster. In fact, many of the most popular concealed carry guns are only available in 9mm.  

Handguns chambered in 9mm are also easy to shoot for most people because they generate less recoil than larger calibers. That means it is easier to control under a stressful situation and more fun to practice with at the range. Best of all, as FBI testing has demonstrated, modern 9mm ammunition is as effective as most larger cartridges for self-defense. Finally, 9mm ammunition is readily available everywhere, and FMJ range ammo is inexpensive and can be had for as little as a couple of hundred dollars for a thousand rounds. That will ensure it won’t break the bank to go to the range and practice to improve and maintain your skills.

Whether you are a fan of the 9mm Luger cartridge or not, there’s no disputing that it is currently the King of Cartridges in the American handgun market. With all the innovation in firearms and cartridges, that could change someday, but for now, 9mm is the most versatile and practical cartridge for concealed carry, especially if you are planning to buy your first gun.

Read the original story: How the 9mm Became King

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) and Representatives Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Richard Hudson (R-NC) introduced the Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act on March 27, 2025. The proposed legislation would prohibit states from imposing excise taxes on firearms and ammunition when those taxes are used to fund gun control programs.

According to Senator Risch, the bill is intended to counter what he described as attempts by certain states to “exploit the Second Amendment” by financially burdening law-abiding gun owners. “The Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act ensures states do not place a significant financial burden on law-abiding gun owners to advance their anti-Second Amendment agenda,” said Risch.

Representative Issa echoed the sentiment, pointing to California’s recently enacted 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition. “The latest attack is California’s imposition of a ‘sin tax’ on firearms and ammunition. This outrageous and unfair burden on law-abiding citizens is why Sen. Risch, Rep. Hudson, and I are working to stop this,” he said.

Representative Hudson added, “Their latest scheme is an unconstitutional tax that seeks to price you out of your right to keep and bear arms.”

California implemented its 11% excise tax in 2024, explicitly designed to discourage gun purchases and fund gun control initiatives. Colorado is set to follow with a 6.5% excise tax beginning in April 2025. Other states, including Maryland, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, and New Mexico, have introduced similar proposals.

The bill has garnered support from a coalition of Republican lawmakers, including Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), among others. It has also been endorsed by national organizations including the National Rifle Association (NRA), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.

John Commerford, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, called the bill a necessary response to a growing trend. “California and Colorado have already implemented a gun tax to fund their gun control efforts and dismantle the Second Amendment,” he said. “Senator Risch’s bill would prevent these blatant and egregious attacks on the rights of Americans.”

This legislation underscores the growing tension between state-level gun control measures and federal-level protections of the Second Amendment. While states have broad authority to tax, this bill would carve out an exception when those taxes directly target constitutionally protected rights.

Efforts to impose financial barriers to firearm ownership have drawn sharp criticism from Second Amendment advocates, who argue that the right to keep and bear arms should not be contingent on one’s ability to pay additional taxes. If passed, the Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act would be a significant step toward ensuring that constitutional rights cannot be undermined through fiscal policy.

Read the original story: Lawmakers Propose Nationwide Ban on Gun and Ammo Taxes

PHILADELPHIA, PA — TSA officers at Philadelphia International Airport stopped a Media, Pennsylvania man from bringing a loaded firearm through a security checkpoint on Monday, March 31. The 9mm handgun, containing 14 rounds, was detected during routine screening. Philadelphia Police responded, confiscated the weapon, and issued the traveler a citation.

In addition to local penalties, the traveler now faces a federal civil fine, which TSA notes can stretch into the thousands of dollars. The agency emphasized that firearms — loaded or unloaded — are strictly prohibited in carry-on bags, even for those with concealed carry permits.

“It is disappointing to continue to see travelers bring their firearms to our checkpoints,” said Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “If you must travel with your gun, there’s a way to do so. The proper way to do it is to make sure it’s unloaded, packed in a hard-sided locked case and taken to the airline check-in counter.”

So far in 2025, TSA officers at Philadelphia International have detected nine firearms at security checkpoints. In 2024, the number reached 40.

Incidents like this serve as a vital reminder for responsible gun owners: double-check your bags before heading to the airport. Especially if you’re using luggage that may have previously carried a firearm, it’s easy to forget a loaded magazine or even the firearm itself. This can lead to serious legal and financial consequences — and potentially the loss of TSA PreCheck privileges.

If you’re unsure how to fly with a firearm, I break it down step-by-step in my ongoing YouTube series on flying with firearms. With 14 episodes published so far and a new one released every Tuesday, I document the entire process — from declaring a firearm at the airline counter to retrieving it at baggage claim. It’s a practical, real-world look at how to travel legally and responsibly as a gun owner. You can check out the series here: Flying With Firearms Playlist

Also, make use of the free myTSA app or reach out to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger to confirm whether your items are travel-safe. A few extra minutes of preparation can save you from serious trouble.

Stay safe, stay responsible, and fly smart.

Read the original story: TSA Stops Armed Traveler at Philly Airport — Let This Be a PSA for Responsible Travel

SMYRNA, GA — In an unprecedented move, Glock has announced the release of its Gen 6 line of pistols, incorporating a series of enhancements that directly address the most common critiques from firearm enthusiasts and professionals alike. This groundbreaking development marks a significant evolution in Glock’s commitment to user-centric design and innovation.​

Responding to widespread feedback regarding the grip angle, the Gen 6 models feature a re-engineered design that promotes a more natural point of aim. This adjustment aims to enhance shooter comfort and accuracy, catering to a broader range of users who previously found the traditional Glock grip angle less intuitive.​

Embracing modularity, Glock introduces a pioneering Firearm Control Unit (FCU) in the Gen 6 series. This innovation allows users to effortlessly swap the FCU into various grip modules, enabling customization of frame size and ergonomics to suit individual preferences and mission-specific requirements.​

The Gen 6 line boasts an upgraded Modular Optic System (MOS) designed for seamless compatibility with all existing and future optic footprints. This advancement eliminates the need for multiple adapter plates, simplifying the integration of preferred optics and enhancing the versatility of the platform.​

Addressing concerns about grip security, especially in adverse conditions, Glock has developed a new grip texture for the Gen 6 models. This texture provides a more secure and comfortable hold, reducing slippage and improving control during rapid fire or in wet environments.​

Beyond these major upgrades, Glock has also tackled other prevalent user concerns:​

By integrating these user-requested features, Glock demonstrates a proactive approach to evolving its product line in alignment with the needs and preferences of the shooting community. The Gen 6 series stands as a testament to Glock’s dedication to innovation, reliability, and responsiveness to its user base.​

Alright, if you’ve made it this far with your jaw on the floor—surprise! While we’d all love to see some of these features in the future, the Gen 6 line described above is pure April Fools’ fun. Glock has always stayed true to its own proven design philosophy, and whether you love it as-is or dream of modular frames and grip angle tweaks, there’s no denying its track record of reliability. For now, we’ll keep dreaming—and maybe polishing our Gen 5s a little extra today.

Read the original story: Glock Unveils Revolutionary Gen 6 Pistols Addressing Long-Standing User Feedback