Dusting clay pigeons is a great way to spend time with your shooting buddies.

Most ranges probably have a trap range, a skeet range and maybe even a sporting clays set-up of some sort. But what about the casual day out at your backyard range? How do you get those clay pigeons sailing through the air so you can smoke them?

Today we’ll take a look at some options that will allow you and your shooting buds to set up a fun clays range for the afternoon.

Types of Throwers

There are really two main types of throwers available. Manual and automatic.

The manual throwers can be as simple as this MTM Clay Target Thrower. If you practice a bit and have someone with a decent arm, this option will work. However, for a better shooting experience let’s stick to the throwers with a spring activated throwing arm.

Manual throwers are classified as “full-cock” or “3/4-cock” mechanisms. The full-cock machines mean you have to manually pull the lever back to reset it against the full force of the spring.

On the other hand, the 3/4-cock machines have a gear or clutch mechanism that only lets the arm travel in one direction and the momentum of the arm partially cocks the machine so you have much less effort required to reset the machine.

Check out this video from Do All Outdoors showing how easy the 3/4-cock traps are to reset.

Got all that? Now we’ll go into the best clay throwers.

1. Do All Outdoors – Backyard Clayhawk 3/4-Cock Trap

This trap is a great entry level 3/4-cock thrower. It has a tripod-type base that can be staked to the ground or mounted on a piece of plywood something else to make it more stable.

The trap can launch clays up to 70 yards and is adjustable up and down and side to side. It can also be configured to launch rabbit targets. These are meant to mimic a bouncing, running rabbit and roll on their edge along the ground.

2. Trius One-Step Trap

If you can’t talk someone into some range time, the One-Step allows the shooter to launch clays and shoot by themselves. This is a full-cock thrower, so the reset effort is a bit more.

However, you can load singles or doubles and also launch high-angle clays. To launch the bird simply step on the lever to release the throwing arm.

3. Do All Full-Cock Competitor Trap

For $29 you can hardly go wrong with this basic trap. The trap allows you to launch singles, stacked doubles and or side-by-side doubles. Clays can be launched up to 55 yards with this little machine. I borrowed my brother-in-law’s Competitor to teach my nephew the basics of shotgun shooting.

By easing up the spring tension a bit you can slow the targets down and allow them to “float” a bit and get new shooters into the groove and learning how to engage moving targets. A great entry level trap.

Note: this trap needs to be staked securely or mounted to something heavy so it doesn’t jump around too much.

Automatic Throwers

When you’re ready to spend more time on the range and want speed up your shooting it’s time to look at getting an automatic trap. These traps will generally be powered by a 12-volt battery and allow you to load 50 or more clay targets in the magazine.

The trap is released remotely by a wired switch or a wireless set-up depending on the model. Most of the remote switches are designed to be foot operated so you can launch targets when shooting by yourself.

The coolest thing about automatic traps is that they are available with options that move side-to-side, up and down or both so you never know exactly how the target will be launched!

4. Champion WheelyBird 2.0

The WheelyBird 2.0 is the upgraded model of the WheelyBird – and the upgrades are nice! The cycle time is only 1.75 seconds and there is now a wireless remote and a foot pedal to allow for more variation and shooting angles.

Best of all, the WheelyBird 2.0 can launch targets up to 75 yards.

5. Do-All Outdoors Fowl Play Automatic Clay Pigeon Skeet Thrower Trap

The Fowl Play trap has a lot of great features for practicing your wing shooting skills. The trap will throw targets up to 55 yards and can be adjusted from 5 to 35 degrees of elevation.

To really add some challenge to your practice just bolt on the Adjustable Wobbler Kit. The Wobbler allows targets to launch from random left to right angles as well as changing the elevation. The Fowl Play trap comes with a 25 foot wired foot pedal, but a wireless upgrade is available.

This is a great thrower, to begin with, and the optional upgrades allow you to continue to improve over time.

What’s your take on it?

Closing Thoughts

If you are an aspiring wing-shooter having your own trap makes a lot of sense. As long as you have a safe area to practice these traps allow you to shoot anytime you want and will likely save you a fair amount of money over time.

If I were to purchase a manual trap today I’d definitely be looking at 3/4-cock models because of their ease of resetting.

I really like the Fowl Play automatic thrower from Do-All Outdoors because as a base model you get everything you need plus the option to upgrade and continue challenging your shooting abilities.

No matter which one you choose, you’re sure to have a blast every time the shooter yells “Pull!”.

Want more shotguns in your life? Check out our 5 Best Home-Defense Tactical Shotguns!

Do you shoot trap? What’s your favorite shotgun? Let us know in the comments! Then check out our Best Trap, Skeep, & Clay Shotguns.

If you’ve ever been around a hardcore freshwater bass angler, you’re probably well aware that eating bass is a huge taboo. Depending on the person, eating bass can be almost as offensive as insulting their religion.

Religious tendencies aside, you’ve also probably heard that bass are just no good to eat, or even that they’re “wormier” or “muddier” than other edible fish. These ideas keep most people from ever even trying bass, so the question remains: can you eat bass?

There are plenty of myths and taboos around eating bass, but in this article, I’m going to reveal the truth about it.

First things first: can you actually eat freshwater bass?

Both largemouth and smallmouth bass (the two most common black bass in North America) are in the sunfish family, the same family that includes crappie and bluegill. These two fish are some of the most popular food fish in the country, so it stands to reason that bass should be edible too.

It turns out that not only is bass perfectly edible, but it’s just as healthy and safe to eat as any other freshwater fish. Bass don’t contain any more parasites or toxins than any other predatory gamefish, and when properly cooked, pose no risk to human health. For more health stats and information about eating bass, check out this article from Livestrong.

The only potential health risk that comes from eating bass is mercury poisoning. Mercury slowly accumulates in the flesh of any predatory fish, so this isn’t a bass-specific risk, but it’s something to consider when choosing your meals. States put out fish consumption guidelines that will tell you which fish (and how much) are safe to eat. But generally, larger and older fish contain more mercury than smaller ones.

As for whether bass taste good, part of the problem is that both largemouth and smallmouth bass are some of the most adaptable gamefish in North America. They can live anywhere from cold, clean rivers to dirty, algae-covered city ponds.

The eating quality of an individual fish has a lot to do with where it lives, so their varied habitat means their taste and texture can vary a lot. But I can say from personal experience that bass that come from relatively cool, relatively clean water taste just as good as any crappie or perch I’ve ever eaten.

Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass prefer different water conditions, with smallies generally thriving in cooler, less weedy water, and largemouths preferring the opposite. This is a big part of the reason that people generally think smallmouth taste better than largemouth. It’s not a hard and fast rule, but in my experience, largemouth bass do tend to have softer meat and “fishier” flavor than smallmouth.

Whether or not you can eat bass doesn’t seem to matter; it’s no secret that most people just don’t.

You’ll hear people say that they don’t eat bass because they taste muddy, they’re wormy, or that they just prefer other fish. But in reality, many of these folks are just repeating what they’ve heard, and have never actually tried a bass themselves (and long ago, I used to be one of these people).

The real reason people don’t eat bass is because of a decades-long catch-and-release campaign. Bass are an extremely popular sport fish for their aggression and fight, but 100 years ago they weren’t as easy to find as they are today. Overfishing and unenforced laws led these once-abundant fish to the brink of extinction.

Laws were enacted to protect them, but a huge part of the resurgence of freshwater bass is because of a widespread effort to change the culture around bass fishing. Anglers shifted the focus from food to fun, framing the bass as a fish that’s more fun to catch than it is to eat.

The campaign worked, and this idea still prevails in modern bass fishing culture. It’s a great story of conservation success, but the ideas that were popularized then don’t necessarily apply today.

There was a time when bass were more valuable if you released them, because eating them meant contributing to their downfall.

But I’m about to make a bold statement: if you want to catch bigger bass in your local lake, you should eat more bass. Eating more of the fish that you want to catch may seem counterintuitive, but hear me out on this one.

Fish aren’t like people, whose genetics ultimately determine how big they will grow. In the wild, they aren’t limited by genetics like we are; they’re limited by biomass.

Biomass is the total weight of the fish in a body of water. The amount of fish food that’s available in a body of water is what determines biomass, so lakes and rivers all have a unique biomass maximum that limits how much fish they can support.

The thing about fish biomass is that all that matters is the total weight of all the fish in the lake combined. A population of ten 5-pound fish has the same biomass as 50 one-pound fish. That doesn’t make much difference to the ecosystem, and both lakes would have “stable” populations of fish. But if a couple of those smaller fish are removed, then the rest of the fish have enough food to grow bigger.

Of course, there are a ton of factors at play. But the idea that you should release every bass you catch because “it’ll be bigger next year” just isn’t true. Removing a small bass and eating it leaves more food around for the rest of them (and more food on your dinner plate, too). And some of those bass might just get big enough to be your next personal best.

I mentioned above that smallmouth tend to be better tasting than largemouth, and that fish from cold, clean lakes or rivers are better in general as well.

Another thing to consider is size. Larger fish are usually mushier and fishier, so selecting small to medium-sized fish is the way to go. When keeping a bass for the dinner table, 12-15 inch fish are perfect. That’s the happy medium between being big enough to be worth eating without being so big that they taste bad.

Eating small fish also makes sense for population management. Studies have shown that in almost all fish species, large, old females actually produce more eggs per pound of body weight than smaller and younger ones. Leaving the old breeders around keeps the most productive fish in the water, and solid genetics will get passed on to the next generation.

Removing more small fish also leaves more food around for the big ones. It may seem insignificant, but minor changes to an ecosystem can have a big impact. So if you want to have the best chance at a new personal best, taking and eating a few small bass now and then only helps your cause.

The story of freshwater bass is a story of a huge conservation success. Black bass were pushed to the brink, and catch-and-release culture helped their populations become healthy and thrive again.

But bass are delicious and safe to eat, and their thriving populations mean there’s just no reason we can’t utilize this awesome natural resource. And in the process, we might just help create the next fish of a lifetime.

North American native mountain lions are great predators in the United States; their population is approximately 30,000. The big game mountain lion has many other names such as cougar, panther, puma, catamount, etc.

Pc: Unsplash

It is one of the big challenging games in North America and is often regarded as America’s lion. You can visit our blog, The Challenging Big Game-Cougar, to know more about cougar hunting and behavior.

This blog is about the population and distribution of mountain lions in different states of the United States of America. Before discussing which states are best for mountain lion hunting, you must know about

When and Where to Hunt Mountain Lion:

The cougar hunting season starts in August and lasts till February.

Cougar has a broader range of habitats and is present in open lands, steep canyons, forests, and deserts.

Best Mountain Lion Hunting States:

Here is a list of the best states for mountain lions hunting,

• Arizona
• Idaho
• California
• Colorado
• New Mexico
• Montana
• Wyoming
• Utah

Arizona:

Grand Canyon State has 2,000-3,000 mountain lions, which are present in the rocky areas, so most of the hunting is done on dry land. Be sure that you take highly trained dogs with you. In Arizona, the mountain lion hunting season runs year around.

Pc: Unsplash

Arizona has specific rules for cougar hunting that you can’t hunt kittens and females, and the bag limit is no more than one cougar per day.

Idaho:

Idaho has a widespread population of about 2,000 mountain lions, and this state is known to have more liberal laws than all the western states. The annual hunting limit is 400-600. The season starts in August and ends in June or March, depending upon the unit.

Electronic calls and hound hunting is legal in this area, but they might close for some time in specific areas.

California:

The state with one of the largest mountain lion populations. In the 1970s, California wildlife management declared mountain lions endangered, but now, due to efforts like controlled hunting, California has 4,000 to 6,000 mountain lions.

Colorado:

Colorado is the prime mountain lion state, with a population of 3,000 to 8,000. The state is the perfect habitat for this ferocious predator. A pro tip to make the best of the mountain lion in Colorado is first to check the rocky mountains regions.

Pc: Pexels

The cougar hunting season in Colorado starts in November, but for hunting mountain lions, you must fulfill specific standards set by Colorado wildlife management; you must pass a mountain lion hunting test, an online course, and an educational card and habitat stamp is also necessary.

New Mexico:

New Mexico only allows controlled hunting practices to protect mountain lions; the state has approximately 4,000 mountain lion populations that thrive in the hilly regions of the state.

Pc: Pixabay

The state allows electronic calls and hounds hunting, and the season runs round the year till the quota meets. Remember that your tag expires every March, and you have to renew it before going to the hunting areas.

Montana:

Montana mountain lion hunting season starts in September but makes sure you apply for the permit in August. The state wildlife department makes it clear that the state is suitable habitat for mountain lions, so they are widely spread all over the state, and the approximate population of cougars in Montana is 2,000 to 3,000.

Wyoming:

There was a time when the Wyoming mountain lion population was stable, but now the population has dropped. The state wildlife management is trying to control hunting till the population becomes stable again.

Pc: Pixabay

The best season runs from September to March and the best time to hunt is one hour before sunset and one hour after sunset.

Utah:

The state allows restricted and limited hunting and has a population of about 25,00 mountain lions. The mountainous regions, as well as swamp areas, are the preferred habitats of cougars. Legal mountain lion hunting season in Utah starts in November and runs till May.

Pack your hunting essentials and select the state as suitable for you to apply for a permit and enjoy the big game mountain lion hunt.

If you’re doing any kind of precision long-range shooting with your AR, you’re probably going to be shooting from a bench rest or a prone position…more so the latter if you’re really trying to reach out and touch something far away.

I’ve gone through several bipods, from the cheap to the “guess I’ll just skip eating this month,” so I like to think I have a pretty good idea of what to look for in a bipod, particularly one for an AR-15.

What makes a good AR-15 bipod?

Well, for me, an AR bipod and a bipod for a bolt gun are pretty similar, but there are a few considerations for an AR bipod that make certain ones slightly better than others.

Let’s talk about what makes a good AR-15 bipod and what bipods you should be looking at if you’re interested in shooting with one.

THE QUICK LIST

Why a Bipod in the First Place?

Shooting off bags or with a ransom rest is great and all, but good luck hauling those around if you’re hunting, participating in action shooting sports, or, worse, actual combat.

A bipod, when appropriately used, gives you a lot more stability than trying to shoot free-hand, and it attaches directly to your rifle, so you don’t have anything else to lug around — though it does add some weight to the front end.

What Makes a Good Bipod?

Let’s talk about some of the considerations when choosing a bipod for your AR-15.

Find Something that Matches Your Caliber

Like a lot of things, the best bipod for you depends on your application. If you’re shooting a big .50 cal, you’re going to need something extremely robust and sturdy.

If you’re shooting a lightweight .22 target rifle, you still need something that will give you a stable shooting platform, but you can get by with something a little less robust.

Most AR-15s are fairly light in the recoil department, and you’re likely to be moving around with it unless you’re just doing some target shooting at the range, so you are best with something lighter if you can get it.

As with most things, you get what you pay for, so if you think you can get by with a $50 airsoft bipod on your expensive precision rifle, you are sadly mistaken.

This segues nicely into the next big consideration…

Durability of the Bipod

Your bipod is going to undergo a lot of stress between the recoil and supporting the forward load you put on it to control said recoil.

Because of these stresses, we want a bipod that is going to stand up to repeated use and abuse. Now, if you’re looking for a rifle you shoot twice a year, you can skimp a little here. If you’re looking to hunt or compete with your bipod or plan on target shooting a lot, buy once, cry once.

Go with a nicer one. It’ll save you money in the long run when your cheapo knockoff doesn’t lock in place anymore.

Height of the Bipod

Height is another thing you need to choose based on your specific circumstances.

For one thing, the bipod needs to be able to reach a height that is comfortable and appropriate for the shooter. It’s absolutely possible for a bipod to be too low.

Most bipods have legs that adjust from 6 to 9 inches, which is a pretty standard height, but I personally like legs that go up to at least 15 inches to accommodate a broader range of shooting positions and angles.

Other Features

Some other little quality-of-life things are worth considering as well.

Bipod Feet

Are you mostly shooting on hard-packed dirt in the desert, or are you hunting over mostly soft-ish ground? Are you shooting off barricades and obstacles? Maybe you’re using the side of your deer stand or a tree limb most of the time.

There are specialized feet that excel on all these different terrain types and in these situations. I like a bipod with interchangeable feet so I can have whatever I need when I need it, but in general, I’d say go with a more aggressive foot than you think you’ll need.

Soft surfaces are stable surfaces, and hard-packed turf can cause your rifle to bounce more under recoil, which can make your follow-through and follow-up shots more difficult.

In general, your sights should stay on target through the recoil impulse, so if you find your crosshairs way off after a shot, there’s a chance your bipod isn’t gripping and is bouncing off the surface.

This is why we push forward to “load” the bipod, which is made easier with a more aggressive foot that grips the ground or other surfaces better than a smooth rubber one.

Notched Legs

This isn’t strictly necessary but notched or otherwise marked legs that let you get a really precise level are nice. These are also nice if you regularly shoot from the same bench and want to have a consistent height.

Pan and Tilt

A bipod that can pan left and right and tilt up and down is great for folks that may need to track a moving target, or otherwise have a large area they need to cover.

It’s not strictly necessary if you’re, for example, target shooting or even doing something like 3-Gun where you’re generally going to be shooting in one direction for safety purposes.

Attachment Method

Many bipods come ready to attach to the forward sling swivel on a bolt gun, which is something your AR probably doesn’t have, so may sure either you get one that works with your handguard, or you get an adapter that has a sling swivel for the other style.

Generally, a Picatinny mount with a QD lever is the way to go.

Best Rifle Bipods

Alright, with the criteria out of the way, let’s look at some recommendations. These are generally going to be for brands or particular lines rather than specific bipods because you’ll need to choose the one that meets your particular needs.

1. Harris Engineering Bipods

Harris bipods are perfect for those on a budget, especially since your AR isn’t going to put the stress on it that a larger caliber would.

I like the Harris 1A2-LM in particular because of its lightweight and easy-on-the-wallet price tag. If you’re looking to give this bipod thing a try, this is the perfect entry-level bipod in my mind.

They can regularly be found on sale in the $60 range, which is quite good for the quality and very good when you consider that some high-end bipods (that we’ll get to in a minute) can easily hit ten times that price.

2. Atlas Bipods

My preferred flavor of bipod comes from Atlas, and I will fill you in on why.

I’ve dragged mine through dirt, and mud, lost it off the side of a boat for about 15 minutes (no, it wasn’t my fault, yes I was furious), and generally abused it and never had a problem.

They are north of $200, but that’s actually pretty cheap compared to some of the really high-end bipods out there.

I’ve used this bipod on a .300 Win Mag rifle with no problems, so I can comfortably say it’s as bomb-proof as you can get at this price point, and it doesn’t bounce under heavy recoil.

It also has a really solid height adjustment and a wide variety of OEM and aftermarket feet you can easily swap out to suit your personal preference.

What’s your take on the Atlas? Rate it below!

3. GG&G Bipods

GG&G is another middle-of-the-road bipod option that is also good in this price range and is also made in the U.S., like Atlas bipods.

I include this one because I’ve heard such good things about it from other serious shooters.

You can get a GG&G bipod for about the same price as a base model Atlas, but when you start looking at higher-end Atlas offerings, the price difference might come into play.

In general, I’d say go for either one, depending on which one is cheaper and how important some of that Atlas line’s extra features are.

4. Elite Iron Rev Lution Bipod

Are you one of those “overkill is underrated” types? Me too.

If you want a bomb-proof bipod that you can also use as a club once you run out of ammo, the Elite Iron Rev Lution is where you should look.

This is the bipod I’d buy if I needed just one to move from rifle to rifle with the confidence that it could handle anything from a .22 LR to .408 (no that’s not a typo).

Its extended legs can rotate 360 degrees within the mount, and thus you can get away with all manner of angles and configurations.

All-steel construction features no exposed springs, and an easy-locking will let you have a rock-steady shooting platform, even at weird angles.

The only downsides are the price ($600+) and the weight at 34 ounces, but if you’re looking for one bipod to do it all, this is the one.

5. MDT CKYE-POD Gen 2 Bipod

The MDT CKYE-POD might be the premier bipod on the market. I can’t think of one better than the CKYE-POD if you are a professional shooter who needs a top-tier match bipod.

MDT designed the bipod to be easily adjustable with a single hand to allow positive control over the rifle as the bipod is deployed and put into action.

Adjusting the CKYE-POD’s leg height can be done with a single hand without much challenge. It’s quick, simple, and allows for broad adjustments.

On the standard model, adjustments range from 4.5 inches to fairly tall 15.5 inches. The height of the legs can also be adjusted independently of each other.

With 170 degrees of cant and 360 degrees of pan, your ability to move the rifle from target to target is unparalleled. There is also a pan-free version if you don’t care for the pan feature.

There is a separate tension adjustment for both pan and cant, and you can also swap the feet to best fit your shooting environment.

It comes in either left or right-handed designs, so even you wrong-handers can feel at home.

On top of all the fancy features, the CKYE-POD also featured a rugged design. It is made to last and refined with a tumble deburring process for smooth and easy operation.

6. Spartan Precision Equipment Valhalla Rifle Bipod

This lightweight, high-tech bipod is designed with input for Norwegian special operations, earning it the Valhalla namesake.

It uses a rather ingenious and unique attachment system. You attach an included adapter, be it M-LOK or Picatinny, and then attach the bipod to the adapter.

This allows you to quickly remove and attach the bipod on the fly. Bipods are great when you need them, but when you don’t, they are boat anchors that unbalance your rifle.

After you remove the bipod, you are left with an adapter that weighs a few ounces at most, making it much easier to handle or store your rifle.

The Valhalla features 7075 construction with a hard-anodized finish. The feet feature tungsten carbide tips with textured synthetic slip-on ‘boots’ to accommodate multiple environments.

Spartan Precision designed the legs to be easily adjustable with a single hand, and they are spring-loaded for rapid deployment.

It’s a bipod designed for hunting, competition, and tactical shooting. It’s one of the most modular bipod platforms on the planet, and if you prefer that flexibility, this is the route to take.

7. Magpul Bipod

Magpul does a great job of delivering a product, and they did so again with their newly released bipods. These are half polymer and half Aluminum, meaning they are robust and lightweight.

Available in M-LOK, A.R.M.S. 17S, and Picatinny rail mounting options and in both Black and FDE colors — it’s fairly easy to find the right one for your rifle and tastes.

Adjustable between 6.3 and 10.3 inches gives most people the height options they need without adding undue weight to the system.

Weighing in at only 11 ounces also puts it at a fairly low weight comparatively, making it easy to hike and move with.

The feet aren’t our favorite we’ve used, but they do a good enough job on most surfaces and are durable even on ragged rock.

Plus, it’s got a nice clean look to it.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of great AR-15 bipod options out there. Hopefully, this has given you some ideas about what makes a good bipod, how to choose, and some good places to start your search.

What do you think of these bipods? Do you have a favorite? Be sure to let us know in the comments below! Going to be shooting prone often? Check out our article on the 5 Best Shooting Mats!

It’s officially the spring season! With beautiful weather outside people are trying to find different ways to get in some fresh air and exercise. Hiking is perfect for those who want to soak in the sun and get their bodies moving!

But heading out in the woods with the wrong hiking clothes can ruin your fun! Everyone knows you need a good hiking boot or hiking shoe, good socks, and a comfortable pack, but what about your shirt? The best hiking shirts are the ones that minimize friction, don’t restrict your movement, and feel great on your skin. It’s important to choose hiking clothes carefully because there are so many choices available on the outdoor apparel market. The key features to look for in hiking shirts are moisture management, odor control, and temperature regulation. All of these features can be paired with the best material, and you will be all set to start your hiking expedition!

So what is the best material for hiking shirts? Keep reading to discover the best material, top picks of the year, and a buyer’s guide before making your purchase!

Materials on the Market

When you walk into any outdoor clothing store, you will find a plethora of selections for hiking shirts, and it can get confusing! What is the best material, and how can you tell? Let’s break down each popular material for you:

Cotton material:

This fabric is simply not suited for hiking. A cotton shirt can stop your sweat from escaping in warm weather. If it gets wet, it will continue to stay wet for a very long time, causing discomfort while you are on the move. Although it may seem like a good idea to grab your go-to cotton t-shirt to hike in, it’s best to avoid that option if possible.

Pros:– When hiking in a desert, the wet fabric can give cool relief

Cons:– Prevents sweat from escaping- Not efficient at wicking and drying- Will make you feel clammy and sticky- Will lock in odor- Does not dry easily- Can cause chafing

Synthetic material:

Polyester and synthetic fabrics are popular choices for hikers. They are usually relatively affordable and the most common material you will find at outdoor clothing stores. Synthetic material is known for its moisture-combatting qualities, so if your shirt gets wet, it will dry quickly! The only problem with synthetic material is that if your shirt catches body odor, chances are it’s going to continue to stink until you throw it in the wash.Pros:– Affordable and popular- Great at wicking moisture- Does not hold water- Blocks UV raysCons:– Catches bad odors quickly- Does not provide warmth when wet- Production of synthetic fabrics has a negative ecological impact

Blend-material:

A hiking shirt with a blend material means a mix of nylon and spandex. These blend materials in a hiking shirt are usually more flexible than polyester and cotton and use thin, flexible, and soft material. If what you’re searching for is something that is fitted and will move with your body while hiking, a shirt that has a higher blend is what you need! The only downfall of blend materials is that it doesn’t have strong odor control and carries any bad odor until you wash it.Pros:– Flexible and moves with the body- Usually comes fitted- Does not absorb water/sweatCons:– Not breathable material- Usually does not have odor control

Merino Wool material:

This hiking shirt material is the clear winner when you consider all of the choices. Merino wool material is known for its highly breathable qualities and keeping moisture from locking in. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and usually elastic. This fabric has natural antimicrobial traits that will help prevent odors from accumulating. The main concern for most about merino wool is the fact that it’s the most expensive. If you’re seriously considering hiking regularly, merino wool hiking shirts will most definitely be a great investment for you.Pros:– Very breathable- Naturally antimicrobial- Moisture-wicking- Odour control- Temperature control- Provides warmth when wet- UV Protection

Cons:– Expensive- Takes a long time to try- Controversy over how wool is obtained

Top Picks

We’ve scoured the web to find the top hiking shirt picks of 2021. It will include two of each of the materials (except cotton) stated above.

Best Synthetic

1. Columbia Zero Rules Tee

Fabric: PolyesterAntimicrobial: YesUPF Rating: 30This short-sleeve hiking shirt has a classic fit and comfortable stretch. It has built-in blue rings that react with perspiration to lower the fabric temperature. Along with the cooling technology, it has sun protection. Available in multiple colors.

2. Arc’Teryx Men’s Motus

Fabric: PolyesterAntimicrobial: YesThis crew base-layer hiking shirt is a comfortable garment designed for high performance. Although on the pricier end of the spectrum, it is comfortable on the skin, quick to wick away moisture, and adds warmth to your body. It’s popular and usually sold out, but if that’s the case, you can check out other hiking shirts under this brand – all excellent selections.

Best Blend

1. ExOfficio Bugs Away Breez’r

Fabric: NylonAntimicrobial: NoUPF Rating: 30Additional: Insect shield technologyThis hiking shirt is a long-sleeve button front. It has built-in Insect Shield technology and flow-thru ventilation, which will keep you cool and prevent odor! Since it does guarantee to repel bugs, it does run on the pricier side. Available in a few different colors.

2. Columbia Silver Ridge

Fabric: NylonMicrobial: YesUPF Rating: 40This long-sleeve, button-front hiking shirt is great at moisture-wicking and rapidly evaporating any perspiration. With the button up, it has convenient venting and has an antimicrobial treatment to prevent bacteria growth – all for a relatively affordable price. You can check out their Silver Ridge collection for shirts for men and women, with varying designs!

Best Merino Wool

1. Icebreaker Merino Oasis Crewe

Fabric: Merino WoolMicrobial: YesUPF Rating:This long-sleeve crew hiking shirt uses 100% merino wool which is very breathable and good for all climates. It’s a base layer by design but can also be worn alone in hot weather. Available in a few different models, colors, and styles.

2. Smartwool Merino 150

Fabric: 87% Merino Wool, 13% NylonAntimicrobial: YesUPF Rating: 20This short-sleeve hiking shirt is a mix of merino wool and nylon, built for longevity and comfort. It uses a flatlock seam on the shoulder area and sides, which prevents any chafing from backpack straps. The merino wool naturally wicks away moisture and prevents odor and bacteria growth. Available in multiple colors and designs.

Difference Between a Hiking Shirt and a Regular T-Shirt

So what is the big deal? Is there a difference between hiking shirts and regular shirts?

Yes, there is a big difference.Hiking shirts have multiple technological features that are simply not present in regular t-shirts. The most effective hiking shirts usually use fabrics like merino wool or polyester because of their moisture-wicking and quick-drying tendencies. Regular t-shirts simply don’t offer this kind of technology to account for a comfortable hiking trip.If you’re going to opt for a regular cotton t-shirt the next time you go hiking, don’t expect the same comfort and performance as a hiking shirt. It simply does not compare!

#1 Design Feature to Look For

There are a few design features on shirts that make for the best hiking experience. But the most sought-after design that will increase the comfort and fit on your body is a flatlock seam.

These seams are made by putting two pieces of fabric beside each other and sewing the raw edges directly together. Flatlock seams are discreet and help prevent unnecessary chafing. Without these seams, hiking shirts would be too bulky and uncomfortable to wear for long periods.

Flatlock seams also help reduce the rubbing of backpack straps on shoulders. This feature allows for an overall great fit and flexibility, allowing you to have more pleasurable hiking adventures!

Buyer’s Guide

Before making your hiking shirt purchase, there are a few more things to consider. On top of selecting the right material for your hiking needs, other features will help you narrow down the perfect pick!

So what are some things to consider before buying a new hiking shirt?

1. Shirt Style

There are three common hiking shirt styles. It’s important to consider which one of the three will suit your hiking needs. There are short-sleeves, long-sleeves, and button-shirts.Short sleeve hiking shirts are a great choice for warm-hot temperatures and can even be used as a base layer for extra warmth under other pieces of clothing, meaning you can wear them both in summer and winter during your hiking expeditions.

A long-sleeve hiking shirt is a good choice to protect your arms from the sun during summertime hiking, keep you warm during winter hiking or protect your arms when trekking through bushes. The sleeves will give you extra warmth, and if it ever gets too hot, you can always roll them up!Button shirts are popular and the most flexible. It’s a good pick for temperature control and sun protection. When it gets too hot, it’s easy to unbutton the front of your shirt to cool your body down. The collar of a button-shirt can also serve as an added sun protectant when you pull your collar up over your neck.Opt for the type of shirt that will benefit your hiking demands. Since there are so many on the market, it all boils down to personal preference.

2. Sun Protection

Since hiking involves exposure to the sun, it’s important to consider your hiking shirt’s level of protection against UV rays. If you know you’re going to be under the sun, go for a shirt that is UPF 30 or higher. The higher the UPF, the better protection against UV radiation. If a hiking shirt has a UPF rating of less than 15, it is not providing any protection.Polyester and synthetic materials usually block UV rays. Pay close attention to their UPF rating before you make your selection. But merino wool naturally protects against the sun, again, making it worth what you pay!Although merino wool is the best material for hiking shirts, if sun protection is important to you, choose a shirt that’s rated higher than UPF 30!

3. Comfort

Being comfortable while on the move is so important. When considering which hiking shirt to buy, make sure you feel comfortable because you will be wearing it for a long time, sometimes under extreme weather.

A merino wool shirt is the best choice because it is lightweight and elastic. It will feel flexible on your body and easy to move. These shirts tend to be more fitted. Fitted styles move with you, while looser shirts give you more airflow. So choose a style that you feel the most comfortable in. One tip – try on the shirt first… if you don’t feel comfortable, don’t buy it!

The comfort of your shirt while piling on layers or even a backpack is almost important to consider. It’s typically agreed that some nylon blend materials feel uncomfortable on the skin when it brushes with a backpack, so think about that as well if you’re planning to carry a bag on your shoulders.

4. Wicking Properties

Wicking is a material’s ability to control the humidity level. A good hiking shirt will wick away moisture from your body and helps with evaporating any water or perspiration, an important factor to consider when purchasing a new hiking shirt.While polyester and nylon materials are good at moisture wicking, it’s agreed that merino wool is one of the best with wicking properties. It does a good job at transporting sweat and moisture away from your body as vapor.

5. Antimicrobial Properties

When hiking for longer periods, wearing a shirt that has antimicrobial properties is vital. It helps keep your body and shirt smelling fresh and helps prolong the life of the material. Effective antimicrobial fabric will fight off microorganisms and bacteria while promoting moisture movement, giving you an overall pleasurable experience hiking.

Some synthetic material shirts use anti-odor technology, so if that is important to keep that in mind when picking your shirt. The best material in terms of antimicrobial agents is, you guessed it, merino wool! Merino wool is naturally antimicrobial and will naturally fight off bacteria, keeping you and your shirt smelling clean for longer.

6. Odor Resistant

First-time hikers may not think of this particular feature until it’s too late. Cheap hiking shirts don’t have any anti-odor technology which aims to evaporate sweat and odor instantly. Purchasing a shirt that is not odor-resistant will result in an uncomfortable hiking experience.

So try to pay attention to all the features listed when you’re making your purchase. Any anti-odor technology will benefit your entire experience – especially if hiking in hot climates!

7. Durability

The durability of a hiking shirt means the ability to withstand any wear, pressure, or damage. Choosing a hiking shirt with excellent moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties will help keep the longevity of it.Read up on how to wash and dry the shirt before making the purchase. The durability of a piece of garment lies in how you care for it after each use.

As you can tell, there are quite a few things to consider before buying a hiking shirt. Most tend to buy the most affordable or popular option without giving features a second thought. The features mentioned in this buyer’s guide may or may not be important to you. But what is important is narrowing down on the features that matter, thus helping you choose the best hiking shirt for you!

Final Verdict

Hiking shirts are usually lightweight so that they can be used as a base layer in cold climates and alone in warm climates. Having a shirt with a thin build ensures airflow through the fabric and prevents too much perspiration.

When you are looking for a good hiking shirt, you ideally want it to meet all the criteria stated above in the buyer’s guide. The best hiking shirt material should be able to check all of them off. The reality is that you’re going to have to compromise on one or more if you’re trying to prioritize one property over others.

The best material that certainly meets most of the important properties is Merino Wool. The only real downfall of merino wool is that it’s quite expensive. It would be an investment, seeing as it will last a long time and has so much more pros than any of the other material available on the market.Choosing the best hiking shirt for you, whether you’re going on a short hike or a long expedition, will keep you feeling comfortable and energetic. Wearing a shirt that doesn’t get wet easily, blocks odor, keeps you warm, has good ventilation, and is comfortable on the skin will ensure happy hiking adventures! So choose wisely and enjoy!

Have you tried any of the materials stated in this article? Which material would you want to buy next?

What’s the most diverse group of guns in use by the world’s military forces?

It’s not rifles, or machine guns, or submachine guns, or even shotguns. Most successful long-gun fall into just a few different designs.

When you see oddball service rifles, you often see them plagued by issues of all kinds I.E. the INSAS, the FAMAS, the SA-80, and even the G36 have all had their problems.

The most diverse group of military weapons are handguns, aka sidearms. Even within certain countries, pistols can be diversely issued depending on the unit and mission.

Sometimes pistols are such a second thought they are a mishmash of different guns.

For example, see Israel at the near end of this list. Another challenge is how countries outside of Western Europe equip their military forces. In the Western World, there is a big move towards standardization that’s not present with other countries.

Several countries also don’t put out a press release when they purchase or adopt a new handgun, making it difficult to verify the information.

To be entirely fair, sidearms are just a step above bayonets on the necessity of military equipment priorities. Most countries issue them in small numbers to officers and specialists.

I put my best foot forward to come up with a comprehensive list of the sidearms from around the world. It was a little harder than I initially thought, but the research was still fascinating and fun.

With all this in mind, I’ve tried my hardest to verify the issuance of every firearm on this list. I set my parameters to general issue sidearms.

Some Special ops teams may use something different than the standard forces, and trying to catalog these weapons along with general sidearms would take several articles.

For example, the United States military alone issues the Beretta M9, the M17/18, the MEU/SOC 1911, the SIG P226, the M11A1, the P229R, the Glock 34, Glock 17, Glock 19, Glock 22, and many more we’ve likely never seen. It’s much more reasonable to focus on the general issue sidearms of these military forces.

Since several military forces have adopted the same gun, we’ll group those together to simplify things.

1. United States – SIG P320 Designated the M17/18

I was lucky enough to be at SHOT Show when it was announced that the SIG P320 would be adopted for military service with the U.S. Army. Needless to say, the folks at the SIG booth were quite excited.

The P320, designated the M17 and M18, was adopted in 9mm in full size (M17) and compact (M18) variants. The M17/18 series are quite advanced for military sidearms and feature red dot optics compatibility. Although red dots have not been issued as far as I know.

Like the P320 the ability exists to move the serialized fire control group to different grip modules. The military is quite strict with serial numbers and if the military allows the issued troop to choose a grip module they could get a gun that fits them. One size fits all is rarely a good idea.

Of course, the U.S. Military is nanny like and included a manual safety. In reality, more training would be more beneficial than a manual safety, but who am I to judge big army.

The M17 has since been adopted by the Air Force, the Navy, and the Marines. The M17 is currently being issued to combat arms units first in the U.S. Army. The Army plans to replace every M9 within ten years with an M17/18.

2. Commonwealth Club – The Browning Hi-Power

Canada, Australia, Bahrain, India, Thailand

The Browning Hi-Power is the European 1911.

What I mean by that is its popularity and longevity in military service. The Hi-Power has been used by just about everybody and in only the last few years have more modern designs replaced it.

The Hi-Power was one of the first high capacity 9mms that entered regular service. It’s a single action only weapon with a manual safety and a 13 round magazine. The Hi-Power is a beautiful gun that is robust and reliable.

It’s close to 100 years old and is still seeing war.

It’s one of the few guns to see action on both sides of WW2 in service with numerous Allied Forces, including the British, and in the hands of Germans. The Hi-Power is an excellent firearm and was a final fitting design for John Browning.

Its legacy of service across the world is nearly unmatched. Much like the sun never sets on the British empire, the sun doesn’t set on the Hi-Power. While it’s been produced mostly in Europe, the gun is also widely built in South American factories as well.

It’s been heavily used in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America. From imported goods to domestic production copies, the Hi-Power is a legend in small arms design.

It’s currently the issued sidearm of Commonwealth countries like Canada and Australia, and as far out as India and Thailand.

3. 20+ Nations – The Glock 17, 19, and 34.

The United Kingdom, Sweden, Austria, Finland, Malaysia, Mexico (Navy), Montenegro, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Switzerland, Yemen, Venezuela, Uruguay, India, and many more.

It would seemingly be easier to make a list of countries the Glock 9mm series doesn’t serve in. The weapon seems to be everywhere in the world.

Why not? The 9mm Glocks are the flagship of their handguns, and the only difference between the 17, 19, and 34 is barrel and grip length.

Glock 9mm pistols are legendary for their rugged and reliable design. These superbly simple guns work, and keep working. On top of that, Glock has logistics nailed with supplies and spare parts out the yin yang.

Generation wise it appears that Gen 3 and Gen 4 models are the most popular variants in the military market. The Glock series also seems to be the most popular choice in countries where Spec Ops have more leeway in choosing a handgun.

The Glock series of firearms are popular the world over for a good reason. They are accurate, easy to use, highly reliable, lightweight, and cheap. The price Glock sells their guns to Police Forces is criminally low, and I imagine the price for military forces is even smaller.

Penny pinchers often give a big say when it comes to new guns, and price always matters. Glock makes their weapons affordable while being high quality. As far as military sidearms go the Glock 17 will likely remain the most popular choice for some time to come.

If you want to get your own Glock, you should take a look at some of these articles:

• Best Glock (All Sizes & Calibers)
• Best 9mm Glock
• Best Glock Upgrades

4. Germany, Ireland, Greece, and Spain – The HK U.S.P.

I love the HK U.S.P. It’s one of my favorite DA/SA guns, and that’s saying a lot. The U.S.P., or universal self-loading pistol, is Heckler and Koch’s premier handgun design.

It’s a fascinating gun and while 9mm is the chosen NATO cartridge the USP was one of the first guns built around the 40 S&W. The gun was also chambered in 357 SIG, and later 45 A.C.P.

The U.S.P. stood apart from other polymer-frame guns of the time due to its mechanical recoil reduction system. This system is implemented with a heavy captive coil spring around the guide rod that reduced the force of the slide slinging rearward.

This buffers recoil by up to 30% according to H.K. The U.S.P. came to be because of the Offensive Handgun Weapon System, where it was tested alongside prototypes of the Mk 23 Mod 0. From the very beginning the gun was always meant to be a service pistol.

As a service weapon, it has been adopted by at least four countries as the general issue sidearm. In several more countries, it serves as a pistol for Special Operations units. Plus the U.S.P. C. is Jack Bauer’s gun of choice.

5. The French – M.A.C. Mle 50 and PAMAS G1

I’m not picking on the French, but any look into their current small arms will find them lacking. Their military is often ignored and their weapons are often quite old. There are two current service pistols in use, and neither is a new design.

First we have the ancient, but domestically designed M.A.C. Mle 50 and then the PAMAS G1. The PAMAS G1 is a licensed clone of the Beretta 92F and is built in France.

The 30-year-old G1 was supposed to replace the MAC Mle 50, but it seems the process has been moving along very slowly. They are looking to now replace both pistols as of March 2019.

The M.A.C. Mle 50 is a product of its time, and as a gun designed in 1950, that means it’s a single stack 9mm with nine rounds and a single-action design. It uses the Browning system like a Hi-Power and has an integral barrel feed ramp.

The M.A.C. 50 is a stout little gun that’s known for its durability, clearly, since it’s been around for nearly 70 years now.

The PAMAS G1 is a clone of the Beretta 92F made in France. There are a few differences between the PAMAS G1 and Beretta 92F. The G1 has a decocking lever only, and apparently, the French steel is more brittle.

Since it’s a 92F, it lacks the enlarged hammer axis pin that prevents the slide from accidentally leaving the gun and hitting the operator in the face. However, there is some speculation this was initially caused by +P+ ammo.

The French will likely adopt a Glock pistol, but until then, the M.A.C. and PAMAS are chugging along. The PAMAS is certainly a step up from the MAC, but both are likely well past their service life.

6. South Korea – The Daewoo K5

South Korea has a robust and well established domestic arms production history. Rather than just relying on the U.S., the Daewoo brand has produced most of South Korea’s military firearms.

The Daewoo K5 is an innovative and exciting firearm design that has served the Koreans since 1989.

The Daewoo K5 is a DA/SA pistol with a hammer, made on metal frame and is chambered in 9mm. The Daewoo K5 holds 15 rounds of 9mm, and in 1989 was quite high tech. It’s slightly dated now, but still an excellent combat pistol.

The K5 features an unusual trigger mechanism, sometimes called Triple action or Double action +. It’s quite similar to the P99, except with an actual hammer-fired handgun. The K5’s hammer can be decoked, while still maintaining mainspring compression.

The end result is a trigger pull with the length of a double-action trigger, but the weight of a single-action design. In the states, the Lionheart imported pistol had the same innovative feature. The K5 is a fascinating gun, and in 1989 showed a lot of innovative thought from Daewoo and South Korea.

Daewoo is an interesting company. They make everything from TVs to Cars, and handguns and assault rifles. If you need a slow, fuel-efficient car and a machine gun, call Daewoo.

7. China – Type 92

The Type 92, aka the QSZ-92, is China’s primary service sidearm. This recoil-operated, locked-breech pistol has a rotating barrel locking system like the Beretta PX4 series. This rotating barrel setup is supposed to improve reliability and decrease recoil.

This is an interesting little gun, and it was ahead of its time.

The Type 92 was designed in 1994 and featured a detachable steel frame that holds the fire control group. This sits in the plastic grip and acts very much like a SIG P320’s FCU. The frame can be removed and moved into different sized frames and grip designs.

Whether or not this was ever done remains to be seen. The gun is also chambered in the very odd 5.8x21mm round. This was China’s variant of the 5.7 and was designed to defeat soft armor.

It holds 20 rounds of the 5.8×21 round in a double-stack magazine and has a combination safety/decocker. It’s a DA/SA design and is issued lightly among Chinese forces.

9mm variants also exist for export… for reasons.

I’m betting the 5.8 round handles a lot like the 5.7, and it’s a shame we can’t find out for ourselves.

8. Russia – Makarov, and MP-443

Russian is a weird country for small arms.

Admittedly they are much more focused on their rifles than their handguns. That’s why the Makarov pistol is still around and kicking in use by their military forces. This Great Value brand Walther PP has been serving since 1951.

It’s a blowback-operated design that’s very compact for a service pistol. When your handgun is more or less used for executing traitors and subjugating people, I guess size doesn’t matter. The Makarov had a capacity of 8 rounds of what is essentially a +P .380 ACP round.

The most impressive thing about the Makarov is the fact it’s made of only 27 parts. This was perfect for the Soviet Union at the time. It is cheap and easy to produce, and had very few failure points.

The Makarov pistol has been around for so long because the former Soviet Union produced millions of them, and they are robust little pistols.

The MP 443 Grach, aka the PYa, is a more modern Russian service pistol that aims to replace the Makarov. The MP 443 is a modern 9mm Parabellum pistol with a 17 or 18 round magazine capacity. The MP 443 is slowly making its way into the hands of Russian forces, and the gun has been in mass production for eight years now.

The MP 443 is pretty standard as far as pistols go. It’s a DA/SA design that does allow the user to swap the slide stop lever and manual safety to the right and left sides of the gun. The MP 443 uses a Colt-Browning design and doesn’t do anything revolutionary.

So it’s a lot unlike bored Russians in that sense.

It is an all-steel gun, and while this adds to the gun’s weight, it is quite robust and durable. It needs to be to use the Russian armor piercing 9mm 7N21 armor-piercing round. This s a +P+ style round apparently and is a hard hitter

The MP 443 is another gun we will likely never see, but I doubt it does anything an old SW 3rd gen doesn’t do.

9. Belgium – FN Five-Seven

The Belgium FN Five-Seven pistol is an interesting firearm. It fires the 5.7x28mm round and was developed to share ammunition with the FN P90 PDW. The round it fires is similar to a rifle round in design and shape.

While the ammunition is long, it’s thin, and this allows the Five-Seven to hold 20 rounds in a flush-fitting magazine. The Five-Seven offers soft armor penetration and very low recoil on top of a flat shooting cartridge that can reach out to 100 yards.

This is a very easy shooting gun, and I can see why a military would adopt it. Plus it’s lightweight, reliable, and is unlike most handguns when it comes to armor and barrier penetration. The gun and the ammo is quite pricey though.

The gun is Belgium designed and is currently replacing the Browning Hi-Power with the Belgium Army. The Five-Seven also serves the Air Force, Special Forces Group, and Federal Police forces. The Five-Seven is an unconventional choice but is an effective weapon.

And of course, it is the firearm of Ivan Chesnokov fame.

10. Czech Republic – C.Z. 75 Phantom

The Czech Republic has a long history of private firearms ownership and is one of the few European countries to have a strong firearm’s civil rights. C.Z. is also one of my favorite personal gun makers.

The C.Z. 75 has been used extensively by their military for quite some time, and still serves in reserve units.

The C.Z. 75 Phantom is now the primary service pistol. This gun is similar in design to the classic C.Z. 75 but features a polymer frame, Picatinny rail, and a decocker only design. It also uses a larger 19 round magazine, but can also work with classic C.Z. 75 mags.

The C.Z. 75 Phantom is a robust and accurate weapon. The ergonomics are simply incredible, and C.Z. isn’t afraid to sell the gun in the States, so yay for us. The Phantom is a service pistol with the handling of a competition gun.

It has an excellent trigger, a low bore axis, and is well proven. The Phantom is an excellent gun, and it was a great choice by the Army of the Czech Republic.

11. South Africa – Vektor Z88 and SP1

South Africa has an exciting history of arms design and has both cloned and created their weapons. Their service handguns are a mixture of both. The Z88 was a domestically produced clone of the Beretta 92.

They couldn’t license it or receive handgun imports due to the arms embargo on South Africa at the time. Beretta also couldn’t sue because South African’s couldn’t come to court to defend themselves.

The Z88 was a direct clone of the Beretta 92 and, as such, is a DA/SA gun with a decoking safety and a 15 round magazine. The Z88 was a very well done clone and helped modernize the South African military. It still serves today in a limited role.

After the sanctions were lifted, Beretta was in a place where they could file lawsuits, so South Africa wisely changed the design and came up with the Vektor SP1. This gun utilized the same basic Beretta design with some changes. The safety was moved to the frame, the barrel was no longer exposed, and a 40 S&W variant was created.

The SP1 is a metal frame pistol, and it still utilizes Beretta magazines. It currently serves the South African National Defence Force and the Police Service. It admittedly looks very cool and while limited numbers were imported to the States I’ve never seen one in person.

The SP1 is reportedly a well made combat handgun, and since the weapon is based on a Beretta 92 it’s got a solid platform to start on. South Africa apparently likes the weapon enough that they’ve yet to start shopping for a new sidearm, even without an arms embargo.

12. Italy – Beretta 92FS

Beretta, the world’s oldest still-operating arms company, is an Italian firm. Are we at all surprised that the Italians are using one of Beretta’s most legendary handguns?

The 92FS has served several countries as a military and police sidearm, including our own, for more than 30 years.

The Italian military uses the Beretta 92FS. This DA/SA design features one of the best stock factory triggers on the market. The 92FS has a combination safety and decocker and excellent ergonomics outside of the safety.

The 92FS in it’s M9 form was the gun I used and it’s an excellent weapon. The 92FS is robust, reliable, and well-proven. The direct feed system and open slide design greatly increase the gun’s reliability.

Beretta’s and the U.S. Army’s numerous testing has shown that the weapon is extremely reliable and can take a ton of abuse before it cracks.

The all-metal frame pistol has very low recoil and handles like a dream. It’s perfect for both new recruits and expert shots. The 92FS is Italy’s standard service pistol, and there doesn’t seem to be a rush to swap it out.

13. Brazil – Taurus PT-92

The PT-92 is the Brazillian copy of the Beretta 92, made by Brazillian firm Taurus. It’s not an identical copy of the Beretta. Taurus makes these guns on original Beretta machinery left behind after Beretta’s military contract expired in Brazil.

The Taurus PT-92’s most significant and most noticeable change from the Italian Stallion was the use of a frame-mounted combination safety and decocker. Other than that, the PT-92 handles almost identically to the Beretta 92.

This includes the DA/A design, the direct feed design, and the double-stack magazine. The PT-92 has been serving the Brazillian military for decades now without much issue. The teething problems the Taurus guns sometimes have are seemingly not present in the P.T. 92’s design.

14. Israel… A Little Bit of Everything

Tracking down one service pistol for the Israeli army isn’t easy. It seems like they keep a bit of everything around.

The domestically produced Jericho pistol is in the inventory, as well as the SIG P226 and 228, the Hi-Power, the Glock 17 and 19 models, and more.

Researching this article has shown me that service pistols in the Israeli Army are highly uncommon. The Special Forces and Intelligence agencies all seem to have their particular pistol.

I mean, does the Uzi pistol count as a pistol?

The one common thread between Israeli pistols is that they are all quality options. They are well made, proven guns with a long history of service and success.

Conclusion

Service pistols are such a diverse subject to cover, guns that include both past and present designs. The current field of Service pistols around the world is massive, and I was left exhausted after researching and writing this article.

Service pistols are a fascinating subject to research, and I’m surprised to see such exciting diversity. I can’t possibly have conquered them all, so I ask you fine folks in the comments, which ones have I missed? Want more…check out Police Sidearms: From Past to Present.

If you’ve been shooting for a while, you’ve probably heard the best shooters talk about dry-fire training.

Dry fire training is a practice technique that simulates shooting and manipulating a firearm without using live ammunition. Instead, shooters use an unloaded gun to safely practice their shooting skills virtually anywhere without the expense, noise, and hazards associated with using live rounds.

Dry fire training is important for gun enthusiasts because it helps them become more comfortable, confident, and competent with their firearms while developing ‘muscle memory’ and refining their skills. Those who dry fire often see a dramatic improvement in accuracy, faster shooting speeds, and better overall performance in real-world shooting scenarios.

While many agree dry fire practice is an essential component of any training regimen, many people find dry fire training boring. Shooters rather shoot for live ammo at a range.

This is where dry fire training systems come into the picture.

They can make dry fire practice more efficient, effective, and fun, by providing realistic simulations, immediate feedback, and a wider variety of training scenarios than just using an unloaded gun.

Shooting is a perishable skill, so making dry practice enjoyable helps encourage people to continue practicing.

We’ve used all of the major dry fire training systems in the market, which we’ll be sharing with you later in this article.

But, let’s start with the best dry fire training systems based on our extensive testing.

Let’s get to it…

Top 10 Dry Fire Training Systems You Need to Try

We’ve tried every major dry-fire training tool on the market, and our cadre thinks the following training aids are the best overall.

Each product has its pros and cons that address one or more specific skill sets. Not one product on the market does it all, but each one will help make you a better shooter.

That said, before getting to the list, here are our recommendations based on common use cases and categories:

• Best Overall: Mantis X10 Elite and the Mantis Laser Academy

• Best for AR-15s: Mantis Blackbeard X

• Best for Beginners: SIRT Pistol and Dummy Rounds

• Best for Simulating Recoil: Laser Ammo’s Recoiled Enabled Pistols (if you want to use a training gun) and Coolfire Trainer (for your own gun)

Now, here’s the list of the best dry fire training systems with their key features and benefits.

How Laser-Based Dry Fire Training Systems Can Improve Your Shooting Skills

In our top 10 list, you’ll find quite a few laser-based dry-fire training systems.

They use a laser-emitting cartridge or a laser integrated into a dedicated training gun. When the trigger is squeezed, the laser device emits a brief red, green, or IR laser beam. This laser beam simulates the path of a real bullet and provides instant visual feedback on shot placement and accuracy.

There are two main parts to a common laser-based dry-fire training system:

1. Laser Cartridge or Training Gun: The laser cartridge is a small device inserted into a real firearm’s chamber or attached to the end of specific training gun barrels. Alternatively, some systems use dedicated training guns with integrated lasers, often replicating real firearms’ size, weight, and feel for a more realistic experience.
2. Target or Sensor System: The target can be a simple paper target, reflective stickers, or an electronic sensor system that detects the laser beam when it hits. Some electronic sensor systems can connect to a computer, smartphone, or tablet and use special software to track shot placement, timing, and other performance metrics, providing detailed feedback to the user.

Advantages of Using a Laser-Based Dry-Fire Training System

• Safety: Laser-based systems provide a safe way to practice shooting skills without risking accidental discharge or injury because they don’t shoot a projectile.

• Cost-Effective: Practicing with a laser-based system eliminates the need for purchasing live ammunition, which can be expensive, making it a more cost-effective alternative to live fire training.

• Convenience: Laser-based training systems can be used in various indoor settings, allowing gun owners to practice their shooting skills anytime and anywhere without needing a shooting range.

• Realistic Simulation: Many laser-based systems replicate the size, weight, and feel of real firearms, providing a realistic experience.

• Immediate Feedback: Laser-based systems offer instant visual feedback on shot placement, helping shooters identify areas for improvement. Some systems also provide additional performance metrics through connected software.

• Versatility: Laser-based systems can be used with various firearms and in various training scenarios.

Disadvantages of Using a Laser-Based Dry-Fire Training System

• Lack of Recoil: Most laser-based systems do not simulate the recoil experienced when firing live ammunition, which may limit the development of specific shooting skills that require managing recoil effectively.

• Initial Cost: While laser-based systems save money on ammunition in the long run, they can have a higher upfront cost than just using an unloaded gun for dry fire practice.

• Compatibility: Some laser cartridges are designed for specific calibers, meaning users with multiple firearms may need to purchase different laser cartridges or adapters to practice with each gun. In addition, some laser cartridges may not work with specific laser targets.

• Technical Issues: Electronic sensor systems and related software may occasionally experience technical issues or glitches, which could impact training sessions.

Improve Your Shooting Accuracy with These Computer-Based Dry Fire Training Systems

As referenced in the previous section, some laser training systems work with specialized software applications. Combined with laser-emitting devices or sensors, these applications are computer-based dry-fire training systems that provide detailed feedback on your shooting performance.

Computer-based dry-fire training tools fall into two major categories.

1. Laser Cartridges or Training Guns Combined with Camera System Software: As discussed above, when a shooter fires a laser beam from a laser cartridge or laser training gun, a computer or smartphone captures the laser’s impact point on a target. The camera system sends the captured data to a connected computer, smartphone, or tablet running specialized dry-fire training software. This software processes the data, tracks shot placement, timing, and other performance metrics, providing real-time feedback to the shooter.
2. Sensors Attached to Firearms: Another option uses sensors attached to a firearm that detect the movement of a gun, such as with the Mantis X10 Elite. Sensors collect hundreds, if not thousands, of data points, which computer software analyzes. The software offers various features for analysis, such as displaying shot groupings, calculating accuracy scores, and identifying patterns or areas for improvement. Users can track their progress over time and adjust their training routine based on the feedback provided by the software.

Advantages of Computer-Based Dry-Fire Training Systems

Like laser-based systems, computer-based dry-fire tools offer safety, cost-effectiveness, convenience, real-time feedback, and versatility.

Beyond that, computer-based dry-fire systems provide more detailed analysis and feedback on performance.

Moreover, they provide better progress-tracking features. Shooters can track their progress over time, allowing them to analyze their performance and improvement trends.

Lastly, several software applications will provide you with specific pointers based on areas you need to improve, sometimes offering video instruction, too.

Disadvantages of Computer-Based Dry-Fire Training Systems

Dry-fire training systems, like laser-based tools, can have a high initial cost, lack recoil, and may have compatibility and technical issues.

In addition, there can be a learning curve to using software. Some shooters may find setting up and using a computer-based system challenging, especially if they are not tech-savvy.

Recoil Systems: The Secret Weapon for Effective Dry Fire Training

If you’re serious about firearms training and dry fire, you’ll likely use a recoil-enabled dry fire pistol at some point.

They function a lot like laser pistols, but they also simulate the recoil of a real firearm during dry-fire training, providing a more realistic experience and helping users develop the necessary skills to manage recoil effectively. These systems can either be standalone training guns or attachments that can be added to a real firearm.

Typically, the recoil simulation mechanism relies on compressed gas, such as CO2 or gas, that creates a force that pushes the slide backward, mimicking the recoil experienced during live fire.

Airsoft pistols that have been converted to shoot a laser with every trigger pull are the most common option in the market. They are replicas of real firearms in design and weight, so everything will feel the same when you practice while saving your actual firearm from wear and tear. We like and recommend Laser Ammo’s Recoil Enabled Pistols.

If you want to use your own pistol instead of an airsoft pistol, a great option is the Cool Fire Trainer. It replaces your live fire barrel inside your real pistol, and each trigger squeeze will activate a CO2-powered mechanism to cycle your pistol’s slide and provide recoil (while emitting a laser with each shot).

Advantages of Recoil Systems

The big advantage is the ability to simulate recoil.

One of the challenges to proper dry fire training, in general, is for shooters to use the same technique and grip pressures they would when firing a real gun with live ammo.

When a shooter fires live ammo, they tend to grip harder because of the little explosion in their hands. This is needed to help control the gun.

For the average shooter, during dry fire drills, they may not have a proper grip. They likely aren’t gripping their gun hard enough with the same consistent pressure applied during live fire, which can engrain bad habits during one’s dry fire session.

Using a recoil-enabled pistol will provide some blowback, reminding the shooter to grip their gun as if using a real gun.

In addition, the simulated recoil will make one’s sights or red dot lift/move as if they were shooting live ammo. The shooter must learn to manage this blowback so that their sights return to their target efficiently and effectively, so they can take follow-up shots quickly.

Lastly, recoil systems allow users to practice their trigger control, specifically resetting and prepping their triggers as they would during live fire.

Disadvantages of Recoil Systems

Although recoil-enabled dry-fire pistols provide blowback, the recoil does not match the amount of force applied by ‘real’ recoil.

The recoil impulse from compressed gas is better than nothing and serves as a reminder to grip a firearm properly, but shooters must understand that they need to invest ample time in shooting live ammo to learn how to manage recoil.

Another disadvantage is that any training tool that uses compress gas to simulate recoil must be ‘kept warm’ to use for long periods of time.

For example, airsoft pistols typically use magazines filled with green gas. Initially, a shooter might be able to take 50 to 60 rapid-fire shots before having to refill the magazine.

When one refills the magazine with green gas, they’ll notice it’s cold. The colder the magazine, or wherever compressed gas is being stored, the fewer shots one will be able to take before having to refill the gas again.

Specialized Training Tools That Will Take Your Shooting Skills to the Next Level

Specialized dry-fire training tools are designed to help gun enthusiasts improve specific shooting skills and techniques without using live ammunition. These tools can be used independently or with other dry-fire training systems to enhance the overall training experience.

While some specialized training tools overlap with the preceding categories, specialized tools can offer more focused and in-depth training around a specific skill set or skill sets.

There are several dry fire training systems in our top 10 list above that fall into this category that we highly recommend, namely:

• The DryFireMag: An automatic pistol trigger resetting magazine.

• Laser Ammo’s Smokeless Range 2.0: A virtual range that you can use indoors.

• Laser Ammo’s Reactive Laser Targets: Great, versatile targets to use with all major laser cartridges and laser firearms.

• Dummy Rounds: They are low-cost and provide great training value, especially for beginners.

Are Dry Fire Systems Worth It?

You’re reading this article because you likely understand the value of dry-fire practice. But, you might wonder if these training aids are worth the money.

Dry fire training systems offer many benefits for shooters looking to improve their skills and maintain proficiency without using live ammunition. Here are some of the key features and benefits:

1. Safe Practice: Dry fire training eliminates the need for live ammunition, allowing you to practice shooting skills safely at home or in other non-range environments without the risk of accidental discharge or injury.

2. Cost Savings: Dry fire training systems do not require live ammunition, which can be expensive, especially for regular practice sessions. By eliminating this expense, you can save money while still honing your skills.

3. Convenience: With dry fire training systems, you can practice at your own pace and in the comfort of your home or any suitable space. This eliminates the need to travel to a shooting range and allows for more flexible practice sessions.

4. Real-time Feedback: Many dry-fire training systems provide instant feedback on shot placement, accuracy, and speed, allowing you to identify areas for improvement and adjust your technique more effectively than with traditional dry-fire practice.

5. Customizable Training: Dry fire training systems often include a variety of drills and scenarios designed to improve specific shooting skills. This allows users to tailor their practice sessions to focus on the skills they want to develop.

6. Eco-friendly: Since dry fire training systems do not use live ammunition, they are an environmentally friendly option for practicing shooting skills, reducing lead pollution and waste associated with spent casings.

7. Reduced Wear and Tear: Dry fire training typically causes less wear and tear on your firearm compared to live-fire training. This can help extend the life of your firearm and reduce maintenance costs. For example, when using recoil-enabled pistols, I prefer using airsoft replicas such as those from Laser Ammo.

Tips for Making the Most Out of Your Dry Fire Practice

Whether or not you use any of the products on our list or just an unloaded firearm when dry firing, keep these tips in mind to make the most out of your practice sessions.

1. Have a plan: Before starting your dry fire practice, determine what specific skills you want to focus on, such as trigger control, drawing from a holster, or target transitions. Having clear goals will help you concentrate on the areas that need improvement.

2. Create a dedicated practice space: Designate a specific area in your home or another indoor location for dry fire training. Ensure it’s free from distractions and has enough space for you to perform various drills comfortably.

3. Use a ‘real’ grip: Maintain the exact grip and stance you use during live-fire training to ensure consistency and build muscle memory.

4. Incorporate training aids: Utilize dry-fire training tools, such as the ones we’ve recommended in this article, to enhance your practice session and receive real-time feedback on your performance.

5. Focus on trigger control: Pay close attention to your trigger pull, ensuring a smooth and consistent press without disturbing your iron sights or red dot. This will help improve your accuracy during live-fire sessions.

6. Make dry fire a habit: Establish a regular dry fire training schedule to maintain and improve your shooting skills. Consistent practice is essential to getting better fast. In our War Room community, we conducted a challenge to have members dry fire every day for a month. After the challenge, dry firing became a habit.

7. Mix up your drills and exercises: Vary your drills, exercises, and scenarios to keep your training sessions engaging and challenging. This will help you develop a well-rounded skill set and prevent boredom during practice.

8. Record your progress: Keep track of your performance and improvements over time to stay motivated and identify areas that may require additional focus.

Here’s a video that will help make your dry fire training more realistic.

By following these tips, you can maximize the effectiveness of your dry fire training sessions and continually improve your shooting skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does dry firing damage a gun?

Dry firing generally does not cause damage to centerfire guns. These firearms are designed to withstand the impact of the firing pin hitting the chamber without a cartridge in place.

However, for rimfire guns like .22 caliber models, repeated dry firing can potentially cause damage because the firing pin in these guns may strike the edge of the chamber, causing it to degrade over time.

How much should you dry fire per day?

There is no minimum or maximum number of times a day. It will all depend on your time and how much you can remain focused during your practice sessions.

Many serious shooters dry fire at least 15-30 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week. Professional shooters may dry fire daily and for 30 or more minutes each session.

The key is to be consistent, depending on your time and attention span. If you can only dry fire once a week, then be consistent.

Regarding the session length, you can keep going as long as your technique doesn’t get sloppy. If this happens, it’s a good indicator that you should stop for the day.

Can dry fire training improve my shooting?

It absolutely can! I don’t understand those who say they don’t want to dry fire or that they only shoot live ammunition.

The best shooters in the world all dry fire. It allows you to work on practically everything you can when shooting live rounds, except recoil management.

Do I need any special equipment for dry fire training?

Not at all. You can use an unloaded firearm if you want.

That said, I highly recommend using different training tools like the ones on our list.

They will make practice more enjoyable and help you improve faster, especially for beginner to intermediate shooters.

Is dry fire practice effective for both beginners and experienced shooters?

Absolutely. Regardless of your skill level, dry fire practice allows you to get in countless repetitions for free, practically anywhere.

If you use proper technique, each perfect rep will help you improve and burn your movements into your subconscious.

Can dry fire training replace live fire training?

You can accomplish a lot with dry fire training alone, but it will never replace live fire training, regardless of using a laser pistol with an integrated recoil system.

Technology has gone a long way to simulating recoil using compressed gas, but it isn’t the same as live fire when it comes to learning and improving recoil management.

In addition, for a lot of shooters shooting live ammo, the sound of a gun going off (i.e. the bang) and the face that they are using actual ammo can cause stress and anxiety. This can’t really be replicated during dry fire, so shooters need to practice at a live range, too.

Though dry fire training can’t replace live fire training, they complement each other, and serious shooters will do both.

Get Started with the Best Dry Fire Training Systems Today

The best shooters in the world will agree. Dry practice will make you a better shooter.

But, many people find it boring. Dry fire training systems can help make practice fun while helping you improve faster.

We’ve tried practically every major dry fire product, but the list we provided are the best. Check them out and start practicing!

If we left out a major tool that you’ve used, let us know in the comments section below.

Our Comprehensive List of the Dry Fire Training Tools We’ve Used

In coming up with our list of the top dry fire training products, we went through a lot of different tools. Here the the other popular training aids we tested.

When life gives you gizzards, you need to learn how to clean gizzards. Amiright? Yeah, yeah, I can hear you thinking: “Ew, why would I eat that?”

Because they’re good. One of the more unloved giblets, gizzards are both an internal organ and dense nuggets of deep burgundy meat. That’s right, I said meat. A gizzard is made of muscle, just like the breast or thigh meat. You just have to get to it first.

Most gizzards are sold partially cleaned — you normally only need to remove the silverskin membrane on either side of the meat nugget before you put them in the pot or fry them up. But what if you get a whole gizzard? It happens a lot in Asian markets, where they sell them just as they come out of the bird. And of course hunters get whole gizzards with every bird we bring home.

Cleaning gizzards is a necessary skill both for hunters and for those interested in nose-to-tail eating. So here’s how to clean gizzards.

It’s stupid easy. So easy, I need to tell you a quick story first. Years ago, when I was writing my cookbook Duck, Duck, Goose, I included instructions on how to clean duck gizzards. These instructions had you split the gizzard, carefully clean out all the grit, and then slice the grinder plates away.

When I toured to promote this book, I did some cooking demonstrations. At one, I was cleaning gizzards. A woman from Arkansas piped up. “I don’t mean to be rude, but…” No, go ahead, I said. “Well… that’s a stupid way to clean gizzards.” She was embarrassed to call me out, but I was all ears. Only idiots are set in their ways.

So she stood up, took a gizzard, and with two quick slices, had it cleaned. Dayum! Well, hell, I said, that’s much better!

And so here you go.

Take a small sharp knife and slice the two lobes of meat off the grinder plate. The only things you need so remember are that one lobe is almost always larger than the other, and that they arc over the grinder plate, so you slice not straight down, but in an arcing motion to get the most meat.

There. That’s how to clean gizzards.

What about the silverskin? Well, you don’t really need to care about it if you are cooking them all day in a crockpot, which is what I mostly do. The silverskin melts away and you don’t notice it after many hours of slow cooking.

That said, fried gizzards are a thing, and I’ve even made gizzard carpaccio, which was weird, but very good. In that case, you need to remove the silverskin. This is easy. Use the tip of the knife to dislodge where it attaches at the outer end of the lobe — farthest away from where you sliced it off the grinder plate — then use the edge of the knife to scrape it straight down to the base.

Then, a quick slice and it’s out of your life.

Super easy. Pro tip: Wait to remove silverskin on gizzards until you are ready to cook. It comes off way easier from a thawed gizzard than a fresh one.

Now that you know how to clean gizzards, what do you do with them? Hands down the best way to cook gizzards is to slow cook them. I prefer to cure them exactly like my corned venison, then cook them in homemade duck stock (or any stock, really), in a slow cooker for… wait for it… 24 hours.

Why this long? Because then you can squash the gizzards with a fork. And they taste almost exactly like corned beef. Seriously. Here is how I love to make corned gizzards. Follow the technique in that recipe and you can modify the ingredients to suit your taste.

Different gizzards cook differently. Mostly I work with duck and pheasant gizzards, and can accumulate lots of them, vac sealed in the freezer, for meals. Goose gizzards, as well as turkey gizzards, can be huge.

See that? That’s a snow goose gizzard next to an entire hen teal. Crazy, eh?

You can certainly corn or confit these the way you would smaller gizzards, but I often grind them. It’s a lot of good, healthy meat to add to a grind pile for whatever you want to make, from picadillo to meatballs to my all time favorite: Giblet bolognese sauce.

Yeah, you want to make this. Yes you do.

Now that you know how to clean gizzards, you can.

Even if you are not a milsurp guy or gal, you’re gonna like this one.

It’s the one 20th century rifle that everyone should at least consider owning: the Swiss K31.

From watches to rifles, Swiss machining is legendary for quality, precision, and beauty.

The K31 exemplifies all of these!

We’ll cover our usual review topics of accuracy, shootability, reliability and more. PLUS some tips on how to get the best K31 for your money.

And wooh, we got a full video review too from our YouTube Channel:

Popularity

The Swiss K31 has surged in popularity in recent years, and with good reason. They’re unique, fun to shoot, and stupid accurate.

Folks love these rifles and I think you are going to see why.

I’m going to give you an easy overview, get three K31s out to the range, and at the end, I’ll have a quick buyer’s guide for you.

Different

Adding some lumber to your firearm collection is a nice reprieve from black plastic guns. And the K31 is different even from other milsurp rifles.

Known for the straight-pull bolt, the beer keg charging handle, and that gorgeous Swiss shield, the Karabiner 31 or K31 is desirable for both shooters and collectors.

Plus they are not for collecting dust, they’re for taking to the range.

Shortest History Lesson Ever

Before the K31, there were multiple variations of the Swiss straight-pull bolt rifle. But these were too long and too heavy.

The Swiss military did a rifle redesign in 1931, and the Karabiner Model 1931 was born. It was issued from 1933 to 1958 with total production of about half a million.

Cool thing is that after Swiss soldiers finished their mandatory service, they could purchase their issued rifles. So there are loads of these guns which have been kept and maintained for a lifetime.

And often these guns reach the US surplus market in fantastic shape.

Accurate

The K31 has a reputation for excellent machining and craftsmanship which yields legendary accuracy.

Keep in mind that the technology in this gun is a century old, but the gun even today feels like a precision machine.

And working that straight-pull bolt is a fantastic experience at the range.

The Stocks

The stocks in the earlier models are all walnut, and from 1945 forward the stocks are all beechwood.

So an easy eye test is light stocks are newer, and dark stocks are older.

Ammo

The K31 fires the 7.5 x 55mm Swiss round, also referred to as G11, but most just call it “7.5 Swiss”. Ammo is readily available, and the rifle can fire modern production ammunition.

The box magazine is self-locking and holds six rounds. Waxed cardboard clips are available for faster loading, but I usually eject the mag and load by hand.

At the Range

After 75 years of field testing, the accuracy of this rifle is not up for debate. Rounds will go where you send them, and you’ll see guys on YouTube take the K31 out to 1,000 yards with iron sights.

So for this test, I didn’t do a test at all. I just took a ton of ammo and enjoyed getting shots on target with something that’s not black and plastic. I shot from my shoulder at 75 yards with iron sights.

I fired PPU 174-grain ammo and was able to ping torso steel no sweat.

All three rifles I tested ran perfectly. Absolutely zero problems. These guns run.

The Pain

Lot of military rifles are murder on your shoulder, but the felt recoil on the K31 ain’t bad. I’ll call it medium. It’s certainly manageable.

The Sights

The rear sights have a leaf spring that is adjustable at 100 yard intervals. And the front sight is adjustable for windage with a nifty sliding design.

Other sight options are available, including the desirable diopter sights, but for anything other than standard iron sights, you’re gonna pay a hefty price.

The Trigger

The two-stage trigger is super easy to get used to. The first stage is ultra-light, and when you hit the second stage there is a clear wall.

Pull comes in between 3 and 4 pounds and the break is clean and overall I like the trigger.

The Downside

Not many negatives with this rifle. You’ll hear guys say that there is no positive extraction in the design, or that at 9 pounds it’s heavy, but for me I take those things in stride.

Worst I can say is that the ammo is expensive.

Troop Tags

This is where Swiss guns just get doggone cool.

On the day that these rifles were issued, the soldier’s name, birth year, and location of issue were written down on a small white tag and placed under the buttstock cap.

These troop tags are the Holy Grail of Swiss rifle collection.

Maintenance

Because most rifles of this age have worn bluing and exposed steel, I am a little more mindful of how I maintain my K31s compared to a modern black rifle.

I clean and oil after every range trip, and I don’t handle the rifle without a quick wipe down.

A complete teardown and deep clean can be done in half an hour.

K31 Buyer’s Guide

Shopping for a K31 is easy peasy. 7 quick steps!

1. Identification

There are lots of different Swiss military rifles, but to identify the K31, look for the Swiss shield on the receiver, and the aluminum beer keg charging handle.

Lots of other Swiss rifles have beer keg handles, but they are all reddish bakelite. Again, look for the aluminum.

2. Overall Condition

Look for the condition of the bluing and how much steel is exposed on the barrel and receiver. Look for rust. Look for cracks in the stock. Put a light in the barrel and look at the lands and grooves.

If you are shopping online, all good dealers will give you solid descriptions with photos.

3. Serial Numbers

The most desirable rifles have matching serial numbers on all the major parts including barrel, receiver, bolt, stock, handguard, and magazine.

4. Production Year

Because the Swiss did not participate in WWII, there is no pressure to get War-era rifles. K31s from the 1950s are just as desirable as earlier models.

Basically, the production year doesn’t matter.

5. Extras

I tested three standard run-of-the-mill K31s. But like all military collectibles, you can get lost in the weeds. There are rifles with diopter sights, sniper models with scopes, and guns with decades of provenance.

And you’ll pay more for extra features. But the good news is, if you are new to K31s, you can get a standard rifle in good shape without paying extra for rarer models.

Any K31 in good shape is going to be a winner!

6. Troop Tags

If you find a numbers-matching rifle in good shape with a troop tag, buy it. Just do it, period!

7. Price

For the K31 goes up and down, but right now a numbers-matching K31 in solid condition is $500-800. Double that price for rifles with diopter sights.

By The Numbers

Reliability: 5/5

Keep it clean and this gun will run for another 100 years.

Ergonomics: 4/5

To be fair you’re holding a giant piece of lumber. But the pistol grip feels good and grabbing that beer keg handle is addicting.

Accuracy: 5/5

The free float barrel, precision engineering, and Swiss clockwork trigger combine for legendary accuracy. If you miss, it’s on you.

Customization: 0/5

If you even think about drilling the receiver for a scope mount, you need to sit in the corner and think about your decisions. Don’t change anything, Bubba.

Value: 4/5

True you can get other milsurp rifles for half the price of a K31, but you won’t get the precision or shootability. A lot of value for the price.

These are almost always available on GunBroker and sometimes on Guns.com!

If you’re unfamiliar with either, take a look at our reviews for both GunBroker and Guns.com.

Overall: 4/5

There’s not much to dislike about the K31. It’s easy to use and maintain, fun to show friends, and performance on the range is stellar.

Conclusion

The K31 is a fun to shoot, fun to show off, and even fun to disassemble milsurp gun that is accurate and a good bang-for-the-buck, but it’s heavy and ammo can get expensive.

I had a blast with this project. Even if you are not a milsurp guy, it’s great to get at least one gun into your collection that isn’t black and plastic.

And the artwork on the receiver is a big plus.

One more time…our video review!!

Love some more milsurp? Check out our Best Milsurp Rifles You Can Still Buy.