No matter what type of firearm you’re looking for, you’ll see right away that the market is saturated with options. It’s easy to notice which brands and styles totally dominate your shopping experience.
In search of a new hunting rifle, there really is nothing wrong with going for a Remington. However, blindly picking the most popular weapons means you might miss out on some wonderfully unique and well-crafted options.
Even more, just because everyone else is buying a Glock doesn’t mean that a Glock will be right for you.
Expand your horizons; learn what type of weight feels best in your hands – the common ergonomic grip might not fit well in your palm.
Don’t like the look of polymer? There are gorgeous metals and woods out there that may catch your eye! Try out the guns for yourself, dive into the underrated market, and become a well-rounded gun owner.
Walther PPS
A great handgun to be a concealed carry, the Walther PPS should really be a little more popular. This 9mm self-defense firearm is part of Walther’s line of German engineering. If you know anything about German engineering, it’s all about streamlined construction that delivers smooth and uninterrupted performance. Germany can pride itself in some of the most innovative and ergonomically designed features that Americans look for in cars, architecture, and guns!
The founder, Carl Walther, is known for creating the first semi-automatic pistol with his son, Fritz, in the early 1900s. The company has actually been partnered with Smith & Wesson for quite some time, which may explain why not everyone has heard of Walther Firearms as its own entity. S&W has been manufacturing the Walther PPK (another popular model) handgun, and Walther has been manufacturing the S&W M&P 22 pistol. While Walther Arms, Inc. is now its own company, the two brands continue to work as partners.
Walther Arms is mostly recognized for producing handguns for defensive action and competition. These are both areas where the shooter will want streamlined precision and a design that will enhance an expert draw. The PPS weighs a little less than 1.5 pounds, and is just barely over 3 inches long. The most recognizable feature of a Walther handgun may be the uniquely designed grips. These are some of the most ergonomic and, dare we say, comfortable grips on the market today. The PPS grip sports a grooved pattern on the front and rear and raised dots on either side. You’ll see similar grooves on the serrated slide. In self-defense, the last things you want is your hand to slip. The Walther PPS will have your back from start to finish.
Mauser M12
For the hunters out there, we have the stylish and intuitively designed Mauser M12. Highlighted as being a “guarantee for accuracy”, the M12 rifle is definitely an underrated firearm for game hunting. At first glance, this rifle is a gorgeous piece of craftsmanship. However, those sensual curves aren’t just for looks. The German design is focused on perfect balance for some of the most precise shots you’ll ever take (these Germans must be onto something).
The first Mauser rifle was created in 1871 by Paul Mauser and his older brother, Wilhelm. It became one of the first metal cartridge weapons of the German Empire. The Gewehr 98 (referring to 1898) was introduced to the public, and it is now nationally recognized as the company’s most popular rifle. It is better known as the Mauser M98. The manufactured Mauser rifles we purchase today are still created from the original designs from over 100 years ago.
Today, while the M 98 is still a beautiful classic that also shouldn’t go unlooked, we have the Mauser M12. This bolt-action rifle has the same time-tested functionality with some ergonomic improvements. The overall design features a thumbhole stock, which only enhances the ability for the shooter to hunt with accuracy unlike any other. Shots will be more controlled, and it will be faster to re-zero on any optics (if it’s even necessary). The body is made of a combination of solid steel and a high-grade laminated wood, bringing durability and a classic appeal together. The standard barrel is 22 inches in length and you can choose out of a wide range of calibers, from .270 to .30-06 or even the .308 if you plan on going after the big stuff. Forget your Remingtons and Mossbergs. Everyone will be asking where you got your Mauser M12.
CZ 75
The CZ 75 is one of the most popular handguns from the brand. So much so, that there are nearly 20 other CZ pistols based on the original design. There’s a plethora of choices, from compacts, to single actions, and even various metal frames and finishes. The standard CZ 75 is a standard handgun that has unique attributes, setting it aside from your more popularly recognized tactical handguns.
CZ stands for Ceska zbrojovka of the Czech Republic. In the mid-1930s, the company was contracted by the National Defense Council to produce military arms. These included aircraft machine guns, military pistols, and rifles. After the Nazi occupation ended, the company split off to produce aircraft parts. It wasn’t until the 1980s that CZ returned its focus to weaponry, and they produced the slightly more popular firearms you can find on their website today.
It’s highly likely that CZ’s history with aircraft part manufacturing explains their choice of using steel frames. This is opposed to the commonly seen polymer and alloy. The CZ 75 weighs just over two pounds. While it may not be best for concealing in an IWB holster, you’ll experience a really solid grip and incredibly controllable recoil. This means the CZ 75 shots should be crisp and accurate. The lack of popularity with CZ is probably due to their later re-entrance to civilian gun manufacturing, but that’s hardly a reason to pass up the beautiful craftsmanship. You’ll find the CZ 75 priced in the $600 range – around the same price you would be paying for Gen 4 Glocks.
Savage Arms Stevens 320
Finally, we have the Savage Arms Stevens 320 Pump Action Shotgun. It is not a classic design, but this shotgun is one of the most low profile firearms you’ll ever see. Simplicity is key, on this one, giving the shooter the opportunity for expert, one-shot kills. The Stevens 320 isn’t anything new, and you may notice that it’s incredibly similar to the Winchester Model 1300. We could nit-pick all we want to, but the combination of a no-frills design, powerful action, and a low price-point makes the 320 a worthy and underrated competitor on the market.
The American made company, Savage Arms, was established in the 1890s in New York by Arthur Savage. Savage Arms and Steven Arms joined forces in 1920, and history was made. Going up against brands such as Remington, Winchester, and Colt, the firearm duo had to create innovative and modern concepts that could beat out classic best sellers. Savage Arms provided the U.S. military with millions of weapons during WW II. Now, we have effective and up-to-date shotguns, such as the Stevens 320 Pump Action, that combine guaranteed shooting ability with back-to-basics construction.
The Savage Arms Stevens 320 Pump can be purchased with either a pistol grip or semi-pistol grip and a tube style magazine. The stocks are synthetic, and they’re great for securing the butt firmly against your body. The carbon steel barrel is a surprising 18 inches long, all finished in a matte black. This shotgun is normally overlooked because most buyers quickly go to classic appearances, but the Stevens 320 has a lot of power behind it and is really easy to use. Don’t let the price make you question it, either: it’s well under $300. It’s affordable and practical.
In a Saturated Market…
Of course, there are tons of other firearms we could be listing as underrated. It’s difficult to discover weapons that have already been on the market for a while. Some great guns are being smothered by more popular brands. Some well known brands, such as Savage Arms, market best-sellers, leaving their lesser known firearms in the dust. Other brands, such as CZ, go practically unheard of because they’re up against universally renowned pistols from Glock, Smith and Wesson, and the like. Whether you’re looking to break away from the pistols, rifles, and shotguns you’ll see in any other shooter’s hand, or you’re interested in expanding your skills on a variety of unheard of weapons, the four listed firearms we have here are a great start to exploring the world of underrated guns.
One of the things that often comes up is “stopping power”. What is generally meant by this is the power of the cartridge. Generally speaking larger cartridges and mean bigger bullets (there are exceptions).
However, stopping power shouldn’t be your only consideration when looking for a self defense instrument.
What about recoil, speed, draw time?
These are all important considerations that can either make a concealed carry defense weapon a liability or a huge life-saving asset.
Today we’re going to take a look at some of my personal recommended bullets/guns. I’d advise anyone who is serious about understanding how their gun works to read more about the differences between bullet types.
Fast Effective Fire at Medium Range – Glock 17
You can’t beat a Glock.
When it comes to self defense, draw time and concealability are two important factors. A Glock 17 offers an extremely lightweight design.
While the 9mm bullets aren’t incredibly powerful they offer lowered recoil which allows you to get off multiple shoots without losing accuracy.
I find this to be an incredibly important factor in my concealed carry choice of weapon. If you watch any security footage of a self defense firefight you will notice that you rarely have time to aim with a larger caliber bullet, what matters is speed and first shooter advantage.
The Glock magazine is expanded holding 17 rounds. Cartridge are 116-149 grains which can be upgraded to hollow point for maximum damage upon impact. If you spend your time and read about where to buy ammo you can get bulk prices on 9mm ammo.
Ruger GP 100
Known as a pocket rocket, the Ruger GP 100 is a member of the infamous Magnum family. You won’t get as many shots off with this gun but it packs some serious power.
One of the things that I always mention to new shooters is that the Ruger GP 100, despite its concealability and size is still quite a heavy pistol. One the plus side the heavy frame will stop recoil while on the flip side you won’t be pulling it out as fast.
Cartridge size is like a .357 Magnum with 200 grain bullets and a 6 round capacity. The Ruger 100 also works on an extremely simple mechanism and doesn’t get jammed very easily. Great to clean as well.
Best Personal Defense Shotgun – Mossberg 500
The Mossberg is one of the best priced and most reliable shotguns out there. First off I’d like to mention this is an automatic shotgun not a traditional pump action. This means that the empty shell is automatically throw out of the chamber and autoloaded via the kinetic energy of the gun. With a traditional shotgun you’re the one doing the pumping.
The Mossberg is good in rain, fog and even snow. It’s built for tactical use and made to design the rigors of everyday wear and tear.
For bullets, I would suggest using a slug or buckshot. I’m not a fan of birdshot for self defense. If you’re hunting ducks than sure, however, if someone is breaking into your home while your family is asleep you better believe I’m using a 12-gauge slug.
1911 Colt .45 ACP
Created by Browning over a decade ago when he invented the 1911, the 230-grain bullet is a great choice for personal defense. Considering that you get about eight rounds and less recoil for that caliber, a good shooter should be able to stop an assailant pretty easily.
I’m a big supporter of the 1911 for a couple of reasons. First, is functionality. The 1911 has been used for almost 90 years while sticking true to its original design and manufacturing.
Nothing special or fancy means not much can get caught or malfunction. Second, it’s cheap. 1911 ammo and guns are available almost anywhere and can be purchased for less than $200 at most gun shows.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to personal defense firearms the most important cardinal rule of all is that you MUST be comfortable with whatever weapon you plan on using. I can’t stress this enough.
This means you need to hit the range with your weapon and use it on a regular basis so when push comes to shove you know exactly how to use it.
Safe shooting everyone.
This $15.00 Pistol & Rifle Flashlight is pretty functional for the price. It installed easily and worked well. While it is not as sturdy feeling as a more expensive light, it shot well and was bright.
My main concern with the light is the switch. I killed the battery it came with the first night, as I accidentally switched the pistol light on.
I have reviewed Twod items before, and it is clear they are more for the airsoft market, I found this light worked on my 9mm pistol. I did not get a chance to use this on a rifle and I suspect that it would break, but to be fair that is only my assumption.
For $15 the Twod Pistol & Rifle Flashlight/QR/Compact 200 Lumen Flashlight is worth the money, but only for a gun that was not in heavy use.
I wrote about flashlight use in my original Understanding the Use of Handguns Book, I normally use a handheld flashlight in addition to my pistol as I am concerned about muzzling an innocent person while investigation nightly noises. I will redilly admit that a weapon mounted light is much easier to use.
I was offered this item in exchange for a review, but the above are my honest opinions.
The 7.62x54R Spam Can is hot dipped galvanized with a soldered on lid.
There is a metal tip on one end.
Grasp that with your pliers (needle nose) and turn the pliers to roll the seam up around the pliers.
Then use the pliers on the side seals, grabbing and peeling away until you can start to roll the lid off.
Its not as hard as it looks on the video – once I got it rolling it came off easy.
The ammo is covered in some cardboard sheet – lift them out to get to the packed rounds.
There are several smaller cardboard coated sections of ammo – each tied with a small string and holding 2 stripper clips of 5 rounds.
Remember – This is the rifle that one man gets “One man gets the rifle, the next man gets some bullets. The second man follows the man with the rifle, and when he is shot, picks up the rifle and carries on fighting!”
All in all this was not that hard to get open, but it sure did protect the contents well. I need to buy a couple more of these tins of ammo so that when my boy is old enough to clean the cosomoline off of the Mosins I put back for him he has plenty of ammo to learn to shoot with.
When I got my C&R license, it was specifically to buy mosins and other WWII bolt guns. I figure at $100 for the rifle, and $100 for a 300 round can of ammo, I could afford (over time) to collect enough firearms to outfit all the folks who say that they are coming to my house in a disaster (or repel them – if needed)