There is a lot more to armed personal defense than simply choosing the right gun. In fact, even after a suitable firearm has been procured, there are a few preparatory steps that should be undertaken to ensure the gun is ready for everyday carry (EDC). American Rifleman’s Joe Kurtenbach recommends that new guns should receive a thorough inspection and cleaning before ever hitting the range, and should be subjected to a good reliability test and break-in consisting of several types of ammunition, including the user’s intended carry load. Follow along as Kurtenbach describes his pre-carry checklist and preps a Smith & Wesson Performance Center Shield in 9 mm for service.
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Prepping A New Pistol For EDC
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
Exploded View: Ruger “Six” Series Revolvers
The Ruger Security-Six, Police Service-Six and Speed-Six double-action revolvers, introduced in 1970 and produced through 1988, innovated in design and construction in such ways as to challenge that period’s status quo regarding the modern wheelgun’s strength and simplicity.
New For 2025: Bergara BMR-X Steel & BMR-X Carbon
The Bergara Micro Rimfire line has now advanced in 2025 with an X factor and two new subvariants made with ultimate precision in mind.
The Armed Citizen® Jan. 27, 2025
Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.
New For 2025: FN Reflex XL
FN America stretched its Reflex micro-compact a bit in length and height for 2025, creating the new Reflex XL, which has an increased magazine capacity.
Preview: Full Forge Gear Shooter’s Cut Armor Plates
Full Forge Gear recently leveraged its knowledge of heavy-duty materials to leap into the personal-armor market with the introduction of the Shelter plate carrier and two different lightweight plate options compatible with it.
New For 2025: Staccato HD
Staccato has elevated the 2011 handgun concept by incorporating some redesigns for 2025, notably making its M1911-style design compatible with Glock double-stack magazines.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
