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A good primer kit for those new to M1911s and their maintenance, the Real Avid 1911 Pro Pack provides the basic equipment and information needed to disassemble, clean, lubricate and reassembly the classic American pistol. The Pro Pack includes: Real Avid’s Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit, with rods, brushes, patches and jags from .22 to .45 cal.; the 1911 Smart Wrench, a two-sided tool to help remove Government- and Officer-size barrel bushings; and a 1911 Quick Reference Field Guide, featuring instructions and illustrations for user-level maintenance.
The kit runs about $30, and is available exclusively from amazon.com. Learn more in this week's NRA Gun Gear of the Week video with American Rifleman's Joe Kurtenbach.
Like any hobby or pastime that is in any way even vaguely related to machines or technology, firearms attract a (possibly) disproportionate number of “right-brained,” STEM-oriented personalities who like numbers.
Slingshots are fun, but they can also be a legitimate backup defensive tool—in 2023, a 13-year-old Michigan boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being kidnapped by using a $3 slingshot to fire a marble and a rock at the assailant, striking him in the chest and head.
Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.
Off-body carry can be somewhat controversial, but choosing the right gear can go a long way toward successful carry. One good option is the Q.A.P. Series of bags from 945 Industries.