Editor’s Picks: Guns & Gear

Trying to blend in? Need to transport your rifle but don't want what you carry to scream "I'M HOLDING A RIFLE"? Guitar bag might be perfect for you! Find all of our Best Rifle Bag recommendations!

By today's standards, the AUG might be a little behind the curve, but that doesn't mean it is outdated. Once one of the best combat rifles on the market, it is still a formidable bullpup rifle that can hold it's own in competition, self-defense, and on the battle field.

The most technologically advanced barrel, the BSF Carbon Fiber is not for the weak of wallet - but it does deliver some great features. The low weight is great for hunting or PRS while the carbon fiber absorbs and distributes heat far more rapidly than steel can give you the heat absorption and cooling of a much heavier profile barrel while keeping the weight far, far lower. Read more about it and other AR-10 barrels in the Best AR-10 Barrels!

The 1911 is a classic design and if you believe some people, its day has come and gone. But for those of us that want a full-size, all metal, work of art workhorse of a gun - a 1911 is a match made in heaven. Still, there are ways of improving on the classic design. Sporting an extended beavertail, fiber optic sights, and several other upgrades: Springfield has served up one of the most modern 1911s.

Our favorite all-purpose .223 round.  Available for around 30 cents a round but not the greatest for reloading.  See more of our choices at Best AR-15 Ammo for Self-Defense & Range.

Nice and easy case, perfect for taking your pistol to the range. Enough room to store some extras, but none of the added bulk that some cases have. Find all of our Best Rifle Bag recommendations!

TiN coating on a BCG isn't for everyone, but it does have a lot of advantages and is without question, by far the best looking coating for a BCG. A bright shiny gold might look out of place on your hunting rifle, but will look right at home on your competition rifle!

The go-to for electronic ear protection that shuts out harmful gun sounds while letting in speech and range commands.  See more in our Best Shooting Ear Protection article.

Not as cheap as they can be and by far not the most pricey, the Ruger SR1911 is just right in the middle in that sweet spot of form, function, and cost. If this is your first 1911 or you want one that you can use as a solid base for customizing - you've made a great choice with the SR1911! Read our Complete Hands-on Review!

We're big fans of Hornady defensive ammo, several of our editors keep Hornady in their EDC. Reliable, tested, proven, you won't go wrong with it.

The ability to see your remaining rounds added to Magpul's reliability makes this a no brainer. These mags are durable, reliable, and fairly affordable. So much so we added them to our Best AR-15 Magazines. 

This sturdy optic survived our torture-test with the least amount of issues. It's a solid, duty-proven model that is sure to be a winner on your setup.

Simple and very effective for normal range use, we like it and use it often! Take a look at the Best Spotting Scopes for your next trip to the range or hunt!

Palmetto State Armory is almost always one of the best budget options when it comes to AR-15 anything. Well made, a little rough around the edges, durable, and ready to go. The PSA .300 Blackout uppers deliver a great shooting tool. Check out all of our favorites in our Best .300 Blackout Upper review!

Our favorite for best overall hunting semi-automatic shotgun.  Old school looking but able to differentiate between light and heavy loads.  Check out its competition in Best Semi-Auto Shotguns.

The Streamlight TLR-8A offers users an excellent light and laser combination in a small package. Not only do the light, laser, and switches work well, but the TLR-8A enjoys a reasonable amount of holster compatibility. This allows it to easily double as something you can use on an AR-15 or a handgun. As with most Streamlight products, you are looking at something that is priced fairly and is durable enough for duty use. You can see how it stacks up to the competition in our Best AR-15 Lasers article!

The best EDC doesn't matter if you don't carry it.  This pen light is super slim and fits easily in your pocket or purse.  Decent output at 250 lumens and a steal at $20.  See our brighter options at Best EDC Flashlights.

Simple and cheap, the Magpul MOE gives you mounting options and a better grip - plus they make it for a wide range of shotguns!