Editor’s Picks: Guns & Gear

Shepherd's Crook is one of the most hated parts of the AK design. While simple, effective, durable, and totally functional - it is also a real annoyance to deal with. Thankfully, TAPCO makes a cheap replacement part to solve this issue! Easy to install and by far the best bang-for-the-buck upgrade you can make to the internals of an AK. Read more about our hands-on review in the Best AK-47 Upgrades!

Home or self-defense ammo needs to be reliable, good penetration, large expansion, and consistent. Remington HTP is a great choice and reasonably priced for .357 Mag.

A 7-shot medium framed .357 Magnum revolver that is super durable.  See more of its competition in Top .357 Magnum Revolvers.

Shockingly low priced with outstanding build quality, we've used ours for several years in the CA desert with almost no sign of wear on it. If you want a shooting mat that does more than just giving you something to lay on, this might be for you! To find out more and to see our other top picks take a look at the complete review - Best Shooting Mats!

Gunner profile and long enough to increase dwell time for short barrels.  Check out more options at Best AR-15 Barrels.

The more compact and most popular Glock out there.  Perfect for beginners, home defense, concealed carry, and women.  Check out its stiff competition in Best Handgun for Beginners and Home Defense.

Primary Arms has changed the game when it comes to lightweight prism optics. These have great reticle options, crisp glass, and good eye relief, all packed in a small and lightweight form factor. Check out our full review of the Primary Arms Cyclops Gen 2!

Steel armor has its drawbacks, but it's better than a T-shirt and wishful thinking. These lightweight (for steel) Level III+ plates did well during our testing and they're a solid choice for anyone looking for body armor on a budget.

Winchester's subsonic defensive load isn't just good for shooting with a suppressor, it's good -- period. During our extensive testing, 147-grain Winchester Defender was extremely accurate, with great performance in ballistic gel. The only thing it didn't;t do was cycle a PCC. In a handgun, though, it's all good.

Not legally a shotgun...the Shockwave is simply a "firearm."  And despite the weird looking grip...it shoots better than other traditional pistol grip shotguns.  Learn more in our full review.

If you value looks, weight, and reliability...the BAD Lighweight Upper is the way to go.  See more of our favorites at Best Upper Receivers.

Not exactly the look and design that Stoner first envisioned, but it still has that same flavor. A dependable and great shooting rifle all on its own and with a nod to the classic look.

When you really need to deliver a shock, only a badass stungun  can do the job! Find all our recommendations for stunguns in the 4 Best Stun Guns article!

Shoots clean, always goes bang, and great brass.  See more at Best .45 ACP Ammo for Home Defense & Target Practice.

Hi-Point is synonymous with being budget-friendly. With a price tag under $200, Hi-Point pistols offer various models chambered in .380, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. Head over to the Best Concealed Carry Guns Under $400 for more details.

Simple, to the point, cheap. A major upgrade over OEM and at a price that won't break the bank.

What we would immediately order if we won the lottery.  For more affordable 1911 options, check out our Best 1911 for the Money guide.