Pocket Pistols vs Snubnose RevolversLucky Gunner Ammo2026-09-17 | Pocket Pistols vs Snubnose RevolversThe Backyard Sniper - Lightweight EditionLucky Gunner Ammo2022-12-19 | The .22 LR bolt action rifle we covered back in April's "Backyard Sniper" video is an exceptional pest eliminator. But it's also heavy and kinda slow when those critters don't go down with the first shot. So I got a new one -- this time, it's a DIY not-Ruger lightweight 10/22 build. Today, we're going over the parts used in that rifle so you can tell us why they're all wrong.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Why Wont the Ruger Mini-14 Just Die? [Part 2]Lucky Gunner Ammo2022-12-02 | Despite all the criticism, the Ruger Mini-14 is still around for the same reason any gun has a long production run -- people keep buying it. Last time, we looked at the Mini's history and why it became popular to begin with. In part 2, we're looking at why it's still popular today in a market with plethora of affordable alternatives. We also share our first hand experience with some of the Mini-14s more notorious flaws.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Why Wont the Ruger Mini-14 Just Die? [Part 1]Lucky Gunner Ammo2022-11-17 | For at least couple of decades, the Ruger Mini-14 was America's favorite semi-automatic rifle. But that time has passed. If you're seen with one today, The Internet is likely to label you either a Fudd or a snowflake. In spite of that, the Mini-14 is still in production today, and well loved by many shooters. But... why? In the first installment of a two-part series, we're looking at how the Mini-14 got to where it is today.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!How Many Mini Shotgun Shells Fit in a 6-Shot Tube?Lucky Gunner Ammo2022-11-01 | #shorts
With a shotgun magazine tube that fits 6 standard-sized 2 3/4" shells, how many 1 3/4" mini shells will it hold?
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky GunnerAre Mini Shotgun Shells Viable for Self-Defense?Lucky Gunner Ammo2022-10-31 | Within just the last few years, 1 3/4" mini shotgun shells have gone from quirky novelty status to an ammo option that firearm and shotshell makers seem to be taking seriously. Mini shells offer reduced recoil and increased ammo capacity -- ideal features for a lot of shotgun users. But are these pint-sized 12 gauge loads just as effective as the standard 2 3/4" shells? Or is there some kind of tradeoff? We measured and tested four different mini-shells to find out their muzzle velocity, how they pattern at home defense distances, and their performance in ballistic gelatin.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!My Top Five Lucky Gunner Videos [500K Subscribers!]Lucky Gunner Ammo2022-10-20 | Holy cow, 500K Subscribers! To celebrate, we're looking at highlights from five of our favorite videos from Lucky Gunner's eight years on YouTube. We tried to pick some hidden gems from among the less-watched videos, so you might find a few surprises here.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!The Shotgun Violin ReloadLucky Gunner Ammo2022-10-06 | Today, we're looking at a shotgun reloading technique called the Violin Load. A popular technique among 3-gunners for twin and quad loading, it can also be adapted for a defensive context for strong-hand loading of single shells. Once you get past the initial awkwardness, the violin load may be one of the overall best methods for stuffing shells into a shotgun tube.
How about some different reloading techniques? We got those, too: youtu.be/imY0FT4ZtBc
Support our channel. Buy ammo from LuckyGunner.com!Sig Sauer P365-380 Review: Its Fun to Go FastLucky Gunner Ammo2022-09-27 | A few months back, Sig Sauer released a .380 ACP version of the their bestselling P365. The .380 version has all the same features as the original 9mm, plus an improved optic cut configuration, and more importantly, a huge reduction in felt recoil. But does it run as reliably as its 9mm counterparts?
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Think First, Shoot Second: A Pistol Drill to Mess With Your HeadLucky Gunner Ammo2022-09-07 | In a return to our Start Shooting Better series, we're looking at the classic Casino Drill, but with a major twist. What happens when you don't know the course of fire until the instant before you draw the gun? This variant comes from John Hearne, who's been teaching us the importance of being able to think and shoot (or not shoot) at the same time.
0:00 - Combining technical skill and problem-solving 1:49 - The Original Casino Drill 4:22 - Casino Drill Demo 6:21 - Casino Drill Variations 6:54 - Casino Drill: Mega Suck Edition 8:24 - Mega Suck Edition Demo 9:45 - More Casino Drill Variations 10:27 - Alternate Printable Target 11:15 - Important Life Advice
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Thinking with a Gun in Your Hand: Interview with John HearneLucky Gunner Ammo2022-08-17 | In this conversation with John Hearne, we talk about what it takes to win a gunfight. Why do some people excel under extreme stress while others fail to perform? How can we train and practice to be better mentally prepared to face violence? If you only watch one Lucky Gunner video this year, make it this one!
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!My Pistol Red Dot Sight BrokeLucky Gunner Ammo2022-08-05 | A red dot that was working fine on my Sig P365XL suddenly decided to be not fine. Today, we're taking a look at what happened and some lessons we can learn from it.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Taurus TX22 Competition Review: Optics-Ready .22 LR on a BudgetLucky Gunner Ammo2022-07-26 | After our disappointing range time with the Sig P322, we decided to try out one of its more humble competitors in the field of .22 LR pistols: the budget-priced Taurus TX22 Competition.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Sig Sauer P322 Review: An Almost Good .22 LR PistolLucky Gunner Ammo2022-07-18 | The Sig P322, released earlier this year, has attracted a lot of attention for its double-stack 20-round magazines and optics-ready slide. These features are often requested, but seldom found in .22 LR pistols. Has Sig designed the most forward-thinking .22 LR pistol we've seen in ages, or does the execution leave something to be desired?
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Hardware Failures, Over-Penetration, and Other Shotgun Questions with Steve FisherLucky Gunner Ammo2022-06-30 | We asked Steve Fisher of Sentinel Concepts a few shotgun related questions. He had answers.
0:02 - Intro 0:40 - Most common shotgun hardware failures 2:14 - Most common user-induced hardware problems 3:20 - Avoiding over-penetration issues with a shotgun 5:13 - Shotgun ammo capacity 6:37 - Why we have to aim shotguns 8:04 - Video versus in-person training 8:54 - Wrap-up
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!My Everyday Carry Gear and Why Its WrongLucky Gunner Ammo2022-06-24 | What have I got in my pockets? After numerous requests, we're taking a look at my own personal everyday carry gear. Then, we're going beyond the gear to look at the reasoning behind my approach to concealed carry and other carry gear, why it's probably different from yours, and some tips for finding the best carry hardware for you.
gun: Smith & Wesson 332 Ti holster: PHLster City Special knife: Spyderco Cat light: Streamlight Protac 1L-1AA watch: Citizen Eco-Drive Garrison pepper spray/OC: POM wallet: Alpine Swiss Minimalist
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Can You Pass A WWII Carbine Test?Lucky Gunner Ammo2022-06-13 | Today, we're looking at a qualification test from the original 1942 field manual for the M1 Carbine. How difficult is it? What skills are required? And is there anything useful today's shooters can learn from 1940's marksmanship training? Chris tried out the test himself and shares a few thoughts.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from LuckyGunner!Beretta Covert Pocket Classics: The 21A Bobcat and 3032 TomcatLucky Gunner Ammo2022-05-27 | The Beretta 21A Bobcat and 3032 Tomcat are relics from a time when even pocket pistols had hammers and were made from steel and wood. But Beretta is still producing these models, including the threaded barrel Covert variants that we're reviewing today. Are they only good for range toys, or do they have anything to offer as serious self-defense tools compared to more modern options?
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!High Standard Sentinel .22 LR - A Retro Budget SnubbyLucky Gunner Ammo2022-05-12 | You ever get that feeling -- while you're buying bed sheets, horse feed, and patio furniture -- that what's really missing from your life is a tackle box revolver? I know, me too! Sears Roebuck also believed their customers felt that way, so they asked High Standard to design just such a revolver. And in 1955, we got the High Standard Sentinel -- a 9-shot .22LR wheel gun.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Practical Ballistics for .22LRLucky Gunner Ammo2022-04-28 | What's the best .22 LR load on the market? We have no idea. But we did shoot a few out to 200 yards to see what kind of bullet drop to expect based on muzzle velocity.
This is a follow-up from our last video, The Backyard Sniper - A True Practical Rifle: youtu.be/Dsr9uVVR0ak
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!The Backyard Sniper - A True Practical RifleLucky Gunner Ammo2022-04-14 | By popular demand, we are finally revisiting the idea of the "Practical Rifle". But this time around, our take is a little different than the concept we presented five years ago. What if the most pressing need you have for a rifle is so you can defend your chickens and squash from small woodland creatures? If that's the case, then a suppressed .22 bolt action might be the most practical rifle you can own.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Why I Stopped Hating the Shockwave (And Other Stockless Shotguns)Lucky Gunner Ammo2022-03-29 | A few years ago, we published the now-infamous "The Mossberg Shockwave is Mostly Useless" video. But thanks to some new techniques and accessories, I've since done a 180 on the birdshead grip-style "firearms." Today, we're talking about why I've come to embrace mini-shotguns like the Shockwave and the Remington Tac-13 and Tac-14.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!How to Use an AKLucky Gunner Ammo2022-03-07 | We've had some requests to add the AK or Kalashnikov-style rifles to our Shooting 101 series, so that's what we're covering today. The AK is a pretty easy gun to learn how to operate. But if you're new to shooting, or if you've suddenly found yourself in possession of an AK for the first time, you could probably use a few pointers. We go over the absolute basics of how to safely load, unload, aim, and fire an AK type rifle or carbine with step-by-step instructions and a live fire demo at the end.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Defensive AR-15 Setup for Regular PeopleLucky Gunner Ammo2022-03-02 | What do you actually need to set up a dependable, moderately-priced AR-15 for defensive use? It's probably somewhere between the bargain basement garbage guns and the tricked-out Gucci rifles for military cosplayers. Today, we're offering a few recommendations to help you pick out a reliable carbine and get it set up with a few essential accessories -- everything you need and nothing you don't.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Choke Tubes for Home Defense ShotgunsLucky Gunner Ammo2022-02-04 | Most shotguns with 18-20" barrels have a plain ol' cylinder bore with no choke. Is that a problem? There is some debate about whether defensive style shotguns loaded with buckshot can even benefit from choke tubes. We fired some test patterns to find out. Like... a whole bunch of 'em. Four different buckshot loads, four different choke sizes at five-yard increments from 5-25 yards.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Why Springfield Armory Discontinued the XD-ELucky Gunner Ammo2022-01-21 | Last month, Springfield Armory discontinued the XD-E -- just three and a half years after its release. As the only small single stack 9mm on the market that's DA/SA, it filled an important niche. So why did it fail? We don't know for sure, but we've got some pretty good guesses.
Langdon Tactical can still customize your XD-E and they have lots of other cool stuff: langdontactical.com
JM Custom Kydex makes some of our favorite holsters: jmcustomkydex.com
The Phlster Enigma is a true game changer for everyday carry: phlsterholsters.com
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Shotgun Hack Job: Budget DIY Home DefenseLucky Gunner Ammo2021-12-29 | How hard is it to turn an old hunting shotgun into a compact home defense shotgun? Is it cheaper than buying a new shotgun? Is the end result "just as good" as a new shotgun? We bought an old 12 gauge pump and broke out the hacksaw and Dremel to find out.
Hardware used: - Winchester Ranger 120 12 gauge - HiViz Shotgun Compsight - Pachmayr Decelerator Recoil Pad - Nordic Components 45" Extension Tube Spring - A bunch of tools
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Why Everyone Loves/Hates the 1911Lucky Gunner Ammo2021-12-17 | Not many guns can evoke the kind of strong emotions the 1911 does. Whether you love it or hate it, chances are, you have an opinion. Today, we're digging into how the 1911 became such a big part of gun culture and why it's a polarizing topic even 110 years after its invention.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!The Bullpup Shotgun ExperimentLucky Gunner Ammo2021-12-06 | With the release of the Smith & Wesson M&P12 earlier this year, it looks like bullpup shotguns are finally making their way into the mainstream. Is it a viable concept for home defense with legitimate benefits over conventional shotguns, or just a passing fad that will become meme-fodder in a few years? Using the Keltec KS7 as a test platform (with the hope of side-stepping the mechanical complexity issues of the multi-tube models), we try to examine some of the pros and cons inherent to shotguns with a bullup configuration.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!HK’s Weird Trigger System and the P30SKLucky Gunner Ammo2021-11-24 | If you've never fired a Heckler & Koch pistol with an LEM trigger, it's kinda hard to explain. A lot of people think it's just a light double action, but that doesn't really do it justice. Today, we're looking at what is really unique about the LEM trigger, as well as a brief review of the HK P30SK -- the subcompact variant of what some consider to be the best pistol HK has ever made.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Why Blank Ammo Can Be DeadlyLucky Gunner Ammo2021-11-10 | Today, we're looking at how blank ammunition works, why it's dangerous, and what part blanks played in three separate gun-related deaths in the entertainment industry. We even recreate the bizarre and unlikely circumstances that led to the death of Brandon Lee in 1993. What happens when you fire a blank with a squib stuck in the barrel? We tried it with ballistic gel to find out.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!The Makarov: The AK of the Pistol WorldLucky Gunner Ammo2021-10-29 | You've been asking for it for years, so we finally reviewed the classic Makarov pistol. Is it just a Russian copy of the Walther PP, or did it play a more unique role in firearms history? We're also taking a look at the ballistics of the 9x18 Makarov cartridge and how the Makarov stacks up as a carry gun option today.
Support our channel, buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Shooting Handguns with Both Eyes Open: Do You Really Have To?Lucky Gunner Ammo2021-10-20 | Most of us were taught that we should shoot handguns with both eyes open. That's generally a pretty good idea, but is it an absolute rule? Today, we're digging into when and why it might actually be beneficial to close the non-dominant eye.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!The Cheek Pistol: Lets Get WeirdLucky Gunner Ammo2021-10-07 | The cheek pistol is a concept devised by our friend Rhett Neumayer, (a name that should be familiar by now if you're a regular viewer) whom I've decided to start calling The Tactical Mad Scientist. It's a shooting technique that only works with very a specific type of large-format pistol like the KelTec CP33. The results are nothing short of impressive: rifle-like shooting performance in a package that weighs less than a 1911.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!What About Kahr Pistols?Lucky Gunner Ammo2021-09-30 | How can you do a 10 minute video about double action carry pistols and not mention Kahr Arms? Does Chris hate Kahr for some reason? Does he have brain damage? These are among the many questions we received after our last video. The answers depend on how you interpret the term "double action."
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!The Frustrating Search For A Double Action Carry PistolLucky Gunner Ammo2021-09-27 | In today's Q&A video, we explore some of the best options for double action/single action and double action only pistols for concealed carry and why there are so few of them.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!The Beretta Cheetah Series: Fun Size Duty PistolsLucky Gunner Ammo2021-09-16 | Hey look, it's time for another Beretta review! The Beretta Cheetahs, (aka the 80-series) are some of the classiest pistols ever made with the side benefit of being built to last like their big brother, the 92. You might be familiar with the .380 ACP Beretta Model 84 Cheetah, or maybe even the Model 85 or Model 81 (my personal favorite, in .32 ACP). But today, we're going to talk a little bit about all eight (yeah, eight!) models in the Cheetah series and what makes them so great to shoot, own, and even carry.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Beginners Guide to Pistol AmmoLucky Gunner Ammo2021-08-31 | Today, we're going back to basics. We get a lot of ammo-related questions from new shooters and first-time gun owners. We've answered a lot of this basic info in passing in other videos, but we thought it would be helpful to put it all in one place. To keep it streamlined, we left out a lot of details that probably aren't important for most shooters right away. This guide should cover everything you need to know before you buy your first box of practice ammo.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!M1 Carbine versus SKS: Milsurp ShowdownLucky Gunner Ammo2021-08-19 | The M1 Carbine and the SKS are both excellent firearms. But which 1940s-era semi-auto carbine is better in 2021? That's not the question we're trying to answer today. But "showdown" seemed like a much better word for a title than "comparison." Mostly, we just wanted an excuse to play with the M1 Carbine again and the SKS was sitting there like "hey, can I come play too?" and we said "yes."
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!I Finally Reviewed the Bersa Thunder 380Lucky Gunner Ammo2021-08-09 | The Bersa Thunder 380 has been a favorite budget concealed carry pistol for well over two decades now. Is it a rare example of great quality at a low price, or is it a typical example of "you get what you pay for"? After years of relentless pleading from Bersa Thunder fans, I finally bought one to find out for myself.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!The Home Defense Shotgun Skills TestLucky Gunner Ammo2021-07-26 | Find out if your defensive shotgun skills are up to par with this simple test. All you need is a shotgun, a shot timer, and 11 rounds of buckshot. And some targets. And, I guess, a shooting range, too. And eye and ear pro. So actually, you kind of need a lot of stuff. But you can do it. I believe in you.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!The Walther PPK Is Not Very GoodLucky Gunner Ammo2021-07-16 | It's pretty. It looks great on the big screen. But compared to more modern pistols, the Walther PPK is a horrible choice for self-defense and concealed carry. It's not even a fun plinker. Unless you're a collector or an avid James Bond enthusiast, just say no to the PPK.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Why Do You Hold Your Gun Like That?Lucky Gunner Ammo2021-07-01 | According to The Internet, the way I hold non-pistol grip long guns is strange and confusing. Spitting in the face of millennia of human evolution, I choose to ignore the gift of the opposable thumb and let my fifth digit simply hang limp on the side of the stock like some kind of savage. But there is a reason I use this "thumb-forward" technique. Four reasons, actually. I counted them. See, I'm not so primitive after all!
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Are Pistol Sights Actually Useful For Self-Defense?Lucky Gunner Ammo2021-06-17 | A few weeks ago, we looked at whether red dot sights are a good idea for a concealed carry pistol. Lots of our followers expressed skepticism -- not just for red dot sights, but for any kind of sights being useful in a real world defensive encounter. Is there a specific distance where we should plan to shoot "instinctively" rather than rely on the sights? Is sighted fire even possible considering the close range and quick reaction times required in most scenarios? Should we be practicing a combination of sighted fire and point shooting? We can't give you any definitive answers, but we can offer some strong opinions!
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!The True Distance of a Typical GunfightLucky Gunner Ammo2021-06-03 | When we rely on statistics to help make important decisions, it's helpful to know if those stats are actually true. We’ve all heard that most gunfights take place at three yards. It’s part of the old “three shots, three yards, three seconds” standard. But where does that come from? Is it reliable? Do we have any other sources that are more reliable or more specific? Today, we're taking a critical look at the available data to find out what's myth and what's relevant for the average armed citizen for concealed carry.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Do You Need A Red Dot Sight On Your Carry Pistol?Lucky Gunner Ammo2021-05-25 | Within the last couple of years, micro red dot optics on pistols have gone from "early adopter" status to accessibly mainstream. The technology is continually improving and the costs keep dropping. That has a lot of shooters considering for the first time whether a red dot might make sense for their everyday carry pistol. Today, we're looking at a couple of the major pros and cons of making that transition.
Learn more about how to shoot pistol optics: Scott Jedlinski - Modern Samurai Project: youtube.com/user/jedlinski
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!The M1 Carbine RevisitedLucky Gunner Ammo2021-05-04 | Because you didn't get enough of the M1 Carbine in our four-part series back in 2019, we're back with more! Find out how Chris rescued a sad, mistreated carbine just so he could practice a bunch of gratuitous reloading drills. Also: the worst accessory ever made for the M1 Carbine.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!Dont Be A Tactical HoboLucky Gunner Ammo2021-04-20 | It's our very first Q&A video! Today, Chris answers a question from a viewer about how to avoid dressing like a complete bum while effectively concealing a handgun. Is it possible to look like a respectable citizen while carrying, or are we all doomed to look like Walter Sobchak?
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!How To Sight In A Rifle ScopeLucky Gunner Ammo2021-04-09 | Following our tutorial on how to mount an optic to your rifle, we're moving on to how to sight in or zero your optic. This is a basic step-by-step walkthrough of the process that covers everything you need to know to get a good starting zero once your optic is mounted. The demo rifle is a Bravo Company AR-15 with a Swamp Fox Arrowhead 1-10x24 scope, but the instructions should work regardless of what rifle or optic you're using.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!How To Mount A Rifle ScopeLucky Gunner Ammo2021-03-31 | This is just about everything the average shooter could possibly want to know about mounting a scope. We've walked through the whole process step by step, explaining not just the "how" but the "why" behind each step. Our demo gun is an AR-15 with low-powered variable optic, but most of these procedures should work for other types of rifles and optics as well.
Shortcuts: 00:02 - Introduction 01:39 - Choosing the right rings and mounts 03:29 - Understanding cheek weld and optic height 06:43 - Cheap versus affordable versus premium scope mounts 08:29 - Tools needed for mounting an optic 09:56 - Mounting a rifle optic - safety check 10:22 - Does your rifle need a scope base? 11:38 - Initial placement of the mount and optic 15:07 - Using thread locker/Loctite 18:27 - Setting eye relief 21:20 - Torquing the mount screws 23:28 - Leveling the optic 25:19 - Torquing the scope ring screws 26:30 - Adding witness marks 27:38 - Final thoughts
The AR used in this video is a 16-inch BCM with an Aero Precision handguard, a Mission First Tactical Battlelink Minimalist stock, and a PWS FSC Compensator.
The optic is a Swamp Fox Arrowhead 1-10x24 with a Swamp Fox Independence mount.
Support our channel. Buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!The Pants-Optional Holster: PHLster EnigmaLucky Gunner Ammo2021-03-15 | Okay, so it's not actually a holster. The PHLster Enigma is a "concealment chassis" that you can pair with your favorite AIWB holster to form the ultimate concealed carry setup regardless of whether you wear a belt with your pants, or even no pants at all! I've been using a PHLster Enigma daily for a few months now (with pants... mostly), so I figured it was time for a review.