Handguns (1-year auto-renewal)

I bought my first gun, a Beretta 92, in May 1999 in response to the Columbine tragedy. It was a "silent protest" against the heartless anti-gun political opportunists who were exploiting the victims during the aftermath, which made me sick & disgusted. It wasn't long after that first purchase when I began a subscription to "Handguns" magazine. I was a subscriber for 10 years until a couple months ago when I decided not to renew my subscription for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that I live in California, home of the "certified safe by the state" approved roster of handguns for sale, which prohibits most new models from being sold in CA unless they're bastardized to meet state requirements.

Well, you don't subscribe to a magazine for 10 years if it's crappy, right? This is a great magazine, and all about handguns. It contains the usual articles you would expect about new models and such, plus firing line reports for several models in each issue, but it also contains ancillary topics such as tactics, gun rights, ammunition, new accessory items on the market, nostalgic reviews of classic handguns, etc. It's a bi-monthly publication from the publishers of "Guns & Ammo", which of course is the gold standard by which all other shooting publications are judged. I believe "Handguns" carries on the tradition of G&A nicely. This magazine isn't as thick as its main competitor (American Handgunner), but I prefer "Handguns" because they stick to business, while AH seems to be run by a bunch of narcisistic egomaniacs who use their magazine as a forum for patting themselves on the back. I think "Handguns" also has a better command of English grammar than AH and is easier to read, though they're still a far cry from perfect in that regard. However, AH has a handgun giveaway contest in each issue, which "Handguns" does not, so props to AH for that.

If I had to criticize anything in "Handguns", it would be the gun rights column. At times--not very often, but sometimes--the author (Don B. Kates) seems like he's out in left field, out of touch with reality. He actually stated, for example, that now that the Democrats are in control of Congress again after 12 years, the Obama administration would _not_ attack gun rights because they had more important issues on their agenda; yet Obama is underhandedly trying to ban guns through the back door, via proposed "anti gun trafficking" treaties with the UN and other unscrupulous means (including the threat of doing so through Executive Order!). Assinine statements like that from a bona fide gun rights expert and legal authority makes you wonder what goes through his head sometimes.

Another criticism of "Handguns" is that they don't seem to review very many "budget" guns in their magazine. Not surprising, I suppose, because they do have to appease their big-buck advertisers, right? Which is also why you'll seldom (if ever) find a bad review of a model from a big-name manufacturer. Regardless, I'd like to see this publication become monthly again (they tried for a time), but I suppose it's kind of difficult to fill the pages on a monthly basis. [So take note: your 1yr subscription is for 6 issues only, not 12.]

Nevertheless, as I said, this is a wonderful publication for the handgun enthusiast. I've only missed one issue since cancelling my subscription, and honestly I already miss it! I predict I'll break down and resubscribe before the year's end.

As a Certified Glock Armorer who travels the Gun Show circuit, I like this magazine because it keeps me up to date on the other brands of guns and what they are offering. I may not work on other brands, but I can at least carry on a somewhat informed conversation with customers when they ask me about features of a gun other than Glock. I also enjoy the section on new styles of ammunition for self defense/home defense. I'm always open to new ideas but will be hard pressed to change from my current carry ammo.

Overall, a good publication.

Buy Handguns (1-year auto-renewal) Now

I enjoy reading the reviews. The editors go into great detail on the +/of the products. The only negative I have is that since it is a Guns & Ammo magazine; the articles between their Handguns mag and their primary G&A mag often duplicate reviews of the same product. If you are just getting Handguns mag, you will not be disappointed.

Read Best Reviews of Handguns (1-year auto-renewal) Here

My husband loves this magazine! I love the look on his face when he gets one through the mail! So glad I ordered it! He's all the time bringing it to me showing me all the new stuff he reads about in the magazine!

Want Handguns (1-year auto-renewal) Discount?

We are gun enthusiasts and we enjoy the gun reviews! We highly recommend this magazine to gun owners everywhere. Pricing is good!

Save 46% Off