There is a lot more to armed personal defense than simply choosing the right gun. In fact, even after a suitable firearm has been procured, there are a few preparatory steps that should be undertaken to ensure the gun is ready for everyday carry (EDC). American Rifleman’s Joe Kurtenbach recommends that new guns should receive a thorough inspection and cleaning before ever hitting the range, and should be subjected to a good reliability test and break-in consisting of several types of ammunition, including the user’s intended carry load. Follow along as Kurtenbach describes his pre-carry checklist and preps a Smith & Wesson Performance Center Shield in 9 mm for service.
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Prepping A New Pistol For EDC
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
Rifleman Q&A: Argentinian Auction Piece
"I purchased this .22-cal., six-shot, double-action revolver with a very good bore at auction. The barrel is 1.5" long, octagonal and engraved. Can you tell me more about it?"
The Rifleman Report: Magnificent Milestones
The last major milestone that I remember marking our nation’s founding, the 1976 bicentennial, occurred when I was a high schooler, a year before I enlisted in a nearby military academy’s Junior ROTC program.
NRA Partners With Specialists To Enhance Hearing Health
Start Hearing and SoundGear have partnered with the NRA to promote hearing health, safety and protection among members.
Bill Bachenberg Elected NRA President, Doug Hamlin Unanimously Reelected as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO
Today, the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), elected Bill Bachenberg of Pennsylvania as President of the NRA and Doug Hamlin as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO.
Review: Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph
Garmin is a longtime provider of useful electronics for outdoor enthusiasts, including handheld GPS units, archery optics and smartwatches. Near the end of 2023, the company expanded its offerings in a fresh direction by offering its very first chronograph, dubbed the Xero C1 Pro.
The Armed Citizen® April 28, 2025
Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
