Conspiracy Theories and the Prepper: The Dangers of Misunderstandings

Prepping in and of itself is a rational reaction to potential threats, environmental and human propagated. For example, purchasing or creating emergency disaster kits to allow for fast evacuations in areas known to have wildfires is sensible and even encouraged by the local and federal governments.

Unfortunately, stereotypes and assumptions often plague the idea of what it is to be a survivalist or prepper. Many people believe preppers operate on the fringes of society when, in reality, most preppers are average citizens with a desire to keep themselves and their families safe.

While the average prepper takes their cues from an informed community, it is an unfortunate consequence of sensationalism that some turn to conspiracy to inform their ideas. Without logic and balanced information, an ill-informed prepper can contribute to the disaster they want to avoid. Survivalism and disaster preparation should not be motivated by conspiracy but by reality.

The Dangers of Conspiracy Theories

It is impossible to discuss conspiracy theories without discussing the current pandemic. The world is still in disarray, and political divisiveness and sensationalist outlets are feeding on the anxieties of real people by contorting facts to fit fallacy.

Preppers want to be prepared for disasters, but they do not wish to contribute to them. Most preppers are survivalists and have a deep respect and compassion for nature and humanity. Unfortunately, those who believe that vaccines are somehow poisoning people or that government agencies designed and distributed COVID-19 as some tool for population control only contribute to panic and distrust in vaccines, essentially prolonging the pandemic.

While the pandemic might still be a little raw and a somewhat touchy subject, there is another recent example of rogue theories promoting disaster or societal disruption. In May, the Colonial Pipeline was a victim of a ransomware attack. Despite the assurances of the company that gas and oil would remain available and that the system would be back to full operation by the end of the week, there was a rush on gas stations and fuel pumps, causing significant gas shortages across the east coast.

Buying into conspiracy is not prepping. Preparation is about analyzing real threats and planning accordingly.

Examples of Real Threats

The climate crisis is a legitimate threat. People in California and other wildfire zones can attest to the changes in frequency and severity of such disasters. In Jakarta, areas have sunk by over eight feet, and the sea levels have risen by more than ten feet.

Preppers looking into these threats will plan accordingly. In California, residents might focus on preparing evacuation packs. In Jakarta, the stakes are higher, and residents might consider moving inland. 

The point is, as a prepper, you want to look at the facts surrounding a situation, not speculation. It is necessary to find reliable news sources and not biased outlets — which is getting increasingly more difficult. If finding an entirely unbiased source is not possible, find options that lean more towards the center. Additionally, local and national news is not the only way to find information. Search scientific studies and legitimate peer-reviewed journals.

There is no denying the rise of media and biased reporting. All you can do is try and not become a victim to the overwhelming falsehoods on social media and television platforms. Remember that prepping is as much about protecting your family as it is about not contributing to the problem.

How do you feel about conspiracy theories and their effect on the prepping community? Leave a comment below to keep the conversation going.


Prepping for a Personal “SHTF” Situation: Prepper Skills That Will Best Help You Deal With Job Loss, Death and Other Personal Crises

Global disaster does not have to strike for the proverbial “stuff” to hit the fan and for you to have to call upon your prepping skills. The death of an income-earning loved one, job loss, divorce, medical emergencies and other unexpected life events can turn your life upside down and cause financial turmoil. While it may be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel when a personal crisis does strike, you, as a prepper, are better equipped to deal with the aftermath than just about anyone else. If you’re not yet a prepper, you can develop the skills and resources you will need to not just survive an emergency but prevail despite one. Below are a list of skills to either call upon or develop to make it through whatever curveballs life throws your way.

Emotional Awareness and Mental Control

The ability to identify and control your emotions is one of the first skills you need to master if you hope to remain strong and healthy throughout your personal crisis. Though an often-overlooked trait, a can-do attitude can help you stay motivated when you would otherwise want to curl into a ball and cry. It can inspire you to think outside of the box to come up with creative and workable solutions. It will equip you with the talent to accept and adapt to changes, and the determination to remain strong and help others despite the difficulty of the times. Finally, a can-do attitude can help you remain calm and stay in control throughout even the most stressful of events.

Food Acquisition, Management and Storage

Most personal crises result in financial strain, the latter of which often results in food shortage and hunger. The problem is, you will need sustenance to keep your strength up and your health strong.

Most preppers have what is known in the prepping community as a “Family Food Store.” Building up this food store and managing it is an actual skill that requires time, patience and knowledge of how to best store perishables so that they become non-perishable. Though there are countless resources that can give you an in-depth overview of what to include in your store and how to manage it, a few basic items you should not miss include the following:

  • Peanut butter
  • Nuts and trail mixes
  • Power bars and granola bars
  • Canned vegetables
  • Dried fruits
  • Dried pastas and jarred pasta sauces
  • Twinkies (just kidding)
  • Powdered milk
  • Bottled waters
  • Gatorade and/or other electrolyte-containing beverages
  • Multi-vitamins

You also need to learn what to buy right before an emergency and how to allocate foods after disaster strikes. If you have any tips or advice on food storage and management, please share them with us in the comments section.

Food Production

Food acquisition and management only touches on what you will need to do to stave off hunger during an emergency. Ideally, you will learn how to produce and store your own food, including everything from fruits and veggies to meat. You should also have a system in place that allows you to collect and purify water, and for sanitizing utensils, food, your clothes, hunting gear, etc.

Homemaking Skills

Homemaking skills, which were once a basic necessity, have gone by the wayside. Yet, skills such as sewing, candle making, shoe repair, weaving, soap making, creating natural cleaning products and the like will all prove highly valuable during financially-strapped times. Try to develop as many as you can so that, when the need arises, you can take care of your home and loved ones without having to pay to do so.

Personal crises often feel like disasters for those who live through them. Set yourself up to prevail regardless of what life throws your way by developing these crucial survival skills.

CategoriesHome Defense Survivalism Weapons

4 Ways to Improve Your Situational Awareness

It happens all the time in movies. An unsuspecting victim is living blissfully unaware of his or her surroundings when a shady character sneaks up and attacks him or her from behind. Or there are those maddening movie scenes that depict a brain-dead homeowner who hears a noise in the basement and goes down to investigate without so much as a baseball bat for protection. These movies show an embarrassing lack of situational awareness and basic preservation skills.

Though real life is nothing like the movies, there are still some parallels that can be drawn between the two. In real life (just as in the movies), you’re more likely to become a victim if you aren’t aware of what’s going on around you. Simply paying attention to your surroundings can make you a much less desirable target for a criminal.  

Increasing your situational awareness can increase your likelihood of escaping dangerous situations. Here are five ways to improve your situational awareness so you don’t become an unsuspecting victim.

1. Be Aware of What a “Normal” Situation Looks Like

If you want to improve your situational awareness, you first have to establish a “normal” environmental baseline. Determine what sounds, sights and behaviors you should expect in your current situation so you can immediately pinpoint anything that falls outside of “normal.”

For example, if you’re hiking in the woods, you can expect to hear few noises except for insects, birds, and the occasional passing hiker. If the woods are abnormally quiet, you should be on alert for predators (of the human or animal variety), or for dangerous weather.

If you’re driving on a busy street, you should expect the normal sights and sounds of traffic. If something seems “off” from the usual, keep an eye out for potential danger.

2. Assess Your Surroundings for Potential Threats

Situational awareness is not synonymous with paranoia. You shouldn’t be overly stressed when you’re living your daily life. However, you should be consistently checking your surroundings for potential threats. You can do this in a casual, low-stress way. Here are a few habits that can increase your situational awareness:

  • Pay attention to what’s going on around you (including sounds, sights, smells and the overall feeling in the air).
  • Make note of anyone or anything that seems out of place or suspicious. Watch the person or thing in question to assess whether or not you’re in a potentially dangerous situation.
  • Consider whether a suspicious individual could be carrying a weapon or could have access to a nearby item that could be used as a weapon (such as a chain, baseball bat or shovel).
  • Look for suitcases, bags or other similar items that are left in a crowded area without an owner nearby. This is a common way criminals hide explosives.

If you have an uneasy feeling about a specific individual or your environment, move on to the next step.

3. Look for an Escape Route

If you’re generally a calm person but you can’t shake an uneasy feeling, pay attention to your instincts. Look for different escape routes you can use to get out of the situation or place you’re currently in. Once you have identified a good escape route, use it to get away from a potentially dangerous environment.

4. Plan How You Will Respond

If you feel a little suspicious but don’t have an opportunity to get away from the situation, imagine different scenarios in your head and imagine how you will respond. If someone attempts to attack you or people near you, what will you do? If someone draws a weapon such as a gun, are there places nearby that will provide you with shelter (such as desks, pillars, cars, etc.)? A good plan can help you avoid freezing up and becoming a stationary target.

These are all important components of situational awareness. Do you have any other situational awareness suggestions? Let us know in the comments section!


Food Items for Short-Term and Long-term Survival

Food storage is one of the most important considerations for a prepper, and it is something that can feel overwhelming until you understand it. Essentially, food storage can be placed into two distinct categories: short-term and long-term.

Understanding Short-Term Food Storage

Short-term food items typically have a shelf life between three and five years and comprise things you can pick up at your local grocery store. You will also want to choose foods your family eats every day.

To save money, you will want to create an inventory system like FIFO (First in, first-out). Having a strategy will help you cycle food, so you do not let anything go to waste.

For short-term storage, you will want to stock your pantry with a three-month supply of food. A three-month supply can help get you and your family through several disasters or financial setbacks, like job loss or illness.

Foods for short-term storage come in a few categories: canned goods, packaged goods, and beverages. Some potential food items could include:

Canned Goods:

  • Soups, beans, chili
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meats
  • Peanut butter
  • Condiments
  • Salsa, pasta sauce
  • Jams and jellies
  • Cooking oil

Packaged Goods:

  • Dried fruit and nuts
  • Smoked or dried meats
  • Boxed dinners
  • Snacks
  • Baking mixes
  • Staples (Flour, spices, sugar, salt, pasta, rice)
  • Mixes (dressing, gravy, pasta)


  • Bottled water
  • Milk and milk substitutes
  • Fruit juice, soda, sports drinks
  • Powdered drink mixes
  • Hot drinks
  • Protein drink mixes

While not an extensive list, all of these items represent potential food items for short-term storage. While some of the items on this list might be capable of long-term storage, it is necessary to remember that the short-term option will typically not have a longer shelf life than five years.

Understanding Long-Term Storage

Unlike short-term options, long-term food options are primarily dry, packaged staples and can last between 20 and 30 years. Your long-term food supply is future disasters or unforeseen challenges. As the primary focus is on dry goods, the food is meant to help you maintain essential calorie and nutritional needs in a survival situation. These food items are not meant to represent your family’s favorite meals. The purpose is to keep you alive and healthy.

When establishing your long-term food storage, you want to focus on items with a shelf life of over 10 years. Some options you could include:

  • Pasta
  • Grains
  • Salt
  • White sugar
  • Baking soda
  • Legumes
  • Dried potatoes
  • Dried corn
  • Dried and freeze-dried fruits and vegetables
  • Powdered eggs
  • Powdered dairy

Focus On Storage Conditions and Get Help

While it is possible to build long-term food storage on your own, it is typically best to seek help from those who have done it before you. You can also look into specialty suppliers to find bulk items and containers.

If you want to maximize shelf life, you will need to store food in a cool, dry, and dark location. However, you will also want to avoid overly humid areas. The best sites are usually below ground (basement) or a specialized shed or outbuilding. You want to ensure it is temperature-controlled. If possible, use dehumidifiers or other ways to ensure moisture levels do not get too high.

There is a need for short-term and long-term food storage, with the former providing emergency supplies for a minimum of three months and the latter offers 20 to 30 years. Do you currently have a long-term or short-term storage solution? Leave a comment below and keep the conversation going.


What Is the Bigger Threat to Hunting: Urban Sprawl or Politics

Despite many of the wrongful accusations against hunters, typically about animal cruelty, most are considered conservationists. Through licensing, population control, and even inherent beliefs, hunters support national and global conservation efforts. However, it is getting more challenging to participate in the practice because of politics and urban sprawl.

Politicians and the Guise of Animal Welfare or Rights

It is no surprise that politicians will hitch their opinions and beliefs to the most popular agenda or the issue most likely to get them elected. In more liberal-leaning areas, the politics do not favor the hunter. Many liberal-leaning individuals believe hunting is an animal welfare or rights issue and consider the act of hunting immoral.

Fortunately, while politics can occasionally get in the way of hunting or make the activity more challenging, there are politicians on both sides of the argument. Having a balanced political spectrum is not something you see much of anymore, but there seems to be equal representation when it comes to hunting.

While every person is entitled to their opinions, it is necessary to point out that hunting is conservation. Without hunters, prey would overpopulate, causing ecological problems. There are not enough apex predators to control the population independently, meaning humans must step in and help. However, regardless of how sound the argument in support of hunting, you will always have those who argue against it.

Urban Sprawl and the Overpopulation of the Human Species

Urban sprawl is likely the greatest threat to hunting. As the human population continues to grow, cities expand, eliminating natural habitats. Forests, wetlands, marshes, and so much more are being destroyed acre by acre. 

Species are more threatened by human population and advancement than hunters. As the country continues to put pressure on infrastructure expansion and ignore the needs of the natural environment, wildlife will continue to struggle, and it is not at the hands of hunters.

Essentially, urbanization will reduce hunting in a region, but it is not for the betterment of wildlife. Instead, increased housing is reducing and eliminating essential habitats, forcing wildlife to migrate or perish.

Conservation and the Need for Change

Hunting is not the enemy to conservation. The human need to expand is more abusive to wildlife in hindsight. The drive for family and housing is ultimately the cause of animal displacement. 

When speaking of animal welfare and rights, it is unjust to blame hunters for neglect or abuse. A hunter is essential to wildlife management and control. They give back to the environment they cultivate. How do non-hunters, those living in ever-expanding cities, work to protect the environment? Hunters, survivalists, and preppers are more likely to live off the land and in harmony with nature than most who attack hunting as an archaic process.

Urban sprawl and politics interfere more with nature than a hunter ever could. The worst part is, the intention of the politician or city planner is typically power or profit; a hunter only wants to participate in the tradition. Where do you land in the debate against hunting? Do you believe it is an act of conservation or malice? Also, what do you think is the more significant threat to the activity: urban sprawl or politics? Leave a comment, and keep the conversation going. Your input provides insight into future topics.


Rewilding and the Interest in Wolves and Lynx

Rewilding — the act of reintroducing native species to a country or continent — is an idea gaining traction in the UK, with over 44% of the population in favor of reintroducing lynx and wolves into the natural environment. Both species experienced extinction in the country primarily due to overhunting; however, exact causes are hard to determine because of when the extinction took place.

The elimination of wolves, lynx and other apex predators resulted in an overpopulation of prey species, particularly deer. By re-establishing a population of once natural predators, the country is hoping to curb the negative population trend of deer, especially as it relates to overgrazing and migration.

The Human Effect

While the precise reasons for exterminating specific apex predators are unclear, the consensus explains it as a necessary transition for a more prosperous society. Farmers made up the economy, and predators made it difficult to tend to and maintain livestock. Therefore, predators were hunted, and the natural order disrupted, resulting in population explosions of prey species.

While the initial effects were beneficial, today, deer are a serious nuisance to areas because of overgrazing. Additionally, prey animals are becoming desensitized to human interaction, making instincts to forage and migrate obsolete. Deer are like wild pets, unfortunately losing the survival instinct and changing the ecosystem for the worse.

The Necessity of Predators

Predators, such as lynx and wolves, create a necessary fear and order to a location. Deer, fearing becoming a predator’s meal, are careful not to overgraze a field and leave evidence of its actions; they will migrate to reduce the risks of capture. Additionally, a predator maintains population control, ensuring that animals, like deer, have enough food and shelter.

The Societal Benefits of Rewilding

Population control is not the only benefit to bringing back wolves and lynx to the UK. Some rewilding proponents believe the measure would also bolster tourism, adding an essential income stream to smaller cities through wildlife spotting. 

Even with lynx and wolves, animals that tend to shy away from people, tourism experts believe wildlife photographers and others will come from miles around to attempt to photograph the animals in their once natural habitat. Even if people are not paying for photography tours, they will likely still need places to eat and rest, making the proposal of rewilding interesting. 

The Hurdles to Overcome

Even with the potential benefits, some citizens remain skeptical of reintroducing once-native species. First, many are concerned about existing livestock, like sheep. While the intention is for the wolves and lynx to hunt deer, what is to stop the predators from hunting easier targets.

Additionally, many people worry about public safety and the effect on roaming rights. Many UK citizens worry about the safety of walking trails or paths when there is a lynx or wolf on the prowl. While some rewilding experts have attempted to appease those worried about animal attacks, they have done so by suggesting a compromise on public access to lands. 

While rewilding is continuing to gain steam across the UK, it is still not a sure thing, especially when it comes to apex predators, like wolves and lynx. However, every year, people seem to get more open to the idea, meaning one day wolves and lynx might roam free again.

What do you think about the concept of rewilding? Can you think of any species you might want to see reintroduced to your area? Leave a comment below.

CategoriesHome Defense

Installing a Panic Room To Keep You and Your Loved Ones Safe

A survivalist knows how to survive, but typically, the word brings to mind people in nature, working with the natural elements. However, sometimes, people are forced to endure in their own homes against criminals or those wishing to harm them. A survivalist can take a lesson from a prepper and build themselves a safe or panic room in such situations.

Understanding the Safe Room Concept

A safe room, also referred to as a panic room, is a secure place inside your home, somewhere only you have access to. The walls are typically constructed of durable material, like reinforced steel or 1-foot thick concrete. The door is usually installed with a vault-style lock.

A safe room should seal you inside, allowing no access from the exterior. In so doing, intruders cannot harm you. However, it would be best if you kept a few things in mind when designing the room.

Key Components of Every Safe Room

When not in use, the safe room can act as any other room. However, if possible, make the room comparable to the heart of the home by installing the main circuit breaker inside, ensuring criminals will not have access to the electricity. Additionally, establish a secure landline in the room so that you can communicate with the authorities. Securing a phoneline means ensuring the line is tamper-proof from the outside. You will also want video monitors installed, allowing you to watch what is happening inside and outside your home. Finally, you will need a ventilation system because you never know how long you might need to stay inside.

Personal Amenities for Survival and Comfort

With your room constructed, it is time to stock. First, consider medications, first aid, food, and water. You will need at least several doses of necessary medications because you do not know how long your stay will be. You’ll also want to keep a stocked first aid kit in the space in case of injury. When it comes to food and water, stock up with several bottles of water and non-perishable food items to last a few days at least.

Second, you will need a place to use the bathroom. A portable toilet provides a decent option, but a safe chemical treatment is essential. Additionally, stock up with moistened wipes, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer.

Third, an individual or family will need options for rest and comfort. You will want to plan for seating. However, at a minimum, keep pillows and blankets in the room. Also, store a phone charger inside and have alternative light sources at the ready in case the criminals find a way to access your electricity and phone line.

Finally, keep a firearm inside your panic room in a gun safe or lockbox; make sure you store plenty of ammunition. The gun is a last resort, and you will most likely not need to use it if you follow the above suggestions. However, a firearm can be a necessary means of protection if all else fails.

Do you have any experience with panic rooms, or are you currently designing one? Leave a comment below discussing your expertise or your concerns to keep the conversation going.

CategoriesDisaster Response Prepping Survivalism

Will the Next Pandemic Be Fungal?

What happened in India’s hospitals with black fungus has investigators worried. Could the next pandemic come from a fungus?

What Are Fungi?

Fungi are a type of microorganism that includes molds, mildews and yeasts. The mold that grows in damp areas of the home is a fungus, and so are the infections responsible for “athlete’s foot” and yellowing toenails.

It’s normal for the body to have balanced levels of certain fungi, and they can even be beneficial for the skin or for digestion. If unhealthy microbes enter the bloodstream, however, they can trigger dangerous infections.

What Fungi May Trigger a Pandemic?

We don’t necessarily have to wait to see the next potential cause of a global pandemic. It may already be here:

  • Candida auris: A type of yeast,  auris is a major threat. It can hide in tubes and treatment equipment that hasn’t been properly sterilized. Any outbreak leads to immediate lockdown procedures in hospitals because it’s so dangerous.
  • Aspergillus: This kind of fungus grows practically everywhere. It’s involved in breaking down vegetation, so it’s abundant in nature. It can appear inside or outside homes in the United States. It’s not normally dangerous, but it can trigger serious lung infections in people with compromised immune systems.

Some infections are caused by fungi that live in soil, such as the fungus responsible for Valley Fever in the Southwestern United States and Taloromyces in Asia. Sporothrix brasiliensis is a type of fungus that can be transmitted to humans via bites and scratches from animals

What Makes Fungal Infections Dangerous?

The risk of C. auris is showing that fungi are a ticking time bomb. Here’s why they’re so dangerous:

  • Treatment resistant: C. auris is resistant to common drugs. In other words, if someone gets infected, especially with immune system problems, the risk of dying is high.
  • Hard to eradicate: Unlike viruses and bacteria, eliminating fungi is difficult. They can resist common cleaning methods. C. auris is resistant to many ammonium-based disinfectants, for example.

Fast growing: C. auris can live and spread rapidly on plastic, metal, paper, and fabric. It can infiltrate ventilation systems, breathing tubes, nursing home areas and hospital equipment.

Why Now?

What is causing these “new” and scary fungal outbreaks in different parts of the world? In a way, we are.

Modern technological advances have indirectly caused problems with serious fungal infections. For example, many crops are doused in fungicides to enhance production. This can lead to organisms that are heavily resistant to elimination.

Also, global warming may allow fungi to spread to areas where they couldn’t live before. Tropical fungi can now travel further north. Also, transportation means goods carrying fungi can enter the U.S. from Asia, South America, Africa and practically anywhere else.

How To Prep?

HEPA air filtration is one of the only ways to keep mold spores and fungi out of sealed spaces. A sealed, airtight suit may be necessary in the case of a truly mortal global outbreak of mold spores or fungi. As far as current threats are concerned, be careful with anything that weakens your immune system. In the case of surgery at a hospital, you can demand new tubes for any equipment connected to your body.


The Winter Olympic Sport Every Survivalist Should Know About

The Olympics is a beautiful tradition of sportsmanship and comradery, but many of the events are not the most practical from a survival perspective. For example, how often are you going to need to tumble yourself away from an attacker or bobsled away from a charging bear?

The ridiculousness of the previous images does not mean Olympic sports do not have merit, nor does it mean a survivalist cannot learn from the activities. For example, learning breathing techniques from marathon runners or swimmers is beneficial, as are self-defense strategies taught in martial arts or wrestling. However, when looking at the collective catalog of winter and summer games, one sport stands out above the rest as a practical survivalist training tool: The biathlon.

What Is the Biathlon?

Formerly known as the Military Ski Patrol in earlier Winter Olympics, the biathlon was introduced to the Olympic Games as a men’s event in the winter of 1960. It is a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle marksmanship.

How Does the Sport Correlate With Survival Training

While some survivalists might not see the parallels between the two activities, especially from a practical standpoint, they do exist. Granted, to use the sport precisely as designed, you must live in a tundra-type landscape, requiring the constant use of skis to get from point A to B.

However, the practicality does not come into play by following the sport precisely. Instead, the merit lies in the combination of stamina and precision, of stress and control. How often are you racing from target to target on the shooting range? Unless you are currently in the military or routinely practice military shooting drills, the answer is likely never.

Biathletes focus on endurance training and marksmanship. The sport allows the use of a .22 rifle. During the race, competitors must stop several times to shoot targets at least 50 meters away. A racer’s heartbeat can rise to 200 beats per minute during these pauses, meaning accuracy is a challenge.

The competition format means biathletes, with their adrenaline, anxiety, and exhaustion, experience something comparable to a real-life survival situation. If you are under attack, you are likely running away from the threat, and if pursued, you will need to turn and fire upon a target. The level of adrenaline pumping through your veins is likely similar to a biathlete.

Should You Train for a Biathlon?

While taking up the sport is an excellent way to train your body to handle stressful situations while maintaining accuracy, it is unnecessary. The critical skills of a biathlete include heart rate management and breath control.

While you may never be able to control your breathing like a biathlete, slowing your heart rate from 200 beats per minute down to 130 beats in a matter of seconds, learning to slow your heart rate on demand can only help in survival situations.

An excellent way to practice breathing techniques and endurance is to find an outdoor range with a course. The movement will inevitably be a challenge for your accuracy, but you might be surprised how you fare with enough time and practice.

Do you know of any other Olympic sports that can provide insight into survival training? Leave a comment explaining your answer. Also, leave a comment expressing your interest in this topic or similar ones.


7 of the Most Reliable Pistols on the Market

The focus of this list is on 9mm striker-fired pistols as these are some of the most reliable handguns, and the selection is based on approachability for beginners. So, without further ado, here are the top seven in no particular order.

1. Glock 17/19

Released in the 1980s, the Glock 17 and 19 were the original granddaddies of striker-fired pistols. The G17 provided a full-size handgun with a 17 round capacity, while the more compact G19 offered a capacity of 15 rounds, more suitable for concealment.

Aside from the customizability of the Glock pistol, with its plentiful supply of aftermarket parts, the firearm is known for its simple design and reliability. Since its inception, it has remained one of the most trusted handguns, and there is no sign of changing tides.

2. CZ P10C

As CZ’s first striker model, the company made quite a splash with the release of the P10C series in 2017. With its fiber-reinforced polymer frame and stainless steel side, there is no denying the sophistication of the build. However, don’t let its beauty fool you. The reliability of this weapon is second to none and comparable to the Glock 19.

The manufacturer designed the firearm as a direct competitor to the Glock. The specifications even allow the gun to fit into Glock holsters and support aftermarket parts.

3. SIG Sauer P320

It wasn’t that long ago the U.S. military switched from the Beretta M9 and 92FS in favor of the more polished SIG Sauer P320. The primary reason for the switch is twofold: reliability and versatility.

The most unique aspect of the firearm is the gun assembly, which can be removed and swapped with alternate frame sizes. The availability of size adjustments is unique to this pistol and provides convenience for owners.

4. Smith & Wesson M&P

The year 2005 saw the succession from Smith & Wesson’s 3rd generation hammer-fired guns to the updated M&P line of firearms. With an enhanced ergonomic design, superior trigger, and aggressive grip stippling, the M&P 2.0 series has become Glock’s primary competitor. With multiple sizes, the M&P series remains popular among handgun enthusiasts, especially beginners and those concerned with self-defense.

5. Heckler & Koch VP9

Released in 2014, the HK VP9 or SFP9 was designed as a direct competitor to Walther PPQ and Glock 19 models. While the size of the handgun closely resembles the G17, it only holds 15 rounds, like the G19.

The primary design features of the firearm include two polymer protrusions on the rear and interchangeable side panels and backstraps to promote a better and customizable grip. As a competitor to the Walther PPQ and Glock 19, the HK VP9 is incredibly reliable and excellent for beginners.

6. Walther PPQ

The Walther PPQ was developed with the stylings of a Glock in mind. The manufacturer included aggressive grip texturing, forward slide serrations, a squared-off trigger guard, and a Glock-like single-action trigger with consistent pull, creating a well-rounded and reliable firearm. Interested buyers can opt for the M1 or M2 models, the latter having an American-style magazine release.

7. Walther P99

In 1996, Walther released a genuinely unique firearm: the Walther P99. With a double-action and single-action without a consistent pull, the P99 stands out as one of the most unique designs in the history of striker-fired pistols. The weapon also includes an AS mode, making the gun easier to shoot and safer to carry.

Do you know of any other reliable firearms or have any suggestions of handguns that should have made this list? Leave a comment below.

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