This page explains exactly how the reviews and buying guides on Conceal & Carry Network are made: who does the work, what we check, what kind of evidence each article is based on, and how we choose and rank products. If an article and this page ever disagree, tell us and we will fix it.
Who does the work
Our articles are written and edited by Chris Raper, a retired North Carolina lawman and NRA pistol instructor who has taught the state-approved concealed handgun class since 2006. When another person tests a product or reviews an article, that person is named on that article, with their role (Tested by, Reviewed by), and only after they have approved it themselves.
The three kinds of review on this site
Every review shows one of these labels near the top, so you know what it is based on.
| Label | What it means | What it does not mean |
|---|---|---|
| Hands-on | A named person used this exact model. The review says for how long, where and how, what worked, what didn’t, and any measurements, with the date. | Not a lab test or a certification. One person’s experience with one unit. |
| Photo-supported research | We photographed the product ourselves and combined what the photos show with the manufacturer’s listing, the manual and a summary of owner feedback. | Photos show what a product looks like. They do not prove how long it lasts or how reliable it is. |
| Research-based | Built from the manufacturer’s listing and manual, recall databases and a summary of owner feedback. No photos or testing of our own yet. | We have not handled this product. |
We never turn a specification, a photo or an Amazon comment into a claim that we tested something. Owner feedback is always labelled as owner feedback.
What we look at, by product type
Handgun and long-gun safes
- Ways in: how many independent ways to open it (fingerprint, keypad, RFID, key, palm, app) and what happens when one fails or the battery dies.
- Interior fit: listed inside dimensions, and whether your handgun, light or optic will fit. We say when a manufacturer doesn’t list them.
- Build and mounting: listed steel thickness, hinge and lid design, pre-drilled holes, included hardware and cable.
- Power: battery type, backup power port, low-battery warning.
- Ratings and listings: fire ratings, California DOJ listing and recalls, stated exactly as published, with a link to the source. We never infer a rating from weight, brand or looks.
- Owner reports: the most common praise and the most common problem in owner feedback.
Sight pushers and gunsmithing tools
- Fit: which slide families and front or rear sights the maker says it fits, and where owners report problems.
- Build: frame material, pusher block design, clamping method and whether it can mar the slide.
- Ease of use: setup steps, how much force the handle needs, and whether a bench vise is required.
Holsters, carry guns and CCW law
Holster and carry-gun articles compare listed specifications (size, weight, capacity, retention, material) and explain the trade-offs for everyday carry. CCW law articles link the statute or official government page for every rule they describe and show the date they were last checked. They are general information, not legal advice. Chris is a firearms instructor, not an attorney.
How we choose products for buying guides
- We start from what readers ask in class and what is actually sold and in stock in the U.S.
- Each guide explains its selection criteria and names products we left out and why.
- Each pick says who it suits and what you give up. We use labels such as “Best for travel” only when the article explains the reason. We do not name a “Best Overall” until we have compared the products side by side ourselves.
- Where we have a full review of a product, the guide links to it.
Ratings and scores
We do not publish star ratings or numeric scores yet, because a score should come from consistent hands-on testing, not from a spec sheet. When our hands-on testing is complete for a product category, we will score each product 1–5 on the criteria listed above, name the tester, and publish the test notes alongside the score.
Prices and affiliate links
We earn a commission when you buy through some links, including Amazon links, at no extra cost to you. Commissions never decide which products we include or how we describe them. Prices shown next to a link are the Amazon price at the date and time stated next to them; prices and availability change, and the price on Amazon at checkout is what applies.
Photos
Product photos credited to Chris Raper are our own. Any manufacturer or licensed image is labelled with its source on the Image Credits page. We never present a manufacturer image as our own photo.
Updates and corrections
When we re-check an article (new prices, a recall, a new model or hands-on notes), we update the “Last updated” date and say what changed. If you spot a mistake, email [email protected] and we will correct it and note the correction on the article.