An interesting phenomenon has occurred in the ranks of gun owners over the past handful of years. And it might not be what you expect. A virtual deluge of first-time gun owners has changed not only gun ownership but the entire firearms industry. And Personal Defense World Magazine is here to guide them through with issues like our August-September issue.
Personal Defense World August-September 2023
According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), there were 8.4 million first-time gun purchasers in 2020. Likewise, there were 5.4 million in 2021 and about 3.6 million more in 2022. The result is no small thing: nearly 17.5 million brand-new gun owners are among our ranks.
“Why?” you might ask.
It’s likely a combination of several factors, including political- and media-driven racial unrest leading to rioting and looting. Not to mention diminished police resources due to the “defund the police” movement.
Likewise, tyrannical business and school closures, lockdowns, and medical mandates resulted in chaos. Add to that burgeoning violent crime throughout the country—predominantly in Democrat-run cities.
“When Columbus was having their protests, or riots, that’s when we saw a lot of new gun owners,” said Kevin Sadeski, an NRA-certified instructor who has been training gun owners at Armed2Defend LLC in Canal Winchester, Ohio, since 2010.
“Everybody thought the police were going to come and protect them, or these type of things would never happen to them, then all of a sudden their neighborhood was being destroyed, and they felt helpless. So, they realized, ‘Hey, I’ve got to be responsible for myself.’”
These new gun owners were far from the stereotypical white male gun owners of yesteryear. In fact, according to NSSF, during the 2020 surge, the highest overall firearm sales increase came from African American men and women. They showed a 58.2 percent increase in purchases during the first six months of 2020. This is versus the same period the previous year.
Combined with the fact that constitutional carry continues to take the country by storm, the face of concealed carriers has changed, too. Many new gun owners have become new concealed carry practitioners. And that’s where we all get to reap the benefits.
Inside the Latest Issue of Personal Defense World
Increased demand leads to increased supply, and gun and ammunition companies are introducing more—and better—firearms and ammo. This includes concealed carry pistols and rounds.
That’s despite the widespread supply chain disruption that has kept many shelves somewhat bare. Just take a look at the pages of this issue to get an idea of what I’m talking about.
Ed Brown’s new Fueled up M&P pistol is an excellent example. You’ll see by Garrett Lucas’ in-depth report beginning on page 6 how many improvements Ed Brown Products has made to the famed S&W M&P line. This results in an outstanding carry and personal defense handgun.
The CZ DWX Compact further proves our point. According to author and expert trainer Fred Mastison, this new pistol combines a little 1911 with the CZ 75. This makes one smooth-shooting EDC pistol. See Fred’s coverage on page 16.
Besides those two pistols, this issue brings you page after page of additional new and improved products. All of which can make personal defense easier and more convenient for the reader.
From the MC2c (p. 26) to the Ruger Security 380 Lite Rack (p. 52) to the Canik METE MC9 (p. 58), there’s something for everyone wanting to upgrade their CCW line-up this year. And if that’s not enough, our feature on 21 new defensive pistols for 2023 (p. 82) should have plenty of great guns to pique your interest.
We hope you love this issue, and we always enjoy feedback from our readers. Email us at editdesk@athlonoutdoors.com to let us know what you liked and what you didn’t. We look forward to continuing to make PDW CCH magazine better with every issue. —Mark Chesnut
Listen to Your Favorite Gun Mags
Here’s a special note about digital subscriptions. If you’re one of those people who like to buy and listen to audio versions of books, then you’re in luck. All digital copies of Athlon Outdoors publications, including Ballistic, Combat Handguns, Tactical Life, Personal Defense World Concealed Carry Handguns, and Guns Of The Old West, sport the “mobile view” function.
This allows you to listen to each issue from any device… your smartphone, tablet, or work/personal computer. That’ll keep your hands and eyes free to take on other tasks like driving to work or the shooting range. Enjoy the new feature!
In This Issue
GIMMIE FUEL, GIMMIE FIRE
- Ed Brown Fueled Series take the M&P to its fullest potential and desirability
DWX COMPACT 9mm
- A little bit of a 1911 and CZ 75 makes for one smooth-shooting EDC pistol
CASTLE PROTECTION
- Putting the Mossberg MC2c through the paces at the legendary Gunsite Academy
LIGHT & EASY
- Ruger Security-380 Lite Rack’s ease of use and features make it a stand out
SUPERIOR EVOLUTION
- Canik METE MC9 may be the ultimate concealed carry pistol under $500
9mm STINGER
- CZ one-ups itself with the innovative Scorpion 3+ Carbine
HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT
- Solutions for discreet firearms storage with quick access
WORKING MAN’S AK
- Century Arms ups the ante with its American-made Kalashnikov
Buyer’s Guide 2023
SLING BAGS
- The ultimate carry-all when day-trip trekking is on your to-do list
DEFENSE PISTOLS
- Here’s what’s on tap in the new and hot autoloaders realm
TOP 17 WHEELGUNS
- Hot off the Vegas Strip, the latest and greatest new revolvers
BEST 10 SHOTGUNS
- Blast off with some of the hottest and newest scatterguns
TOP 21 DEFENSE LOADS
- Ammo is back — now with plenty of new offerings
Issues are available in either print, digital, or both. Likewise, subscriptions are available and provide a significant discount over the single-issue cover price. A subscription ensures that you don’t miss any of our great firearm coverage throughout the year. Be the first in the know when each issue hits your mailbox.
Get your copy of the August-September 2023 issue of Personal Defense World at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
