If you follow the modern 2011/double-stack 1911 space, you’ve probably noticed a new logo popping up on dealer shelves and social feeds: Cardinal Arms. Based in Mooresville, North Carolina (aka “Race City”), Cardinal is positioning itself as a boutique, American-made pistol maker with a tight initial lineup and a clear focus on performance, fit, and finish. What they build Cardin

When it comes to iconic handguns, few names carry as much weight as the 1911 and 2011 platforms. Both are revered in the shooting community for their design, performance, and history, but they serve slightly different purposes and appeal to different shooters. If you’ve been curious about the differences between these two pistols—and why the 2011 is rapidly becoming the more popular ch

If you build, tweak, or train with AR-pattern rifles, you’ve probably noticed a wave of smarter, lighter, and more modular parts hitting the market. Die Free Co enters that wave with a clear mission: make durable, user-first AR accessories and furniture that enhance function without adding fluff. Below is a practical overview of what the brand is setting out to do—and what shooters can

If you’ve followed Q for any length of time, you’ve seen their push for 8.6 Blackout (8.6 BLK): a .338-caliber cartridge optimized for short barrels, heavy bullets, and suppression—basically a “big-brother” concept to 300 BLK, but in the AR-10/bolt-gun world. Q backs the caliber with ready-to-run firearms, barrels, and support gear directly through their storefront, s

Race City Defense Pistols: RC9 & RC9C—Born to Run If you’ve been hearing the buzz about Race City Defense (RCD), here’s the headline: they build premium, double-stack 1911-style pistols engineered to run hard and shoot flat. The current lineup centers on two models—the RC9 and the RC9C—purpose-built for reliability, shootability, and clean fit/finish. The platform

If you’re considering a career in security or private protection in North Carolina, there’s one acronym you need to know: PPSB—the Private Protective Services Board. This governing body ensures that all security professionals, from unarmed guards to armored car officers, meet the licensing, training, and certification standards required by law. At Blackstone Shooting Sp

If you’re searching for the best Charlotte shooting range, look no further than Blackstone Shooting Sports. As Charlotte’s premier indoor shooting range, we’ve redefined what a gun range should be—welcoming, professional, and built around your experience. Whether you’re new to firearms or a lifelong enthusiast, we’ve created a space where you can shoot, tra

If you’re searching for the best NC conceal carry class in Charlotte, your search ends here at Blackstone Shooting Sports. With elite instructors, a genuinely enjoyable class format, and Charlotte’s top-rated indoor range, we’re proud to be the #1 choice for those serious about earning their North Carolina conceal carry (CCW) permit. Elite Instructors with Real-World Experience W

Understanding the Crucial Importance of Shooting Range Rules Shooting ranges serve as vital environments for firearm enthusiasts, professionals, and those seeking self-defense skills. However, their safe and effective operation relies heavily on adherence to strict rules and protocols. In this blog, we delve into the significance of shooting range rules, emphasizing their critical role in ensuring