If you purchase guns online you'll find most vendors will charge extra fee to use a credit card. Why is that? Every other merchant accepts credit cards and doesn't add 2-4% extra, what gives? Well, businesses dealing in firearms are viewed as high risk by merchant service providers. High risk is a relative term, but it basically means a gun dealer runs a higher risk business than say a paper supplier. Gun dealing online is very price competitive just like other tangible items. It is easier for vendors to offer a lower price and keep the credit card fees in fine print. If they built the fees into the price of the guns they simply wouldn't sell as many. It makes sense when you think about it.

A good alternative to paying the credit card fees is using a bank draft (e-check) or using layaway. There are many online dealers that offer anywhere from 3 to 9 months with no fees and no interest. It's a cheap and easy way to buy high-end guns without draining your bank account.

There is some controversy over this topic but I'm going to talk about carrying extra magazines. A few years ago I bought an inside the waistband (IWB) holster for a Glock 19. It was a vinyl holster which made it a little thick but what really made it thick was the extra elastic pouch made for carrying an extra magazine.

Some die hard EDC (everyday carry) guys will tell you to carry at least one extra magazine maybe two. I'm here to tell you this; if 15 rounds in a Glock 19 doesn't get the job done, you've got bigger problems than running out of ammo.

Most self defense shootings occur at close range (5-7 feet) and usually only a single shot is fired. Some would argue the Aurora, Colorado shooting would dictate the need for more ammo. However, when a mass-murderer is shooting a semi-automatic rifle, a compact handgun isn't exactly the best offense.

The gun fights you see on TV where two guys are kneeling behind barrels exchanging 20+ rounds of fire are simply Hollywood theatrics.

Ultrasonic cleaners can be a good way to clean some of your small gun parts. However, there is some controversy over it. Ultrasonic cleaners work by turning high frequency sound waves into tiny bubbles the create a scrubbing action. They have been used for ages cleaning mostly jewelry and medical tools. Most ultrasonic cleaners also have the ability to heat the water or cleaning solution to further increase effectiveness. The controversy comes into play because some believe the ultrasonic cleaners create microscopic cracks in soft metals like aluminum. They can also yield somewhat destructive results to certain finished or painted parts.

Personally, I use an ultrasonic cleaner for small made of stainless steel. This is usually bolts, springs, triggers, and other things that are durable and/or cheap to replace. Springs will eventually wear out, but they are pain to clean by hand so I usually dump them in the ultrasonic cleaner. I never put things like slides, barrels, or suppressor cans due to the finish/coloring.

Most of these machines are NOISY! It may also scare pets like cats or dogs because they can hear the high frequency much better than humans. If you are going to purchase an ultrasonic cleaner buy one large enough to submerge all your parts.