EXCLUSIVES
YOU WON'T FIND THIS CONTENT ANYWHERE ELSE
Nighthawk Custom...
The Nighthawk President is one classy handgun. Follow along as Nic Lenze gives you the details.
22
Streamlight...
This year at SHOT Show 2023, Streamlight announced a variety of new lights for just as many purposes. Tom McHale takes a look at the three new ProTac 2.0...
45
Is Anybody Watching?
December was a pretty busy month for gun rights organizations and their attorneys, and now — in mid-January with many if not most state legislatures in...
40
Suspicious Foul...
Street cops are exposed to all the nasty things occurring in society. Murders, suicides, fatal car collisions, and any other tragedy occurring.
94
Black Hills 10mm...
From the SHOT Show floor, a quick look at what makes the new 10mm HoneyBadger from Black Hills Ammunition.
22
Rock And Nans
Everybody wonders how their grandparents first met. Rock didn’t admit the truth to me until three weeks before he died.
159
Admirably Armed
Being a working journalist, whose beat is all-things-gun-related, I make a point of watching trends among legally-armed citizens and recently, while...
101
Fast And...
The Brass Collator from Fast and Friendly has a 16″ diameter bowl and can collate between 12,000 to 13,400 pieces per hour with 5.56/.223 or pistol calibers.
19
No Translation...
Remember when we were kids and any mention of gun safety applied to such things as 1) Finger off the trigger 2) Muzzle control (don’t aim at anybody) and...
45
Skeeter’s Last...
No one will ever fill Skeeter Skelton’s boots. He was a once-in-a-lifetime gift to those enjoying gun prose. There’s a simple reason guys like John...
168
Beaver For Breakfast
One of the kids pointed out a beaver cruising around the lake. I retrieved my sound suppressed Remington 700 bolt-action rifle and dispatched the beast from...
146
Order In The Courts
Just before the holidays, a pair of judges — one a state circuit court judge in eastern Oregon’s Harney County and the other a federal judge with the...
135
Hits, Misses,...
As a young copper, I always felt sorry for my female colleagues, and not for the reasons you’re thinking. As rookies, we quickly learned the necessity of...
96
Woox Thunderbird...
While you can use the Woox Thunderbird Throwing Axe for general “axe activity” like chopping and carving, as the name implies, it’s optimized for flight.
48
Vudoo Gun...
Vudoo Gun Works’ reimagined Möbius 1911 is available in three full-size models chambered in 9mm or .45 ACP with Novak adjustable sights and ships with...
8
The Great Beyond
I’m currently perched atop Hadrian’s Wall in Northern England near the Roman fort of Vindolanda. The weather is uncharacteristically pleasant.
142
Ghosts Of Christmas
For as far back as I can remember, the Christmas birthday I shared with my sister, who came along three years ahead of me, has been a double bit axe — and...
72
Dear Santa …
Dear Santa, Since I’ve been pretty good this year, I’m asking for something on the huge size, present wise. Please don’t think me greedy, as this...
56
From Outcast To...
It was 1938, and life was hard. The country and the world were still clawing their way out of the Great Depression, and people still knew genuine deprivation.
174
Smith & Wesson...
Utilizing the same EZ-Rack system found in the M&P Shield EZ models, the Smith & Wesson Equalizer takes a more tactical approach. Watch Nic Lenze give you...
15
Leave It To The...
You’ve got to be a masochist to enjoy the battle over gun rights in the Pacific Northwest, on both sides of the Columbia River, but you really do need to...
27
Remembering...
I’ve met my share of great dogs during my life, most being more memorable, better mannered and friendlier than most people. None are bad, some are just...
138
Ruger...
Ruger's all-new Security-380 Lite Rack Pistol was designed for new shooters, those who have a difficult time racking traditional slides, and anyone looking...
26
James Smith and...
11.5-foot Tiger shark that had been caught by an angler a week before some two miles out to sea.
167
Numbers Game
A recent Gallup poll on gun control contained some interesting numbers sure to have caused some consternation among gun prohibitionists, while underscoring...
30
Mindset Matters:...
Shooting is the perfect mesh of gross and fine motor skills. However, there’s a seldom discussed component of shooting, and that’s the mental aspect of...
29
Boot Scootin'...
In a hands-on scuffle, a short barrel could do you some favors, especially in a bar in the Old West. In this First Look, Nic Lenze shows you the...
31
The De-Evolution...
I have a nemesis. Webster’s Dictionary defines nemesis thusly, “The inescapable agent of someone's or something's downfall.” I think that about sums...
167
Executive Action
For the first time in several years, the Second Amendment Foundation has an executive director — 36-year-old attorney Adam Kraut of Pennsylvania, a...
27
The Dueling...
We’ve all heard the axiom “an armed society is a polite society” and this was no more apparent during the early 1800s.
48
Robert McLaren:...
As a species we are enthralled with seeing people explore their limits. Sometimes it is in the small things. “Would you rather do this by mouth or take a...
239
Hide ‘N Seek
Winter months in the Pacific Northwest, upper Midwest and in the far Northeast are for concealed carry, and for that purpose, most people I know have more...
71
Operation Nanny...
My latest “it” incident was the rescue of Nanny Goose, a large Chinese goose that apparently escaped from a nearby farm and was now residing in the...
62
God’s Go-Kart
Kids today simply have no idea how cool it was to grow up in the 1970s. Telephones were the size of a loaf of bread and were tethered to the wall.
192
Safariland...
With a smaller footprint than traditional IWB offerings, the Safariland Schema is an optics-ready minimalist holster designed for subcompact firearms.
31
Large Frontal Mass
“What makes the .45 ACP the best personal defense caliber?”
39
For The Love of...
It was only a few years ago I learned about Merrill’s Marauder’s and mules, the famous unit who traversed Burma during WWII. Afterward, I wrote an...
58
Taylor’s &...
Taylor’s & Company launched the TC9 Series of 9mm pistols which includes four reproduction models of the 1873 Cattleman revolver.
46
The...
Lots of people talk about being a superhero, Phoenix Jones actually did something about it.
174
The IWI UZI Pro
A classic with an update. The IWI UZI Pro SB is the star of this week's First Look.
12
Order In The Court
The elections are over, but the dust certainly hasn’t settled on the legal battlefield where gun control has collided with the Second Amendment and the...
28
Nature's Booster...
Eventually, you realize going huntin’ is synonymous with gone thinkin’, only now you have a legitimate excuse for being away from phones, computers and...
35
Streamlight...
Available with a red or green laser, the new ultra-compact and low profile Streamlight TLR-8 sub is a 500-lumen weapon-mounted tactical light.
9
The Science...
In the case of nuclear fission, a small amount of matter actually transforms directly into energy.
181
The S&W Equalizer
Next-gen EZ technology, low recoil impulse, and versatile magazine capacity, all in a compact footprint, make the S&W Equalizer an ideal concealed carry...
6
Bacon And Eggs
Trust me on this, the world’s troubles — or at least your share of them — disappear in a hunting camp just as soon as breakfast bacon begins sizzling...
32
Bisley...
Hitting four rams out of five shots was becoming regular. The 5.5” Ruger Bisley mid-frame flat top was impressive with its accuracy potential.
296
Streamlight's...
The Streamlight ProTac 2.0 is a high-performance rechargeable handheld tactical light, offering extreme brightness and long run times.
37
Rubicon
The President of the United States sat alone in the Oval Office behind the desk of presidents. The Resolute Desk was not as physically imposing as many...
260
The Ayoob File
American Handgunner and GUNS Magazine readers have known Massad Ayoob over the years for his insight and careful analysis of self-defense incidents, and for...
6
A Lightbulb Moment
Teaching my daughter to shoot came along quicker than I expected. I’d always secure my duty gun after every shift. It wasn’t my duty gun that piqued her...
27
New Specialized...
Springfield Armory's Hellcat and Hellcat Pro 9mm pistols are now available in two new colors — Burnt Bronze and Robin's Egg Blue.
4
The Benevolent...
Despite his relative youth, Derek Hanson was both an old soul and a saint. The kid seemed born to service. His capacity to articulate that altruistic spirit...
160
Guns: Buy, Rent...
Are we actually buying, renting or leasing this latest addition to our battery? The question was brought home recently during my latest acquisition.
35
Bankruptcy Strategy?
An Enlightening Few Minutes With SIG SAUER’s Govt. Affairs Veep
29
The War Of The...
Humans go to war for a wide variety of reasons. During World War II, we fought against rank tyranny. We didn’t start it, but by God, we were going to...
168
FN America...
FN America introduced the Five-seveN MRD optics-ready pistol chambered in 5.7x28mm with a complete design update with a factory-milled slide to accept most...
3
A...
What separates Republic Forge from everyone else is their attention to detail.
20
Trim Length:...
One thing a lot of people overlook is case trimming, not to the maximum length shown on every cartridge diagram in every reloading manual I’ve ever seen...
25
Tuck & Carry...
The Tuck & Carry Runners from Alexo Athletica feature a patent-pending double-pocket carry system that allows you to conceal and carry safely whether...
59
A Satirical...
Tolerance is the new holy gospel in America. Bigotry is the unforgivable sin of the Information Age. It doesn’t matter what good you might have otherwise...
171
Barranti Leather...
There’s a lot going on at Barranti Leather Co. We all know Doc for the wonderful, vintage style leather gear he makes for our sixguns and semi-autos.
19
Trigger Trash
Want to know a sure-fire way to alienate yourself and every other gun owner?
33
Heavy-Duty Ruger...
Machined from steel bar for ultra durability, D&L Sports' heavy-duty Ruger revolver sights are a direct replacement for sharp and frail adjustable sights.
26
Bad Spellers of...
Spelling is a poor metric of a person’s raw intellect. The modern American education system invests truly breathtaking time and treasure contriving ways...
143
A Final Walk:...
Walking the Military Crest trail was by far my favorite shooting activity of the series.
28
One More Month
Traditionally, I’ll be in the midst of an elk season one month from now, and I’ve got all of my hunting gear together, the truck is gassed up, my rifle...
24
Vara Safety...
Ashley McGee goes over the specs and features of the biometric Vara Safety Reach 2S gun safe, as well as the installation.
16
Exclusive...
In conjunction with Heritage Mfg., Davidson’s exclusive Barkeep Roses has a 2” barrel and features a bird’s-head grip engraved with roses and vines.
15
The Immortal...
Human beings are waterproof, and personal comfort is a state of mind. I actually used to believe tripe like that.
191
Hunting For Used...
Isn’t it funny how the older we get the more we like guns that are like us? You know, older, slightly used, maybe having a few interesting dings, scars...
39
CCW Phenomenon
While next weekend will see me attending the annual Gun Rights Policy Conference in Dallas (well, actually Irving), Texas, a live face-to-face event for the...
78
Davidson’s...
The XLV Exclusive from Davidson’s, produced with Girsan and imported by European American Armory, is available in four models.
3
A Road Trip...
I studied mechanical engineering in college and got my commission in the Army at the same time. I was a pretty busy guy. However, each semester I made time...
134
Lead Bullet...
Like many, gun magazines have corrupted me. Hopefully, I’m returning the favor to you. One of my biggest influences was the day I read about cast bullets...
33
It’s The...
Ace Fernandez is walking proof one should never compete with a guy named “Ace,” and never, ever, underestimate anybody on a shooting range who has a...
20
The Ride Makes...
I had a half-hour commute while in medical school. I needed a reliable low-mileage Ford Fungus with a decent air conditioner and a radio. What I bought was...
216
CrossBreed...
The Modular Belly Band 2.0 from CrossBreed boasts a polyester jersey outer shell that delivers a soft, form-fitting feel against the skin while maintaining...
7
Shadow Systems...
Built on the same frames as all Shadow Systems pistols, the Foundation Series touts sleek ergonomics, real-world shootability and bet-your-life reliability.
3
Ol' Dusty Is...
The gems I'm about to talk about are usually hidden under a bed, inside a forgotten closet, or perhaps residing at your safe's rear.
41
Maloney Baloney
Clearly, soon-to-be former New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) has a visceral dislike of firearms, gun owners, gun makers and the Second...
31
The Keeper of...
In the early sixties, a petite female college student was driving home alone for the holidays across rural Louisiana. She attended school another state...
344
The IWI Masada:...
This week, Nic Lenze takes his First Look at the IWI Masada, a pistol that offers everything you need in a 9mm striker-fired pistol, and for less money than...
9
The Greatest...
I couldn’t have been older than seven. I was decked out in Wrangler jeans, a white T-shirt and cowboy boots and sporting a fresh buzz haircut — my...
28
Projectile...
With Labor Day weekend approaching, serious hunters are heading to the gun range to make sure their hunting handgun or rifle is properly sighted — which...
6
José “Pepe”...
Just what is it about politicians? It’s a bit like the timeless chicken or the egg conundrum. Were they all born criminals or does the system somehow make...
167
Fix It Sticks...
Fix It Sticks introduces its Field Toolkit designed specifically for GLOCK handguns.
5
Holy Smokes …...
I remember years ago reading about a company in Alabama that offered a unique service. They get an “A” for effort and originality for their company...
51
Justin Case
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is no friend of gun owners north of the border, and he probably doesn’t like us much down here, either, since we...
41
Women’s...
Back in 1997 I deployed to Australia as part of Operation Tandem Thrust. While I can’t say that I personally ensured the security of Western civilization...
194
Thoughts On The...
Sit back while we analyze Elmer Keith’s favorite .44 bullet, the Lyman 429421. It will be a review of sorts for you older codgers, while hopefully opening...
126
The Numbers Will...
This time last month, the U.S. House of Representatives, with anti-gun Speaker Nancy Pelosi wielding the gavel and wearing a triumphant grin, passed by a...
12
A Most...
I like stuff. At some point my poor kids will have to sort through all my junk. They’ll have a massive yard sale and call in an auction company for the...
161
Wilson Combat...
The Wilson Combat EDC X9 9mm defensive handgun sports a 3.25″ subcompact barrel and slide assembly.
5
Sixguns And...
There’s no denying a sixgunners propensity for wheelguns. The very name states it. The diehards cling to their thumb-cockers while the more progressives...
211
The Ripple Effect
A recent online survey by the Western Journal — which probably would not meet scientific standards — provided an opportunity for the firearms community...
43
Cimarron Model...
Nic Lenze sends some major .44-40 lead downrange on this week's First Look. Take a look at the classic 7" Model No. 3 Schofield from Cimarron Firearms.
29
Them and Us …...
Puzzled, they just can’t understand our love for guns. Perhaps they simply refuse to do so because they’re so certain they’re right.
33
Lead Reckoning
In our last installment, I was searching for a good load using a 200-grain lead SWC bullet for my .41 Magnum, a round that packs a punch but is kind to my...
23
Custom Stand-Off...
A custom stand-off device from D&L Sports can be added to professional Model 1911 or GLOCK pistols for front-line duty personnel, entry teams, defensive...
9
Spiritus Systems...
If you're having a hard time carrying in summer clothes, this First Look is for you. Nic Lenze takes a look at the Fanny SACK from Spiritus Systems.
14
Why Don’t We...
I understand the motivation. I really do. It seems some deranged psychopath is shooting up a school every week. However, despite that sordid reality there...
357
Bite The Bullet
Old handgunners like to stretch their shooting dollars, especially when bullets are in short supply and inflation makes them pretty pricey when they are...
20
Springfield XD...
Springfield Armory's new XD OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) Slide Kit and Assembly options allow users to update their handgun for the use of modern red dot...
2
The Jedi Master...
Sometimes it seems that half of my occupation as a physician is treating self-inflicted wounds. Were it not for drinking, smoking, and sloth I might have to...
144
A Lost Talent?
While the gun prohibition lobby is continuing to reel over last month’s ruling by the Supreme Court striking down New York’s “good cause”...
36
Springfield...
Just in time for fall hunting season, Springfield Armory has released an exclusive variant of their XD-M® Elite 4.5" OSP™ 10mm developed specifically for...
11
A Modest Proposal
More Gratitude, Less Ill-Informed Indignation
127
IWI Jericho...
In this First Look, Video Production Director Nic Lenze takes his first shots with the Jericho Enhanced, the updated version of the 9mm Jericho 941 pistol...
22
Bill Ruger...
Of all the guns in my safe, most are Rugers. It’s not by mistake either. I knew darn well what I was doing while acquiring them.
163
The Scramble
Probably before the anger subsided after the U.S. Supreme Court released its 6-3 ruling against New York state’s unconstitutional “good cause”...
44
God’s Van de...
In general, soldiers aren’t stupid. We weren’t necessarily the smartest kids on the block, but it never was really a lack of intelligence that got us...
137
Great Gear You...
You can never, and I mean never have enough 1911 magazines. Lynn Thompson, the mastermind behind Cold Steel, Inc. knows this! He’s done us a huge favor by...
27
The Combat Master
This was hardly a full-size pistol, but the groundbreaking Detonics Combat Master — a remarkably well-built (and well-thought-out) compact .45 ACP...
7
Ohio Fights Back
By now, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has probably gotten some very nasty notes and messages from the gun prohibition lobby for signing legislation last month that...
48
The Armscor...
In this First Look, Special Projects Editor Roy Huntington takes a look at the Armscor AL22M — an eight-shot .22 Magnum revolver.
19
Rim Rock Bullets...
For those who’ve yet to pour bullets from the silver stream there’s another option. Custom cast bullet shops like Rim Rock Bullets come to mind.
33
Supreme Smack...
You could tell this was the chance Associate Justice Clarence Thomas has been waiting for, an opportunity to weigh in with a precedent-setting opinion on a...
20
The Last Dance
Twenty years; a long time by anyone’s standards and a good run for what began as a gathering of friends to raise money for a good cause.
23
Astronomical...
The space shuttle was 4.48 million pounds of unfiltered awesome. This 122-foot hybrid space plane could boost more than 60,000 pounds into low Earth orbit.
116
The Future Is Now
The greatest freedom you’ll ever experience is being self-sufficient. Why would you want to rely on others when you’re perfectly capable of doing it...
51
The Armed...
A new report from the FBI about active shooter incidents in 2021 provided ample evidence that armed private citizens actually do take down active shooters;...
29
The Theory Of...
In 1905, Albert Einstein published his theory of special relativity. Special relativity concerns all physical phenomena in the absence of gravity.
141
Interrupting...
While spending a week bear hunting with Andy Larsson, there was much conversation covering every imaginable subject in the Universe.
15
Montana A.G....
When was the last time you heard about an attorney general, the top legal officer in the state, showing up at a gun rights group’s banquet?
22
Potty Training...
One night while taking call for our busy medical practice I got a most extraordinary inquiry. A woman called the clinic after-hours line to report an...
131
9mm Thumb...
For better or worse, due to the popularity of today’s poly-framed, striker-fired semi-auto’s, the 9mm is the most popular centerfire handgun cartridge...
54
Biden Ballistics 101
Biden was holding forth on the latest gun he’d like to ban, which happens to be a typical 9mm pistol.
36
Springfield...
In this First Look, Special Projects Editor Roy Huntington sends a wall of lead downrange with the new Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 4.5" OSP in 10mm. Could...
25
Kimber RAPIDE...
Kimber has added the RAPIDE Dawn and RAPIDE Scorpius to its 1911 family. Chambered in 9mm, both 1911s have 5″ stainless steel, match-grade barrels with...
9
Life’s Not Fair
You do what I do long enough and you make some deep connections. I am ever amazed at the intimacy implicit to my job. You close the door to that little exam...
158
John...
Sir Samuel Baker stated, “Bullet diameter and weight are constant, velocity is the only diminishing characteristic.” This statement is the heart and...
36
In The Supreme Court
Sometime next month, the United States Supreme Court will hand down a long-awaited ruling in a case challenging the restrictive and arbitrary carry...
9
Umarex GLOCK 17...
Umarex's most recent addition is a dead nuts perfect replica of a GLOCK 17 that is CO2-powered and fires .43-caliber projectiles. Unlike many toys on the...
12
What’s in the...
The young woman walked into the labor and delivery suite of the University hospital unannounced. She carried a big red biohazard bag with the top tied in a...
121
Old Dogs, New...
Reliability brings us the same comforts as a warm shelter and full stomach does. Maybe that’s why everyone loves Stan so much?
62
Vindicated By...
Old Report By Mr. Skelton Reinforces My Gun Loyalty
191
How Does the...
In this First Look, Special Projects Editor Roy Huntington spends some time going over the features of the new 9mm Springfield Armory Emissary 4.25".
3
New Umarex...
The all-new Umarex paintball pistol is an authentic counterpart of the GLOCK 17 Gen5.
8
The Relentless...
I came of age in a small town in the era before the internet. Back then when a kid was trying to figure out what he or she wanted to do for a living we just...
125
For The Love Of Mom
Everyone thinks their mom is the best and they’re all right. I’m no exception. I had a wonderful mom. Since we recently celebrated Mother’s Day, I...
44
The Date from Hell
I ultimately got the girl. Some 39 years later, we have had some pretty epic dates. Dinner at King Stefan’s in Cinderella’s Castle sitting by the window...
111
Victory For...
Something so remarkable happened recently in Washington — one of the original “preemption” states where the Legislature has sole authority to set gun...
33
MasterPiece Arms...
MasterPiece Arms adds the MPA DS9 Commander to its wide-body, double-stack 1911 pistol line.
4
Ruger Ramblings...
The twenty-two rimfire is undoubtedly the most fired cartridge in existence. Even during these torrid times of ammo drought, it maintains its popularity for...
41
One Solid Sixgun
Everything about the New Model Blackhawk impressed me, including the adjustable rear sight, the action, the use of coil springs instead of a leaf spring,...
63
Just Another Day...
Last week we began our time together discussing what it was like to cut a woman’s head in half with a hand saw.
112
The CrossBreed...
Most times, simpler really is better. The new CrossBreed Liberty Band is a minimalist solution to packing a gun in the real world.
25
The Ruger...
Ruger’s Security Six series is a favorite of mine and was one of the best Bill Ruger ever produced.
103
Just Another Day...
I had to crawl up on a chair to get the angle just right. Two of my co-conspirators held everything steady. I took a deep breath, hefted a standard Stanley...
69
Ghost Stories:...
“Ghost Guns” are firearms allegedly home-manufactured from kits and un-serialized parts purchased by people who either shouldn’t have guns or by...
8
Ronnie Wells...
Consistency is the key for accurate handgun shooting. This includes loads, stance, whether you’re using a rest or not, trigger press, follow through and grip.
135
Numbers That...
Earlier this month, the National Shooting Sports Foundation released its annual report on the economic impact of the firearms and ammunition industry,...
38
Desert Dessert
I discovered this on my hard drive recently. Apparently, I penned it on some forgotten military deployment many decades ago.
116
A Turkish...
EAA’s newly introduced MC P35, manufactured in Turkey by Girsan, is a faithful reproduction of the proven Hi-Power design and retails for a shockingly...
14
The Charming .44...
While the .45 Colt is my favorite cartridge, the .44 Special holds a dear spot in my heart. Granted, the .45 Colt has more history and versatility with...
101
Born Loser?
Accused cop-killer Richard James Rotter already had what news agencies in Washington State described as “a lengthy criminal history including at least 18...
31
True Manliness
One of the implicit aspects of the relationship between modern American soldiers and Uncle Sam is decent health care. The government expected us to go off...
120
The SilencerCo...
Amidst a cluttered landscape of sound suppressor manufacturers these days, SilencerCo remains firmly ensconced at the top of the heap.
8
Reloading...
When you buy your reloading press, don’t be shocked to discover you need something else for every caliber you want to reload. It’s called a die set and...
31
The Short End of...
The pandemic combined with politics is a recipe responsible for making shooters blood boil. As we appear to be easing back to some semblance of...
52
Listen To The...
Whether you like her politics or not, one has to give credit to Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds for being a cut-to-the-chase chief executive who obviously had no...
31
Who’s Your...
The discussion invariably gravitates around to whether Shemp, Curly, Joe, or Curly Joe was the best third arm to the classic Vaudeville trio.
115
Building a...
Lee Precision’s Challenger Press Kit has everything you need to get started except individual caliber die sets
46
Running the...
American Handgunner field editor Jeremy Clough put the Standard Manufacturing Damascus 1911 through the gauntlet at Gunsite Academy in Arizona and shared...
105
Old West...
Life was better when Westerns ruled the roost! It was a simpler era when we knew the difference between good and evil.
47
Constitutional Carry
Before and especially after Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law a bill removing the permit requirement to carry a firearm, one would have thought the...
23
A Budget...
AMERIGLO, the American-made leader in tritium, fiber rod, and custom OEM iron sights, has recently announced their all-new AMERIGLO Haven red dot sight.
11
Tribulation:...
Mark and Linda came into town for a big omnibus Walmart run about once a month. Without children the logistics were greatly simplified. This recurrent...
229
True Confessions...
For as many different shooting disciplines there are, handloader’s share a host of common traits, no matter their chosen shooting activity. Should the...
44
“I Will Not...
Nothing makes less sense than politicians who know zip about firearms, to say nothing of personal protection, passing laws that put restrictions on guns...
36
Dinosaur Farming
I had a free day, and my Aussie buddies suggested I check out the local crocodile farm. I’m from Mississippi. I had never actually seen a real crocodile.
126
New! SIG SAUER...
Legendary firearm manufacturer SIG SAUER just entered a new product category with the release of the P322, a semiautomatic rimfire handgun.
33
Not Your Average...
One morning early while in flight school he was driving out to the flight line in the pre-dawn darkness and struck a little spike buck.
114
Here Comes The...
Red flags went up almost immediately after Joe Biden’s nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court drew near euphoric praise from...
11
The Most...
Real Avid's AR15 Armorer's Master Kit Pro has all the tools needed to build, repair or customize your AR15. American Handgunner Editor, Tom McHales gets a...
4
Happiness Comes...
There before me on top of an old roller table/night stand were some boxes of bullets from the old Rainier Ballistics, which once turned out millions of...
52
Life Lessons in...
Star Trek is one of the most beloved science fiction franchises ever created. Gene Roddenberry crafted the original series as a classic traditional western...
225
Musher Learns to...
Bridgett Watkins was on a training run last month when she and her dog team came face-to-face with a bull moose.
30
Don’t Screw...
Built on a large-framed Ruger Bisley, I was using a favored heavy hunting load consisting of homegrown Lyman/Ideal 454424 cast bullets.
146
The Thin, Blue...
LEOSA and retirement parties keep police officers in touch. The bond that ties cops together is a unique one.
52
Rank Has Its...
It is frequently easier to get dehydrated in the arctic than it is in the desert. I’ve spent a lot of time in both, and each has its own unique miseries.
128
Taurus 9mm G3XL...
Welcome to the family! Taurus’s newest release, the 9mm G3XL, falls right between the G3c and the G3X, but with a 4" barrel and no manual safety.
30
GLOCK G44 .22 LR
GLOCK's G44 .22 LR pistol is a great rimfire trainer for concealed carry.
32
Half of the...
Twenty-five state attorneys general—that’s half of all top state legal officials in the country, are urging the Supreme Court of the United States...
22
Setting Up Your...
Make no qualms about it, I love LEE dies! Who wouldn’t? They’re priced competitively, they load accurate ammunition, and they even come with a shell...
34
The SBIED
I despise shaving. My ideal facial state is about four days’ worth of scruff. Make that about two months in wintertime. I relish not having to fret about...
127
Sport Ridge...
Sport Ridge reactive targets provide immediate feedback and are great for shooting by yourself!
4
Worthy Gear...
Here’s a few sixgunner items I’ve come across and think are worthy of sharing to you. I sure like them!
33
Hornady RAPiD...
Hornady's RFID-enabled RAPiD Night Guard Safe hides a firearm in plain sight while keeping it accessible around the house.
36
Sixshot Spuds
Everyone has to eat. Here's a recipe for tasty potatoes in winter.
37
Ruger's Wrangler...
Special Assignments Editor Roy Huntington looks at Ruger's new Wrangler revolver chambered in .22LR.
23
The Lyman 358156...
Savvy handloaders use Ray Thompson’s design — the Lyman 358156 —which incorporated a gas check (GC) for .357 Magnum and .38 Special.
44
Howard Leight...
Howard Leight has recently expanded its popular Impact Sport headphone line to fit youth, women and those with smaller heads.
42
Frankford...
Frankford Arsenal's Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler holds an impressive amount of brass, capable of cleaning up to 1,000 pieces of .223 brass at a time.
22
Busy Year for...
There seems to be a misconception among some people Americans believe there are too many guns “out there” — wherever “there” happens to be....
12
A Voice in the...
Human stupidity can lead to dire situations. This time a voice in the wilderness knew what to do.
118
The Heritage...
A scant 1" barrel makes this Barkeep .22 caliber the ultimate concealable revolver.
8
A Wonderful Time...
You know those Christmas card letters you get where people tell you about their year? You either love them or hate them? Well, this is kind of one of those…
147
Streamlight...
Streamlight’s Bandit headlamp is designed to be lightweight and low-profile for a variety of uses. At 180 lumens on high and 35 lumens on low, it isn’t...
21
1791...
I never imagined concealed carry could be so comfortable. 1791 Gunleather’s Smooth Concealment Holster is the very first IWB holster I’ve forgotten...
48
The 30 Super...
Falling smack-dab in between the .380 and 9mm, the 30 Super Carry from Federal/Vista Outdoors offers higher capacity than a 9mm (up to two or three...
63
Legislatures are...
State legislatures are back in session, and no man’s life, liberty or property are safe.
54
Professional...
I’m on my fifth career. The optimist would say I’m a Renaissance Man. The pessimist would say I never stick with anything. My longsuffering bride is...
118
Never Give Up!
This “never give up” attitude also has other applications, such as self-defense. The first rule to self-defense is avoidance.
28
A Combat Mini...
Beater guns make perfect project guns. A few years back, I had Ken Kelly of Mag-na-port International fame transform a beater of mine into something marvelous.
109
SIG SAUER Makes...
Earlier this month something historic happened, as SIG SAUER became the first-ever “Double Diamond” multi-year corporate sponsor of the Second Amendment...
21
Smith's Rescue...
Released in 2021, Smith’s Rescue 2-Blade Knife is ready for adventure. I keep mine in my car, but it is handy to keep in a hunting pack or tool chest as well.
13
Nick
Helicopters, survival, and St. Nick.
134
The Christmas Buck
The sound of the gravel lane leading to one of my favorite hunting spots is soothing to my ears. I wave to Charlie, the live-in groundskeeper of the farm....
113
SK Customs...
SK Customs just announced their second edition, “Zeus,” to the Gods of Olympus Engraver Series. This work of art has a limited production run of 200 and...
44
Cold
I thought I had been cold before. I have come home from deer hunting with my dad in the Mississippi Delta to find ice formed on the inside of my boots. I...
135
Make Your...
Now is the best of time for customizing that old shooter of yours. And it’s better than a new gun, because you’re calling the shots, making all the...
65
Federal Premium...
Federal Premium's 135-grain Hydra-Shok Deep 9mm personal defense ammo boasts excellent groups and performance.
17
Buck Knives 840...
Buck Knives' Sprint Select is an ergonomic, affordable and durable everyday pocket knife.
13
Ichthyophobia
It turns out my problem has a name. It’s called Ichthyophobia. The word comes from the Greek “ichthus,” meaning “big fish,” and “phobos,”...
149
Northern...
Made of a mostly lead alloy, this bullet has a copper bottom on it to scrape away any “fouling” that may pollute your barrel. Northern Precision Custom...
31
Making the .38...
It wasn’t until Elmer Keith started experimenting with the anemic round when the .38 Special reached full potential. It was also the seed planted for...
98
Versacarry...
Versacarry’s Multitool (OWB) Holster keeps essential tools within reach and easily accessible.
5
Springfield...
Springfield Armory has taken their 1911 Ronin series and added to the family – just in time for the holidays. New is the 1911 Ronin Enhanced Micro Pistol...
26
Party Like...
Oddly, it was early Saturday afternoon that was invariably the most fascinating. The typical MO involved the obligatory massive frat party the night before.
127
CrossBreed...
Designed for strong side carry — the 3:30 to 5 o’clock area for right-hand draw, 7 to 8:30 for left-hand draw— the CrossBreed MiniTuck® IWB does not...
37
The Classic Junk...
Certain junk drawer items spark long ago memories. For instance, my drawer has the pocketknife my pap gave me when I was seven. The blade is ground down...
43
Making Babies
Delivering babies was one of the more rewarding things I got to do during medical training.
108
SHOOTING...
Special Assignments Editor Roy Huntington gives a complete review of Springfield Armory's new all steel Garrison 5" 1911 in .45 ACP!
5
The Sixgunner:...
The Freedom Arms Model 97 is a natural for the .32 Magnum and my first is a 7-1/2″ version with the added versatility of a .32-20 cylinder.
218
Springfield...
Springfield Armory's latest entry in the race to provide top-notch firearms at affordable price points is the anchor of a new family of 1911 pistols — the...
39
Fighting...
Fighting back against vaccination mandates by the President, assorted governors and some big city mayors — local police departments and their unions took...
9
Fascinating People
I’ve always been a pretty trusting guy. I find that if I treat people the way I would like to be treated, then most of life turns out rosy.
121
An Inside Look...
Lately, I’ve been getting my Elmer on. Yup! Been reading up and researching the Grand Old Man of Handgunning. Up until seven years ago, there was a place...
60
The Sixgunner:...
The .32 Magnum begins with the .32 S&W Long and is nothing more than an elongated .32 Long — a most pleasant shooting and accurate cartridge especially...
243
A Dark Continent...
My friend Dick showed his confidence with cast bullets and big revolvers by using it on an out of country hunt — not an inexpensive proposition.
31
A Tale of Two...
On September 5, 2021, a 12-year-old boy in Long Beach, California boarded a crowded public transit bus alone to go visit his grandmother.
110
A Dark Continent...
Dick’s no ordinary hunter, choosing to limit himself with sixguns and his cast bullet handloads. Both Dick and I know he’s not limiting himself...
32
Black Bart
Captain Nicolae Bartholomew commanded a company of Rangers, ran like a wraith, and effortlessly knocked out a cool 100 textbook pushups in two minutes on...
47
Springfield...
A quick look at the newly released Springfield Armory SA 35 9mm pistol.
68
2020 FBI Crime...
The FBI Uniform Crime Report for 2020 revealed defunding police departments and reducing the number of cops on the beat results in higher crime. The body...
42
Arctic River...
The year was 1986, and I was getting my first taste of soldiering. My initial foray into the real Army was Northern Warfare School. Did you know you can get...
135
Learning the...
Prior to entering the Police Academy 36 years ago this month, I’d never shot a handgun. As a kid, I’d use crooked sticks shaped like handguns. Even...
38
Gunnysack:...
Arms Preservation Inc. products feature VCI chemistry to prevent corrosion of firearms, parts, and ammunition during storage.
11
Add Style to...
Find out how to take one of your favorite guns and stylize it with color case hardening by Turnbull Restoration. Roy Huntington demonstrates with the Ruger...
20
How I Destroyed...
As a freshly minted gun owner, I got a bug up my butt to buy an old Walther. Money was tight, so I was looking for deals on the auction boards. One caught...
163
Smith & Wesson...
When Smith & Wesson announced they were moving a major part of their operation out of Springfield, Massachusetts, where it has called home since 1852, to...
28
Red in Tooth and...
A big male European boar reaches more than six feet long and weighs around 220 pounds. These animals are grouchy, mean and ravenous. Lured by the smell of...
162
Should You Heat...
Ever since I started casting bullets with those Lee six-cavity molds, my tolerance for heat has increased. I got some after using their two-cavity molds for...
38
Gunnysack:...
Hornady Security’s Keypad Safe is quite the upgrade from the barrel key lockbox I previously had, offering not only a quicker way to open but a much more...
3
Firearms Survey...
The overwhelming majority of gun owners in the United States—a whopping 82.7 percent—own handguns and an impressive 16 percent carry a defensive sidearm...
47
Cause of Death:...
It was scout pilot nirvana. We had four OH58 aeroscout helicopters and but two rated 58 drivers. We were therefore tasked to fly off our flying hour program...
194
Spiff Up Your...
It’s been a few years now since Ruger released their budget-priced Wrangler, and boy, has it made an impact from kids to cantankerous codgers!
94
John Wayne’s...
Rock Island Auction’s expects John Wayne’s personal Single-Action Army Revolver to bring between $20,000 and $40,000 in October 2021’s Sporting &...
5
Lying is Like a...
One of ten seminal directives issued directly from the mouth of God Himself, the ninth commandment against professing falsehood represents arguably the most...
163
Cast Bullet Buddies
Casting your own bullets, especially with scrounged lead, keeps cost to a minimum. It’s for this reason, as well as the independence casting your own...
63
Four Sentences
I’m told I can explore a little fiction in this venue from time to time as long as I don’t make a habit of it.
141
Don’t Eat the...
We were all poor and living hand to mouth. We each maintained a cabinet in the kitchen that we kept stocked with ramen, mac and cheese and similar low-cost...
130
Catch .22 Escapes
When I turned eight, I got a Harrington & Richardson Plainsman bolt-action .22 rifle for my birthday. Now I had a means for big adventure. What started out...
175
The Deep Magic...
How could something so ethereal and diaphanous be so unimaginably powerful?
224
Old Gun Love
Interesting things start happening after completing our 50th ride around the sun, especially among hardcore gunmen and women.
144
First Look:...
Special Assignments Editor Roy Huntington takes a First Look at an upland bird hunting vest by Chief Upland, that offers complete comfort and the ultimate...
13
One-of-a-Kind...
In honor of American Handgunner’s 45th anniversary, Ruger is giving away a one-of-kind-commemorative SR1911® in .45 auto. This semi-automatic pistol is...
37
Self Defense...
The American Handgunner staff shares our favorite EDC flashlights, weapon lights, and lasers.
17
'Aloha'...
Federal judge says Hawaii handgun inspection requirement violates Second Amendment.
15
CZ P-10 M CCW Pistol
Newsflash: CZ’s P-10 M semiautomatic pistol is now available in the U.S. Previously released overseas, public demand and special request has brought the...
37
Arguments...
United States Supreme Court considers New York gun rights case this November.
15
Raccoon Fever
The start of summer always brings back memories of going up to Grandma and Pap’s.
67
Of Domesticated...
The year was 1913, and my grandfather was but eight years old. He lived on a rural Mississippi farm along with his parents and dozen siblings.
171
The Super .38...
John Taffin's dream 1911 pistols in .38 Super from Volkmann Precision. Those two Luke Volkmann .45 ACP pistols were the Combatant Carry and the Custom...
90
Cleanin’ Your...
When it comes to casting bullets, let’s face it, there’s a limited amount of people around to casually yack about lead alloys, different molds and cast...
22
Alien Gear...
The Alien Gear ShapeShift Driver Defense Holster simplifies vehicle concealed carry, providing easy and safe access to your firearm.
34
Turnbullized...
Special Assignments Editor Roy Huntington takes a First Look at the Turnbullized Browning Buck Mark .22 lr pistol.
14
The Super .38...
During the Roaring 20s, police were armed primarily with .38 Special revolvers whose ammunition would not penetrate car bodies. Colt’s answer to this...
71
Pistol Small...
Did you know federal law requires marksmanship training courses to be held annually at the National Matches?
42
CCW Spike...
Last week I reported on the number of active concealed pistol licenses in Washington State, because it is an “indicator” state for many things,...
17
Infante S6...
The Infante S6 Ultrasonic Cleaner makes quick work of carbon and debris on handguns, revolvers, gun parts and more.
25
John Taffin's...
John Taffin has written many books on handguns, covering their history, development, carrying, field use, handgun hunting, custom guns and much, much more....
13
DEMAND FOR GUNS...
We’ve been a busy bunch during the first half of 2021, as reflected in the raw number of background checks initiated with the FBI’s National Instant...
30
Horny Toads &...
These past few weeks had me traveling through the high desert of the Southwest to do some visiting and shooting.
17
CrossBreed...
The Crossbreed Holsters Bedside Backup provides a simple way to keep a firearm within easy reach at night.
9
SELF-DEFENSE...
For anyone who has ever needed a quick history on why the right to keep and bear arms is as important today as it was in the early days of the United States,
8
Doubtful In Denver
Heading for my yearly pilgrimage to the NRA Whittington Center (WC) for a Holiday of sorts found me frustrated and flabbergasted.
35
SHORT CIRCUIT
A three-judge panel in the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled earlier this month that the ban on retail handgun sales to young adults under age 21...
59
The Extinction Event
He was the last one. Like the dodo, the Tasmanian tiger, the passenger pigeon, or the Great Auk, William Strickland was the very last of his species.
246
Knife Attack!...
“That’s what happens when you bring a knife to a gunfight,” is how the old saying goes.
50
Quick Thoughts:...
Springfield Armory’s new 1911 Emissary dares to bridge the gap between defensive and custom pistols. The .45 semi-auto has a foundation of forged steel in...
15
First Look at...
The .45 ACP 1911 Emissary blends form and function seamlessly in a defensive-minded handgun loaded with custom-grade features.
32
Be Careful Where...
It was a torrid summer Saturday in the Mississippi Delta, and the air was so thick you could tear off a chunk and gnaw it.
152
Closed Doors &...
After completing a 20-week police academy, which includes rigorous classroom studies, physical training, along with shooting, driving, defensive tactics and...
29
‘YOU HAVE...
Last month, I reported on a federal lawsuit filed in Illinois challenging the Prairie State’s concealed carry statute that bans young adults aged 18–20...
22
Beat Feet
It was Friday evening in the urban ER where I worked, and the freaks were out in force.
198
Talking Guns
My first single-action sixgun was a 7.5" stainless Ruger Blackhawk, chambered in .45 Colt.
231
Snow Globes,...
They were calling for a skiff of snow during the wee hours of the morning and tomorrow was the last day of the firearms season.
29
Ruger LCP MAX:...
Special Assignments editor Roy Huntington reviews Ruger's new LCP MAX and compares it to the other pistols in the LCP family.
39
HOW TO DRIVE...
Amid gun prohibitionists’ efforts to alternately cajole and intimidate Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to not sign legislation designating the Lone Star State a...
36
Momentous Moments
This is likely to make you smile like a Democrat at a gun buyback event.
146
Ruger LCP Max
Ruger’s recent addition to the LCP Family has greater capacity and more features than others in the line. The pocket-sized .380 is ideal for personal...
10
Long-Range...
I’ve spent the past week in Raton, N. Mex. at the NRA’s Whittington Center (WC). For a shooter, it is the world’s largest playground and certainly the...
2
The Gunsite...
Cold Steel introduces the Gunsite Counter Point 1 folding knife built around their heralded Tri-Ad locking mechanism. Featuring the Gunsite Raven logo...
23
Green Dentistry
There is this massive infrastructure focused on meeting the medical and dental needs of our boys and girls in military uniform. Sometimes, however, you...
158
The Best Exercise
While writing his 15-year-old nephew, Peter Carr, in 1785, regarding what he considered the best form of exercise, Thomas Jefferson wrote “... I advise...
30