Article first appeared at American Rifleman. When it comes to .223 Rem. semi-automatic rifles, Ruger’s Mini-14 has long been one of the obvious choices. And it’s no wonder, considering it offers nearly the same handiness as the M1 Carbine, the ballistics of the AR15, and the feel of the classic M1 …

Article first appeared at American Rifleman. In the 1988 film “Biloxi Blues,” a young World War II Army recruit played by Matthew Broderick is going through summertime training in Mississippi. Being from New York City, he is amazed by the temperature. “Man it’s hot. It’s like Africa hot. Tarzan couldn’t …

Article first appeared at Shooting Illustrated. This feature appears in the July ’16 issue of NRA America’s 1st Freedom, one of the official journals of the National Rifle Association. Through singular focus, relentless determination and unparalleled organization, the 5 million members of the NRA have become one of the most …

Article first appeared at Shooting Illustrated. There’s been much hullaballoo over the use of red dot sights like the Trijicon RMR, ShieldMiniSight, Leupold DeltaPoint, and SIG Sauer Romeo on handguns. Some credible trainers claim they’re the best thing since sliced bread for defensive use. Other equally credible trainers have found …

Article first appeared at Shooting Illustrated. Keeping the dot as small as possible will aid accuracy, while a larger dot fosters faster shooting. I spend at least one day every week shooting several hundred rounds through other people’s rifles as accurately as I can. That means I use all manner …

Article first appeared at Shooting Illustrated. Modern semi-automatic handguns are remarkably reliable tools. Still, they’re mechanical devices made by man and can suffer breakage that renders them totally inoperable. Or, more commonly, they can suffer a temporary stoppage rendering the gun inoperable for that often crucial moment. Most shooters have …

Article first appeared at Shooting Illustrated. Firearms have been a part of American pop culture ever since Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill’s traveling roadshows. From the early days of the western dime-store novel to the earliest silent movies and on through the tough-guy detective stories and the action-adventure movie, guns …

Article first appeared at Ammo Land. When it comes to defending yourself and others, there are few better firearm choices than a good shotgun. Defensive shotguns, whether for use in the home, on the road or for law enforcement use, are some of the most versatile guns ever developed. My …

Article first appeared at Ammo Land. While at the range the other day I had a pistol malfunction that would have become a disaster had it not been for an attentive range officer behind me screaming repeatedly for me to cease fire. Needless to say, I was somewhat unnerved, as …

Article first appeared at Ammo Land. I was brought up quail hunting, where I was taught to never aim a shotgun. As it turns out, there are plenty of times when a shotgun should be aimed—one of them is in the home, where ranges are measured in feet and patterns …