Article first appeared at American Rifleman. Howie and Bev Steinbeck, proprietors of Steinbeck Vineyards and Winery in Paso Robles, Calif., represent the current generation of ranchers and vintners in a family tradition dating back to the late 1800s. In April of this year, I had the opportunity to visit the …

Article first appeared at NRA-ILA. When Bill Ruger, Sr. founded Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. in 1949, his newly minted company faced an uphill battle. Experts cast doubt that a new firearms company could stand up to the established name-brand gunmakers in an industry that was already viewed to be …

Article first appeared at NRA-ILA. The latest data released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on the number of firearm-related checks initiated through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) indicates that September 2016 set a new record, being the highest for any September since the NICS was …

Article first appeared at American Rifleman. A selection of 20th Century U.S. military revolvers includes (counter-clockwise from top l.): a S&W Victory Model, serial No. “V3” that belonged to Maj. Gen. Julian S. Hatcher (V1 was presented to Harry S Truman); U.S.N. Capt. J.H. Wesson’s S&W M1917 engraved with his …

Article first appeared at American Rifleman. While some German makers have devoted themselves to more modern, technologically advanced shotguns, Merkel still makes traditional Teutonic over-unders, side-by-sides and drillings. But making old-school guns the old-school way costs craftsmen time, and therefore, money. When importer Steyr Arms asked for an “entry-level” gun, …

Article first appeared at American Rifleman. Weatherby has a long and rich history of innovation. A dedicated hunter and amateur ballistician, Roy Weatherby discovered in the 1940s that pushing lighter bullets to hyper velocities would result in effective game kills. He developed his legendary Mark V rifle to contain his …

Article first appeared at American Rifleman. A practical personal protection plan should include a handgun, but that handgun should, without question, be one you’re comfortable with. As you become more experienced you’ll have the opportunity to further evaluate the situation and trade-up as your comfort and skill levels increase. For …

Article first appeared at American Rifleman. While one or two firearm makers have historically offered a 1911 chambered in the 9 mm cartridge, it now seems that almost all major and many custom 1911 builders have some type of 9 mm pistol in the lineup. One such manufacturer is Sturm, …

Article first appeared at American Rifleman. SIG Sauer made headlines in recent years by expanding into shooting-related product markets including optics, suppressors and ammunition. Regarding the latter, American Rifleman hosted the SIG crew for a day at the range, and Joe Kurtenbach talked with Bud Fini, SIG’s executive vice president …

Article first appeared at American Rifleman. There is no doubt that KRISS USA is up to some interesting things. For example, the Vector Gen II CRB is a pistol-caliber carbine in the company’s line that is built around KRISS’ rather unique operating system. As a non-NFA firearm, this 16” carbine …