Recent Articles

Otto Bock’s 9.3x62mm Mauser: A 119-Year-Old Big Game Classic Still Going Strong
Developed in 1905 by German gunsmith Otto Bock, the 9.3x62mm Mauser remains one of the most respected medium-bore big-game cartridges in the world more than a century after its introduction. Originally designed for use in the standard Mauser 98 action, the cartridge was intended to provide hunters with a hard-hitting option suitable for large game in Europe, North America, and Africa. At the time, Germany maintained overseas colonies, and while the 8x57mm Mauser military cartridge was widely available, it was considered underpowered for some African game. Bock recognized the need for a more powerful sporting round that would still function in an unmodified Mauser 98 rifle aside from a barrel change.

New Ammunition Manufacturer Opens in Historic WWII Aviation Plant
A new ammunition manufacturer, First Breach, has opened its doors inside a historic World War II-era aviation plant in Hagerstown, Maryland, marking a notable addition to the domestic ammunition industry amid ongoing efforts to stabilize supply and pricing. Founded in 2022 by Jeffrey Low and his son Jordan Low, First Breach was created in response to recent ammunition shortages and price spikes that peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic. During that period, common calibers such as 9mm and 12-gauge became scarce, with prices climbing dramatically due to panic buying, supply chain disruptions, and raw material shortages particularly primers.

From Wildcat to Mainstream: The Story Behind 300 AAC Blackout
Today, the 300 AAC Blackout sits comfortably among the most popular alternatives to 5.56 NATO in the AR-15 platform. It’s widely available, supported by nearly every major manufacturer, and prized for its ability to run both subsonic and supersonic loads effectively.

Inside America’s Rimfire Powerhouse: A Look Behind the Scenes at CCI
From a converted chicken coop to one of the world’s largest rimfire producers. Tucked into the rolling hills of Lewiston, where the Snake and Clearwater rivers converge, sits one of the most important ammunition factories in the United States. Surrounded by big-game country and legendary bird hunting, it’s fitting that this small Idaho city became home to a rimfire giant: CCI. For decades, CCI has been synonymous with reliable .22 LR performance. But how did it get there and how does it keep up with relentless demand in today’s market?

Is Another Ammunition Crunch on the Horizon?
Rising global demand and supply chain strain could tighten the market once again. American shooters have lived through shortages before and most remember them vividly. Empty shelves. Purchase limits. Bulk packs selling at eye-watering markups. Whether it was the post-2012 buying surge, the COVID-era scramble, or the so-called “Great .22 LR Drought,” ammunition scarcity has a way of catching people off guard. Now, warning signs are flashing again.

Are 5.45x39mm and 7.62x39mm Running Out of Road in America?
For decades, two Soviet-designed cartridges carved out a loyal following among American shooters: the 5.45x39mm and the 7.62x39mm. Born of military necessity and refined through global conflicts, both rounds earned reputations for reliability, battlefield effectiveness, and affordability. But today, a different fight is unfolding not on distant soil, but on gun store shelves across the United States. With import bans, shrinking surplus supplies, and rising costs, many shooters are asking a simple question: are these calibers still viable here?

The Unique Story of an Iraqi Designated DMR
The Iraqi Tabuk DMR is a long-barreled, semi-automatic 7.62x39mm rifle derived from Yugoslav RPK designs and produced domestically using Zastava-supplied equipment. Intended as a squad-level designated marksman rifle, it offered improved mid-range capability over standard AKM rifles but was limited by the ballistics of its cartridge. Though largely a relic of the Iraq War era today, the Tabuk remains a unique and historically significant variation within the broader Kalashnikov family.

M1 Carbines For Sale
The M1 Carbine is one of the most collectible U.S. WWII firearms, with over six million produced and multiple variants including the M1, M1A1 paratrooper, and selective-fire M2. Value depends heavily on originality, manufacturer markings, and specific features like high-wood stocks or flip sights. While base rebuild models remain accessible, rare or fully transferable versions command significant premiums. Careful research and attention to detail are essential for anyone entering the carbine collector’s market.

The Kuna: Springfield Armory’s Modern Take on the PDW Concept
The Springfield Armory Kuna is a compact 9mm roller-delayed PDW built by HS Produkt. Featuring ambidextrous controls, last-round bolt hold-open, a 6-inch threaded barrel, and strong accuracy out to 100 yards, it offers smoother recoil and more modern ergonomics than traditional blowback or older submachine gun-style platforms. While it uses proprietary magazines and carries a premium price, it delivers strong performance in a compact, suppressor-ready package suited for discreet defensive carry or recreational shooting.

Rimfire Replicas: Tactical Looks Without the Transferable Price Tag
.22 LR replica rifles allow shooters to experience the look and feel of iconic military firearms without the extreme costs or regulatory hurdles of owning originals. From AR and AK conversions to detailed G36, MP5, STG44, and MP40 rimfire builds, these guns provide affordable, low-recoil fun while preserving much of the historical and tactical aesthetic.

J&C Armament Black Widow Mk.III: Poland’s Compact Piston-Driven PDW
The J&C Armament Black Widow Mk.III is a Polish-designed, piston-driven 5.56mm PDW/SBR platform compatible with AR-15 lowers. Featuring a proprietary short-stroke gas system, adjustable gas valve, and compact stock options, it is engineered for close-quarters and vehicle-based roles while maintaining AR familiarity and modularity.

Barrett M82A1: The Anti-Everything .50 Caliber Icon
The Barrett M82A1 is a semi-automatic .50 BMG anti-materiel rifle developed by Ronnie Barrett in the 1980s. Designed to manage the immense power of the .50 BMG cartridge, it became widely adopted by military forces worldwide and created the modern large-caliber precision rifle market.

Build Your Own HK416-Style Rifle with the Brownells BRN-4 Upper
For shooters who want the look, feel, and piston-driven operation of an HK416 without spending HK money the Brownells BRN-4 upper offers a close clone that drops onto a standard AR-15 lower. Brownells has a history of producing retro AR variants and specialty uppers, and the BRN-4 is their take on the iconic 416 pattern rifle.

Defensive 9mm Showdown: Sierra THD vs. Black Hills EXP
Not all 9mm ammunition is created equal especially when it comes to concealed carry. While practice ammo might punch holes in paper just fine, defensive loads are engineered for controlled expansion, reliable penetration, and consistent performance. Two standout options in that category come from Sierra Bullets and Black Hills Ammunition.

Budget-Friendly and Suppressor-Ready: A Closer Look at the Kel-Tec P17
Affordable rimfire pistols are nothing new but occasionally one arrives that punches well above its price point. The Kel-Tec P17 is exactly that kind of handgun: lightweight, feature-packed, and chambered in the ever-economical .22 Long Rifle. At first glance, many shooters overlook it because of its modest MSRP. That’s a mistake.

SCSA Taipan X: Pump-Action, AR-Style Rifle
The SCSA Taipan X from Southern Cross Small Arms is a manually operated, pump-action rifle that closely mirrors the size, ergonomics, and handling of a traditional AR-15 but without being semi-automatic. Chambered in .223 Wylde, it accepts standard M4/AR-15 magazines and is designed to comply with restrictive firearm laws in places where semi-auto rifles are limited or banned. Imported to the U.S. by Legacy Sports International, the Taipan X offers a unique alternative for shooters wanting AR ergonomics in a manual-action platform.

What’s the Ideal Barrel Length for the .450 Bushmaster?
Testing showed that reducing a .450 Bushmaster barrel from 18 inches to 10.5 inches resulted in only modest velocity loss roughly 150 fps in some loads. While the shorter barrel maintained strong energy and accuracy, it experienced cycling issues due to under-gassing. For reliable performance, a traditional 16–18 inch barrel remains ideal, though a tuned short barrel can still deliver effective short-range hunting power.

Henry’s Steel Lever Action in .360 Buckhammer
Henry’s Steel Lever Action in .360 Buckhammer modernizes a time-tested platform with a transfer bar safety system and optics-ready receiver. Chambered for a straight-wall cartridge that expands hunting access in regulated states, it offers dependable accuracy, manageable recoil, and classic walnut-and-steel styling ideal for deer hunters in thick timber.

The New Savage 110 Ultralite Elite: Precision Without the Bulk
The Savage 110 Ultralite Elite blends PRS-inspired accuracy with ultralight construction. Featuring a carbon-wrapped barrel, magnesium/carbon chassis, adjustable AccuTrigger, and sub-7-pound field weight, it delivers half-MOA precision in a hunting-ready platform. It’s a premium rifle built for shooters who want long-range capability without the burden of a competition-weight setup.

Czechpoint’s VZ. 58: The “UN-AK” Rifle
The VZ. 58 resembles an AK-47 but is a distinct rifle with a short-stroke piston, tilting locking block, and striker mechanism. Developed in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War, it was an independent design. Czechpoint's modern versions feature 5.56 NATO chambering and updated materials, offering a lightweight, accurate alternative to AK-pattern rifles with unique reliability and historical significance.
