Firearms History
The Volition Repeater: The Unknown Beginnings of Repeating Firearms
The Volition Repeater remains an icon among collectors and manufacturers alike. So much so, in fact, that we've seen a diverse array of new offerings from some big players and rookies alike. New guns from Ruger, Aero Precision, Smith & Wesson, Henry, and Winchester have made it seem like we're experiencing a lever-action renaissance. Could this be the beginning of the same 1850s era-type innovative drive that brought us the Volition Repeater?
As the M-16 nears the end of its American service life, let’s look back at this remarkable weapon, its creator, and how it succeeded.
Lever-Action Rifles: A History
The lever-action rifle might seem outdated to some, but nothing could be further from the truth. Not only does the lever-action system maintain its usefulness today, but it's a platform that's proven itself through generations of gun owners. We're going to take a look at the history and related use of these guns and how they're still relevant today.
American generals regularly carried sidearms before modern communications changed the game. Generals regularly faced enemy fire as late as World War II, prompting many to carry pistols, or even rifles on occasion. So, let’s look at what some American generals carried on battlefields from New York to the Great Plains, and overseas.
Top 5 Classic Lever-Action Rifles
The lever-action platform has been around for centuries. And while a lot of new, tactical-styled options are on the market today, it’s the classics that stand the test of time. After all, a lever was the Gun That Won the West for a reason. We’ve selected our top 5 classic lever-action rifles that we think exemplify what levers are all about. Check out our list of classics and tell us what you think we missed in the comments.
The Manurhin Walther P1: Made in France?
The names “Walther” and “France” don’t go together naturally. The former is a historic and respected German firearms manufacturer. The latter is a nation with good reason to not like German firearms. Yet, somehow, I have in front of me a 1950s-era version of the standard German World War II sidearm, the P38. And it’s stamped “Made in France.” How could that be? Read on.
Lever-Action Rifle Renaissance: The Return of An Icon
Nothing is more American than the lever-action rifle. The first viable lever gun was invented by Benjamin Tyler Henry in 1860. Lever guns were on the cutting edge of rifle development through the 1890s, when they were supplanted by bolt actions and, eventually, semi-automatics.
1911 Day: Honoring The Gun That is as American as Baseball and Apple Pie
While the 1911 can be admired and celebrated year-round, March 29 is a special day for the 1911, marking the anniversary of its adoption by the United States military.
The Medal of Honor: America’s Highest Military Decoration
Twenty-five years ago, the United States Congress established March 25 as "National Medal of Honor Day" to "foster public appreciation and recognition of Medal of Honor Recipients." The date was chosen because it was on March 25, 1863, that the very first Medals of Honor were presented to six members of Andrews' Raiders during the American Civil War. To date, just 3,536 Medals of Honor have been awarded to 3,517 recipients, with only 63 recipients still living.
Steel-Framed Handguns: Are They Outdated?
Are steel-framed handguns are obsolete? Recent offerings by several major firearms manufacturers seem to indicate otherwise. Let's take a look at some modern steel-framed handguns and discuss whether or not they hold a candle to the polymer guns of today.