Firearms History
The Machine Gun’s Baptism of Fire: 130 Years of Infamy
The modern machine gun was first put to use some 130 years ago on a largely forgotten battlefield. But how has it impacted the battlefield?
Does the .45 ACP Really Have More Stopping Power?
The idea that .45 ACP offers some kind of magic stopping power that makes it much more effective than any other round is a myth. It's why the cartridge has slowly faded away with professional shooters, and was replaced by the cheaper, lighter, and more reliable 9mm Luger cartridge.
The U.S. Navy’s Last Line of Defense: The Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS)
On January 30, 2024, a Houthi anti-ship cruise missile came within a mile of the United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Gravely (DDG-107) – mere seconds from striking the warship. Fortunately, the Phalanx Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) was able to destroy the missile in flight.
Teddy Roosevelt’s Suppressed Rifles
Roosevelt clearly understood the benefits of suppressed firearms. He was an avid and active shooter, hunter, and general outdoorsman. He understood that shooting damages hearing and that suppressors can mitigate that damage. He also clearly grasped the benefits reaped by others who may be nearby.
Flattop Ruger Blackhawk: Why Ruger’s First .357 is Such a Big Deal
The Ruger Blackhawk is one of the most beloved modern revolvers ever to hit the market. Though it had its fair share of setbacks, collectors and sixgunners still flock to the Blackhawk in droves.
The Weird World of Submachine Guns
I love weird SMGs. Many of us do. We've compiled a short list of some of the weirdest (and coolest) SMGs ever to be produced.
Dueling Pistols Owned by Alexander Hamilton Could Fetch $500,000 at Auction
The cultural phenomenon around American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton that began thanks to Lin Manuel-Miranda's now iconic 2015 musical shows no signs of waning – and it could drive up the price when a pair of dueling pistols owned by the statesman come to auction later this month.
When the Smoke Clears: How Old Battlefields Inspired the Invention of Smokeless Powder
Modern gunpowder has come along way. While modern smokeless powder may be used for hunting and recreation, it was inspired by the battlefield.
The M16 and AK-47: A Cold War Retrospective
The AK-47 and the AR-15 are two of the world's most popular firearm platforms. Developed during the Cold War, both systems have seen significant battlefield service in most major conflicts since the Vietnam War. But why do they remain so popular?
Winchester Model 1897: Precursor of the Modern Shotgun
The Winchester Model 1897 is a historic precursor to the modern pump action shotgun. If you're not familiar with this shotgun, it's storied history is worth delving into.