Designed with the latest U.S. Military standards in mind, the Ruger American Pistol™ was designed and built to perform in the harshest conditions. During development, Ruger sought out military and law enforcement trainers to see what features would be desired in terms of form, function, and features. The American is the result of that feedback.
April 2016
Small Arms at a Crossroads: Origins and the ArmaLite AR-180
Starting in the 1950s, Eugene Stoner began unconventionally applying modern manufacturing techniques adapted from the aerospace industry. In so doing, he shaped the complexion of the world’s small arms even into the Information Age.
The Cutting Edge: KA-BAR Ek Model 4
The John Ek Commando Knife Company has a long and distinguished history. Since John Ek founded the company in 1941, Ek knives have been battle proven in six major conflicts by American personnel. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, General George S. Patton, Jr. and Captain Clark Gable were among the proud owners of Ek Commando Knives during World War II.
Rangemaster on the Road: Instructor Development Class
When it comes to defensive firearm training geared specifically toward private citizens, I feel confident in stating that Tom Givens is one of the best instructors in the U.S. I can say this because I have been in his class, and because he has had over 60 of his non-LEO students prevail in shooting encounters with criminals.
Good Guys Win: Second Amendment in Action
If something goes bump in the night, what will you grab? Screen Shots In the pre-dawn darkness of a January night in San Antonio, a homeowner heard an insistent knocking at his front door and went downstairs to investigate. Prudently, he armed himself before opening the door to find a stranger on the porch, demanding
Back to Basics: An Instructor Goes to Gunsite
Why would a nationally recognized defensive firearms instructor spend a week taking a basic defensive pistol course? What would he gain by learning how to draw and shoot, malfunction clearance and speed and tactical reloading? The answers to these questions might surprise you.
AR Magazines: Separating the Good From the Bad
No matter how much money you spend on an AR, if you want it to run reliably, you must use quality magazines. This sounds like common sense, but many times I have found shooters using old, worn-out or low-quality magazines. It’s frustrating to watch a shooter fight through clearing a double feed only to re-insert the same magazine, potentially setting himself up for another double feed. (Not the ideal technique in the middle of a gunfight.)
Long Guns: Meprolight FRBS Back-Up Iron Sights
In any case, if you use optical sights on your M4 or other combat carbine, I highly recommend that a set of BUIS (Back-Up Iron Sights) be installed. I use Trijicon, ELCAN, EOTech, and Aimpoint optical sights because I test a lot of carbines and like to stay familiar with the optical sights I’m likely to encounter.
Updated Classic: Smith & Wesson Performance Center 686 Plus
Like many of my contemporaries, I cut my shooting teeth on a double-action revolver. In the not-so-distant past, revolvers were the tool of choice for those who went in harm’s way, and pistols were seldom encountered in the hands of serious gunmen.
Tactical Casualty Care: Be Ready To Render Aid
In an active-shooter incident, it will take longer for emergency response personnel to reach victims than it takes one to bleed out. A “blow out” kit (trauma kit) containing at least a tourniquet and hemostatic agent should be part of your everyday carry. Training is also essential.