M1 Garand vs. M1941 Johnson Rifle Debate

Even positive changes can be hard to accept. Long before the M1 Garand rifle was in widespread service in the US military, it had its share of detractors. A number of these objectors simply disagreed with the Army’s decision to adopt a semi-automatic rifle at all. They argued that the...

By Tom Laemlein

[SHOT 2026] US Palm Storm Series CAT 4 Rifles Enter AR Market

US Palm  launched their Storm Series CAT 4 rifles at SHOT Show 2026, marking a significant shift for a company built on affordable AK accessories and magazines. The Storm lineup brings two AR-15 models designed to compete directly with established brands like Daniel Defense, with the CAT 4 r...

By Sam.S

M65 Atomic Cannon — America’s Atomic Annie

During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union raced to develop weapons that could tip the balance of power. Among the most audacious creations of this era was the M65 Atomic Cannon, an enormous artillery piece capable of firing a nuclear shell. Nicknamed “Atomic Annie,” this wea...

By Eugene Nielsen

Fudd Friday: Seven Decades Of The Savage 110

When you ask people what the greatest classic American bolt-action hunting rifle is, you’ll probably hear most people talking about the Remington Model 700 or the Winchester Model 70, with maybe some chatter about Weatherby’s rifles or Springfield-based sporters. But I think the Savag...

By Zac K

[SHOT 2026] Taurus TX9, Judge 20th Anniversary & Wood Home Defender

Taurus brought three distinct products to SHOT Show 2026. The TX9 modular 9mm pistol marks their first purpose-built duty platform in centerfire. The Judge 20th Anniversary  celebrates two decades since a viral watermelon video made the Judge a household name. And the Judge Home Defender &nb...

By Sam.S

[SHOT 2026] PTR Launch the 9SDM Series - a Modernized SD!

At SHOT SHOW, South Carolina’s biggest MP5 fans, PTR, were showing off their latest addition to their roller-delayed blowback PCC line up, two new integrally suppressed SD models. Available in two versions, the 9SDM-A and 9SDM-B they are based on PTR’s 9CT. Intriguingly, both of the 9...

By Matthew Moss

Garrett Shoulder-Fired Mortar: Nice (But Painful) Idea

“Missed Peleliu because of that damn thing.” The old 1st Marine Division veteran massaged a spot on his upper chest and grimaced. “Told us we could fire that mortar from the prone and get direct fire into Jap bunkers. I was one of the first to give it a whirl. Broke my collar...

By Capt. Dale Dye, USMC (Ret)

Springfield’s 10-8 Performance Master Class 1911

To readers of The Armory Life and many 1911 afficionados, Hilton Yam is going to be a familiar name. In the company of the many great gunsmiths and competitors who have built their professions around the construction or use of 1911 pistols, Yam offers a very unique perspective...

By Joe Kurtenbach

Heinkel He 111 — Germany’s Jack of All Trades

Editor’s Note: In today’s article, Dr. Will Dabbs examines the versatile Heinkel He 111 in World War II. The German medium bomber became one of the most recognizable Luftwaffe aircraft of the war. Originally designed as a civilian airliner, the He 111 evolved into a versatile combat aircraft ...

By Will Dabbs, MD
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