America’s Flaming Bayonet in World War I

In early 1918, as the American Expeditionary Force prepared to face battle-hardened German troops in France, the bayonet was a vital component of the Doughboys’ combat equipment. It is difficult for many people today to understand the importance the U.S. military placed on “cold steel” duri...

By Tom Laemlein

Which Hellcat Is Right for You?

Springfield Armory came out with their Hellcat micro-compact pistol in 2019. The Hellcat helped establish the entirely new genre of micro-compact concealed carry pistols. Where previously you had the option of either a full-sized 9mm service pistol or an underpowered pocket gun, the Hellcat packe...

By Will Dabbs, MD

The Viral “Scooby Doo Gun”. Let’s Talk About It.

At SHOT Show 2026 I was at the Gideon Optics booth, and a custom “Scooby Doo Gun” 1911 caught my eye. Not because of performance. Not because of innovation. Because…

By Mitch Goerdt

First Look: Julie Golob Reviews the 4″ SA-35

The new Springfield Armory 4″ SA-35 is here and multi-time world and national shooting champion Julie Golob delivers a full review of the gun. The compact handgun combines old-world elegance with modern amenities, all with a 15-round magazine. The company provided the gun to the author for revi...

By Julie Golob

Luger History: World’s Most Recognizable Pistol

Modularity is the holy gospel in military circles these days. Distilled to its essence, a modular weapon system uses a single basic chassis that can then be customized to perform specific missions. Think of it like Barbie dolls for gun guys. By mixing and matching accessories, you can be ready fo...

By Will Dabbs, MD

Paradox of the German Tiger II Tank

The Tiger II tank, officially designated as Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf. B and introduced in 1944, was Germany’s most advanced heavy tank of World War II. Known as the Königstiger (King Tiger) by the Germans and often referred to as the Royal Tiger by Allied forces, it was designed to dominate...

By Eugene Nielsen

Get to Know Cold Steel in Three Knives

It would be hard to find two more complementary market sectors than firearms and tactical knives. As a case in point, I imagine you’re likely reading this article simply because you’re the kind of person who appreciates a quality tool in whatever form it takes. Similar to what drives the engi...

By Clayton Walker

The Soviet PSS Pistol and the Rise of Captive-Piston Ammunition Guns

The captive-piston (integrally silenced) ammunition concept is often assumed to be a Soviet invention; in fact, it dates back to 1902 in the United States (US Patent No. 692,819). Fast-forward to the Cold War, when the KGB carried out extensive clandestine espionage and counter-espionage worldwid...

By Lynndon Schooler
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