[SHOT 2026] Black Rain Ordnance Freedom Fighter AK - American-Made

Black Rain Ordnance brought their Freedom Fighter AK  to SHOT Show 2026, marking the company's first production AK after shelving a prototype back in 2013. Built entirely in Neosho, Missouri, this isn't your typical import or parts-kit build. Black Rain went all-in on American manu...

By Sam.S

The Story Behind Steinel Ammunition Co.

If you want to understand Steinel Ammo, start with the phrase stamped on everything they do: “Dedicated to Every Round.” That isn’t just marketing talk—it’s their core philosophy. Steinel Ammunition is for shooters who care. At Steinel, there is only the good stuff. There are no levels ...

By Cory Ross

[SHOT 2026] Black Rain Ordnance Introduce US-Made AK - Freedom Fighter

American-made AKs definitely saw a resurgence at this years SHOT Show with strong offerings from companies like Stenzel Industries  and Black Rain Ordnance. Black Rain introduced the Freedom Fighter which they describe as ‘a modern American-made evolution of a proven fighting rifle&rsq...

By Matthew Moss

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

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)

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