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Articles by Jay Langston
Ballistic’s Best Hunting Edition 2026: Bolt-Action Hunting Rifles
Another year, another stack of new bolt-action hunting rifles heads to the range, and honestly the 2026 crop might be the most cartridge-diverse bunch we’ve lined up yet. The industry keeps chasing efficiency without giving up knockdown power, and this year that shows up in a big way: 25 Creedmoor rifles finally land on dealer shelves in numbers, 7mm Backcountry graduates from novelty to mainstream option, and 7mm PRC quietly becomes one of the most common chamberings on new rifle spec sheets.
How Semi-Automatic Pistols Work: From Trigger Press to Fired Round
This post was originally published on this site. Most newer shooters lack an understanding of how a semi-automatic pistol works. This knowledge is the key to safe, confident gun handling and shooting. It’s overcoming the fear of the unknown. A semi-automatic pistol can seem complicated at first glance. Slides move, magazines feed ammunition, and internal parts work together in ways many people don’t fully understand. That lack of understanding often creates anxiety.
We Take The Thunder Ranch Rifle For A Hands-On Range Test
G.A. Precision has been in business since 1999. They strive to create top-notch professional-quality rifles that are not only precise but also affordable. In doing so, they make it a point not to sacrifice quality. At G.A. Precision, they use only top-of-the-line, field-tested, and durable parts and accessories.
G.A. Precision Thunder Ranch Bolt Rifle
This post was originally published on this site. G.A. Precision has been in business since 1999. They strive to create top-notch professional-quality rifles that are not only precise but also affordable. In doing so, they make it a point not to sacrifice quality. At G.A. Precision, they use only top-of-the-line, field-tested, and durable parts and accessories.
G.A. Precision Thunder Ranch Bolt Rifle
G.A. Precision has been in business since 1999. They strive to create top-notch professional-quality rifles that are not only precise but also affordable. In doing so, they make it a point not to sacrifice quality. At G.A. Precision, they use only top-of-the-line, field-tested, and durable parts and accessories.
Open Forum: Housing needed for Harrisonburg's growth
When considering economic development, we typically think of two paths: how to manage and continue growth in places that are already growing, and how to spur economic opportunity in those that are not. Harrisonburg is very fortunate to be growing, but growth still comes with its own problems. We need to find ways to ensure our growth creates true, shared prosperity while avoiding stagnation or decline.
SHOT Show 2025: Best Hunting Rifles to Hit the Market!
Hornady’s newest big-game cartridge, the 7mm PRC, was all the rage at last year’s SHOT Show. But the spot light moved over to Federal Cartridge’s newest challenger, the 7mm Backcountry last week in Vegas. Timed to catch the latest sporting arms news cycle, several outdoor communicators unleashed a lot of glowing reports on the 7mm Backcountry after perforating a few targets and critters last fall.
Christensen Arms Modern Carbon Rifle: Advanced Hunting System
Christensen Arms established itself as a premier manufacturer of high-performance precision rifles, with the Modern Precision Rifle (MPR) scoring one more victory in engineering a lightweight hunting rifle. The carbon-barreled rifle series stands out as a remarkable achievement in modern firearms manufacturing, combining cutting-edge materials, exceptional craftsmanship, and outstanding performance.
Top 5 Self-Defense Handgun Cartridges
Go to article Posted November 7, 2024 5:00 pm by R.P. Mcmurphy Comments By Jay Langston Picking a cartridge for your next handgun purchase is relatively easy if you consider the compromises and variable associated with each. Take a look at this list of top-sellers to help make your own decisions. 1. 9mm Luger (9x19mm Parabellum) The 9mm Luger is arguably the most popular self-defense cartridge in the world today.
Top 5 Self-Defense Handgun Cartridges
Picking a cartridge for your next handgun purchase is relatively easy if you consider the compromises and variable associated with each. Take a look at this list of top-sellers to help make your own decisions. The 9mm Luger is arguably the most popular self-defense cartridge in the world today. Originally designed in 1902, it has stood the test of time and remains a top pick for both civilian and law enforcement use.
The Whitetail Forge Knife Goes to Africa
Go to article Posted October 6, 2024 8:00 am by R.P. Mcmurphy Comments By Jay Langston My wife, Jacqueline, shared my excitement for my upcoming trip to South Africa and told some of her friends at work at a nearby college. One of the many she told was co-worker and part-time custom knife maker Darrin Totty, owner of Whitetail Forge in Columbia, Tennessee. He offered to make a knife to accompany me on this bucket-list adventure.
The Whitetail Forge Knife Goes to Africa
My wife, Jacqueline, shared my excitement for my upcoming trip to South Africa and told some of her friends at work at a nearby college. One of the many she told was co-worker and part-time custom knife maker Darrin Totty, owner of Whitetail Forge in Columbia, Tennessee. He offered to make a knife to accompany me on this bucket-list adventure. A few days later a visit with Darrin allowed me to share some ideas for the shape and utility desired.
Best Home Defense Shotgun Ammunition
An Expert Guide To Picking The Right Federal Home Defense Loads Disclaimer: We may earn a modest commission from sales generated by our affiliate links. Thanks for supporting us! Click to listen to the audio version of this article. Selecting the best shotgun ammunition for home defense is a critical decision that requires careful consideration of factors such as effectiveness, safety, and legal implications.
Tips for Prone Position Shooting
Grab Your Bergara Rifle & Go Prone For Dead-On Accuracy Click to listen to the audio version of this article. Building a solid prone rifle shooting position is essential for both target shooting and hunting, as it ensures accuracy, stability, and consistency in your shots. Whether you're aiming for precision on the range or taking down game in the field, mastering this position is key to success. Let's delve into the nuances of creating the proper prone rifle shooting position for both pursuits.
Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary Rifle Review
After-Africa Report On Springfield's New Boundary Rifle Springfield Armory's Model 2020 Boundary rifle knows no boundaries! The PH two strides ahead kicked up tiny clouds of red dust with each step while I watched it waft ever so slightly behind us. Wind in our faces, we still hunted along a red sandy trail. We were 30 minutes into the hunt when a lone Cape buffalo bull started giving us the stink eye.
Guns We Love: Mossberg Patriot Predator 7mm PRC-TTAG-V1
Next Post Coming Soon...▶ When Mossberg rolled out the Patriot Predator rifle in 7mm PRC in 2023, it was not only one of the hottest new cartridges to be making waves in the hunting world, it was also one of the least expensive of that year’s crop of new hunting rifles. It still is. Mossberg’s Patriot Predator is a familiar bolt-action rifle to this writer, and it was one of the earliest adopters for Hornady’s new 7mm PRC.
Guns We Love: Mossberg Patriot Predator 7mm PRC-TTAG-V1
Go to article Posted July 28, 2024 1:00 pm by R.P. Mcmurphy Comments By Jay Langston When Mossberg rolled out the Patriot Predator rifle in 7mm PRC in 2023, it was not only one of the hottest new cartridges to be making waves in the hunting world, it was also one of the least expensive of that year’s crop of new hunting rifles. It still is. Mossberg’s Patriot Predator is a familiar bolt-action rifle to this writer, and it was one of the earliest adopters for Hornady’s new 7mm PRC.
Camp & Trail Handguns Buyer's Guide
When venturing into the great outdoors, the choice of a handgun can be crucial for both utility and self-defense. Whether you're looking for a versatile .22 rimfire handgun for small game and general use or a high-power pistol for backcountry bear defense, selecting the right camp and trail gun is essential. Here's a guide to some of the best options available. Tried and true .22 rimfire handguns are popular among outdoor enthusiasts for their versatility, light recoil, and affordable ammunition.
A Helpful Guide To Buying Semi-Automatic Pistols for Home-Defense
Expert Advice, 8 Best Bets, PCCs & All-Time Best-Sellers, Too (This content is sponsored by Guns.com) Full-size semi-automatic pistols, often referred to as "nightstand guns," are a popular choice for home defense due to their size, capacity, and ease of use. These firearms are designed to provide reliable performance and stopping power in a self-defense scenario, making them a staple for many gun owners. Several semi-automatic "types" exist.
Big Game Rifle Rundown for 2024
Next Post Coming Soon...▶ Rifle manufacturers came out strong this year with more than a score of new deer-worthy rifles. Here’s a quick rundown. Bergara MgMicro Lite Bergara’s MgMicro Lite weighs a mere 5.8 lbs. and sports an 18-inch Cure carbon barrel. An ultralight magnesium micro chassis provides stability and accuracy.
Why 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles Reign Supreme
Three Ready-To-Hunt 6.5 Creedmoor Bergara Rifles The 6.5 Creedmoor has swiftly risen to prominence in the firearms world, earning a reputation as a top performer among shooters, hunters, and long-range enthusiasts alike. This relatively young cartridge has captivated the attention of firearms enthusiasts worldwide, thanks to its exceptional ballistic performance, manageable recoil, and inherent accuracy.
A Helpful Guide To Buying & Selling Used Guns
10 Tips & Other Expert Advice on Getting the Best Bangs for Your Bucks Buying or selling a used gun doesn't have to be a gamble if you follow a few basic guidelines. If you're in the market for a used gun, some of the following pointers may help steer you toward a safe, functional gun and save you a few hard-earned dollars along the way.
Guns We Love: The Heritage Rancher .22
Next Post Coming Soon...▶ The concept of a “truck gun” isn’t much different than a saddle scabbard rig more than 100 years ago. It’s basically a utility long gun that’s easily carried and deployed for any number of reasons. One carbine I’ve been carrying around the farm lately is Heritage’s Rough Rider .22. Cleaning up hay fields at the end of summer with a rotary mower to remove some noxious weeds like broom sedge before it produces seeds is an every-year event.
Self-Defense Fact vs. Fiction: Drag Them Inside
Next Post Coming Soon...▶ Myths are a part of any field of interest and shooting and self-defense are no exception. In fact, a number of myths have been repeated so often they’re treated as fact by a lot of gun owners and self-defense-minded people. Don’t fall into a legal trap and know what you can legally do and not do. Myth: If you shoot someone in your yard, drag them into the house. “This is a terrible idea!” attorney Gilbert Ambler says.
Best 300 Blackout Ammo for Hog Hunting
11 Best 300 Blackout Rounds For Hammering Hogs I know a few people who have killed more wild hogs than I have... but not many. I've shot them with everything from archery gear, .22 LR all the way up to .375 Holland & Holland. The cartridge that stands as my "go-to" caliber of choice for hogs is the 300 Blackout (or 300 BLK, 300 AAC), which has easily eclipsed 100 dead pigs in my experience.
Gun Review: Kimber’s “Fin-Less” R7 Mako
Next Post Coming Soon...▶ This trend really got started when Sig Sauer’s P365 launched, with its sub-4-inch barrel, 4-inch height, 6-inch length and double-stack 9mm capacities. Several companies have followed with their own micro 9s. To understand the significance of Kimber naming this new 9mm the “Mako,” a closer look at the finned killer’s stats.
Gun Review: Kimber’s “Fin-Less” R7 Mako
Go to article Posted March 14, 2024 4:00 pm by R.P. Mcmurphy Comments By Jay Langston The hottest trend in firearms over the past four years is the sub-compact semi-auto, and Kimber’s R7 Mako has jumped squarely into the frenzy. This trend really got started when Sig Sauer’s P365 launched, with its sub-4-inch barrel, 4-inch height, 6-inch length and double-stack 9mm capacities. Several companies have followed with their own micro 9s.
Gun Review: Sauer’s SL5 Turkey Thumpers
Go to article Posted March 2, 2024 1:00 pm by R.P. Mcmurphy Comments By Jay Langston Mid-April last year I was sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with long-time friend Eddie Stevenson before sunrise listening to a longbeard hammer the day awake. Before long, the tom was gobbling so close to us we could smell his breath. Problem was, the tom was directly behind us. He skirted to our rear and walked off in the direction of a real hen while never presenting a shot.
Gun Review: Sauer’s SL5 Turkey Thumpers
Next Post Coming Soon...▶ Mid-April last year I was sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with long-time friend Eddie Stevenson before sunrise listening to a longbeard hammer the day awake. Before long, the tom was gobbling so close to us we could smell his breath. Problem was, the tom was directly behind us. He skirted to our rear and walked off in the direction of a real hen while never presenting a shot.
Silencer Central Banish Backcountry First Shots
Go to article Posted February 26, 2024 9:00 am by R.P. Mcmurphy Comments By Jay Langston The popularity of mounting a suppressor on a hunting rifle has grown with quantum leaps over the past two decades. The secondary benefit of a suppressor—hearing protection—seems to be the prevailing driver behind the acquisition of hunting rifle silencers these days.
Silencer Central Banish Backcountry First Shots
Next Post Coming Soon...▶ The popularity of mounting a suppressor on a hunting rifle has grown with quantum leaps over the past two decades. The secondary benefit of a suppressor—hearing protection—seems to be the prevailing driver behind the acquisition of hunting rifle silencers these days. One of the negatives of putting a can on a rifle comes from adding several ounces and several inches of length to what otherwise would be a trim hunting rig.
Big Horn’s AR500 Is A T-Rex Thumper
Go to article Posted February 23, 2024 6:00 pm by R.P. Mcmurphy Comments By Jay Langston “I like big guns and I cannot lie…” It’s funny, need I say strange, the things that can run through a writer’s mind when trying to start an article… for some reason a remix of Sir Mix-A-Lot’s 1993 Grammy-winning, double platinum “Baby’s Got Back” hip-hop tune started playing in my head when pondering Big Horn Armory’s half-inch-bore AR pistol.
Big Horn’s AR500 Is A T-Rex Thumper
Next Post Coming Soon...▶ “I like big guns and I cannot lie…” It’s funny, need I say strange, the things that can run through a writer’s mind when trying to start an article… for some reason a remix of Sir Mix-A-Lot’s 1993 Grammy-winning, double platinum “Baby’s Got Back” hip-hop tune started playing in my head when pondering Big Horn Armory’s half-inch-bore AR pistol.
Nighthawk Custom Guns: Custom Gun Capabilities For A Perfect Build
Go to article Posted February 21, 2024 4:00 pm by R.P. Mcmurphy Comments By Jay Langston Over the past few years, I have been fortunate to spend the first week of October in Idaho at numerous firearm-industry editorial rendezvous. More than a dozen gun writers gathered to see what the gun, optics and ammo companies had to offer for the coming year. On the range and later back at the ranch I chatted with Nighthawk Custom owner Mark Stone to learn about his business.
Nighthawk Custom Guns: Custom Gun Capabilities For A Perfect Build
Next Post Coming Soon...▶ Over the past few years, I have been fortunate to spend the first week of October in Idaho at numerous firearm-industry editorial rendezvous. More than a dozen gun writers gathered to see what the gun, optics and ammo companies had to offer for the coming year. On the range and later back at the ranch I chatted with Nighthawk Custom owner Mark Stone to learn about his business.
SHOT Show 2024: 33 of the Best New Hunting Rifles
SHOT Show 2024 is in the books, and we pounded the pavement and the isles, checking out all the new guns and gear. Here’s our picks for a remarkable look at 33 of the best new hunting rifles to hit the market for 2024! Bergara’s MgMicro Lite weighs a mere 5.8 lbs. and sports an 18-inch Cure carbon barrel. An ultralight magnesium micro chassis provides stability and accuracy.
DIY: The Nighthawk Custom Drop-In Trigger System Reviewed
Spend some time with a 1911 on the range with a mediocre trigger, and you’ll endure the experience. Swap over and send a few rounds down range with a customized 1911 with a “worked” trigger, and you’ll never go back. However, that typically takes an expensive custom trigger job from an armorer. This is where a drop-in trigger, like the DTS from Nighthawk Custom, makes life easier.
The Kimber R7 Mako: 9mm Feeding Frenzy Review
The hottest trend in firearms over the past four years is the semi-auto micro-compact, and Kimber’s recently-released R7 Mako joins the frenzy. This trend really got started when Sig Sauer’s P365 launched with its sub-4-inch barrel, 4-inch height, 6-inch length, and double-stack 9mm capacities. Several companies have followed with their own diminutive 9s, including Kimber with the R7 Mako.
The Nighthawk Custom VIP Commander: .45 Masterpiece Review
Testing a pistol thoroughly as prep for writing a magazine review involves a mundane protocol to put each firearm on a relatively equal footing for evaluation. It never gets boring. And after reviewing a few thousand guns, finding something creative to say about a new gun can be challenging. However, Nighthawk Custom always makes it easy with options like its VIP Commander. The fun meter starts ticking upward when I handle an exceptionally accurate weapon.
Best New Hunting Guns & Gear From Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous
Traveling for work lost some of the allure it brought 30 years ago. But I still look forward to the annual Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous each October. One of my assignments was to sift through hundreds of new products to find the best new hunting guns and gear that’ll show up on dealers’ shelves in 2023. Mossberg just added a 7mm PRC in their Patriot Predator lineup of bolt-action rifles. After Rendezvous, I was fortunate to get my hands on one for some in-depth evaluation. It didn’t disappoint.
A Bowhunter’s Memorial
Ironic, poignant and probably a few more fitting adjectives describe what fell into my lap early this morning, on Memorial Day. Up at 6:00 a.m., my wife and I began the morning coffee rituals and she took her recipe box from the shelf over the stove to retrieve a couple of items in preparation for her part of a picnic later this afternoon.
The Rise of Peterson Cartridge: Precision to Build Better Brass
What do you get when you cross a mechanical genius with a Tasmanian devil? Well, you get someone who looks and acts a whole lot like Derek Peterson. These days, with ammunition—specifically hunting and precision fodder—rather scarce, the savvy handloader gets familiar with all the cartridge case companies. Last spring, I made a quick trip up to Pennsylvania to visit Peterson Cartridge to see what they were all about.
SIG Sauer's Elite Pocket Pistols
After years of working for a division of a major firearms manufacturer that has supplied the U.S. military with 9mm pistols, I’m familiar with military and law enforcement sidearms. I frequently ask the opinions of law enforcement officers about the merits of various LE duty handguns. The majority leans toward a SIG as the top of its class. That same reputation for quality and dependability carries forward into SIG pocket pistols as well.
How Semi-Automatic Pistols Work
A quick walk through a well-stocked gun shop with today’s semi-automatic pistols might seem daunting – especially when it comes to understanding how semi-automatic pistols work. However, a mental dash through firearms history will help sort things out. Let’s go back to the 1100s, when the first man-portable “firearms” were invented.
TESTED: Shooting the New Hornady 7mm PRC Rifle Cartridge
The rumor has become fact: Hornady has expanded its Precision Rifle Cartridge family to 7mm. During the recent Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous earlier this month in Felt, Idaho, several writers got a chance to send some rounds down range, shooting the Hornady 7mm PRC. Shooting Hornady 7mm PRC I’ve been a fan of the PRC family of cartridges since their introduction.
Beretta APX A1 FS Full-Size Double-Stack First Look
A select-few gun scribes gathered in Nashville, Tennessee last week for some trigger time the Beretta APX A1 FS 9mm pistol. Leading up to the Beretta APX A1 FS Beretta first launched their APX series of pistols in 2017 in response to the U.S. Armed Forces’ XM17 Modular Handgun System competition. Sig Sauer won the military contract, so Beretta released their new APX pistol design to law enforcement and commercial markets.
NFA Trusts: One Way to Legally Own Suppressors and SBRs
Many weapons parts are federally regulated like SBRs. Keep them safe with NFA trusts. A prevalent misconception exists among the general public, and the majority of gun owners, that silencers are illegal. Lump machine guns and short-barreled rifles into that questionable group, too. To the better informed, all the previously mentioned weapons can be legally owned by paying a $200 tax and filling out ATF Form 5320.4, also referred to as Form 4.
5 Fabulous Hunting Rifles Ready to Punch Tags Next Fall
The first week of October, a gaggle of gun writers and editors gathered in the Teton Valley just west of the Grand Tetons for their annual Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous. More than just a meeting, the Rendezvous’ purpose is to review the latest and greatest guns, optics, bullets and more. It previews what’s coming to market the following year. No different than years past, some of the new stuff consisted of updated versions of current products.
GO Virginia Site Enhancement Secures Future Growth For Virginia
Recent national headlines have detailed with great fanfare staggering investments and job creation commitments by large international companies in electric vehicle production, aviation, pharmaceuticals and other cutting edge technologies in states all around Virginia. Such announcements were not happenstance — they resulted from often decades of planning and funding to support the development of prime industrial sites which could be used for these projects.
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