Have you ever gotten all worked up about something only to later figure out that whatever was causing anxiety wasn’t all that big a deal? I have. In fact, I used to spend way too much time and energy thinking about the optimum way to “zero” a laser sight on a pistol. Since the laser […]
About Tom McHale
How to Survive Your First Gun Store Visit
I remember the first time I walked into a Wild Birds Unlimited store. I was just like those characters on the TV show “Naked and Afraid,” although I was slightly less naked and much more afraid. Realizing that I might be exposed as a poseur who didn’t even know the difference between a pied-billed grebe […]
Real Avid Pistol Tool: New Product Test
The folks at Real Avid have a knack for stuffing a whole lot of useful gun tools into one implement that’ll fit in your front pocket. The Gun Tool, for example, which packs 18 of the most frequently used tools for rifles and shotguns in a little an ergonomically shaped multi-tool, has won gun industry […]
What Is Rifle Headspace and Why Is It Important?
I wrote this piece on headspace for Shooting Sports Retailer magazine but whether you sell guns to earn a living or not, the information about headspace is handy… Rifle headspace is one of those topics that, in reality, is not nearly as mysterious as it seems. When customers buy a used firearm, especially a military […]
Gun Science: What’s “Knockdown” Power?
OK, so that was a trick question because there’s really not much to “knockdown power” at least in the literal sense. Sure, a cannon would certainly knock you over, but a handgun? Not so much. Let’s explain. Handguns are certainly lethal and can cause all sorts of reactions in the recipient of a handgun shot. […]
Holster Butchery
Taking a Dremel tool to a firearm is almost always frowned upon. And I agree. However, butchering a holster might be entirely appropriate, depending on the reason. The other day I shared a story about how the extremely challenging Air Marshal Pistol Qualification test exposed some opportunities for gear improvement. The need for top speed […]
Savage AXIS II XP Rifle: Gun Review
Let’s get right to the point. If you need a hunting rifle that’s ready to go out of the box, check out the new Savage Axis II rifle. Offered in a variety of calibers, it includes a Bushnell Banner scope as part of the package. Obviously, there’s a lot more to understand about what’s under the […]
Smith & Wesson M&P 40 Ported: A One-Caliber Recoil Reduction
Here’s a neat fact about the F-16 fighter jet. The pilot’s seat is far more reclined than those in other planes. That’s a bit of physics and biology trickery to help the pilot deal with high G forces. What does that have to do with pistols? If you create gas ports in a pistol barrel, […]
How to Install a M203 Grenade Launcher how to install LMT m203 grenade launcher
We’re giving away a complete retro classic AR-15 and grenade launcher package, and you’re probably going to be the lucky winner, but just in case you’re not, you can add your very own M203 Grenade Launcher to a rifle you already have. Here, we’ll show you mounting options and exactly how to do it. The installation […]
LMT M203 Grenade Launcher: Pull Trigger Go BOOM
Last month we hinted at a super nifty add-on for the Brownells BRN-601 AR-15 Rifle that one of you is about to own. Yes, you can win it by entering here. The Brownells BRN-601 Rifle is a reproduction of the very first AR-type rifle ever issued to the US Military. While the basic design features are […]