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Tom

About Tom McHale

Tom is the Editor of American Handgunner Magazine and has published numerous books on shooting, concealed carry, reloading, and the United States Constitution. You can find his print and ebooks here..

Fizzics ‘R Us

By |2023-01-10T14:46:38-05:00January 10th, 2023|

I’m not a physicist, but I did read Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson. He attempts to explain such things as how, at the moment before the Big Bang, all of the matter and energy in the known universe was contained in a space a trillionth the size of the period that ends this sentence. Now that I think about it, trying to wrap my head around stuff like that is likely why I’m not a physicist. I can’t even comprehend a miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup being packed into a wrapper that small, much less the sum total of all stuff that ever existed anywhere in the cosmos.While the deGrasse Tysons and Hawkings of the world can ponder the great expanse in their studies, we mere mortals can make more practical use of the physical sciences for our shooting activities.

Gunnysack: Fisher Space Pens

By |2023-01-04T19:19:13-05:00January 4th, 2023|

The perfect EDC pen. A Fisher Space Pen has been on every space flight since Apollo 7 — for good reason. These innovative tools write in almost any conditions, like underwater or on greasy surfaces.

Woox Thunderbird Throwing Axe

By |2022-12-29T10:14:52-05:00December 29th, 2022|

While you can use the Woox Thunderbird Throwing Axe for general “axe activity” like chopping and carving, as the name implies, it’s optimized for flight. The handle is smooth to allow a predictable and hang-up-free release. There’s no discernible palm knob at the base of the handle. On a utility axe, you’ll almost always have some handle mass (palm, swell or end knob) designed to prevent your hand from sliding off the end of the handle. For throwing, you want the Thunderbird to slide right through your fingers as you release each toss — hence no palm knob.

5-Point 1911 Safety Check: Is Your Gun Safe?

By |2022-12-27T10:30:13-05:00December 27th, 2022|

If I had to wager, I’d wager at least 10% of the 1911s I’ve worked on over the decades have had safety issues. Some were even new guns. If I just think about well-used 1911s, I’m betting the percentage is more like 15% or even 20% — especially gun show “parts” gun amateurs often assemble. Not long ago a friend brought me a foreign 1911 (an Argentinian “Sistema” Colt clone) saying it needed some work. No fooling.

Last Minute Gift Solutions

By |2022-12-21T11:38:09-05:00December 21st, 2022|

Happy (almost) holidays, everyone! If you're like me and find yourself still nailing down gifts at the very last minute, here's a list of things we like that you can still get in time for pre-Christmas delivery...

Top 10 Tips For Urban Survival

By |2022-12-20T07:54:35-05:00December 20th, 2022|

Some people are naturally observant. I’m not one of them. My wife can sprint through a crowded airport on a holiday weekend wearing noise-canceling headphones and then proceed to describe everyone there, who has middle seats on their next flight and which of their kids are taking violin lessons. On the other hand, I could trip over Jabba the Hut playing “I Am the Walrus” on a set of kettledrums and not notice. What’s the moral of the story? I have to work at situational awareness. No, I mean it. I deliberately have to “switch on” when I’m out and about or the world will pass me by while I remain blissfully unaware. As a result, I’ve had to learn and develop some techniques and hacks to help me spot potentially dangerous anomalies and lifesaving opportunities during my daily travels. Maybe some of these strategies will help you too.

The Ultimate Training Tool — Mantis X10

By |2022-12-20T07:51:57-05:00December 20th, 2022|

A few years ago, the engineers at Mantis launched a training tech revolution with their MantisX sensor. When paired with a companion smartphone application, the rail-mount device could show you exactly what’s happening when you break a shot. Motion sensors track the most minute movements of the gun, allowing you to see muzzle movement before, during and after the shot break. That’s impressive stuff, and it’s a great way to improve hold and trigger technique, especially since the system works with dry, live and airgun firing modes.
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