Tom McHale - My Gun Culture

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 print and ebook versions of his books at Amazon. Find Tom online at Parler, MeWe, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

New XRB Solid Copper Defensive Ammo from Sellier & Bellot

By Tom McHale|2025-01-09T09:16:00-05:00January 9th, 2025|

Sellier and Bellot has some new(ish) defensive ammo. It’s an all-copper projectile design that’ll stay together when passing through challenging barriers like glass. I tested it with a couple of pistols with known accuracy and was able to print sub-two-inch groups from 25 yards, so it can shoot more accurately than most humans.

How to Become a Better Shooter This Year, and Have Fun Doing It

By Tom McHale|2025-01-09T09:06:43-05:00January 9th, 2025|

While many law enforcement officers dread annual qualifications, some of the courses, especially the “old school” ones are a lot of fun. Better yet, they’re guaranteed to make you a better shooter. For example, the old Air Marshal qualification is tough to complete if you follow the rules, but if you do, you’ll be among the very best of gun owners out there.

Practically Useless? The Ultimate “Hand” Gun

By Tom McHale|2024-12-30T16:53:52-05:00December 30th, 2024|

A look at the Haight glove gun: an impractical wartime invention that sounded great on paper.

A More Affordable Carry 1911: Springfield Armory RONIN EMP

By Tom McHale|2024-12-30T16:52:40-05:00December 30th, 2024|

She stole it, and I can’t even press charges, in part because she’s my wife, and in part, because I had it coming. The year was 2012. I was doing a story on the Springfield Armory EMP (Enhanced Micro Pistol) and its lineage to the 1911 TRP model. I had a loaner pistol sent my way — the original 3″-barrel 9mm model.

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A Very Boomer Christmas

By Tom McHale|2024-12-20T11:51:29-05:00December 20th, 2024|

An entertaining Christmas story about the days when a “healthy” childhood carried the expectation of broken bones, the occasional burn, and lots of outdoor fun.

5 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for the Shooting Enthusiast

By Tom McHale|2024-12-20T10:19:15-05:00December 20th, 2024|

Hurting for gift ideas? Here are some moderately-priced ideas for the shooting enthusiast in your life.

Staccato CS Compact 2011 Pistol Review

By Tom McHale|2024-12-13T12:50:53-05:00December 13th, 2024|

I’ve been shooting a flock of Staccato 2011 pistols side-by-side and regardless of size, they all shoot exceptionally well. Off a bench rest at 25 yards, this little pistol still prints just over one-inch five shot groups. Don’t let the small size fool you; the compact CS model’s double-stack design still packs 15+1 capacity.

More New Ammo from Staccato

By Tom McHale|2024-12-12T09:30:04-05:00December 12th, 2024|

The folks at Staccato have released more new ammo - the 136-grain Match.

Buying a Suppressor – Easy Tips

By Tom McHale|2024-11-22T13:23:51-05:00November 22nd, 2024|

Yes, suppressors are perfectly legal. Yes, anyone who can legally buy a gun can also buy a suppressor—it just takes more paperwork and a donation to Uncle Same in the amount of $200. Alan explains the basics of suppressors and how to buy one with minimal pain and suffering.

The Revolver .32 H&R Magnum Makes a Comeback?

By Tom McHale|2024-11-18T11:52:42-05:00November 18th, 2024|

Roy explores a new offering from Charter Arms - a revolver chambered in .32 H&R Magnum. After losing attention to the .327 Federal Magnum, many thought this caliber would fade away, but like shooting .38 specials in a .357 Magnum wheelgun, shooting the H&R can be a lot more enjoyable and perfectly adequate for defensive use.