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21st Century Action Heroes and Their Firearms It’s difficult to say exactly when stories of vigilante justice became part of the cultural zeitgeist. As early as the 13th century, the legend of Robin Hood told stories of justice in an unjust world, and broadcast radio brought heroes like Zorro and the Lone Rangers into homes…
The 70s and 80s: Firearms of the Anti-Hero and Action Stars Guns really took center stage in 1970s-80s action movies. Often, they were upgraded from the more realistic models mentioned in books to bigger, flashier, more powerful models. For example, in Death Wish (1974), a .32S&W kit gun became a large frame .44 Magnum. The…
50s & 60s: Firearms During a Cinematic Era This month I want to dive into the important role that firearms played in the cinematic era of the 1950s and 60s. The birth of gritty westerns, countless war movies, and TV shows filled the living rooms of America. TV shows like the Lone Ranger, Rawhide, and…
Dueling in the Old West: The Art of the Quick Draw Although “pistols at twenty paces at high noon” are the staple of Western movies and novels, the reality of American dueling is altogether very different. The History of Duels The culture of duels originated as an East Coast phenomenon, mainly cosplaying the culture of…
Famous Gunslingers and Their Weapons in the Wild West We all have fond memories of playing Cowboys and Indians as children, but when it comes to the real-life thing, it was quite different than the lighthearted childhood game we reminisce on. The Wild West during the 19th century involved large open deserts and prairies, which…
The Evolution of Firearms in the Wild West This month I want to talk about America’s trek west and how it jumpstarted the evolution of firearms as we know them today. Early Expansion West When our early ancestors and settlers made it to the new world, they brought with them flintlock rifles and pistols. The…
Famous Female Gunslingers of the Old West Ask anyone to name a famous female gunslinger from America’s Old West, and you’re very likely to hear ‘Annie Oakley’ before you even take your next breath. Her notoriety is well deserved, and her achievements are more than well-documented. As a star attraction in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West…
Why More Women are Choosing Firearm Ownership Over the past few years, there has been an uptick in firearm ownership among American women. Considering the widening partisan gap in America and the sentiments Americans have for gun ownership, the news stories surrounding the subject can seem pretty surprising. And while there have definitely been recent…
The History of Competitive Shooting Competitive shooting is a sport that people take part in throughout the world. It is something that involves immense skill and concentration along with plenty of practice. But shooting was not always the competitive, popular pastime that it is today. Here is a look at how shooting has changed and…
Gunsmith Lore and Legend, Vol. 1 Gunsmiths are not just made out of necessity and love for a craft, they’re born out of history, literature, and even the foundations of the English language. There’s so much interesting stuff out there that it can be hard to know where to start. While we can’t hit all…