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Anti-Gun States Sue To Keep Forced Reset Triggers From Being Returned

By
Mark Chesnut
-

Sixteen state governments are suing to block the returns of forced reset triggers (FRTs) to their owners that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confiscated while former ATF head Steve Dettelbach was in charge of the agency.

Lawsuits Over Forced Reset Triggers

Named in the lawsuit by the anti-gun states were:

  • National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR)
  • Texas Gun Rights (TGR)
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi
  • Department of Justice (DOJ)
  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
  • ATF Acting Director Daniel P. Driscol
  • Rare Breed Triggers
  • Named plaintiffs in NAGR v. Garland.

At issue is a recent agreement entered into by the AFT and the Department of Justice (DOJ). In the agreement, the government admitted that FRTs are not machine guns and agreed to return all confiscated triggers to their original owners.

In addition to returning all triggers to their owners, the government dropped its appeal to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals over its loss in District Court. Likewise, it would drop all other FRT lawsuits throughout the nation.

Anti-Gunners On The Offense

In the case, filed on June 9, the states, which included New Jersey, Maryland, California, Illinois, and others, say:

“This epidemic of gun violence has been fueled in recent years by the growing use of machinegun conversion devices (MCDs), which are used to turn semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic machineguns that can unleash massive carnage in mere seconds,” the complaint states.

“One such MCD—the forced reset trigger, or FRT—has become especially popular, including among individuals who are prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law. At least 100,000 FRTs have been sold throughout the country and have made their way into every State, even those that independently ban such devices under their state laws.”

Additionally, the complaint said of the ATF’s decision to return the triggers:

“This reckless decision will not only endanger the public—putting people nationwide at greater risk of deadly violence—but is contrary to federal law. ATF’s longstanding position is that federal firearms laws proscribe the distribution and possession of devices like the FRT because they convert firearms into machineguns that can fire hundreds of uninterrupted rounds of ammunition with a single pull of the trigger. Even now, ATF has not renounced that view. Instead, bowing to political pressure, it has decided to simply ignore it.”

Of course, primary plaintiff NAGR had a strong opinion about the lawsuit, saying the states had overstepped their bounds.

“A federal court already ruled the government unlawfully seized thousands of legal triggers from law-abiding Americans—a decision that the ATF now acknowledges and accepts,” said Hannah Hill, NAGR vice president. “These states lack standing to file this lawsuit, and they know it. This suit is just reckless political lawfare.”

The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.

Pocketbook Friendly Camp Comfort: Budget Tools for Camp

By
Reuben Bolieu
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Light is right when it comes to these Budget Tools for Camp!

There are plenty of tools needed for a successful camp trip and camping experience. Budget tools for camp means affordable, not low-quality, cheap tools. There’s a huge difference, and it’s best not to confuse them. 

You don’t need to break the bank to have quality, reliable tools for camping, bushcrafting, and developing skills! You can find excellent budget-friendly tools that enhance your camp experience.

Tools for Camp on a Budget

The Budget Fixed Blade 

While dozens of fixed-blade knives are available, a few stand out. A reliable fixed-blade knife is essential in any serious kit and forms a core part of the tools for budget camping. It serves as a straightforward, ready-for-anything tool built with grit and backbone. When the pressure’s on, a fixed blade provides dependability. There’s no hinge to fail; solid steel runs from tip to tang, ready for action, making it a fundamental part of budget camping toolkits.

It easily handles tasks like splitting kindling, digging, slicing cordage, and prying open lids. Those jobs would make a folding knife sweat nervously. Deployment is instant. Just grab and go—there’s no flick or fumble involved. It’s like a sheepdog, always alert and ready.

Cleaning is straightforward after use. Once you clean fish or dress game, there’s no mystery gunk stuck in the pivot. You also gain more blade and handle, allowing for better leverage and control. This advantage is crucial for both fine work and heavy pressure.

Now, let’s explore two blades that deliver excellent performance without breaking the bank. First, consider the MORAKNIV Basic, a Swedish workhorse with minimalist flair. It features a high-friction polymer grip and a 3.6-inch carbon or stainless steel blade. 

Three ultra-light and affordable Morakniv Knives!

This knife excels at carving, food prep, and bush chores. The best part? It typically costs around $10–$14, making it a fantastic deal in the knife world.

Next, check out the Cold Steel Pendleton Lite Hunter. This knife features a sturdy drop-point blade with sufficient belly for game preparation and various camp tasks. It features a comfortable grip and a durable design, all for under $20. This rugged performer punches well above its weight, offering an affordable way to beef up your camp toolkit.

Budget Wood Processing Tools for Camp

Two primary tools come to mind—the saw and the axe. Axes, hatchets, and tomahawks easily slide into this category. They chop and split wood, which is essential for maintaining shelter building, and fire building/maintenance. Meanwhile, a saw is more efficient, precise, and low-key! 

The Fiskars Retractable saw has been with me for years, and you couldn’t get any lighter or cheaper in its performance range. However, Fiskars replaced it with the Fiskars Xtract SW73 (Small). 

The Fiskars Xtract SW73 is a pocket-sized tree whisperer with a bite. It sports a 6.3-inch pull-cut blade that slides neatly into the handle when not in use—no sheath fuss, just safe storage. Despite its size, it tackles green wood up to 2.75 inches thick without breaking a sweat, making it ideal for pruning, trail cleanup, or campfire prep.

The SoftGrip handle adds comfort and control, while the finger guard keeps your digits where they belong. Lightweight at just 4.6 ounces, it’s perfect for one-handed use and hardly noticeable in your pack. With an easy street price around $35–$40, the SW73 proves that sharp, intelligent design doesn’t have to take a big bite out of your budget, aligning seamlessly with your budget camp gear.

Budget Chopping Tools for Camp

When it comes to chopping tools, you don’t need to spend big to swing smart. Tools like the Fiskars X7 Hatchet and Cold Steel Frontier Hawk prove that with a little elbow grease and a file, even modest blades can punch above their price point.

The Fiskars X7 is a compact powerhouse. With a 14-inch handle and a 1.4 lb head, this tool efficiently splits kindling and small logs. The FiberComp handle absorbs shock like a champ, and the low-friction blade coating keeps it from sticking in wood. It’s ready to work straight out of the package, and at around $35, it’s a steal that doesn’t feel cheap, making it an excellent addition to your camp tool budget.

Budget Tools that get it done.

Then there’s the Cold Steel Frontier Hawk, a tomahawk that arrives a bit rough around the edges—literally. But that’s part of the charm. With a 22-inch hickory handle and a 1055 carbon steel head, it’s a blank canvas for tinkerers. Sharpen the edge, sand the haft, maybe even blue the steel or wrap the grip. For about $30–$35, you get a tool and a project in one. These cost-effective tools make valuable additions to any camping budget.

Both tools are light on the wallet and heavy on potential. They may not be heirlooms out of the box, but with a bit of care and customization, they’ll earn their place by the fire. Want to dive into mod ideas or compare these to mid-tier choppers? I’ve got the kindling for that conversation.

Pocket Knife on a Budget

The Victorinox Waiter is a compact, versatile tool that combines practicality with affordability. Measuring just 3.3 inches closed and weighing 1.2 ounces, it easily fits in your pocket, offering a budget-friendly tool option for camping.

Its stainless steel blade handles fruit, cordage, and light whittling, while the combo tool opens bottles, cans, and drives flathead screws. It also includes a corkscrew, tweezers, and a toothpick for added convenience.

Victorinox Waiter in Travel mode with the author.

With a price range of $16–$23, the Waiter is ideal for camping, travel, or everyday use. Most come in classic Victorinox red, with occasional options in black, white, or blue. Small but effective, the Waiter gets the job done.

Like all the Budget Tools for Camp, look around and find what works for you. Mainly, have fun doing it!

The Shotgun Speed Drill: A Focus on Practical Performance

By
Travis Pike
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(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs)

The Shotgun Speed Drill comes from one of my favorite social media follows, That Shotgun Blog. Nate Parker, the creator of the blog, developed the drill, and I recently took it for a spin. Nate is a shotgun nerd, much like me, and he recognized that there aren’t a ton of shotgun drills out there. Handguns and rifles get piles and piles, but shotguns are left in the dark. The Shotgun Speed Drill focuses on the shotgun’s strengths and its capabilities.

Running the Shotgun Speed Drill

Shotguns are fast, hard-hitting weapons. Close-quarters combat is all about speed. Shotguns are close-quarters weapons that allow you to be fast and hit hard. While you do need to aim a shotgun, a substandard sight picture, crappy form, and bad trigger press are less likely to render your shot ineffective. Shotguns allow for a little more human error, and human error tends to be a speed issue.

The Shotgun Speed Drill focuses on shooting multiple targets quickly and accurately. You’ll get the most out of this drill using a pump-action shotgun. With a semi-auto, it’s fairly easy, so it might not be the challenge you’re looking for.

The Shotgun Speed Drill – Gear Needed

Here’s what we’ll need for the Shotgun Speed Drill:

  • Repeating Shotgun
  • Six Rounds of Ammo
  • Three Targets
  • Shot Timer

The targets need an 8-inch circle center. Nate suggests IDPA targets, but a B-8 works if you want to keep things simple. Each 8-inch circle should be about two feet apart, and the shooter stands five yards from the target.

Scoring is pass/fail. If your pellets leave the eight-inch circle, you lose. There isn’t a par-time, and Nate mentioned building a naked scoring system, but it’s not established yet. The shot timer can still provide invaluable data and allow you to constantly get better.

Shooting the Shotgun Speed Drill

Your targets are one, two, and three from left to right. Load your shotgun with four rounds. Have your other two rounds on hand for rapid reloads. You’ll also start in a true low ready, with your muzzle below the targets. Don’t half-ass it.

At the signal, aim and fire one round into target 1, one round into target 2, and two rounds into target 3. Now, immediately speed reload and fire another round into target 2. Speed reload again and drop your final round into target 1.

That’s it; it’s short, sweet, and fun. It’s also more challenging than it seems. You might find your ghost rings are slowing you down. It also makes you appreciate a red dot optic on your shotgun and tight-patterning ammo.

My Thoughts

I like the Shotgun Speed Drill a lot. It focuses on building the skills that make the shotgun such a decisive weapon. Being good at making hits at 25 yards is great, but the realistic focus of a shotgun should be on speed and pellet accountability. This drill focuses on that realistic use.

It also provides you with some reload practice and target transitions. Both are good skills to have with a shotgun. The Shotgun Speed Drill allows you to focus on a wide variety of shotgun techniques and skills with a mere six rounds fired. Who can hate that?

Give it a spin, and get out there and touch a little grass.

Coalcracker 10×10 Dutchware Tarp

By
Reuben Bolieu
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Here’s the author’s home for 5 days in the Adirondacks. A lean-to is hard to beat in the summer heat.

When record heat strikes and is soon followed by thunderstorms, you need a reliable shelter. The Coalcracker 10×10 Dutchware Tarp to the rescue. It allowed for plenty of airflow and provided impressive coverage against the unpredictable weather of the mighty Adirondacks.

Coalcracker Tarps

For the last several years, I’ve been using the Coalcracker Bushcraft T6ZERO tarp. It has been featured here on GAT Daily and accompanied me on several adventures worldwide. 

The Coalcracker Tarp by Dutchware provides substantial coverage without added bulk. Built from lightweight yet rugged Xenon Sil 1.1 fabric, this 10’x10′ tarp offers 100 square feet of weather-resistant shelter in a compact 18-ounce package. Whether you’re stringing it up over a hammock or pitching it on the ground, it adapts to your setup with reinforced grosgrain tie-outs at the corners, ridgeline, and every two feet along the perimeter.

Dutchware and Coalcracker Bushcraft designed this tarp for versatility in the wild. The square footprint gives you endless configuration options—plow point, A-frame, lean-to, or diamond fly. That extra space pays off in camp: you can cook under cover, stash gear out of the rain, or ride out a storm without feeling boxed in. It’s not just a tarp—it’s a mobile roof for your backcountry basecamp.

Finished with grosgrain binding and subtle Coalcracker logos, the tarp strikes a balance between function and understated style. If you’re looking for a lightweight, packable shelter that punches above its weight, the Coalcracker Tarp is built to handle the elements and earn its place in your kit.

Stand Out Coalcracker Tarp Features

Coalcracker 10×10 Dutchware tarps feature a subdued color and multiple tie-out points for added versatility.
Premium FabricCrafted with Brown Xenon Sil 1.1, a silicone polyester fabric that’s lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant.
Custom DesignFeatures two 12″ Coalcracker Bushcraft logos printed on opposing corners, combining style with functionality.
Enhanced EdgingGrosgrain binding on all edges and ridge lines for added strength and durability.
Versatile Tie-Out LoopsIncludes grosgrain loops on four corner tie-outs, two ridgeline connection points, and additional loops every 2 feet along the perimeter for versatile configurations.
Weight18 ounces
Coverage Area100 square feet
MSRP$135
The middle tie-out on the Coalcracker 10×10 Dutchware Tarp was extremely necessary for added headroom and sitting up comfortably in camp.

Who’s DUTCHWARE

Dutchware creates hammock gear and DIY backpacking components for outdoor enthusiasts. With a focus on strength, simplicity, and modular performance, they offer innovative products, such as the Chameleon Hammock system and titanium hardware. Their 10×10 tarp, made from advanced materials like Xenon SilPoly or Dyneema® Composite Fabric, is perfect for various users and conditions, featuring reinforced tie-outs and durable construction for reliable shelter. They are making this stellar tarp for Coalcracker Bushcraft. 

The Shangri-La Camp Tarp

I’ve never used a tarp this large, but it was exactly what this trip required. For 5 days, I was on an epic adventure in the remote Adirondacks. We had all types of weather. Heat, wind, thunderstorms, and Autumn-like cold had us scrambling for beanies and fleece tops. Did I mention we had rain? 

The author added two forked branches to enhance water shedding capabilities.

I opted for the trusty lean-to configuration and planned to adjust it throughout the week. However, I kept it just as it was, except I added two forked sticks on the middle side pull-out tabs for added water shedding. It was rude and crude, but it worked. The top center pull-out loop was the pinnacle for this setup. 

A large tarp can cover one to two people, plus their gear. Or, a trusty dog with a bed. If it’s pitched high, we could have put chairs under there. 

Coalcracker Dutchware Tarp Times Two

That’s right—we had two of these camp gems on this trip. After the record-breaking heat, we got thunder showers. Two guys headed for a tarp hanging over a hammock, and two hunkered down under my tarp. 

Eventually, our camp had two Coalcracker 10×10 Dutchware Tarps. Talk about luxury in the woods.

Lt. Mike had his Coalcracker 10×10 Dutchware Tarp, which we decided to put up in camp for the days of intermittent rain and when the bottom dropped out. We kept firewood, kindling, and tinder under there, too. We were only a couple of steps from the campfire, which added to the already jovial and good spirits of camp life!

Coalcracker 10×10 Dutchware Tarp Summary

Awesome tarp! It’s the larger version of the T6ZERO and barely steps over that one-pound range. Try finding a tarp this size for that weight. This will make the perfect hammock tarp as well as a foul-weather tarp or a two-person tarp in a lean-to configuration! 

Christopher Miner Spencer: The Unsung Father of Repeating Long Guns

By
Travis Pike
-

When it comes to American firearms inventors and engineers, we have plenty who have become famous and well-known, like John Browning. Others are only known to gun nerds, like John Pedersen. Then we have a few that never got the credit they deserved. Christopher Miner Spencer is one such gun designer. He is the father of repeating long guns, and while he only designed two notable firearms, both were major inventions that changed the world of firearms.

Who Is Christopher Miner Spencer?

Spencer was born on June 20, 1833, in Manchester, Connecticut. His early life was a mixture of schoolwork, farming, and eventually apprenticing at a machine shop owned by the Cheney Brothers. The early exposure to machinery gave him a strong foundation in mechanics that would push him to become a fantastic engineer. It’s worth noting that while Spencer may have only designed two firearms, he had several other inventions under his belt.

The machine shop gave him a foundation in tooling, but according to the Windsor Historical Society, it was his grandfather who provided an interest in firearms. His grandfather, a Revolutionary War Veteran, allowed and encouraged him to tinker with an old musket. After his apprenticeship ended, he worked throughout the American Northeast, including at Samuel Colt’s factory in Hartford.

The Spencer Rifle

After working at Colt, Spencer went back to the machine shop where he apprenticed as a superintendent. There, he earned his first patent, a machine that automatically wound silk. It was also at this machine shop that he came up with the idea for a repeating rifle design. In 1855, the average rifle was a muzzle-loaded musket, and a repeating rifle would offer quite the advantage.

The Cheneys encouraged Spencer to pursue the rifle and even allowed him to use their machinery to develop the rifle during his free time. A little encouragement and a lot of machinery were enough to get it done, and in 1860, on the dawn of the American Civil War, he obtained a patent for the Spencer Rifle.

The Spencer rifle fired the .56-56 Spencer, a rimfire metallic cartridge, and the ammo sat in a stock-mounted tubular magazine. The Spencer rifle could hold seven rounds of ammo and be quickly reloaded. The repeating action allowed for rapid fire, at least compared to the muskets of the era.

The Spencer rifle used a falling breechblock design where the breechblock sat in a carrier. The breechblock sits against the receiver, and that contains the firing forces. When you work the lever, the breechblock falls and continues until the gun’s “guts” are hanging out. This motion ejects the cartridge, and closing the lever collects a new cartridge from the tubular magazine and puts the breechblock back in place.

Unlike future lever actions, the lever did not manipulate the hammer. After working the lever, the shooter would then have to cock the hammer of the Spencer rifle manually. The tubular magazine could also be removed from the gun, but people weren’t selling spare mags for fast reloads. There would be speed loader-type devices designed.

Selling the Spencer Rifle

You’d think that the American Civil War kicking off would have made the adoption of the Spencer Rifle a priority. Well, then you’ve never met the U.S. Army, which consistently shuts down progress and sticks to tradition. In 1863, Spencer famously walked into the White House with a rifle and ammo to see President Lincoln. In doing so, he got an appointment with the President and Secretary of War.

They famously went to the National Mall, and near the Washington Monument, they engaged in some target practice. Lincoln and Stanton were impressed, and the US ordered over 13,000 Spencer rifles and 58 million rounds of ammo. General Ulysses S. Grant described the Spencer rifles as “the best breech-loading arms available.” Over 100,000 would be produced by the time the war ended.

The famed Lightning Brigade would use the rifles at the Battle of Hoover’s Gap, which proved how lethal and effective repeating rifles could be. The Spencer rifles would be used at the Battle of Nashville and at Gettysburg. The rifle’s rapid rate of fire was a decisive advantage, but so was the sealed ammo since it was less prone to moisture.

The Spencer Rifles were massively successful, but the success was a curse. So many had been sold to the Army that after the war, they were surplused and sold cheaply. This meant little demand for new rifles, and the company couldn’t recoup its investments. This led to bankruptcy and the company and its assets being sold to Winchester.

Spencer – Down, But Not Out

Christopher Miner Spencer didn’t stop developing guns. In 1882, he gave it another go with the Spencer Arms Company. There, he and a man named Sylvester Roper produced the first successful pump-action shotgun, the Spencer Pump-Action Shotgun. These were primarily 12-gauge guns, but 10-gauge guns existed as well.

The Spencer Pump-Action shotgun is a hammerless shotgun that uses an intricate design consisting of a toggle breech that pivots up and down while cycling. The gun had two triggers. The front trigger recocked the gun, and the rear trigger fired the gun. It was clever, and due to the unreliability of ammo of this era, it was useful.

The gun used a tubular magazine mounted underneath the barrel, which would inspire contemporary shotguns. The Spencer 1882 shotgun was pricey to produce and sell, and ultimately, the company would sell the design to Francis Bannerman in 1890.

Always the Inventor

That would be the last time Spencer involved himself in the firearms industry. I’d imagine he felt a bit scorned by the experiences. His guns were revolutionary and helped set the stage for contemporary firearms, but he never reaped the fruits of his labor. That didn’t stop him from obtaining 40 patents and living the life of a very successful inventor. Spencer might not be a household name in firearms design, but his contributions were massive.

Can I Get a Lift? Rideshare Safety Tips

By
Jim Cobb
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rideshare safety

I don’t travel nearly as much as I used to, for a variety of reasons. But I do still find myself using rideshare services from time to time, primarily when I fly out of town. They’re convenient and far cheaper than renting a car for a few days. But they aren’t without risk.

Rideshare in Safety

Just a week or so ago, I read one terrifying account from a woman whose rideshare driver had apparently taken a liking to her and conveniently missed a couple of exits on the route to her home. She was reluctant to contact 9-1-1 as she wasn’t sure if she was truly in any sort of danger.

So, she texted a friend, who then called her. The friend pretended to be an angry spouse demanding to know where she was, who she was with, and when she’d be home. As soon as this exchange occurred, the driver was suddenly able to find his way to the proper destination.

A few years ago, the FBI issued a warning about criminals who were using rideshare services to abduct minors. While these dangerous experiences are definitely the exception, they do happen, and it’s important to mitigate the risks as best you can.

Let’s run through some basic safety tips regarding using rideshare services.

Verify Your Driver

When you book a rideshare, you’re given the driver’s name, photo, and vehicle, including the license plate. When the car pulls up, double-check all of that information to ensure you’re getting into the right vehicle. You might go so far as to ask the driver, “Who are you here to pick up?” All of this is for safety, but also to prevent mistakes.

I was leaving an event a few years ago and was expecting an Uber to take me back to the airport. It had been arranged by the event promoter, and I hadn’t thought to ask for any details. The car pulled up and called, “Jim?” I got in and we headed off. The only thing I confirmed was that we were headed to the airport. Turns out, about 15 minutes later, we learned she’d picked up the wrong Jim.

Keep Others Informed

rideshare safety - share your trip details

The major rideshare services offer an option through the app where you can let family or friends know your ride details, including your pickup and drop-off locations, the driver’s name and photo, and other information. They may even provide a live GPS feed showing your location as you travel. All of this goes a long way toward making sure someone outside the vehicle knows where you are and who you are with.

Be a Backseat Driver

rideshare safety - backseat driver

If you sit in the backseat, you’ll have the option of getting out on either side of the vehicle. Should the need arise, you’re also in a better position to take action against the driver, as they can’t reach you as well as they could if you were sitting at their side.

Trust Your Gut

If something feels off, do something about it. Calling or texting 9-1-1 is an option, as is reaching out to family or friends to let them know what’s happening. There’s always the option of terminating the ride and telling the driver to pull over. If they refuse, that’s a good indicator something’s amiss.

Ask the Pros- Forged in Fire Brandon Franklin

By
Reuben Bolieu
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Brandon Franklin is showing off his The Indo Mini Recurve EDC. He designed this knife for advanced Everyday users, inspired by Indo-Persian blades.

Meet Forged In Fire contestant Brandon Franklin, the talented owner of The Franklin Forge in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Brandon Franklin, a skilled blacksmith, recently competed on the popular reality TV show Forged in Fire, which airs on the History Channel. Brandon’s impressive performance on season eight, episode forty-two, aired in early 2023, earned him a well-deserved second place.

Brandon’s passion for bladesmithing began during his childhood when he had to work with limited resources. Nevertheless, he persevered, and his skills have grown tremendously over time. Today, he is a master of his craft, creating exquisite historical weaponry with precision and expertise.

Q&A with Forged in Fire Brandon Franklin

What sparked your interest in making knives?

My fascination with forging began when I was little, watching local blacksmiths at festivals in Tennessee. The inspiration to make a knife, however, didn’t come until later in life, when in 2018, I came across the show Forged In Fire. I was immediately addicted to the show and began consuming as much of it as possible. Being inspired by the journey of knife makers showcasing their skills on Forged in Fire, I signed up for an intro to blacksmithing class.

A few months later, I signed up for an intro to blacksmithing class at a local maker space. This would be the first time I swung a hammer. After that, I couldn’t get enough of it. Shortly after this class, I sought out a local blacksmith (Robin Lynch) here in East Tennessee and did a short apprenticeship under him. I knew if I pursued knife making, I needed first to learn the foundations of blacksmithing. After about six months of blacksmithing, I started to forge my own knives.

Introducing Brandon’s Elemental Chopper, designed for cutting through wood and bones and causing absolute chaos!

What was your first knife, Brandon?

The first knife I ever made was a small hunter-style knife from a railroad spike. At the time, I had no idea about metallurgy or cutting geometry. I use the term “hunter style” very loosely, as it doesn’t fit any of the ramifications of a certain style of knife. I still have this knife in my office as a reminder of where I started.

Can you explain the process of getting on Forged In Fire?

I have my wife to thank for this. Unknown to me, she had found the Forged In Fire applicant email online and submitted my name at the end of 2019. Three months later, I received an email with the full application. I was ecstatic. After multiple interviews, I was accepted as a competitor on Forged In Fire.

Around this time, COVID hit and put a massive delay on filming. It would be a year and a half before I would actually go on the show. The filming of my episode took place in August 2021 and aired in January the following year.

What separates you from the herd that makes your brand stand out?

The whole reason I started doing this was to create functional art. Making a knife that not only looks beautiful but also outperforms other knives. This requires understanding the flow of lines and how they complement each other, something that my mentor Jason Knight has taught me. I also go above and beyond most makers in my heat-treating process. I use modern industrial equipment to ensure that I create a knife that is perfectly hardened.

Brandon has created an amazing collection of Nakiri knives using mild steel, nickel, and 80crv2 go-mai.

What steels and materials do you favor?

The primary steel that I use is 80CrV2. I have found it to be a very versatile steel, from choppers to kitchen knives. I also favor a 1085 round stock as well for my integral pieces.

What is your favorite pattern or type of knife to make?

I draw a lot of inspiration from Indo-Persian style integral recurves when making any carry or hunting knife. My favorite type of knife is a chef’s knife.

How do you test your knives before sending them out?

My testing conforms to the ABS (American Bladesmith Society) testing. I test the type of steel that I am using, and I only use known steels. I heat treat in an industrial heat treat oven, and I use a scientific Rockwell tester to verify my steel hardness, ensuring quality.

Who are your favorite custom knife makers or knife companies out there?

My favorite knife makers will be people who have influenced me or helped me along the way: Jason Knight, Tigerlily Knight, Liam Hoffman, Curtis Haaland, Burt Foster, Will Stelter, and Andrew Wasnac. These are some people whom I respect as serious artists and craftsmen.

Presenting the Ladder Pattern Damascus Integral Chef’s Knife – a truly unique and impressive piece that promises excellent performance.

As far as favorite companies, I would go with Winkler Knives and Microtech!

What knives of yours or any others do you EDC?

My two primary carry knives are Jason Knight’s Hummingbird and an OTF (Out the Front) Microtech. I use my chef knives daily.

Is there a knife maker that you looked up to and studied alongside?

After being accepted on Forged In Fire, I contacted ABS Mastersmith Jason Knight. I sought out his guidance and was eager to accept any tips he may offer. I was taken in and prepared for a show, making huge progress. He’s still a close friend. Another bladesmith, Liam Hoffman, Forged in Fire winner and axe maker, would provide challenging forging tasks and workouts to keep my heart rate up on my journey.

Thanks, Brandon Franklin. We all look forward to what you do next, and we celebrate your success as an inspiring figure in bladesmithing!

Franklin Forge
info@thefranklinforge.com

Handling the B.E.S.T. by Tops Knives

By
Michael D'Angona
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Top Knives’ B.E.S.T. knife isn’t just a catchy anagram, as it truly offers the best of both rural and urban applications. This large brute of a knife’s name is the shortened form of the Black Eagle Strike Team, a special commando unit that requires a hardcore tool for their deep cover operations.

If it’s good enough for an elite military group, then it should be equally impressive for you. That is what I intended to determine. Did Tops Knives produce a beast of a blade for your own hardcore needs? Spoiler alert…get ready to hit that “buy it now” button.

The TOPS Knives B.E.S.T.

Out Of the Box Awe

The B.E.S.T. knife, in a word, is awesome. It offers nice weight and the perfect dimensions for me with my larger-than-average hand size. The Black Canvas Micarta handle scales sandwich a full quarter inch of 5160 RC 56-58 steel, and every bit can be felt within your grip. A semi-rough texture and aesthetically pleasing pattern adorned the handle.

My only critique here, and mind you, it’s a small bit of criticism, is that the handle didn’t have indentations to fit my fingers like other knives I own. The handle is beefy enough for my taste, but I was uneasy that it may not provide the best slip-resistance if I put some pressure behind the blade.

Badass Blade

The B.E.S.T. knife blade itself is a thing of beauty. It featured a Hunter’s point with plenty of cutting edge for slicing and a tip that exuded toughness if, or when, it needed to puncture or rip through material. Slight jimping on the back spine was noticeable, but with the high protruding guard, my initial guess is that it may not be truly effective during use.

The knife is slightly top-heavy with a greater girth towards the top three-quarter portion of the blade. I immediately thought of this knife as a great chopper, in a pinch, not dissimilar to a mini hatchet. The full tang steel culminated at its base with a curved pommel and integrated lanyard hole for adding cordage if desired. Tops Knives didn’t hold back when producing this blade, and it shows.

Edge Testing

This knife, in my opinion, is as useful in the city as it is in the deep woods. The intimidating blade can handle itself well with plastic, rubber, drywall, and other synthetic materials found in an urban setting. If buried deep into pressboard or cardboard, I would have no fear of prying the knife out thanks to its thick metal construction.

Outdoors in the woods, the B.E.S.T. knife offers high performance. It can hack through saplings and palm fronds, or other thick brush, if you need shelter or fire material. Its slightly textured handle would allow non-slip use, even in areas with high humidity or constantly wet conditions.

Carry Comfortability

Can this beast of a blade be carried with relative ease? Yes, it certainly can. The included sheath offers multiple carry options, thanks to its MOLLE backing and relatively slimline design. The B.E.S.T. knife is attachable to a belt and can be used with the included cordage to secure it to your thigh.

I had no doubt that movement throughout thick vegetation or confined areas in the city would be snag-free with the B.E.S.T. securely strapped in place. The material is ultra-durable, and the stitching is top-notch. I lost track of how many cheaply made sheaths came out of the packaging frayed and literally falling apart.

Final Thoughts

The B.E.S.T. knife was designed for a military covert member, but is perfectly suited for the “Everyday Joe.” It’s for a person who wants a knife that offers kick-ass reliability and durable craftsmanship. It skirts the line between just right and going a bit too big for daily use. Yet, when it comes to hunting, camping, or overall survival, it hits high marks all around. Is it the B.E.S.T.? Hard to say, but it comes damn close!

The B.E.S.T. Specs

Overall length12.00 inches
Blade length7.00 inches
Blade thickness0.25 inches
Blade steel5160 RC 56-58
Blade finishBlack Traction Coating
Knife weight22.0 ounces
Sheath materialBlack ballistic nylon
MSRP$305.00

Real-Life Cyberpunk Guns for the Discerning Nerd

By
Travis Pike
-

I’m a nerd, a giant nerd. Not like an “I Love the MCU” nerd, but like a DnD nerd. Most hardcore gun guys are total nerds. Part of my nerdery expands into cyberpunk, and of all the nerdoms, cyberpunk tends to blend guns in the best way. This combines my two nerdoms in a blissful fashion. Cyberpunk guns are typically over-the-top fun, and while real life isn’t as cool, there are plenty of guns that would fit in with the cyberpunk genre. Since I love the two, let’s look at some of the best real-life cyberpunk guns.

All the Cyberpunk You Can Shake a Gun At

KelTec CP33

Most of KelTec’s firearms could qualify as cyberpunk guns. The P50, the KS7, the KSG, the RDB, and more would all look perfect in your favorite cyberpunk setting. I’m settling on the massive, affordable, and ultimately awesome CP33. Not only is the CP33 affordable, but it fires .22LR, which is the most affordable ammo option.

It looks like something out of the future, and it’s a total blast to shoot. We have a nice, long optics rail, and the gun doesn’t have a traditional slide. This means the optics and sights are fixed and don’t move, so tracking the sight picture is quick and easy. Plus, you can use any-sized optic you want. The aftermarket has found easy ways to add braces, which turn this into a micro-sized PDW. It’s silly, but a ton of fun!

FN PS90

What’s best about the FN P90 is that it was designed in 1990, and it still looks and functions like something out of the future. The PS90 is the semi-auto version with the 16-inch barrel, but it’s commonly converted into an SBR (Short-Barreled Rifle). The PS90 is a bullpup platform that uses a top-mounted magazine. The top-mounted mag holds fifty rounds and even has to rotate the round into position to fire it.

The FN PS90 has this odd frame design that’s made primarily from polymer. If it premiered today, I’d assume it was a KelTec design. It fires the 5.7x28mm, which is a fairly modern cartridge that’s a little longer than your average pistol round but looks like a micro-sized rifle round. Everything about this gun looks like it belongs in the hands of Takeshi Kovacs.

Chiappa Rhino

The Chiappa Rhino is so cyberpunk that it’s been featured in numerous dystopian and sci-fi films and media. The live-action version of the cyberpunk masterpiece, Ghost in the Shell, even replaced the Mateba autorevolver with the Chiappa Rhino. The Rhino’s unique feature is the fact that the barrel aligns with the bottom chamber of the cylinder.

This positions the barrel much lower than your standard revolver, which creates less upward recoil. The Chiappa Rhino models feature varying rails for optics and lights. The Rhino series comes in a variety of calibers, including .357, .44 Magnum, and 10mm. Cyberpunk guns include revolvers, even if they are seemingly old school. It just needs a modern touch, and the Chiappa Rhino has an uppercut’s worth of modern touch.

Laugo Alien

You rarely see a gun named so perfectly. The folks at Laugo designed a gun that looks like a xenomorph’s head and named it appropriately. The Laugo Alien pulls the low bore axis trick and aligns the barrel with the shooter’s wrist. This creates a gun with less muzzle rise and provides quicker follow-up shots. The slide doesn’t include the topmost portion of the gun, which means fixed sights that are easier to track.

Laugo Arms

The Laugo Alien also packs a ton of modularity into a single platform. You can swap top rails, grip panels, backstraps, and magwells. The Alien series are extremely modern guns, arguably one of the most modern on the market. It would be perfect to defend yourself from aliens, Yakuza hitmen, and cyborgs from the near future.

IWI Tavor TS12

Shotguns are typically traditional-looking firearms that are far from cyberpunk. Most are, but not all. The IWI TS12 embraces the cyberpunk look and feel effortlessly. Its weird looks are due to its innovative design. It’s a bullpup shotgun that uses a magazine made up of three five-round magazine tubes. The magazine rotates to allow you to rapidly swap tubes. The TS12 makes it easy to pack a ton of ammo in a very small platform.

You can even load the three tubes with different ammo types: buckshot for the bugs, slugs for the droids, and “net cartridges” for the drones. If Kyle Reese had the TS12, that damn Terminator wouldn’t have stood a chance! The gun offers a ton of firepower in a platform unlike any other. Toss an optic and light on, and you can defend your home from every cyberpunk threat in the ‘verse.

Going Cyberpunk

I’ve always loved reading cyberpunk and seeing often nonsensical guns pop up. In real life, the guns make a little more sense, but can still keep things weird. The good news is that we are living in a cyberpunk dystopia! Just a boring one. Luckily, we are getting a few cyberpunk guns to enjoy alongside our corporatocracy.

Water Safety – Prep for Potential Problems

By
Jim Cobb
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Water Safety

Where I live, there are several lakes that are popular for recreation, including boating, swimming, and fishing. Thousands of people from out of town, even out of state, flock to the area each summer. Any time people are recreating on or near lakes, rivers, and such, water safety is important.

Water Safety Tips

Over the 4th of July weekend this year, locally, we had at least two drownings and one severe spinal injury occur. These events are absolutely tragic, but they are often preventable.

Diving

Diving into shallow water can lead to head, neck, and spinal injuries. Most of the time, the diver believed the water was deeper than it truly was. The general rule of thumb is that water should be at least 8-9 feet deep to be considered safe for diving. Never dive into water if you’re unsure of the depth. If you’re not absolutely certain, go in feet first to check the depth before you try diving. Better to do that than to end up paralyzed for the rest of your life.

Water Safety - Diving
Never dive into water unless you’re absolutely certain it’s deep enough to do so safely.

Also, remember that while the water might indeed be deep enough, there may be obstructions hidden underwater that could mess up your day. I grew up near a lake that had an area locals referred to as Stumpy Bay. As the name might imply, there were hundreds of old tree stumps under the water’s surface. This area was fairly close to a sand bar that was popular for swimming. If you didn’t know approximately where that sand bar ended and the stumps began, you could be in for an ugly surprise.

Drowning

There are numerous things that can contribute to a drowning accident, such as getting caught in a powerful current or undertow, being intoxicated, and simply not knowing how to swim very well. It can happen quickly, especially if panic sets in. The water doesn’t even need to be that deep for drowning to occur.

Water Safety - Drowning
It can happen pretty quickly, especially if you panic.

Mitigation starts by learning how to swim. This isn’t a difficult skill to learn, but it does take a little practice. Doing so will also help you be more comfortable in the water. When I was very young, I used to be terrified of going into water that was more than waist-high, largely because my overprotective father had convinced me that drowning was going to be the likely result of going in over my head. But once I learned how to swim, I was able to lose most of that tension and have fun in the water.

A very important water safety rule is to never go swimming alone. Always have other people around and make sure everyone is watching out for one another. It is particularly important to keep an eye on young children.

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption if you’re going to be on or near the water. It dulls your reaction speed as well as your judgment. This is important from the swimmer’s perspective as well as for those who are keeping an eye out for safety.

Keep flotation devices nearby, just in case. There is no shame in wearing a life preserver when you’re in the water or on a boat, no matter how old you are.

Water Safety - flotation device
Always have flotation devices handy, just in case.

Swimsuit Colors

When buying a swimsuit for children, or even adults for that matter, stick with neon bright colors that will stand out in the water. Blue, gray, and black tend to disappear, making it hard for you or others to see the swimmer, especially when they’re in lakes and rivers as opposed to clear water swimming pools.

Have fun in the water, but do it in a safe manner.

New Ruger MAX-9 Drops

By
Tim Stetzer
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Ruger just dropped a new version of its subcompact MAX-9 9mm pistol at the beginning of July. The Max-9 has been out since early 2021 so it’s time for an update, and Ruger did just that.

The Model 3514 MAX-9

The MAX-9 was Ruger’s answer to guns like the Springfield Armory Hellcat, SIG P365, and Glock 43. It’s a double-column, compact 9mm with a magazine capacity of 12+1 rounds. It has a 3.2-inch barrel and is just 6 inches in overall length. Height is 4.42 inches, and width is under an inch at 0.95 inches. Weight is 18.4 ounces unloaded.

The MAX-9 uses a glass-filled nylon frame with a one-piece steel fire control chassis. The slide and barrel are made from hardened steel with a black nitride finish. The pistol is striker-fired with a short, smooth trigger pull and a positive reset. It has both a manual thumb safety as well as an integrated trigger safety and an internal striker blocker. The MAX-9 has a fixed front sight and a drift-adjustable polymer rear sight. It even has a reversible magazine release for you lefties out there.

What’s New About the MAX-9

What’s new on the 3514 MAX-9 is that it comes with an optics-ready slide. It will accept a J Point sight or a Shield pattern micro red dot. The MAX-9 is designed to co-witness with those format sights. Additionally, it has updated slide serrations, as well as a slightly reduced height for better concealability.

Maybe the best thing is that even though it has updated features, it comes in at a new, lower price. MSRP is just $299.00. It ships with one E-Nickel Teflon-coated magazine. One mag is kind of lame these days, honestly, but I guess that helps bring the price just under that $300 barrier. Still, it’s got a lot of great features, and it is hard to argue with that price for an American-made handgun with Ruger’s commitment to customer service.

Ruger 3514 MAX-9 Specs

Capacity12+1
Slide MaterialThrough-Hardened Alloy Steel
Slide FinishBlack Nitride
Slide Width0.95 inch
Manual SafetyYes
Grip FrameHigh-Performance, Glass-Filled Nylon
FeatureOptic Ready
Barrel MaterialAlloy Steel
Barrel FinishBlack Nitride
Barrel Length3.20 inch
Front SightFixed
Rear SightDrift-Adjustable Polymer
Magazines IncludedOne, 12-Round
Overall Length6 inches
Weight18.4 ounces
Height4.42 inches
Grooves6
Twist1:10″ RH
MSRP$299.00

The Unusual Firearms of French Police Forces

By
Travis Pike
-

The police forces of France use some weird guns. Don’t get me wrong, they use some fairly standard rifles, handguns, submachine guns, and shotguns. We see G36s, Glocks, Remington 870s, and similar guns. Yet, for some reason, various French police forces have adopted some odd and unexpected firearms for police work. They aren’t bad, but they are certainly not what we expect to see in the hands of modern, Western police forces.

What are the French Carrying?

Molot VEPR Shotgun

The elite police force known as RAID has been seen carrying the Molot VEPR 12. This is a short-barreled model with what appears to be an eight-round magazine. Semi-automatic, magazine-fed shotguns are not a common police weapon, but what takes it over the top is the fact that it’s an AK platform shotgun.

It’s rare you see non-Warsaw Pact countries use AK-pattern anything, but it’s even rarer to see police forces use AK platforms. If I had to use an AK-pattern shotgun, I would also pick the VEPR. It has some advantages: it’s easy to shoot, quick to reload, and offers the power of a 12-gauge, which is still tough to beat even in 2025.

KelTec KSG

Since we are already discussing RAID and weird shotguns, we might as well pivot to their use of the KSG. The KelTec KSG is a pump-action bullpup shotgun with two magazine tubes. It can hold up to 15 rounds of 12-gauge. It’s an oddball from a company famous for making oddballs. KelTec has never been a company that modern military or police forces typically purchase guns from. Their innovative designs can occasionally come at the cost of less-than-perfect quality control.

The KSG has shown significant improvement throughout its lifespan. It’s still an oddity to see in police service, especially with a unit as elite as RAID. The KSG does offer some benefits with its expanded capacity and overall short length. For door breaching or less-lethal use, it fills a niche well. Breachers could load one tube with breaching rounds and another with buckshot and have a potent entry weapon.

BREN 2 (In 7.62x39mm)

French police adopting the BREN 2 isn’t that odd. They utilize a variety of European weapons, including the G36 and 416 series. What is odd is the adoption of the BREN 2 in 7.62x39mm. Much like the Molot VEPR, this cartridge is not often seen outside of former Warsaw Pact countries. The French also heavily use the 5.56 cartridge.

The GIGN adopted the weapon after running into terrorists using plate carriers. Their justification is that the 7.62x39mm offered better armor-piercing capability, but I don’t think that’s true. It is better for intermediate barriers, but unless the French have a special armor-piercing 7.62x39mm cartridge, I don’t think it offers any armor-piercing advantages.

Mousqueton AMD – A French Mini 14

The Mousqueton AMD is, to be honest, painfully normal and downright boring, but its story and origin are fascinating. In the late 1970s, the French interior police forces were looking to replace their aging MAT-49 submachine guns. They didn’t want shotguns and saw the writing on the wall: semi-automatic, intermediate caliber rifles were the future. However, the French didn’t want to “spook the French,” so they wanted something that didn’t look tactical.

They settled on one of the few options, the Ruger Mini-14. They created a contract with Ruger and adopted the Mini-14, calling it the Mousqueton AMD. The rifles were used by border police, prison officers, riot control, and the GIGN. While the French no longer mind tactical rifles, the Mousqueton AMD remains in service with the French police.

Manurhin MR 73

Revolvers are pretty damn cool, but it’s rare to see any modern police force wield revolvers. The French decided that the six-gun still rules, and the GIGN, RAID, and others field the Manurhin MR 73 revolver. Its use became so famous amongst the GIGN that it’s become a symbol of the unit. The Manurhin MR 73 is an exceptionally well-made revolver designed for exceptional accuracy.

The guns use an adjustable trigger that doesn’t affect the hammer and detract from reliable ignition. This is accomplished via a separate flat spring for the trigger, separate from the mainspring. The second spring uses a roller to ensure smoothness and creates a complicated and expensive revolver. Approximately 12 hours of hand fitting are needed to make a Manurhin MR 73.

The French Keep It Weird

I’m a little jealous of the French police forces. In America, it’s all ARs, 870s, and Glocks. It’s boring. The French keep things fresh with weird shotguns, weird calibers, and kick-ass revolvers. Maybe we can learn a thing or two from the French.

Mount Up!: Reptilia’s AUS Scope Mounts 

By
P.E. Fitch
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Reptilia AUS Mount

There are many great one-piece premium scope mounts on the market, and Reptilia’s AUS scope mounts are arguably a product line that might capture the attention of sophisticated tactical rifle shooters.

Reptilia AUS Scope Mounts

Reptilia AUS mounts are relatively lightweight, minimalist, and designed for maximum rigidity. AUS mounts reflect this both in their functional shape and the manner in which they employ different types of Torx mounting hardware. Reptilia even offers an ultra-short version of the AUS to accommodate specialty LPVOs (think Vortex AMG).  

Reptilia AUS Scope Mount Overview 

AUS Reptilia

AUS mounts are machined from 7075-T6 aluminum. They’re Type III, Class 2 hardcoat anodized, too. Like virtually all other tactical mounts, these clamp over M1913 Picatinny scope bases. Reptilia offers AUS scope mounts with three different ring diameters that accommodate the most common tactical riflescope and LPVO main tube diameters: 30 mm, 34 mm, and 35 mm–Leupold Mark 5HD shooters take note! 

Because AUS mounts are intended to be paired with flat-top AR-pattern carbine rifles (or similar weapons), Reptilia manufactures these mounts with industry-standard heights of 1.54 inches and 1.93 inches. Beyond the 1.54 and 1.93 mount heights, AUS mounts are available with a 1.70-inch height, which represents a happy medium between 1.54 and 1.93 inches. 

Part of the AUS’s minimalist design includes the omission of the typical ½ inch hex nut that clamps to the base, something that’s seen on many optics. ½ hex nuts work wonderfully and provide more than adequate clamping strength between the scope base and the bottom of the mount. Their only downside is that the exposed nuts tend to somewhat protrude and may be liable to snag or drag on gear.

Reptilia’s slick solution is to eschew the nut-and-clamp array and instead use Torx T-20 screws under spring tension with slick clamps made from nitrided steel. Torqued to the correct value of 45-inch pounds, the pair of these low-profile clamps does a fine job at securing the mount and optic to the weapon. Torx T-15 screws secure optics to the rings.  

Hands-On Experience So Far

Close-up of a working police officer’s duty AR-15 with a Nightforce ATACR LPVO mounted on a Reptilia AUS mount sporting a Reptilia AUS offset mount with an Aimpoint ACRO P-2.

 

To date, I’ve actually mounted two different LPVOs to two different Reptilia AUS mounts. The first was a Kahles K16i to an all-black 1.54-inch tall AUS 30mm mount; I did this for a friend. Most recently, I mated EOTech’s newest VUDU 1-10 daylight-bright LPVO to a flat dark earth anodized 34mm 1.54-inch AUS mount. 

While mounting either the Kahles or the EOTech to their respective Reptilia AUS mounts, I couldn’t help but notice the mounts’ fit and finish. The very high quality of Reptilia’s anodizing was apparent on both occasions. I also had zero issues in securing these LPVOs to their respective rings. Reptilia even includes a handy extended-length Torx T-15 bit, which is extremely handy to keep on hand. Most scope ring screws are T-15 after all. 

Originally, I was waiting on the new IWI Zion-25 Z25AST16308 16-inch .308 Winchester carbine to get here for review. I’m planning on sticking the Reptilia AUS and EOTech VUDU on top of that. Alas, that rifle isn’t here yet. In the meantime, I’ve found other relevant rifles that could benefit this mount-and-optic combo.

Mounting The AUS To A Scout Rifle

I recently reviewed the Savage 110 Magpul Scout-Rifle for a different publication and made the decision to add the EOTech LPVO cradled in the Reptilia AUS mount. Since I’m due to review this daylight-bright EOTech VUDU 1-10 itself, the diversity of experience by mounting it on different types of rifles is a good thing.

Scout rifles historically used long eye relief scopes. Their mission is to be handy and able to engage targets in front of the muzzle and out to 500 yards. So, mounting a cutting-edge 1-10 LPVO with a relevant reticle should also conform to the original spirit of the scout rifle.   

So far, I’ve shot a little over 100 rounds of 6.5mm Creedmoor through the Savage 110 Magpul Scout Rifle. Once mounted and installed, scope mounts are passive pieces of kit. This is why it’s important for the end-user to torque everything properly. And it’s also why attention to detail and QC standards matter during the manufacturing process. I don’t have any complaints about the Reptilia AUS mount doing its actual thing so far.

Due to the relationship between the extended Picatinny scope base that Savage includes on the 110 Magpul Scout and the Magpul Hunter stock it’s bedded to, the 1.54-inch AUS mount works perfectly. I did have to remove the rifle’s peep sight so it wouldn’t clash with the rear-end of the VUDU while also ensuring the eye-relief was correct. (Perhaps a taller mount would have cleared the top of the rear-sight assembly.)

Keep in mind that in the spirit of scout-rifle tradition, the Savage 110 Magpul Scout is “optics-ready” for a long-eye relief scope and includes the requisite front-and-rear iron sights.

To Be Continued In Part 2

Ruger Purchases Anderson Manufacturing

By
Tim Stetzer
-

A rumor has been circulating for a while about the closure of Anderson Manufacturing, makers of the popular “poverty pony” AR-15s. It turns out that the rumors were right, and we now know that Ruger has purchased their assets. It may be the end of the road for Anderson and their economical AR’s, but it’s not the end for the facility or their employees.

Ruger Announces Anderson Manufacturing Purchase

On July 1, 2025, Ruger sent out a press release announcing the purchase of Anderson Manufacturing. While this is disappointing news to fans of the Anderson brand, the story has a happier ending than that of some other firearm companies that have gone out of business. While Ruger doesn’t intend to keep the Anderson brand alive, they do plan to utilize their manufacturing capabilities. They’re planning on keeping the Anderson employees onboard as well, which is great news for them and the community.

Ruger’s press release says that the acquisition of Anderson is a strategic purchase that includes their manufacturing facility and machinery. They also emphasize the importance of Anderson’s skilled and experienced workforce. The plan is to use Anderson’s capabilities to strengthen Ruger’s manufacturing and production capabilities and expand the existing Ruger line of products.

Anderson’s Hebron, Kentucky, location is already in a firearms-friendly region, which is a bonus in today’s political climate. It’s also an area that’s already tooled for the production of firearms and associated aftermarket parts. That means there’s a ready supply chain for parts already in place.

“This acquisition is an incredible opportunity to advance our long-term strategy and expand Ruger’s capacity,” said Todd Seyfert, President and CEO of Ruger. “We’re excited to welcome members from the talented team at Anderson Manufacturing and leverage their knowledge and infrastructure to better serve our customers. This move reinforces Ruger’s position as a leader in the industry, and reiterates my focus on continued growth, even as others scale back.”

Anderson Manufacturing Statement

Here’s what Anderson had to say about the sale on their website and social media feeds. While Ruger keeping the factory open and the employees onboard is a good thing, the Anderson release does note that Anderson warranty service will be discontinued.

Customers and Industry Partners,

For nearly 70 years, Anderson Manufacturing proudly operated as a family-owned, Kentucky-based company built on excellence, integrity, and a deep commitment to our values—especially the protection of Second Amendment rights.

Over time, we became a trusted manufacturer of 100% American-made firearms, parts, and accessories. We consistently upheld ISO 9001 standards and built a reputation for delivering quality products at a fair price.

After careful consideration, we made the difficult decision to sell the company and close this chapter of our story. With the sale now complete, the Anderson brand has been discontinued and Anderson products will no longer be offered. As a result, warranty services on Anderson firearms, parts, and accessories are no longer available.

Your support and loyalty meant everything to us; it was truly an honor to serve you.

Thank you,

The Anderson Manufacturing Team

For more information on the Ruger acquisition of Anderson Manufacturing, check out the full press release on Ruger.com.

The Non-Lethal Pepperball TRP Makes a Serious Impact!

By
Michael D'Angona
-

There are people who feel comfortable using a gun as a self-defense option, and then there are those who do not. One choice that falls directly in the middle of these two extremes is the Pepperball TRP (Tactical Response Pistol). This non-lethal weapon offers the handling and precision of a pistol, but with a non-lethal irritant as its primary ammo.

The Pepperball TRP

With a TRP in hand from the good people at Pepperball, I explored and tested every aspect of this weapon inside and out. Did it hit its mark or fall flat as a viable self-defense option? Read on for the detailed dissection of this handgun that literally spits fire.

Overall look and feel

The Pepperball TRP is highly comparable to an average semi-automatic handgun in both design and feel. At just less than two pounds, it’s relatively lightweight for a comfortable carry. The pistol exhibited Pepperball’s signature yellow accents against the weapon’s black colored handle, trigger, and sights.

The TRP felt solid within my grip, with it being naturally top-heavy without a magazine inserted into its glass-filled nylon grip handle. An integrated cross-bolt safety was easily within finger reach and ideal for keeping the unit safe and secure until use.

The Ready-To-Defend kit that featured the TRP pistol also included two magazines, along with a full instruction manual. I also received one set of six Live-X projectiles and one set of six inert projectiles for practicing my shooting skills. A package of ten CO2 cartridges is included, which is the “power” behind the Pepperball pistol.

Getting it ready to fire

Each magazine holds six projectiles. I loaded both, one with Live-X ammo and the other with inert projectiles. The spheres were simple to load and were held securely in place under the tension of an interior spring.

The CO2 cartridges also needed to be added to the magazines in a compartment that was positioned just behind the lined-up ammo balls. The screw-like tension knob holds the cartridges in place as they fit into the allocated molded compartment. My model of the Pepperball TRP, prior to firing, needed the CO2 cartridge to be punctured, and this knob accomplished that task.

It should go without saying that a person should start practicing first with the inert projectiles to get the feel of the weapon. This prevents any mishaps or accidental clouds of irritant nearby caused by misjudging distance or impact diameter.

Ease of use

Now is where the fun part came into play with the actual firing of the Pepperball TRP. With the safety off and in a location far from others, I was able to test this weapon’s speed, distance, and overall effectiveness. I took aim at my plywood target, positioned about sixty feet away, and squeezed the trigger.

What immediately took me by surprise was the lack of any recoil. Though I knew this would occur, just having a pistol in hand, subconsciously I expected some sort of physical reaction when fired.

Explosive impact

My shot left the pistol with incredible speed and hit the target far faster than I would have guessed. Though my aim was off a bit, the sphere burst on impact, and a white cloud formed around the target. After a few adjustments with my aim, I fired again and again.

Each shot hit the board with a distinctive pop, indicating each ammo ball had some serious force behind it. I can only imagine that an attacker would certainly feel these shots when hit at close distance (though the effective range is an amazing 150 feet).  

Self-Defense thoughts

I turned my attention to the practicality of this weapon for self-defense. I found the long-range accuracy to be a huge asset. Being able to stop an assailant before they come close enough to strike you is a best-case scenario. Additionally, I concluded that even if a person’s aim is off even by a few feet, the high velocity impact of the Pepperball TRP nearby would still be highly effective to cause debilitating effects upon him or her.

Finally, this weapon is perfect for anyone not comfortable using a real firearm, whether they have physical, moral, or legal reservations. This is truly a non-lethal deterrent that’s easy to load and shoot effectively.

Final grade

The Pepperball TRP scored high marks from me in multiple categories. These included ease of use, practicality, and perceived effectiveness in a self-defense situation.

The only sticking point for some may be the initial price point of the weapon. Currently, the aforementioned kit retails for $329.95. Now, on the surface, this may be a bit hefty in price for some people. However, if you think about it as a long-term investment, to me, the price is justifiable.

After the initial cost, your only expenses would be more ammo and CO2 cartridges. Not too bad at all for an effective means of defense. I highly recommend this non-lethal weapon as it incapacitates effectively from a safe and secure distance.

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