A Day in the Life

posted on December 9, 2013

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be an armorer-or more specifically the NRA Publications' armorer-you came to the right place. NRA Publications is your first-hand source for the latest and greatest industry offerings. As the division armorer, it is my duty to maintain our inventory of firearms, optics and gear. Every firearm that you see reviewed in print and online first passes through my office, so it is my privilege to give you a sneak peek even before an editor gets his hands on it. This is My Job…

My day usually starts fairly early-65 miles away I begin the journey into the abyss of one million gas-guzzling crazed rats looking for their slice of cheese. Fortunately upon arrival at NRA Headquarters, my slice starts off with a trip to the “Vault” and a confused stare into the darkness as I gather my rat-race thoughts and feel for the light switch. I am sure most of you are pondering, “What’s in the vault?” Well, maybe one of these days I’ll be permitted to take you there. But for now, I will just close the door and head up to my office with the “cart” and how could I forget…guns.

Guns and gear aren’t the only things on my cheese platter-my job includes managing our Tech Range, Tech Shop, Office Shop, Dope Bag reviews, assisting Mark Keefe with American Rifleman TV, and list goes on and on. I know-your patience is dwindling and you want to see some guns, scopes (and, of course, Mark’s good looks), but for now I will have to draw this to a close and get back to work. The photo lab is looking for a feature gun for February’s issue of American Rifleman. Stay tuned to “This Is My Job” and we will pick up where I left off…

Latest

Magpul Folded
Magpul Folded

6 Of SHOT Show 2025’s Most Off-Beat Introductions

Among the thousands of new products introduced at SHOT Show 2025, a few stood out from the pack as genuinely different takes on an old concept. Here are six of our favorites.

Making The EAA Corp. Girsan MCP35 High Power

Girsan is one of the leading Turkish manufacturers of firearms, and its modern facility in Giresun, Turkey, stands at the pinnacle of Turkish gunmaking today.

New For 2025: Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2 Riflescopes

Leupold & Stevens will offer a new generation of premium Gold Ring riflescope for hunters in 2025 of which include innovative features that go above and beyond previous VX-6 designs—their best just got better.

Review: Iver Johnson MF20

It’s no surprise that innovative designs like the Iver Johnson MF20 have emerged; by merging the best features of both shotguns and ARs, this firearm offers impressive—but controllable—firepower while mitigating the scattergun’s usual shortcomings.

6 New Handguns For 2025

Several of the nation's biggest names in firearm manufacturing have released new models ahead of SHOT Show 2025. Here's a rundown of the features that each of them offer.

Boys To Riflemen: Aiken’s Volunteers During The British Attack on Plattsburgh

In September 1814, Americans once again stood against the might of the British military, as their forefathers had done during the Revolution. A small group of teen boys proved their valor in the face of a British attack and earned a special presentation rifle for their efforts.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.