ARTV Preview: Firearm Basics, Heritage Barkeep and The PKM General Purpose Machine Gun

by
posted on July 20, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

There are a lot of new shooters consistently joining the community, many of whom do not know the basics of firearm handling and safety. That's why for this week's feature, we'll join NRA's Larry Quandahl to go over firearms basics, including the handling of long guns.

NRA's Larry QaundahlNRA's Larry Quandahl covering the basics of long guns. 

This week on "Rifleman Review," we test the Heritage Mfg. Inc. Barkeep revolver. This snub-nosed, single-action revolver is chambered in .22 Long Rifle with a six-round cylinder, and comes in several different flavors.

The Heritage Mfg. Inc. Barkeep.The Heritage Mfg. Inc. Barkeep revolver.

Later, we examine the history of the classic Cold War-era Russian general-purpose machine gun, the PKM. Based off the long-stroke Kalashnikov gas-operated action of the AK family of rifles, the PKM is chambered for 7.62x54 R and belt fed. It is still in widespread use today.

The Russian PKM machine gun.The Russian PKM general purpose machine gun.

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.   

Latest

man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass
man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass

The Drawbacks of Being a Numbers-Oriented Gun Guy

Like any hobby or pastime that is in any way even vaguely related to machines or technology, firearms attract a (possibly) disproportionate number of “right-brained,” STEM-oriented personalities who like numbers.

First Look: MDT Hand Cannon Slingshot

Slingshots are fun, but they can also be a legitimate backup defensive tool—in 2023, a 13-year-old Michigan boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being kidnapped by using a $3 slingshot to fire a marble and a rock at the assailant, striking him in the chest and head.

The LCP Meets Magpul: Ruger's LCP Max with Magpul's EHG

Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.

Review: 945 Industries Q.A.P. Series Off-Body Carry Bag

Off-body carry can be somewhat controversial, but choosing the right gear can go a long way toward successful carry. One good option is the Q.A.P. Series of bags from 945 Industries.

At 75, CCI is Offering Even More

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge, Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

Gun of the Week: Powder River Precision Rubicon Icon

Powder River Precision has taken the basic Ruger 10/22 rifle concept and enhanced it with its Rubicon Icon design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.