The Rifleman Report: Our Republic

by
posted on July 25, 2022
shooters at the range

It seems that nearly every month we hear of increasing numbers of Americans who, motivated by domestic and international circumstances, are taking steps to embrace their individual right to keep and bear arms. It is surely a positive trend, and one that bodes well for the long-term viability of our republic. At the same time, however, we are reminded that people in many other countries are still denied fundamental human rights and are suffering under the oppression of socialism or communism.

One significant aspect of that positive news about domestic gun ownership is that the ranks of female shooters in the United States continue to grow. In fact, more than one third of the 5.4 million first-time gun buyers last year were women, according to industry sources. As a result, several companies have taken notice, and some have decided to produce products designed specifically to address the needs of female shooters. One such firm is the famed German gunmaker Walther, which was founded in 1886, and today serves its U.S. customers from a manufacturing facility in Arkansas. In “Walther PDP F-Series: A Win For Women," NRAWomen.com Editor In Chief Ann Smith describes how the company’s new F-Series pistols have ergonomic and mechanical features that have been designed specifically with women in mind. In fact, they were developed with input from female shooters and engineers. Her story is bolstered by a full technical review by Editorial Director Mark A. Keefe, IV, whose years of experience in firearm evaluation lend even more insight.

On an entirely different note, we also look back a bit to a unique example of American ingenuity—the kind that can spring forth from the private sector when a free society breeds levels of success and wealth that allow creative minds to indulge in experimentation. In “Holland & Holland’s Mighty .700 Nitro Express", contributor Joe Coogan chronicles the creation of one of the world’s most powerful sporting cartridges—the .700 Nitro Express—which was the brainchild of Beverly Hills businessman William Feldstein.

As to that aforementioned negative point, we learn that amid Russia’s relentless, barbaric attacks on the sovereign Eastern European nation of Ukraine, combatants on both sides of the conflict include individuals armed with specialized sniper rifles. Fortunately, as some observers have noted, those fighting for Ukraine—including at least one woman—appear to be more adept in their tradecraft. To lay out the situation in detail, we enlisted the expertise of sniping authority and American Rifleman contributor John Plaster who reports on the guns, ammunition and training in that war in “Sniping In Ukraine." It’s also worth noting that America’s firearm industry hasn’t sat still during the months-long war, augmenting U.S. military aid to Ukraine with guns, optics and ammunition. Those efforts are helping to stave off the Russian war machine, even as some speculate that the conflict could ignite a third world war.

Of course, there is plenty more content within the pages of American Rifleman regarding the latest in firearms and related gear, along with reloading tips and historical information. It’s all part of a rich heritage of individual liberty that has helped establish a standard of living and a quality of life unrivaled across the globe. As has always been the case, however, guarding such freedom requires constant vigilance and resolve—not just on the part of nation states, but in the hearts of the people themselves.

Nowhere is that truth better demonstrated than in America.

—Brian C. Sheetz, Editor In Chief

Latest

heavy machine gun crew with DShK on tripod pointing in air above trees
heavy machine gun crew with DShK on tripod pointing in air above trees

Red Fifty: The Soviet 12.7 mm DShK Heavy Machine Gun

While the Browning .50-cal. M2 machine gun has been unequaled for more than a century, John Moses Browning’s genius design has had one significant 12.7 mm competitor: the Soviet DShK.

Support The NRA Youth Education Summit (YES) On Giving Tuesday

With more than 1,200 students having graduated from the program and over $700,000 in scholarships awarded since 1996, NRA's YES is an immersive leadership program for high school students eager to learn about the foundations of our nation, the importance of civic engagement and the role of the Second Amendment.

Rifleman Review: Remington 360 Buckhammer

Remington Ammunition's 360 Buckhammer is a straight-wall hunting cartridge that's designed to give deer hunters an ideal round for their Midwestern hunt.

New For 2025: EAA Girsan Witness2311 Brat, Match and MatchX

European American Armory Corp. (EAA) introduced an affordable variation of the double-stack 1911 design with their Girsan Witness2311 in 2023, continually adding additional chamberings and slide length options. New for 2025, the company is adding three new versions of the Witness2311 with the Match, MatchX and Brat models.

Review: Citadel Trakr

At less than 4 lbs., this repeating rifle is easy on the back while also being extraordinarily easy on the budget.

Freedom Munitions To Move Ammo Component Production To Idaho

Freedom Munitions has announced it will be consolidating its projectile component production from X-Treme Bullets out of Nevada into its Lewiston, Idaho, facilities.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.