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The .32 ACP cartridge is often forgotten by modern firearm users. Our market currently revolves around the 9mm cartridge, often hailed as the best compromise of rounds. It has light recoil, is small enough to allow for decent capacity, penetrates deep enough to matter, and is quite common and easy to find. When you need a gun smaller than 9mm, the typical choice is .380 ACP. However, I want you to ditch the .380- ACP for pocket pistols and give the .32 ACP a chance.

Well, not just you as a reader, but the industry as a whole. The .380 ACP is fine in guns like the new Beretta 80X Cheetah, but in pocket-sized pistols, the .32 ACP is the clear winner, and I’ll give you five reasons why!

1. It Penetrates Deep Enough

Handguns are not great fighting weapons in general. They tend to be rather poor at combat purposes. To be capable of taking a bad guy down, the cartridge should be able to penetrate at least 12 inches of ballistic gel that is properly calibrated. This ensures the cartridge can reach something vital in a threat.

The .32 ACP can reach that depth. What’s tricky is pairing the right ammo with the right gun to achieve it. If you are using something like a Walther in .32 ACP, you can likely choose a traditional jacketed hollow point and get both proper penetration depth and expansion. If you are using something smaller, like a P32, a Bobcat, or a Seecamp, then you want to stick with 71-grain FMJs. With smaller guns, you don’t get adequate penetration or expansion with a JHP.

I carry a pocket-sized.32 ACP, so I use the 71-grain FMjs. They penetrate deep enough and will not over-penetrate. Sure, it has less footpounds, but so what? It’s not a great alternative to 9mm, 40 S&W, or any true duty caliber and shouldn’t try to beat them. However, it beats out .380 ACP and .22LR in several categories and is the Goldilocks version of a pocket pistol cartridge.

2. Low Recoil

Who likes shooting a pocket-sized .380 ACP? An LCP, a Bodyguard, or a similar weapon? The recoil is nasty, and even with a tight grip, the gun bucks and kicks, making it tough to hold onto and consistently shoot accurately. Replace that .380 ACP cartridge with a .32 ACP, and the difference is night and day.

You get half the recoil impulse. This creates a weapon that is very easy to shoot and aim consistently. You can keep the weapon on target and consistently drop rounds into the target with great accuracy. The .32 ACP is perfect for pocket pistols. It’s soft and comfortable to fire, much like a .22LR, but you get the reliability of a centerfire cartridge.

How much recoil? Well, if we take a .380 ACP and a .32 ACP handgun, that weighs the exact same. Let’s use 9.6 ounces, which is roughly the weight of my Ruger LCP. The recoil from a. 380 ACP is 5.4 foot pounds. Let’s use the same gun, but in 32 ACP, and we get a weight of 2.38 pounds. That’s less than half the recoil energy.

3. Higher Capacity

The smaller .32 ACP cartridge leaves room in a magazine for more ammo. In typical single-stack scenarios, you can usually get one more round compared to .380 ACP and 9mm cartridges, I’d imagine in a double-stack or micro-compact scenario. We can see 12 to 13 rounds in a flush-fitting magazine. In a pocket carry option, an eight-round magazine is quite nice.

In an era where capacity and efficiency rule, the .32 ACP certainly has a spot in the conversation. Guns like the LCP Max are giving pocket pistols 10 + 1 rounds. The .32 ACP could amp that up, much like a very ancient version of the .30 Super Carry. More ammo, similar penetration, but less recoil sounds great to me.

You only have to look back at the Savage M1907 to see that a double stack .32 ACP cartridge can be very compact and quite efficient. Pair that with the modern magazine technology used in micro compacts and you’ll get something special.

4. It Doesn’t Break the Bank

There is an odd idea that .32 ACP is expensive. This can be true when you compare it to 9mm and .22LR. Outside of that, the .32 ACP becomes about the same price as the .380 ACP, the .30 Super Carry, the .25 ACP, and all those other cartridges that fall a little outside the norm. It’s affordable enough to shoot, practice, and become confident with.

5. ‘Cause John Moses Browning Created It

That’s right, our lord and savior John Moses Browning invented the cartridge alongside the FN M1900/1899. This was the first pistol with a slide and used a simple blowback system. In the United States, it’s known as the .32 ACP, but across the pond, it’s often called the 7.65 Browning. The cartridge was massively popular in Europe and in small pocket pistols. There are a lot of Europeans in the ground due to the .32 ACP.

It even became somewhat successful in the United States. Guns like the Colt M1903 pocket pistol premiered in the .32 ACP, and so did the Savage M1907. Both were massively successful pistols and provided modern concealed carry pistols for their era.

John Browning had a mind for the future, what would work and what wouldn’t. It is true he later created the .380 ACP, but I think it’s important to realize the cartridge wasn’t intended for pocket-sized handguns.

The .32 ACP Today

Sadly the .32 ACP is a bit of a red-headed step-child in the handgun industry. We have the classic KelTec P32, which is the lightest semi-auto handgun on the market. The Seecamp is another option, and so is the NAA-32 Guardian, and the Beretta Tomcat is all kinds of cool. Other than that, there aren’t a lot of choices. Sadly Walther and Sig no longer produce their .32 ACP options.

There are several surplus guns on the market, but as far as modern .32 ACPs go, they seem to be fairly thin. Innovative Arms used to make an LCP conversion barrel to turn the .380 into .32 ACP, but they haven’t made a new run in forever. I’d buy one in a heartbeat.

Until then, I’ll stick to my KelTec. Who else would like to see the glorious .32 ACP make the comeback it deserves?

Black Rain Ordinance is an up-and-coming name in the gun world. They started out small and have never stopped growing. Besides the fact that their guns are American-made, they are known for their quality and variety of colors with their custom Cerakote finishes. But custom finishes are not all the company offers. They think outside the box and are not afraid to try something different. For example, the side charging handle in their ION series.

The AR-15 platform is the most popular style of rifle in the US. It’s been around for decades and shows no sign of going away. The AR-15 is easy to customize and honestly, that’s part of what makes them so popular. Black Rain took this idea to a new level by modifying the receiver to work with a side charging handle. This replaces the traditional charging handle we are accustomed to. And I’m not talking about an aftermarket part. They reworked the upper receiver to function with a side charging handle. But does an AR-15 need a side charging handle?

What did they change?

As you know, the AR-15 uses a charging handle that pulls the bolt back from the top/rear of the gun. I love the AR-15 rifle, but this is the one thing I have always wished were different. I like side charging handles. This is my preference, but I was thrilled to see someone making an AR platform with this design. The model I reviewed is the ION 9 Series by Black Rain Ordinance. This 9mm PCC model accepts Glock mags and is the perfect size for home and self-defense. I have tried some aftermarket side charging handles, but they have never held up for long.

Black Rain’s design is simple and extremely reliable. They added a groove to the left side of the receiver and attached a handle. The groove in the top of the receiver allows a standard bolt to function. There is an external track on the left side for the charging handle to travel down. It is non-reciprocating and large enough to get a good grip on when racking the bolt. The motion of racking the slide is smooth with almost no play at all. I haven’t tried breaking the charging handle yet, but I would bet money this thing will hold up to nearly any type of abuse.

How does it compare to the traditional charging handle?

You can tell the charging handle is solid by looking at the receiver. But the only way to really tell how it compares to the traditional style is at the range running drills and shooting a ton of ammo through each one. What I really wanted to compare was the process of racking the bolt during reloads or malfunctions. What people want right now is short rifles/pistols. Shorter guns are easier to move around, and they work great for home defense. I find side-charging handles easier to rack on guns that are closer to your body.

When running drills on the range, the Black Rain Fallout was quick and easy to use. The placement of the charging handle reminded me of my B&T. The handle is constructed of heavy metal, but it rides in the track like it’s lined with glass. The rest of the gun functions just like any other AR, so you still get a genuine AR-15 platform.

The only concern I had with the size of the charging handle was it getting caught on things. I rarely shoot any rifle platform without a sling, and slings like to catch on things. To test this, I maneuvered the gun around on a sling to different positions. The sling slid across it a few times, but the handle is slim with rounded edges, so the sling went across without catching.

Other Considerations

The side charging handle has more parts than an AR-15 charging handle. I’m not sure it would need to come off for anything, but it’s not hard to remove for cleaning or repairs if needed. Because the bar connected to the charging handle rides on the outside of the receiver, it wouldn’t be hard to clean while attached to the gun. Another benefit of a side charging handle is the ability to rack the bolt while keeping a target in your sight.

With an AR-15, you can hit the bolt release after loading a new mag. But if there is a malfunction and you need to rack the bolt again, the charging handle is in front of your face. This means you must move the gun away from your face to pull on the charging handle. With the Black Rain ION, though, the charging handle is on the left, so you can change mags and rack the bolt without moving it away from your line of sight.

Is it a good or bad idea?

After using the side charging handle on this PCC, I have become a fan. It will feel more comfortable for those used to a sub-gun-sized weapon like the Scorpion, B&T, Stribog, and others.

If you train a lot with an AR-15, a side-charging handle could throw you off. Muscle memory is hard to retrain, so there could be some retraining obstacles to overcome. Some people may prefer the traditional charging handle and there is nothing wrong with that. Black Rain Ordinance offers both versions so those wanting a standard charging handle are good to go. 

If you like side chagrining handles, I would check out Black Rain Ordinance and see what they have been up to. They offer a ton of custom colors and designs. Their quality is top-notch, and they offer a wide range of calibers in their AR-15 platforms. You may not be able to switch out the charging handle on this version, but there are plenty of other parts to dress up if you really need to customize something. I think this style is a great idea and will only grow in popularity. Check one out and let us know what you think.

Do you ever feel like you are missing out on some big cultural phenomenon? That’s how I felt when I fired up War Thunder. War Thunder is a free-to-play game for practically every console out there, as well as PC. It’s a vehicular combat game that focuses on planes, ships/boats, and tanks from approximately the World War 1 era to the modern day. It’s a host to epic battles and has a massive player base that seems to take the game quite seriously.

I downloaded it and booted it up expecting a free-to-play game and was pleasantly surprised by how deep and engaging the game was. I was also extremely frustrated because I needed to ‘get good.’ The game is crazy deep, and I could easily sink hundreds of hours into this game and likely accomplish very little. With so many vehicles represented, it’s likely impossible to get good with every one of them while maintaining a life.

The big countries like America, China, and Russia are all represented, but so are Finland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and so many more. There is seemingly no end to the tanks and aircraft, and it’s not like Gaijin, the creator, is slowing down on content. The game apparently began as just a World War 2-era simulator and evolved into the behemoth it is now.

Jumping In Feet First

My first impressions weren’t great. You are hit with a ton of menus right off the bat that seems to be built for a mouse to click through. There isn’t a ton of explanation as to what you are doing or what you need to do to start. It can be confusing at first, and you have to slowly figure the puzzle out. Eventually, I was able to jump into a game where I promptly got murdered. I repeated this process, trying my best to fly and fight, but dear god, I felt like a kid in a boxing match with Mike Tyson.

The learning curve is steep. I promptly switched from realistic to arcade and did a fair bit better. I liked flying the planes the most, and the arcade just puts you in the sky with 31 other players, and you can have some real fun. Outside of Arcade, you have Realistic and Simulation, which are where hardcore players promptly stomp newbies like me.

What’s frustrating is that every time I died, I felt like it was my fault. I can’t blame someone camping when we are all in the air. I just got outflown. The controls feel tight, and everything is mapped easily enough to use and get used to. There are no massive issues to make the game hard to play on a controller versus a mouse and keyboard or joystick.

To me, playing as tanks was also a little better than planes. I’m not saying I had a better K/D ratio, but I didn’t die nearly as often, which was nice. I’m convinced Arcade mode is the only way to start this game. This way, I could learn the maps and controls without immediately killing myself or being killed.

Impressive Detail

The more I played, the more I began to read about War Thunder. The developer is super detailed about how the tanks, planes, and boats work and function—not just speed and armor capabilities but down to how fast the turret rotates and how much ammo it can carry. I learned that the size of the munition comes into play, and some are too big to effectively hit vulnerable areas of other tanks.

That’s absolutely insane. I also quickly theorized this was a Chinese spy machine as I read about the various leaks of real classified materials by players. Gaijin made the game so addictive and difficult and so detailed that if they did something wrong, someone would be around to correct it. As a writer, I know it happens. Lord forbid you write AR-180 when you mean BRN-180.

There have been at least 10 leaks of classified information. My theory does fall apart when several of the leaks have been from Chinese players, and Gaijin is a Russian company. Apparently, the company will remove the information from their forums, but that makes me wonder if it’s still implemented in the game for realism’s sake.

It’s About the Moments

I won’t say the game is all great. Most of the gameplay I experienced was frustrating, and it has a huge learning curve I’m not quite over. But the game has its moments. Moments where you or someone else does something awesome, and you want to cheer. It juxtaposes the joy against the sheer frustration of the game.

There is also a massive playing curving to get to modern vehicles. This is a free-to-play game, and like most free-to-play games, there is built-in monetization. I’m sure you can unlock everything without spending a dime, but it seems like you have to be a machine to do so. The game really wants you to purchase the premium subscription. They also want you to buy the premium vehicles, and nearly force your hand to do so.

Your basic vehicles all have repair and upgrade costs, and after each match, you’re sinking the in-game currency into those. The premium vehicles you can purchase with real money have much cheaper repair costs. It does have a pay-to-win component, but if I’m being fair, you can still spend money and suck at the game, too, not to mention the gambling loot boxes that can deliver absolutely nothing.

I’m not spending actual money on this game. I refuse, so for me and players like me, it’s an absolute grind. That grind balances against those moments when you land a great shot onto an enemy tank and win the game or when an ally saves your bacon, and you want to toss them a virtual high five.

As a free game, sure. War Thunder had its moments where I was having fun, and I enjoyed the fact there was never an issue getting into a game. For the price of free .99, I’ll play it. Will I continue to play it? No, not at all. I don’t have the time needed to grind away, and I’d spend the rest of my life trying to earn one of the premium tanks at the current rate I’m playing. One thing I will say is that this is the first game I’ve enjoyed watching other people play. Watching skilled players on YouTube go at it is pretty entertaining. For now, I’m going back to Ace Combat.

Well, maybe I’ll come back for the Mobile infantry event.

FN Herstal designed the 5.7x28mm cartridge to be chambered in compact firearms that would be capable of defeating soft body armor and, hopefully, replace NATO’s standard pistol cartridge, the 9mm Luger. That plan did not work out, but the 5.7 round has earned a niche in military and law enforcement circles worldwide. In addition, the 5.7’s low recoil and flat trajectory has won it quite a few civilian fans. But until recently, firearms chambered in 5.7×28 on the civilian market were few and far between. Ammunition options, likewise, were dominated by FN production and quite expensive.

In 2012, Federal Premium opened the floodgates on the ammunition front when they introduced a 40-grain full-metal-jacket 5.7x28mm load under their American Eagle line.

The Federal American Eagle 40-grain FMJ is now among the most available and least expensive options for the 5.7 round. While the American Eagle line is generally regarded as Federal’s plinking and training load line, the 5.7 was originally designed around a 40-grain nonexpanding projectile as well. Given how available the round is, I got to wondering how it would perform visually.

The Load

Federal produces reliable ammunition in their American Eagle line and it is among the most consistent training ammunition brands out there. Their 5.7x28mm FN load uses a standard lead-core 40-grain full metal jacket that could very well be loaded in a 220 Swift or used as a varmint load for the 223 Remington, but it is plugged into a miniature rifle case that is the 5.7. The ammunition is brass cased and comes in fifty-round boxes.

I ran a box through my PSA Rock with no issues as I threw rounds over my chronograph, on paper, and finally into my 10% Clear Ballistics gelatin blocks. I fired a string of five rounds over my Caldwell Chronograph from 10 feet. With my Rock, which sports a 5¼-inch barrel, I was able to get an average velocity of 1647 feet per second. The spread between the weakest and fastest load in the test was only 57 feet per second apart. For inexpensive training ammunition, that is better than most.

The American Eagle load’s consistency over my chronograph translated to paper. I fired several five-round groups at ten yards offhand and I consistently achieved groups as small as 1.2 inch and as large as 1.5 inch. Not bad at all!

In Ballistic Gelatin

I tested both the FN SS195LF 5.7 27-grain lead-free load side by side with the American Eagle FMJ. The former was a lighter and higher velocity load that dumped much of its energy in the first eight inches of ballistic gelatin and tended to tumble violently. The Federal American Eagle loaded uses a conventional copper jacketed lead-core full metal jacket with mass behind it as well as a solid point. I set up two and a half 10% gelatin blocks fronted by four layers of denim. I hoped I could actually capture the projectiles.

I backed off to 10 feet and put a total of six rounds into my blocks. The first four rounds tumbled consistently between the 4–7-inch mark before taking an upward trajectory and exiting my blocks between the 14–16-inch marks. Although the American Eagle load was more predictable than the FN 27 grain load, the tumbling produced similar one-inch stretch cavities. Despite the round’s instability, each round taken stayed on a somewhat straighter path, although not enough to be caught. Frustrated, I fired two more rounds. Of those, I managed to capture one in my third block at the 18½-inch mark. The round was undamaged and facing nose first. Those other rounds that escaped must have done so with very little energy left.

Pew, Pew With 5.7x28mm

If you like the 5.7x28mm and you like to shoot it, the Federal American Eagle 40 grain FMJ is the go-to load for putting rounds downrange. It comes in at nearly half the price of the Fiocchi, Speer, and FN loads. For personal protection, it can be tempting to load your 5.7 magazines with hollow points like you would conventional pistol ammunition. But the 5.7 is a different animal. The Federal full-metal-jacket load, on the surface, appears to be a poor choice. However, it is still a light, tumbling round that uses its high velocity to do its damage and achieve good, but not onerous, penetration on target. Although some loads might be better, the Federal American Eagle 5.7 load has potential on paper and on target.

If you’re interested in guns, the Wild West, and a show so accurate it even includes the strong language you’d expect of the era, you’ve probably seen “Deadwood” (the TV show, not the movie). “Deadwood” was and remains a wonderfully executed show that depicted the rough, wild, and often violent nature of the West quite well. The TV show spanned only three seasons, from 2004 to 2006, and it wasn’t until 2019 that the network came out with a follow-up movie.

As you might expect, a lot of guns were used in the TV show, and we’re here to show off some of our top picks. The show was set in the latter part of the 1800s, so we’ll also consider whether or not a specific gun is realistic for the era. Check it out.

Colt Single Action Army, Cavalry Model

While the spotting of a Colt SAA (Single Action Army) isn’t exactly unique to a show set in the Wild West, its use in the pilot episode of “Deadwood” is worth mentioning. The show includes numerous historical figures, and one of the first we meet is Calamity Jane, who was a real-life sharpshooter known for being rowdy and rather quick to anger. In the first episode ever, Calamity Jane is seen yelling at people whose stuck wagon has held up an entire wagon train, including a wagon Buffalo Bill Hickock is sitting in.

When Calamity Jane finds herself feeling responsible for a child, we get a decent summary of her personality in a single scene. Upon arriving in town, it’s time to hand the girl over to the town doctor, but she doesn’t only do that. Instead, she draws her Colt SAA, Cavalry Model, and threatens him. If he doesn’t take proper care of the child, he’ll have her to reckon with. And here we get a fantastic glimpse into what the real Calamity Jane was supposedly like: hot-headed, but caring; wild, but soft. She was a tough woman, and her portrayal by Robin Weigert is excellent throughout the show.

Winchester Model 1866 “Yellow Boy”

The Yellow Boy is seen repeatedly throughout the TV series. In the above image, it’s being held by some of George Hearst’s men (AKA thugs). Historically, Hearst is typically first referenced as a businessman and self-made millionaire, and then as a renowned philanthropist. But in “Deadwood,” he’s a ruthless villain who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. He’s not the only historical figure who was depicted in a rather creative way in the show, but he just might be the most diabolically memorable.

It’s entirely plausible a man of Hearst’s standing would have guards armed with Yellow Boys. The Winchester Model 1866 Yellow Boy was a popular lever-action that’s been resurrected a time or two. It was the first rifle ever made by the gun maker, and it continues to remain in production in the form of a variety of variants. Its brass receiver is what gave it the nickname Yellow Boy, and its reliability was likely what drove it to see regular use more than a century ago.

Remington 1875

Timothy Olyphant’s character, Seth Bullock, uses a Remington 1875 as his main carry weapon. If you’re wondering whether Bullock was a real person, the answer is yes. Seth Bullock was a frontiersman, sheriff, and U.S. Marshal who did indeed reside in Deadwood starting in 1876. He was also credited with creating some level of control over the chaos of the town. In the TV show, his depiction by Olyphant is both well-done and sometimes frustrating as the character of Bullock insists on toeing the line of the law at times when it doesn’t seem to make sense. That even happens in the pilot episode.

The Remington 1875 entered production in the year of its name, so although it’s plausible for Bullock to have had one upon moving to Deadwood in 1876, it’s not quite as likely. Of course, the TV show is set a bit later according to movie critics, so maybe it fits. The 1875 was made chambered in 44 Remington, 44-40 Winchester, and 45 Colt. It was a six-shot revolver designed to compete with the popular Colt SAA (such as the one carried in the show by Calamity Jane).  This is certainly a capable pistol and one a lawman would absolutely carry.

Remington Model 1866 Derringer

You see quite a few derringers in the show which makes a lot of sense given the era and the coverage related to prostitutes. Why is this relevant? Because one such prostitute by the name of Maddie proved why you should never draw a gun on an immediate threat with no intention of using it (fast). Guns aren’t great for bluster or to win an argument, and if you’re unwilling to use it, it’s going to get taken away from you. Maddie proves this in season two when she draws her Remington Model 1866 Derringer to defend herself against Francis Wolcott.

We’ve mentioned George Hearst, whose admittedly historically inaccurate portrayal was fascinating and impressively dark. Well, the man used to precede his entrance to the town was Francis Wolcott, and he was far more evil than the portrayal of Hearst himself. Wolcott is presented as a conflicted, twisted character who likes to murder women (Hearst helps him get away with it). When Maddie confronts Wolcott with her derringer, he ends up taking it away from her and cutting her throat, as is his usual serial killer practice. And in case you’re wondering, no, there was no Francis Wolcott in real life.

All that said, the derringer was a common weapon of choice for prostitutes and really any woman needing to hide a gun on her person. They were tiny, deadly at close range, and somewhat inexpensive. The Remington Model 1866 Derringer was in production between 1866 and 1935.

Colt 1851 Navy

Wild Bill Hickock is an Old West historical figure we all probably know to some degree. In “Deadwood,” his portrayal is reasonably accurate, as are his guns. He’s only in the show for four episodes, which is also realistic because the real-life Hickock was murdered in Deadwood in 1876. Basically, he didn’t live long after arriving there.

In the TV show, Hickock carries a pair of ivory-handled Colt 1851 Navy revolvers. This was dead on, because those were, in fact, Hickock’s favorite guns in reality. His revolvers were .36 caliber and, according to the infamous General Custer, Hickock was never seen without them. He uses them in “Deadwood” to threaten or shoot various characters. These were some of the most accurately depicted guns in the show.

TV show side note: the character the show uses to portray Jack McCall, the man who really murdered Hickock, was the same actor used to portray the aforementioned Francis Wolcott.

What’s your favorite gun from “Deadwood”? Tell us what you think in the comment section.

If you’re a hunter, you’ve probably noticed there are quite a few new or new-ish calibers on the market geared for hunting. Technology is always advancing, and with it comes even more options for whatever hunting season you prefer. Whether you’re after whitetail deer, feral hogs, or coyotes, there’s something new(ish) out there worth trying. Check out our list of the top five new or relatively new hunting calibers you should consider taking along the next time you go grocery shopping in the great outdoors.

6.8 Western

The 6.8 Western is a cartridge that qualifies as relatively new, but not brand new. It technically got its start in 2021, but it didn’t start getting real attention until 2022, and now it’s finally gaining steam. Hunters are realizing this is a cartridge they really should have their eye on and an ever-increasing number of them are taking game of various sizes with it. So, what’s so great about the 6.8 Western?

This cartridge was designed by Winchester specifically for hunting big game at long-range. It’s capable of taking whitetail deer and mule deer at longer distances and is also great for truly big game like elk, albeit at slightly closer distances. This is a round made for the bolt-action rifle, which is okay because if you’re interested in long-range hunting you probably already run bolts. The cartridge was created by shortening a 270 Winchester Short Magnum case to make room for longer, heavier bullets (with a higher ballistic coefficient, of course).

Here’s what Winchester has to say about it:

• 18% more energy than 7mm Rem Mag 160 grain Accubond at 500 yards with similar recoil
• Similar energy to 300 WSM 180 grain Accubond at 500 yds with 14% less recoil
• 6% more energy than 300 Win Mag 180 gr Accubond at 500 yds with 16% less recoil
• Short-action reduces rifle weight by 5 ounces when compared to 7mm Rem Mag and 300 Win Mag rifles
• Similar trajectory to 7mm Rem Mag, 300 WSM, and 300 Win Mag at 500 yards

6mm ARC

The 6mm ARC was designed by Hornady to be a versatile cartridge capable of outdoing others in its class, or that tried to be in its class, all while being for the AR-15 platform. After all, having a round that can reach out and touch targets at greater distances, with impressive precision, without being chambered in a bulky rifle—is a big win. The cartridge was first tested and fielded by a team from the Department of Defense, so it got its first real use as a defensive round. Once it hit the general public, it was also marketed to hunters, and for good reason.

This is a cartridge with a long-range performance superior to the 6.8 SPC, greater versatility than the 6.5 Grendel, and vastly better ballistics than the classic 223 Remington and 5.56 NATO. It also outdoes the 308 Winchester because it produces far less felt recoil and it comes in a platform that weighs an average of 30% less than the AR-10s you find chambered in 308 Winchester.

What can the 6mm ARC hunt? It’s great for everything from coyotes to hogs to deer and it is possible to use it on game the size of elk with the correct load and within range. Like the AR-15? Then the 6mm ARC should be the next addition to your collection.

360 Buckhammer

This is a cartridge from yet another well-known ammo maker. Remington officially launched 360 Buckhammer in 2023, when SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute) accepted it. You’ve probably guessed the main use from its name; yes, the 360 Buckhammer is for dropping big bucks. This round is part of Big Green’s Core-Lokt family that the ammo maker refers to as “the deadliest mushroom in the woods.”

Remington Core-Lokt can trace its roots to 1939, and if you’ve hunted with it, you know all the hype is well deserved. It’s a controlled expansion bullet, and now it’s offered in a new caliber. It has a tapered copper jacket that’s securely locked to a solid lead core that’s capable of expanding to double its size and offers fantastic weight retention. All that translates to filled tags and no need to track animals through the woods. 360 Buckhammer is offered with soft point bullets in either 180-grain or 200-grain.

Here’s the cool part. Because 360 Buckhammer is a straight-walled cartridge, it can be used in restrictive states that allow straight walls for hunting, but not others. It’s designed for closer ranges like you’d typically be hunting whitetail deer at rather than long ranges, and it delivers. Whether you just want something new or specifically require a straight-walled cartridge, 360 Buckhammer is worth a closer look.

7mm PRC

We know what you’re thinking: the intended application for this cartridge is literally in its name, and that doesn’t say hunting. Yes, 7mm PRC is another addition to the line of PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) ammunition, but it does more than ring steel at bragging rights distances. Hornady designed it for long-action, bolt-action rifles for the purpose of fulfilling what they describe as a niche between the 6.5 PRC and the 300 PRC. However, the combination of longer, heavier bullets and temperature-stable, magnum propellants is ideal for dropping big game, too.

This is a 7mm, so although it’s not quite as hefty as 300 PRC, it’s still sizable. That means it’s big and ballistically capable enough to take just about any North American game.

Hornady’s Seth Swerczek says of the 7mm PRC:

We put shootability, precision, and efficiency at the forefront. This is the first 7mm cartridge that has the appropriate SAAMI overall length and twist rate to take advantage of the ultra-sleek, low drag bullet options that today’s hunters and shooters want to use. Because of its design attributes, shooters now have a factory available option that can perform in long-range match settings or on nearly any big game hunt with equal aplomb.

Even better, if you’re a dedicated long-range or PRS competitor, this would be a multi-purpose rifle for you. Just think, you could have one rifle to do it all. Or not, because it’s always good to have a reason to buy extra guns.

What’s Old is New

Sure, we could put another newer cartridge in this space, but this is a great time to remind you not to ignore the classics. Just because cartridges like 45-70 Government, 444 Marlin, and 30-06 Springfield have histories that span various centuries doesn’t mean they aren’t worth using. One of the biggest mistakes current-day hunters make is totally ignoring older cartridges in favor of only running the new hotness. Sure, technology has come a long way, but that applies to those older cartridges, too. Today’s 444 Marlin benefits from all the same technological advances that have been poured into rounds like 7mm PRC. Better propellants, different bullets—these are not the cartridges of yesteryear anymore. We highly recommend broadening your horizons by opening your mind to the idea that some classic cartridges are well worth resurrecting.

What’s your favorite hunting caliber, new or old? Share your experiences in the comments section.

“The Last of Us” was originally a video game released in 2014. However, in 2023 it was turned into a TV show based on the original games which enthralled old and new fans. The film adaptation is fairly similar to the games with most changes made by the game’s original creators who are kept on set to ensure the show lives up to its name. (So if you don’t like certain changes, just remember, the guys who created the game were involved in said changes.)

In this series, we follow Joel and Ellie through a post-apocalyptic hellscape. Although that may sound like a common trope, in this show the zombies are humans reanimated by cordyceps mushrooms to be known as the ‘infected.’ The United States is divided into totalitarian quarantine zones, meanwhile the rebels (aka the Fireflies, not to be confused with the admittedly perfect TV show of a similar name) plot against them.

In an apocalypse led by a deadly fungus, many characters remain heavily armed, so there are several guns worth highlighting. After all, you need firepower to fight the not-exactly dead. Be warned, if you haven’t watched the new TV show or played the video games, there are spoilers ahead. 

Beretta Model 70

When a raid happens on Bill’s (played by Nick Offerman) land, Frank (played by Murray Bartlett) goes to help Bill defend himself and pulls a Beretta Model 70 out of his drawer. Later in the show when Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) and Joel (played by Pedro Pascal) come in search of Frank and Bill (just to find them dead), they search the house for supplies before moving on. Ellie stumbles upon the same gun and decides to take it for her own self-defense which is initially kept as a secret from Joel (that’s a whole other issue). 

Later, when Joel is attacked, Ellie saves his life by shooting the attacker. Once they find temporary safety, Joel unloads the gun and teaches Ellie how to use it properly, which was one of my favorite scenes. Gun use matters. Ellie continues to use it throughout the show by Joel’s side, as he occasionally takes her to practice with targets. 

Personally, the first handgun I was handed (unloaded) and shown how to use was a Glock 27. I really love the little moments of Joel trying to teach her not only proper technique but safety among the chaos which you don’t see much on television. It would be nice if we saw more of that. 

• Type: Pistol
• Caliber: 32 ACP
• Weight: 1.47 pounds
• Length: 6.31 inches
• Barrel length(s): 3.5 inches
• Capacity: 8-round Magazine
• Action: Semi-Auto (sidenote, it fires Single Action/Double Action)

Sig Sauer P226R

Marlene (played by Merle Dandridge), the leader of the Fireflies, is seen carrying the Sig Sauer P226R early on in the show. Yes, 9mm remains a self-defense favorite even during the mushroom apocalypse. She doesn’t make very many appearances until the end, so we don’t get to see often she uses it. However, the Sig is seen carried by another member of the Fireflies, so it may be a common choice among the resistance. 

• Type: Pistol
• Calibers: 9x19mm Parabellum
• Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Length: 7.7 inches
• Barrel length: 4.4 inches
• Capacity: 15 +1
• Action: Semi-Auto 

Taurus Model 66

Just like in the game, Joel’s everyday carry of choice is a Taurus Model 66. Making an appearance in almost every episode, it’s seen holstered on his hip and has several scenes using it to defend his—or Ellie’s—life. It really packs a punch when it comes to the Infected, or their stronger older version, Clickers (watch the show to find out the difference). His version actually has a blued finish, rubber grips, and a four-inch barrel.

• Type: Revolver
• Caliber: .357 Magnum
• Weight: 1.56 pounds
• Barrel Length: 4 inches
• Capacity: 7 rounds
• Fire Modes: Single Action/Double Action

Ruger Mini-14 GB-F

Joel uses the Ruger Mini-14 GB-F in one of the most stressful, action-packed scenes of the show (major spoiler alert, seriously). When Ellie, who by the way is immune to the cordyceps, is taken in by the Fireflies to create a cure, Joel finds out that they aren’t just taking her blood to do so. Instead (for some reason) they are choosing to take a portion of her brain, effectively killing the only immune person they’re aware of. So, miles away, struck by infection, bedridden, and taking penicillin, Joel rises up and starts his rampage. He arrives at the Firefly hospital where he is seen using this gun primarily on his mission to save Ellie. 

• Type: Carbine
• Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
• Weight: 6.4 pounds
• Length: 37.2 inches
• Barrel length: 16.1 inches to 22 inches depending on the specific model
• Feed System: 5/10/20/30 round box magazines (However, Joel is seen loading it with a STANAG magazine in the show which would not work.)
• Action: Semi-Auto

Remington 700 BDL

Joel’s brother Tommy (played by Gabriel Luna) is seen carrying the Remington 700 BDL on the day the outbreak began. Joel and Tommy end up getting separated, but 20 years later while Joel is searching for him, he stumbles upon the town of Jackson. Tommy happens to be one of them, reuniting the two. Tommy is seen carrying the same rifle as he did before. 

Eventually, Joel decides to leave the town to continue with his life, but Tommy won’t leave due to his responsibilities in Jackson. After a long conflict over whether Ellie should be left in safety or taken with Joel, Ellie decides to leave. On their way out, Tommy gives them a horse and his Remington to help on their journey. 

On their way to search for the Fireflies, another great scene follows where Joel teaches Ellie how to shoot the rifle with a make-shift target downrange. After several missed shots, Joel lectures her saying she’s flinching. She rejects it saying the rifle sucks and that the target is too small. Joel takes the rifle and discusses proper breath and trigger pull. Through Ellies snarky comments he makes the shot dead center, proving his point.

• Type: Sniper Rifle
• Caliber: .308 Winchester
• Weight: 7.37 pounds
• Length: Varies depending on model
• Barrel length: 22 inches
• Capacity: 4 +1
• Action: Bolt Action

Honorable Mention: Bill’s Armory

When we first meet Bill he flicks the lights on in his hidden shelter, revealing a gorgeous armory with dozens of guns on the wall, educational books (including a Guns and Ammo magazine, Gun Digest, and The Trapper’s Bible), and several other survivalist tools. Bursting to the surface wearing his gas mask, he sweeps the area with his shotgun. It seems like heaven to him as he runs around town collecting supplies and setting up camp once he sees the town has emptied. Honestly, I don’t blame him.