Gun Reviews

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.

All too often, it seems, you’ll hear guys balk at the price of match ammunition and decide it’s just not worth it and instead focus on cheaper target ammo and claim that it works just the same. Nothing could be further from the truth. Sure, low-cost target ammunition has its place in the market, but its intended purpose is never to achieve long-range accuracy. And it shows.

Match Grade Ammo

Prices between match-grade ammo and standard ammo are vastly different. Many of the pricing fluctuations boil down to quality control, aiding in the consistency of each shot. Consistency with each shot from an external ballistic standpoint means that there is less deviation of the rounds upon impacting the target or near the target area. These considerations aside from individual marksmanship are usually the difference between an impact or miss. Understanding the importance of why match ammo is a wise choice for long-range shooting will aid the shooter in consistency with targeting and identifying issues that may arise.

Understanding the reasons why match-grade ammunition is important to buy and use in training long-range shooting is essential for anyone looking to engage targets at extended ranges. Match-grade ammunition is specifically designed to meet the demands of long-range shooting. Match-grade ammunition is manufactured to very high-quality control standards, ensuring that every round meets very precise specifications. This level of consistency is crucial when it comes to long-range shooting because it minimizes the variables that can affect accuracy, such as bullet velocity and trajectory. For those who are serious about long-range shooting, eliminating these variables can mean the difference between a hit and a miss. The ammunition is designed with accuracy in mind. Bullet profiles and weights are carefully chosen to provide the best possible ballistic performance, resulting in flatter trajectories and increased accuracy over longer distances. These precision-matched bullets also tend to have extremely low standard deviations in velocity and pressure, which further contributes to their consistency and accuracy.

Quality matters

Non-match-grade ammunition refers to ammunition that is not specifically designed for precision shooting or competition. This type of ammunition is often used for recreational shooting or general self-defense purposes. Deviations and inconsistencies can occur with non-match grade ammunition which includes variations in bullet weight, bullet shape, powder charge, and primer ignition. These factors can lead to variations in muzzle velocity, accuracy, and overall performance.

Additionally, the quality and consistency of the manufacturing process can vary between assorted brands and manufacturers, which can further affect the performance of non-match-grade ammunition. It is important for shooters to understand the limitations of non-match grade ammunition and to choose ammunition that is appropriate for their firearm and intended use. Regular practice and testing can also help identify potential issues with ammunition and ensure the rounds are consistently achieving their desired level of accuracy and performance.

BC Values

Ballistic coefficient (BC) is the measure of a bullet’s ability to maintain velocity in flight. It is a calculated value that considers the bullet weight, shape, and drag characteristics. A higher BC value means the bullet will maintain its velocity better, thus traveling farther and with less drop due to gravity. Typically, bullets with higher BC values are preferred for long-range shooting, as they offer better accuracy and consistent bullet trajectory over greater distances.

Quality Control

One of the benefits of using match-grade ammunition for practice and training is that it allows shooters to practice with the same ammunition they will use in competition or other real-world scenarios. This ensures that they are familiar with the behavior of their ammunition in various conditions and can make accurate predictions about how the bullet will perform at different distances and under different environmental conditions. Additionally, match-grade ammunition tends to be cleaner burning than standard ammunition, which contributes to the longevity and reliability of firearms. Because they are manufactured to higher standards, match-grade rounds tend to be more reliable and consistent in function, minimizing the chances of malfunctions or misfires. While match-grade ammunition can be an investment, the investment into using quality ammunition is essential for anyone looking to improve their accuracy and precision at long ranges.

Dirty by the Dozen

The use of cheap, “dirty” ammunition can have detrimental effects on rifle barrels and your overall accuracy potential. Dirty ammunition is typically made with inferior materials and often contains a higher level of impurities, which can cause fouling and corrosion over time. Fouling is the term used to describe the buildup of combustion byproducts inside the rifle barrel after firing. When firing cheap ammunition, this buildup can occur more rapidly and can be increasingly difficult to remove, even with routine cleaning and maintenance. The accumulation of fouling can cause a range of problems, including decreased accuracy and precision, increased recoil, and a shortened lifespan for the barrel.

Corrosion is another issue that can occur with the use of low-quality ammunition. The presence of impurities or moisture in the ammunition can react with the metal of the barrel, causing rust and pitting. Corrosion can, in the worst cases, cause irreparable damage to the barrel, requiring complete replacement.

Another issue that can arise from the use of cheap ammunition is excessive wear on the barrel. This can happen if the bullet is not properly sized to fit the bore of the barrel, causing it to rub against the rifling. Over time, this can result in a loss of accuracy and cause the barrel to become unsafe to fire. While it might be tempting to save a few bucks by using cheap ammunition, the potential damage to your rifle’s barrel is not worth the cost savings. Invest in quality ammunition that is designed to work with your rifle, and you will be rewarded with improved accuracy, increased reliability, and a longer lifespan for your firearm.

In short, it’s wise and highly advisable that you invest in quality ammunition, especially when long-range accuracy is the goal. It’s more costly in the short term than cheap target ammo, but is it really worth sacrificing the reliability, safety, or accuracy potential of your rifle? 

Think of a funnel. What does it do? Well, it has a larger opening that allows you to drop your item into a smaller opening with ease. That is exactly what a flared magwell does on both a pistol and rifle. The larger opening helps with inserting a magazine into the magwell. It is truly as simple as that. Flared magwells are helpful both on the AR platform and the pistol platform for recreational gun handling and competition.

Inserting the Magazine

When we insert a magazine, the ergonomics can be a bit awkward and some issues can make magazine insertion go slower. For instance, many shooters will either insert the mag too far forward in the magwell or too far to the rear, essentially hitting the frame of the pistol, instead of the opening. If we open up that magwell just a bit, it allows for some angle at reloading. Just apply pressure to push and seat the magazine.

The Burkette Drill

A really great drill for this is called the Burkette Drill, sometimes called “Just the Tip.” This drill is a simple drill that specifically focuses on the start of inserting the mag into the magwell, but not the entire insertion. This drill is great to compare standard and flared pistol magwells, as far as what really helps find the opening for your magazine.

Guns with Machined-In Flared Magwells

Not only is a flared magwell an option to add to guns, but many companies are starting to manufacture guns with a flared magwell. For instance, the Sig P320-XTEN, a 10mm pistol, and other X-series pistols have a wider magwell and a bit of a flare to the opening as well. It’s a magwell upgrade right out of the box.

A lot of lower receivers on the AR platform also have a wider magwell built into the gun. On the Vltor lower receiver in the photo below, the magwell flares out just a bit. T funnel-like shape creates a wider opening.

How To Find a Flared Magwell

If you have a firearm that doesn’t have a built-in enhanced magwell, there are many great aftermarket options out there.

A couple of notes before purchasing: When you’re looking for a flared magwell, make sure you know and understand the applications of its flare and the actual size of the opening. There are different sizes. For instance, if you are carrying concealed, you may want a smaller one compared to a larger one you’d run in competition.  There are also different weights of magwells, and some can add up to 7 oz. to the gun.

Also, ensure that the magwell can fit with the basepad on your magazine. Sometimes, after a magwell is installed, the magazine cannot be fully inserted because the basepad is too thick and catches the new magwell.

Pistol Magwells

Since all pistols are different, these magwells will be designed according to the pistol. Ensure that you research your type of pistol for the correct magwell. There are many aftermarket magwells out there for Glocks. However, as you go into more specialty pistols you will need to specifically search for those custom magwells.

The Tyrant Designs Magwell for Glock is specific to generation and model. Options include Glock 19/23 Gen 5, Glock 19/23 Gen 3-4, and Glock 43X/48.

Another magwell to look at is the Zev Technologies Magwell for Glock. Options include Standard, Pro, Pro Plus for Glock Full Size or Compact.

Rifle Magwells

Aftermarket magwells are a little more standard due to the AR-15 platform becoming more and more standardized across manufacturers (hopefully). HRF Concepts offers options for the Aero M4E1, Sig MCX/Virtus/Rattler, and Mil-Spec.

Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) Magwells

Enhanced magwells for the PCC are a little harder to come by and may take some searching. PCC Techwells are available in a ton of options, for almost every AR manufacturer out there.

Installing a Flared Magwell

Aftermarket magwells are usually pretty easy to install and just take a couple of screws. There are some things that you may want to watch out for when installing your parts though.

Pistol

Installing a flared magwell on a pistol usually involves screwing a brass piece into the backstrap with a set screw. Then, install the magwell to that piece and around the frame with another screw. These magwells can be tight, so it may take some finesse to start the screw and fully tighten the magwell to the frame.

Do your best to not cross-thread the screw as it is small and easy to do. Also do not overtighten the magwell around the frame of the gun. This can cause issues with dropping your magazine.

After fully installing your part test your magwell to ensure that your intended magazines fully seat and drop freely.

Rifle

Rifle aftermarket magazine wells can be finicky when it comes to certain lower receivers. For instance, I once installed a Lancer magwell on a Sionics lower receiver and it was so tight that it put pressure on the magwell and didn’t let magazines drop freely. Later, I installed an HRF Concepts magwell and it fit fine. This doesn’t mean that the part is bad or your lower receiver is bad, it just means that they don’t mesh well together.

Usually, rifle magwells are two pieces that are seated by two screws. They operate by hugging the magwell. Make sure that you do not overtighten these screws as that can damage both the magwell and your lower receiver.

After installing be sure to check that your intended magazines seat fully and drop freely.

Flared Magwell Uses and Applications

Remember, enhanced magwells can be used both for recreational shooting and competitive shooting. The coolest thing? They don’t really wear out.

If used for recreational shooting or during training courses, flared magwells are a great way to make reloading easier. That helps keep you focused on other things during a course such as putting good shots on target. In competitive shooting, such as Multi-Gun most competitors run flared magwells for the competitive edge that they bring, without a huge price tag.

A way to reload faster, doesn’t cost a fortune, doesn’t wear out, and is easy to install at home? Seems like a no-brainer to me.

The “Deadpool” movies just might be some of the most entertaining action movies ever, at least if you’re into getting your action with a side of sarcasm. Although the movies are technically based on the Marvel comics antihero, Ryan Reynolds and team do a fair bit of freestyling. A lot of guns show up throughout the two movies, and we’re here to share some notable pew pew moments with you. After all, “Deadpool” might enjoy his Deagles, but there’s more to the antihero than hefty handguns alone.

Magnum Research Desert Eagle Mark XIX

Let’s get this one out of the way. Yes, Deadpool spends a lot of time running his set of Desert Eagle Mark XIXs. Would you really expect another model of handgun for a wise-cracking antihero? Probably not. His signature Deagles aren’t nearly as personalized as the ones floating around the internet in his honor and, in fact, appear to be mostly stock pistols. It seems safe to assume Deadpool’s guns are chambered in the traditional 50 AE although that model is also offered in 44 Magnum.

The Desert Eagle Mark XIX in 50 AE has a 7-round capacity, something that’s a little hit or miss in the movies, but in this case, who’s really counting shots fired? Deadpool manages to shoot his Deagles one-handed, sideways, falling through the air, and countless other ways. Not only are they his signature guns, but they’re also apparently inherently precise and the not-insignificant recoil is no big deal to him.

Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket

To prove it isn’t all about handguns large enough to double as bludgeons, we have the Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket pistol. In the first “Deadpool” movie, our antihero finds himself in need of a handgun during a fight. A character by the name of Blind Al just happens to have one tucked in her boot. So yes, it has to be easily concealed, and it does have pearl-handled grips. Interestingly, instead of choosing something like a derringer or other small gun, the directors/writers chose a Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket. Deadpool uses it to deal with Ajax after examining it rather incredulously.

The Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket was, as you might have guessed, produced starting in 1908. It’s a .25 caliber semiautomatic pistol with a six-shot capacity. This is a pistol that’s best for extreme close-quarters use which definitely fits the scenario mentioned above because Deadpool was sitting on Ajax when he has the diminutive gun. This pistol was first made for carry in a gentleman’s vest pocket and has been out of production since 1948.

Para Ordnance P14.45 Limited

Para Ordnance P14.45 Limited

The first “Deadpool” movie came out in 2016, but it did include what were basically flashbacks to the lead character’s life prior to becoming an antihero. In those scenes, one of the guns Ryan Reynolds wields as Wade Wilson, which was Deadpool’s name before he transformed, is a fascinating choice. It’s a Para Ordnance P14.45 Limited. Now, it’s worth mentioning here that you have to remember Para Ordnance hasn’t been a thing in a long time. The company made the leap to Para USA in 2009, was bought up by Remington in 2012, and officially ceased to exist in 2015. So, why this gun?

The Para Ordnance P14.45 is pretty recognizable and, frankly, is a great gun (Para really did make some awesome stuff). It was designed in 1980 as a spinoff of sorts of the military’s M1911. The gun’s caliber is in its name (yes, it’s a 45 ACP) and it has a 14 +1 capacity, so you know it’s pretty bulky. What’s nice about that kind of weight is that, along with the steel frame, it offsets felt recoil. Basically, this is an accurate gun, and although we might expect Wade to have something like the Para in 10mm, he does seem partial to heavier guns. This one weighs more than two pounds empty and is a Government size 1911, meaning it has the requisite 5-inch barrel.

Arsenal Firearms AF2011-A1

In the second “Deadpool” it seems like we see a lot more unique firearms (and yes, they’re real models). For instance, the character named Weasel has an Arsenal Firearms AF2011-A1, which is a double-barreled 1911. He draws it during a fight of sorts with another character, a villain named Cable, and it’s pretty memorable. After all, you don’t see a lot of 1911s with multiple barrels.

The Arsenal Firearms AF2011-A1 does indeed have two barrels and it does exist. It’s mostly seen in movies and video games, but we’re sure there are people out there who own one. The easiest way to describe it is a conjoined twin 1911. There are two barrels, two triggers, two magazines, and so on. However, they are connected, so you can fire both barrels simultaneously. This gun is chambered in 45 ACP but has also been produced in 38 Super. There are quite a few variants out there including the Dueller, which has 6.5-inch barrels. It’s even been used in a YouTube video by none other than Jerry Miculek. (In Jerry’s video, he fires two at the same time with his usual stunning speed.)

Weasel’s choice of guns is certainly flashy and bound to make an impression. The only thing that might make even more of an impression would be a gun with four barrels and yes, that gun does exist. It just hasn’t found its way into a “Deadpool” movie…yet.

Walther PPQ Q5

The bad guys in the “Deadpool” movies also have quite an assortment of guns. In the second movie, the villain, Cable, wields a lot of different weapons. Among them is a Walther PPQ Q5 Match, which is a solid pistol if a little surprising for a bad guy Of course, it’s accurate and comfortable to shoot, so maybe it shows that Cable is a logical bad guy?

Walther’s PPQ Q5 Match is chambered in 9mm and has a standard 15-round capacity. It’s a steel-framed gun and its weight helps mitigate felt recoil, which is one of the things that gives it an edge for accuracy. The slide is also ported for the same reason and it’s optics ready, although Cable doesn’t bother with the red dots in the movie. It really is a nice pistol, so even though Cable is technically a bad guy, we have to applaud his good taste in handguns. Walther makes some fantastic firearms.

What’s your favorite “Deadpool” gun moment? Drop your thoughts in the comment section below.

There simply is not a more iconic actor of Old West movies than John Wayne. It doesn’t even matter what your age is, you know who John Wayne was and are probably familiar with a few of his movies. According to movie critics, he starred in no less than 169 feature-length films, and that doesn’t even touch on his television roles (among other things). Throughout those movies, John Wayne showcased a lot of memorable gun moments. We picked our top five movie moments where his gun use was an extra layer of cool for your enjoyment. Haven’t seen these movies? Maybe you should.

1. The Snake Pit in “True Grit”

If you’re only familiar with the remake of “True Grit,” it’s definitely time to remedy that situation. The movie first came out in 1969 with Wayne playing Rooster Cogburn, of course. In the movie, Wayne’s chasing an outlaw by the name of Tom Chaney. He’s doing this for a girl named Mattie whose father was murdered by Chaney (Mattie pays him for this service, proving her own cleverness in the process). Toward the end of the movie, Mattie falls into a random pit full of skeletons and rattlesnakes, because of course she does.

As John Wayne lowers himself into the pit to rescue Mattie she’s bitten by a snake. He uses his Colt Single Action Army to shoot the snake with fantastic precision and saves her. The guns blazing into a pit full of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes scene is a great one. During the course of the movie, Wayne used three different Colt SAA guns, two of which he rented specifically for the movie. One rental was chambered in .44-40 WCF and the other in 45 Colt. The third was his personal Colt SAA chambered in .44-40 WCF, and that’s a gun he used in quite a few of his movies. It’s unknown which gun he was using in the snake pit scene.

2. Nitroglycerin and a river raft in “Rooster Cogburn”

It seems appropriate to mention a dramatic gun scene from “Rooster Cogburn” since it was the sequel to “True Grit.” As its title suggests, it follows the adventures of Rooster Cogburn once again. The movie was filmed in 1975 and featured Katharine Hepburn as Wayne’s co-star. In the spirit of its film predecessor, “Rooster Cogburn” follows the character of the same name and he is once again helping someone whose father was murdered by outlaws. This time, Wayne is helping Hepburn’s character retrieve her deceased father’s shipment of nitroglycerin.

There’s a lot of firepower in this one but the most memorable gun moment has to be the one that took place on a raft in the middle of a river. At that point in the movie, Wayne and Hepburn have recovered the nitroglycerin. Not only is it on the raft, but so is a Gatling gun. Now remember, nitroglycerin is super sensitive to movement and temperature, so it’s bad enough jostling it around on a raft. Add a firefight and you have what should be a recipe for disaster. Somehow Wayne manages to run the Gatling gun while on the raft with the nitroglycerin. He does it to fend off the bad guys who are safely on dry land (so if the nitro had exploded, they likely would’ve survived, but Wayne wouldn’t have been so lucky).

3. The Forbidden Gun in “Brannigan”

If you’re at all familiar with the teachings of the late Col. Jeff Cooper, you’ve likely heard the quote where he said that the first rule of a gunfight is having a gun. After all, if you don’t have a gun, you can’t defend yourself. In the movie “Brannigan,” which came out in 1975, Wayne plays the title character who is a Chicago cop who’s sent to London to apprehend an American bad guy and get him back to the States. Cops have guns, right? Well, not in London. In fact, it wasn’t until the mid-90s that Scotland Yard began allowing a select few “specially trained” law enforcement officers to have handguns. This has to do with the Police and Criminal Act 1984 and the Human Rights Act 1998, but that’s a whole other story.

In “Brannigan,” Wayne manages to have a gun on him in London. He does this much to the displeasure of his Scotland Yard contact, Commander Charles Swann. After all, British officers didn’t and still typically do not carry handguns, so Wayne having one was a problem. Despite that, his character hangs onto his handgun and uses it against the bad guys as needed (amidst much complaint from Swann). The gun in question is a Colt Diamondback, a revolver chambered in 38 Special. Take it from John Wayne: if you don’t have a gun, you can’t defend your life against people determined to maim or kill you.

4. Kids Should Shoot, Too, in “Big Jake”

The movie “Big Jake” is epic for many reasons, but the picture above illustrates a great moment. In the movie, Wayne plays Big Jake (of course). His ex-wife, played by Maureen O’Hara, asks for help when her grandson is kidnapped by a gang. When the gang kidnaps the grandson, they also murder many of her ranch hands. Feeling she has no choice, she gets Big Jake to go after the gang and get her grandson back.

This one’s a family affair. Along with John Wayne as Big Jake, there’s his real-life son Patrick Wayne portraying his son James and his real-life grandson, Ethan Wayne, playing the kidnapped boy. During the first part of the movie, there’s a moment you don’t realize the relevance of until later. Big Jake is checking his shotguns and spots his Remington 1866 derringer, after which he remarks to his ex-wife how happy he is it’s there because you just can’t be too careful. It’s during the final firefight the derringer’s use becomes clear.

Big Jake has managed to get the boy back from the gang (and yes, it’s his grandson he didn’t know existed). Of course, they aren’t clear yet, the gang has them pinned down in a firefight. Realizing he needs to ensure the boy can defend himself should the need arise, Big Jake pulls out his derringer. He asks the boy if he’s ever fired a gun, and to use it if he has to do so. Why is this important? Because far too often, people treat kids as though they’re helpless and incapable of defending themselves in any way, let alone with a gun. The fact that Big Jake decides the boy should have some sort of gun as protection speaks volumes. Kids should know how to safely operate firearms. There have been real-life cases where it mattered in a self-defense situation, typically during a home invasion.

5. What it Takes, “The Shootist”

Considering the fact that “The Shootist” was John Wayne’s final film, it seems a must-mention for this list. It’s also an excellent movie. In “The Shootist,” Wayne plays J.B. Books, an elderly gunfighter dying of cancer (so yes, reality mirrored the movie, or vice versa). He’s hoping to live out the remainder of his life quietly, but of course, he ends up facing a final duel. In the course of that, he gives a young man named Gillom, who’s played by Ron Howard, a few tips and lessons on firearms and gunfights. Books allows Gillom to fire his prized Great Western revolver (one of a matched set). As it turns out, Gillom’s a fair shot, and this conversation follows: