Rifle September-October 2025

In the gun industry, we often reference vintage gun writers who were pioneers, standouts due to their accomplishments, who entertained with great stories, or whose editorial work was so accurate and comprehensive that it became a standard reference work. I’m sorry to report that one of the last of that breed has passed, John Taffin (May 2, 1939 - March 10, 2025). He was all of the above. ...Read More >

I share an unusual classic firearm, the FI Combo pistol/carbine from the 1960s (elsewhere in this issue). While many would probably dismiss the scope perched atop this FI Combo as “cheap”, it is equally unusual and interesting as a curiosity. Bushnell manufactured its 3X-7X Custom .22 scopes, featuring a dial-in bullet drop compensator, from 1970 to the mid-1980s; with it came the utterly proprietary dual dovetail mount that will fit no other manufacturer’s scope (that I know of, anyway) and clamps to the rifle receiver grooved for 3/8-inch tip-off rings. ...Read More >

The name John Browning is known to all shooter folk who have been in the game for a short time. He was a versatile designer of firearms for several manufacturers as well as the U.S. military. Cartridges fired by his guns ranged from 22 rimfire to 37mm. Many were so popular that they are still made today as “reproductions” in Japan, Europe and South America. Countless expired Browning patents are in use on other guns made today. As a result, Browning is often referred to as one of the greatest gun designers of all time. ...Read More >

Surprisingly enough, if you are one of those who insist on buying American, you will find few options in the thermal optic market. Armasight is a standout exception, and the Contractor 640 3-12x 50mm Thermal Weapon Sight is one of the company’s most appealing options. It is a thermal weapon sight including adjustment turrets instead of buttons and offering exceptional resolution (even at higher magnifications) in a well-built and rock-solid unit. For all this, the Contractor 640 3-12x 50mm retails for around $4,999. ...Read More >

This rifle is a unique collaboration of talent, craftsmanship and quality not often seen these days. The rifle itself is a Pre’64 Winchester Model 70 Alaskan, which, that fact alone, makes it highly desirable and unique. Added to that fact is that it is chambered in 338 Winchester magnum, with a 25-inch 1:10 twist rate just adds to that desirability all the more. Taking one look at the rifle will reveal that this is so much more than just a Pre’64 Model 70. It is a true collaboration of masters of the art of gunsmithing. ...Read More >

It’s important to at least try to keep up with what’s new and different, but when an email arrived in my inbox proclaiming “the death of the 100m zero,” I felt like I’d inadvertently wandered back in time. Back to, say, 1979. Because, to my mind, the 100m (or 100 yard) zero was laid to rest at least that far back. Where have these guys been? ...Read More >

In the rapidly evolving landscape of precision shooting, where the line between engineering and art continually blurs, the Cadex Defence Strike Nuke Evo is a testament to innovation and craftsmanship. Born from the Canadian spirit of excellence and rigorous quality control, this micro-chassis system is not merely a rifle stock – it is a hybrid platform that integrates cutting-edge materials, advanced manufacturing techniques and ergonomic ingenuity to meet the high standards of competitive shooters and tactical professionals. ...Read More >

The year 1873 was monumental in firearm development. The U.S. Springfield Armory introduced its next-generation trapdoor rifle, chambered in .45-70 caliber. Colt introduced the Single Action Army in .45 Colt, known as the Peacemaker. Winchester upped the ante with their Model 1873 lever-action rifle. Its predecessors, the Henry Rifle and Winchester Model 1866, had bronze-framed receivers and were chambered in the .44 caliber Henry rimfire black powder cartridge, which propelled a 200-grain bullet at a velocity of 1,125 feet per second (fps). The Winchester Model 1873 was an iron-framed rifle chambered in their new rifle cartridge, the .44 Winchester Centerfire (44 WCF). The cartridge propelled a 200-grain bullet with 40 grains of black powder, reaching a velocity of 1,500 fps, and was a powerhouse compared to most other cartridges of the day. In 1878, Colt began offering its iconic single-action revolver in the same caliber. Historians say Colt was loath to provide any advertising for Winchester, so instead of marking the barrel with 44 WCF, it was marked Frontier Six Shooter. This was the beginning of a trend. A person could have a handgun and rifle in the same cartridge, which, in many ways, made perfect sense. As the years passed, Winchester added other cartridges to the lineup, including the 38-40, .32-20 and .22 rimfire. Colt and other manufacturers offered revolvers to match. ...Read More >

Readily converting a handgun into a carbine in mere seconds, in the field, without tools, is an idea that goes back at least to the 17th century, when the snaphaunce was evolving into the flintlock. However, it took the invention of the semiautomatic action for the concept to really catch on. ...Read More >

Mention the Marlin 336 in any room full of hunters, and someone is sure to say, “Yeah, great gun! That was my first real rifle.” I know this because I’m one of those hunters. At the age of 15, unbeknownst to my parents, I bought a 336 on an arrangement of time payments with the local gun shop, and was on my way to being not only a big-game hunter but a lover of good rifles. ...Read More >

Howa Precision Rifles & Barreled Actions, the Japanese firm, introduced the Model 1500 rifle in 1979 and through the years several American manufacturers have built rifles around the barreled actions. The Smith and Wesson Model 1500 introduced back in 1983 was chambered for various cartridges ranging from 223 Remington to several magnums. When that rifle was discontinued, Smith & Wesson disposed of hundreds of the barreled actions at attractive prices. A friend of mine who would eventually go on to become famous worldwide for building extremely accurate rifles got his start by buying a truckload of those barreled actions, giving them a tweak or three and fitting them with McMillan stocks. The one I had in 270 Winchester never drove a single tack, but it was accurate enough to take a few deer and more than a few feral pigs. ...Read More >