The field journal
Latest reports
Field-tested perspective on guns, gear, training, hunting, and the culture around responsible ownership.
-
Bullet Drop Trajectory: What It Is and How To Adjust
Learn what bullet drop trajectory means, why bullets hit low at distance, and how zero distance changes point of impact.
-
How to Create a Gun Trust
For collectors, enthusiasts, and shooters alike, ensuring secure, legal, and efficient ownership of firearms—especially those regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA)—is paramount. A properly drafted gun trust provides an ideal vehicle for acquiring, managing, and transferring Title II weapons (such as silencers, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, and machine guns) while streamlining compliance, simplifying inheritance, and reducing…
-
Top 10 Must-Have Hunting Gear for Firearm Enthusiasts
This guide details essential gear that enhances your firearm’s performance and ensures a safe, successful hunt. IntroductionYour firearm is the cornerstone of your hunting experience, but the right complementary gear can significantly improve accuracy, reliability, and safety. Whether you’re venturing into rugged terrain or familiar grounds, investing in high-quality accessories—from scopes to survival kits—ensures that…
-
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP LPVO Rifle Scope Gen IV Review
The great folks at Primary Arms sent The Real Gun Guys editorial team a brand new lpvo rifle scope to test! We unboxed it, mounted it, shot with it at the range, and took it on a deer hunt to see how it performs in the wild. Even though Primary Arms sponsored this post, they…
-
Second Focal Plane Scopes: When SFP Works Better
Learn when second focal plane scopes make sense, how SFP reticles and BDC marks work, and what to verify before using holdovers.
-
Yuri Orlov from Lord of War movie in real life: Viktor Bout
The Real-Life Yuri Orlov: The Story of Viktor Bout The character Yuri Orlov, played by Nicolas Cage in the movie Lord of War, showed people a dangerous world of illegal arms dealing. While Yuri is fictional, his story was inspired by a real person: Viktor Bout. Known as the “Merchant of Death,” Bout’s life was…
-
Gun Cleaning & Maintenance, Gun Culture, Gun Laws & Regulations, Gun Safety, Gun Training, Guns, Hunting, Self Defense, SurvivalBeginner’s Guide to Firearm Ownership
New to firearm ownership? Follow a practical first-gun workflow covering laws, safety, storage, training, gear, range practice, and maintenance.
-
1901 Carl Gustafs M96 Swedish Mauser Rifle
Exploring the Legacy and Masterful Engineering of the 1901 Carl Gustafs M96 Swedish Mauser. The 1901 Carl Gustafs M96 Swedish Mauser is more than a historical firearm; it’s a masterpiece of engineering that exemplifies Sweden’s dedication to precision and quality at the turn of the 20th century. Celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship, remarkable accuracy, and…
-
Glock 45 Gen 5 9mm Handgun Review
I recently spent some quality time at the range with my Glock 45 Gen 5 9mm pistol. I bought this handgun in 2020. As a long-time firearm enthusiast, I wanted to share my in-depth review of this remarkable firearm. Here’s my Glock 45 Gen 5 review. Table of Contents Overview of the Glock 45 Gen…
-
John Wick Guns
John Wick Guns are iconic weapons easily recognizable by fans of the John Wick movie franchise. Some of the most popular gun movies of all time, these films earn the respect of gun enthusiasts through realism and honoring the disciplines involved in skilled gun handling and combat. Also, it’s just fun to eat popcorn while…
-
Update: Welcome new editor Jason Durham
I’m excited to announce that Jason Durham is joining TheRealGunGuys.com as an Editor for Military, Security, and Medical topics. With an impressive background in military operations, emergency management, and paramedicine, Jason brings a wealth of experience and insight that perfectly aligns with the type of content we aim to deliver to our readers. I’ve known…
-
FBI 9mm Ammo Standards and Test Protocol
Learn how FBI 9mm ammo standards test penetration, barriers, reliability, and duty loads, plus what Glock and 9mm shooters can take from the protocol.
-
Gun Cleaning & Maintenance, Gun Collecting, Gun Culture, Gun History, Gun Training, Hunting, Shooting SportsChris Litton joins editing team at The Real Gun Guys
We are thrilled to welcome Chris Litton to TheRealGunGuys.com team as an Editor. Even though his mission and focus is Firearms Safety and Training for youth, Chris also has deep knowledge of Gun History, Gun Collecting, Gun Maintenance, Ammo Reloading, Hunting, and more. He’s an expert hunter, deer meat processor, beekeeper, and a heck of…
-
Gun Slings
Types of Gun Slings and Their Uses The gun sling is a crucial accessory, designed for efficiency, safety, and comfort. There are three primary types of slings, each tailored for specific scenarios and needs. Two-Point Slings The two-point sling is the most traditional and versatile type. Attached at two points, usually the stock and the…
-
The Legend of John Steele, American Paratrooper
Table of Contents The Skies Above Normandy Falling into Darkness Hangman Dead. Captured. Escaped. Immortal Legacy of Courage The Skies Above Normandy Under the cloak of night, the skies above Normandy throbbed with the hum of aircraft, each one pregnant with the promise of liberation and fraught with the peril of war. Among the brave…
-
Chinese Fire Lance: Early Gunpowder Weapon
The Chinese fire lance was an early gunpowder weapon from medieval China and one of the important ancestors of later firearms. It was not a modern gun, but it introduced the core idea that a tube could direct the force of burning gunpowder forward. Early fire lances were short-range weapons used to project flame, smoke,…
-
The Top 10 Firearms Innovations That Changed History
The history of firearms is a testament to human ingenuity, with each innovation marking a leap forward in military, law enforcement, and recreational shooting. From the invention of gunpowder to the development of smart guns, these advancements have not only redefined the capabilities of firearms but have also had profound impacts on society and warfare.…
-
Best Guns for Women
Double Down on Defense: Why Every Woman Needs Two Guns Ladies, let’s cut to the chase. You are your first line of defense to prevent crime against yourself and those you love. Even if you call the police it will usually take them from 5 to 10 minutes to get to you, according to the…
-
Best personal defense ammo for Glock 45 Gen 5 9mm pistol
I recently tested several different types of 9mm personal defense ammo at the gun range to see how my trusty pistol, the Glock 45 Gen 5, would handle them. If you’re looking for the best Glock 45 bullets to run in your weapon, remember that this is simply my personal opinion based on my experience…
-
Dueling Tree Handgun Competition
Handgun dueling tree competitions are some of the most fun I’ve ever had at a gun range. I lost my first Handgun Dueling Tree competition just the other day, as you can see in the video. I started off in the lead, but lost focus at the end and couldn’t stay consistent. It was a…
