Fear and Loading: Cartridges and Favorite NFL Teams

by
posted on September 14, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
football-cartridge.jpg

Is there a direct correlation between your pet rifle cartridge and the team you’ll be rooting for this year? We tried to conduct a scientific study by setting up a booth at nearby pre-season games, but officials at the Carolina Panthers growled at the request. As a result, all we can offer is our best 10 educated guesses according to what we’ve witnessed at tailgate parties. 

.22 LR—Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota nice, because it’s impolite to run a loud, heavy-thumping gun when a .22 will do.

.223 Rem.—Oakland Raiders. If Armageddon strikes, you’re going to plunder gear off the dead, bring it aboard your rig, and fight your way to some hidden and rum-filled island with a parrot in tow.

7.62x39 mm—Arizona Cardinals. Either you pray you hit the bullseye or own what some shooters claim is a “miracle gun” in the chambering, although the Vatican refuses to recognize those claims.

30-’06 Sprg.—New England Patriots. You’re red white and blue through and through, and if the marriage of this cartridge and the M1 helped us beat the Nazis in World War II, it’s good enough for you.

.300 Whisper/Blackout—Tennessee Titans. Sometimes it’s hard to know they’ve even played. 

.300 Win. Mag.—New Orleans Saints. Connecting at long distance is a breeze.  

.308 Win.—Philadelphia Eagles. It would have been more fun with Tebow, but you’re about performance, not hype.

.338 Lapua Mag.—Washington Redskins. Long shots are constantly on your mind.

.45-70 Gvt.—Dallas Cowboys. Cartridges less than 100 years old command no respect from the calf ropin’ crowd.   

 .50 BMG—Denver Broncos. Yee ha, we’re goin’ fer a ride, now let’s see if we can hang on until the 8-second buzzer.  

Latest

Gotw Marlin 1894 Trapper 10Mm 1
Gotw Marlin 1894 Trapper 10Mm 1

Gun of the Week: Marlin Firearms Model 1894 Trapper 10 mm

One of the latest Marlin lever-action rifles on the market is the Model 1894 Trapper, and the company now offers the platform in a 10 mm Auto chambering.

Scout Rifle World Shoot Recap

There’s lot to learn about the Scout Rifle, and we tested one at the inaugural Scout Rifle World Shoot.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 6, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Six-Hour Gun: Saving a Family Heirloom

Simple math would have told anyone it wasn't worth fixing a $150 revolver. But to one family, this simple, common revolver meant everything.

Idaho Voters Choose the Winchester Model 1873 for their Official State Firearm

On November 3, Idaho voters picked the Winchester Model 1873 rifle (nicknamed the “Gun that Won the West,” in .44-40 cal.) as the leading candidate to be their state firearm.

PROOF Research Opens New Montana Facility

PROOF Research held a grand opening of its new manufacturing facility in Columbia Falls, Mont. at the end of October.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.