Since Hornady's inception, it has developed numerous handgun and rifle loads, in popular calibers, that proved to be top performers across a wide range of ballistic pursuits—target shooting, competition, hunting and self-defense. Similar to these loads were the company's time-tested bullets—the renowned XTP for handgun cartridges, and the accurate hollow points and boattail hollow points in the rifle loads. Developed in the late 80s, the XTP bullets were the first hollow points on the market that gave consistent, reliable terminal performance, thus becoming the centerpiece for Hornady's American Gunner Ammunition line. The line features proven loads, made from quality components, but offered at a price that presents a real value to shooters. Check out this videofrom a recent episode ofAmerican Rifleman TVwhere Joe Kurtenbach visits Hornady to test the American Gunner Ammunition line.
Watch American Rifleman staff on the range this week with the Winchester Model 1895 Texas Ranger's 200th Anniversary Edition, a Davidson's Exclusive rifle that commemorates the storied history of Texas law enforcement.
Elbert Searle isn't one of the most well-known firearm designers, but his Savage Model 1907 and its derivatives were popular guns in their time. Now, a unique prototype pistol of his has been discovered, illustrating what else could have been in Savage's early 20th-century handgun lineup.
Special incentives from Hornady, Smith & Wesson and Beretta have already been come and gone, but they were just the first. Things have accelerated since.
One of the most interesting, and short-lived, breechloading designs of the mid-19th century is the Terry carbine, produced by the firm of Calisher & Terry. Despite its novel mechanism, the carbine didn't survive the transition to the metallic-cartridge era.
When I was growing up, my father was one of the bigger Smith & Wesson collectors in Northern California. This led him to have an acquaintance with Roy Jinks of S&W.