ARTV Preview: Colt Commanders at Gunsite; Rock River Arms RUK-9; Steyr AUG

by
posted on July 1, 2020
** 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. **
This week on American Rifleman TV, NRA Digital Operations Manager Joe Kurtenbach goes to Gunsite Academy to test the latest Colt Commander pistols at the prestigious training center. Our Rifleman Review is the Rock River RUK-9 pistol in 9 mm Luger. On "I Have This Old Gun," we provide an overview of one of the first bullpups, the Steyr AUG (Armee Universal Gewehr), in both its military and civilian forms.

The Colt Commander has been around for about 70 years, ever since the U.S. Army thought it might want to adopt a lightweight, 1911-style handgun chambered in 9 mm as a replacement for the M1911A1 in .45 ACP. However, given existing stocks of the .45-cal. sidearm following WWII, it was never adopted.

With advancements in 9 mm bullet technology, the 9 mm Colt Commander is more capable and relevant than ever before. Colt's engineers met with instructors at Gunsite Academy in a collaboration to build the best defensive platform possible in the Commander size.

We traveled to Gunsite to run the gun through its paces, and we got an inside look at the history behind this gun, as well as the features that make it a solid range and self-defense option.

Pistol-caliber platforms based on the AR-style receiver are popular options right now, given their compactness and low recoil. One of the latest platforms on the market is the RUK-9 from Rock River Arms. We highlight the design features of the gun and run it through its paces on the range.

When the Austrian army adopted the AUG, it was on the cutting edge of firearm design, thanks to the futuristic, bullpup-style design of the rifle. Even today, more than 40 years after its introduction, it continues to look futuristic and modern. We cover the background behind this revolutionary platform on "I Have This Old Gun."

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

The Armed Citizen Podcast Hamlin F
The Armed Citizen Podcast Hamlin F

NRA CEO/EVP Doug Hamlin Talks Politics, the NRA, and the Future of Our Freedom

In this interview with The Armed Citizen Podcast at the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Doug Hamlin talks about what is going on with the NRA, the many battles for our freedom around this nation the NRA is involved in, and what’s to come.

Best of the Best: American Rifleman's 2026 Golden Bullseye Award Winners

From firearms to accessories to optics to ammo and suppressors, we’ve determined these to be the stand-out products from the last year, providing firearm enthusiasts with innovation, value, utility and performance.

Review: Diamondback 9 mm SDR

Folks might be a bit surprised that Diamondback would choose 9 mm as the second caliber for its SDR revolver, but a closer look reveals why 9 mm is a solid caliber option for the platform.

Port Authority Doubles Down on Constitution-Free Zone with High-Profile Arrest

There exists a zone within the New York City metropolitan area where law-abiding gun owners are not just imperiled but specifically targeted for exercising their rights. It is an outrage that has continued for far too long.

Wilson Combat Acquires Guncrafter Industries

Wilson Combat has acquired the Guncrafter Industries brand and assets, uniting two of America’s foremost custom firearm manufacturers.

Bill Bachenberg Unanimously Reelected NRA President; Doug Hamlin Unanimously Reelected as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO In Houston

Today, the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), unanimously reelected Bill Bachenberg of Pennsylvania as President of the NRA, and Doug Hamlin as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.