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

Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard
Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard

Review: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard

Lipsey’s has teamed up with Smith & Wesson to revive a pair of short-lived, but highly sought after, Night Guard revolvers. The K-frame options include the Model 386, a seven-shot design chambered in .357 Mag.

Standing Guard | We Need to Stand Tall Together

In the short time I have been in this position—humbled and honored to be serving you and our cause—I have focused on streamlining our programs and services, refocusing our efforts on our competitions and other events, and committing resources to the many legal and legislative fights we are in to defend and, where necessary, to win back our Second Amendment-protected freedom.

B&T USA Expands Manufacturing Operations in Utah

B&T USA's Utah location now handles product design and development, 3D-printing, machining, Cerakoting, engraving and shipping, and it boasts a production capacity of 7,000 suppressors a month.

PenFed Reports Strong Second-Quarter Performance

Building on the company's impressive first-quarter results for 2026, PenFed Credit Union, one of the nation's largest credit unions, reported strong financial results through the second quarter of 2026.

The NSCA Sporting Clays National Championship

Every fall, the National Sporting Clays Association holds its national championship at The National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, Texas, and thousands of sporting clays shooters from across the world come to compete for titles.

Rifleman Interview: Smith & Wesson Model 617 Mountain Gun

Smith & Wesson and Lipseys brought a special .22 LR revolver to the Plinkapalooza event in May.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.