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

Tisas PX 9 Comps 01
Tisas PX 9 Comps 01

Tisas Introduces PX-9 2.0 Duty Comp, Carry Comp & Tactical Comp Pistols

Many handgunners are seeing the value of muzzle compensators on their handguns, and Turkish gunmaker Tisas is answering the call with three new models: the PX-9 2.0 Duty Comp, Carry Comp and Tactical Comp.

Preview: Federal BYOB .22LR Ammo Bucket

With 1,375 rounds of .22 Long Rifle ammunition, the stackable, reusable Federal BYOB .22 LR Ammo Bucket is sure to keep even the most ardent shooter of rimfire handguns or rifles busy for a while—even if there’s more than one new gun under the tree.

Gun Of The Week: CZ 600+ American

CZ expanded its 600 series of rifles with a particular version tailored to the American market, and this CZ 600+ American model has a few unique features incorporated into the design.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 5, 2025

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

30 Years Of Bond Arms Pistols

Bond Arms, the Texas-based maker of a series of double-barrel derringers inspired by a design from the Old West, celebrates 30 years in business in 2025.

Holiday Firearm Sales Off To Slow Start, Down From 2024 Numbers

NICS background checks conducted during the week of Black Friday, traditionally one of the busiest holiday shopping days of the year, show a slow start in terms of holiday gun sales.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.