100 Years Of The American Rifleman

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posted on June 5, 2023
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100 Years Of The American Rifleman

In July 2023, American Rifleman celebrates 100 years of continuous publication under its current name. In that time, we’ve borne witness to the American Century, comprised of historic conflicts, economic upheaval, political turmoil and technological development not seen before in the entirety of the human experience.

Our May 1942 issue cover shows a citizen-soldier armed with an M1 Garand guarding American shores in the uncertain dawn of the greatest war the world had ever seen. From every corner of the nation, NRA members answered the call to arms, many of them confident in the skills and discipline they brought to the battlefield from years of hunting with and handling firearms.

For the NRA member, American Rifleman’s monthly magazines have provided a ready source of knowledge through its technical evaluations, experiential stories and institutional wisdom. Across the past century, our format has changed dramatically, but our mission remains the same: comprehensive assessments of the firearm industry’s latest designs.

As we embark on our second century of existence, our promise remains the same as it was in June of 1923: “… the rifleman’s magazine will be bigger and better and will be equipped to serve the shooters and conserve their interests better than ever in its entire history.”

On this page, we'll be recognizing the 100th anniversary of American Rifleman with regular updates highlighting important moments in our history. Here are a few resources to learn more about your American Rifleman and what it's covered through the decades:

A Century Of Service: American Rifleman Turns 100

The Glock 17 Pistol: American Rifleman's Original Review

A Timeline Of The American Rifleman

Training A Lifesaver In Vietnam

Send A Gun To Defend A British Home

Riflemen On The Frontlines

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Staccato P4x Review 1
Staccato P4x Review 1

First Impressions of the Staccato P4X

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Top Cop: How an Armed American Saved President Trump’s Life

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Review: Rock River Arms A1 Carbine SBR

The Rock River Arms A1 SBR is just plain cool, and there’s little justification needed beyond that for picking up a new gun. It’s a mixture of throwback, retro and nostalgia with a bayonet lug, and you just can’t go wrong there.

The Armed Citizen® July 20, 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.

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June Gun Purchases up Nearly 12 Percent—Virginia Sales Skyrocket

A significant portion of June's double-digit growth in gun sales was fueled by Virginia enthusiasts buying before July 1, when the state’s restrictive “assault weapons” and magazine-ban legislation was scheduled to become law.

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