100 Years Of The American Rifleman

by
posted on June 5, 2023
** 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. **
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

Latest

Event Horizon
Event Horizon

The Development of MIM Cartridge Cases

We recently caught up with Concurrent Technologies to learn more about its latest advancements in metal injection molding (MIM) as it pertains to cartridge case manufacturing.

Preview: VACA Beef Jerky

Touted as the “unjerky,” VACA Jerky is made using marbled beef and double-dehydrated to produce thin, crisp pieces that are enhanced with intense flavors.

T/C Rebirth: Thompson/Center Brings Back The Triumph Muzzleloader

Thompson/Center Arms has reintroduced its famous Triumph muzzleloader, an in-line design that uses 209 shotgun primers and is designed for easy cleaning and loading.

Preview: Competition Electronics ProChrono LTD

A more economical alternative to Competition Electronics’ Bluetooth-enabled DLX model, the ProChrono LTD is a ballistic chronograph ...

Gun Of The Week: FN 15 Guardian

We’re on the range with the FN 15 Guardian, an AR-15 that gives people a rock-solid rifle with quality components at an affordable price.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 24, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.