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

Ukraine Operators
Ukraine Operators

Ukraine Operators Use Drone Round to Defeat UAS

Ukrainian operators recently tested and defeated drones with the Drone Round—a purpose-built cartridge that requires no firearm modifications, no new equipment and no additional training.

From The Counter: The Gun Store Prime Directive

When visiting a firearm retailer, know when it’s appropriate to interject, and when you should keep quiet.

Red-Dot Occlusion Training: A Performance-Booster for You & Your Optic-Equipped Handgun

Red-dot occlusion is a passive technique that shooters can use to remain target-focused, thereby speeding up their performance with optic-equipped handguns.

New for 2026: Dead Air Nomad Ti Over-The-Barrel (OTB) Suppressor

The Dead Air Silencers Nomad Ti OTB is designed to be a compact and lightweight suppressor for the backcountry hunter.

I Carry: Diamondback SDR in a Galco Hornet Holster

For our latest "I Carry" episode above, we paired the six-round Diamondback SDR DA/SA snubnose revolver with a simple leather holster from Galco, along with one of the latest EDC flashlights from Streamlight.

The Armed Citizen® May 8, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.