ARTV Preview: Firearm Basics, Heritage Barkeep and The PKM General Purpose Machine Gun

by
posted on July 20, 2021
** 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. **

There are a lot of new shooters consistently joining the community, many of whom do not know the basics of firearm handling and safety. That's why for this week's feature, we'll join NRA's Larry Quandahl to go over firearms basics, including the handling of long guns.

NRA's Larry QaundahlNRA's Larry Quandahl covering the basics of long guns. 

This week on "Rifleman Review," we test the Heritage Mfg. Inc. Barkeep revolver. This snub-nosed, single-action revolver is chambered in .22 Long Rifle with a six-round cylinder, and comes in several different flavors.

The Heritage Mfg. Inc. Barkeep.The Heritage Mfg. Inc. Barkeep revolver.

Later, we examine the history of the classic Cold War-era Russian general-purpose machine gun, the PKM. Based off the long-stroke Kalashnikov gas-operated action of the AK family of rifles, the PKM is chambered for 7.62x54 R and belt fed. It is still in widespread use today.

The Russian PKM machine gun.The Russian PKM general purpose machine 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

Shortage
Shortage

Suppressor Demand Outpaces Production

The demand for suppressors is setting new records. National Firearm Act (NFA) item purchases in September—primarily suppressors—more than doubled compared to the same month in 2025.

Book Review | Five Decades of a Fabulous Firearm: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Beretta 92 Pistol Series

In this wide-ranging book, you’ll find a history of Beretta, discussion of developments leading to the Model 1951/951 Brigadier, its evolution into the Model 92 and the U.S. military’s adoption of the platform (as the M9) in 1985.

Review: Galco Revenger Holster & SB7 Gun Belt

For those who choose to carry a finely finished, K-frame revolver, Galco offers one of its finest concealed-carry setups in the form of its Revenger holster and SB7 gun belt.

Rimfire Power: The Primary Arms CLx 1-6x24 mm Riflescope with ACSS 22LR G2 Reticle

Low-power variable optics have become popular options for today's AR-15s and other modern sporting rifles, and Primary Arms now offers an option tailored for rimfire versions of those same guns.

Gun of the Week: Walther Arms PDP F-Series Pro-X PMM

One of Walther Arms' recent introductions combines the features of several other PDP handguns, meaning the Walther PDP F-Series Pro-X PMM is packed with a number of different design elements.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 30, 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.