ARTV Preview: Walther Arms, Taurus G3X and Italian Bodeo Revolver

by
posted on April 12, 2022
** 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. **

Walther Arms is one of the most well respected and oldest German firearm manufacturers on the market. Founded by Carl Walther in 1886, the company has a rich history of firearms development and manufacturing spanning more than a century. For this week's feature, we go to Walther's post-World War II factory location in Ulm, Germany, to see how it makes its firearms today.

A print of the old Walther factory in Germany before it moved to its present location.

For Rifleman Review, we test out the striker-fired, polymer-frame Taurus G3X, a 9 mm pistol with a shorter barrel and slide like the G3c, but with a larger grip frame. This allows the G3X to be utilized for concealed carry, while also delivering the magazine capacity and full grip of a larger pistol.

The Taurus G3X 9 mm pistol.

Later, we examine the history of the Bodeo, or Model 1889, revolver, which served Italian forces throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A double-action revolver with a six-round cylinder chambered for a 10 mm cartridge, the Bodeo is unique for its folding trigger shoe and lack of a trigger guard. It was produced from 1889 to 1931 and was even issued to Italian troops in World War II.

The Italian Bodeo Model 1889 service revolver.

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/videos/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

Range Ready Plinkapalooza 1
Range Ready Plinkapalooza 1

Shooting Is Fun: How I Rediscovered the Benefits of Rimfire

A recent event at Range Ready in Robert, La., reminded us how much fun the simple rimfire firearm can be, whether in handgun, carbine or rifle form.

New for 2026: Daniel Defense MUTE30Ti & NULL9Ti Suppressors

Daniel Defense was one of the first manufacturers to employ additive manufacturing techniques in suppressor-making, and now, the company has expanded its line with the MUTE30Ti and NULL9Ti silencers.

The Fight for America’s Rifle

Despite the warning we’ll sue to protect commonly owned AR-type rifles, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed Senate Bill 749, which will make it illegal to sell, purchase, import, manufacture or transfer such firearms starting on July 1. 

Gun of the Week: Henry Repeating Arms SPD Predator

The new SPD Predator, an extension of Henry's magazine-fed Lever Action Supreme Rifle design, looks to extract the greatest possible degree of accuracy and precision from a modern lever gun.

The Armed Citizen® May 15, 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.

The Politically Incorrect Truth About the Armed Citizen

The Second Amendment doesn’t—and should not be treated as if—it ends at state lines. American citizens need the national reciprocity legislation that is now active in Congress.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.