Favorite Firearms: A Testament To Service

by
posted on May 13, 2025
** 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. **
Belgian Browning .380 ACP pistol left-side view shown with trigger lock
Photos courtesy of author.

The night of Dec. 15, 1944, my father, Sgt. Larry C. Kaup of the 2nd Infantry Division, 23rd Regiment, Company B, heard what sounded like machinery running way off in the distance in the Ardennes Forest. Toward morning, it became apparent that the noise was German tanks and infantry—it was the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge.

Sergeant Kaup and his fellow soldiers ran for three days and three nights through the snow, taking very heavy casualties. Upon reaching the high ground of the Elsenborn Ridge in Belgium, they dug in, spending Christmas holding back the Nazi forces. During the battle, Sgt. Kaup took a German major prisoner. While disarming the major, he found this Belgian Browning .380 ACP pistol, complete with a holster and spare magazine.

Belgian Browning .380 ACP pistol features

This handgun is a testament to my father’s service: He was wounded three times, earning a Purple Heart and two oak leaf clusters. He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for gallantry in action during the German defeat in the port city of Brest, France, earlier in July.

The handgun means more to me than I can say.

—Dennis Kaup

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.