In Memoriam: Edward Head III

by
posted on November 22, 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. **
Edward Head III

Retired Border Patrol agent, Gunsite instructor and longtime columnist for NRA’s Shooting Illustrated Ed Head passed away Sept. 16, 2022, after a battle with cancer. He was 72 years old.

Head served in the United States Air Force from 1972-1976, specializing in nuclear security and captaining a competition shooting team. After his military service, he joined the Border Patrol in 1977. Eventually, after completing courses at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Head became a firearm instructor for the San Diego Border Patrol Sector, comprised of 2,500 agents. He also founded the San Diego Law Enforcement Combat Shooters Ass’n. Head retired from the Border Patrol in 2001.

In 1988, Head took part in his first class at Gunsite Academy, eventually becoming certified as an instructor in 1992. He served as Gunsite’s operations manager from 2005-2010 and continued teaching classes until May 2022. Head also wrote the monthly “Skills Check” column for Shooting Illustrated, sharing his firearm knowledge and experience with hundreds of thousands of readers. Head is survived by his wife, Jean.

Latest

Polish Vis 35 Radom Ihtog 1
Polish Vis 35 Radom Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Polish Vis 35 Radom

One of the lesser-known designs from the 1930s, the Vis 35 Radom is widely considered to be one of the best of the pre-World War II handguns.

Rifleman Q&A: Colt 1860 12-Notch Conversion

"At a gun show, I saw a Colt 1860 Army Richards Conversion with 12 cylinder notches instead of the usual six. The dealer was not sure whether this was original to the gun. Were these extra notches a factory variation or just some frontier gunsmith’s backroom project?"

July 2025 Sees Lowest Gun Sales Numbers In Nearly Six Years

Following a nearly six-year, record-setting run, according to the latest NICS and NSSF reports, firearm sales have dropped just slightly below a million during the month of July.

Review: Extar EP9 Carbine

Sporting polymer construction, partial compatibility with America's rifle, a unique bolt assembly and a no-lubricant-required design, American Rifleman staff decided the Extar EP9 Carbine, in 9 mm, deserved closer inspection.

New For 2025: Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C Comp

Springfield Armory combined its innovative single-port integrated compensator with its compact striker-fired Echelon 4.0C platform to create an easily carried design that cuts down on recoil.

GrabAGun Targets New Buyers With Digital Firearm Sales Focus

GrabAGun, a Texas-based online retailer of firearms, ammunition and accessories, went public on the New York Stock Exchange on July 16, 2025, receiving $179 million in gross proceeds that the company affirmed will be used to expand its online platform and fund strategic acquisitions.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.