Remembering Chief Kyle

by
posted on January 8, 2015
** 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. **
keefe2015_fs.jpg

"American Sniper" has been released in a few select theaters. The television and airwaves are alive with images from this remarkable Clint Eastwood film. "American Sniper" is the story of a remarkable American. Chief Petty Officer Chris Kyleused his rifle to save his fellow American servicemen in combat against our nation's enemies. Despite his heroism on the battlefield, Chief Kyle was murdered by a very troubled young man. His funeral at the Dallas Cowboy's Texas stadium was one of the largest such events ever held, with a procession thatstretched 200 miles. A fewyears ago we ran a story by Maj. John L. Plaster (U.S. Army, Ret.) about Chief Kyle's exploits on the battlefield. Before heading to the movie theater this weekend, I strongly recommend taking time to read this story.

undefinedChief Kyle wasn't just a trigger puller; he was a gun guy. And an American patriot. And a man who had an appreciation for the place firearms hold in American Freedom. Think Chris Kyle was just a knuckle dragger? Then I suggest you read this story on the American longrifle that he did for his book, "American Gun."

It shows great understanding of firearms and perspective of how firearms earned American freedom. We published the article after Chief Kyle's death with the knowledge and approval of his widow, Taya Kyle. She, too, is a remarkable American, and I defy you to watch her entire speech at the NRA Annual Meetings two years ago without tears coming to your eyes. A foundation has been set up to benefit the Kyle family and others who served our nation so nobly. To find out more about the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, go to chriskylefrog.com. Often, Hollywood actors are confused with heroes; through "American Sniper," though, Hollywood honors a real one and his memory.

Latest

attack in a back alley
attack in a back alley

Cold Performance: How to Prepare for the Uncertainty of Self-Defense

Defensive gun use is defined by uncertainty. You don’t know when it will happen, how far away the threat will be, how many threats you will face or what position you will be in when it begins.

Derya Goes Silent: The OBone Suppressor

In 2025, Turkish manufacturer Derya Arms opened a new facility in Florida, enabling the company to produce a number of new products domestically, such as its new OBone suppressor.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 26, 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.

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.