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

Woman covering rifle target
Woman covering rifle target

Why This DOJ Opinion on Handgun Ownership Matters

The DOJ Office of Legal Counsel recently released an opinion concluding that the federal ban on licensed firearms dealers selling handguns to 18-20-year-old U.S. citizens is unconstitutional.

I Have This Old Gun: Czech vz.27

Following World War I, Czechoslovakia needed to equip its new army, and one of its priorities was to select a service sidearm, which ultimately became the vz.27.

Rimfire M1 Refined: The Chiappa Bushranger

Italian manufacturer Chiappa is not afraid to take an original design and give it a modern twist. New for 2026, the company is taking its rimfire M1 carbine design one step further with the Bushranger.

TriStar Arms Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Established in 1996 by the father-and-son team of Gus and Ryan Bader, TriStar Arms has grown into one of the firearm industry’s most respected names in value-driven products.

Optic on an Optic: Why You Should Add a Red-Dot to Your LPVO

Why is it that, suddenly, it seems like everyone is running around with little red-dot sights mounted on top of low-power, variable optics? Well, it turns out there are reasons for that.

How Accurate are Today’s Rifles?

In just the last few decades, rifle accuracy has improved an astonishing amount, and our expectations have risen accordingly.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.