Rifleman Report: Proficiency Is Key

As the end of the calendar year approaches, and new firearms and related products continue to become available, we’re reminded that, while gear is important, training safely with it while developing familiarity is just as vital. And that holds true for everyone, from the average armed citizen to elite members of the U.S. military.

In “Benelli Nova 3 Tactical: Innovation Meets Simplicity,” Field Editor Jeremiah Knupp tests one of the latest defensive shotguns from the renowned Italian maker. He writes, “Despite the fact that many good self-loading shotguns are available on the market, there are still those who prefer the simplicity, affordability and unquestionable reliability of the classic, manually operated pump-action shotgun.” That’s true, and with training, Benelli’s “third generation” 12-ga., 3"-chambered Nova is certainly capable of defending home and family. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to a “price-conscious, performance-minded” segment of the market and suggests a greater selection of its defensive shotguns in the U.S. market in the future.

“An Appendix-Carry Primer,” by Executive Editor Evan Brune, answers the most common questions about this now-popular concealed-carry method for today’s compact semi-automatic pistols. Although inside-the-waistband carry of a defensive handgun generally has become increasingly popular in recent years, the appendix method in particular remains somewhat controversial among some concealed carriers. But Brune, a longtime “AIWB” practitioner, helps us think through the method’s pros and cons, and, along the way, points out some useful tips and provides suggestions as to what are likely some of the best holsters for appendix carry on the market.

And, in “Shooters, Listen Up! Take Hearing Health Seriously,” I make an appeal to any reader who might be struggling with diminished hearing by recounting my own experiences in addressing that issue. After having resolved to have my hearing tested, I was fitted with some of the latest examples of advanced hearing aids and hearing-protection devices available from one of the best-known names in that industry. Now, through its Start Hearing division, the Starkey company has graciously partnered with NRA to provide members with hearing-enhancement and -protection products at a significant discount. And trust me when I say that such devices are worthy of serious consideration.

Then, in “‘Every Marine A Rifleman,’” frequent “American Rifleman Television” commentator and former National Museum of the U.S. Marine Corps staffer Ken Smith-Christmas runs down the guns and exploits of the U.S. Marine Corps during the past 250 years. In fact, the official USMC anniversary will be celebrated this month. So, the author’s story is both timely and educational as it recounts the firearms and training the Corps has used to accomplish heroic missions around the globe from its beginning through the present day. And, as we trace its history, we learn about some of the lesser-known arms that were used almost exclusively by Marines.

Remember the lesson illustrated in this issue—the best gear is useless if you don’t train to become proficient with it. That principle has kept many armed citizens, including some of our most heroic figures, safe since the founding days of our republic. And it calls to mind both the humorous colloquial phrase used by civilians, Semper Gumby, and the official Marine motto from which that is derived, Semper Fi. Indeed, my hope is that all true Americans will strive to be always flexible and faithful in our aim to preserve liberty.