The Family 3-Gun Shootout

posted on October 18, 2012
** 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. **
rackley2015_fs.jpg

Sons of Guns seem to have fans from all walks of life, including a couple of big boys in the firearms industry—Brownells and Hornady.

Pete Brownell and Jason Hornady are such fans that they flew to Louisiana to discuss the development of 3-gun sets customized for each guy’s father. Both groups settled on Red Jacket ARs, Saiga 12-gauge shotguns and 9 mm 1911s (they were called 2011s on the show). However, each customized the guns to what he thought would be best for his father while trying to upstage the other. Jason made it plain that there was some friendly competition between the families when he said: “I want the same thing, but make mine just that much cooler than his.” Of course, it was all in fun as the two men have been friends for many years, and wanted to have a friendly father/son 3-gun competition between the two families.

As is typical in a drama-based reality show, there were a few problems with finishing the guns in time. Part of the problem was that Chris, Will’s son-in-law, decided that he was inspired to build an additional 3-gun set so he and Will could compete in the competition. Another problem was drama, but since drama is built into every TV show, that was expected.

In the end, the Sons of Guns crew was able to finish the Brownell, Hornady and Red Jacket guns in time for the competition, which Red Jacket won to the surprise of many, including myself. Check the ARs out on Brownells website and see if you agree with their choices. Personally, I would love a 1911 in 9 mm with a double-stack magazine, but would probably stick to my personal AR and more standard shotgun. How about you?

Latest

Armed Citizen Podcast John Lott 1
Armed Citizen Podcast John Lott 1

Why the Murder Rate Quickly Fell to a Likely Historic Low

If the gun-control Left is to be believed, then the murder rate in the U.S. should be going up. After all, gun sales and ownership rates have been rising for the last few decades and anti-gun groups claim that gun ownership is the cause of violent crime. This, of course, is nonsense.

16 New Bolt-Action Rifles for 2026

From cutting-edge precision rifles designed for competition or hunting to traditionally styled guns that emulate designs from yesteryear, 2026 saw the introduction of an incredible array of bolt-action rifles.

Review: Chiappa Rhino 60DS 10 mm Auto

The Italian-designed-and-manufactured Chiappa Rhino remains unique today as the only current revolver with the barrel mounted at the bottom of the frame, firing from the chamber at the 6-o’clock position.

5 New Large-Format Pistols for 2026

There's been a huge surge in the large-format pistol category, and 2026 continues to showcase new models answering the wants and needs of today's firearm owners.

Short & Powerful: The EOTech Vudu 4-12x36 mm Super Short Riflescope

EOTech's ultra-compact 3-9x32 mm Vudu was a popular addition to the company's variable-powered riflescope line, and the new 4-12x36 mm Vudu ups the ante with new features in a still-compact package.

The Armed Citizen® May 11, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.