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

Chuck Yeager’s Beretta Model 1935 pistol
Chuck Yeager’s Beretta Model 1935 pistol

Take a Safe Queen to the Range

With few exceptions, there’s no reason not to shoot your classic firearm periodically.

9 New 1911s & 2011s for 2026

There is a host of new 1911s and 2011s available to today's handgun enthusiasts, with each design bringing a unique feature set to the table.

Wyoming Breaks Ground on State Shooting Sports Complex

Wyoming state officials were on hand at the groundbreaking ceremony for the state's new shooting complex, which is expected to open in mid-2027.

Beretta Holding and Ruger Agree to Partnership

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. and Beretta Holding S.A. have announced that both companies are entering into a strategic cooperation agreement.

Return of the Encore: T/C Arms Brings Back Its Iconic Single-Shot

In 2024, former owner Gregg Ritz purchased Thompson/Center Arms. Now the company has introduced a modern take on its classic Contender/Encore concept: the ENCORE PROHunter.

7 New ARs for 2026

While it's certainly a saturated marketplace these days, the AR-15 has never been more popular with American firearm enthusiasts, and many manufacturers are continuing to feed the need with new options loaded with new features.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.