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

firing a musket rifle
firing a musket rifle

Today’s Makers of Yesterday’s Firearms

Original firearms from the American Revolution era are valuable and best preserved for posterity. For those who want to shoot them, several modern makers offer quality reproductions.

Left Turn (Bolt): Tikka's New Left-Handed T3x Ace Rifles

Lefties of the world unite and rejoice, as Tikka has announced left-hand versions of its award-winning T3x Ace chassis rifles.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 14, 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.

Skills Check: Rifle Standard Delta 2

Carbine performance is all about maintaining control. The Rifle Standard Delta 2 is a drill that pressures recoil control, visual discipline and cadence as distance decreases and time compresses.

Gun Sales Up for the 7th Month in a Row in 2026

The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) estimate of last month’s gun sales was up 2.2 percent compared to August 2025.

Caring For & Feeding Your Cap-and-Ball Revolvers

Compared to pistoleros of the 19th century, today’s handgunners have it easy. It's not enough just to get an old-school, cap-and-ball revolver. You also need to acquire everything to shoot and clean it.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.