In early October 1918, men from the 77th Division, a draftee division mostly from New York City, advanced into the Argonne Forest as part of a massive American attack. Although the men were from three different battalions and two machine gun companies, the fewer than 600 men, cut off and surrounded, were soon known as the “Lost Battalion.” In an epic fight, trapped behind enemy lines, the Doughboys used the .30-’06 Sprg. U.S. 1917 Enfield rifle, the .45 ACP U.S. M1911 pistol, the 1915 Chauchat light machine gun and 1914 Mitrailleuse, heavy machine gun, both in 8 mm Lebel to fight off the Germans. Instead of surrendering, they said, “Come and get us.” Seven Medals of Honor were awarded for this action, as well as 30 Distinguished Service Crosses.
Also this week, we test the latest duty gun from Beretta, the striker-fired APX in 9 mm Luger. 
For “I Have This Old Gun” we take a look back at the iconic Colt Detective Special.
Watch a preview of tonight's episode here, and be sure to tune in on Wednesdays to the Outdoor Channel for the full episode.
Tonight on American Rifleman TV: Americans in World War I—Part 4; Beretta APX
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
A Deadly Testing Ground: Guns of the Spanish Civil War
Great powers have often used smaller conflicts as test beds for new weapon systems, and also as dumping grounds for obsolete machinery. The Spanish Civil War was one such conflict.
Sequel: The New Taurus Judge
Not content to merely mark the gun's 20th anniversary with a special engraved edition, Taurus also introduced the New Taurus Judge this year.
The Armed Citizen® Aug. 3, 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.
Questions & Answers: A Wreck of a Remington 40-X
An American Rifleman reader writes in about a project Remington 40-X .22 target rifle that needs some serious help.
New for 2026: KJI K950 Tripod and Titan Inverted Ball Head
KJI (formerly Kopfjäger) releases the carbon-fiber K950 tripod and Titan inverted-ball head.
Book Review | Guns, Shooting and Hunting: What I’ve Learned in 60 Years
Much of what one learns is truly inexpressible to others—so it’s a wonderful rarity when someone can put their knowledge into words.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
