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
The Model 87 Ultra Special: A Rare Survivor of Ithaca's Final Gamble
In the spring of 1990, an 18-year-old received a shotgun he didn't order. The Ithaca Model 87 Ultra Special he got instead was the last gasp of one of America's most iconic shotgun makers.
As Gun Sales Stay High, Violent Crime Hits a Historic Low
According to a recent report from the FBI on national crime statistics, violent crime has decreased 9.3 percent from 2024, marking the largest year-to-year drop since the 1930s.
Five Million Friends
From one room of friends in Missouri to a nationwide movement, Friends of NRA celebrates more than five million lives touched through community, volunteerism, and a shared commitment to the future of the shooting sports.
Federal to Provide Rifle Ammunition to Top Nordic Police Agencies
The Nordic Police, comprised of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland, recently selected two Federal Ammunition rifle loads for duty and training use.
![Federal Awarded Contract[2]](/media/ja5nut04/federal-awarded-contract-2.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=770&height=430&rnd=134321335779730000&quality=60)
![Federal Awarded Contract[2]](/media/ja5nut04/federal-awarded-contract-2.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=150&height=150&rnd=134321335779730000&quality=60)
New For 2026: Beretta APX A1 Ported
Beretta first entered the polymer-frame, striker-fired pistol market in 2017 with its APX, and nearly 10 years later, the company has added the APX A1 Ported to the lineup.
CDC Restores Basic Armed Citizen Data
As of Aug. 24, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s webpage is again providing defensive-gun-use data.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
