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
Review: Kimber 2K11
The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.
Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”
Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”
Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation
In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.
Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers
The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.
The Armed Citizen® Oct. 6, 2025
Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.
FEMA Notes Decline In Disaster Preparedness
A recent report from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) noted a decline in local government preparedness for natural disasters, putting increased pressure on individuals to prepare themselves for emergencies.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
