100 Years Of The American Rifleman

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posted on June 5, 2023
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100 Years Of The American Rifleman

In July 2023, American Rifleman celebrates 100 years of continuous publication under its current name. In that time, we’ve borne witness to the American Century, comprised of historic conflicts, economic upheaval, political turmoil and technological development not seen before in the entirety of the human experience.

Our May 1942 issue cover shows a citizen-soldier armed with an M1 Garand guarding American shores in the uncertain dawn of the greatest war the world had ever seen. From every corner of the nation, NRA members answered the call to arms, many of them confident in the skills and discipline they brought to the battlefield from years of hunting with and handling firearms.

For the NRA member, American Rifleman’s monthly magazines have provided a ready source of knowledge through its technical evaluations, experiential stories and institutional wisdom. Across the past century, our format has changed dramatically, but our mission remains the same: comprehensive assessments of the firearm industry’s latest designs.

As we embark on our second century of existence, our promise remains the same as it was in June of 1923: “… the rifleman’s magazine will be bigger and better and will be equipped to serve the shooters and conserve their interests better than ever in its entire history.”

On this page, we'll be recognizing the 100th anniversary of American Rifleman with regular updates highlighting important moments in our history. Here are a few resources to learn more about your American Rifleman and what it's covered through the decades:

A Century Of Service: American Rifleman Turns 100

The Glock 17 Pistol: American Rifleman's Original Review

A Timeline Of The American Rifleman

Training A Lifesaver In Vietnam

Send A Gun To Defend A British Home

Riflemen On The Frontlines

Latest

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Multi-Caliber MK24 to Replace SCAR-H For SOCOM

U.S. Special Forces will soon be replacing their 7.62-NATO-chambered SCAR-Hs with a new, barrel-swapping MK24 Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assault (MRGGA) gun capable of running either 7.62 NATO or 6.5 Creedmoor.

Rifle Renaissance 2026: Exploring Rifle Skills Beyond Marksmanship

Being able to shoot in contextual situations, shoot from unusual positions, manipulate the rifle quickly and rapidly adjust one’s position based on distance are all essential skills for a well-trained rifleman. To train these abilities, The Complete Combatant hosted the first annual Rifle Renaissance event in March 2026.

New Guns For 2026: A Full Guide

While it’s claimed the firearms industry is experiencing a slowdown, that hasn’t meant a stall to innovation. It means gunmakers are working harder than ever to earn your business.

Rifleman Review: Tikka T3x Ace Target

Tikka's T3x line of rifles has long been a popular option for many hunters and shooters, and recently, the Finnish company has expanded this line with its T3x Ace Target model, which is specifically designed for competition use.

New For 2026: Bersa BP9 FS

Bersa USA has expanded into many corners of the firearm market in recent years, and new for 2026, the company has now launched its BP9 FS, a new design intended for duty, self-defense and competition use.

Surprising Concealed Carry Statistics

A survey conducted by the Crime Prevention Research Center studied how many likely voters regularly carry concealed handguns, and the results defy expectations.

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