History

Another lesser-known Soviet machine gun, the TKB-464, was developed by Vyacheslav Ivanovich Silin. Born on February 22, 1907, in Tula, Silin began his career at the Tula Arms Plant in 1919 and was drafted into the Red Army in 1931. After his demobilization, he returned to his hometown to work at Tula Central Design Bureau-14 (TsKB-14). In 1938, he graduated from the evening program at Tula Mechanical College, marking his transition into engineering and design. He worked in weapons production throughout his career, first at the TsKB-14 and later at the Central Design and Research Bureau of Sporting and Hunting Arms (TsKIB SOO). Several models of military equipment were developed under his direct involvement and leadership; some were adopted for service, while others remained prototypes for various reasons.

What happens when you combine Eugene Stoner's legendary design ethos with Knight’s Armament Company’s modern manufacturing? You get the Stoner LAMG (Light Assault Machine Gun), a belt-fed 5.56mm light machine gun that blends lightweight design with controllable, accurate suppressive fire.

Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we took a look at some of the features which make a handgun easier to conceal. If you happened to miss that article, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, I want to take a closer look at how the market has drastically shifted from snub nose revolvers to small semi-automatic pistols. How did we get here? Let's take a closer look at how semi-autos became king.

Recently, the Italian firearms manufacturer Davide Pedersoli S.r.l., mostly known for their Cowboy-style replicas, premiered a modernized version of their tribute to the venerable Colt Lightning pump-action rifle. This new, cerakote-clad, model is the Jackal44. 

Despite rising demand for armaments in Europe, it seems that very few new manufacturers are coming to the market. Mostly, there are already established companies that reap the benefits of increased defense spending.

More rimfire and fold-ability for the People! Smith & Wesson has released the M&P FPC 22LR folding rifle and the M&P22X pistol, both chambered in .22 Long Rifle. The M&P FPC 22LR and M&P22X share magazines and offer suppressor-ready features.

Today, Kirk F. joins us on his commute home via the ferry to talk a bit about shotguns. Shotguns, while extremely popular, often take an almost permanent seat on the back burner for many firearms owners. Despite being arguably more versatile than most handguns or even the fabled AR-15, shotguns also present their own set of operational and user challenges that need specific training to overcome. Today Kirk and I talk about some of that, as well as some of the latest releases in the shotgun world that everyone in the gun community is talking about.

Without a doubt, night vision is a fun addition to any shooter’s repertoire. From LARPing in the dark to hunting at night, night vision gives you a superpower, turning the average Joe into a nighttime apex predator capable of seeing in the dark while stalking prey that can’t see you back, hopefully. Night vision devices come in a variety of form factors, from helmet-mounted monoculars, binoculars, and panoramic quad-tubes to weapon-mounted systems intended for use as a clip-on device or a dedicated riflescope. Then there’s digital nightvision versus analogue, and I’ll say up front that the jury is not out on anything. Analogue rules the night. But an inescapable factor that plagues us all, well, most of us anyway, is the cost of seeing in the dark, which can range from very expensive to astronomical. So, when Sightmark asked me to give the   Wraith 4K 4-32x40 Digital Riflescope a spin, my first thought, after yes please, was whether this sub-$500 optic brought any value to the table, and if it did, for whom?

There’s something special about bullpup shotguns, but the Serengeti Arms AUG-12 is even more special, I’d say. Serengeti is the brand of the ATS Group Company, and their products are made in Turkey. Or should I say the Republic of Türkiye? As you may know, they make quite a few shotguns over there, but I wasn’t expecting them to clone the Austrian AUG.

When you think of classic six-guns of the Wild West, of course, Colt is the foremost manufacturer of that era. But once you get past their offerings, there are many other smaller manufacturers who were nevertheless significant, with Smith & Wesson being one of the most important of these companies. While their pocket-sized rimfires were the most common, S&W made big-bore horse pistols too, particularly the Model 3. And if you’ve always wanted a Model 3 with a particularly grim backstory, Rock Island Auction Company has something you might want to see—the revolver that supposedly killed legendary Sioux war chief Sitting Bull.

Hunting wild boars with semi-automatics? No way, as the new Davide Pedersoli Boarbuster Apocalypse enters. Chambered in 45/70 Government and with looks as if it just arrived from the latest Hollywood movie, this model is said to be designed in response to the growing demand for tactical-style lever-action rifles, easily customizable at the discretion of the end user.

Federal and Remington Ammunition companies have been busy delivering on product announcements that were made earlier this year. Now, they have announced that Federal’s Rob Roberts Raptor Steel shotgun shells, Remington’s Premier AccuTip MZ muzzleloading bullets, and Federal’s 7mm Backcountry Elite Hunter 195-Grain ammunition have all become available and are shipping.

Are you a big fan of big-bore rifles? Are you a big fan of lever-action guns? Have you ever wanted to live out your Fallout New Vegas dreams in real life by traveling the Mojave wasteland wearing power armour and wielding a ludicrously large lever gun? If so, then the people at Big Horn Armory can help you with at least 2 of those 3 things. While Big Horn Armory and their rifles are nothing new to the market, some of their new paint jobs are!

Silencer Central has announced the first dedicated, hunting shotgun suppressor with the unveiling of their Banish 12 silencer. This silencer works with a wide array of shotguns based on the choke tube compatibility, which is quite extensive.

I know what you’re thinking, not another AR-15 review, because that’s what I was (albeit very briefly) thinking as I sat down to write this, but my time with the new Springfield Armory Saint Victor 11.5” 5.56 Pistol has been positive enough to compel my hand, or hands in this case. As it was my first time shooting a Springfield AR, I set aside peer reviews from previous models and focused on my personal experience with this new pistol variant, one that I found very useful as a general setup for anyone looking for home defense or a great time at the range.

Something’s odd here, but with a Picatinny rail on top of the slide, it’s certainly possible to mount an EOTech riflescope on the Mark XIX Desert Eagle. This is a gas-operated, semi-automatic pistol known for its unmistakable design and powerful performance. Chambered in .50 AE with a 7-round capacity, or .44 Magnum with an 8-round capacity, this iconic handgun is built for serious firepower and a dream for many, especially those new to firearms for some reason.

Welcome back to TFB’s Small Business Spotlight! In this series, we talk about small firearm-related businesses. This week, we’re taking a look at G100, a modular handgun system manufacturer from Liberty Hill, Texas.

Jacob Grey first turned heads here on TFB back in 2023 when James Reeves affectionately stated rocket scientists are building their guns. This being somewhat true, Jacob Grey has been slowly growing a cult following for their magnificent 2011-style pistols that carry an equally magnificent price tag. Today, we are going to take a deep-dive look at another new model in the  Hex 4.25” Ported 9mm. Is this pistol clear for takeoff and meteoric success? Or, will it fail to clear the atmosphere? Let’s dive in!

For shooters seeking high-quality optics without breaking the bank, the new Konus Wild riflescopes are said to deliver unmatched value in a robust 30mm platform. Designed with the cost-conscious consumer in mind, these scopes combine durability, versatility, and premium features at budget-friendly prices.

If you thought the micro-compact pistol craze had reached its peak, wait until you meet the B&T GL06K—a pocket-sized grenade launcher. The Swiss manufacturer B&T has taken their tried-and-true GL06 40mm launcher and shrunk it down to create a more compact, more maneuverable, and surprisingly more accessible version: the GL06K. And the best part? There’s a strong possibility this thing will be available to civilian buyers in the United States.

Attention, all gunsmiths! The Bench Block for CZ Shadow 2 from Eemann Tech is now available. A precision polymer bench block tailored for CZ Shadow 2 pistols, this tool is ideal for disassembly, maintenance and tuning. Crafted from durable, impact-resistant polymer, it streamlines firearm maintenance with contoured guides that align with the frame for efficient pin removal and installation.

There's something about certain firearms in movies that just sticks with you long after the credits roll. These aren't necessarily the best guns in real life - hell, some of them are pretty terrible choices for actual use - but they became legends because of how they were used on screen. I'm not claiming this is the definitive list or anything like that. There are probably fifty other guns that could make a case for being here. But these ten? They changed how we think about firearms in movies, and some of them even influenced the real gun market in ways that surprised everyone.

It’s hard to capture the essence of the East vs. West small arms rivalry, the AK vs. M16, but Beach Ballistics’ still life is great for a Photo Of The Day. Most of TFB’s readers were probably not born then, but in the humid jungles of Vietnam, two rifles faced off in silence, symbols of ideologies clashing half a world away. On one side, the Soviet-born AK-47: rugged, simple, and unyielding. On the other, the American M16: lightweight, precise, and high-tech. The AK didn’t mind the mud or the rain; it fired with a vengeance through sand, snow, and time. The M16, elegant and fast, demanded care but rewarded it with accuracy and range.

Two weeks ago, on The Rimfire Report, we took a pre-range look at the new Binary-Equipped Franklin Armory F-22 pistol. From the list of specifications and features, I concluded that this particular entry into the firearms market was meant specifically for those who are frustrated with 10/22 builds that aren’t capitalizing on the fun you can have with the  Franklin BFS III 22-C1 Binary Trigger. Over the last two weeks, I’ve had a couple of range trips with the new binary-equipped pistol, and today we’ll be going over what I’ve observed through about 1,500 rounds of mixed .22LR ammunition.

People who assume I have a favorite brand in optics always get it wrong. Luckily, I own a few long guns, and they all have specific needs. Plus, my needs change, and analogue optics develop over time, although not quite as fast as in the digital arena. For hunting, one of my favorites is the Z8i model line, made in Austria by Swarovski Optics. Just check out this Blaser R8 in Carbon Fiber.

SNT Defense, the American arm of the Korean arms manufacturer formerly known as Daewoo, has posted a new update on the status of their projects. The K2 rifle is still coming, but timelines have been pushed back somewhat. Keep reading for all the details.

JMAC Customs has released its new   1913 Dust Cover Assembly for the popular Zastava M85 and M92 family of AK pistols, or rifles if you’re into doing paperwork. The West Virginia-based company claims its full-length Picatinny assembly, trusted to hold zero on your aiming devices, is precision-designed for versatility and reliability. Having had vast experience with their products, I’m inclined to believe them.

Welcome to TFB Weekly Web Deals 147! We’re back with more deals on guns, gear, ammunition, and accessories from some of our most frequented online retailers like Primary Arms, Natchez Shooters Supply, Palmetto State Armory, Brownells, and more. Whether you’re looking for deals on new or used guns, ammo to add to your reserves, or specific accessories like flashlights, range bags, optics, bipods, and magazines, each week we’ll have new sets of deals that might fulfill one of those needs and save you a few dollars.

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome back to TFB’s Silencer Saturday, brought to you by Yankee Hill Machine, manufacturers of the new Victra-12 shotgun suppressor. Welcome back to another edition of Silencer Saturday. This week, we will be talking about feral threading. Can you do it yourself? Should you do it yourself, let's discuss.

I've been shooting for years, and it's always struck me how certain guns get way more attention than they deserve just because they looked cool in a movie or video game. Don't get me wrong - some of these are decent firearms, but their popularity is completely out of proportion to their actual performance. Hollywood and game developers pick guns based on how they look and sound, not whether they're worth a damn in real life. Here are ten firearms that owe their popularity more to entertainment exposure than actual merit.