Feature-Packed Issues Offer Ample Opportunity
To Reach Consumers & Dealers

Henry’s Big Boy Revolver enjoys the limelight on the cover of the May/June issue of American Handgunner. FMG Special Projects Editor Roy Huntington reviews the classically styled six-shooter — a factory first for the company — offered in .357 Magnum and .38 Special. The Big Boy Revolver features highly polished blued steel throughout the medium-sized frame, a quick-release cylinder and a 4” barrel.

​In addition to countless revolutionary technologies employed by the German U-boats during WWII, submariners were issued with a most peculiar version of the standard German service pistol. Featuring a long barrel, adjustable rear sight and detachable board stock, the Luger Marine Modell 1904 was intended to repel boarders or snipe at enemy captains. In reality, as Will Dabbs, MD explains further, it was seldom used for its intended purpose.

Jeremy Clough believes everyone should shoot a big-bore sixgun. As he points out: it’s the definitive cowboy gun both on screen and in the holsters of Cowboy Action Shooters.

Clough, however, concedes an obvious point: It’s not a good choice for concealed carry. The manual actuation required for each shot, slow reloading and the need to use both hands drop it far down the list of good EDCs. But while a skilled man could get through the night with one if pressed, it is not a solid first choice for most.

In the Sixgunner column, “Making Your Revolver Personal,” Mike “Duke” Venturino lends, “In nearly 60 years of handgunning, during which I’ve owned hundreds of revolvers, I’ve learned much about making them suitable for me personally. That isn’t in regard to gussying them up, but making them as shootable as possible.” Duke comments on the as-is nature of revolvers from his youth compared to the “personalization” trend of today.

Additional highlights in the May/June issue include the Handloading installment, “Tips For The Finicky .32 ACP,” by Lindsey Bertomen, and in Better Shooting, Dave Anderson discusses “What’s A ‘Work’ Gun? You Know If You Know …”

The deadline to reserve space in this issue is Feb. 7. Contact your rep for more information.

Up Next In April GUNS

Shifting sights to GUNS Magazine, the April issue leads off with the rebirth of perhaps the most versatile firearm ever built, thanks to the SSK Firearms’ SSK-50, a new version of the venerable Thompson/Center Contender. Built using modern technology and materials, it fits older T/C barrels along with new manufactured accessories, offering shooters the chance to own multiple “guns” based on a common receiver. Roy Huntington takes the stylish new gun for a spin and declares it “a steal if you ask me!”

Will Dabbs, MD pens a pair of articles on military arms, old and new. In the first, he discusses the backstory of the M1A1 paratrooper carbine — and how a sandwich led to an example of the respected WWII gun being added to his collection. In the second story, Dabbs covers the development and history of another iconic GI gun, albeit from the Middle East, as he evaluates the Israeli Military Industries Galil. Titled “The Rare Successful Combat Compromise,” Dabbs notes it is the only battle rifle to intentionally include a bottle opener!

Many consider the WWII Singer-produced 1911A1 one of the top collectible U.S. military handguns, but Alan Garbers touches on a little-known controversy: whether the North American Arms Limited 1911 should be included in the conversation. The gun never made it past the prototype stage before the war ended, but remaining pre-production examples bring top dollar from materiel collectors.

Those who want to hammer a buck — or boar or bear or similar-sized game — might consider a gun chambered for the new 460 Buckhammer cartridge. GUNS’ globetrotting handgun-hunting expert Mark Hampton has taken game with it in both the U.S. and Europe and offers his thoughts.

A wide variety of stories round out the issue, including John Taffin’s Part II take on 1955, the greatest year ever for revolvers while Massad Ayoob examines the Chiefs Special, one of the most iconic revolvers ever developed. Dave Anderson professes his love for the old Winchester Model 88, and Jeff “Tank” Hoover makes his choice for “one last gun.” April ranges farther afield to examine the Stevens Model 36, cavalry carbines, a new optic from SIG and more.

Inside May GUNS Magazine

In the May issue of GUNS Magazine, the Colt King Cobra revolver, a sublime .22 wheelgun, is put through its paces by none other than Roy Huntington. Other features include a treatise on shooting clutter from Jeff “Tank” Hoover, a review of the S&W Model 52, a DIY project for the Thompson subgun that has Will Dabbs channeling his inner Dillinger, a SIG Romeo 8 shootout and a collectible Colt Navy.

For more information, or to reserve advertising space in GUNS April and/or May issues, contact your FMG rep before the respective Jan. 4 and Feb. 8 deadlines.

March Shooting Industry Preview

Coming up in Shooting Industry’s March issue, Tim Barker’s self-defense series continues with part two (of three) and a focus on long guns. After examining the handgun market in part one, he sets out to discover how shotgun sales, in particular, are fairing. In his conversations with dealers, Barker will glean insights about popular brands, accessories, accompanying ammunition and which has the edge: semi-auto or pump models? He’ll also assess the health of AR sales and even lever guns as part of the long-gun self-defense segment.

Perhaps most importantly, he’ll discover what selling points are often discussed with self-defense customers, including whether or not they’re seeking training during their purchase journey.

As many dealers will attest, retro isn’t dead. Revolvers and lever guns continue to be popular options for customers. Henry’s new revolver (featured in May/June Handgunner), the success of Marlin lever guns and even red dots being added to revolvers such as the Taurus Judge are just a few examples of how this market remains a steady driver of sales and consumer interest.

Now, more than ever, serving under-represented demographics is a key component for dealers when it comes to anyone exploring the facets of firearms ownership. The March issue will emphasize how embracing diversity is just one more way to seize the opportunity to educate others on the sport, safety, community and advocacy of the shooting industry as a whole.

SI Editor Jade Moldae’s “SHOT Show 2024 Reaction” will assess the industry’s biggest trade event of the year. He will focus on the key aspects of the show, including networking opportunities, SHOT University, new products, the Governors Forum, this year’s new addition, the Attorneys General Forum and what dealers are saying about their prospects after attending.

The deadline to reserve space in the March issue of SI is Jan. 30.

CLICK HERE for more January 2024 FMG Inside News