IntroductionMilitary weaponry has always played a decisive role in shaping battlefield outcomes. Throughout history, the United States has remained at the forefront of small arms development, continuously refining its arsenal to meet the demands of modern combat. The latest breakthrough in this evolution is the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) Program, which has…
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Articles by Staff Editor on Powder & Lead. In-depth firearms content covering history, reloading, gear reviews, and shooting sports.
The .50-70 Government Cartridge: Black Powder Big Bad Boy
The Complete History and Performance of the .50-70 Government CartridgeIntroduction to the .50-70 GovernmentThe .50-70 Government cartridge holds a unique place in firearms history, marking the transition from muzzleloading muskets to modern breech-loading rifles. Developed by the U.S. Army Ordnance Department in 1866, this centerfire black powder cartridge replaced the aging .58 caliber rifled muskets…
The .300 Blackout Cartridge: Ultimate Stealth Cartridge
Introduction to the .300 BlackoutThe .300 Blackout (also known as .300 BLK or 7.62×35mm) is a modern rifle cartridge engineered for exceptional performance in short-barreled and suppressed firearms. Designed to offer the power of a .30-caliber round while maintaining compatibility with the AR-15 platform, the .300 BLK has become one of the most versatile cartridges…
The .45-75 Winchester Cartridge
The .45-75 Winchester CartridgeThe .45-75 Winchester centerfire cartridge was first introduced in 1876. It was developed for the Winchester Centennial Model 1876 lever-action repeating rifle, created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the United States. The cartridge and the rifle were both geared primarily towards civilian use, particularly for hunting and sport shooting.Design and SpecificationsThe…
Introduction to IPSC: Practical Shooting Competition
IntroductionThe world of competitive shooting is vast, but few disciplines match the excitement and real-world applicability of International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) events. IPSC is a global phenomenon that blends speed, accuracy, and power into a high-octane shooting competition, where competitors must balance fast execution with pinpoint marksmanship. This dynamic sport is not only a…
H&R Arms: History and American Firearms Legacy
IntroductionFew names in the American firearms industry evoke the same sense of nostalgia and practical reliability as Harrington & Richardson (H&R). Founded in 1871, this firearms manufacturer became synonymous with affordability, innovation, and rugged design. Throughout its history, H&R produced some of the most widely used civilian and military firearms, carving out a lasting legacy…
The Maynard Carbine: An Early Breech-Loading Arm
The Maynard Carbine: A Pioneering American Breechloader For a broader look at how it fit among its contemporaries, see our overview of Civil War breech-loading carbines. The Maynard Carbine is a significant milestone in the evolution of American firearms, renowned for its innovative design, exceptional accuracy, and widespread use during the American Civil War. Developed…
Manhattan Firearms: Legacy and Innovation
The Legacy of Manhattan Firearms: Innovation, Competition, and Historical ImpactManhattan Firearms occupies a notable place in the history of American gun manufacturing. Though often overshadowed by larger competitors like Colt and Remington, this company played a crucial role in the development of revolver technology during the mid-19th century. From its founding in the midst of…
Colt’s Sales to the South During the Civil War
Introduction The question of “Did Colt supply guns to the South” during the Civil War has sparked extensive debate among historians and enthusiasts alike. Samuel Colt’s revolvers—renowned for their significant multi-shot capability—transformed battlefield tactics and altered the nature of personal armament in a conflict defined by rapid technological change and fierce competition. This article delves…
Muskets of the American Revolutionary War: Tools of Freedom
Muskets of the American Revolutionary War: Tools of FreedomThe American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), also known as the War of Independence, was a period that marked the birth of a nation—the United States of America. It was a war waged on different fronts and with various weapons. Among them, muskets were the most commonly used firearms…