History

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The Musket that Changed the World: The Land Pattern "Brown Bess"

The Musket that Changed the World: The Land Pattern “Brown Bess”

The Land Pattern Musket and its derivatives were in use for 116 years of official service and close to 160 years of actual use with many incremental changes in its design. It remained in production for 140 years, making the Brown Bess’ production one of the longest production runs for a firearm in history.

When a CIA Huey Won a Dogfight with a Communist Biplane

When a CIA Huey Won a Dogfight with a Communist Biplane

Though hardly what might be considered air combat in the Space Age, in January of 1968 the crew chief on an Air America Huey helicopter did indeed bring down an enemy biplane with an AK47.

America’s Forgotten War & the 1911 That Saved My Friend's Life

America’s Forgotten War & the 1911 That Saved My Friend’s Life

The Korean War era was a confusing time. Almost two million Americans served, and nearly five million people were killed on both sides.

The Boxer That Saved a Princess: “Not Bloody Likely!”

The Boxer That Saved a Princess: “Not Bloody Likely!”

In what is one of the most awesome lines ever uttered in the midst of a gunfight, the frightened, disheveled, irritated daughter of the Queen stated flatly, “Not bloody likely!”

Valerie Solanas, the M1935 Beretta, and the Protracted Murder of Andy Warhol

Valerie Solanas, the M1935 Beretta, and the Protracted Murder of Andy Warhol

In shooting the avant-garde artist, Andy Warhol, a mentally ill aspiring writer named Valerie Solanas did indeed achieve her fifteen minutes of fame.

The Life and Times of the Brain-Damaged Gunslinger Clay Allison

The Life and Times of the Brain-Damaged Gunslinger Clay Allison

Our vision of Old West gunplay was formed by Western movies rather than the Old West itself. The very term “Gunslinger” was an early-20th century concoction. Clay Allison, however, was the real deal.

The San Bernardino Shooters: Husband and Wife Psycho Team

The San Bernardino Shooters: Husband and Wife Psycho Team

What possible darkness could possess two young parents to abandon their 6-month-old daughter and sacrifice their lives to slaughter a building full of innocent people?

WW2, High School Geometry, and the BAR

WW2, High School Geometry, and the BAR

As a nation and as a people we owe those old guys a debt that can never be repaid. Sometimes it behooves us to just be still and ponder how awesome they all were.

The Kent State Shootings: Glimpsing the Heart of Darkness

The Kent State Shootings: Glimpsing the Heart of Darkness

On the campus of Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, forces representing the Establishment were arrayed against a motley mob of some 2,000 students, hippies, stoners, bikers, and sundry anti-war protestors.

Hunters from the Sky: German Fallschirmjagers

Hunters from the Sky: German Fallschirmjagers

Back in 1940, unproven troops using unproven tactics shook the world’s foundations with radical operations like the seizure of the Waalhaven Airfield. Modern armed conflict would never be the same.