Tom McHale
Tom McHale is an author and Editor of American Handgunner magazine. He’s published seven books to date, most of which focus on Second Amendment-related topics, concealed carry, personal defense, and guns and shooting. During the past 10 years, Tom has published nearly 2,000 articles across a variety of publications.
His civic duty activities include serving as Director of Public Policy and Digital Media for American Constitutional Rights Union and ACRU Action Fund.
Recent Articles
The Art of Reviewing a Semi-Auto Pistol – American Handgunner
Reviewing guns is 38% objective, 54% subjective, and 93% opinion. Those of you who aced Trigonometry might have figured out we blew right past the 100% limit, but that just goes to show that evaluating a gun isn’t an entirely quantifiable exercise. Now that I think about it, there is a word for a perfectly objective gun review. Specifications.
Streamlight TLR-8 sub
The “sub” in this one hints at its small and (extremely) light nature. Designed for compact carry guns like the GLOCK 43X and 48, SA Hellcat, SIG P365 and XL and other common subcompact models. Do check the model numbers carefully; some are gun specific, like the model shown here for GLOCKs with thin rails.
The combo laser and light unit packs a whopping 500 lumens of steady or strobing light (your choice) into the small footprint powered by a CR123A battery. It’ll run for about an hour and a half with light and laser activated.
False Assumptions! You Most Certainly Can Carry a Larger Gun
I’m saying you can carry a larger gun concealed — every day even. To be clear, I’m not talking about one more powerful or in a larger caliber. I’m talking about a handgun physically bigger than the pocket micro mini subatomic ultra-compacts all the rage these days.
A Quick Look at the Bravo Concealment LINKed Holster
Here’s a mea culpa moment: I always feel I “should” carry at least one spare magazine for capacity and failure resistance. Do I follow through? Not nearly often enough.
The M1 Carbine: Still A Thing! | Episode 217
The M1 carbine is arguably one of the most iconic firearms in U.S. history. With over six million made during World War II, the M1 remains popular today. Light, easy to handle, and low-recoil. What’s not to love? The Gun Cranks explore the pros, and maybe cons, of this little rifle. Love it or hate it?
What To Do With Your Guns When You Die | Episode 216
In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "Nothing is certain except death and taxes." And while no one really wants to dwell on their own mortality, it's important to have a plan for what to do with your guns when you inevitably meet your demise. In this must-watch episode for all gun owners, the Gun Cranks share tips on making a plan for your firearms, including downsizing, documentation, and potential challenges to consider.
MotoSchutzen: Motorcycles and Shooting | Episode 215
What do motorcycles have to do with shooting? Plenty, if you take part in Motoschutzen — an invitation-only shooting industry event. This year non-biker GUNS Editor Brent T. Wheat joined the group for a sidecar ride. In this episode of the 'Cranks, he reports back about the guns, the gear and what it's like to cling like a Zebra mussel to a hurtling death-bike!
