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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.

The Practical Guide to the United States Constitution

Latest Book Release

THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION

An accurate but entertaining look at the founding documents. The mission is simple: to make the Constitution so simple even a career politician can understand.

Recent Articles

The Art of Reviewing a Semi-Auto Pistol – American Handgunner

By |June 7th, 2023|Categories: General Tips|Tags: , , , |

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

By |June 6th, 2023|Categories: Accessories, Optics, Sights and Lasers|Tags: , , |

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

By |June 6th, 2023|Categories: Concealed Carry, General Tips|Tags: , , , , |

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.
Gun Cranks Podcast
Stupid Potato Launcher Stunts | Episode 214

Stupid Potato Launcher Stunts | Episode 214

Potato Guns! The mere mention brings shudders of fear to the unwashed masses. But fear not, the Gun Cranks demystify the secrets, challenges and those ner-do-wells who populate the potato gun crowd. Did you know potato guns are illegal in some states?! Yikes! Tune in … and wear your seat belt! Warning: We don’t recommend anyone try anything we talk about in this video. We’re “experts,” so got away with it ... mostly.
Machine Guns: Fun or Fearsome? | Episode 213

Machine Guns: Fun or Fearsome? | Episode 213

The Gun Cranks share their varying experiences from the full-auto machinegun world. Fun or fearsome? They are legal — sort of… assuming you’re OK with spending tens of thousands of dollars and a lifetime’s worth of government regulation. We answer the big questions… What’s the best full-auto fun gun? Will these outrageously expensive pieces of hardware become worthless with some bureaucrat’s stroke of the pen? Is there enough ammo on planet earth to feed them, and can you even afford the care and feeding bill?
Introducing The "Hold My Beer" Awards | Episode 212

Introducing The “Hold My Beer” Awards | Episode 212

We've all heard them uttered. Those famous last words right before someone does something dumb or dangerous, or in most cases, both ... "Hold my beer!" This week, the Gun Cranks scoured the internet (and yes, got paid to do so) in order to bring you the first-ever "Hold My Beer" Awards. Do you agree with who won?

The Practical Guide to the United States Constitution

The Practical Guide to the United States Constitution

The Practical Guide to the United States Constitution offers a historically accurate and entertaining owners’ manual for the founding documents. It covers the how’s, what’s, and why’s of the United States Constitution, but with a side of fun. The mission is simple: to make the Constitution so easy to understand even a career politician can grasp it.

This Practical Guide covers the underlying concepts of natural rights and consent-based government. Hint: it’s not to subpoena and investigate each other. The book also clarifies how each of the three primary founding documents, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, work together to define the goals, theory, and mechanics of the American system.

The Practical Guide to Reloading Ammunition

The Practical Guide to Reloading Ammunition

The Practical Guide to Reloading ammunition focuses on the “how-to” aspects of reloading. Technical manuals and books full of arcane data can make the subject mysterious and overwhelming. No more! The Practical Guide to Reloading Ammunition teaches the subject in a fun, easy-to-understand, and safe manner.

Starting from the very beginning, The Practical Guide to Reloading Ammunition will help readers understand the gear they need – and what can wait. Chapter by chapter, the book explains the entire process from brass cleaning to final inspection. Loaded with pictures and illustrations, the process is made simple and clear. With this book, readers will be reloading their own cost-effective ammunition quickly and safely.

The Practical Guide to Guns and Shooting, Handgun Edition

The Practical Guide to Guns and Shooting, Handgun Edition

If you’re thinking about buying a gun, are new to shooting, or maybe you just aren’t as comfortable with the topic as you’d like, we can help you get up to speed quickly and easily. Like any new endeavor, learning the ropes of selecting and buying guns, ammunition, and accessories can be intimidating. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to shoot correctly and safely.

The Practical Guide To Guns and Shooting, Handgun Edition will make you comfortable, safe, and knowledgeable in no time.

The Practical Guide to Gun Holsters for Concealed Carry

The Practical Guide to Gun Holsters for Concealed Carry

Choosing the best way to carry a gun can be a daunting task. Whether you’re new to guns or have been shooting since you were a wee tot, this book can help you understand concealed carry methods, how to carry a gun safely, and the relative pros and cons of over 120 specific holster models. We’ll even teach you several ways to carry a gun in your underwear.

This book will help you make the right choice – saving you time and money – while offering a dose of humor while you learn.

30 Days to Concealed Carry Confidence

Armed and Ready: Your Comprehensive Guide to Concealed Carry Confidence

Armed and Ready: Your Comprehensive Guide to Concealed Carry Confidence

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