Home2023-08-14T19:10:25-04:00

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

Nighthawk Thunder Ranch Combat Special: Classy and Dangerous

By |February 2nd, 2023|Categories: Guns, Handguns, Reviews: Guns|Tags: , , , , |

The whole point of mass production is to make something “good enough” for an affordable price. If you want a pistol that ranks among the very best, you’ll look for a gun built more like a Chiron.The folks at Nighthawk Custom coined the phrase, “One gun, one gunsmith” to capture their manufacturing philosophy. It means what it says.Nighthawk starts each 1911 pistol with 46 parts, machined from bar stock billet. They’re intentionally oversized to allow the gunsmith to hand-fit every one to each specific pistol. No parts bins here.

Interview: Dr. Matthew Miller, Executive Director for VA Suicide Prevention

By |January 23rd, 2023|Categories: Life, News|Tags: , |

Live from SHOT Show 2023, Dr. Matthew Miller stopped by to talk about VA Suicide Prevention efforts and the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). For more information, visit https://www.keepitsecure.net. If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves. - Call 988 and select 1 - Text 838255 - or visit https://www.veteranscrisisline.net to start a confidential chat online.

Tactical Foolery Or Effective Concealment?

By |January 10th, 2023|Categories: Concealed Carry, Shooting Tips|Tags: , , , |

It seems all the “cool kids” are carrying concealed in the appendix position these days. You know, the guys with beards, high-speed, low-drag instructors and all manner of serious gun folk. So, is it a “tacti-cool” fad or a responsible and effective method of everyday concealed carry?
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

Title

Go to Top