There are a few nice things about living where I live; I like the location, I like the set-up of the house, I like the free parking, and I like the free magazine subscription that we get. I am not really sure how it happened but since September we have been receiving Guns & Ammo: Handguns Magazine. This is not a magazine that I would typically read but since the subscription was free I have really got into it, so much so that when the newest issue arrived I felt like a kid on Hanukah morning. For those not familiar with the magazine (anyone who would be reading this) it’s a magazine dedicated specifically to handguns. The cover of the magazine always features a new handgun posed as though it is aiming at the reader, an aesthetic decision that I find almost says, “Read me or get shot.”
As most magazines, Handguns features various advertisements. The difference between Handguns and most magazines is that the advertisements are almost as interesting as the actual articles. Just quickly scanning through this month’s magazine I find one of the first advertisements: It is a picture of a woman’s hand with her fingernails painted. In the woman’s hand is an all black handgun. The background is completely black and there is white text saying “Ladies’ Home Companion” and a website. Other typical advertisements show provocatively dress women holding guns, pictures of the American flag and guns, futuristic looking guns, and/or some clever saying or phrase that compares the world to a gun (i.e.: Your world revolves quickly).
Equally as entertaining are the articles Handguns monthly publishes. One of my favourite articles in the newest issue was entitled “The Backup Place: It may not be convenient, but a second gun is good insurance”. This article is about the importance of always carrying two handguns. At first I got the impression they were talking about the importance for police or military to carry two guns but they are quick to point out that the article is directed towards ‘non-sworn citizens’. The article poses many logical arguments and reasons for carrying two guns such as: Even though one may not need more bullets than their primary gun carries who wants to be standing around after a gun fight with a partially empty gun (not me): What if your primary guns fails?: What if you drop your primary gun?: And you may need to arm someone else on the scene to help you control a situation. Next the author gives important tips for picking a secondary gun “I recommend picking one that you or anyone else can fire without any more instruction past ‘Point and pull the trigger’.”
Just like many magazines, Handguns also has a reoccurring format for their articles. What I mean is that every month they have similar articles such as the gun wish list which feature new gun related gadgets and cool devices (i.e.: a new scope that fits on your handgun). Another reoccurring article examines a particular gun and gives a review of that weapon. The article compares the selected handgun to others and gives some of the strengths and weaknesses of that tool. Finally, and probably my favourite, reoccurring genre of article relates to shooting tips. Keep in mind these are shooting tips for a handgun so they are particular. For example this month’s article explained Tips and Techniques for close combat with your gun. Of the many tips the Speed Rock is my favourite. The Speed Rock is a technique where you pop the handgun out of your holster and fire. In this technique the gun stays on the hip to save the time it takes to get it all the way up to one’s chest (Note: Anyone who has seen the movie Tombstone should be familiar with this move). Other similar articles have included, “how to make your target practice more human-like” and the importance of “practicing target practice directed towards shooting people in the limbs” (or non-fatal shots).
Upon finishing reading an entire issue of the magazine it is hard not to come to the conclusion that gun fights are typical occurrences. After reading an article I often find myself thinking, “Shit, I'll have to remember that for my next gun fight.” The beauty of the arguments made is that they create a world similar to the old Wild West. By reading these arguments the reader is altered into a mind frame where survival seems to be the only important thing, a mind frame I like to refer to as, “Just me and my gun.”
In conclusion Guns & Ammo: Handguns is a very entertaining and well put together magazine. Obviously a lot of its entertainment comes from the culture shock it presents and the ridiculousness of some of the articles; however, the magazine is surprisingly interesting and it often gives good arguments which help provoke thought. For those who are sick of reading magazines about what Snookie and the Situation wore to the Reality TV Awards, or who ranks as the hottest female news anchor, or what Oprah’s dog’s diet consists of, I highly recommend Handguns. Plus who knows, it might give you the advantage in your next gun fight!
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- Aaron
2 comments:
This is a very informative piece of work.. I will most definitely be referring to this magazine in preparation for my next shoot-out!
Fo Real,
Ugly Goose.
I like gun and ammo's and regular search for new article in the internet about new guns. It is nice to read read the information in the magazines to know more things about guns and ammo.
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