The CZ Shadow 2 has dominated competition shooting since 2016, racking up national championships and filling holsters at USPSA matches across the world. But at 46.5 ounces with a manual safety and no firing pin block, the full-size Shadow 2 was always a competition gun first—everyday carry capability was theoretical at best. That changes with… Continue reading CZ Shadow 2 Carry Review: Competition Genetics Meet EDC Performance
Author: Michael Crites
Michael Crites has served as executive editor of AmericanFirearms.org since 2016 and previously held positions as associate editor and range correspondent dating back to 2000. He discovered his passion for precision shooting at age 12 during his first visit to his grandfather's shooting range, eventually earning an Expert classification in three different shooting disciplines before age 18.
During his studies at University of Wyoming, he earned four varsity letters on the collegiate rifle and pistol teams, serving as team captain for three consecutive years. He became the first UW student to complete the NRA Range Safety Officer certification while maintaining full-time student status. He graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Sports Communications.
His diverse career has included roles as Range Safety Coordinator for the National Rifle Championships in Camp Perry 2001; editor-in-chief, Precision Shooter Quarterly; series editor, Modern Firearms Handbook collection; managing editor, National Shooting Sports Foundation Newsletter; editor, Competitive Shooter Magazine; operations director for Western Arms & Ammunition Co.; senior editor for the Shooter's Reference Annual (Cheyenne); content director for The Firearms Report, published by the American Shooting Coalition in Billings, MT; firearms correspondent for Hunting & Shooting, produced by Outdoor Sports Media Group in Jackson, WY; and publisher for Wyoming Shooting Sports Journal in Casper. He has contributed as a regular columnist for American Rifleman (NRA Publications), technical editor for Precision, a publication of the National Bench Rest Shooters Association (Phoenix, AZ); and as firearms specialist for the Gun Owner's Annual.
As a digital content creator, he has written more than 400 articles on AmericanFirearms.org, developed shooting technique coverage for the Brownells Shooting Blog (Montezuma, IA) and Federal Premium "Range Notes" platform (Anoka, MN), and served as lead content strategist for International Defensive Pistol Association (Berryville, AR). Beyond Tactical Firearms, his current endeavors include content development for the Wyoming State Rifle Association (Cheyenne, WY) and technical manual production for High Plains Publishing of Laramie, WY.
He has contributed to the 12th, 13th, and 14th editions of Modern Sporting Rifles Guide and edited The Complete Guide to Tactical Shooting and Competitive Shooter's Reference Manual (Gun Digest Books).
Springfield Armory Kuna Review: Roller-Delayed Pew Without the Premium Price
The Springfield Armory Kuna delivers authentic roller-delayed blowback operation at a price that disrupts the premium pistol caliber carbine market. While enthusiasts have long coveted the smooth-shooting characteristics of HK’s legendary MP5, its $3,000+ price tag kept that dream out of reach for most shooters. The recently introduced Kuna changes that equation entirely. Manufactured by… Continue reading Springfield Armory Kuna Review: Roller-Delayed Pew Without the Premium Price
The Best Beginner Hunting Rifles
A hunter is, ultimately, only as good as his or her rifle. Yet finding the best hunting rifle for your next expedition can be a trickier business than you might think. With so many rifles on the market these days, you’re almost inundated with too many choices – and way too many price points –… Continue reading The Best Beginner Hunting Rifles
The Best Under Bed Gun Safes
Storing your guns safely is arguably the primary responsibility of any gun owner. However, you also want your guns to be relatively close at hand in case you need them for a self-defense situation or if you’re visited by an unwanted house guest while asleep in your bed. An under bed gun safe is an… Continue reading The Best Under Bed Gun Safes
PMAG Gen 2 vs Gen 3: A Comparison
Magpul has been behind some of the most reliable firearm products in the world for over a decade. Their polymer PMAG magazines have seen use and abuse in nearly every environment on Earth and will continue to do so for a while given the green light from Uncle Sam and militaries across the globe. A… Continue reading PMAG Gen 2 vs Gen 3: A Comparison
Best Gun Safe Dehumidifiers: Keep Your Firearms Rust-Free
Dehumidifiers are the perfect accessory for a gun safe. They regulate a safes internal humidity levels so your firearms will retain their cosmetic integrity and optimal functionality. Failing to control your gun safe’s humidity can result in rust or corrosion – which completely defeats the purpose of storing them to begin with. We’ve compiled a… Continue reading Best Gun Safe Dehumidifiers: Keep Your Firearms Rust-Free
The Best AR-15 Lower Parts Kits
The Russians have a saying – “a man is not a man until he has broken a horse, fathered a child, and built a house.” I’d add “and built an AR-15” to that list. It’s a bit of a right of passage for every firearm enthusiast — one day you’ll decide it’s time to build… Continue reading The Best AR-15 Lower Parts Kits
The Best Browning Guns
What are the best Browning firearms you can buy? John Browning is a pillar of American firearm design. He has made major contributions to the world of firearms – in military and civilian firearms, cartridges, and gun mechanisms. His contributions made such an impact that both shooters and firearms historians consider him a legend. Who… Continue reading The Best Browning Guns
The Best Gun Safes & Cabinets
Someone once said that with great power comes great responsibility. And as a proponent of the 2nd amendment, there are few responsibilities more significant than keeping your weapon out of the wrong hands. Striking a balance between security and availability can be a challenge, and navigating the array of features of American firearm safes can… Continue reading The Best Gun Safes & Cabinets
Best AR-15 Foregrip Bipods
The grip area of your AR is critical for mobility, shot placement, and overall effectiveness with your weapon. Given the customizability of the AR platform, we’ve seen some real innovation in the world of combination grip/bipods (sometimes called “grip pods’ by the tacticool set) that give your rifle another layer of capability. Plus – for… Continue reading Best AR-15 Foregrip Bipods