The AR-15 platform in its standard caliber, the 5.56mm NATO, is an excellent rifle, but at 500 yards or so, the round’s limitations become pretty apparent. It was, after all, intended as a multi-role combat rifle and not a long-range tack driver. That’s why, in recent years, people have been going with bigger pills and,… Continue reading The Best .224 Valkyrie Uppers: Get Some Longer Distance Pew
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).
9mm Revolver Evolution: The Best on the Market
For more than a century, wheel guns have been a staple in the world of concealed carry. Throughout this vast expanse of time, handheld firearms have seen tremendous innovation, leading many to gravitate towards the efficiency and convenience of semi-automatic firearms, especially in sought-after calibers like the .45 ACP and 9mm. However, it’s an oversimplification… Continue reading 9mm Revolver Evolution: The Best on the Market
Ultimate Guide to Smith & Wesson 9mm Models
Smith & Wesson is a legend for a reason– they have a special place both in past firearms history and today’s gun industry. One of only two publicly-traded firearms companies, Smith is a giant in the field and has so many 9mm pistol variants that it can be a little daunting to try and figure… Continue reading Ultimate Guide to Smith & Wesson 9mm Models
Beretta Bobcat Review: My Take After 30 Years & 4,000 Rounds
The Beretta Model 21A, commonly just called the Bobcat, is an ultra-compact semi-auto pistol offered in .22LR and .25 ACP. With a single-stack magazine that gives the user 7-8 rounds, it is fun to shoot, can be dependable in operation with the right ammo, and is easy to load and operate with its “tip-up” barrel… Continue reading Beretta Bobcat Review: My Take After 30 Years & 4,000 Rounds
Mossberg 500 vs. Remington 870: A Comparison
When it comes to modern pump-action shotguns, two models immediately stand atop the heap– the Mossberg 500 and Remington 870, each accounting for tens of millions produced. We wade into the murky waters of which is the better gun by stacking them side-by-side.
Beretta 92 Guide: Every Model, and Which One I’d Pick
Undoubtedly one of the most popular handguns ever made, the Beretta 92 has been around for a solid half-century and has no signs of going away any time soon. We detailed the 100-year history of Beretta’s pistols previously, but the 92 is a beast of its own. With that, how do you pick a good… Continue reading Beretta 92 Guide: Every Model, and Which One I’d Pick
Sig P365 XMACRO Review: I Fired 1,000+ Rounds, Zero Issues
The P365 XMACRO is a standout in the world of concealed carry firearms. With its impressive recoil control, high round capacity, and adaptability for a variety of shooters, it has quickly become a favorite among enthusiasts. All those attributes make the P365 XMACRO a top choice for anyone seeking a reliable and versatile concealed carry… Continue reading Sig P365 XMACRO Review: I Fired 1,000+ Rounds, Zero Issues
HK 416 Review: My New Take on the Iconic HK416
The 5.56×45mm NATO HK416 A5 occupies a kind of iconic status in the world of guns. Its lineage, historical significance, and performance capabilities have made it the go-to rifle in various spheres of the shooting world, from military and law enforcement agencies as well as gun safes of private owners. Its standing is hard to… Continue reading HK 416 Review: My New Take on the Iconic HK416
FN 545 Review: My 1,000-Round Verdict After 4 Months Of Testing
With a striker-fired answer to the 2011 game that keeps “The Lord’s caliber” at its center, the FN 545 series hits the market with an up to 19-shot capacity in .45 ACP and makes an excellent choice for a lot of users. I put it through the wringer over the past few months and have… Continue reading FN 545 Review: My 1,000-Round Verdict After 4 Months Of Testing
Is a .22 Ammo Revolution Underway?
Something is going on when it comes to .22 caliber ammunition. There is both a move to make current .22LR loads much better, delivering almost unheard-of performance out of guns that already exist, as well as introducing new cartridges to further break the mold.