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).

News: P210 Carry Custom Works, DBX 57 Stormtrooper, SA Threaded Barrels, & Girsan Negotiator

Springfield Armory Threaded Barrels xdm0901-1080x510-2-2

P210 Carry Custom Works SIG has added a new Custom Works P210 model to its catalog this month. With the Germans and Swiss no longer making the vaunted classic, it has been left to the American branch to keep the flame going on these single-action single-stack 9mm handguns. The newest model takes the rather plain… Continue reading News: P210 Carry Custom Works, DBX 57 Stormtrooper, SA Threaded Barrels, & Girsan Negotiator

A Long Term Review of the PSA PA-15

Palmetto State PA-15 (4)

In today’s review, we’ll be diving deep into the world of affordable, American-made firearms as we explore the Palmetto State PA-15 rifle. Known for its balance of value and performance, the PA-15 has become a popular choice for those looking to enter the AR-15 market without breaking the bank — but does it really stand… Continue reading A Long Term Review of the PSA PA-15

Trigger Lock Buyer’s Guide: Quality Options for Gun Security

A classic .45 pistol

Proper gun safety is a cornerstone of responsible gun ownership. But sometimes, a gun safe or cabinet won’t fit the bill. Some can take too long to open – preventing you from accessing your weapon in a hurry -and they tend to be both very large and expensive – meaning you need to be ready… Continue reading Trigger Lock Buyer’s Guide: Quality Options for Gun Security

News: Lone Wolf DUSK19 Pistols, Grayguns’ P320 Verdict, & Movie Mausers Hit the Market

Lone Wolf Dusk 19

Lone Wolf DUSK19 Series Pistols One of the biggest (and original) players in the Glock clone game is looking to carve some more market away from Gaston. At the CANCON event at the Ben Avery Range in Phoenix, Arizona over the weekend, Lone Wolf announced the DUSK19 series of complete 9mm pistols. The new handgun… Continue reading News: Lone Wolf DUSK19 Pistols, Grayguns’ P320 Verdict, & Movie Mausers Hit the Market

Ultimate Guide to Side Charging Upper Receivers: Pros, Cons, and Top Picks

  The AR-15, when in well-trained hands, is one of the most capable weapons systems ever designed. That longstanding performance and adoption of the firearm across the globe is a testament to Eugene Stoner‘s engineering brilliance. Of course, no gun is perfect, and with time innovations give every platform an opportunity for an update. One… Continue reading Ultimate Guide to Side Charging Upper Receivers: Pros, Cons, and Top Picks

Top MP 15-22 Suppressors: Quiet Your Rimfire AR In Style

Smith & Wesson’s M&P 15-22 is a quality firearm that will quickly become anyone’s rimfire favorite. The M&P 15-22 is Smith & Wesson’s .22 variant of the tactical M&P 15 semi-automatic rifle. This firearm is designed for recreational shooting (plinking) as well as small-game hunting. It was modeled after the traditional AR-15 but – thanks… Continue reading Top MP 15-22 Suppressors: Quiet Your Rimfire AR In Style

The 16 Coolest Things We Saw at NRA Show

BFR 360 Buckhammer Alt

We hit the aisles at the 152nd NRA Annual Meetings in Indy over the weekend and scoped out all the interesting stuff to talk about. Buckle up and dive in!

Complete Guide to 6.5 Grendel Bolt Carrier Groups

The 6.5 Grendel is a flat shooting round with little recoil, so many shooters are switching to this caliber in their ARs. However, to change to this caliber, you need to change the upper, including the bolt carrier group (BCG). What are the best 6.5 BCGs? I’m glad you asked because we compiled this list… Continue reading Complete Guide to 6.5 Grendel Bolt Carrier Groups