American Shooting Journal - Sept 2026

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•20” •20” BARREL BARREL WITH WITH 3”3” CHAMBER CHAMBER •RAMP •RAMP FRONT FRONT SIGHT SIGHT •O•O NLYNLY 7 LBS 7 LBS STOCK STOCK ANDAND FOREND FOREND •SYNTHETIC •SYNTHETIC

•3•3 MOBIL MOBIL EXTENDED EXTENDED WITH WITH CASE CASE CHOKES CHOKES

2 GUNS 2 GUNS IN IN ONE! ONE! •3”•3” CHAMBER CHAMBER •28” •28” HUNTING HUNTING BARREL BARREL -VENT -VENT RIB-1 RIBM -1ODMCODHOKE CHOKE - BEAD - BEAD SIGHT SIGHT CAPACITY CAPACITY •18.5” •18.5” DEFENSE DEFENSE BARREL BARREL -FIXED -FIXED CYL CCYLHOKE CHOKE -RIFLE -RIFLE SIGHT SIGHT4+14+1 •W•W ALNUT ALNUT STOCK STOCK ANDAND FOREARM FOREARM •MODIFIED •MODIFIED CHOKE CHOKE INCLUDED INCLUDED$ $ 8888 REGREG EIGHS EIGHS 6.1-6.6 6.1-6.6 LBS LBS •ALUMINUM •ALUMINUM RECEIVER RECEIVER $ $ REGREG 330 330 •W•W $ $ 99 429 42999 •28” •28” BARREL BARREL ACCEPTS ACCEPTS MOBIL MOBIL STYLESTYLE CHOKES CHOKES #GFA862919 #GFA862919

1177998888

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INERTIA INERTIAOO NE NE12 12 GAGA18” 18”SS EMI EMI -A-A UTO UTO 4+14+1 CAPACITY CAPACITY

198 198

INERTIA INERTIAOO NE NE12 12 GAGA24” 24”SS EMI EMI -A-A UTO UTO

5+15+1 CAPACITY CAPACITY

•18.5” •18.5” BARREL BARREL 3” 3” CHAMBER CHAMBER •FIBER •FIBER OPTIC OPTIC SIGHT SIGHT •ADJUSTABLE •ADJUSTABLE REAR REAR SIGHT SIGHT •PICATINNY •PICATINNY OPTIC OPTIC RAILRAIL •SYNTHETIC •SYNTHETIC STOCK STOCK ANDAND FOREND FOREND

•4 •4 MOBIL MOBIL CHOKES CHOKES WITH WITH CASE CASE

179 1798888

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•24” •24” BARREL BARREL 3” 3” CHAMBER CHAMBER •FIBER •FIBER OPTIC OPTIC FRONT FRONT SIGHT SIGHT •ADJUSTABLE •ADJUSTABLE REARREAR SIGHT SIGHT •PICATINNY •PICATINNY OPTIC OPTIC RAILRAIL •SYNTHETIC •SYNTHETIC STOCK STOCK ANDAND FOREND FOREND

•4 •4 MOBIL MOBIL CHOKES CHOKES WITH WITH CASE CASE

FULLF,ULL M,ODIFIED MODIFIED , IMP , I.MP CYLINDER . CYLINDER , CYLINDER , CYLINDER

179 1798888

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REGREG $ 99 399 39999

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MAG-35 MAG-351212 GAGA 24”/30” 24”/30”PUMP PUMPSHOTGUN SHOTGUN

MAG-35 MAG-351212 GAGA 24”/30” 24”/30”PUMP PUMPSHOTGUN SHOTGUN

4+14+1 CAPACITY CAPACITY

4+14+1 CAPACITY CAPACITY

3.5” 3.5” CHAMBER CHAMBER

3.5” 3.5” CHAMBER CHAMBER

•24” •24” BARREL BARREL 3.5” 3.5” CHAMBER CHAMBER •BEAD •BEAD FRONT FRONT SIGHT SIGHT •SYNTHETIC •SYNTHETIC STOCK STOCK ANDAND FOREND FOREND •SLING •SLING SWIVELS SWIVELS

•6”•6” BARREL BARREL EXTENSION EXTENSION

189 1898888

PERFORMS PERFORMS AS AAS30” A 30” SHOTGUN SHOTGUN WITHWITH FULLFULL CHOKE CHOKE$ $

•5 •5 CHOKES CHOKES WITH WITH CASE CASE

REGREG $ $ 404 404

FULLF,ULL M,ODIFIED MODIFIED , IMP , IMP MODM, OD CYLINDER , CYLINDER , IMP , IMP CYL CYL #SESSMSYN1224 #SESSMSYN1224

MAG-35 MAG-351212 GAGA 28” 28”PP UMP UMP SS HOTGUN HOTGUN

4+14+1 CAPACITY CAPACITY

REALTREE REALTREE MAX-5 MAX-5 CAMO CAMO

•24” •24” BARREL BARREL 3.5” 3.5” CHAMBER CHAMBER •BEAD •BEAD FRONT FRONT SIGHT SIGHT •SYNTHETIC •SYNTHETIC STOCK STOCK ANDAND FOREND FOREND •SLING •SLING SWIVELS SWIVELS

198 1988888

•6”•6” BARREL BARREL EXTENSION EXTENSION

PERFORMS PERFORMS AS AAS30” A 30” SHOTGUN SHOTGUN WITHWITH FULLFULL CHOKE CHOKE$ $

•5 •5 CHOKES CHOKES WITH WITH CASE CASE

$

•5 •5 CHOKES CHOKES WITH WITH CASE CASE

189 189

REGREG

404404 FULLF,ULL M,ODIFIED MODIFIED , IMP , IMP MODM, OD CYLINDER , CYLINDER , IMP , IMP CYL CYL #SESSMSYN1228 #SESSMSYN1228 $

$

MAG-35 MAG-351212 GAGA 28” 28”PP UMP UMP SS HOTGUN HOTGUN 4+14+1 CAPACITY CAPACITY

REALTREE REALTREE MAX-5 MAX-5 CAMO CAMO

4+14+1 CAPACITY CAPACITY

3.5” 3.5” CHAMBER CHAMBER

•28” •28” BARREL BARREL 3.5” 3.5” CHAMBER CHAMBER •BEAD •BEAD FRONT FRONT SIGHT SIGHT •SYNTHETIC •SYNTHETIC STOCK STOCK ANDAND FOREND FOREND •SLING •SLING SWIVELS SWIVELS •DUAL •DUAL COCKING COCKING ACTION ACTION BARSBARS FORFOR STRENGTH STRENGTH LENGTH LENGTH •14.25” •14.25” OF P OFULL PULL $$ 8888

198 198

•5 •5 CHOKES CHOKES WITH WITH CASE CASE

REGREG

404404 #SESSMRTM51228 FULLF,ULL M,ODIFIED MODIFIED , IMP , IMP MODM, OD CYLINDER , CYLINDER , IMP , IMP CYL CYL#SESSMRTM51228 $

$

RZ17 RZ1712 12 GA GA28” 28”PP UMP UMPSS HOTGUN HOTGUN

REALTREE REALTREE XTRA XTRA CAMO CAMO 4+14+1 CAPACITY CAPACITY 3.5” 3.5” CHAMBER CHAMBER

•28” •28” BARREL BARREL 3.5” 3.5” CHAMBER CHAMBER •BEAD •BEAD FRONT FRONT SIGHT SIGHT •SYNTHETIC •SYNTHETIC STOCK STOCK ANDAND FOREND FOREND •SLING •SLING SWIVELS SWIVELS •DUAL •DUAL COCKING COCKING ACTION ACTION BARSBARS FORFOR STRENGTH STRENGTH LENGTH LENGTH •14.25” •14.25” OF P OFULL PULL $$ 8888

•5 •5 CHOKES CHOKES WITH WITH CASE CASE

$

MAG-35 MAG-351212 GAGA 28” 28”PP UMP UMP SS HOTGUN HOTGUN

3.5” 3.5” CHAMBER CHAMBER

•28” •28” BARREL BARREL 3.5” 3.5” CHAMBER CHAMBER •BEAD •BEAD FRONT FRONT SIGHT SIGHT •SYNTHETIC •SYNTHETIC STOCK STOCK ANDAND FOREND FOREND •SLING •SLING SWIVELS SWIVELS •DUAL •DUAL COCKING COCKING ACTION ACTION BARSBARS FORFOR STRENGTH STRENGTH LENGTH LENGTH •14.25” •14.25” OF P OFULL PULL $$ 8888

REGREG

404404 FULLF,ULL M,ODIFIED MODIFIED , IMP , IMP MODM, OD CYLINDER , CYLINDER , IMP , IMP CYL CYL#SESSMRTM51224 #SESSMRTM51224

198 198

REGREG $ 404 404

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•28” •28” VENT VENT RIBRBIBARREL BARREL 3” 3” CHAMBER CHAMBER •BEAD •BEAD FRONT FRONT SIGHT SIGHT •SYNTHETIC •SYNTHETIC STOCK STOCK ANDAND FOREND FOREND •SLING •SLING SWIVELS SWIVELS

•5•5 MOBIL MOBIL CHOKES CHOKES WITH WITH CASE CASE FULLF,ULL IMP , I.MP M.ODIFIED MODIFIED , M,ODIFIED MODIFIED , , IMPI.MP CYLINDER . CYLINDER , CYLINDER , CYLINDER

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249 2499999

•18” •18” FREEFREE FLOAT FLOAT 1:16” 1:16” TWIST TWIST BARREL BARREL •FIBER •FIBER OPTIC OPTIC FRONT FRONT & R&EARREAR SIGHTS SIGHTS $ $

•16” •16” STAINLESS STAINLESS BARREL BARREL THREADED THREADED 11/16 11/16 X24X24 •M•M AGPUL AGPUL ELGELG STOCK STOCK & F&OREND FOREND

1199 11999999

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•S •S FFINISH FFINISH SSTAINLESS SSTAINLESS SSTEEL SSTEEL •SATIN ATIN •SATIN ATIN INISH INISH TAINLESS TAINLESS TEEL TEEL

•ADJUSTABLE •ADJUSTABLE SKINNER SKINNER ™ S™ IGHTS SIGHTS FRONT FRONT & R&EARREAR •5RD•5TRD UBULAR TUBULAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •STAINLESS •STAINLESS RECEIVER RECEIVER & L& EVER LEVER

•BEECHWOOD •BEECHWOOD STOCK STOCK WITHWITH SLINGSLING STUDS STUDS •15•15 RD TRD UBETUBE FED FMEDAGAZINE MAGAZINE #ROS229802 #ROS229802

HAMMERLI HAMMERLI FORCE FORCE B1B1 22 22 LRLR STRAIGHT STRAIGHT PULL PULL

SAUER SAUER && SOHN SOHN 100 100 CLASSIC CLASSIC XT XT SYNTHETIC SYNTHETIC 6.5 6.5 CREEDMOOR CREEDMOOR

MADE MADE IN GERMANY IN GERMANY

STRAIGHT STRAIGHT PULL PULL BOLT BOLT ACTION ACTION

REGREG

$ $ 1649 1649 #MAR70912 #MAR70912

•ADJUSTABLE •ADJUSTABLE TRIGGER TRIGGER 2.2-4.2 2.2-4.2 LBS LBS •22” •22” COLDCOLD HAMMER HAMMER FORGED FORGED BARREL BARREL -1:8.66” -1:8.66” TWIST TWIST $ $ 99 99 $$ 9999•DRILLED •DRILLED & T&APPED TAPPED - ACCEPTS - ACCEPTS REMR700 EM700 SCOPE SCOPE BASES BASES REG REG •1-5 •1-5 RD D RDETACHABLE DETACHABLE MAGMAG 949949 #SAUS1S65C #SAUS1S65C •T HREE •T HREE P OSITION P OSITION S AFETY S AFETY •S LING •S LING S WIVELS S WIVELS I NCLUDED I NCLUDED #HAM5800100 #HAM5800100

INNOVATIVE INNOVATIVE DESIGN DESIGN TAKEDOWN TAKEDOWN & QUICK & QUICK BARREL BARREL CHANGE CHANGE •16.1” •16.1” BARREL BARREL - THREADED - THREADED 1/21/2 X28X28 •WOOD •WOOD STOCK STOCK •INTEGRATED •INTEGRATED PICATINNY PICATINNY OPTIC OPTIC RAILRAIL •ADJUSTABLE •ADJUSTABLE STOCK STOCK - LENGTH - LENGTH ANDAND COMB COMB MADE MADE IN IN RETAIL RETAIL ® ® $ GERMANY 649$649 •ONE•O10 NERD 1010/22 RD 10/22 MAGAZINE MAGAZINE INCLUDED INCLUDED GERMANY ® ® •ACCEPTS •ACCEPTS RUGER RUGER 10/22 10/22MAGAZINES MAGAZINES & T& RIGGERS TRIGGERS

549 549

349 349

$

SAUER SAUER && SOHN SOHN 100 100 CLASSIC CLASSIC XT XT SYNTHETIC SYNTHETIC

300 300 WIN WIN MAG MAG

MADE MADE IN GERMANY IN GERMANY

$

SAUER SAUER && SOHN SOHN 100 100 CLASSIC CLASSIC XT XT SYNTHETIC SYNTHETIC

6.5 6.5 PRC PRC

MADE MADE IN GERMANY IN GERMANY

•ADJUSTABLE •ADJUSTABLE TRIGGER TRIGGER 2.2-4.2 2.2-4.2 LBS LBS •ADJUSTABLE •ADJUSTABLE TRIGGER TRIGGER 2.2-4.2 2.2-4.2 LBS LBS •24” •24” COLDCOLD HAMMER HAMMER FORGED FORGED BARREL BARREL -1:8” -1:8” TWIST TWIST •24” •24” COLDCOLD HAMMER HAMMER FORGED FORGED BARREL BARREL -1:11” -1:11” TWIST TWIST $$ 9999 9999•DRILLED •DRILLED •DRILLED & T&APPED TAPPED - ACCEPTS - ACCEPTS REMR700 EM700 SCOPE SCOPE BASES BASES$ $ •D RILLED & T & APPED T APPED A CCEPTS A CCEPTS R EMR700 EM700 S COPE S COPE B ASES B ASES REG REG REG REG •1-4 •1-4 RD D RDETACHABLE DETACHABLE MAGMAG •1-4 RD D RDETACHABLE DETACHABLE MAGMAG 949949 949949 •1-4 #SAUS1S65P #SAUS1S65P •THREE •THREE POSITION POSITION SAFETY SAFETY •SLING •SLING SWIVELS SWIVELS INCLUDED INCLUDED •THREE •THREE POSITION POSITION SAFETY SAFETY •SLING •SLING SWIVELS SWIVELS INCLUDED INCLUDED #SAUS1S300 #SAUS1S300

549 549 $

549 549 $

$

1892 1892 DELUXE DELUXE SHORT SHORT RIFLE RIFLE 44 44 MAG MAG ONLY ONLY A FEW A FEW MADE! MADE!

$

1892 1892 DELUXE DELUXE SHORT SHORT RIFLE RIFLE 357 357 MAG MAG

ONLY ONLY A FEW A FEW MADE! MADE!

TURNBULL TURNBULL CASE CASE HARDENED HARDENED

•20” •20” ROUND ROUND BARREL BARREL 1:26” 1:26” TWIST TWIST •STRAIGHT •STRAIGHT GRIPGRIP WALNUT WALNUT STOCK STOCK

•BRASS •BRASS BEADBEAD FRONT FRONT - SEMI - S-B EMI UCKHORN -BUCKHORN REARREAR SIGHTSIGHT

1499 1499

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BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL POLISHED POLISHED BLUE BLUE FINISH FINISH & GRADE & GRADE 5/65/6 DELUXE DELUXE WALNUT WALNUT

SERIAL SERIAL NUMBERS NUMBERS BELOW BELOW 60 60 CALL CALL FORFOR SERIAL SERIAL # PREFERENCE # PREFERENCE

9999

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CALL CALL FORFOR SERIAL SERIAL # PREFERENCE # PREFERENCE

1892 1892DELUXE DELUXESHORT SHORTRIFLE RIFLE45 45 COLT COLT

116699 999999

•BRASS •BRASS BEADBEAD FRONT FRONT - SEMI - S-B EMI UCKHORN -BUCKHORN REARREAR SIGHTSIGHT

BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL FINISH FINISH & GRADE & GRADE 5/65/6 DELUXE DELUXE WALNUT WALNUT

LOW LOW SERIAL SERIAL NUMBERS NUMBERS BELOW BELOW 40 40

#WIN534318124 #WIN534318124

ONLY ONLY A FEW A FEW MADE! MADE!

•20” •20” ROUND ROUND BARREL BARREL 1:18.75” 1:18.75” TWIST TWIST •STRAIGHT •STRAIGHT GRIPGRIP WALNUT WALNUT STOCK STOCK #WIN534318137CC #WIN534318137CC

1892 1892DELUXE DELUXESHORT SHORTRIFLE RIFLE45 45 COLT COLT

ONLY ONLY A FEW A FEW MADE! MADE!

TWIST TWIST 1:26” 1:26” BARREL BARREL ROUND ROUND •18” •18” STOCK STOCK WALNUT WALNUT GRIPGRIP •STRAIGHT •STRAIGHT

•BRASS •BRASS BEADBEAD FRONT FRONT - SEMI - S-B EMI UCKHORN -BUCKHORN REARREAR SIGHTSIGHT

1699 1699

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GRADE GRADE 5/65/6 DELUXE DELUXE WALNUT WALNUT COLOR COLOR CASE CASE HARDENED HARDENED RECEIVER RECEIVER

SINGLE SINGLE DIGIT DIGIT SERIAL SERIAL NUMBERS NUMBERS 2, 42,&4 6! & 6! CALL CALL FORFOR SERIAL SERIAL # PREFERENCE # PREFERENCE

9999

#WIN534320141 #WIN534320141

1873 1873 DELUXE DELUXE SHORT SHORT RIFLE RIFLE 357 357 MAG MAG

•20” •20” ROUND ROUND BARREL BARREL 1:26” 1:26” TWIST TWIST •STRAIGHT •STRAIGHT GRIPGRIP WALNUT WALNUT STOCK STOCK

•BRASS •BRASS BEADBEAD FRONT FRONT - SEMI - S-B EMI UCKHORN -BUCKHORN REARREAR SIGHTSIGHT

1499 14999999

$$

BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL POLISHED POLISHED BLUE BLUE FINISH FINISH & GRADE & GRADE 5/65/6 DELUXE DELUXE WALNUT WALNUT

SERIAL SERIAL NUMBERS NUMBERS BELOW BELOW 60 60 CALL CALL FORFOR SERIAL SERIAL # PREFERENCE # PREFERENCE

#WIN534318141 #WIN534318141

7070 EXTREME EXTREME TRUE TRUE TIMBER TIMBER VSX VSX 300WSM 300WSM

ONLY ONLY A FEW A FEW MADE! MADE!

•THREADED •THREADED MUZZLE MUZZLE BRAKE BRAKE •20” •20” ROUND ROUND BARREL BARREL 1:18.75” 1:18.75” TWIST TWIST •24” •24” FLUTED FLUTED 1:10” 1:10” TWIST TWIST FREEFREE FLOATING FLOATING BARREL BARREL •STRAIGHT •STRAIGHT GRIPGRIP GRADE GRADE III III WALNUT WALNUT STOCK STOCK •CERAKOTE •CERAKOTE TUNGSTEN TUNGSTEN FINISH FINISH •JEWELED •JEWELED BOLTBOLT BODY BODY •CASE •CASE HARDENED HARDENED RECEIVER RECEIVER , FOREND , FOREND CAPC&APB&UTTBUTT PLATE PLATE 9999 •BELL & C&ARLSON CARLSON STOCK STOCK •PACHMAYR •PACHMAYR RECOIL RECOIL PADP$ AD $ 9999•BELL •BRASS •BRASS BEADBEAD FRONT FRONT - SEMI - S-B EMI UCKHORN -BUCKHORN REARRSEAR IGHT SIGHT$ $ ® ® REG REG •3-P •3-P OSITION OSITION SAFETY SAFETY •TRUE •TTRUE IMBER TIMBER VSXVSX CAMO CAMO 1989 1989 SERIAL SERIAL NUMBER NUMBER 2 &2 3&AVAILABLE 3 AVAILABLE •3-R •3-R OUND OUND H INGED H INGED F LOORPLATE F LOORPLATE M AGAZINE M AGAZINE #WIN535244255 #WIN535244255 CALL CALL FORFOR SERIAL SERIAL # PREFERENCE # PREFERENCE #WIN534202137 #WIN534202137

799 11799

1399 1399 $

$

A M ERIC AN

SHOOTING JOURNAL Volume 16 // Issue 1 // September 2026 PUBLISHER James R. Baker GENERAL MANAGER John Rusnak EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andy Walgamott OFFICE MANAGER / COPY EDITOR Katie Aumann LEAD CONTRIBUTOR Frank Jardim CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Askew, Scott Haugen, Mike Nesbitt, Linda Pawela, Paul Pawela SALES MANAGER Paul Yarnold ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kelley Miller, Janene Mukai DESIGNER Katrina Ngor PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Emily Baker WEBMASTER / INBOUND MARKETING Jon Hines INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER Lois Sanborn ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@americanshootingjournal.com

ON THE COVER Rodney Magallan’s story is about much more than being a member of SEAL Team 6. Linda and Paul Pawela share the unexpected wisdom that Magallan’s time at the forefront of risk with the US Navy, CIA and US Marshals taught him about life and success. (RODNEY MAGALLAN)

Website: AmericanShootingJournal.com Facebook: Facebook.com/AmericanShootingJournal X: @AmShootingJourn Reddit: r/AMSJ/

MEDIA INDEX PUBLISHING GROUP 941 Powell Ave SW, Suite 120, Renton, WA 98057 (206) 382-9220 • (800) 332-1736 • Fax (206) 382-9437 media@media-inc.com • www.media-inc.com

8 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

VOLUME 16 • ISSUE 1

CONTENTS

cover story

18

LIFE AT THE TIP OF THE SPEAR

Rodney Magallan has made his living at the tip of the spear, but out of those decades spent in dangerous places doing dangerous jobs came unexpected wisdom about the importance of everyone and everything supporting him. Linda and Paul Pawela profile this retired service member, husband, father and book author.

(RODNEY MAGALLAN)

FEATURES 24

HUNTING AFRICA 101 So, you’re thinking about going on your first safari? Professional hunter Nathan Askew knows a thing or two about that. He breaks down the top countries, what sort of plains and dangerous game they hold, and how to manage expectations on what could be the best hunt of your life – one that will leave you wanting more!

37

ROAD HUNTER: THE VALUE OF ELK RUBS When bull elk tear up trees from the prerut till deep into fall, they’re telling you more than you might think. Scott Haugen shares some of the many things he’s learned about rubs over a decades-long career of hunting wapiti and how he uses that information to notch more tags and put meat in his freezer.

51

SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING: GUARDIAN AND GUIDE Meet Kelly Worden, a martial arts teacher who has bridged tradition and innovation over five-plus decades. In an era when hand-to-hand combat skills are portrayed as sport or spectacle, Paul Pawela introduces us to a man whose way of thinking “embodies something deeper.”

AMERICAN SHOOTING JOURNAL is published monthly by Media Index Publishing Group, 941 Powell Ave SW, Suite 120, Renton, WA 98057. Display Advertising. Call Media Index Publishing Group for a current rate card. Discounts for frequency advertising. All submitted materials become the property of Media Index Publishing Group and will not be returned. Copyright © 2026 Media Index Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording by any information storage or retrieval system, without the express written permission of the publisher. Printed in U.S.A.

americanshootingjournal.com 11

46

(MORPHY AUCTIONS)

MORE FEATURES 46

GANGSTER-WOUNDING THOMPSON, LITTLE BIGHORN COLT ON AUCTION A machinegun used to wound Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd and a revolver linked to Custer’s 7th Cavalry are just two of the rare and collectible firearms up for auction this month. Whether you’re in the investment market or just a gun lover, check out a feast for the eyes!

69

BLACK POWDER: A TOMAHAWK FOR MIKE It might not have been the big fella’s axe, but the Paul Bunyan Plainsmen’s 51st annual rendezvous still yielded a great prize for Mike Nesbitt. He details all the competitions and camaraderie that he and members of his muzzleloader club enjoyed over a long weekend of fun.

company Spotlight 61

FLASHBANG HOLSTERS FOR WOMEN Lisa Looper set out to make a holster that worked for her body and ended up founding a company that makes center bra carry and inside-the-waistband holsters for all women. Learn about her success story and Flashbang Holsters.

DEPARTMENTS 15 17 67 12 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

Gun Show Calendar Competition Calendar Concealed Carry Gallery

americanshootingjournal.com 13

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PRIMER

GUNSHOW C A L E N D A R

September 5-6

Raleigh, N.C.

NC State Fairgrounds

September 12-13

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Ohio Expo Center

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Hickory Metro Convention Center

September 12-13

Phoenix, Ariz.

Arizona State Fairgrounds

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Vallejo, Calif.

Solano County Fairgrounds

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Phoenix, Ariz.

Ben Avery Shooting Facility

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oregon guns & more SHOW

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Deschutes County Fair & Expo

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Wichita’s Edge Sports Complex

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Gainesville, Ga.

Galaxy Event Hall

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Corbin Civic Center

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Owensboro Sportscenter

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Atlanta, Ga.

Atlanta Expo Center

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Trader’s Mall

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C&E Gun Shows cegunshows.com

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GunTVShows.com guntvshows.com

oregongunsandmoreshow.com rkshows.com

Texas Gun Shows gunshowstx.com

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To have your event highlighted here, send an email to kaumann@media-inc.com. americanshootingjournal.com 15

PRIMER

COMPETITION C A L E N D A R

September 3-7 USA Shooting usashooting.org

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International Defensive Pistol Association idpa.com

Shotgun Fall Selections – Trap Colorado Springs, Colo.

September 9-13 Area 6 Championship Talladega, Ala.

September 16-20 Sig Sauer Factory Gun Nationals Hurricane, Utah

September 11-12 Greater Yellowstone Section Match Baker, Mont.

September 18-20 USPSA Michigan Sectional Dorr, Mich.

September 12-13 Badger State Regional Classic Muskego, Wis.

September 18-20 Glock Annual Shoot – Gunny Challenge Piedmont, S.D.

September 12-13 Atomic City GSSF Los Alamos, N.M.

September 25-27 Indiana State USPSA Championship Chesterton, Ind. September 30-October 4 US IPSC Nationals Bulger, Pa.

September 26-27 Tennessee Sports Foundation Glock Classic Jackson, Tenn. September 26-27 The Sunflower State Classic Wellington, Kan.

September 5-7 Wyoming State Finals Lusk, Wy.

September 12-13 Jefferson State Shootout Yreka, Calif.

September 25-27 Kentucky State Shoot Edinburgh, Ind.

September 6-7 Capitol Battle Shoot Out Bismarck, N.D.

September 15-19 CMSA Eastern Championship Shelbyville, Tenn.

September 26-27 New Mexico State Match Socorro, N.M.

September 11-12 Tennessee Hoedown Throwdown Dixon Springs, Tenn.

September 24-26 September 19-20 Central California IDPA Regional IDPA National Championship Marengo, Ohio Bakersfield, Calif.

To have your event highlighted here, send an email to kaumann@media-inc.com. americanshootingjournal.com 17

LIFE AT THE TIP OF THE SPEAR Rodney Magallan and the unexpected wisdom that came from a long career spent at the forefront of risk.

STORY BY LINDA AND PAUL PAWELA PHOTOS COURTESY OF RODNEY MAGALLAN 18 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

S

ome people spend their lives searching for purpose. Others find it early and commit themselves to pursuing it with unwavering dedication. Rodney Magallan belongs to the latter group. His remarkable journey from a young Navy recruit to a Navy SEAL, SEAL Team 6 operator, deputy US Marshal, CIA operative, military commander, husband, father and award-winning author is defined by discipline, service and the relentless

Retired US Navy SEAL Rodney Magallan.

pursuit of excellence. Over nearly four decades, Magallan served his country in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. Yet despite a résumé of accomplishments few could match, he remains grounded in a simple belief: greatness is not reserved for a select few. It is earned through hard work, sacrifice, consistency and a willingness to embrace challenges others avoid. That philosophy is at the heart of his award-winning book, Tip of the Spear: It’s Not What You Think, which draws on a lifetime of leadership experience and lessons learned in the military, the intelligence community, law enforcement and life itself. LONG BEFORE THE awards, deployments and leadership positions, Magallan was simply a young man seeking direction. He joined the United States Navy to serve something greater than himself and quickly

realized that ordinary challenges were not enough. He wanted to test his limits, both physically and mentally. That desire led him to volunteer for Basic Underwater Demolition/ SEAL training, commonly known as BUD/S. For decades, BUD/S has earned a reputation as one of the toughest military training programs in the world. It serves as the gateway to the Navy SEAL community and is designed to identify individuals capable of performing under extreme pressure. The process begins even before BUD/S officially starts. Candidates first endure Indoctrination, known simply as

Magallan at would be a lothe start of what career with thng, prestigious e Navy.

Graduating from

Basic Unde

on/SEAL tra rwater Demoliti

20 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

ining, also know

n as BUD/S.

Indoc, a physically grueling introduction that includes endless miles of running through deep sand, swimming in cold Pacific waters, obstacle courses, and countless repetitions of push-ups, pullups, sit-ups and flutter kicks. The purpose is straightforward: to separate those who merely want to become SEALs from those willing to endure hardship for the opportunity. Those who survive

move on to BUD/S, a six-month course divided into three phases. The first phase is infamous for its relentless physical demands and includes the legendary Hell Week. During those five and a half days, candidates get little sleep while carrying heavy inflatable boats overhead, running miles along the beach, paddling through rough surf, crawling through mud, and enduring constant physical and mental stress. Every

challenge reinforces a lesson that would shape Magallan’s career: success depends on teamwork. The second phase focuses on combat diving and trains candidates to stay calm and effective underwater, even when instructors deliberately create confusion and stress. The third phase introduces land warfare, where students learn weapon handling, explosives, tactical movement and combat operations. In 1987, Magallan completed the arduous training and earned the coveted Navy SEAL Trident. While many would consider that achievement the pinnacle of a career, for Magallan it was only the beginning. ASSIGNED TO SEAL Team 4, he quickly immersed himself in Naval Special Warfare operations. Deployments and missions around the globe provided real-world experience and reinforced the values of discipline, accountability and preparation. Determined to continue growing professionally, he pursued advanced medical training and additional specialized qualifications, broadening his expertise. Evolution of a frogman: Magallan partaking in jungle training, becoming proficient in all types of weapons and putting rounds downrange at sniper school.

americanshootingjournal.com 21

In his career with the CIA, Magallan worked in protective and security details around the world.

His dedication and performance eventually earned him a place in one of the military’s most elite organizations: SEAL Team 6, officially known today as the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, or DEVGRU. Selection for the unit requires experienced SEALs to undergo another grueling evaluation process that lasts months. The emphasis is on precision, judgment, leadership and mastery of close-quarters battle, the highly specialized tactics used in hostage rescues and counterterrorism operations. Only a small percentage of candidates complete the selection process successfully. For Magallan, service in these elite units provided valuable lessons that would later form the foundation of his leadership philosophy. He learned that extraordinary performance rarely stems from extraordinary talent alone. Instead, it comes from mastering the fundamentals, maintaining discipline and consistently performing at a high level when it matters most. After years in special operations, Magallan’s commitment to service continued beyond the military. He transitioned into federal law enforcement as a deputy US Marshal, applying many of the same skills that had served him throughout his military career. The ability to remain calm under pressure, make sound decisions and operate effectively in uncertain situations proved equally 22 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

valuable in law enforcement. His career later led him into the intelligence community, where he joined the CIA’s Global Response Staff. There he worked in protective operations and security assignments around the world, helping safeguard American interests and train personnel operating in high-risk environments. Few individuals successfully navigate careers in military special operations, federal law enforcement and intelligence work. Magallan’s experience across all three sectors gave him a unique perspective on leadership, teamwork and personal accountability. YET DESPITE HIS professional accomplishments – including, most recently, receiving a lifetime achievement award from the Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame – Magallan often points to his family as the most important part of his life. Throughout years of deployment, training cycles, overseas assignments and demanding responsibilities, his wife Veronica and their children provided the support and stability that made his career possible. Military families often make sacrifices that go unseen by the public. They endure long separations, uncertainty and countless challenges while supporting loved ones who are dedicated to service. Magallan openly acknowledges that no significant

achievement is accomplished alone and credits his family’s support as a cornerstone of his success. Today, the family resides in Texas, where Magallan continues to mentor leaders, speak to audiences across the country and share lessons learned from a lifetime of service. In 2024, those lessons found a new audience with publication of Tip of the Spear. While readers might initially expect a traditional military memoir filled with combat stories and operational details, the book offers something far more universal. The phrase “tip of the spear” is often associated with elite performers, those individuals tasked with the most difficult missions and responsibilities. Magallan challenges the common belief that such people possess rare abilities unavailable to others. Instead, he argues that excellence is built on discipline, consistency, accountability

e achievement award Magallan receiving a lifetimtial Arts Hall of Fame. Mar al from the Univers

and perseverance. Using the spear as a metaphor, he explains that every component plays a critical role. The tip may attract attention, but it cannot function without the staff, the support structure and the person wielding it. Likewise, no one achieves success alone. Behind every leader, athlete, entrepreneur or warrior stand a multitude of mentors, family members, teachers and supporters who contribute to the journey. The book’s tip of the spear message resonates with readers across all walks of life. Veterans, business professionals, students, athletes and entrepreneurs

decades of service After more than three ired in September ret in the Navy, Magallan rank of commander. 2021 with the

have found inspiration in its practical lessons and relatable philosophy. The work has earned multiple literary awards and established Magallan as an influential voice in leadership and personal development. TODAY, MAGALLAN’S LEGACY extends far beyond the military units, law enforcement agencies and intelligence organizations where he built his career. Through his writing, speaking engagements and mentorship, he continues to inspire others to pursue excellence with humility, purpose and integrity. His story is ultimately not about becoming a Navy SEAL, joining SEAL Team 6 or serving in the CIA. It is about what those experiences taught him: that success is built on one decision at a time, that character matters more than titles, and that true leadership is measured not by personal achievement but by the positive impact we have on others. From the beaches of BUD/S to the pages of an award-winning book, Rodney Magallan has spent a lifetime at the tip of the spear. His journey reminds us that greatness is not something people are born with. It is something they build through commitment, courage and unwavering dedication to becoming the best version of themselves. And perhaps that is the most powerful lesson of all. ★ americanshootingjournal.com 23

HUNTING AFRICA 101 So, you're thinking about going on your first safari? A PH talks top countries, plains and dangerous game, and managing expectations. STORY AND PHOTOS BY NATHAN ASKEW

Y

ou only get one first trip to Africa. It’s worth getting correct. While it sounds simple, but many hunters find the more they learn about safaris the more confused they become. The continent is a vast and amazing place with a wide array of experiences – and they are not all for everyone. Getting your feet wet in a way that suits your goals and is a proper safari cannot be emphasized enough. Done correctly, your first safari will be the jumping-off point for more adventure than most hunters can handle. The worst thing you can do is end up as a tagalong on a door-prize of an auction item after a few too many drinks at a Ducks Unlimited banquet. Nothing against DU, but that’s not a good way to organize your African adventure. The next big mistake I see is trying to figure out the price before you figure out what Africa is all about. What can Africa offer? How do they

24 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

hunt and why? What’s the difference between Mozambique and Namibia? My advice is to start with what you want, not with what looks like a deal or what another person in your town did last year. The adventure that is right for you may not be easily identifiable at first; and it will elude you until you understand hunting in Africa. Death in the Long Grass by Peter Hathaway Capstick sparked a series of questionable life choices that have afforded me the perspective to write about this with great authority. I read this book at 10 years old and simply knew that I had to hunt dangerous game in Africa. This is what I needed from Africa and it was the genesis of my career as a professional hunter (PH). Unfortunately, I fell into a common trap. I was young, had a little money and less knowledge. I thought Africa was Africa and my first experience could have ruined it all for me. Luckily, I’m hard-headed

Kudu are one of the most sought-after trophies for a first-time hunter to Africa. This old bull had everything the hunter was looking for. americanshootingjournal.com 25

and found a way back, resulting in spending the last 23 years on adventures across Africa.

GETTING SOME OFthe old stories and books under your belt is an excellent beginning; there are great books and articles out there to be read. The Africa of 100 years ago is still obtainable today, we just have way better vehicles and Starlink (a wounded buffalo cares little about either). Learn the animals, and learn where and how they were traditionally hunted. There is a reason why leopard are baited and buffalo are tracked. Explore the vast amounts of information on the web, but beware of the internet when it comes to your information gathering. Just because someone has a keyboard doesn’t mean they have a clue. Many of the posts out there are from one trip experts. Keep in mind that the best PHs seldom care about their ranking on Google and even today they can be hard to get ahold of. If your PH spends more time on the phone and computer than in the middle of the bush, then you may not have the right guy! You can only start proper planning once you understand ground-level information about African hunting, geography and animals. This base knowledge of Africa should not be ignored. Only at this point should you start talking to folks and thinking about your trip. Daydream about what you see yourself doing there and the main animal or animals that interest you. Don’t fall for a package deal or a big list of animals – most of the common animals you will hunt along the way without much trouble. Focusing on the main species that interest you will land you in the right spot and the other good opportunities will follow. You may think this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but the truth is that we rarely deal with oneand-done hunters. Africa has a way of drawing you in and holding you there, making the idea of other hunts a mere afterthought while you bide your time waiting on the next safari. The hunting in Africa is second to none and you will not run out of things to do there. Be prepared to like it. This is important to consider, as it helps with a long-term plan. Having a path laid out 26 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

will save you a ton of time and money. This long-term plan will get you in the best areas for what you want. Being efficient will cut down on costs of travel, tips, shipping, hotels, flights, etc. Over the years this will equal more money for extra days and trigger time while getting you the best hunts possible. The “best” is never cheap, but with international hunting it is worth it. For instance, if you want to hunt a leopard, then don’t start your quest in a mainly plains game area or a swamp filled region with few leopard. Find the best leopard areas, find the areas where you can hunt them in daylight successfully and find a PH who knows cats – if you do this, you will end up in a great situation. As you hunt your leopard, you will take many great plains game trophies and maybe a crocodile, hippopotamus or buffalo on the same trip. If you are in a good leopard area, you will achieve your main goal and several other things at the same time. The upfront cost may be more, but you are doing on one safari what many other hunters will not be able to accomplish on three separate trips. My goal with this article is to jump-start your knowledge with some real on-the-ground experience in several of my favorite countries that are currently huntable.

THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA South Africa is where most hunters end up on their first hunt. It’s a great place. You can fly directly into Johannesburg, get a nice meal and then transfer to a nice lodge the next day. Unfortunately, I think this country is about 50/50 on being what an American hunter has in his mind of what a safari should be. It is a beautiful

The camp choices in Africa are as different as the hunting experiences. Each camp has its own style and benefits.

americanshootingjournal.com 27

country with a wide range of habitat and ecosystems. South African safaris are short, typically lasting seven to 10 days, and are conducted on private game ranches. This is because the laws and management style is based on private ownership of the land and the animals. Keep in mind that this is a developed country – no maneating lions here. There are almost too many options of hunting companies in RSA and I have seen the properties get smaller and smaller. The gamebreeding industry is alive and well here and if you are hunting with a tape measure, you can order up the size of kudu you wish to kill; longer horns equals more money. Be prepared for a sliding scale on trophy quality. South Africa is on the forefront of the game-breeding industry, which has brought some species back from the brink of extinction and has led to intensive management of the animals. In most cases, this is a good thing – South Africa should be thanked for

saving the rhinoceros from certain extinction – but it has also created some issues, from canned lions to color phases gone wild. It would take a book to get into all the aspects of game ranching, but the reality is that if you hunt South Africa you will be hunting in a fenced area and many of the species have been relocated there. You should understand and be OK with it. In RSA you will get a lot of bang for your buck and there are great hunts to be had that are much less costly than a grizzly bear or even a good elk hunt these days. There still remain some vast private reserves in the country that are awesome locations and as fun as hunting can get. The lodging and the food is usually of a very high quality, the paperwork and trophy export is easy, and the hunting equipment is good. Shop keenly if this is your desired location and make sure it fits the way you want to hunt your key species. It can be fantastic and there are many options, so make sure A father and son with an oryx, or gemsbok, hunted in South Africa.

Nyala are found in South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe. This is a fantastic trophy taken in Mozambique.

you are comparing apples to apples on the prices and the hunting experience. The species of plains game cannot be matched anywhere else in numbers or reliability. Most hunts focus on kudu, gemsbok, impala, warthog, springbok, sable, blue and black wildebeest, red hartebeest, zebra and giraffe. Some animals like vaal rhebok and bontebok can only be hunted here. Rhino is common here and a few are hunted each year. Leopard hunting hasn’t taken place in years and a few permits might be issued in 2027. Lion is another story and not readily available for export, with only a couple areas in the country having permission to hunt and export lion.

MOZAMBIQUE The Wild West of Southern Africa. This is where I started my career as a PH and I will always have a soft spot for this hard place. Talk about an underdog; the country had a 16year civil war that started two years after gaining independence from Portugal in 1975. The old accounts of Mozambique say it was an amazing hunting grounds and virtually unmatched. The game populations 28 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

were absolutely decimated during their civil war, but have recovered well in some areas, however, due to the excellent management of a few adventurous individuals. It is a remote and underdeveloped country that is still finding its feet in many ways. You can pretty much divide the country into three experiences. The first two are along the Zambezi River as the lower stretch of this waterway crosses Mozambique on its way to the Indian Ocean. The terrain and animals are similar to some of the areas in northern Zimbabwe, or “the valley,” as it’s referred to. There is Lake Cahora Bassa on this river, which touches several tough hunting blocks that provide a a traditional tracking-style safari. The

good areas have some lion, an average population of leopard, a few buffalo with assorted common plains game, and many large crocs in the river. The second is the swamp areas as the Zambezi heads out to the ocean. There are moderately priced buffalo hunts in swampy terrain. These are wilderness areas and interesting hunting. You will typically find a few different plains game species available in these areas, like bushbuck, sable, waterbuck and even free-ranging nyala. Your feet will be wet, but it is an unconventional yet affordable option for a wilderness buffalo hunt. The third experience is up north in the Niassa Game Reserve. This is wild Africa with lion, leopard, buffalo and other key species of big game and plains game. This ecosystem reminds me of the Selous Game Reserve of Tanzania. They are vast, remote and wild. There is typically no easy way to get to where you will be going. It is a lot of fun if you are in a viable area with a good PH and a responsible company, but you need to be tough to hunt some of these places. Mozambique is just hard to get to and operate in and there have been some unsettling terrorist attacks

on hunting camps in the north east of Mozambique that should be considered. Safaris are typically longer with 14 to 18 days being common. You have to have a sense of humor here and you shouldn’t be in a hurry. There are some huge areas but not all hunting areas have a large amount of game; in fact many are depleted areas with pockets of game. You have to have a sense of humor here and you shouldn’t be in a hurry. There are some huge areas but not all hunting areas have a large amount of game and many are depleted areas. Prevalent species of good quality include croc, hippo and buffalo (the highest populations of buff are in the swamps and in prime Niassa Game Reserve areas). General plains game is thin in most areas, but a few have some really excellent game like Roosevelt sable, nyala, waterbuck, bushbuck, suni and blue duiker. The cat hunting is generally tough, but there are several areas with reliable leopard and a few with good lion. Elephant is legally huntable but not allowed to be imported back into the US.

BOTSWANA This country has a few key features that set it apart, one being the Okavango Delta – an interesting place worth a visit. The rest is similar terrain to RSA and Zimbabwe with western desert portions resembling Namibia. There are some established game farms with a variety of species and hunting opportunities. There are also many government areas and community areas, which are generally well run but typically have low quotas of key species like leopard, buffalo and plains game. Botswana has the market cornered on elephant hunts. It has a lot of them; in fact, the population is well

americanshootingjournal.com 29

\

This bull elephant had nearly identical tusks and was taken after nine days of tracking. African safaris are much longer than typical American big game hunts.

above the carrying capacity of the habitat and it’s starting to show. It is estimated that there are 130,000 elephant in Botswana, but the land can hold less than 60,000, so there is a real management issue here. The country is right to allow the hunting of these great animals – there is simply nowhere for them to go – but the government has also gone back and forth on the issue, closing hunting of pachyderms in 2014 and recently reopening it in 2019. The elephant hunts are highly successful, but only a fraction of them are going to result in exceptional ivory – you still have to be in one of the few great areas, and even then you need luck to kill a 70+ pounder. There is a wide range of pricing on elephant hunts and it is typically based around the weight of the tusk or the potential for big ivory. Other factors you should consider for an elephant hunt are the hunting style, experience, other species on quota, importation of the trophy and, of course, the cost. If going toe to toe with the largest land animal on Earth is your goal and the chance at a heavy set of tusks is what you’re looking for, then Botswana is one of the options for an American ivory hunter. In addition to elephant, many other common plains game animals can be 30 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

taken in Botswana on ranches and other government areas, but many of the key species on quota are just too low. There are few permits for leopard and buffalo and only a handful for lion. This causes some hunters to for a more well-rounded option.

TANZANIA German East Africa, Tanganyika, the land of Kilimanjaro – when a place has several names, you know it’s special. Tanzania has been a great safari destination for years and it is considered to be the best and most expensive option out there for a full bag wilderness safari. What does that mean? It means that there are many areas with most of the big 5 and hunters get one, two, three or sometimes four of these species on one

high-dollar adventure. The cities of Tanzania are bustling and full of people hustling and sometimes scamming their way through; the countryside is quiet and safe with a decent road system for Africa. The wilderness areas are mostly devoid of people and remote. It feels like Teddy Roosevelt could pop out of the bush at any time. I have hunted this place from top to bottom, seen and developed many areas, enjoyed it tremendously, and have also often gotten frustrated with the “system.” The management of the hunting here has taken a turn for the worse since they started auctioning areas off, and the prices have gone up so high that they are currently losing out on their share of the safari market. The current system is preventing a thriving hunting industry and the areas are suffering. This worries me for this great location. Thriving, to me, is when enough visitors can afford to visit without harming the ecosystem, local people have jobs and revenue from a steady stream of hunters, and the game is protected by hunters being active in the area – all while keeping it wild. My frustration aside, the country can boast an impressive 40 percent of its land mass in some type of conservation program, and this is why

\/\/\/\ HUNT AFRICA \/\/\/\

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This leopard was found just a mile from author Nathan Askew’s remote camp in Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve.

they have a lot of animals. If you can afford it, it is a great option. The main ecosystems/regions for hunting are Rungwa, Selous and Maasailand. You still have to be very selective, as not all hunting blocks in Tanzania are good. However, many are great, if not the best place in Africa to do a 21-day full bag safari with several key plains game species like roan, sable, eland, croc and hippo. Elephant hunting can be good, but only in limited areas, which are few and far between. The ivory is long and thin here, making imaking impressive sets of tusks. Hunting is conducted for the most part from remote tented camps and is a traditional tracking safari. The camps have all the amenities and service of a fancy British hotel but in a tent with a lion roaring outside. The food is great and the staff is typically the best trained in Africa. You feel special in these camps and you are experiencing 32 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

an “East African-style safari” that is something special. Tanzania has a well-established photographic safari industry and is known for the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Tanganyika and Zanzibar, to name a few locales. Prevalent species of good quality include lion, leopard, buffalo, eland, croc, hippo, sable, roan, impala, lesser kudu, gerenuk, Grant’s gazelle, East African kudu, zebra, hartebeest, dikdik and hyena. Again, elephant can be hunted reliably in only a few areas; the vast majority of areas do not have good numbers.

ZAMBIA This often overlooked location brings a lot to the table. Zambia is not cheap and there are not nearly as many areas as Tanzania, but the cat hunting is close to or just as good. Some hunting blocks have fairly average animal density due to poaching. This

is something to keep an eye on, as the number of hunting areas in Zambia is actually low. You should have recent knowledge of any block you plan to hunt. Overall, the hunting is varied and of good trophy quality. These safaris are usually out of tented camps for the wilderness hunts and then lodges for the game ranch hunts. In Zambia, “game ranch” does not imply or exclude a fence – it just means it is privately run – and I have found many of them to be very wild with lion and leopard present. The majority of the hunting is in community involved areas or wildlife management areas. This is a good system if corruption can be kept at bay. You have two major regions consisting of the Luangwa Valley and Kafue – both with their respective national parks with the hunting areas surrounding them. Then you have a mix of fenced and unfenced game farms that are privately owned, along with some specialty areas like the Bangweulu Wetlands and similar ecosystems that hide sitatunga, black lechwe and a few other key species. Zambia’s WMA system benefits the local communities and seems to be a good example of the way forward for Africa and its wildlife. Zambia is not easy to get to and even when you land in the capital of Lusaka, you still have a ways to go. It is a safe country. They typically speak a little English and I have found them to be good folks. Their airport is actually great and very efficient. Overall, Zambia is underdeveloped, but the lights usually stay on and the paperwork and other systems are generally reliable. They have stubbed their toe with the safari industry in the past with delays in the season over money as well as corruption and a bad rash of lawsuits, but TIA –

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americanshootingjournal.com 33

pounds an exception.

ALL THE COUNTRIES

Lion of this quality and age class are the most difficult animal to obtain. Males must be a minimum of 6 years old to be hunted.

this is Africa. Prevalent species of good quality are leopard, lion, sable, croc, hippo, buffalo, puku, sitatunga, lechwe, kudu, blue duiker, waterbuck and hyena. Elephant trophies can be expected at 40 to 50 pounds per side in the good elephant areas, with anything over 60

34 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

mentioned here are reasonably safe, politically stable and currently have good areas to hunt. This is not a full list of hunting opportunities in Africa! I did not outlined Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Uganda or Namibia and all have their good points and pit falls. There are bad areas and bad outfits in the best of countries. Dig deep into the exact area and Professional Hunters once you know what you want – they are not created equal! Africa moves slowly but changes quickly. The greatest concession can be over shot or poached out in short order; companies, contracts and people leave, and governments change. Up-to-date relevant info is a must. There are other places with premier species and experiences, but they are not for first-time or even second-time hunters to Africa. In the end, it will be up to you to decide with whom and where you are most comfortable. Become educated enough to ask the right questions to

the right people and strive for the experience that suits what you have dreamed up. Knowing enough about the basics prevents a nightmare deal for everyone involved. As with anything, you have to take the good with the bad. I’ve found that as long as a hunter knows the deal upfront, has done his research and can handle a rifle, nobody gets too upset. Use enough gun, they say; African game is the toughest out there. Plan to be amazed; Africa is the last great adventure on Earth … besides Alaska, but my tracker and chef insist it’s too cold and refuse to go there. I guess we’ll just stay camped out on the savanna with a cold beer and the probability of a fresh track in the morning. ★ Editor’s note: Nathan Askew is a professional hunter and guide. He operates Bullet Safaris LLC and Iowa Trophy Hunts LLC. Askew has guided on four continents over 23 years and specializes in African safaris. He can be reached through his websites or social media.

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ROAD HUNTER

When you find elk rubs, look at them closely to determine how fresh they are.

THE VALUE OF ELK RUBS

Learn to read torn-up trees and you'll fill your bull tag more often. STORY AND PHOTOS BY SCOTT HAUGEN

t was day two of a solo elk hunt in Montana. Midway through the morning – when I’d failed to still raise a bugle – I hiked down the ridge to take a closer look at the rub line I’d been working. From underneath the open pines on the flat above, dozens of rubs left no doubt elk were there, or so I thought. I’d stayed on top of the ridge because it was easier to

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cover ground and better for broadcasting calls. But when I got to the first rub, I was shocked and embarrassed. The feeling got worse at the second and third rubs I looked at. Every rub I inspected on the hillside revealed the same story: they weren’t fresh. From afar, the dozens of rubs I focused my hunting near looked fresh, the white bark appearing wet through binoculars. But when I closely studied the trees I found the glistening to be dried, clear sap.

It got worse. Not only were the strips of peeled bark hanging on the trees dry, but they were curling on the edges. The shredded bark on the ground was also dry, even crinkling to the touch. It was a rookie mistake that could have been avoided had I just taken time to hike down the hill and look closely at the rubs when I first laid eyes on them. The mistake cost me valued time on this archery hunt. It took two more days to find elk, nearly 3 miles away and two drainages americanshootingjournal.com 37

ROAD HUNTER

Find an area with new rubs as well as old rubs spanning several years, and you’ll know exactly where hunting efforts should focus.

to the north. Not only did I misread that rub line, but I also guessed wrong. Given the height and similarity of each rub I figured I was chasing one herd bull. But when I caught up with them, I found multiple cow herds, each with its own herd bull and more satellite bulls than I could count. The next two days I called in 11 bulls to within 40 yards.

RUBS ARE ONE of the most valuable

signs an elk hunter can study. The progression of elk rubs starts with the stripping of velvet in mid-August. As soon as the velvet is stripped, testosterone levels begin to spike, which is the start of the prerut. With the beginning of the rut only a couple weeks away, elk rubs continue to build. The rubs I misread on the September 1 archery opener were at least a week old – too old to focus on in terms of hunting. They may have been two weeks old, or older. Exactly how

38 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

Studied closely, elk rubs tell a story hunters need to know.

ROAD HUNTER

Rubs on bigger trees are not always made by dominant bulls.

old they were is hard to say. Day and nighttime temperatures, wind, even how deep the rubs are, along with the physical condition of the trees, all play a part in aging rubs. I’ve seen bulls make rubs from midAugust through September and very heavily into mid-October in multiple Rocky Mountain states. I’ve called in a number of bulls in October in areas where I’ve found fresh rubs, and even wallows. I’ve seen fresh Roosevelt rubs in late October, with the latest being made on November 9. I once watched a Roosevelt bull mount a cow on Thanksgiving Day, after incessant bugles gave away its location. As with most animals, the males of the species are almost always ready to breed once the prerut kicks in, so I credit these late rubs to scenarios where a cow missed being bred the first or even second time around. 40 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

Cows are only receptive to breeding for 24 hours once they reach estrous, and while they’re rarely missed being bred during their first heat cycle, it does happen. If they’re not bred, cows will come into heat 21 days later. They’ll have up to three estrus cycles. Not only can this explain why you’re seeing rubs well into fall and early winter, but why late-arriving calves pop up in summer. Two summers ago my trail cameras picked up multiple calf elk that were born very late in July, two months behind normal for the area. Counting back 245 days from when a calf is born — that’s the gestation period of elk — revealed when those cows were bred. If you’re seeing fresh rubs in late fall rifle hunts, don’t be afraid to call. I’ve found late-season rubs to most often be made by satellite bulls. This is because the big bulls are in seclusion,

licking their wounds and trying to put on weight before winter. A big bull can lose up to 20 percent of its body weight during the rut and they won’t risk injury in a late-season fight and burn more calories to potentially breed only one cow. While late-rutting bulls aren’t as eager to come to calls as they are during the peak of the rut, their bugles will reveal their location, giving you a starting point for a game plan.

FROM MID-AUGUST INTO early

September, rub lines can cover a lot of real estate. These are rubs often made by herd bulls as they attempt to gather cows that are strewn about or on the move. Multiple bulls will take part in developing these early rub lines, explaining why there might be so many rubs in one area. This is also a time of testosterone buildup, meaning

ROAD HUNTER the sight and scent of rubs will trigger more bulls to rub on nearby trees. Rubs are a sign to other bulls to keep away and that the area is taken. Rubs also let cows know what bulls are in the area. In addition to the physical rub, pheromones from the bull’s preorbital glands are deposited on the tree and bark, sending further signals to bulls and cows. The more intense testosterone builds, the more violent the rub will be. Bulls often rub trees for several minutes to strengthen neck muscles in preparation for fighting during the rut. Bulls sometimes rub-urinate when making rubs on trees. The more a rub area smells of urine, the more aggressive I’ve found those bulls to be, meaning they’re more reactive to calling. I’ve also seen numerous bulls rub their forehead on stumps, clumps of brush, even the ground and lowhanging tree branches to spread the pheromones from their preorbital glands. They’ll also rub-urinate at the same time. Throughout the entire rut, I’ve noticed that young bulls sparring will often motivate one or both of them to make rubs, but these pale in comparison to rubs made by bigger bulls, which are often on larger trees, reach higher and are more destructive. As the peak of the rut builds, look for rubs near wallows. Elk are herd animals, meaning mass breeding takes place within a cow herd, usually within a short window. This equates to calves being born in the same timeframe, thereby increasing their survival rate based on safety in numbers. Bulls rely on wallows to cool off and spread scent, and they can have more than one within their established territory. Rubs often surround these wallows, a herd bull’s way of marking its area. Find these rubs, then study the trees for fresh mud deposited there from the wallowing. Some trees will be caked with mud that’s dried, revealing that a bull is using the wallow and the rub regularly. Trail cameras I’ve set on wallows have revealed as many as six bulls using one wallow in a single day – a 42 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

With 50 years of big game hunting experience, author Scott Haugen credits much of his success to hard work and paying attention to minute details.

herd bull, of course, with the rest being satellite bulls. Often more than one satellite bull enters the wallow at once. While a bull will often rub its body up against trees near a wallow, I’ve found very few rubs next to a wallow. The rubs are made on the perimeter of the wallow, often 50 yards or more away. How far away rubs are made from wallows depends on the habitat. Thicker habitat often finds rubs closer to wallows. Together, rubs and wallows hold a lot of valuable information for hunters to capitalize on, including which directions bulls are moving and how recent their activity is.

WHEN A RUB is located, the first thing I look for is older rubs. Early-season

rub lines are often by themselves. Territorial rubs will be surrounded by older rubs. In many areas I hunt I’ve documented rubs being made for seven consecutive years or more. In places where I hunt nonmigratory Roosevelt elk, I’ve found rubs in the same places for over 30 years. Such a history of rubs – even over a few years – tells you the habitat is ideal for cows to thrive in, and where the cows are during the prerut and rut, bulls won’t be far. Should events like wildfires, intense winter snow and ice storms, and even mass logging change the habitat, elk may leave the area. One of my favorite elk hunting spots when I was in college was loaded with elk. Extensive clearcuts followed by wildfires have left

ROAD HUNTER the area void of elk for over 20 years. They left and never came back. From my experience, prerut rubs are more abundant and linear compared to peak-rut rubs. This is because random

bulls can make them at any time, whether they’re trying to compete with bulls, appeal to cows or just blow off steam. Prerut rubs also seem to occur more frequently at the same elevation,

NEW HAUGEN BOOK TALKS ELK HUNTING

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ith 50 years of big game hunting experience, Scott Haugen is one of North America’s most published outdoor authors and renowned hunters. His latest book, Elk Hunting the West: The Experience, is now available on Amazon. The e-book is available for purchase on Kindle, for e-readers, phones, tablets and computers. With a formal education in the sciences, Haugen combines his knowledge of and personal experiences with elk for the purpose of helping fellow elk hunters achieve consistent success. This is a book based on personal experiences, not theories or ideas. It’s not about gear, guns or the best units to hunt elk. It’s not a picture book. It’s an educational hunting book based on situational learning and experiences acquired through thousands of hours spent in the elk woods. -ASJ

often along a bench or sidehill. Peak-rut rubs are often high on a ridge and can extend to the bottom of a canyon, depending on where cows are bedding, feeding and drinking. While a herd bull will try to corral the harem, it’s never contained in as tight of quarters as it would like, meaning the bull has to travel and stay ahead of the herd. Water availability, food sources, predators, storms, fires, even human activity can cause elk to shift feeding, bedding and watering locations and influence how they reach them, thus where bull rubs will be made. Be it summer scouting, hunting the rut or even postrut hunts, the closer attention you pay to rubs, the more you’ll learn about the elk you pursue. The result will be an increased understanding of the elk rut process and how bulls communicate with one another and display their dominance, which ultimately equates to an efficient game plan and more meat in the freezer. ★

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Gangster-wounding Thompson, Little Bighorn Colt On Auction A look at nine rare and collectible firearms up for bid this month. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MORPHY AUCTIONS

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he Colt 1921 Thompson machinegun used to wound the gangster Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd and a Colt Single Action Army revolver with documentation to a member of General George A. Custer’s 7th Cavalry Regiment are just a taste of what bidders will find in Morphy’s big threeday Firearms & Militaria auction slated for September 15, 16 and 17. Read on to learn more about these and the other collectible firearms up for auction later this month. For more information about how to bid, visit morphyauctions.com. ★

46 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

With a presale estimate of $100,000 to $180,000, the Colt 1921 Thompson submachine gun that wounded “Pretty Boy” Floyd during an April 9, 1932, confrontation with law enforcement is a strong candidate for the auction’s top lot. Floyd ended up winning the gunfight, firing five times and fatally shooting Oklahoma Sheriff Ervin Kelley with an M1911 pistol. Kelley died clutching the Colt Thompson that is up for bid, but not before striking Floyd four times. This is a rare opportunity for a lucky bidder to own a true slice of American gangster history. It is lot number 1005 in the sale.

g The North American Arms Company Limited Model 1911 semiautomatic pistol – manufactured in Quebec, Canada, at the conclusion of World War I – is widely regarded by collectors as one of the rarest of all US-contract-associated 1911 pistols. When the war ended, the contract was canceled and no completed pistols were ever accepted for military service. A limited number were subsequently assembled from surviving components. Lot number 1206. Estimate: $60,000-$80,000.

A rare and desirable World War II German C G Haenel MKb.42(H) machinegun – the very first Sturmgewehr – was a select-fire rifle that used an intermediate-size cartridge, able to fulfill many combat roles. This was an important historical development, as it meant soldiers could carry more readily available ammunition and could quickly change between aimed fire and suppressing fire. Nearly all of the 8,000 to 12,000 units produced from 1942 to 1943 were fielded to the former Soviet Union, which is why so few are found in the United States. Lot number 1006. Estimate: $80,000-$120,000.

The DWM Model 1902 American Eagle Cartridge Counter Luger represents one of the rarest, most desirable early semiautomatic pistols associated with United States military trials. Manufactured during a critical period when the US Army was evaluating self-loading handguns to replace revolvers, these Lugers stand among the most advanced and refined sidearms of the era. This weapon – serial number 22432 – is one of about 50 pistols made for the US Board of Ordnance during the 1902-1903 trials program. Lot number 1216. Estimate: $85,000-$125,000.

americanshootingjournal.com 47

From London, England, comes a Rigby Big Game .416 bolt-action rifle with case, a great example in the classic African cartridge, in excellent condition and retaining virtually all of its factory-original finishes throughout. It is a modern-day big-bore rifle, manufactured in 2022, serial number 7524, with a 24-inchlong barrel. The Rigby shipping box contains a Rigby leather folio with introductory letter, manual, registration card and test target with three shots at 65 yards. The target was shot in July 2022 with Norma 400-grain ammo and is signed by Jamie Holland. Lot number 1271. Estimate: $18,000-$24,000.

This firearm is an important prototype (or experimental) Colt 1851 Navy conversion singleaction revolver with a 7½-inch octagonal barrel, brass pin front sight and early New York City address with dashes. This .38 CF caliber revolver is almost without question a one-ofa-kind prototype for the later factory conversions of the ’51 Navy and others that followed. This is an exceptional and exceedingly rare gun in very fine condition and a wonderful piece of Colt history. Lot number 1308. Estimate: $45,000-$75,000.

The Colt Single Action Army revolver with provenance to Michael Lang, a member of Custer’s 7th Cavalry regiment, has remained in the possession of Lang family descendants for the past 120 years. The revolver falls at the beginning of the legendary Lot 7, serial number 6526. It retains all of its original parts from its production in 1874 and is in untouched condition. Lot number 1307. Estimate: $40,000-$60,000.

This David McKay Brown 12-gauge over/under shotgun with accessories and case is a fine modern gun by a noted Scottish maker who’s been keeping the Dickson round-action tradition alive. The weapon has 28-inch demi-bloc barrels mounted with a narrow, flat matted rib. The action is engraved with nearly full coverage of very well cut medium-sized open shaded scroll. It is in excellent shape, showing limited field use. Lot number 1274. Estimate: $40,000-$60,000.

Manufactured in 1871, a Winchester Model 1866 saddle ring carbine in .44 Rimfire is engraved by master engraver Louis D. Nimschke with his full scroll and vine with figural eagle’s-head motif. The weapon is in very fine condition, with barrel and magazine retaining 40 percent dark blue with balance thinning and toning to the period patina. Lot number 1367. Estimate: $25,000-$35,000.

48 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

Self-Defense TRAINING

GUARDIAN AND GUIDE

Embodying 'something deeper,' Kelly Worden bridges martial arts tradition and history with innovation and personal transformation. STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAUL PAWELA

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n 1973, I was 11 years old and devastated to hear that martial arts superstar Bruce Lee had died. I grew up watching his career blossom, starting with the TV show The Green Hornet, then a few appearances on Longstreet, and finally the big screen with The Big Boss, Fist of Fury, The Way of the Dragon, the blockbuster Enter the Dragon and his unfinished movie Game of Death. I bought every book that I could get my hands on to learn about Lee’s martial arts styles, from his early style of Chinese gung fu to Jun Fan gung fu (Lee’s name in Chinese) to jeet kune do (Lee’s unique hybrid martial art and philosophy, translated as “way of the intercepting fist”). For me, the art of jeet kune do was more than punching/striking, kicking/kneeing, trapping and grappling. My martial arts journey officially began with gōjū-ryū karate, then taekwondo and boxing, but it was not until I joined the military and was stationed at Fort Bragg that my real education began. There I met the legendary Ranger/Special Forces hand-to-hand combat instructor Gary

Datu Kelly Worden at his dojo in the Tacoma, Washington, area. americanshootingjournal.com 51

SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING

Top left (left to right): Gary O’Neal, Worden and author Paul Pawela at the 2010 The Water and Steel East Martial Arts Training Camp. Bottom left: Worden receiving a certificate for his work training military personnel. Right (left to right): Jason Little, combatives instructor at Fort Lewis; Professor Leonard Trigg, senior confidante to Dan Inosanto; Inosanto, Bruce Lee’s close friend and training partner; and Worden. (ALL PHOTOS, KELLY WORDEN)

O’Neal, who had trained with famed martial artist Michael D. Echanis. Then my life would be forever changed when I was introduced to Larry Hartsell by Dick Harrell in Charlotte, North Carolina. Hartsell was an original student under Bruce Lee. I would go on to train with other Lee students who would influence me in jeet kune do, like Dan Inosanto, Richard Bustillo, Ted Wong and world champion Joe Lewis. All trained with Bruce Lee. I also trained with others who trained under Inosanto, including Tim Tackett, Ted Lucaylucay, Jerry Beasley, Cliff Lenderman and Graciela Casillas.

After more than 30 years of seminars with these trainers, I managed to earn an instructorship in jeet kune do, yet I still felt something was missing. Then in 2010 at The Water and Steel East Martial Arts Training Camp, I met Datu Kelly Worden, and he forever changed my life.

FOR FIVE-PLUS DECADES, Worden has earned a reputation as one of America’s most respected martial artists. He’s a teacher, author and lifelong student whose influence extends well beyond the dojo. While many martial artists are known for tournament victories or championship

Left: Some of Worden’s many awards. Above: He was also inducted into Black Belt Magazine’s Black Belt Hall of Fame in 2019 and voted Weapons Instructor of the Year. (KELLY WORDEN)

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titles, Worden has distinguished himself by bridging tradition and innovation, integrating classical martial arts with modern self-defense, leadership and personal development. His career reflects a simple yet profound philosophy: Martial arts are not merely about learning to fight; they are about learning to think, adapt and grow. Worden began his martial arts journey during the explosive growth of Asian martial arts in America. Rather than limiting himself to a single discipline, he immersed himself in multiple systems, studying under accomplished instructors and continually deepening his understanding of combat principles. That curiosity became a defining trait of his career. Rather than viewing martial arts as competing styles, he saw them as complementary methods that could be refined through experience and practical application. Over the years, Worden earned recognition as both an accomplished practitioner and an exceptional instructor. His teaching emphasizes timing, awareness, balance, efficiency and sound decision-making rather

SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING

Pawela interviews Worden at his dojo, where Worden also demonstrated a series of training tactics on the author.

54 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

than flashy techniques. Students quickly discover that his lessons extend beyond punches and kicks. He believes that true self-defense begins with awareness, prevention, emotional control and the ability to avoid conflict whenever possible. This practical approach naturally led him beyond the traditional dojo. Throughout his career, Worden has worked with law enforcement officers, military personnel and security professionals, adapting martial arts principles to real-world situations where judgment, restraint and efficiency are as important as physical skill. His training methods

SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING emphasize simplicity under pressure, an approach that has earned respect from professionals whose lives may depend on making the right decision in an instant.

ONE OF THE most significant influences on Worden’s martial arts philosophy has been Bruce Lee’s legacy. Although Lee passed away before Worden had the chance to train with him, Worden became deeply involved in studying jeet kune do through several of Lee’s first-generation students,

like Jesse Glover, Taky Kimura, Bustillo, Inosanto, Lucaylucay and other close associates. Through those relationships, he gained a firsthand understanding of the principles that made Lee’s revolutionary system unlike any traditional martial art. Lee famously encouraged practitioners to “absorb what is useful, discard what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.” That philosophy resonated deeply with Worden and became a guiding principle of his teaching. Rather than treating jeet

kune do as a fixed set of techniques, Worden embraces it as an evolving process of personal growth and continuous refinement. In his seminars, instructional programs and writings, Worden has explored Lee’s concepts of economy of motion, interception, adaptability and personal expression. His approach reflects Lee’s belief that martial arts should never become rigid systems but evolve with the individual practitioner. In doing so, Worden has introduced generations

Left: Worden’s knives are made by Timberline. Both live blades and trainer versions are carried in survival sheath systems. Above: Another popular knife designed by Worden is the Legacy.

KELLY WORDEN’S CUSTOM KNIVES

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here are a lot of custom knifemakers out there, but not many know how to fight with them. Kelly Worden is one of the few who can do both. Indeed, in addition to his extensive and illustrious martial arts training career, Worden also designs tactical and combat knives. With his extensive experience, Worden understands the balance, grip and feel of a knife. When making a fighting folder, he knows the knife must have robust construction, especially at the joint, because it may be required for extreme tasks such as deconstructing a wall or cutting through a shipping container. A strong, reliable lock is essential because a closing knife blade could disable the user’s finger and, in survival conditions, that could lead to infection, amputation or loss of fingers altogether. One-hand opening is a must-have in a combat knife

56 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

because the combatant may have only one hand available while the other is occupied or injured. A pocket clip of some sort is needed to secure the folder and keep the knife readily available. The combat knife is exactly what it sounds like: a knife hard enough to withstand the rigors of combat. It needs to be strong enough that the blade can penetrate the human skull or be inserted into the body without the blade breaking on the rib cage as it penetrates the heart, lungs or other vital targets. WORDEN’S ENTRY INTO knifemaking came the hard way in 1998. He was in a serious motorcycle accident, and since he couldn’t train, he had to close his gym for a while. One day, someone handed him a piece of steel to craft a knife. Crafting custom knives requires significant time

and effort; it demands patience and persistence through trial and error to achieve the desired result. Master Bladesmith Pat Crawford was given Worden’s first piece of work, which would become the prototype that would eventually go to Timberline Knives and become Worden’s legacy signature piece. Worden has worked not only with Crawford Knives and Timberline, but also with Tops Knives, Al Mar, Bud Nealy and Ontario Knife Company. Worden grew up and learned his art from the school of hard knocks, and along the way trained with some of the best instructors on God’s planet. His personal knife designs reflect his art and the Special Forces men he trains for combat. When you need a fighting knife, it’s hard to beat a Kelly Worden knife, born out of battle.

©2026 Prolix Lubricant

SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING of martial artists to the practical and philosophical foundations of jeet kune do and has encouraged students to think critically and continue learning throughout their lives. Worden’s connection to Lee’s legacy extends beyond technique. He shares Lee’s conviction that martial arts are a means of developing discipline, confidence, humility and character. For Worden, physical skills are only part of the equation; the greater achievement is becoming a more capable and responsible human being. IN ADDITION TO teaching, Worden has authored numerous books and instructional materials covering subjects ranging from martial arts and self-defense to leadership and personal development. His writing reflects the same thoughtful approach found in his seminars, emphasizing that the lessons learned through disciplined training, including patience, resilience,

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perseverance and integrity, can be applied to every aspect of life. Even after decades in the martial arts, Worden remains committed to learning. His willingness to embrace new ideas while honoring traditional values has kept him relevant across generations. Students often remark on his enthusiasm, humility and curiosity, qualities that continue to inspire both beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. In an era when martial arts are often portrayed as competitive sports or cinematic spectacle, Kelly Worden embodies something deeper. His career shows that martial arts can be a lifelong path of service, leadership and personal transformation. By blending classical traditions with modern realities, preserving the philosophical legacy of Lee and encouraging innovation, Worden has established himself as both a guardian of martial arts history and a guide to its future.

Worden’s story serves as a reminder that mastery is never a final destination. It is a continuous journey fueled by discipline, curiosity and a willingness to keep learning. For Worden, that journey has spanned more than half a century, and its influence continues to shape martial artists around the world. Worden is not done yet; at 74 years young, he continues to teach classes and seminars. With no disrespect to all the grand masters I have trained with, if I had to pick just one instructor in empty hands, stick and knife, I would pick Kelly Worden – I can give him no higher endorsement than that! ★ Editor’s note: For more information about Kelly Worden and his classes, visit wordendefense.com. Author Paul Pawela is a nationally recognized firearms and self-defense expert. For his realistic self-defense training, see assaultcountertactics.com.

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Flashbang inventor and owner Lisa Looper displaying the Flashbang center bra carry holster.

hen Lisa Looper was working in her family’s business selling belts and holsters to law enforcement officers from all over the Oklahoma City metro area, they would constantly tell her that she should be carrying a gun. At the same time, they would relay the struggles they had finding a carry method for their wives and daughters. “I believed them about what I should be doing, but even after going through every option I could find, I couldn’t come up with a solution that worked with how I dressed or how I was actually built,” says Looper. “So I went with the old standby of ‘kick ’em and run’ if trouble ever crossed my path.” That changed in May 2005 when she became a first-time mom. “When my oldest was a baby, I was at a gas station filling up my car, and he was asleep in his car seat,” she recalls. “Some man walked up to the front of my car. He didn’t really do anything wrong. He just got closer than I was comfortable with, and I instinctively stepped back. Then I realized I’d stepped away from my son. That man was closer to my baby than I was. So I stepped back up. He wandered off, and it wasn’t an issue. But standing there, it occurred to me that I couldn’t get my son out of that car seat and get both of us away safely, not if I needed to. Running away had been my entire plan, and it wasn’t an option anymore.” “So I got serious about finding something that worked, failed at it repeatedly, and eventually discovered that the little curve right under the bust line is a great hiding spot for a gun. I made something that fit my body, hid under the americanshootingjournal.com 61

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Looper demonstrating how easy it is to access and remove your firearm from the Flashbang center bra carry holster.

clothes I was already wearing, and didn’t get in the way of taking care of my son. It worked with my curves instead of against them.” Looper says she wasn’t trying to invent a product or start a business. “It just met my need at the time, and it turned out a lot of other women needed the same thing,” she says. “That holster became the Flashbang, and that mindset started a whole company.” As Looper explains, most companies take a design made for men and modify it to work better for women. Her company, on the other hand, starts from the ground up. “The Flashbang began with me asking where I could best conceal a gun based on the contours of my body. Then: How do I secure it there? How do I access it? How do I keep it safe? The answer to each question formed 62 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

the design, and it’s still completely different from anything else on the market,” says Looper. “There’s a real mismatch between what the firearms industry thinks women want and what actually works for us. It’s gotten better over the course of my career, but people don’t know what they don’t know, and that applies to everyone. When something feels simple to you, you don’t go looking for another way to do it. Racking a slide is a good example. If it’s easy for you, it’s hard to understand why someone else might struggle. Men generally have stronger upper bodies, which makes operating a gun easier to manage. Women don’t always get to rely on brute strength. We need technique.” “The same thing happens with concealed carry. Men have relatively straight torsos and a more standard clothing pattern. Our bodies are

smaller and curvier and we wear a huge range of outfits. Taking a large flat piece of metal and adding it to structured pants and a belt is fairly simple for a straight body type. For women, we’re back to technique, and this time there’s hardware that has to be designed to make that technique safe. If a man designs holsters and never struggles with strapping a fullsize firearm at his side, he’ll assume everyone else can do the same. Having a woman’s perspective, and the ability to design the hardware to make the techniques work, is a totally different ballgame.” With that innate level of understanding, Looper says her holsters fill a need instead of adapting around one. As one customer, Stephanie S., recently put it: “I love this holster. It makes it easy to conceal my gun with any outfit, which used to

COMPANY SPOTLIGHT be such a struggle for me!” While the company has expanded its offerings, their initial product, the Flashbang bra holster, as well as their Betty 2.0 inside-the-waistband holster, have remained their most popular products. While the function of each is different, the design principles are identical: Start with the contours of women’s bodies to find concealment; use the support structures already built into women’s clothing; use the mechanics of women’s physiques to their best advantage; and take the realities of women’s day-to-day lives into account when determining safety needs. Looper has certainly built a successful brand of holsters, but her emphasis has always been on helping women gain confidence in their ability to carry concealed. “We spend as much time helping people learn about firearms, personal safety and concealed carry as we do making and selling holsters. I’m just a mom who wants to keep her family safe, and I’m passionate about helping others do the same.” ★ Flashbang’s Betty 2.0 insidethe-waistband holster.

64 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

Editor’s note: For more information, visit flashbangstore.com.

CHEEK PADS and COMB RISERS for many types of rifles and shotguns

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BLACK POWDER

Wooden nickels and a charm, medallion and tomahawk shooting prize from a western Washington muzzleloading club’s annual rendezvous.

A TOMAHAWK FOR MIKE

The Paul Bunyan Plainsmen's 51st annual rendezvous didn't go as well as hoped for one shooter, but still yielded a great prize. STORY AND PHOTOS BY MIKE NESBITT

A

fter completing registration at the recent Paul Bunyan Plainsmen Rendezvous – where I made sure to get one of the 2026 Paul Bunyan medallions designed by Mike Moran – I stepped out of the clubhouse and there was Mike Holeman with his rifle, all ready to do some shooting. “I’ve been waiting for

you,” he said, and with that, we both headed for the shooting area where we would begin by shooting a tiebreaker score on our scorecards. At the pistol range where we’d shoot our tiebreakers, the range safety officer was none other than Mike Moran. When it was our turn to shoot our tiebreakers, Mike Holeman and I were joined by three other shooters who were also just getting started. They were Cody Mehr, Lawrence Saltarelli and David Dickman.

We posted our scorecards as directed and Mike Moran took that opportunity to explain our next shot, which would be at a playing card. On the target stands where we posted our scorecards, there were a number of grooves cut into the top boards where the playing cards were standing. After getting us straightened out on what we should do, Mike called the range “hot” and we began by loading our rifles. The gun I was using was my americanshootingjournal.com 69

BLACK POWDER Ol’ “Trailblazer,” author Mike Nesbitt’s .50-caliber Late Lancaster from Tennessee Valley Muzzleloading.

favorite, the .50-caliber flintlock Late Lancaster by TVM, the gun I call my “Trailblazer.” That rifle was loaded with 45 grains of GOEX 3Fg powder under a patched .490-inch round ball. With the rifle loaded and primed, I aimed as well as I could for the center of the tiebreaker target and fired. “Oohs” and “aahs” followed and it looked like my shot had found the center of that target – very close to dead center. I felt like maybe I had done something very good, if not even special. But that feeling was rather shortlived because the “oohs” and “aahs” continued as the other shooters fired their tiebreaker shots. It turned out that all five of us had centered our shots on the tiebreaker target. That was some very good shooting and we posed for a group picture. It was rather unusual that all five of us would center our first shots like that, and someday we’ll try to do it again. Then we all reloaded again to try cutting the playing cards in two. I simply missed my target and Mike Holeman almost cut his card in two but not quite. Cody, shooting his new percussion .54-caliber Hawken built Close-up of the Mike Morandesigned Paul Bunyan Plainsmen medallion for the 2026 rendezvous.

70 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

Nesbitt (second from left) and four other shooters all centered their tiebreaker shots.

from a Kibler kit, did cut his card, which earned him one hit on his scorecard. Following that, we all headed to the beginning of the trail for the other 15 shots that we’d take with our rifles.

EVERY YEAR, THE rifle trail at Paul Bunyan is just a bit different. And this year a new twist was added. There were some targets, mostly difficult ones, where hits could be rewarded with trinkets or small charms. Those charms could be added to the wooden nickel made for this rendezvous, but the charms were limited in number and available on a first-served basis. Those wooden nickels and the charms were provided by Megan Evans, known as “Many Questions.” One of those select targets was a buffalo standing out at a rather long range. I took a stab at it with my .50 and got a good hit. That meant I could get a buffalo charm and at least a few of them were left. That was the only charm I got. Actually, I should have gotten another charm for a hit on the elk target, but those had already been taken by then. The photo on the previous page shows a pair of wooden nickels, one of

which might have been Mike Moran’s nickel, with several charms. This was a good idea that added just another new twist to the rendezvous. A few of the targets on the rifle trail were bonus targets. At those, there were two targets available. For example, they might have had a silhouette in the shape of a coffee pot and next to that was a smaller silhouette of a coffee cup, with the cup in red. Shooters had their choice of which target to shoot at, with the pot earning one “hit” and the cup earning two. Of course, the shooter had to declare which target they were aiming at before the shot. I do recall that I certainly enjoyed the sporting idea of the bonus targets and declared that I’d shoot for the red target each time they were available. But this year I never did get a hit on those smaller bonuses. That left me with a rather low score of only 8 hits out of a possible 20. Even so, I was ready to admit that just getting those 8 hits was pleasing.

WHILE THE RIFLE trail was the only

event I participated in at this year’s rendezvous, there were several other

BLACK POWDER shooting events that I’ll describe here. First, there was the Stake Shoot. Several clubs have events similar to this, where teams of shooters – in this case, four shooters to a team plus a safety person – try to be the first team to shoot their 4-inch by 4-inch stake, or post, in half. This requires accuracy and repeated shots, so reloading quickly and well is certainly part of the game. Next was the Split the Ball Match, where shooters aim at the cutting edge of an axe blade to split their bullets and break two clay pigeons, one on each side of the axe. Everyone who enters takes their first shot, then those who successfully break both clay pigeons get to move back to increase the distance and then try it again. That is repeated until only one shooter is left. A unique match, only done at the Paul Bunyan Rendezvous, is the Chicken Shoot. This is where teams of two shooters compete in elimination style. The targets are two large fullsized steel silhouettes of chickens, about a foot tall, plus one more small chicken, maybe 5 inches tall. Those are set out at a full 50 meters’ distance. The winning team is the first to knock down all three of their targets, with each team shooting in a relay of their own, shooting as many shots as it takes to knock the chickens down in the shortest amount of time. Between those shooting relays, the range is closed for safety and the “chicken people” (aka the kids who have volunteered) run

Mike Holeman on the firing line, shooting a tiebreaker shot.

downrange to reset the targets for the next relay. This is, as you can probably tell, a big spectator event with cheering and heckling highly encouraged. When the gun smoke had finally cleared this year, the winning team was manned by Cody Mehr and Lawrence Saltarelli. Their prize, as you might guess, was a bag full of fried chicken. Finally, they held a Trade Gun Match

A wooden nickel with attached charms, both provided by Megan “Many Questions” Evans.

Lawrence Saltarelli and Cody Mehr, winners of the Chicken Shoot and its sack of fried chicken.

72 American Shooting Journal // September 2026

on Monday morning. Several clubs hold trade gun matches, where the shooters put five shots on a paper target and then five more shots are fired at steel gongs. Generally, the trade guns must use flintlock ignition with smoothbore barrels, simple triggers instead of set triggers, and no rear sights. Because I did not stay at the rendezvous, I was not present when prizes were awarded on Monday. Mike Holeman said he’d pick something for me “out of what was left.” With only 8 hits to my credit, my name certainly would not be called at the front of the list. Yet when my name was called and Mike stepped forward to get something for me, there was still a grand selection to pick from, as Mike told me. He picked a tomahawk, pictured on the first page of this story. I was delighted with that tomahawk and I’ll probably put it to good use. So in the end, the rifle shooting I did at this rendezvous certainly was successful. ★

americanshootingjournal.com 73

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