Michael Helms

11 posts
Mike is a firearms historian and handgun shooting enthusiast. With almost 20 years of experience in the shooting sports, Mike loves to contrast a company’s latest offerings with its ancestral guns. He doesn’t shy away from modern technology, though, and some of his favorite guns are “plastic fantastics.” A devotee to iron sights and a believer in the Weaver stance, he has nearly given up on leather holsters and now prefers kydex. Mike sits on the board of directors for the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association and is a member of the American Society of Arms Collectors, and he is writing a book about Smith & Wesson’s Model 1 revolver. He holds a degree in history and lives near the bayous of southern Louisiana. Mike is a trained firearms instructor and competitive shooter. He is a member of the USCCA.
Civilian Marksmanship Program CMP M1911 review
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CMP M1911 review (Civilian Marksmanship Program)

Summary What is the Civilian Marksmanship Program? In 1903 the US Congress created the Office of the Director of Civilian Marksmanship to help improve marksmanship skills among America’s civilian populace. The program that evolved out of this is now known as the Civilian Marksmanship Program. It has been front and center in promoting safe and ... Read more
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Hunter Education Study Guide [Ultimate Resource]

Hunting has been around for millions of years and is still widely practiced around the world. In early civilizations, people hunted daily to provide food for themselves and their families. The pelts were used for clothing, while the horns, teeth, and bones were used to make weapons or tools. Hunting for survival became less necessary ... Read more
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Beginner Firearm Safety, From Safe Storage to Safe Shooting

The Second Amendment to the Constitution guarantees that U.S. citizens have the right to keep and bear arms. Along with this constitutional right comes the responsibility to be careful and conscientious gun owners. This includes storing firearms and ammunition properly and securely. Responsible gun ownership also involves using guns in a safe manner. Keep your ... Read more
Military Spending of the USA- 1960-2021
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Military Spending of the USA: 1960-2021

Executive Summary Introduction President George Washington said in the First State of the Union Address in 1790 that “To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.” One implication of the American founding father’s assertion is that war, peace, and military spending are closely linked. Military expenditure of a ... Read more
Firearms glossary of terms
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A Glossary For Firearms: All Terms and Gun Lingo Explained

Anyone who uses firearms needs to have a full understanding of their anatomy, capabilities, and power. It’s also crucial to know how to discharge firearms safely, how to maintain them, and how to store them. This is why we’ve compiled this glossary which includes all of the important terms that pertain to firearms. Gun owners ... Read more
The Ed Brown Classic Custom’s understated elegance isn’t ostentatious or showy, but it more than makes up for this in quality and durability.
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Investment piece? The $3,695 Ed Brown 1911 [Review]

Ed Brown 1911 Classic Custom in summary Ed Brown 1911, the Classic Custom, is one maker’s interpretation of what a perfect 1911 should be. Blending John Moses Browning’s genius with modern technology and a healthy dose of hand craftsmanship, the Classic Custom leaves nothing to be desired. Fun and quality come at a price: the ... Read more
The Palmetto State Armory PA-10 cuts an attractive silhouette. It is shown here with a Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20 scope with an illuminated firedot MOA ring and a Magpul M-LOK Bipod.
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PSA AR10 Review – Steak Features for Hamburger Prices

Summary Palmetto State Armory’s Gen3 PA10 platform (PSA AR10) is a solid and well-made performer in the AR-10 space, and at its price point (MSRP of $1349, but it can sometimes be found for $1179) it is tough to beat. PSA’s superb reputation for after-service support shouldn’t be necessary, but it’s comforting to know that ... Read more

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Hi! I'm Mike, one of the oldest writer of Sniper Country! If you have any feedback or question about my articles, please submit it here, it's always appreciated!

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