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2 days ago | 
athlonoutdoors.com | Mitch Eckler
It’s been over two decades since Smith & Wesson added its now-infamous internal safety lock to the side of its revolvers. If you’ve ever browsed a revolver forum, read a comment section, or even casually brought up the subject among wheelgun enthusiasts, you’ve probably heard the lock called the “Hillary Hole”—a nickname dripping with political frustration and aesthetic disdain. Since its inception, this feature has stirred up more controversy than utility.
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4 days ago | 
athlonoutdoors.com | Mitch Eckler
The world is more connected than ever, and digital awareness is crucial in navigating this landscape. Our smartphones aren’t just communication devices—they hold our personal data, track our movements, and act as digital keys to our finances, homes, and social lives. While this convenience has benefits, it also exposes us to new vulnerabilities.
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1 week ago | 
athlonoutdoors.com | Mitch Eckler
There’s something deeply satisfying about reloading your own ammo. It’s one of those skills that not only rewards you with better accuracy and deeper knowledge, but it also brings you closer to the process—like making your own bread or turning wrenches on your car. You understand more. You notice more. And eventually, you shoot better.
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1 week ago | 
athlonoutdoors.com | Mitch Eckler
There’s something undeniably exciting about being asked to help someone shoot a handgun for the first time. For instructors and experienced shooters, it’s a chance to share a skill we love. It’s something that has become second nature and even part of our identity. With regards brand new shooters stepping into this activity for the very first time, you can also experience a sense of pride and joy. But there’s also a responsibility.
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1 week ago | 
athlonoutdoors.com | Mitch Eckler
Sending our kids off to college has always been a bittersweet milestone. For parents, it’s a moment of pride, but it can also be concerning for parents of young women. While campuses are designed to foster learning, growth, and independence, they also present real, often under-discussed risks. This is where Operation Halo comes in. The statistics don’t lie. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 28,000 criminal incidents were reported on college campuses in a recent year.
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1 week ago | 
athlonoutdoors.com | Mitch Eckler
Dry-fire training is one of the best ways to improve your shooting skills. It’s cost-effective, accessible, and allows you to build muscle memory without the expense of live ammunition. Laser dry-fire systems, like Mantis X, Laser Academy, and the SIRT pistol, have made this type of training more interactive and engaging. However, as helpful as these tools are, they have limitations.
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2 weeks ago | 
athlonoutdoors.com | Mitch Eckler
Regarding competitive revolver shooting, the Smith & Wesson 929 is a masterpiece that stands head and shoulders above the rest. Designed in collaboration with world-champion shooter Jerry Miculek, the 929 was crafted to dominate the range. It delivers on that promise with spectacular precision, speed, and reliability. It’s the kind of gun that makes you want more of them—if only you could afford to buy them all.
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2 weeks ago | 
athlonoutdoors.com | Mitch Eckler
When I first started shooting, revolvers just made sense. They had this presence about them—a mechanical honesty. They weren’t trying to be clever or hyper-efficient; they were trying to work, and keep working—every time. My fondness for the revolver eventually led me to the defensive revolver class at Thunder Ranch. It was better than I expected. For a long time, I’ve carried a deep respect for the revolver and its role in personal defense.
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2 weeks ago | 
athlonoutdoors.com | Mitch Eckler
When it comes to working on firearms, especially optics and precision assemblies, torque isn’t just a suggestion—it’s everything. Anyone who’s sheared a mounting screw or fought through a wandering zero because of over- or under-tightened fasteners knows exactly how critical hitting torque spec can be. And for years, getting that precision meant dragging out a big ratcheting torque wrench, a pile of bits, and a prayer that your settings didn’t walk between projects.
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2 weeks ago | 
athlonoutdoors.com | Mitch Eckler
So, you just picked up a digital camera—maybe it’s your first DSLR, a high-quality compact, or even a mirrorless model. You’re excited, but after flipping through the manual and scrolling through the settings, you realize… you have no idea what half of this stuff means. Aperture, ISO, shutter speed, white balance—it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry. This guide will break down everything you need to know to start taking great photos with confidence.
