Brian McCombie
Firearms Editor
Brian McCombie is Hook & Barrel's Firearms Editor, covering firearms, optics, thermal imaging, and hunting. He published his first article in Newsweek in 1986 and has been a full-time freelance writer since 1994, with work appearing in Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, Gun Digest, and GunsAmerica Digest.
He has been shooting since age 8 and hunting since 13. Raised in the Upper Midwest, he counts Texas as his second home for both the people and the hunting. He has used thermal optics in the field for more than a decade, and his favourite hunt is chasing Texas hogs at night with a suppressed, thermal-equipped AR-10.
His work spans hunting stories, firearm and gear reviews, with articles on Second Amendment issues.
Education:
U of WI Stevens Point, BS in English, 1986. Wichita State U, MFA in Creative Writing 1989.
Expertise:
Firearms and optics, thermal units, hunting stories
Location:
Marshfield, WI
What the outdoors mean to Brian:
A connection to things larger than myself and a disconnect from the noise of modern life.
Articles by Brian McCombie
Hunting
Collaboration
Marlin, Nocpix and Dead Air Travel to South Texas: Hogs Beware
Lightning, brutal heat and brush-thick recoveries turn a South Texas hog hunt into a hard test of the Marlin Mad Pig 1894, a Nocpix thermal and a Dead Air suppressor.
Shooting
Federal Ammunition
Fiocchi Backwoods Hunter Ammo Review: Two Calibers Range-Tested
Fiocchi’s Backwoods Hunter line promises all-copper performance without the usual premium price. We tested two popular loads to see if the accuracy lived up to the pitch.
Shooting
Dead Air Silencers
Dead Air Nomad Suppressors for Hunting: All 5 Models Compared
From an ultralight backcountry model to a hard-use, full-auto-rated option, these five Dead Air Nomad suppressors cover nearly every kind of rifle hunt.
Shooting
Dead Air Silencers
Dead Air Sandman X Review: Tested on Three Rifles
The Dead Air Sandman X spent two months on rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, .30-30 Win. and .308 Win. One host revealed its clearest advantage.
Shooting
EOTECH
Benelli M2-G1 Review: Tested With Nearly 100 Rounds
Benelli’s new M2-G1 tactical shotgun combines a rear-piston gas system, 7+1 capacity and collapsible stock with serious 12-gauge firepower. We tested it with birdshot, buckshot and slugs to see how the new tactical semi-auto performs.
Shooting
Beretta B22 Jaguar Tac Metal Review: Our Full Range Test
The Beretta B22 Jaguar Tac Metal was accurate enough to keep the range session going through the July heat—and well past lunchtime.
Shooting
Collaboration
Ruger Red Label III 20-Gauge Review: 25-Yard Pattern Test With Six Loads
The reborn Ruger Red Label III faced improvised flying targets and six practical 25-yard pattern tests with target, upland and turkey loads.
Shooting
Ruger
Marlin Mad Pig Model 1894 First Look
Our first look at the Marlin Mad Pig Model 1894 reveals custom-style upgrades and .357 Magnum power.
Shooting
Taurus
Taurus Deputy Dual Cylinder Review: The Definitive 3-in-1 Old West Six-Gun Upgrade
Its classic looks with a modern twist make the Taurus Deputy six-shooter exactly three times the fun.
Shooting
Taurus
Taurus Deputy Dual Cylinder Review: 9mm, .38 Special and .357 Magnum Tested
Brian McCombie expected the Taurus Deputy’s Old West styling to be the story. Then he started changing cylinders and feeding the same six-gun 9mm, .38 Special and .357 Magnum. Across rested groups and offhand shooting, the Deputy proved more practical than its cowboy profile suggested.
