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.
Shooting
EOTECH
Daniel Defense DD5 V5 Hunter: A Truly Exceptional Rifle
The Daniel Defense DD5 V5 Hunter is an impressively accurate long-distance rifle perfect for deer-size game. Get the range results here!
Shooting
EOTECH
Henry SPD HUSH .357 Review: Tight Groups at 50 Yards
We hit the range with the new Henry SPD HUSH to see if this carbon-fiber, suppressor-ready lever-action lives up to the hype.
Shooting
Ruger
Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber Review: The Ultimate Rimfire Host?
Since 1964, the Ruger 10/22 has been a staple in the shooting enthusiast's armory, but how good is the new 10/22 Carbon Fiber edition?
Shooting
Federal Ammunition
Best 7mm Backcountry Rifles: 9 New Hunting Rifle Models & Specs
No matter your hunting budget, there’s a sure-shot Federal 7mm Backcountry rifle here for you if more power and a lower recoil is what you want.
Shooting
Collaboration
Rimfire Revolution: We Put CCI’s New Uppercut & Suppressor Max to the Test
CCI are always attempting to raise the bar with their Uppercut Defense .22 WMR and Suppressor Max .22 the latest offerings that they hope will change the game.
Shooting
Review: Winchester Long Beard TSS Turkey Shells
Experience the power of Winchester Long Beard TSS. Perfect for turkey hunting with unmatched accuracy at various distances.
Shooting
Review: Kimber COMP X Hunter 10mm
Explore the Kimber COMP X Hunter 10mm, a powerful hunting pistol designed for performance and style with reduced recoil.
Shooting
EOTECH
Rifle Scope Anatomy: Parts & Function Explained via the EOTECH Vudu X
Learn how to choose the right rifle scope by understanding how they're made. Explore specifications to enhance your shooting precision.
Hunting
Federal Ammunition
Testing HEVI-Shot’s New Turkey, Upland & Waterfowl Bismuth 12-Gauge Shotshells
HEVI-Shot Bismuth Loads Are a Bird Hunter's Best Friend.
Hunting
Bergara BMR-X Rimfire Rifle Review
Experience a .22 Long Rifle revolution with Bergara's BMR-X. Discover its match-grade chamber, top-notch trigger & overall ergonomics.
Shooting
Federal Ammunition
Federal's New 7mm Backcountry Review
Federal Ammunition’s New 7mm Backcountry hunting round means magnum power with less recoil and less rifle.
Shooting
Testing the Christensen Arms MPR Rimfire's Accuracy Guarantee
Christensen Arms guarantees sub-MOA accuracy from its MPR Rimfire at 50 yards. We put that claim to the test.
Shooting
Kimber CDS9 Micro 1911 9mm Review
The Kimber CDS9 Micro 1911 9mm is the ultimate 9mm carry pistol for self-defense. Discover its reliability & performance in this review.
Shooting
Federal Ammunition
Why Federal Fusion Tipped Ammo Reigns Supreme
Explore the exceptional accuracy and performance of Federal Fusion Tipped ammunition for long-range hunting.
News
Kimber 2K11: First Double Stack 1911 (9mm & .45 ACP)
The new Kimber 2K11: a cutting-edge double-stack 1911 pistol with an Optics Ready design is very impressive.
Shooting
Federal Ammunition
Federal Ultra Steel Review: The Game-Changing Waterfowl Load You Need
The Federal Ultra Steel shotgun shells could be the difference for you this waterfowl season if you want to tighten your shot and improve your chances of success.
News
Kimber CDS9 Review: The Next-Gen All-Metal 15-Round CCW Pistol Upgrade
The new Kimber CDS9 is a new, designed from the ground up, all-metal concealed carry 9mm pistol with a 15-round capacity.
Shooting
EOTECH
Save Ammo: The Ultimate Guide to Boresighting (Old-School vs. Tech)
Here are two ways to boresight a rifle, an old school way that only requires a bolt gun and a scope, and a more modern method.
Shooting
Kimber R7 Mako Carbon Compact 9mm Semi-Auto Review (+Video)
Check out an in-depth review of the industry-leading Kimber R7 Mako Carbon Compact 9mm semi-automatic handgun.
Shooting
Silencer Central Performs On-Site Barrel Threading For Suppressors
Unlock the full potential of your hunting rifle with Silencer Central's in-house barrel threading for suppressors.
