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
Taurus
Taurus Expedition .308 Win Bolt-Action Rifle Review
Check out the Taurus Expedition .308 Win, a compact & accurate bolt-action rifle for hunters. Learn about its features and sub-MOA accuracy.
Shooting
Bergara B-14 Squared Crest Carbon 6.5 Creedmoor Bolt-Action Rifle Review
Experience the power of carbon fiber technology with the Bergara B-14 Squared Crest Carbon rifle. Lightweight, accurate & built to last.
Shooting
Ruger
Marlin Dark Series 1895 .45-70 Lever-Action Rifle Review
Discover the new Marlin Dark Series 1895 lever-action rifle with tactical upgrades for enhanced performance—perfect for hog hunting!
Shooting
Federal Ammunition
From Olympics to Weekend Clays: Why Pro Shooters Call Federal HOA Shell the G.O.A.T.
Check out the ultimate shotshells for Olympic trap shooting: Federal Premium’s High Over All (HOA). Is it the greatest of all time?
Shooting
EOTECH
EOTECH VUDU 3.5-18x50 SFP Rifle Scope Test
Explore the impressive features of the VUDU 3.5-18x50 SFP rifle scope.
Shooting
Ruger
Ruger LC Carbine .45 ACP Review
Discover the power & accuracy of the Ruger LC Carbine in .45 ACP. This rifle offers minimal recoil & flawless performance.
Shooting
Christensen Arms MCR .300 Win Mag Bolt-Action Rifle Review
With a carbon fiber design, sub-MOA accuracy & an effective muzzle brake, the Christensen Arms MCR is the ultimate lightweight hunting rifle.
Shooting
Walther Arms
Walther PD380 Review: A Compact .380 That Shoots Like a Bigger Gun
Compact .380s had lowered expectations. Four one-inch groups, manageable recoil and a surprisingly steady grip made the Walther PD380 the exception.
Shooting
Taurus
Taurus Executive Grade 605 .357 Mag./.38 Spl. Revolver Review
The Taurus Executive Grade 605 revolver proves it's a great choice for concealed carry, home defense, or as a backup gun.
Shooting
New Kimber KDS9c Rail 9mm Semi-Automatic Handgun Review
Kimber's KDS9c Rail 9mm is proof they work hard to outdo themselves with every new gun they manufacture.
Shooting
Sig Sauer
SIG P365-AXG Legion Review: Stainless Steel Beauty Worth the Premium
I opened the case to find SIG’s premium carry gun wearing a Romeo-X and Foxtrot2R. Not wanting to be ungrateful, I shot it that way—and I'm glad I did.
Shooting
Federal Ammunition
Federal Punch Hellcat 9mm Review: The Best Ammunition for Your Carry Gun?
The Punch Hellcat 9mm Ammo was designed truly for civilian concealed carry self defense. Does it pack a punch, or does it have a glass chin?
Shooting
Ruger
Ruger American Rifle Gen II Review: A Premium Budget Upgrade
The Ruger American Rifle Gen II is a serious upgrade to the Ruger line and we got our hands on it first.
Shooting
Taurus
Optics-Ready Taurus GX4 Carry T.O.R.O. Pistol Review
Hook & Barrel's Brian McCombie reviews the new Taurus GX4 Carry T.O.R.O. Pistol. Hint: it's accurate.
Shooting
Why Benelli’s New Upgraded SBE3 Makes Spring Turkey Hunting Unfair
The Benelli Performance Shop SBE3 Turkey Shotgun is so good that you won't miss this turkey hunting season.
Shooting
Kimber Micro 9 Rapide Review: Is This Pocket 1911 Reliable?
The Kimber Micro 9 Rapide Pistol has made our list of favorite every day carries, and there are plenty of reasons why.
Shooting
FN 509 CC Edge Pistol Review: Does It Just Look Cool?
Want to keep on target firing multiple shots? The FN 509 CC Edge Carry Pistol is accurate, fast, and deadly in the center mass.
Hunting
Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey Review: The Standard-setting Optics-Ready Shotgun?
The Mossberg 940 PRO Turkey Shotgun might not be the best turkey shotgun around, but it's in contention to being in the top one....
Shooting
23 Rounds of 10mm? Testing the New FN 510 Tactical
Hook & Barrel's Brian McCombie reviews the new FN 510 Tactical. Its versatility goes far beyond that of your typical 10mm auto.
Shooting
SAR P8S 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol Review
The SAR P8S 9MM Pistol is designed for comfort while shooting, and it shows.
