Frank Miniter & American Rifleman EIC Ed Friedman discuss the world’s oldest & largest 2A magazine

Published on April 27, 2026
Duration: 14:25

Ed Friedman, Editor-in-Chief of American Rifleman, discusses the magazine's evolution from a print-focused publication to a multi-platform media entity. He highlights the shift to digital content, including embedded videos and modernized articles on self-defense and training drills, driven by rising print and postage costs. The discussion also touches on the historical context of firearms technology and its relevance to Second Amendment rights, arguing against the notion that the Founding Fathers couldn't have envisioned modern firearms.

Quick Summary

American Rifleman magazine is evolving its publishing model due to rising print and postage costs, moving to four print issues annually with all content available digitally. This digital shift allows for enhanced features like embedded videos of firearm reviews and training drills, alongside modernized content focusing on self-defense and expert opinions.

Chapters

  1. 00:08American Rifleman's History
  2. 00:38Shift to Digital Content
  3. 01:01Rising Costs of Print Publishing
  4. 01:51Quarterly Print Issues & Digital Availability
  5. 02:04Benefits of Digital Content
  6. 02:22Video Reviews of Firearms
  7. 02:50Modernizing Content: Self-Defense Drills
  8. 03:31New Columnists and Voices
  9. 04:00Evolving Gun Review Format
  10. 05:33Renaming 'Dope Bag' to 'Gun Locker'
  11. 06:31Presenting Firearms History
  12. 07:14Guns of the Spanish Civil War
  13. 08:05Modern Warfare & Ukraine Conflict
  14. 09:42History of Firearms Technology
  15. 10:05Founding Fathers & Firearms Innovation
  16. 11:31Technology and Rights
  17. 12:35Accessing American Rifleman Digitally
  18. 13:01Evolving Media Environment
  19. 13:38Magazine's Future and Member Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is American Rifleman magazine shifting to fewer print issues?

American Rifleman is reducing print issues due to the rising costs of printing and shipping. A significant factor is the 17% increase in postage for magazines, making the transition to four print issues annually and a full digital offering a necessary step for cost savings and sustainability.

How does the digital format enhance American Rifleman content?

The digital format allows American Rifleman to embed videos directly into articles, showcasing firearms reviews and training drills in action. This provides a more dynamic and informative experience, enabling readers to see guns being shot and drills performed, which is impossible in a print-only format.

What is the historical argument regarding the Second Amendment and modern firearms?

The argument that the Founding Fathers couldn't have foreseen modern firearms is countered by historical evidence of repeating firearm designs existing during their era, such as the Girandoni air rifle. This suggests an understanding of the drive for faster firing rates, making the Second Amendment applicable to evolving technology.

How is American Rifleman modernizing its content beyond gun reviews?

American Rifleman is incorporating more practical content like self-defense training drills for handguns and rifles. They are also allowing expert columnists to express their unique voices and opinions more freely in articles, moving away from a rigid, standardized format to offer more diverse perspectives.

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