Shooting Illustrated Interviews - Bill Wilson

This video analyzes why certain firearm models are experiencing slow sales in 2026, attributing it to market shifts towards value and practicality over premium features or niche applications. High-priced AR-15s, tactical shotguns, premium 1911s, full-size metal frame pistols, and hunting rifles in less common calibers are identified as overstocked items. The analysis highlights that buyers are prioritizing cost-effectiveness, availability of ammunition, and suitability for common use cases like home defense or concealed carry over enthusiast-grade or specialized firearms.

This video reviews several new and updated firearms released in 2026, highlighting features like suppressor compatibility, modularity, and ergonomic enhancements. It covers AR-15 variants from Smith & Wesson, AR-10 platforms from Palmetto State Armory, a modern lever-action rifle from Henry, and updated classic designs from Harrington & Richardson. The review also touches on a unique Czech pistol and a SIG Sauer carry pistol, offering insights into their design philosophies and intended applications.

This video provides an in-depth review of two Les Baer Custom 1911 pistols chambered in 10mm: the Kenai Special and the Premier II. The presenter, demonstrating experienced authority, details custom features, material choices like DuPont S-coating and stainless steel barrels, and compares components from brands like Wilson Combat and Trip Research. Insights into trigger pull weights, accuracy guarantees, and ammunition performance are shared, offering valuable information for those considering a high-end custom 1911.

This video tests the performance of 1-karat diamond-tipped .45 ACP rounds fired from a 1911. The tests included a water jug penetration and a ballistics gelatin test. The diamond-tipped rounds, similar to FMJ, did not exhibit expansion and passed through both water jugs and the gelatin block cleanly, suggesting potential underperformance compared to traditional hollow points in this specific configuration. The presenter questions the effectiveness of .45 ACP hollow points in general based on these results.

The Kimber DS Warrior is a double-stack 1911 pistol chambered in 9mm, designed to offer a 2011-style platform at a more accessible price point. It features a durable carbon fiber grip, a match-grade trigger rated at 4-5 lbs (feeling closer to 3.5 lbs), a Picatinny rail, and a 5-inch crowned barrel with a matte stainless steel finish. The pistol is optic-ready, though the front sight height may not allow for co-witnessing with an RMR. It demonstrates good accuracy and impressive recoil management for its platform, making it suitable for duty, home defense, or open carry.

This video from Yee Yee Life tests the penetration capabilities of various firearms against a stack of baking sheets, culminating with a .50 BMG round. The experiment demonstrates the relative stopping power of different calibers, from .22 LR to .50 BMG, and includes a 12-gauge slug, AK-47, .308, and .30-06 rifle rounds. The results highlight significant differences in penetration, with the .50 BMG ultimately piercing all 34 baking sheets.

This video from NRA Publications provides an in-depth look at the manufacturing process of Hornady ammunition, from bullet creation to final packaging. It details the steps involved in forming bullets, annealing and shaping cartridge cases, and rigorous quality control testing to ensure product reliability. The expert-level instruction highlights the precision engineering and domestic manufacturing of Hornady products in Grand Island, Nebraska, USA.

This video provides an expert overview of the British L1A1 SLR, a variant of the FN FAL. Mark A. Keefe IV, Editor-in-Chief of American Rifleman, details its design differences from the Belgian FN FAL, its extensive service history in conflicts like the Falklands War, and its eventual replacement. The segment highlights the rifle's robust construction, its adoption strategy by British Ordnance, and its legacy in firearm history.

This video documents a startling bobcat attack on a turkey hunter. The hunter's calls, intended for turkeys, attracted a bobcat which stalked and then pounced. The hunter's reaction caused the bobcat to retreat, highlighting the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and the importance of situational awareness.

This video details the revival of Remington Ammunition under Vista Outdoor's ownership, focusing on the Lonoke, Arkansas facility. It highlights the brand's historical significance, the challenges faced during bankruptcy, and the strategic steps taken by Vista Outdoor to restore production, quality, and employee morale. The narrative emphasizes a commitment to American manufacturing and supporting the Second Amendment.