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Gary Anderson

Gary Anderson

Writer

Firearms Expert

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Join date: Jul 17, 2024

About

Gary R. Anderson, M.Ed., is an experienced instructional designer, educator, and firearms and outdoor writer. He is the founder of Psalm 144 Publishing, where he authors and publishes materials on firearms, self-defense and martial arts, with a mission to empower the modern warrior. Gary holds an 07 FFL license, enabling him to manufacture firearms and ammunition. He has published over 150 product reviews on firearms, shooting gear and outdoor equipment. With 13 authored books, including The .410 Shotgun and The Art of Custom Pistols, Gary blends technical expertise and engaging storytelling to educate and inspire his audience.



Experience

  • Firearms Reviewer

  • Freelance Writer and Editor

  • Product Tester

  • Psalm 144 Publishing - Founder and Publisher (Saratoga Springs, UT)

  • Guns and Gear, LLC - Freelance Firearms and Outdoor Writer (Saratoga Springs, UT)

  • JustInsurance, LLC - Instructional Designer (Vero Beach, FL)

  • Intelvio - Education Coordinator (Lindon, Utah)

  • Western Governors University - Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Instructional Design (Millcreek, UT)

  • Western Governors University - Bachelor of Science in Business Management (Millcreek, UT)



Certificates

  • NRA Basic Pistol Instructor since 2020

  • NRA Protection In the Home Instructor since 2020

  • Advanced Gunsmith since 2018 - Modern Gun School

  • International Firearm Specialist Academy - Certified Firearms Specialist since 2019

  • Utah CCW instructor since 2020



Published Work

  • The .410 Shotgun

  • The Art of Custom Pistols

  • Self-Defense Ammo: Choosing the Right Round for Your Handgun

  • The Art of the Revolver

  • Innovations in Design and Technology

  • The Custom Edge: Tailoring Your Hunting Rifle for Success

  • Crafting Your Dream AR-15: Lightweight and Affordable

  • Custom Precision: Building Your Long-Range Rifle

  • Custom Builds for Tactical Shotguns: Crafting Your Ultimate Home Defense Weapon

  • Custom Craft: Designing Your Ideal Hunting Shotgun

  • Concealed Carry Essentials

  • Mastering the Inside-the-Waistband Holster

  • The Ultimate Guide to Outside-the-Waistband Concealed Carry Holsters



Posts (42)

Apr 9, 2026 ∙ 13 min
What Are The Best Fishing Reels Of 2026 According To Anglers?
I tried out the best fishing reels to help you pull in those big boys and create a memorable experience out on the water. Here are hands-on reviews. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. PENN Spinfisher VI - Max Drag 15lb/6.8kg HIGHLIGHT: Recovers at a rate of thirty three inches. OCEAN USE BASICS: Let’s be real, there’s a lot of different fishing rods on the market, and a lot of people have different opinions about these things. For me at least, I think it’s...
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Apr 7, 2026 ∙ 3 min
Umarex T4E Shotgun Review: By An NRA Protection In the Home Instructor
It's hard to find an air gun you can rely on. The Umarex T4E HDS really is amazing if you're looking to shoot .68 caliber paintballs or rubber balls. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. Umarex T4E - .68 Caliber Home Defense Paintball Shotgun HIGHLIGHT: Shoots .68 caliber rubber balls, pepper balls and paintballs. OVERVIEW: Stay with me; an Air Shotgun is a real thing. I saw this at Shotshow and had to get one to test so I could give my honest feedback on this unique...
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Apr 7, 2026 ∙ 2 min
Vortex Venom First Focal Plane: Reviewed By A Utah Deer Hunter
To me, the Venom is the perfect hunting scope, mainly because it offers Vortex's built-in perfections at a price the average hunter can afford. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. Vortex Venom - First Focal Plane Riflescopes HIGHLIGHT: Huge objective lens, highest magnification power on the market. VALUE: For a quarter of the price of a Nightforce scope, the Venom offers the same level of performance. I may not have enough space to gush over this scope in this...
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Apr 6, 2026 ∙ 14 min
The Best Gun Range Bags According To An NRA Shooting Instructor
Looking for the perfect range bag for the money? These options are both practical and affordable, and will never feel like a regretful purchase. FYI, prices and review-count are accurate as of time of writing. 1. TIDEWE - Tactical Gun Range Backpack HIGHLIGHT: Individual Removable Pistol Cases. BACKGROUND: I have a few range bags; this is the first with individual pistol cases. To make it even more happy and fluffy, each case is removable. All the removable cases reside in a large pistol...
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Apr 6, 2026 ∙ 9 min
Best PCP Air Compressors For The Money: Max 4,500, 5,800 PSI
Achieving that ideal air pressure makes or breaks your shot, so finding the right air compressor is a must. Check out my hands-on reviews. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. In this review, I tested several PCP air compressors. If you're still not ready to move to a powered unit, you can read my review of some of the most popular PCP hand pumps . Both options work well with air guns, so it all depends on your skill set and needs. Let me break it down. 1. GX PUMP CS4 ...
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Apr 6, 2026 ∙ 10 min
Best PCP Hand Pumps On Amazon [My Personal Ranking]
I tested the best PCP air pumps on Amazon, and Four Uncles is still my top choice. Here's my personal ranking, along with my hands-on reviews. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. In this article, I review PCP hand pumps I personally tested in my shop or out in the field. If you're trying to decide between pumping with your hands or using a powered unit, check out my PCP air rifle compressors review . I hope it helps you decide which option better fits your needs. 1....
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Apr 4, 2026 ∙ 10 min
Stoeger Air Guns: What I Use Them For And Why
Stoeger air guns are perfect for target practice, and incredibly effective for small game hunting and pest control. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. My name is Gary, and I'm a Certified NRA instructor, 07FFL holder, Certified Advanced Gunsmith, lifelong shooter, and all-around know-it-all. I tested several air guns by Stoeger, and here's my ranking, along with hands-on reviews and testing results. 1. Stoeger XM1 - Best for Varmint Hunting HIGHLIGHT: Comes with a...
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Apr 1, 2026 ∙ 3 min
Crosman M4: Tested By An NRA Instructor In 2026
A lot of people have asked me why the Crosman M4-177 stands out from its competitors. My answer is simple: because it's cheap and it feels like an real AR. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. Tactical Crosman .177 Bolt-Action Variable Pump Air Rifle HIGHLIGHT: Ideal for getting the feel of an AR platform rifle. PERSONAL BACKSTORY: Growing up, all my buddies had BB and pellet guns, mostly single-pump spring air guns. All of them were a copy of a lever action rifle....
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Mar 26, 2026 ∙ 8 min
Best Shooting Tripods For Rifles And Hunting In 2026
I tested the best rifle tripods for shooting and hunting. A sturdy one can really help you perfect your shots when you're out hunting. Here's my final ranking. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. BOG DeathGrip - Aluminum Rifle Tripod HIGHLIGHT: Secure and hands-free rifle rest; ideal shooting support. HANDS-FREE SUPPORT: I never thought about hunting with a tripod. I use them with my camera equipment, so why would I not use one to hold a rifle? I like the ability...
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Mar 25, 2026 ∙ 10 min
Best Shooting Eye Protection Of 2026: Ranked By A CCW Instructor
I'm a gun shop owner, so if you're looking for the best eye protection for shooting, I guarantee these options will protect from any discharge or debris. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. Hi everyone. I'm Gary, and I've been an NRA instructor for a few years now. I tested my favorite shooting glasses, or as I like to call them, ballistic goggles. Here's my personal hands-on ranking. But before we dive in, I’d also like to invite you to check out my shooting ear...
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Mar 24, 2026 ∙ 12 min
The Best Holographic Sights For AR Rifles: According To An AR-15 Specialist
A holographic sight can dramatically improve fast target acquisition. I tested several popular models, and here are my top picks and hands-on reviews. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. Hi shooters. In this article, I’m reviewing my favorite holographic red dot sights for the AR platform. If you’re looking for simpler, less expensive options instead of a holographic sight, check out my budget red dot review. Anyway, here’s my ultimate holographic sights ranking. I...
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Mar 24, 2026 ∙ 46 min
Best Budget Red Dot Sights For Pistols, AR-15 & AK-47: Tested By A Utah Gunsmith
It's not easy to find the best budget red dot for your pistol, AR or AK. I tested the most popular models myself, and this is my ultimate ranking. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. Hi guys. Gary here, and in this article, I’m ranking budget-friendly red dots. If you’re interested in a true holographic sight for your AR, you should know they use a different projection system. Check out my hands-on holographic sight review to learn more about those. But anyway, here...
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