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Dave McGillivray

Dave McGillivray

Writer

Master Gunsmith

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Join date: Dec 5, 2022

About

David McGillivray is an accomplished entrepreneur and seasoned professional in outdoor education, firearms technology, and security management. As owner and operator of Bull Creek Outdoors, David has established a distinguished full-service gunsmithing shop that caters to a wide array of firearms needs. David’s passion for the outdoors extends into also offering guiding services for hunting and fishing enthusiasts. His courses cover firearms training, wilderness preparedness, medical training, and tracking.


David's diverse skill set extends to his role as a Product Review Writer for Top Firearm Reviews, where he meticulously examines and tests firearms and firearm accessories and a host of other products. His reviews carry an unbiased perspective, focusing on areas for improvement while ensuring product functionality and performance.


Previously, he has served as the Associate Director of Campus Safety and Security for a local University. He also dedicated over two decades to the United States Army, where he rose to the rank of Airborne Infantry First Sergeant. He holds an Associate of Science in Firearms Technology from Sonoran Desert Institute, where he graduated with a 3.97 GPA.



Experience

  • Expert Gunsmith

  • Firearms Reviewer

  • Freelance Writer and Editor

  • Product Tester

  • Bull Creek Outdoors - Owner (Dahlonega, GA)

  • Brenau University - Associate Director of Campus Security (Gainesville, GA)

  • Northeast Georgia Health System - Armed Security Officer (Gainesville, GA)

  • 82nd Airborne Division, US Army - Non-Commissioned officer in Charge of Operations (Fort Bragg, NC)

  • 82nd Airborne Division, 2nd Brigade, US Army - Airborne Infantry Company First Sergeant (Fort Bragg, NC)

  • Human Resources Command, US Army - Professional Development Non-Commissioned Officer (Fort Knox, KY)

  • 82nd Airborne Division, 2nd Brigade, US Army - Airborne Infantry Rifle and Scout Platoon Sergeant (Fort Bragg, NC)

  • US Army Ranger Training Brigade (RTB) - Instructor in the Mountain Phase of Ranger School (5th Battalion, Dahlonega, GA)

  • 82nd Airborne Division, 3rd Brigade, US Army - Airborne Infantry Squad Leader (Ft. Bragg, NC)

  • 2nd Infantry Division US Army - Mechanized Infantry Team & Squad Leader (Camp Hovey, Korea)

  • 4th Infantry Division, US Army - Soldier (Ft. Carson, CO)



Certificates

  • Sonoran Desert Institute Certificate in Firearms Technology, Handgun Specialist - 2024

  • Colorado Outdoor Adventure Guide School, Safari Hunting Program - 2023

  • Colorado Outdoor Adventure Guide School, Fly Fishing Guide Program - 2022

  • Colorado Outdoor Adventure Guide School, Whitetail Hunting Guide Program - 2022

  • Federal Firearms License (FFL) - 2020

  • Sonoran Desert Institute, Associate of Science in Firearms Technology - 2020

  • American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI) First Aid/CPR Instructor - 2020

  • US Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) Concealed Carry and Home Defense Firearms Instructor - 2020

  • Tom Brown JR Standard Class (Tracking & Wilderness Survival) - 2013

  • Tactical Tracking Operations School, Tactical and Combat Tracking - 2010

  • United States Army Ranger Instructor - 2004-2007

  • United States Army Ranger school - 2002



Overview

First Name
Dave
Last Name
McGillivray
Position
Master Gunsmith

Posts (48)

Apr 7, 2026 ∙ 2 min
Sightmark Wraith Digital Night Vision Riflescope: Reviewed By A Ranger
This Sightmark riflescope has a really impressive detection range of 274 meters (300 yards). Here's my hands-on review. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. Night vision works by seeing infrared light, so this scope needs an emitter to send the IR light ahead of the shooter. Emitters can be placed in areas like a sheep pen or chicken coop and flood the area with invisible light until the scope is used. Suppose I look at my security cameras when they go into night mode....
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Apr 7, 2026 ∙ 3 min
Burris Scout Scope: Reviewed By A Whitetail Hunting Guide
I tested the Burris Scout Scope and was quite pleased with its performance. Here's my hands-on review, along with some pictures and tips. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. Burris is one of my favorite manufacturers. I have used one on a .44 Magnum Redhawk, and the scope's stainless finish looked incredible. It looked very biblical and awesome, not to mention fun to shoot. For this review, I mounted the Scout scope on my dad's M1 carbine and a friend's Ruger. I also...
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Apr 6, 2026 ∙ 2 min
Gogogo Sport Vpro GS03 Review: By A Safari Hunting Guide
I've been using my Gogogo Sport Vpro for a couple of years now, and it's never failed me or even ranged a distance that wasn't on the money. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. This is Dave here, and today I talk about the Gogogo Sport Vpro GS03. But before I dive into this awesome Gogogo Sport rangefinder, I want to tell you how much I love my Nikon binoculars. I love them more than any other binoculars I have ever used. Maybe that's just brand loyalty talking, but...
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Apr 5, 2026 ∙ 4 min
Timberland Vs. Columbia Hiking Boots: Tested By A Lifelong Hiker
I finally finished my Timberland vs. Columbia hiking boots test. I discuss their comfort, durability, weather protection, and overall support. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. Alright, it’s time I let my secret out of the bag and tell the world about my secret weapon when it comes to hiking: my boots. I've owned many over the years, but I always come back to either Columbia or Timberland. I've taken these bad boys on trips all around our great country, and they've...
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Apr 5, 2026 ∙ 2 min
Walker’s Firemax Behind-The-Neck Earmuffs: Reviewed By A CCW Instructor
I got these rechargeable earmuffs from Walker's and put them to the test. Here's my hands-on review. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. I shoot indoors weekly, and although my previous earmuffs had excellent noise reduction, for the life of me, I couldn't hear conversations. These Walker's earmuffs, on the other hand, allow me to hear people up to five lanes away while still protecting my ears, which is exactly what I wanted. And I just can’t get over how comfortable...
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Apr 5, 2026 ∙ 23 min
I Tested The Best Concealed Carry Holsters, Including The Best IWB Holster
So many people have asked me to recommend a holster that is both comfortable and affordable. Here's my personal ranking, along with hands-on reviews. FYI, Prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. ComfortTac - Best Belly Band Holster HIGHLIGHT: Works with practically every single popular brand. OVERVIEW: This is a belly band-style CCW holster made of neoprene, like a lightweight scuba suit. It is comfortable as it will mold and work with the body. No matter what I did, it was...
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Apr 3, 2026 ∙ 3 min
Gamo Whisper Fusion Mach 1 .22: Tested By A Scout PSG
The Gamo Whisper Fusion Mach 1 is perfect for target shooting, pest control, and small game hunting. You’ll easily get on target for a shot. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. Gamo has created an air rifle that will remain at the top of the mountain for many years. The Fusion Mach 1 has incorporated every advancement and proprietary offering Gamo has for its line of air guns. Here's my personal review, based on my hands-on testing. By the way, this air rifle also...
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Apr 3, 2026 ∙ 3 min
Bushnell Engage Review [2026]: By An Old-school Hunter
As a professional hunter from Georgia, I consider myself an old-school whitetailer. I got this riflescope from Bushnell and decided to put it to the test. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. Bushnell is known for making budget scopes. Many hunters don't know that they also make high-end hunting scopes. They have options that use all the exposed turrets to be adjusted on the shooting bench and all the super cool stuff that comes with the more advanced optics. The...
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Apr 3, 2026 ∙ 2 min
Smith And Wesson Rifle Case Review [2026]
I got this M&P Smith & Wesson bag and wrote this review, which is based on my own experience. I hope it helps you make a smarter decision. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. If it says Smith and Wesson M&P on a rifle case, I guess it would be better to wrap around one of them. I went to review the case and attempted to buy a rifle to fit inside it, but I got caught and grounded. So I called my brother-in-law, who has an M&P Smith and Wesson AR-15, and we tried it on...
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Apr 3, 2026 ∙ 2 min
Vortex Optics Razor HD 4000 [2026]: Reviewed By A Safari Hunting Guide
I've put the Razor HD 4000 to the test, and I was particularly impressed with the GeoBallistics App. Overall, it's a bit pricey, but definitely worth the money. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. In this article, I'm reviewing my all-time favorite rangefinder, the Vortex Razor HD 4000. However, if you want a bigger overview, my full comparison of all the models I tested is in my Best Range Finders for Hunting guide. Feel free to check it out. Vortex Razor HD 4000 -...
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Apr 1, 2026 ∙ 4 min
Holosun 510C Review [2026]: By A Utah CCW instructor
Gun owners know just how important it is to have a sight you can rely on, and I’m here to tell you that the Holosun 510C stands out from its competitors. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. Hi, shooters. In this article, I’m giving you my hands-on review of the Holosun 510C. I love it so much that now that I'm building a Scorpion, I'm going to get a 510C for that build as well. From where I stand, I can't see anyone or any manufacturer coming up with anything better...
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Apr 1, 2026 ∙ 16 min
Most Powerful Full Auto BB Guns: Tested By A US Army Ranger
I field-tested the best full auto BB guns on Amazon. So if you're in the market for one, I'd highly recommend one of the following options. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. Here's my take on the most powerful full auto BB guns I've crossed paths with over the years. If you prefer a full roundup of air rifles, check out our review of the best high powered pellet guns. For shooters who value precision rather than rate of fire, our Whisper Fusion Mach 1 review is worth...
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