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To learn about our review methodology, as well as our approach to product testing, please visit our About page.

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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



Posts (54)

Aug 13, 2025 ∙ 6 min
How To Successfully Hunt Whitetail Deer In 2025
Deer hunting is a learning experience, and there are many common mistakes. These tips will help you eliminate errors and become a more successful hunter. Whitetail deer hunting can be one of the most rewarding hunts, but also incredibly frustrating. Like with most things, there are many different approaches and opinions as to what makes for a successful hunt. Here I am going to offer a few pieces of advice for hunters of all experience levels to consider when hitting the woods. I have hunted...
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Jul 22, 2025 ∙ 22 min
Best Pistol Safes In 2025: Biometric Models Tested By A Firearms Instructor
If you're looking for a small fingerprint gun safe that's both sturdy and affordable, here's my personal ranking and review of the best options on amazon. FYI, Prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. VAULTEK Smart Station  - Built-in Wireless Phone Charger HIGHLIGHT: Fingerprint scanner comes with an LED backlight. PURCHASE REASONING: I’ve always liked Vaultek as a company, and their products have always been something that captured my interest. I’ll be honest, I was a...
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Jul 20, 2025 ∙ 16 min
Best Rifle Bipods For AR15, AR10, M Lok Setups, And Hunting: By A Tactical Shooter
I tested some of the best rifle bipods for AR15, AR10, M Lok setups, and hunting. Here is my personal ranking, along with hands-on reviews. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. Accu-Shot - Best Bipod For AR15 HIGHLIGHT: Professional grade support for rifles. LONG RANGE SETUP: If you have a dedicated long-range rifle, you need the Accu-Shot PRS Atlas bipod. The Atlas is heavier than a hunting rifle needs, or a hunter will pack around for very long. The Atlas is...
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Jul 17, 2025 ∙ 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 - Belly Band Holster for Concealed Carry 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...
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Jul 16, 2025 ∙ 18 min
We Tested The Best Small Home Safes In 2025 For Fire, Water And Force
We tested the best small home safes across sizes and budgets. Here’s our ultimate ranking, hands-on reviews, and fire and water protection insights. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. SentrySafe  - Fireproof Safe (1.23 Cubic Feet) Highlight : Waterproof and fireproof. I dunno about you, but I’ve wanted to up the ante in my home for a while and get a nice home safe. If you’re like me, then you've probably done your research, tested some out in stores, but then hit...
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Jul 9, 2025 ∙ 9 min
Best 9mm Magazine Loaders Of 2025: Ranked By A Handgun Specialist
If you're shooting a 9mm pistol, you need a magazine speedloader you can rely on. Here's my personal ranking. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. ETS - Best 9mm Magazine Loader Overall HIGHLIGHT: Fastest and most effective. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: This magazine loader is fast to load the magazines, but also fast to load the loader. I opened the box of ammo and then ran the ammo rail, which works like a clip; this is one time the word clip is proper. Then I placed the...
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Jul 8, 2025 ∙ 29 min
Best Cheap Lawn Mowers Of 2025: For Men, Women & Seniors
We've tested the best cheap lawn mowers on the market, including lightweight options for women and seniors. Read our hands-on reviews. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. It’s not easy to find a lawn mower that's both affordable and easy to handle for everyone, even for women and seniors who prefer something lightweight. We tested several popular models and ranked them by affordability, durability, and, of course, comfort. 1. Greenworks 40V - 16" Cordless Lawn Mower...
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Jul 3, 2025 ∙ 11 min
Best Soft Rifle Cases Of 2025 According To A Squad Leader
I decided to put the most popular double rifle bags to the test. I'm confident each of these will help keep your firearms safe and protected. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. Savior Equipment - Tactical Rifle Bag HIGHLIGHT: Access to both rifles from the same zipper. DIVIDER SYSTEM: Some double rifle soft cases have a solid separator between the guns and require flipping the bag over to get to the other rifle, but not this one. Both guns are accessible by...
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Jul 2, 2025 ∙ 11 min
Best Pepper Ball Guns In 2025: Reviewed By Our CCW instructor
Since I live alone, I decided I needed some extra protection and tried out several of pepper gun pistols. Here's my ranking, including my Byrna Vs Sabre review. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. SABRE - Police-Trusted Pepper Projectile Launcher HIGHLIGHT: Police trust it, and for that reason, so do I. GENERAL EXPERIENCE: I read the reviews and it quickly became clear that this projectile pepper launcher is a favorite among those who prefer a trusty, non-lethal...
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Jun 30, 2025 ∙ 12 min
Best Pistol Lights In 2025 According To A CCW Instructor
Speaking from experience, I can tell you that a pistol light can help you identify targets in the dark, and make all the difference in life-or-death situations. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. Streamlight TLR-1 HL - 1000-Lumen Weapon Light HIGHLIGHT: 283 meter beam with an hour and a half hour battery life. OVERVIEW: This light is designed primarily for a long gun, not a long gun-specific light, but it's pretty large for a pistol. That being said, it's...
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Jun 28, 2025 ∙ 25 min
Best Military Watches For Men: Reviewed By A US Army Ranger In 2025
I tested the most popular tactical watches for men, and here's my personal ranking. I'm sure my picks will help bring out your inner rugged manliness. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. Garmin Instinct 2X Solar - Rugged GPS Smartwatch HIGHLIGHT: Rugged polymer case is built to industry standards. OVERVIEW: I’m seriously so happy with my new Garmin military watch. It has everything I thought I wanted, and then some! It records my sleep, my exercise, and just gives...
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Jun 23, 2025 ∙ 17 min
Best Range Finders For Hunting: Reviewed By A Colorado Hunter In 2025
Whether you're shooting shotguns, rifles or bows, a good range finder is essential for calculating the distance to your target. Read my personal review. FYI, Prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. Vortex Optics  - Diamondback HD 2000 Yards Rangefinder HIGHLIGHT: Can range farther than my 7mmMag can shoot. RANGING PURPOSE: I rarely need to range an animal at 2000 yards for hunting, but when I need to, I have a unit that will do it now. Someone in real estate development or...
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