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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 (48)

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 27, 2026 ∙ 14 min
Best Mig Welders For The Money: By To A Backyard Welder
Whether you’re working in the shop or at home, a MIG welder is crucial for precision and efficiency. These options are designed for both beginners and pros. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. ArcCaptain 200Amp - Best Professional Mig Welder HIGHLIGHT: Cooling fans run on demand. PRICE POINT: After trying a few at a lower price, I adjusted my price point and found the one I am in love with. The ArcCaptain is one I will keep. SIZE & PORTABILITY: Even after I get...
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Mar 27, 2026 ∙ 7 min
Best Wood Planers: Ranked By A DIYer In 2026
Thickness planers are a necessity when it comes to reducing thickness of a piece of wood. My picks will help you achieve precision and smoothness. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. DEWALT (DW735X) Thickness Planer -13-Inch, 3-Knife, 2-Speed HIGHLIGHT: 15 Amp, 20,000 rpm drive. PROJECT GOALS: I need to build my presentation boxes for custom-built pistols. I have found some cigar box-style offerings online, and they will work, but the build quality is rough, to put...
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Mar 27, 2026 ∙ 11 min
Best Plasma Cutters For The Money: Ranked By A Metalworker In 2026
I tested the best plasma cutters under $500, and here's my ultimate ranking. Whether you're a seasoned professional or all about DIY, each of these would work. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. Lotos - Non-Touch Pilot Arc 50Amp 110/220V HIGHLIGHT: Small, portable, and plugs into any wall outlet. PERSONAL BACKSTORY: As a gunsmith, I'd never though I'd need a plasma cutter, until one day, I saw someone selling steel targets for rifle shooting and range plate racks....
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Mar 26, 2026 ∙ 14 min
What Is The Best Billiard Table? [Tested And Ranked In 2026]
Choosing the perfect billiard table can be a tricky shot. This guide will ensure you pick the right size and style based on your budget. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. In this article, I ranked the most popular billiard tables on Amazon right now. As a lifelong shooter and hunter, you can imagine I enjoy a little friendly competition when I’m off the range. If you’re the same, you should check out our ping pong tables review too. Here in beautiful Utah, both...
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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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Mar 22, 2026 ∙ 24 min
Best Electronic Hearing Protection For Shooting: Earmuffs & Earbuds Reviewed By An NRA Instructor
What is actually the best hearing protection for shooting? I tested the most popular options on Amazon, and here’s my ultimate ranking. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. Before we dive in, I should mention that many shooters often search for the best shooting ear muffs or the best shooting earbuds when looking to protect their hearing. I'm a certified NRA instructor, and my hands-on guide covers all of them in one place because the real differences come down to...
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Mar 20, 2026 ∙ 17 min
Best Gun & AR 15 Hard Cases: Tested & Reviewed By A Gun Shop Owner In 2026
Finding the perfect hard rifle case isn't easy. I’ve tested dozens, and rounded up the best options for the money. Read my hands-on reviews. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. Pelican Vault V800 - Wide Hard Case With Foam HIGHLIGHT: Ideal hard case for scoped rifles. REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE: I got hooked on these back when I used them on tours in Baghdad and when I worked in Special Ops across Central America. They were solid as a rock, even under the toughest...
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