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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 (47)

Jul 24, 2025 ∙ 32 min
Best High Powered Pellet Guns In 2025: Including The Best Break Barrel Air Rifles
Looking for the most accurate air rifle? How about the most powerful BB gun? I tested and ranked the best options for target shooting and small game hunting. FYI, Prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. Before we dive in, I should mention that many shooters also search for the most powerful air rifles, high powered pellet guns, and break barrel models. This review covers all of them, as the main differences usually come down to power and purpose. But if you're looking for rapid...
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Jul 23, 2025 ∙ 14 min
The 10 Best CCW Pistols: Tested And Reviewed By An NRA Instructor
What is the best handgun for concealed carry? I tried to answer this question in a hands-on review of my top picks. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield EZ - Ideal for New Shooters Credit: reddit.com HIGHLIGHT: Active Grip Safety. EASY SLIDE: The EZ line is explicitly made for shooters who have trouble gripping or pulling the slide when charging the pistol. Smith and Wesson have used a softer recoil spring to make racking the slide...
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Jul 21, 2025 ∙ 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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Jul 21, 2025 ∙ 3 min
The Truth About The Heckler And Koch Stock: What You Need To Know In 2025
If you’re looking into H&K's stock price or thinking about buying some shares, there are some things to consider. Here’s what I think you should know. My first exposure to H&K was obviously the MP5 in almost every movie from junior high and high school. Later in life, I worked at a gun store and the owner was an H&K gun nut, and - to my benefit - there were a lot of MP5s in stock. That is, until we hit the middle of the year and all the guns and ammo dried up. If you know recent gun history,...
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Jul 18, 2025 ∙ 19 min
The 7 Best Laser Dry Fire Training Systems: Tested By An Expert Gunsmith
If you’re eager to practice your shooting technique but not ready to use live ammunition, here are the best laser dry fire training systems. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. Mantis X10 Elite  - Shooting Performance System HIGHLIGHT: Enhanced app reviews performance, offering coaching tips and tracking your progress over time. BACKGROUND: I’ve been shooting for twenty some odd years and instructing soldiers with the military for almost fourteen of those years....
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Jul 14, 2025 ∙ 16 min
Quick Access Gun Safes For Cars & Trucks: Tested In 2025
If you need a hidden car gun safe, I'm here to help you make a reliable purchase. Here's my ultimate ranking, along with my hands-on reviews. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. VAULTEK - Quick Access Gun Safe For Cars HIGHLIGHT: Thin and lightweight, great for travel safety. TRAVEL NEEDS: I have been looking for a slim, lightweight pistol safe that I can carry relatively quickly when traveling. I have a few bedside table-style pistol safes, and they all share the...
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Jul 12, 2025 ∙ 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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Jul 11, 2025 ∙ 22 min
The Most Powerful Air Pistols Of 2025 [Spring, CO2, Pump, PCP, Gas]
Air pistols shoot BBs or pellets, and are ideal for target shooting, pest control, backyard plinking, and even self defense. Here's a review of my top picks. FYI, Prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. Glock 17 - Blowback .177 Air Pistol HIGHLIGHT: Feels and acts like the real thing, metal slide, drop-free magazine, blowback action. CLASSROOM TRAINING: I needed something to train new officers when they come on post, and it needs to happen in a classroom. Having a...
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Jul 7, 2025 ∙ 36 min
Best Long Gun Safes & Cabinets: Tested by a Gunsmith in 2025
Whether you're looking for a sturdy safe for your rifles and shotguns, or just a budget gun cabinet, you need something you can rely on. Read my hands-on reviews. FYI, Prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. VAULTEK RS Series  - Heavy-Duty and Biometric HIGHLIGHT: Connects to the internet to send info to your phone. PURCHASE MOTIVATION: I had a massive safe envy over my neighbor's new Vaultex RS. He called me to come see this gun safe, so as a red-blooded American, I had to...
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Jul 6, 2025 ∙ 25 min
Best Rifle Scopes In 2025: Hands-On Testing Of Vortex, Bushnell, Burris And Others
Rifle scopes help you shoot farther and more accurately. I tested the most popular models and picked the best options you can get on Amazon right now. FYI, Prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. Vortex Optics - Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane HIGHLIGHT: Super-low dispersion glass for color fidelity and increased resolution. PERSONAL BACKSTORY: My absolute favorite rifle optic is the Vortex Viper PST generation 2. I absolutely love this rifle scope; there are many...
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Jun 29, 2025 ∙ 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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Jun 26, 2025 ∙ 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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