AmericanHunter.org's Top 10 Articles of 2020

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posted on January 1, 2021
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2020 has come and gone, like it or not. But before we dive straight into another year of new product coverage, the staff here at American Hunter wanted to relive some of the past year's most well received online exclusives. So, without further ado, we present AmericanHunter.org's most-read articles of 2020.

Nighthawk Custom Korth NXR .44 Mag. Revolver


1.
First Look: Nighthawk Custom Korth NXR .44 Mag. Revolver—Aram von Benedikt
Co-developed by Nighthawk Custom and Korth, the new NXR features a 6-inch stainless barrel inside a black DLC-finished shroud and frame, over-travel-adjustable trigger, fully adjustable rear sight, and interchangeable front sights. Click here to learn more about it.

Compound bow


2.
2020's Top Compound Bows—Jeff Johnston
Field Editor Jeff Johnston takes a look at the best new compound bows introduced in 2020 for hunters looking to upgrade. 

Empty Ammunition Shelves


3.
Ammo Shortage Survival Guide—Aaron Carter
Finding ammunition during a shortage can be difficult. Here are some tips to help you get what you need.

Various Ammo Cartridges Considered Best for Elk Hunting


4. Top 10 Elk Cartridges of All Time
—Eric Conn
As bullet designs and factory loads have drastically improved over the last few decades, some of the favorite cartridges on this list have only gotten better. That said, there’s a few newbies on the list, too. Here’s a look at the top 10 elk cartridges ever made.

Henry Repeating Arms Lever Action X Model .45-70


5. Review: Henry X Model in .45-70 Government
—B. Gil Horman
This year, for the first time ever, an H010 model with a blued-steel receiver will offer the convenience of a side loading gate, but this is also a ground-breaking rifle in another way. As part of the new X Model series, the Lever Action X Model features a lightweight synthetic stock, a Picatinny rail, M-Lok accessory slots on the forestock, along with other popular modern features. Click here to take a closer look at what this new .45-70 Govt. hunting gun has to offer.

6.5 Weatherby RPM and 6.5 PRC Ammunition Side by Side


6.
Head to Head: 6.5 Weatherby RPM vs. 6.5 PRC—Philip Massaro
The 6.5mm craze shows no signs of slowing down; in fact, it’s looking to be the bore diameter of the 
21st century. Which of these two new cartridges is the better choice for the hunter? Contributor Philip Massaro examines the pros and cons of each.

Pump-Action Shotgun with Remington Ammunition


7.
12 Deer Cartridges You’ve Probably Never Hunted With—Bryce M. Towsley
Here’s a look at a dozen deer cartridges you more than likely haven’t hunted with, but your grandfather (or great grandfather) loved.

Whitetail Bucks in Field


8.
Shot Placement 101: Where to Shoot a Deer—Jeff Johnston
The goal of every shot at game is to guide the bullet to the perfect place on the animal so it enters the body and disables or destroys vitals resulting in a swift kill. Here’s a detailed look at the various options that get the job done.

.300 Winchester Magnum Ammuntion


9. 5 Reasons the .300 Win. Mag. Rules the Roost
—Philip Massaro
Is the .30-06 Springfield not the do-all, be-all and end-all .30? The reality is, anything the ’06 does, the .300 Winchester Magnum does a bit better in the same weight of rifle. Here's why Philip Massaro feels the .300 Win. Mag. rules the roost among the mediums.

Hunter Using Trijicon Rangefinder


10. Top 7 Rangefinders for 2020
—Eric Conn
Here’s a look at some of the best rangefinders on the market today across a variety of price points and applications.

Latest

Photo 03 Ammo On Buffalo
Photo 03 Ammo On Buffalo

Behind the Bullet: .450/400 3” Nitro Express

Among the lot of Nitro Express cartridges—a term coined by James Purdey to compare the power of these cartridges to a locomotive and newly loaded with smokeless powder—the .450/400 3” N.E. represents one the best blends of hunting power and ease of shooting. Curious? Read on, as Phil Massaro goes in-depth on this classic, though esoteric, favorite.

TriStar Arms to Exhibit at 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

TriStar Arms will exhibit at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, taking place April 17–19, 2026, in Houston, TX. Attendees are invited to visit TriStar Arms at Booth #3103 to explore the newest firearm offerings and learn more about the brand's continued commitment to the shooting sports community.

New for 2026: Left-Handed Ruger American Gen. II

Ruger has introduced left-handed models of the Ruger American Rifle Generation II. The first of these models will be released in the Ranch configuration, with six chamberings available: 7.62x39mm, 450 Bushmaster, 400 Legend, 350 Legend, .300 Blackout and 5.56 NATO.

New for 2026: Swhacker #307 Mechanical 2-Blade Broadhead

Swhacker Broadheads has launched its #307 100-grain Mechanical 2-Blade Broadhead. This latest addition to Swhacker's lineup promises precision engineering with reliable deployment, coupled with accuracy and devastating field performance.

Keys to the Eastern Turkey Hunt

A turkey is a turkey regardless of subspecies, sure, but best hunting tactics often vary depending on geographical location due to the birds’ varying behavior. Translated, killing turkeys back East is different than killing them out West. Check out some Eastern-specific tips below, and stay tuned for a follow-up targeted at our Western readers.

Montana and Utah Celebrating 125th Anniversaries

Two 125th Anniversaries are occurring this year, the first being for the entire Montana FWP, and the second being a key piece of property in the history of the Utah DWR.

Interests



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