Book Review: 'The Future of the Gun'

by
posted on August 30, 2014
gotta_ah2015_fs.jpg (8)

undefinedAn appalling majority of journalists—and, as a result, too much of the public—don’t understand what guns have to do with real freedom. So Frank Miniter saw a need for a reporter to honestly go inside America’s gun culture for answers about our relationship with the gun and what’s to come. He went inside America’s gun makers, he imbedded with police officers, he went to the gun ranges, he spent time with inner-city gangs, he went to gun competitions, he hung out with gun lobbyists and he found people who could give an insider’s view of mainstream newsrooms and so much more all to tell the real story about guns in America. What Miniter ends up with is a surprising, fast-paced and fact-based narrative every journalist should be compelled to read and that every American—gun owner or not—will get a lot out of. His investigation shows where our freedom is headed and what guns will soon look like as they are reshaped by modern technology—his groundbreaking research into what’s to come in gun design is alone worth the price of this book.

Along the way he says he found there are two wildly different gun cultures in America—the more than 100-million strong freedom-loving, gun-rights culture that upholds the responsible use of guns and the much smaller but more headline-grabbing criminal culture that thrives in spite of, or even because of, government attempts at restricting gun rights. Those two cultures are created by policy, laws that lead to two very different futures. The road we take will determine the future of the gun and the future of our freedom. To take the path toward freedom we have to understand what that freedom is all about. Understanding guns in America—what Miniter called “freedom’s tool”—is what this must-read is all about.

"The Future of the Gun" has received stellar reviews from our own J. Scott Olmsted, American Rifleman Editor in Chief Mark Keefe and NRA's Chief Lobbyist Chris W. Cox, among other. You can catch their thoughts below.

“Frank Miniter, one of the finest writers and investigative journalists I know, does a remarkable job describing the context and history of firearms in America, and then delves into their contemporary lawful and positive use. But it is in analyzing the criminal use of firearms and the effect the government restriction of gun rights has had on our society that this book makes its most dramatic impact on the national debate. Woven into his narrative is the history and big picture of firearm manufacturing in the United States (guns kick-started the Industrial Revolution) and what effect technological developments are having and will have on firearms in the near future.”—Mark A. Keefe IV, Editor in Chief, American Rifleman

“Americans who know their history and understand that all humanity is created equal know this: The Second Amendment defines a civil right. Chapter 5, "How Gun Rights Beat the Media," is alone worth the price of admission. Read it, and you'll never watch cable TV news the same way again. Read this book and you will be armed with the truth about your freedom and what`s to come.”—J. Scott Olmsted, author of “Make Every Shot Count” and Editor in Chief, American Hunter

“’The Future of the Gun’ is an insightful look into gun politics and policy, written with Frank’s trademark wit. An important read for every American.”—Chris W. Cox, chief lobbyist, National Rifle Association

"The Future of the Gun" is available on Amazon.com and wherever books are sold.

Latest

Ledewildlife Conservation Anti Rhino Poaching Appeal
Ledewildlife Conservation Anti Rhino Poaching Appeal

Conservation Group Launches Fundraiser Following Brutal Rhino Poaching

At the end of April, poachers broke into the Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservancy in Zimbabwe in search of rhinoceros horn—an incredibly valuable commodity on the international market. The poachers brutally shot and killed a tame 22-year-old black rhino male called Gomo and, with axe in tow, massacred its head and face and seized its horns.

Maine Game Warden and Working Canine Locate Missing Toddler

Our license fees, tag purchases and conservation stamp funds pay most of the bills for managing wildlife and enforcing regulations. In some cases, it also locates lost toddlers and saves innocent lives.

New for 2025: Proof Research Tundra Ti X

The lightweight precision rifle for long-range hunters blends tactical adjustability with a classic Monte-Carlo design and cutting-edge titanium action.

Review: Barnes Harvest Collection Ammunition

The Barnes Harvest Collection offers hunters incredible precision and stopping power through Barnes’ renowned terminal performance and Sierra’s acclaimed accuracy. 

First Look: Kifaru Hoodlum Pack

Kifaru, well-known and regarded for its American-made, backcountry-hunting gear have announced major upgrades to the Hoodlum, the company's go-to expedition pack built for long hauls.

Hardware Review: Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey Holosun/Indian Creek Combo

Mossberg's 940 Pro Turkey package, complete with a Holosun optic and Indian Creek choke, might be the ultimate turkey slaying tool. Read on for our review of this excellent combination.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.