Points of Impact: June 12, 2021

In Case You Missed It: Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing, Flyweight Guns, Hunt Like a Girl ...

by posted on June 12, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Target With Rifle Holes

At the top of our lineup this week is a thorough review of Browning's Maxus II Wicked Wing shotgun, courtesy of columnist Barb Melloni.
She put it through its paces and is here to tell you why she believes the Wicked Wing just might be your next favorite scattergun.

It's summertime, so of course everyone is talking about losing weight ... not for us, silly, for our guns! First up, our friends at Shooting Illlustrated's defensive expert Steve Adelmann explains how we women are teaching male shooters a thing or two. "Lightweight rifles are increasing in popularity as women make educated choices about their self-defense firearms," says Adelmann. "This often leads men to realize that less bulk in a carbine is a desirable trait for their guns, too." 

A lightweight rifle is one thing, but what about lightweight handguns? Some self-defense experts insist you need a heavier gun, while others insist that your CCW pistol needs a diet. Columnist Heidi Lyn Rao pens an eloquent defense of the flyweight carry gun here.

"I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard that I don't look like a gun owner or pro shooter," says competitive shooting champion Julie Golob ... and most NRA Women can agree that this would be an ideal way to strike it rich! Check out this (very shareable) video from Smith & Wesson's pro shooter and Second Amendment ambassador.

Meet Emily Cunningham, a talented action shooter who dominated at the 2020 Florida State Steel Challenge Championship after winning the Carry Optics, RFPO and PCCI division titles. Find out what she keeps in her range bag here!

The greatest exhibition shooter of all time—male or female—was a young woman from Darke County, Ohio: Annie Oakley (1860-1926). Just 5 feet tall and weighing barely 100 pounds, Annie was blessed with extraordinary hand-eye coordination and all-around athleticism, giving her the ability to accurately shoot most any firearm she picked up—rifle, shotgun or handgun. But which rifle, shotgun and handgun did she prefer? Find out here ... 

When you ask a man what he thinks a girls’ trip would look like, you might get back a list of something like this: manicures, wine and gossip. And I’m here to tell you he’s right. He just forgot the shotguns, camo and knives. Our own assistant editor Ashley Thess just hunted for the very first time ... check it out here!

 

 

Latest

Marcus Tx9 Taurustx9 01
Marcus Tx9 Taurustx9 01

The Taurus TX9: Modularity in the Palm of Your Hand

The new 9 mm pistol is designed to offer the “perfect fit” with the promise of much to come in the customization realm.

Review: Browning A5 Hunter 20 Gauge Semi-automatic Shotgun

Is this Browning shotgun the ultimate compromise between a heavyweight and a lightweight?

Training Tip: The Single Shot

The first shot is the most important—it might even be the only shot you get. Train for making it count.

 

Remembering Former NRA President Robert Corbin

Robert Corbin, a former NRA president and Arizona attorney general, died of natural causes on Sept. 9, 2025, at 97 years old.

NRA Announces 2026 Golden Bullseye Award Winners

Golden Bullseye Awards are given not only for new, innovative products offered by the firearm, ammunition, and optics industries, but also for four awards recognizing individual contributions to freedom and the shooting sports.

The Incomparable, Inimitable Phil Schreier—1962-2025

A friend since childhood and NRA colleague for more than 30 years, Mark Keefe pays tribute to one of NRA's most memorable and important employees.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.