GUNS Magazine hit newsstands in 1955, breaking ground as the first magazine dedicated to firearms. Editor Brent T. Wheat and the GUNS team revisit seven decades of the guns — including a pair of “Great Western revolvers” gracing the cover — history and trends that shaped the magazine’s reputation among enthusiasts and the firearms community at large.

From rockin’ the range in the ’50s and ’60s and feelin’ groovy in the ’70s and ’80s to the grunge and guns of the ’90s and 2000s, GUNS has been at the forefront of American gun culture. Massad Ayoob reflects on 48 years of writing the Handguns column and meeting some of the legends of the shooting world, shared memories of dads and uncles reading early issues of Guns — and the immediate influence it had on hunting and personal-defense purchases — and a glimpse into the future of what guns, ammo and gear could look like in 2055.

The winner of January’s Firearms Package Giveaway will be one of the first to own a Shadow Systems’ CR920XP compensated pistol, a long-grip version of the CR920 with an extended dust cover. It sports a black frame, ELITE slide optic and bronze spiral compensated barrel. Included in the giveaway are two 15-round Shadow Systems magazines, a range bag and the Shadow Systems tool. Valued at $1,046, readers are encouraged to enter the free drawing at GUNSMagazine.com/giveaways.

Elsewhere in the Jan. issue, Payton Miller notes, “It isn’t often someone gets to shoot a newly introduced pistol, then lives long enough to see it become an ultra-rare, high-dollar collectible.” He showcases the .45 ACP Semmerling LM-4, a well-made rarity once defined as a “pocket powerhouse,” in the Surplus & Classic column. In Make Ready, James Queisner contends training should be an ongoing and lifelong process, because “good” shooters are constantly taking classes to keep fundamental skills sharp while gaining new abilities. While fancy, custom sixguns are cool, it’s the backstory that gives the gun its personality: Jeff “Tank” Hoover visits Big Al DiPrima to get the scoop on his Frankengun in Think Tank.

Exclusive online articles can be found at GUNSMagazine.com — as well as classic GUNS issues from decades past. Don’t miss GUNS Magazine Podcast episodes like, “Where Have All The Gunsmiths Gone?” Purchase the Jan. issue or order a subscription at fmgpubs.com. Digital versions are also available.