Let me share my background.
I have 25 years of Expert Marksman ratings from the US Army and US Air Force, with rifle. I also qualified with Pistol more than once, and scored Expert with that as well.
I have shot the M16, M16A1, M16A2, M4, M4A1, M15 (old USAF revolver).
I have shot the M60 General Purpose Machine Gun, the M2 Machine Gun (Browning .50 caliber).
I have shooting trophies from the US Army.
I have served as an armorer–issuing and maintaining weapons.
I have served on the range as a line safety NCO, ammunition point NCO, range NCO, and primary marksmanship instructor.
I’ve served as a weapons courier (responsible for transporting weapons) and as an armed courier (transporting other items while armed).
None of those actions are particularly impressive. They’re only intended to show that I’m professionally qualified with weapons in the military.
As a civilian, I have beta-tested and reviewed firearms and accessories for manufacturers, furnishing promotional reviews, and feedback when the weapon did not perform as stated. I’ve even received firearms as gifts both as payment after the fact, and just because they think I’m an awesome writer.
by Michael Z. Williamson