It may look similar to other high-performance modern in-line guns from Traditions, but there is a serious, industry-changing departure in the loading process of the Nitrofire featured in the September issue of GUNS — it uses Federal Firestick encapsulated cartridges to put boom in the beast.

Operating the Nitrofire is easy for anyone who has ever fired a single-shot shotgun. There is an action-release at the front of the trigger guard, a cross-bolt safety at the rear of the trigger guard and an exposed hammer so it’s evident if the gun is ready to make noise. After going hands on with the test gun, Editor Brent Wheat was more than impressed one of the first 3-shot targets yielded a vertical 0.76" by 1.15" group just at the left of the bull’s-eye.

“If you’re looking for a simple, weatherproof and impeccably accurate muzzleloader for hunting, the Traditions Nitrofire deserves your first look,” suggests Wheat. “When I get ‘serious’ about filling the freezer, the Nitrofire will get the call.”

Wayne van Zwoll believes the newest member of the GLOCK family, the G44, is “a .22 LR pistol very suitable for the unskilled proletariat and people new to firearms. A novice can have fun with this GLOCK.” Designed as a beginner-friendly handgun, as well as a practice gun for users familiar with the platform, the rimfire version of the best-selling G19 has a poly steel slide to keep the weight to 15 oz., and comes with a pack of backstraps interchangeable with the G19 to accommodate hands of all sizes.

Head afield to put food on the table with the Savage 110 High Country Rifle up for grabs in the September Firearms Package Giveaway. The rifle sports a 22" spiral-fluted barrel and bolt, and the Model 110 action within the AccuStock internal chassis to maximize its accuracy. The winner will also receive a Swarovski Z3 4-12x50 scope and TOPS Knives’ Fieldcraft 3.5 folding knife. The package is valued at more than $1,700. Enter the free drawing at www.gunsmagazine.com/giveaways.

September GUNS has plenty more — including a tale of buried treasure as Will Dabbs, MD recounts the Civil War history of a Remington New Army revolver found in a Missouri drainage ditch. In Campfire Tales, John Taffin discusses the .44 Russian. Though it was born in the USA, “the Bear” ultimately perfected the cartridge. As so many people have discovered, there’s no reason not to get organized with the extra time on their hands thanks to COVID-19: Jeff “Tank” Hoover’s success in fixing, cleaning and storing his guns and ammo covered in the Think Thank installment in sure to inspire others.

September’s Online Exclusive is a “Revolver Holster Roundup — 10 New Holsters For 2020” from Joe Kriz. GUNS Magazine digital subscriptions and the September issue are available for purchase at www.fmgpubs.com. Want to hear more? Listen to the latest GUNS Magazine Podcast episodes at www.gunsmagazine.com/podcast and other popular streaming sites.