News and Education

All Things Firearms, Smokin Gun Worx, and Training

US Gun Sales Collapsed Last Month

Douglas A. McIntyre February 10, 2022 10:30 am Gun violence has become a regular part of the news headlines this year. Murders in American cities spiked last year, particularly in large cities. Guns were involved in most of these. According to the Gun Violence...

5 million people bought guns for the first time in 2021

TINLEY PARK, IL - DECEMBER 17: A customer shops for a pistol at Freddie Bear Sports sporting goods store on December 17, 2012 in Tinley Park, Illinois. Americans purchased a record number of guns in 2012 and gun makers have reported a record high in demand. Photo...

Americans Bought 39 Million Guns Last Year. Here Is Each State’s Figure.

Douglas A. McIntyre January 5, 2022 12:30 pm Last year, Americans bought 38.9 million guns, the second-highest year since data began to be kept by the FBI in 1998. It is only topped by 2020 when the number was 39.7 million. The best proxy for gun sales in America is...

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Is an Empty Chamber Dangerous?

By USCCA 03/02/2022 Some who concealed carry are nervous to carry their handgun with a round in the chamber. Why might that be? Is it safer to carry with a chambered round or without a cartridge loaded? Kevin Michalowski, director of content for the U.S. Concealed...

A New Face of American Gun Ownership

Black women are arming themselves — and pushing against stereotypes of who owns firearms. By Agya K. Aning Feb 28, 2022 Photo-Illustration: Photo-Illustration: The Cut; Photos: Getty Images, Ash Ponders / The Trace This story was produced in partnership with The Cut....

Do .22 LR Pistols Make Sense for Self-Defense?

Here's a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of these compact rimfire pistols. by B. GIL HORMAN posted on August 31, 2020 NEWS, CONCEALED CARRY, FIREARMS Support NRA Women DONATE Over the last few months we've seen the launch of new handguns chambered for...

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Smokin’ Gun Worx is a NSSF Five-Star Rating

“We’re honored to be awarded a Five-Star rating from NSSF,” said Keith Ruter, Owner of Smokin Gun Worx. “What seemed to be a monumental task of collecting data and photos, improving protocols and implementing new management strategies to make the grade, has propelled...

Smokin’ Gun Worx Indoor Range

Come in and enjoy some target practice at our state-of-the-art, climate-controlled indoor range at Smokin' Gun Worx, your top shooting option in the Rockford, Marengo, Belvidere, Freeport, Sterling, Rock Falls, Oregon, Forreston IL and Beloit WI, region. You will...

Firearm Classes and Events

Learn how to use your firearms – safely and accurately. One of the things that sets Smokin Gun Worx apart from other gun shops in the northern IL region is our wide selection of firearm training and firearm safety classes. Whether you're a new gun owner or want to...

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