Approaching its 60th birthday, the Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum has long been revered by sixgunners and gun aficionados around the world; however, many are naïve to the events that led to its making. John Taffin demystifies the story behind the creation of one of the most important 20th century cartridge developments in the American Handgunner 2014 Special Edition.

"I was still a teenager when I shot the .44 Magnum S&W for the first time along with my friends," writes Taffin. "It was a 4" version rented to us by the local outdoor gun range. We all lied and said it wasn't bad even though it punished up something fierce."

Glock handguns have gained notoriety for their rugged dependability and prevalence in law enforcement. In this Special Edition, John Russo explains the usefulness of carrying a Gen4 Glock 20 10mm in the great outdoors - labeling it a "Glock for the woods."

"Glock pistols have proven their worth time and again as a law enforcement and personal defense weapon. Whether you are a fan or not, you can't argue with its success in the police and civilian marketplace," Russo writes. "What makes a good woods gun? For me the G20 takes on the roll of a backup gun while in the woods for dangerous critters of both the 2- and 4-legged variety."

Additional features in this Handgunner SE include a spotlight on the S&W Model 29 Silhouette revolver, a recount of handgun hunting in the Midwest, options for resuscitating worn pistols, detailed instruction on how to amp up self-defense techniques through strategic training, as well as an overview of the .32 caliber.

A Sphinx Alpha SDP Compact is the centerpiece of the 2014 American Handgunner Special Edition Gun Giveaway. The winner of this giveaway will also receive the lightweight M.E.R.K Kit by Paratus Combative Elements, slim-profile Bloodline Holster from Pitbull Tactical, HKT folder from TOPS Knives and the 4-ounce model TK09 tactical flashlight from Fenix. Readers can enter to win this giveaway a www.americanhandgunner.com/giveaway.

The 2014 American Handgunner Special Edition, is now selling on newsstands nation-wide and can also be ordered online athttp://americanhandgunner.com/american-handgunner-2014-special-edition/

Contact: Sammy Reese 800-537-3006 or sammyse@fmgpublications.com