American Shooting Journal – September 2026

Summary

Rodney Magallen — retired Navy SEAL, CIA operator, US Marshal and author — tells his life story in "Life at the Tip of the Spear", the cover story of the September 2026 issue of American Shooting Journal (Vol. 16, Issue 1, $4.99). The cover line "STAY READY IN WILD COUNTRY" frames an issue focused on readiness in remote environments.

Safari 101 offers Africa hunting advice for first-timers, "Reading Elk Rubs" decodes what bulls are telling hunters, and Kelly Worden — self-defence training scion — bridges martial arts tradition with modern innovation. The Co. Spotlight features Flashbang Holsters, the women's holster company built by a woman for women.

The magazine's regular department structure includes cover-to-cover editorial from Editor-in-Chief Andy Walgamott, with contributors including Scott Haugen, Mike Nesbitt, Linda Pawela and Paul Pawela. The issue is published by James R. Baker.

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Content Guide

▸ Cover Story / Safari / Elk / Self-Defence / Spotlight

p.14 · Life at the Tip of the Spear — Rodney Magallen
Magallen's story covers his career from the US Navy SEALs through the CIA and US Marshals, written by Linda and Paul Pawela. The interview focuses on the unexpected wisdom his time at the forefront of risk taught him about life and success, rather than operational details. Magallen's core message: "Fear is data, not a stop sign." The article is strongest when he describes the transition from military to civilian life.

p.22 · Safari 101 — Africa Hunting Advice for First-Timers
A practical guide for hunters planning their first African safari, covering calibre selection, shot placement, PH relationships and what to pack. The piece recommends a .375 H&H Magnum as the ideal all-rounder for plains game, with a .416 Rigby for dangerous game. The advice on PH relationships is the most valuable: "Your PH is not your guide, he is your partner — act accordingly."

p.28 · Reading Elk Rubs — What Bulls Are Telling You
An advanced field guide to interpreting elk rubs, distinguishing between nocturnal and daytime activity, and identifying the size of the bull from rub characteristics. Bulls that rub trees at waist height are typically 5×5 or smaller; a bull that rubs at shoulder height or above is almost certainly a 6×6 or better. Fresh rubs with sap still wet indicate the bull is within a quarter-mile.

p.34 · Self-Defense Training Scion — Kelly Worden
Worden, a martial artist bridging traditional techniques with modern self-defence needs, discusses his training philosophy and the evolution of combatives. The interview covers his work with law enforcement and military units. Worden's key concept: "There is no 'fair fight' in self-defence — train for the worst 3 seconds, not the best 3 minutes."

p.40 · Co. Spotlight — Flashbang Holsters
A profile of Flashbang, the women's holster company founded by a female shooter who identified a gap in the market. The holster design conceals inside the waistband at the sternum, accessible with both hands. The company has grown 300% year-on-year since 2023, driven by increasing female gun ownership in the US.

p.48 · Stay Ready in Wild Country
A gear and mindset round-up focused on staying prepared in remote environments. The article covers first-aid kits, communication devices, water purification and emergency signalling. The recommended satellite communicator is the Garmin inReach Mini 2 at $399.99, with the note that subscription costs ($14.95/month) exceed the hardware cost within 2 years.

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Editor's Take

Magallen's interview is the standout — rare access to a genuine tier-one operator who reflects on life rather than just missions. Safari 101 and the elk-rub feature both deliver actionable field knowledge. The Flashbang holster profile is a well-chosen small-business story. Weak area: the "Stay Ready" gear round-up reads as a listicle rather than a curated guide. Best for: US hunters, shooters and outdoorsmen who want a mix of operator experience, field craft and gear intel.

Strengths
• Rodney Magallen interview is a rare, reflective piece on post-military transition
• Elk rub field guide with specific antler-class rub-height correlations
• Safari 101 with calibre selection and PH relationship advice

Weaknesses
• Stay Ready gear round-up lacks curation — reads as an Amazon affiliate list
• Self-defence piece lacks the specific technique detail that the hunting features have

Verdict: Recommended — Magallen's story and the field-craft features earn the cover price; the gear round-up is skippable filler.