RIAC Blog

A Mormon Prophet's Sharps Pistol-Rifle

The beehive, a symbol of the Mormon Church, adorns the Sharps pistol-rifle of Brigham Young, a towering figure in the settling of the American West.

Cane Guns: Remington's Dandy Rifle

As crime grew in cities prior to the Civil War, E. Remington & Sons offered cane guns as a way for proper gentlemen to fight off thugs and stray dogs.

The Art Behind Napoleon's Garniture

The Napoleon garniture is a masterpiece of fine art embellished throughout with Greco-Roman symbols that foreshadow the emperor's rise to power.

Why Emory Upton Matters

Major General Emory Upton is an often overlooked Civil War hero and military tactician who is considered the father of the modern U.S. Army.

Nimschke's Solid Silver Winchester

With its cast solid silver frame, Nimschke masterwork engraving, and history as a gift between two dictators, this Winchester '66 is a one-of-a-kind icon.

Strikebreaker Tommy Gun

Tommy guns are the legendary weapon of gangsters and G-men, but this example carries the legacy of a violent, union-busting detective agency.

The Men of Gettysburg

The Colt revolvers of William Conner and Emory Upton who fought at the Battle of Gettyburg are on offer Dec. 3-5 at Rock Island Auction Company.

The George Moller Gun Collection

Author and historian George Moller assembled one of the most comprehensive gun collections around, and this December is your chance to own a piece of it.

Bows vs Guns

Dating as far back as feudal Japan and beyond, find out how historic firearms stacked up against archery and why the gun ultimately prevailed.

Gun Prices Going Up (and Why)

Political rhetoric, pandemic fears, perceived and real availability, and even Guntuber videos have an impact on firearm prices. Let's take a deeper dive.

What is a Percussion Firearm?

What are percussion firearms, how do they work, and why did they rapidly replace flintlocks in the early-to-mid 19th century?

The MP40 Submachine Gun

The MP40 was the signature German SMG of WW 2. Designed to be quickly manufactured, the groundbreaking weapon saw service across the European theater.