By: Chris RhodesHandgun hunting is my passion. I pursue every manner of game from tiny vermin to big game with a handgun. There is something special to me about carrying a fine revolver, pistol, or single shot into the field.BackgroundFor a couple decades I built custom hunting handguns for people across the United States. From revolvers, 10mm 1911, and single shots in rifle chamberings and those guns were used around the world to take game. My customers were looking for the best handgun for the job since they were stepping into rifle season while limiting themselves. Just like them I became accustomed to hunting with a perfectly tuned firearm. I was already limiting myself by leaving the rifle at home; may as well have what advantage I can otherwise.Roughly three years ago that all changed for my customers and I. I retired from custom gunsmithing even though the phone never stopped ringing. Customers would reach out wanting to know where to go for their next custom, but so many pistol smiths had retired.The SearchI began searching for an out of the box option. Something that did not need to be tuned by a gunsmith. I started with a couple well-known single action type revolvers and those performed well for me. But, from my professional background I knew that many people found a single action grip more difficult to shoot. Double action grip designs tend to be easier for most to shoot accurately.Let's fast forward to the Shot Show two years ago. I was wandering around Shot Show soliciting sponsors for my match, Handgun Hunter’s Competition, and as I rounded a corner my eyes became fixed on a target. There was a gun company I had never heard of with glass cases full of revolvers. In the background was a logo where I could clearly read “Made in Germany.” As if a hook and line were in my mouth I was pulled into the booth.Hands OnBefore long I had one of these revolvers in my hands as they were talking about the features. I was focused on the revolver as my eyes dissected the gun. I could hear the words over my own thoughts though. Phrases that included “No MIM parts”, “Machined from barstock”, and “Drilled and tapped for S&W optics mounts” were not missed by my ears. I ordered a Spohr revolver on the spot!The First of Many My first Spohr was at my FFL in just a couple weeks. I ordered the Spohr 286 Competition in 357 magnum. The 357 is an excellent hunting cartridge capable of taking deer size game cleanly a whole lot farther than the internet will have you believe. The 357 is one of my all-time favorite multipurpose cartridges. This is due to its inherent accuracy and vast plethora of factory ammo and reloading components.Now the clock was ticking since my first ever exotics hunt was booked, and I wanted to get this gun in the field. I mounted an Ultra-dot Gen2 30mm optic and headed for the range. I did some initial testing with a favorite 158 Hornady XTP handload and was impressed. Roughly 1 inch at 50 yards is nothing to scoff at for a handgun.At this time, I was also working on a mono metal bullet review, and I had to try some Cutting-Edge Bullets in the Spohr. I selected the 105 grain Handgun Raptor loaded over a heavy dose of Ramshot Enforcer powder. The velocity and accuracy were very good, so I went ahead and established my zero and practiced with the combination.Texas ExoticsAs stated, I had never been on exotics hunt before, thus I did not know what to expect. I prepared for the hunt just like I would for hunting in my home state of Wyoming. Once I arrived, I was pleased to see just how large this ranch was. It was several thousand acres with just a perimeter fence.On this hunt I took four animals. An axis buck, axis doe, black buck, and a ram. The farthest shot was about 80 yards and all the animals dropped with just one shot from the Spohr 357. The Cutting-Edge Bullets did an outstanding job delivering terminal performance showing that bullet weight isn’t everything.CompetitionFollowing the quick hunting success with the Spohr I then dove into my other passion, competition shooting. Of course I used the revolver in my match, Handgun Hunter’s Competition, but I also began shooting Action Pistol matches with it.HHC places the competition in simulated hunting scenarios. The courses of fire demand both accuracy and precision from realistic field shooting positions. I look at it like a long weekend of marksmanship training for the handgun hunter.Action pistol is a well-established NRA and CMP competition. The most famous match is the Bianchi Cup. The various courses of fire really push the accuracy requirements and tighten down the time limit. The targets look easy until that timer goes off!Competition is a great tool that I use to enhance my marksmanship skills for the hunt.This Hunting SeasonFor 2025 Spohr had a new gun on the market that is chambered in the king of the hill cartridge for the handgun hunter; 44 magnum. I was lucky enough to receive the first Spohr 44 magnum in the USA. Spohr had sent it to me for testing in the field, but it was bittersweet. A good friend and fellow writer had plans for that 44.Click the link below for the full storyPrecision Revolvers in the Field and on the Range
Kevin Reese receives the American Outdoor News Lifetime Achievement AwardBy Chris AvenaFor those who truly live the outdoor lifestyle, it’s never been about headlines, recognition, or applause. It’s about time spent in the field before daylight, lessons learned the hard way, and the responsibility to pass on knowledge so traditions don’t fade with the next generation.That belief sits at the heart of the American Outdoor News Lifetime Achievement Award and it’s why this year’s honor belongs to a man whose influence runs deep across the outdoor industry.Kevin Reese is not just a name many recognize; it’s a name synonymous with mentorship, integrity, service, and leadership. Whether guiding young hunters, supporting new shooters, mentoring outdoor communicators, or quietly shaping the future of the industry behind the scenes, Kevin Reese has spent a lifetime doing the work that truly matters.Recognizing a Life Lived OutdoorsAmerican Outdoor News has always stood for the men and women who don’t just talk about the outdoor lifestyle, they live it. The Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for those who have spent decades on the land, on the water, and in service to others, ensuring the next generation is prepared to carry forward our outdoor traditions with respect, skill, and purpose.These are the mentors. The leaders. The steady hands who make sure knowledge isn’t lost and that progress doesn’t come at the cost of tradition.Kevin Reese represents all of that.A Career Defined by Mentorship and ServiceThroughout his career, Kevin Reese has been a constant presence wherever mentorship is needed. He guided young hunters taking their first steps into the outdoors, supported new shooters learning responsibility and discipline, and worked tirelessly to elevate the voices of those telling outdoor stories the right way.His leadership within the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) has helped shape countless careers. Through education, guidance, and example, Kevin has mentored aspiring outdoor writers, photographers, and communicators, helping them navigate an industry that values credibility, ethics, and respect for the outdoors.Many professionals working in outdoor media today can trace their confidence, opportunities, or direction back to Kevin Reese’s influence. And that’s exactly how he prefers it.A Marine First, AlwaysLong before his work in the outdoor industry, Kevin Reese served our nation as a United States Marine, a commitment that speaks volumes about the character we honor with this award.The values instilled through Marine Corps service, discipline, accountability, leadership, and service before self are woven into everything Kevin does. They show up in how he mentors others, how he approaches conservation, and how he leads without ever needing to be the loudest voice in the room.That foundation of service is one of the reasons Kevin’s impact resonates so deeply across the outdoor community.A Moment of Honor: Recognizing Service and LegacyIn a meaningful moment during the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Barry Cohen, founder of Protek Watches, honored Kevin Reese not only for his lifelong contributions to the outdoor industry, but also for his service to our country.To recognize Kevin’s time in the United States Marine Corps, Barry presented him with the Protek 250-Year U.S. Marine Corps Anniversary Watch, a timepiece created to commemorate the Marine Corps’ 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment. The presentation served as a powerful symbol of Kevin’s service, sacrifice, and the values that have guided both his military and civilian life.The gesture reflected more than recognition, it was a tribute to a Marine whose leadership has continued long after his time in uniform, and whose lifetime of achievement has left a lasting mark on the outdoor community.Shaping the Industry Without Seeking the SpotlightIn an industry that often celebrates personalities, Kevin Reese has built his legacy by focusing on people. He’s helped strengthen organizations, support ethical standards, and elevate professionalism across the outdoor space, often behind the scenes, where the real work happens.If you’ve attended industry events, participated in mentorship programs, or worked alongside organizations dedicated to conservation and responsible outdoor engagement, chances are you’ve felt Kevin’s influence, even if you didn’t realize it at the time.There’s a simple truth many in the outdoor industry understand:
If you haven’t crossed paths with Kevin Reese, you probably haven’t been here very long.Protecting Traditions While Preparing the Next GenerationOne of the defining qualities of Kevin Reese’s career is his commitment to ensuring outdoor traditions are passed on correctly, without shortcuts, without ego, and without forcing the next generation to reinvent the wheel.He understands that progress and tradition are not opposing forces. Instead, when guided by the right mentors, they strengthen each other. That philosophy has shaped how he teaches, how he leads, and how he supports those coming up behind him.From conservation ethics to responsible storytelling, Kevin Reese has helped ensure that the future of the outdoor lifestyle is grounded in respect for the past.Why This Award MattersThe American Outdoor News Lifetime Achievement Award is not given lightly. It represents decades of dedication, countless hours volunteered, and a commitment to something bigger than any single career or organization.Kevin Reese embodies what this award was created to recognize:
A lifetime of service
Unwavering integrity
Leadership rooted in humility
A passion for teaching and mentorship
A deep respect for the outdoor way of life
His impact cannot be measured by titles alone, it’s measured by people, by preserved traditions, and by an industry made stronger through his presence.A Thank You From the Outdoor CommunityKevin, on behalf of American Outdoor News, our partners, and the countless individuals you’ve mentored, supported, and inspired—thank you.Thank you for your service to our country.
Thank you for protecting what matters.
Thank you for shaping careers, strengthening communities, and honoring the traditions we all hold dear.This Lifetime Achievement Award and the recognition of your Marine Corps service is more than well-deserved. It’s a reflection of a life lived with purpose.Congratulations, Kevin Reese.Kevin Reese Receives the American Outdoor News Lifetime Achievement Award
