Two centuries in and the lever-action still drops deer, runs fast, and keeps the fun meter pegged. From 45-70 Government to 357 Magnum, here’s why a lever belongs in your safe and in your truck.
Kat Ainsworth Stevens is a prolific outdoor writer based in North Texas. Her love and enjoyment of firearms extends to both self-defense and hunting, and she’s driven to teach safe gun handling. Kat’s the author of several books and thousands of articles as well as a successful editor with more than a decade of experience in marketing. With experience in everything from defensive handgun use to field dressing a deer, Kat’s background is varied and extensive. She firmly believes in the importance of protecting the Second Amendment as well as the First.
When she’s not behind a gun or processing her own game meat, Kat can be found trapping, boating, doing yoga, and mudding. The outdoors and the Lone Star State are where she belongs.
Experience
Author:
Handgun Hunting and anthologies including The Deer Shot Back: And Other Hunting Tales and How Not to Shoot Fish and Other Deer That Got Away.
Dedicated Outdoorsman:
Year-round enthusiast of hunting, trapping, and fishing.
Advanced Training:
More than 1000 hours of training in defensive handguns, long guns, edged weapons, self-defense law, force-on-force, handgun retention, and related topics.
Focused Specialty Skills:
Expert witness. Massad Ayoob Group certified Deadly Force Instructor and graduate of Active Self Protection The Practice & Preparation of Being an Expert Witness.
Show First
243 Winchester Still Hits Above Its Weight
Published: November 3, 2025 { 3 comments }Seven decades in and the 243 Winchester still runs flat, hits hard for its size, and keeps varmints and whitetails honest while treating your shoulder kindly.
SilencerCo Scythe Ti Review: Ultra-Light Titanium Rifle Suppressor
Published: October 19, 2025 { 1 comment }SilencerCo Scythe-Ti, the model designed to launch the manufacturer’s premium line. This is the suppressor you should be considering, whether you prefer shooting from the bench or from a hunting blind. Here’s why.
Savage Mark II Minimalist Review: Lead-Free 21 Sharp Hits Hard
Published: October 12, 2025 { 3 comments }The Savage Mark II Minimalist is one of their top-selling bolt-action rifles, and they wisely chose to make it one of the offerings chambered in 21 Sharp.
Gun Dogs: Training for Gunshots
Published: October 8, 2025 { 0 comments }We’ve put together some basic tips and tricks for gun dog training—for all dogs.
Trail Camera Roundup: Use the Best
Published: October 8, 2025 { 1 comment }Whether you want all the bells and whistles or prefer a simpler setup, there’s a camera for you.
Hands-On: The Canik Mete MC9 Prime
Published: September 28, 2025 { 2 comments }As a fan of polymer pistols, I’m pleased to report the Canik Mete MC9 Prime not only meets but exceeds its price point (and then some).
Made in the USA: Meet Acme Machine
Published: September 6, 2025 { 3 comments }There are a lot of AR companies. Some brands we know better than others, and when it comes to the smaller-scale manufacturers, it’s not uncommon for many to slip through the cracks of our awareness.
Field Dressing 101: Tips and Tricks
Published: September 1, 2025 { 1 comment }Check out these tips for field dressing your deer for the best possible results.
Hunting Scopes: How to Choose and Use Them
Published: September 1, 2025 { 0 comments }Hunters have different needs from other shooters when it comes to choosing optics, and it can be a challenge to find the right one. But once you understand a few basic things about how optics work, it gets a lot easier.