Dave McGillivray

David McGillivray is an accomplished entrepreneur and seasoned professional in outdoor education, firearms technology, and security management. As owner and operator of Bull Creek Outdoors, David has established a distinguished full-service gunsmithing shop that caters to a wide array of firearms needs. David’s passion for the outdoors extends into also offering guiding services for hunting and fishing enthusiasts. His courses cover firearms training, wilderness preparedness, medical training, and tracking.

David's diverse skill set extends to his role as a Product Review Writer for Top Firearm Reviews, where he meticulously examines and tests firearms and firearm accessories and a host of other products. His reviews carry an unbiased perspective, focusing on areas for improvement while ensuring product functionality and performance.

Previously, he has served as the Associate Director of Campus Safety and Security for a local University. He also dedicated over two decades to the United States Army, where he rose to the rank of Airborne Infantry First Sergeant. He holds an Associate of Science in Firearms Technology from Sonoran Desert Institute, where he graduated with a 3.97 GPA.

Experience

• Expert Gunsmith

• Firearms Reviewer

• Freelance Writer and Editor

• Product Tester

• Bull Creek Outdoors - Owner (Dahlonega, GA)

• Brenau University - Associate Director of Campus Security (Gainesville, GA)

• Northeast Georgia Health System - Armed Security Officer (Gainesville, GA)

• 82nd Airborne Division, US Army - Non-Commissioned officer in Charge of Operations (Fort Bragg, NC)

• 82nd Airborne Division, 2nd Brigade, US Army - Airborne Infantry Company First Sergeant (Fort Bragg, NC)

• Human Resources Command, US Army - Professional Development Non-Commissioned Officer (Fort Knox, KY)

• 82nd Airborne Division, 2nd Brigade, US Army - Airborne Infantry Rifle and Scout Platoon Sergeant (Fort Bragg, NC)

• US Army Ranger Training Brigade (RTB) - Instructor in the Mountain Phase of Ranger School (5th Battalion, Dahlonega, GA)

• 82nd Airborne Division, 3rd Brigade, US Army - Airborne Infantry Squad Leader (Ft. Bragg, NC)

• 2nd Infantry Division US Army - Mechanized Infantry Team & Squad Leader (Camp Hovey, Korea)

• 4th Infantry Division, US Army - Soldier (Ft. Carson, CO)

Certificates

• Sonoran Desert Institute Certificate in Firearms Technology, Handgun Specialist - 2024

• Colorado Outdoor Adventure Guide School, Safari Hunting Program - 2023

• Colorado Outdoor Adventure Guide School, Fly Fishing Guide Program - 2022

• Colorado Outdoor Adventure Guide School, Whitetail Hunting Guide Program - 2022

• Federal Firearms License (FFL) - 2020

• Sonoran Desert Institute, Associate of Science in Firearms Technology - 2020

• American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI) First Aid/CPR Instructor - 2020

• US Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) Concealed Carry and Home Defense Firearms Instructor - 2020

• Tom Brown JR Standard Class (Tracking & Wilderness Survival) - 2013

• Tactical Tracking Operations School, Tactical and Combat Tracking - 2010

• United States Army Ranger Instructor - 2004-2007

• United States Army Ranger school - 2002