Not all semi-automatic handguns are built the same. There are different eras of pistols, different configurations, firing mechanisms, etc. In this article, I’m going to attempt to break down the basic parts of most conventional semi-automatic handguns for a quick, easy reference for those needing a very basic resource. In general, I recommend getting into […]
How Many Rounds Do You Need To Fire To Break In Your Handgun?
There’s no general rules when it comes to the number of rounds you need to fire to determine if your handgun is worth its salt. The more complex a machine, the greater the risk of failure. The simplest handgun is probably a single action revolver. Pending some great abnormality, a single action revolver can last […]
What To Do If Your Handgun Breaks
When a person says his gun broke, it could mean anything. There’s a lot of things that can go wrong on a handgun but most of them are fixable. Outside of some catastrophic failure where the pistol breaks in two or blows up (extremely rare), there’s almost always a way to fix a gun. The […]
Women: Finding The Right Gun
“What gun should I get?” I can’t even begin to count how many times I’ve heard that question. There is no right answer. Sure enough, whichever one you get, you’re probably going to want a different one after that. Gun shopping is difficult. There are so many choices – make, model, caliber, design, but we’re […]
Going Armed: Considerations for Traveling with Firearms
To begin with, there is one overriding principle that needs to be taken into account if you are traveling to any particular location and plan to bring a firearm: know the laws in that location. Also, know the laws in any locations that you will travel through if you are traveling by vehicle as any […]
What Exactly Is Situational Awareness? Let’s Take An Indepth Look At Your Surroundings
You probably hear us talk about situational awareness a whole lot. But, there’s a distinct difference between me yammering on and on and actually practicing it in real life. Situational awareness means being aware of both yourself and your environment. Without knowledge of one, you can’t act on the other. This applies to both the […]
How To Choose The Wrong Handgun
When it comes to modern handguns, there’s not too many real ‘bad choices’. Most firearms are reliable enough to shoot so long as they’re properly maintained. However, in this article, we’ll go over some of the worst criteria when it comes to choosing what handgun is best for you. …And, in full disclosure, I’m also […]
Is It Bad To Dry Fire Your Gun?
A reader recently asked us, “is it bad to dry fire my gun?” No. But before you get into the habit of dry firing a gun, do take the time before hand to properly inspect it to ensure no round is loaded in the chamber. The only real threat in dry firing a gun is […]
What To Look For When Seeking Out Firearm Training… And Red Flags To Tell You To Move Along
We’re always excited to get e-mails from our readers. A recent e-mail included an inquiry for things to look for when seeking out instruction. [Email]…What should I look for in a training facility? Should they be NRA certified? Should they be ex-military? What should the training involve? Thank you for any advice you have on […]