If you are new to shooting and hanging around experienced shooters, you have probably heard them talking about barrel rifling and barrel twist rate. If that is the case, then you may be wondering what these two terms mean and why they would be significant in shooting. In this article, we will discuss barrel rifling and barrel twist rates in detail to help you understand what they are and why they are important. What is Barrel Rifling?Barrel rifling is a system of spiral grooves in the surface of the bore of a gun that causes a projectile when fired to rotate about its long axis. Most handgun barrels have spiraling grooves pressed or cut into the bore. The ridges of metal between the grooves are known as lands. Together, lands and grooves form what is known as rifling. When you take a shot using a handgun, the rifling in the barrel will put a spin on the bullet. The spin helps to keep the bullet point first in flight, thus increasing distance and shot accuracy. Shotguns are typically designed for shooting moving targets in the air. A barrel rifling helps to improve accuracy and range, thus increasing your chance of hitting your target precisely. What is a Barrel Twist Rate?Barrel twist rate refers to the rate of spin inside your gun barrel. For example, a barrel twist rate of 1:8 in AR- 15 rifles means that the rifle will spin the bullet once after every 8 inches of rifling. If the rifle fails to spin the bullet at that rate, then the bullet will not travel with good stability, meaning that it may not hit the target accurately. So, just like barrel rifling, an inadequate barrel twist rate could affect the stability of your rifle when you take a shot. If you are a fan of American football, then it may be quite easy for you to understand what barrel twist rate means. When a player throws the ball with a good spiral motion, the throw will be more accurate compared to if the ball is tossed without a proper spiraling motion. In other words, the spiral motion results in a more stable and accurate pass. An ordinary pass (without spiraling motion) will not be accurate because the ball will flutter the air constantly and change direction due to increased air resistance resulting in an inconsistent pass. A ball thrown without a proper spin could end up in the wrong hands, which could work in favor of the opposing team. That is why most teams look for quarterbacks with great spiral skills to throw the ball further and with better stability and accuracy. The same concept is also applied in a bullet. A good spiral motion on the bullet allows it to travel further and more accurately, which is crucial, especially when shooting for a long range. Barrel twist rate provides much need stability to the bullet, thus ensuring that you hit your target accurately. How does it Work?Most modern handguns and rifles are equipped with spiraling grooves inside the barrels, known as rifling. The main job of the rifling is to spin the bullet as it travels the length of the barrel and continues even when the bullet leaves the gun to the target. Generally, the tighter the spiral pattern, the faster and more stable the bullet will spin in the air, resulting in more accurate shots. The barrel twist is usually expressed in a ratio, and it indicates how many inches of the barrel it takes for the projectile to complete a full motion. For instance, a 1:6 twist rate means that the rifling makes a full rotation over six inches barrel length. Why Twist Rate is ImportantMost people do not place much importance on their rifles twist rate. Knowing your rifle’s twist rate is crucial and could help you make the right decision that could increase your shooting accuracy. For instance, knowing your rifle’s twist rate could help you know the type of bullet that will deliver accurate shots. For example, if your rifle does not have a tight twist rate, then it will not be wise to use longer bullets that require a tight twist rate to get sufficient flight stability. When shooting a rifle that requires longer and heavier bullets, it is necessary that the rifle barrel has a faster twist rate. Twist rate is crucial because it affects both the range and accuracy of your shots. Therefore, it is always important to know the twist rate of the rifle before you make a purchase. Does bullet weight affect barrel twist?Most people think bullet weight impacts barrel twist. However, that is not the case. It is essential to understand that bullet weight does not in any way affect barrel twist rate. What affects your barrel twist is the bullet length. Most people usually think that a bullet’s weight affects the barrel’s twist rate because a longer bullet is usually heavier than a shorter bullet. A longer bullet usually affects barrel twists because it requires a faster rifling twist to properly stabilize the bullet once it leaves the rifle. Does twist rate affect pressure?YES, twist rate affects pressure. With all other factors remaining constant, any time your rifle’s twist rate is increased, pressure will increase. Does twist rate affect velocity?Yes, twist rate affects velocity, but the difference is not that huge. Barrels with faster twist rates usually have more drag and friction, which in turn slows down the bullet. Barrel rifling and barrels twist rate are very crucial components that should not be overlooked, especially when buying a rifle. These components will affect both the range and accuracy of your shots. Understanding the twist rate of your rifle can help you make an informed decision that will help to improve your shooting performance. For instance, knowing your rifle’s barrel rifling and barrel twist rate will help you know the right bullet size to use to get the best performance both in terms of accuracy and range. from https://readyandarmed.net/understanding-rifling-and-barrel-twist/
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Just as most people have a dominant hand, they also have a dominant eye. This is the eye that sends more accurate signals to your brain, allowing you to locate an object accurately. In most cases, people never realize that one of their eyes is dominant unless it becomes a problem. However, determining your dominant eye is crucial to your shooting accuracy if you love and own firearms. This article reviews the meaning and importance of eye dominance and tells you why you should care. What is a Dominant Eye?A dominant eye is the one your brain gives more preference to because it sends more accurate information to your brain’s visual center about an object’s location. There are three main types of eye dominance:
For most people, having a dominant eye is a normal visual condition because both eyes maintain almost equal visual acuity, although one eye is preferred over the other. Dominant Eye in ShootingEye dominance is an important consideration for shooters since it determines the accuracy of your shots. If your dominant eye is not on the same side as your dominant hand – a condition called cross dominance – you may have difficulty hitting targets. For example, if you are a left-handed (i.e., left-shouldered) shooter but your right eye is the dominant one, you may find yourself shooting in front of a left-to-right moving target and behind a right-to-left moving target. Understanding your eye dominance can, therefore, help improve your shooting accuracy. This will, in turn, improve your chances of wilderness survival. Importance of Eye DominanceYou may be wondering why eye dominance is so important in shooting and we have the answer. Because your dominant eye is the one that sends the most accurate information to your brain, it is usually the one you must place over the bore of your firearm when aiming. This alignment will ensure you see the target as it is and that your brain is not misinterpreting the information. Conversely, the opposite alignment (non-dominant eye over the bore) will likely end in a miss. Determining Your Dominant EyeIt should now be clear to you how vital your dominant eye is when it comes to shooting on target. But how exactly do you determine eye dominance? The following two simple tests should help you: Method 1
Note: Carefully follow the steps described in this method to avoid blocking the target with your hands and bringing your hand towards your non-dominant eye. Method 2
Cross DominanceCross dominance refers to when the dominant hand and eye are on opposite sides of the body. This can become an issue when working with firearms because it means you can either spot the target accurately or shoot with your dominant hand, not both. However, there is some good news if you find yourself having cross dominance. With the proper adjustments in shooting techniques, a cross-dominant shooter can learn to shoot more accurately. Dealing with Cross DominanceThere are some effective methods of dealing with your cross dominance shooting problem, but the approach you choose will depend on the type of firearm you are using. 1. Long GunsWhen shooting shotguns or rifles, there is not much you can do about changing your dominant eye. You must choose between using your dominant eye or your dominant hand. Your options are:
2. HandgunCross dominance is much easier to deal with when using a handgun because you are not limited to using one hand. You can decide to:
Tip: There is no single correct answer to dealing with cross dominance. However, with adequate time and effort in training, you will eventually find a method that works best for you. Using firearms requires an extremely high level of accuracy, especially when your shooting skills are crucial to wilderness survival. Determining your eye dominance will help you avoid mistakes such as missing a target due to inaccurate visual signals sent to your brain. However, the buck does not stop with finding out which of your eyes is dominant. If you are cross dominant, you must practice your technique until your target accuracy is spot on. from https://readyandarmed.net/what-is-eye-dominance-and-how-do-you-determine-yours/ Before explaining how to make a homemade faraday cage, we first need to define an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and what it can do to your electronics and devices. Also known as transient electromagnetic disturbance, an electromagnetic pulse is a short burst of electromagnetic energy that is capable of short-circuiting a wide range of electronic equipment such as computers, radio, television, satellite, microwave, civilian traffic lights, and radar receivers. The energy created by EMP can temporarily or permanently damage your valuable electronic equipment by generating high current surges and high voltage. Sometimes your electronic devices can literally blow apart if an EMP generates enormous energy. If you want to keep your electronics safe for a long time the way you keep your firearms safe, it’s important to store them properly. Step-by-step procedure to make a faraday cage to protect your electronicsIf you are concerned about EMP damaging your valuable electronic components, then you must be wondering what to do to protect them. The best way to protect your electronics from EMP is by creating a faraday cage. Named after an individual known as Michael Faraday, the faraday cage is the device used to protect electronic equipment from electromagnetic radiation damage. It creates a shielding effect that protects your valuable electronic items from damaging electromagnetic radiation. A faraday cage comprises of
Most people usually think that creating a faraday cage is complicated and can only be done by experts. However, that is not true, and you don’t need to hire an expert to build a faraday cage for you. Anybody can make a simple but effective faraday cage at home to protect their electronic devices against electromagnetic pulse damage. This article will give you an easy-to-follow step-by-step process on how to create a faraday cage at home to protect your valuables. The materials that are needed:
Step 1: Place a blanket or cardboard/bubble wrap inside the trashcanThe first process of creating a faraday cage placing a blanket or cardboard/ bubble wrap inside a trash can. Look for a conductive trash can made of stainless steel with a tight closing lid. The trash can will act as the first defense against electromagnetic radiation. Therefore, you need to ensure that it is made of quality material like stainless steel to protect your electronics against electromagnetic radiation by reflecting incoming radiation. Once you have selected the right trashcan line, place a blanket or cardboard inside of the container. This will provide an additional layer of insulation. You can also add further layers of foil to boost the effectiveness of your faraday cage. The more layers your faraday cage has, the more protection the cage will offer against electromagnetic radiation. Step 2: Affix conductive gasket to the inside of the lid where it meets the top of the canOnce you have placed a blanket or cardboard inside the trash can, the following process is to place a conductive gasket inside of the lid where it meets the top of the can. This process is crucial because it makes your trash can foolproof, meaning that damaging electromagnetic radiation will not find its way inside the container. A conductive gasket is a mechanical seal that fills the space between the two mating surfaces. The conductive gasket will serve two purposes. They include: preventing leakage into the container when it is closed and reflect incoming fields. Make sure you attach the conductive gasket properly to make the trash can foolproof. Step 3: Place cellphone inside the can and close itOnce you have sealed all loopholes, the following process is placing your cellphone or any other device inside the trash can and close it. The best practice is to cover each device individually in its own individual faraday cage. For instance, you can use a simple aluminum foil or buy a faraday bag then place your items inside the bag. Once the cellphones and other electronic devices are inside the trash can, attach it with a bolt or adhesive to make the cage sturdy and foolproof. Step 4: Test the faraday cage by calling the cellphoneOnce you have sealed the faraday cage, test if it works by calling the cellphone placed inside. If the signal is blocked, then your faraday cage works. That’s it. Building a faraday cage is as simple as that. Can a faraday cage have holes?Most people are under the impression that a faraday cage needs to be sealed completely. Yes, it is okay to close it entirely, but it is okay for it to have small holes as long as the holes are small compared to the wavelength. For instance, a 1GHz wave has a wavelength of 0.3 meters in free space. This means that as long as your faraday cage has smaller holes than that dimension, you should not worry because it will not let in much radiation that could damage your stored electronics. Must a faraday cage be grounded?This question has varied answers. Some people believe that a faraday cage should be grounded, while others think it is not a necessity. However, many experts agree that grounding a faraday cage is not a must because it has little effect on field levels. The only thing that grounding could help is protecting the faraday cage from becoming charged or and reradiating. The bottom line is that a faraday cage that is not grounded is as effective as one that is grounded when it comes to protecting the contents inside against harmful electromagnetic fields. A faraday cage is a simple yet essential device that can help to protect your electronic devices against electromagnetic radiation. You don’t have to call an expert to build a faraday cage for you. Instead, you can make one at home by following the simple steps given above. All materials needed to build a faraday cage are things you should find available in your home, and those that you don’t already have can easily be purchased at your local hardware or electronics shop. from https://readyandarmed.net/protecting-your-electronics-with-a-homemade-faraday-cage/ Have you been seeing incredible videos, blogs, and pictures about competition shooting online, and naturally want to be part of the sport? Good for you! This sport will enable you to enjoy using your favorite firearms and improve your survival skills too. Always make sure to purchase electronic shooting ear protection earmuffs before participating in any shooting sports. Most people who practice this sport say that it’s challenging, rewarding, and addictive, so you shouldn’t be shocked if you get any of these experiences. Besides, you could opt to branch off to other categories or disciplines of shooting sports. While this is a great adventure, it’s essential to know the basic things about the sport before you start. This piece will offer the fundamentals, so keep reading to ensure you don’t make mistakes on your new journey. What’s Competition Shooting?This sport involves activities like precision shooting and evaluates proficiency, speed, and accuracy in this discipline. You are allowed to use most kinds of portable firearms for this sport, like rifles, handguns, shotguns, and so on. Don’t assume that this is just a local sport as it’s practised in the Olympics and by other international sporting organizations as well. Winners have to show their precision, accuracy, and efficiency in the sport using a professionally made scope for competition shooting. Note that the various categories of competition shooting are characterized by the targets, type of firearm, and degree of athleticism in a limited time. Also, you may choose to compete as an individual or a team. How Do I Get Started?Starting a sporting activity like competition shooting for the first time can be intimidating, mainly if it involves a timer and firearms. But with good training and practice, you can improve your skills within a short time and start competing. So, rather than saying, “I am not good enough for this shot,” or “I wish I could shoot like this,” you should start your training right away and start practicing. One option you can consider is to start spending your free time at the range with other gun nuts. As you watch them blast holes on the targets, you will be motivated to join them. Some will be happy to share quick tips to get you started and even mentor you. Besides, no one will care how poorly you shoot as they are busy practicing or talking. Just make sure you enjoy your time and stay safe, and before you know it, you will have improved your shooting skills. Remember, everyone in the range started somewhere, so there is always room for new enthusiasts. If you want to be trained professionally, then you can choose to join a gun club in your area. These clubs offer competition shooting classes for beginners and will help you learn before you start practicing. Then, you can join the competitions the clubs organize and soon you’ll be winning. How Do I Sign Up?Once you gain some shooting skills and confidence, you’ll be excited to participate in some competitions. After all, most ranges have a calendar that showcases all the events they are hosting so you feel inclined to participate. However, you cannot just pack up your gear and show up for the event unless you are sure they allow walk-in signups. In most cases, you have to register online for the competition to participate in the club matches. You will be asked to provide some personal information, name your division as well as your class. This information is mandatory, so you’ll have to make an educated guess if you aren’t sure about something. Or, you can reach out to the directors of the match in advance, and they’ll guide you accordingly. On the big day, you need to get to the venue early to have adequate time to prepare. Check-in with the match director and then join the safety brief. The director will share the rules for each discipline and name the designated area where participants should handle their firearms. If you go outside the designated area, you could be disqualified from the match as you are risking the safety of other participants. So, listen to the match directors and you won’t face problems during a match. Also, calm your nerves and ignore the timer because the objective of the first match is to gain experience, have fun, and stay safe. Don’t forget to stay in control of the firearm and step up the pace when you feel comfortable. You will realize it’s fun to test your skills and work towards self-improvement. What Are The Common Categories of Competition Shooting?Knowing the different kinds of competition shooting will assist you in choosing the best division before you start practicing for the sport. Some primary categories include: 1. Shotgun Shooting EventsCurrently, there are three categories for shotgun shooting events, which entail shooting clay targets. However, the throwing technique varies, making the shooting events different. The categories are: Trapshooting: The clay targets are thrown in the same direction the shooter faces, although the trajectory will vary to give the shooter a challenging set of targets. Shooters have to make decisions instantaneously when selecting multiple targets. Skeet shooting: The targets are fired from two opposite directions, making it easy for the shooter to showcase their shooting skills. Sporting clays: This category entails shooting clay targets pitched from different speeds, heights, and angles. The targets are usually moved fast to stimulate the shooter to shoot as fast as he/she can. It also simulates hunting birds in the wild, as the clay birds are shot randomly into the air. 2. Pistol and Rifle Shooting EventsIDPA Shooting: The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) governs this unique sport which focuses on self-defence shooting situations. Through this, shooters are equipped to deal with real-life situations for defence purposes. Bullseye shooting: This event involves using both pistols and rifles. Pistol shooters have to shoot from a long distance that’s often 50 yards or more, and the firing contest may be done rapidly or slowly. Level difficulty is increased via a timer or asking the participants to use a single hand instead of both hands. 3. Rifle-Focused Shooting EventsBenchrest shooting: As its name suggests, the rifle is placed on a front and rear rest on a table. Participants aim at paper targets. The rifles are customized to offer a stable shot regardless of the weather conditions. As you can see, shooting events vary widely and can be hosted in a world competition event like the Olympics or the gun club. So, keep practicing, and over time, you will perfect your skills and get to participate in any event you choose. from https://readyandarmed.net/what-is-competition-shooting-and-how-can-i-get-started/ How you store your gun will determine how long it will serve you and the quality of performance it will deliver. Gun is a huge investment and thus needs proper storage. Additionally, owning a gun is a huge responsibility, and if it is not stored properly, it can cause a lot of harm. Therefore, proper gun storage is a part of being a responsible gun owner. A majority of gun owners use Large Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe to store their guns. Whether you are a military service member, a law enforcement officer, or a civilian, knowing how to store your gun is especially important. In this article, we will discuss the importance of storing your firearms properly. It Helps to Improve Your Gun’s SafetyMany people purchase a gun for self-defence purposes. However, if you do not keep your gun in a safe place, then it can pose a huge safety risk to you and your family members. Studies show that more than half of gun owners in the United States store at least one gun unsafely, thus posing a huge safety risk to their families. If you do not keep your gun safe, then anybody, including kids, can access the gun and injure themselves or other people around. The best way to prevent this is by keeping your gun in a safe place. Store your weapon in a place where unauthorized persons cannot access it. It Prevents Your Weapons from Being StolenApart from keeping your gun safe, proper storage also helps prevent your gun from being stolen and used elsewhere to commit a crime. A report by Gifford Law center showed that gun theft in the United States is on a steady rise. The report revealed that over 380,000 guns are stolen each year, and the sad news is that most stolen guns usually end up in the hands of criminals who use them to commit crimes. Proper gun storage can help you avoid your gun being stolen and used to commit a crime. Law Requires Gun Owners to Store Them ProperlyMany states require gun owners to store their guns properly away from children and other family members. Currently, over 11 states have laws regarding the proper storage of guns. For instance, Massachusetts requires all gun holders to store their weapons safely using a lock. Failure to do so could result in being charged and fined. In some cases, your gun license may be revoked. So make sure you understand gun storage laws in your state and comply with them to avoid getting in trouble. Proper Storage Helps to Keep the Gun in Perfect ConditionIf you own a gun, then you know that they are not cheap. The prices of guns have been rising steadily over the years. Many people who want to own a gun are usually forced to save for months. The last thing you want after working so hard to own a gun is for it to get damaged after a few months of use. Properly storing your gun will keep it in good condition, meaning it will serve you for many years to come. The overall cost of maintenance will significantly reduce if you store your gun in a safe place. It Keeps Your Guns Well OrganizedAnother benefit of properly keeping your gun is that it keeps it well organized and easy to retrieve. This is important, especially for people who own multiples guns. When you store your gun in a well-organized place, you can quickly access it when the need arises. For instance, if thieves attack your home, you can easily get your gun quickly and ambush them. Tips on How to Store Your Gun Safely in a Gun Safe:Remove Moisture from the SafeMoisture in your gun safe can cause serious damage that cannot be repaired. Exposing your valuable gun to moisture can lead to rust, with could cause some parts to stick together and the gun to potentially misfire. A high level of humidity can also cause your gun to be covered or surrounded by molds. To prevent all this, you need to remove moisture from the safe using a dehumidifier. This will prevent rust and mold from forming, thus keeping your gun in good condition. Clean and Oil Your GunAnother crucial thing to do before storing your gun in a safe is to clean it thoroughly to remove any buildup to residues before storing it. As they say, a clean gun is a safe gun. Multiple shots will result in the buildup of powder residues, grime, and gasses in its action and on the barrel. If these residues are left to stay, they will affect both the performance and durability of your gun in the long run. So, before storing your firearm in the safe, ensure that you clean it thoroughly to remove anything that could affect its performance and durability. Cleaning your gun is not good enough. Once you are done cleaning the gun, go a step further and lubricate it using appropriate gun oil. Oiling your gun will help to reduce friction between various mechanical parts of the weapon for enhanced durability and performance. Always clean and lubricate your gun before storing it in the safe. Inspect Your Gun Regularly Every Time You Recharge the DehumidifierEvery time your recharge the dehumidifier in the safe, it is advised you inspect the condition of your gun to see if it is in perfect condition. Just because the safe is free from moisture does not mean that your gun is 100% safe. There are many other things, such as high temperatures, that may damage your gun in the safe. Therefore, every time you recharge the dehumidifier, inspect your gun to see if it is still in good shape or not. If it’s not in good condition, find out the cause and fix the problem immediately. If you own a gun or planning to purchase one soon, you need to ensure it is stored properly. This way, you will protect your gun from being stolen and enhance your safety and that of your loved ones. How you store your gun in the safe also matters a lot. Therefore, we recommend that you follow the tips given above when storing your gun in the safe to keep it in good condition. from https://readyandarmed.net/the-importance-of-storing-your-guns-properly/ Perhaps the biggest challenge that most handgun owners face when taking a shot is inaccuracy. Sometimes it is very frustrating not to take a perfect shot, especially when stakes are high, like when hunting. You can use ProCase Noise Reduction Earmuffs to avoid getting distracted in those times. However, if you are always off target when taking a shot, then the problem could be you or your handgun could be having a few issues that need to be fixed. In this article, we will discuss five main reasons for inaccuracy with your handgun and how to fix them. Gripping It WrongOne of the top reasons you are not hitting the target is a lack of proper grip. Research shows that at least 60% of shooters do not grip their guns correctly. That is why most of them usually fail to get a perfect shot. Any pro shooter will tell you that the secret to getting a perfect shot is gripping the handgun correctly. A proper grip will help reduce recoil, thus increase your chance of hitting your target with the first attempt. Hold your handgun with your main hand. Place your main hand as high as possible on the grip to help prevent the gun from tipping in your hand during recoil. When holding the handgun, it should be placed in a position where if you draw a line from the muzzle via the gun, then back to your hand, it should be in a straight line. This will help spread the recoil into your arms as opposed to your wrist and hand. As a result, you will have more stability, which will, in turn, improve accuracy. Two common mistakes that people make while firing include tea cupping and funky thumb. So, what do these two terms mean? Tea cupping is when you put the other hand under the handle and gripping the end of the magazine. This strategy may help to keep the handgun steady but will not reduce recoil. The best way to reduce recoil is by using two hands. On the other hand, the funky thumb is when you use your weak thumb to cross around the backside of your powerful hand. This is dangerous and may harm your thumb. Remember that how you hold your gun will determine everything else that will follow. If you get a solid grip, you will be able to manage recoil more efficiently, meaning your shot groups will be tighter, and you will be able to fire your follow-ups faster and more accurately. The main reason why most shooters struggle with grip is because of a lack of proper arm exercise. Therefore, you should start exercising your hands and practice often to overcome this problem. OvergunnedAnother thing that could be hindering you from making the perfect shot is because you are over-gunned. Most novice shooters usually think that having a bigger caliber handgun will increase their chance of hitting the target perfectly. However, that is not true. In fact, having a bigger caliber handgun will only make things worse if you do not know how to handle it. A bigger caliber handgun requires more strength, and if you lack it, then your shots will always be off-target. Instead, get a caliber handgun that can accurately and confidently shoot. It is better to take a perfect shot with a smaller caliber gun than to miss your targets with a more powerful handgun. So do not let anybody fool you that a bigger caliber handgun will help improve your shooting accuracy. In fact, it may make things worse. Instead, focus on getting the caliber that you can easily handle. Improper Sight AlignmentImproper sight alignment is also a common factor that usually prevents shooters from taking an accurate shot. In most cases, shooters usually have a problem acquiring a proper sight picture before pulling the trigger. Some shooters also do not understand what a proper sight picture looks like. To avoid this, you always need to ensure that you have front sight focus before taking a shot. This means that your vision should be focused on the front sight of your handgun as opposed to the rear sight and the target. Once you are focused on the rear sight, the next step is aligning the front, rear, and target by centring the front sight in the rear sight’s notch. Make sure that the tops of the sights are on the same level. Please do not place the front post too high in the rear notch because it could make you shot over the top of the target. Not in Good ShapeIt is exceedingly difficult to take an accurate shot if you are not in good shape. Our arms are not designed to hold things while stretched for long periods of time. The muscles that your body uses while shooting are not strong because they are only utilized for a short time. Therefore, when you use your handgun for a long period, your hand may start shaking, thus making it difficult to hit your target. The solution to this problem is performing more exercises, particularly to muscles involved in shooting, such as the shoulder muscles, wrist, and lunges. The more you exercise these crucial muscles, the more stable and accurate your shots will get. FlinchingThis is perhaps the biggest problem that hinders most shooters from taking an accurate shot. When you place your finger on the trigger, your instinct will tell you to pull the trigger immediately because you want the recoil to happen on your terms. Making the handgun recoil predicate and controllable may seem like a good thing. However, when you anticipate recoil, you may push your arms against the recoil, causing the muzzle to dip down. This may cause the shot to miss the target. The best solution to this problem is performing dry fire practice where you squeeze the trigger without live ammunition. This will help you focus on minimizing the movement of the gun while taking a shot as opposed to putting a lot of focus on recoil. Practice repeatedly until when you can get rid of all movements. Taking an accurate shot is a huge challenge even for pro shooters. However, the points listed above are the top reasons for shooting inaccuracy, and if you correct them, then your shooting accuracy will improve significantly. from https://readyandarmed.net/5-reasons-for-inaccuracy-with-your-handgun/ One of the most critical aspects of self-defence and wilderness survival is confidence in your ability to defend yourself. If you do not think you can make a shot, you will waver and second-guess yourself, making yourself a more vulnerable target. Fortunately, you can fix this situation by perfecting your firearm skills through practice. We often recommend newbies to use Earplugs by American Pro Sports during their practice sessions. As with anything you do, mastering how to use firearms requires that you put in a lot of time and practice. But if you have bought ammunition recently, you know that this can be an expensive venture. This is where dry fire practice comes in. Dry firing allows you to practice all your gun skills – shooting and otherwise – without using ammunition. Read on to find out if it is ideal for you. What Is Dry Fire?Dry fire refers to the act of simulating firing a firearm without using ammunition. Generally, you do everything you usually do when making a shot and pull the trigger, but in this case, nothing happens because your gun is not loaded. This can sound like wasted time, but it is a very efficient way to practice your skills and accuracy without breaking the bank. Most gun instructors will recommend dry fire to new shooters to help them learn gun manipulation basics and weapon safety. That said, this practice is not limited to newbies, and even veterans can do it because it requires no equipment (except your gun) and can even be done at home. Why Dry Fire?Dry fire is an excellent way to build a foundation for your basic gun skills while practicing other techniques and working up to advanced manipulation. Through this practice, you can perfect your trigger control stance, sight alignment, and grip, which will, in turn, boost your muscle memory. Even better, you can do it repeatedly until you get it right because you are not using ammunition. Dry Fire SafetyFrom the definition, a dry fire should be a very safe activity, as it does not involve ammunition. However, any interaction with firearms has the potential to turn dangerous, which is why you should never throw caution to the wind. Keep the following in mind during your dry fire practice:
Benefits of Dry FiringResearch says that you must repeat something 10,000 times to commit it to muscle memory. This fact rings true for shooters, but such levels of practice can also mean a lot of ammunition used. Considering the high cost of ammo, one of the apparent benefits of dry firing is cost-effectiveness. Other benefits of this practice include: Confidence BoostWhen you practice at a range or with ammunition, the bullet holes will tell you exactly how you are firing. While this is often a good thing, it can also be very discouraging to someone who feels they are doing everything right, yet none of their bullets are on target. This discouragement, plus the ammunition and cost of range time, can easily dishearten a beginner from going on. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, confidence is as crucial to good performance in sports as it is in the shooting. The more you feel like a failure, the more likely you are to quit. Dry firing helps put you in the right mindset to keep on practicing your skills because there are no bullet holes. When you dry fire, you will likely remember what you did right and do it again rather than focus on what you did wrong. Reduced FlinchingYour brain is wired to avoid situations it considered potentially dangerous. Because firing a gun is not a natural process, your body will often respond by turning your head, closing your eyes, or looking away, otherwise called flinching. Flinching can affect your aim and firing accuracy. Fortunately, dry firing eliminates the loud noise and jolt involved in firing a loaded gun, allowing you to shoot without moving. Reduced Trigger JerkingTrigger jerking refers to when you pull the trigger so that it disrupts your firearm’s aiming point. A shooter will usually jerk the trigger because they are focused on aiming the gun more than they are about maintaining the sight picture. Alternatively, trigger jerking can be caused by a shooter trying to fire their gun as fast as possible when they find the perfect sight picture. Regardless of the cause, trigger jerking will severely harm your aiming skills and firing accuracy. Dry firing fixes this problem by allowing you to shoot without moving the gun since there is no rush to fire a bullet into a perfect sight picture anyway. Improved Non-Shooting SkillsBesides helping you perfect your shooting skills, dry fire practice can sharpen your other non-shooting techniques. For example, you can practice your stance, loading, reloading, drawing, one-handed aiming, and moving while aiming as many times as you want. If you own firearms, dry fire practice is an excellent way to hone your skills at no cost and from the comfort of your home. The comfortable environment allows you to concentrate on every aspect of your weapon manipulation tactics and practice over and over until you master all your moves. That said, you must keep the safety measures discussed here – and all the others you know – in mind during this exercise. The most important gun safety rule is to treat every firearm as if it is loaded, even if you know that it is not. This is crucial, even if you are only practicing dry firing. from https://readyandarmed.net/should-you-dry-fire-practice/ Increased cases of mass shootings have forced the political class in many states to take preventative action to ensure that guns are taken away from potentially dangerous people. Red flag laws are among the most recent proposals after increased cases of mass shootings in various states across the country, including the most recent back-to-back shooting in Dayton and El Paso that took the lives of 31 people. The main aim of these laws is to keep guns out of the hands of people who pose an immediate threat to others and themselves. If you are a gun owner, you should always use a gun safe at home like Moutec Large Electronic Rifle Safe to store your guns. So, what exactly are red flag laws, and how can they affect gun owners? This article will tell you everything you need to know about these popular gun policy proposals. What are Red Flag Laws?Red flag laws, also known as Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), are state laws that give courts the authority to issue a special type of protection order to allow the police to temporarily confiscate a firearm from people deemed by the court to be a danger to themselves or others around them. If the court finds out that the person in question is dangerous to themselves or others, then the person will be required to surrender their firearm to the police for a certain period. The individual will also not be allowed to buy or sell firearms. However, these laws have attracted huge debates. Proponents say that they will reduce the cases of mass shootings which have increased significantly over the recent years. Those who are against these laws say that they are selectively aimed at taking guns from people suffering from mental health disorders who are more vulnerable to gun violence. The National Rifle Association (NRA) supports the idea of red flag laws but is not in agreement with how they have been enacted in many states across the country. According to the NRA, the reason why they are opposing these laws is that they feel that they infringe on due process rights. When the court holds a hearing to determine if an individual poses a danger to themselves or others, the hearing is usually held ‘ex-parte’. This means that the person whose gun is temporarily held is not given a chance to present at the time of the hearing. The National Rifle Association says that this is unusual and unfair, and that is why they don’t support these laws. Many other gun advocates have also opposed these laws saying that they infringe on a person’s Second Amendment rights. It is important to note that red flag laws are temporary orders issued by the courts, meaning that they don’t keep guns away from individuals who are thought to pose a threat forever. The window of time in which the order takes effect depends on many factors, including the level of threat the person poses to themselves and the public as seen by the court and how the laws are written in various states. Like any other law, red flag laws are only effective if they are enforced by the police. How these laws are enforced differs from state to state, depending on the resources and awareness given to the local police. That explains why red flag laws are used widely in some states while in others, they are not used as much. How Can Red Flag Laws Affect Gun Owners?Now that you know what red flag laws mean, the question that you are probably asking yourself is; how will these laws affect me as a gun owner? There are many ways in which red flag laws affect gun owners. For states that have enacted these laws, gun owners should know that any family member or the police can petition the state court to order the temporary removal of the firearm from an individual. This means that if the court is convinced that the gun owner poses a danger to themselves or other people around them, then their gun will be taken away from them for a certain time. The form of assurance that gun owners had in the past of using their weapons the way they wanted (providing it is within the law) no longer guarantees that they keep their guns. Any person who feels that the gun owner is not responsible in the way they are handing their weapon can petition the court, and that gun could be temporarily removed. This could be a disadvantage for people who are mentally challenged who may be misjudged by other people or the police for their actions. Which States Already Have Red Flag Laws?The first red flag law was enacted in Connecticut about 22 years ago. Since then, a few states have followed suit. For instance, Indiana enacted the red flag laws in 2005, and in 2016, California and Washington DC followed. Data collected by Everytown, an independent organization working to end gun violence, shows that 19 states and Washington DC have enacted some type of red flags laws. Before the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, only a few states had enacted some form of red flag laws. These states include New York, Florida, Connecticut, Indiana, Illinois, and California. In fact, California’s red flag laws are among the most elaborate. It was the first state to allow family members to petition the courts directly to seize a weapon from family members and relatives deemed dangerous to themselves and others. Just recently, New York enacted a law that allows family members, teachers, and others to petition the court for protective orders. Hawaii and Nevada have also approved red flag laws this year. States that already have red flag laws include:
States that are considering enacting red flag laws include:
The ERPO bill was introduced in Virginia in January but was voted down by legislators. The bill has also been introduced in Tennessee, but the Republican-controlled lawmakers are yet to debate it. from https://readyandarmed.net/what-are-red-flag-laws-and-how-could-they-affect-you/ Buying your first gun is always an exciting experience. However, choosing the right gun that suits your needs can be a relatively daunting task. The entire process can be overwhelming because of the many options that are available on the market. When buying a gun, there are four crucial things you need to consider. They include its purpose, storage, maintenance, and safety. You can consider using Steelwater Gun Safes Standard Duty to store your firearms safely at home. Unfortunately, most first-time gun buyers usually make costly mistakes that they end up regretting later, mostly because of a lack of experience and not conducting the proper research before buying. Below, we will discuss 5 common mistakes that first-time gun buyers may make. Picking the Wrong CaliberOne of the common mistakes that first-time gun buyers make is choosing the wrong caliber. Caliber refers to the handgun or rifle bore size and the size of cartridges designed for different bores. You will experience more recoil, depending on how big and powerful the gun is. Guns with a very high caliber are not recommended for small individuals because the high recoil can lead to accidental discharge or cause injury to the shooter. Additionally, higher caliber rounds usually cost more when compared to guns with low caliber. Therefore, if you purchase a gun with a higher caliber, you must be prepared to spend more on ammunition. Higher caliber weapons are recommended for individuals who are planning to use the gun for self-defence. However, those planning to use the gun for fun, casual family shooting lessons are advised to buy a gun with a smaller caliber. The ammunition of guns with a larger caliber is costly, meaning you cannot shoot all day unless you have the money to do so. Paying Too MuchMost first-time gun buyers often think that guns that are sold at a very high price are usually of the best quality. They think that if they don’t buy the most expensive gun, then they won’t have the best experience. However, that is not always the case. Expensive does not always mean quality. Sometimes you can buy a very expensive weapon, but it ends up not meeting your needs. So, don’t be fooled into believing that the most expensive gun in a particular class will give you the best result. Instead of considering the gun’s price, you should focus more on its features. Buy a gun that has the features you are looking for. If you know the minimum requirements that your gun should have, you can negotiate to ensure you get the best price. Some people also think that they will earn more respect from other shooters if they buy the most expensive gun in their class. That is also not true. Buy a weapon that you need, not what you want someone else to see you with. If you purchase a gun that is best for your needs, you will probably get a better deal. On the other hand, if you buy a gun that will impress others, then you may end up paying too much. Not Being TrainedAnother mistake that most first-time gun buyers make is purchasing a weapon before they are trained on how to use it properly and safely. Buying a gun that you don’t know how to use is dangerous, especially if you have a family. A small mistake could be fatal. For instance, if you have not been trained in using or caring for a gun, you may store it while it’s still loaded. You will also not know how to store it safely when it is not in use, like not turning on the safety switch, for example. Although everyone has the right to own a gun, it is important to note that owning a weapon comes with a huge responsibility. Before owning a gun, you need to be trained first to know how to handle it in different situations like while in public, when storing it, and most importantly, knowing when to use it. Proper training will help you know how to handle the gun properly, which will help prevent accidents. Choosing the Wrong AmmoThere are different varieties of ammunition on the market, and each of them has a specific use. Therefore, you need to understand your firearm and know the type of ammunition it needs to get the best results. Different ammunition is used for different scenarios. For instance, full metal jacket ammo is ideal for target shooting and learning, while hollow-point ammunition is ideal for a defensive weapon. Using the wrong ammunition can cause serious injury to the shooter. For instance, if a 12 gauge gun is loaded with 20 gauge shells, they will slip past the chamber and lodge in the barrel. This would not only cause gun damage but serious personal injury as well. To avoid this, you need to use the right ammunition for your gun. Buy the exact gauge or caliber and length of ammo for which the gun was designed. Carry only the correct ammo for the gun you are using, and never mix them. Also, never use old ammunition. Not Maintaining the GunMost new gun owners don’t know how to maintain their firearms. But, just like any other machine, guns need regular maintenance to keep them in good shape. As they say, a clean gun is a safe gun. You must keep your gun clean to guarantee your safety and also prolong its lifespan. You will feel the difference when you shoot with a freshly cleaned gun. Constant firing usually causes a powder residue and other grime and gasses to build up in the barrel. If they are not removed in a timely manner, they can affect your gun’s performance, meaning your gun will become unpredictable and unreliable. Cleaning the gun regularly will not only help to maintain its accuracy but will also help you learn more about the firearm and how it works. Therefore, before you purchase a firearm, make sure you know how to maintain it. If you want to get the best firearm for your needs, you need to educate yourself about it. This includes knowing its features, the type of ammunition it uses, and the cost of maintenance. You also need to be trained by a professional to know how to handle and use the firearm correctly. from https://readyandarmed.net/common-mistakes-made-by-first-time-gun-buyers/ Per the United States’ reciprocity gun laws, there are some states that will honor a concealed gun carry permit from any other US state. But, at the same time, others do not and, instead, ban non-residents from carrying any handgun in their state. Therefore, if you own a firearm and travel a lot, it is crucial that you familiarize yourself with reciprocity in gun laws, so you know where your permit applies and where it doesn’t. What Is Reciprocity?Reciprocity is a legal scheme whereby certain states have made agreements with other states to honor some or all of their state licenses to carry a concealed handgun as valid for reciprocal carry in their state. States have different laws concerning reciprocity, with some states having no reciprocity allowances at all. Even if your state is reciprocal with another, it is not a guarantee that you can carry a handgun in the states that your state allows. The two must have a mutual agreement. Whichever is the case, you should always keep a gun safe at home to store your guns. You can check the article where we have discussed the benefits of owning a gun safe. Reciprocity Among StatesIn most states, the legislative body in charge of authorizing reciprocity agreements is the state’s police, attorney general, or another relevant agency. The governing body must check that its state’s laws fully recognize the reciprocity of licenses carried by firearm owners from another state. Some states have very accommodating reciprocity laws. A good example is Indiana’s reciprocity agreement with other states, which has the broadest recognition of reciprocity licenses. However, despite Indiana accommodating many states, other states don’t share reciprocity agreements, making it challenging for Indiana residents to travel with their firearms. States that share reciprocity agreements often have near-equal verification and licensing requirements in terms of training and qualification. Such states agree that their gun-carrying statutes match and then make a written agreement to accept each other’s licenses. This is done to ensure that state residents are protected against unsafe gun handling by non-residents. States with Full ReciprocityThere are some states that honor all US-issued concealed handgun carry permits. They include; Virginia, Utah, Vermont, South Dakota, Tennessee, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Montana, Alabama, Arizona, Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, Kansas, and Arkansas. States with Partial ReciprocityThere are also other states that only partially honor US-issued concealed handgun carry permits. They include; Wisconsin, Wyoming, West Virginia, Texas, Carolina, Washington, Louisiana, Maine, Georgia, Florida, and Colorado. States with No CCW ReciprocitySome states and districts do not adhere to reciprocity in gun laws regarding US-issued concealed handgun carry permits. They include; 1. New JerseyNew Jersey is one of those states that do not honor any CCW permits from other states in the country. So, if you are a non-resident and you intend to conceal carry in New Jersey, you will need either a resident or a non-resident license. Nonetheless, 14 states accept a New Jersey-issued CCW permit. A good example is Michigan which honors New Jersey CCW permits for residents if you meet all the requirements for firearm possession set by state laws. 2. New YorkNew York does not recognize any license or permit from other states. But, if you are a resident, part-time resident, principally employed, or a business owner in New York, you can obtain a pistol license from New York City, which is valid statewide. However, a New York Pistol License is not honored in any of the five counties that make up New York City. So, no handguns are allowed into the city unless New York City has validated your license. 3. ConnecticutConnecticut does not honor any non-resident licenses or permits and does not have any gun reciprocity agreements that allow all non-residents to carry handguns into their state. However, with some exceptions, you can transport unloaded handguns through the state for lawful purposes without a Connecticut permit or carry a firearm in the state if you meet specific requirements. 4. CaliforniaCalifornia is one of those US states with stringent gun policies. The state does not honor permits from other states and does not have any reciprocity agreements with any state. Therefore, you must reside in California if you want a California concealed carry permit. 5. IllinoisIn terms of reciprocity, Illinois does not recognize any CCW licenses from other states. However, non-resident permits are available for Arkansas, Mississippi, Virginia, Idaho, and Nevada residents. This means you must have an Illinois permit to carry a firearm in the state. 6. MarylandMaryland does not recognize any CCW license or permit from any other state. The only exception is armored car drivers who are either on duty or have a valid CCW permit from other states. 7. MassachusettsMassachusetts does not honor any CCW license or permit from other states. Therefore, as a resident, you must pass a background check for you to purchase a firearm. Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017, also called the House Bill 38, was introduced in the 115th United States Congress on January 3, 2017, by a North Carolina Republican, Richard Hudson. Hudson was the main bill’s sponsor, but the bill also had other 200 co-sponsors. The primary purpose of this bill was to amend Title 18 of the United States Code to require that all US states honor all concealed carry permits granted by other states. In addition, the bill was to allow the concealed transportation of handguns through state lines, provided it was allowed by the involved states. Additionally, it would amend the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990, which barred permit holders from carrying concealed weapons across the school zones in any state. On November 29, the House Judiciary Committee voted in favor of the bill to advance it for a vote. They combined the bill with another bipartisan bill to improve the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICBCS). Later on December 6, the House passed the bill voting 231 to 198. By now, you should fully understand that reciprocity is not a federal right but a state-based right that varies across jurisdictions. Even if one state recognizes another state’s CCW permits, there may be no reciprocity between them if the other state does not do the same. Therefore, it is up to you to study reciprocity laws before traveling with your concealed carry. from https://readyandarmed.net/what-is-reciprocity-in-gun-laws/ |
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