How To Archives - Page 5 of 6

Slings and Things for AR-15s

Tactical slings are primarily used to help carry a duty or combat rifle, allowing the operator to keep both hands free for other tasks. While its function may seem simplistic, choosing the right tactical sling and proper attachments requires navigating a myriad of options depending on your weapon choice, purpose, and types of mounting points available. [Read more…] about Slings and Things for AR-15s

Tactics: Holsterless Handgun Carry

For years, most of us have counseled concealed carry handgun carriers to choose a proper holster. A holster keeps the handgun stable and angled for the proper draw. Just the same, who am I to go against 200 years or more of holsterless tradition? After all, Wild Bill Hickock packed his revolvers in a tightly-woven sash. [Read more…] about Tactics: Holsterless Handgun Carry

Giving a Gun as a Gift — Legally

Hunting seasons are just around the corner, and the holidays will be here before you know it. As hunters, shooters, collectors, or just plain plinkers, it’s a natural instinct to want to share our enjoyment of firearms with others. What better way to do that than to make a gift of a firearm to a family member, close friend or relative? Just make sure you give the gun legally! Here’s how.
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Accuracy in Handguns

Over the decades, I have researched handguns and used the terms practical accuracy, intrinsic accuracy, and absolute accuracy. Firing from the benchrest is important and always interesting. However, absolute accuracy isn’t as important as the practical accuracy we may coax from a handgun. [Read more…] about Accuracy in Handguns

Should I Appendix Carry for CCW?

I often cruise the gun forums to see what people are interested in and talking about. One topic that comes up rather often is appendix carry; the carrying of a gun in the front of the body, just to the right or left of center. If you listen to all the chatter, you may be persuaded to believe that appendix carry is new. In reality, the carry position has been around for many years and was very popular in the Old West, as is evidenced by pictures from the era, not to mention that gunslingers in the movies have been stuffing their firearms in the front of their waistband for as long as there have been movies. [Read more…] about Should I Appendix Carry for CCW?

Concealed Carry Holster Options

The choice of a holster is as important as your selection of firearm. A good gun in a bad holster is analogous to a race car with lousy tires. What may initially seem insignificant is actually a vital part of your safety equipment. There are many facets to a holster’s performance. Obviously, it holds the gun, but it needs to do so properly. If your gun is too loose, at best, it can move and be in a bad position, and at worst it can fall out. I don’t want to be put in the position of trying to explain to the little old lady at the checkout counter that I am one of the good guys and that there is no need to worry, as I pick up my gun from the floor. Not to mention figuring out a good explanation to the responding police officer! [Read more…] about Concealed Carry Holster Options

Pocket Carry: The Best Kept Secret in Concealment

I’m a big fan of pocket carry. One of its most endearing benefits is that it allows me to carry in locations that I would not be able to go with a belt or shoulder holster. Because the gun is hidden in a pocket, I don’t need a jacket or vest for concealment, which is great for locations where such clothing would not be appropriate. Wearing a formal suit at work, where others are dressed casually, would certainly look odd. I especially enjoy not wearing a concealment garment in the hot weather, and I like the ability to wear a t-shirt and shorts and still have my gun—all without anyone being the wiser. [Read more…] about Pocket Carry: The Best Kept Secret in Concealment

Sterling Silver Grips and Other Additions to the 1911

Ever since men first began to form weapons from metal, we have adorned our weapons with some type of decoration. Several have come up with something that marks their style or gives them a unique trademark. Some of the great gunners of the past smoked a cigar, others wore a Stetson, and many favored ivory grips. I have always liked custom grips for the 1911. The plain plastic or wood grips are rather utilitarian. Recently, I came across a set of silver grips that were unrivaled. [Read more…] about Sterling Silver Grips and Other Additions to the 1911

Ammo Storage and Transport

The military .30 caliber ammo can has many uses, but the primary use is ammo storage and transport. Imagine that! It’s almost as if they were made for it. However, my cans do not hold .30 caliber ammunition. I will go so far as to admit to the heresy of not owning any .308 rifles or ammo. For me, it is important to know how much of other calibers will fit in a .30 caliber ammo can, and how much they weigh when full. The numbers below are approximate, as this is using loose fill, so the space is not maximized. Depending on the caliber with careful (read as very time consuming) stacking add roughly 15-25%. Remember that also greatly increases the weight. [Read more…] about Ammo Storage and Transport

Beware of Fake Guns and Parts

A Canandaigua, NY man named Jonathan Roberts is facing multiple charges after allegedly violating weapons laws by purchasing gun part modifications for Glocks from China. It all began when Customs and Border Patrol agents intercepted a package in New York City that contained a selector switch for a Glock. This device converts a Glock pistol into a fully automatic firearm, which is illegal. [Read more…] about Beware of Fake Guns and Parts

Firearms at Theme Parks — Universal

I recently spent two weeks vacationing in Orlando. Orlando is a fairly gun friendly city, in a mostly gun friendly state. However, a huge asterisk must be applied when you are dealing with the theme parks. Let’s just say they are NOT gun friendly—at all. [Read more…] about Firearms at Theme Parks — Universal

Speed Is Good, but Accuracy Is Final

Before we make a purchase, we research what we are buying. By the same token, an investment in time should not be taken lightly. We look to those with good information in order to learn. After all, we are all ignorant, simply about different things. When it comes to training, speed and accuracy are always among the top considerations. [Read more…] about Speed Is Good, but Accuracy Is Final

AR15 Components: A Little More Means a Lot Better

There is a huge array of AR15 components available at K-Var! Shopping options usually involve two criteria. First, is the part suitable for what I envision for the completed gun? Second, is the AR15 part at the lowest price I can get? [Read more…] about AR15 Components: A Little More Means a Lot Better

How to Mount a Rifle Scope

At the beginning of the 20^th century, telescopic sights, or scopes were rarely seen on firearms. Today, scopes are commonly mounted on rifles as well as many shotguns and handguns. There are many advantages to having a scope on your gun, including variable magnification that allows you to zoom in on distant objects, and “reticles” — the crosshairs within the scope — simplify aiming. Today, virtually all hunting rifles are “drilled and tapped,” which means they have holes drilled in the top of the receiver by the factory or a built-in “Weaver-style” or “Picatinny” rail that enable anyone to mount their own optic. [Read more…] about How to Mount a Rifle Scope

Properties of Survival

In order to survive a threat, three primary elements need to work together. First and foremost, you need to become aware of the threat. You then need to assess the threat. And finally, you must decide upon and carry out the appropriate response. [Read more…] about Properties of Survival

Reloading the 10mm Cartridge for Power and Defense

The 10mm cartridge was originally intended as a means of increasing the power of the Browning High Power handgun. Using a .38-40 (.400 inch) bullet and a shortened .30 Remington rifle cartridge the new cartridge proved too much for the High Power-type pistol. Later, the .40 Smith and Wesson did not, but that is another story. [Read more…] about Reloading the 10mm Cartridge for Power and Defense

Commando Gunsmithing

I am not one of those who criticize the younger generation. Primarily, because I have seen too many in my training classes and in service who are on top of things. However, I also see a lack of appreciation for quality maintenance (personal gunsmithing). Perhaps the popular press and gun store commandos are responsible in part. Some shooters come to class with a pistol that is not of appropriate quality for personal defense. I don’t frequent the firearms chat rooms often, but I recently visited a fanboy website in search of answers to the malfunctions one student experienced with his personal rifle. [Read more…] about Commando Gunsmithing

The Double Tap — Are You Doing it Right?

Among the most misunderstood tactics in personal defense is the double tap. More than half of those practicing defense shooting execute the double tap incorrectly. Worse yet, it is most often taught incorrectly. [Read more…] about The Double Tap — Are You Doing it Right?

.300 Blackout — Subsonic Success Tips

Understatement: .300 Blackout, aka: AAC, is a popular cartridge among AR-15 fans. I like it especially in the shorter guns, and, around here at least, it’s looked on as an effective Whitetail cartridge choice. Pretty much, it’s for those who want a bigger bullet in an AR-15 with a minimum of technical distractions (some call them problems). One reason for its popularity is the supersonic/subsonic option. I built a specialty AR-15 for home defense that I also featured in recent book project, and that was my choice. Reasons? Sure, it’s civil and effective. [Read more…] about .300 Blackout — Subsonic Success Tips

Surviving an Elevated Shooter

The city of Las Vegas experienced the devastation wreaked when an elevated shooter decided to prey on a crowd of innocent concertgoers in a known gun-free zone. Many people continue to search for answers as to why this happened and what could be done differently to protect innocent civilians. While we do not know the why, here are some points to consider in an effort prevent the history from becoming your present. [Read more…] about Surviving an Elevated Shooter