How To Archives - Page 6 of 6

Let’s Go Plinking! — A Boy and His .22 Rifle

While not as long in the tooth as some, I have fond memories from childhood, plinking my way through the hills and forests. Pinecones were trophy bucks, man-eating tigers, and unsuspecting enemy soldiers. The end of a branch or piece of hanging fruit were no safer, most were members of a hostile Indian tribe unlucky enough to have crossed paths the Duke and me. [Read more…] about Let’s Go Plinking! — A Boy and His .22 Rifle

Choosing an Optic for Your Rifle

There are many opinions as to what is a good or even the best survival rifle. What stands out is that, in one form or another, everyone is going to have a rifle. However, the conversation goes quiet at that point and fails to cover or consider a rifle scope. There seems to be little to no conversation as to what might be considered a good optic for the rifle you choose. Certainly, there should be more than a passing interest concerning this topic as one may have to depend on it. [Read more…] about Choosing an Optic for Your Rifle

Caring For Leather Holsters

More than 20 years ago, my first book was published. Thirteen books later, Holsters for Concealed Carry and Combat is dated. Some of the makers mentioned in the book are retired or deceased, including the late great Lou Alessi. However, there are interesting new makers with real talent. Regardless the maker, leather holsters need care. [Read more…] about Caring For Leather Holsters

Mil-Dot and Mils: Understanding Minute of Angle

Several readers have asked for explanations of minute of angle and the measurement term “milliradian” (mil) and how to use a mil-dot scope to measure the distance to the target, at the range and in the field. In the accompanying two videos, the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Ryan Cleckner explains both concepts and how to put them to best use. [Read more…] about Mil-Dot and Mils: Understanding Minute of Angle

The Importance of One-Hand Shooting Training

It is interesting how handgun training has so many variables. As an example, most modern shooters regard two-hand fire as the default skill, so they practice two-hand fire less. In the past it was one-hand fire, and two-hand fire was used only at extreme range. There is no question that two-hand fire is the most accurate, but one-hand fire is the faster. The balance of speed and accuracy must be maintained. One-hand shooting will be used at short range and when speed is needed but accuracy cannot be sacrificed. Two-hand fire is used at the range at which you need more accuracy. [Read more…] about The Importance of One-Hand Shooting Training

How to Get Started in Ammunition Reloading

I seem to be one of the few gunwriters who extensively relies on handload to test a firearm. I have always done so, and will continue to do so. Handloads offer real economy, custom grade performance, and excellent accuracy potential. Getting started in handloading isn’t difficult. The NRA offers handloading classes. Be sure to check the website for a class near you. An experienced friend is the best bet for easy pointers and learning the mechanics of reloading. There are also good books, including the ABCs of Handloading. Obtaining several handloading manuals is a must. Likewise, there are few tools you’ll need to get started. [Read more…] about How to Get Started in Ammunition Reloading

Cover and Concealment: Win the Fight

The difference between cover and concealment isn’t always properly understood. Concealment is a sheet on the clothesline or a bush. A truck or concrete abutment is cover. Rifle cartridges are powerful enough to cut through cover that would stop the most powerful handguns so the difference in rifle and handgun power is also a consideration. Those who find cover may live, whether or not they are able to shoot their assailant. [Read more…] about Cover and Concealment: Win the Fight

Video: Head and Scope Position for Long-Range Shooting

The best part of shooting is the reward of hitting your target. Optics offer a major improvement in accuracy potential, but only when used properly. Properly mounting an optic on a long gun is critical, just as critical as your mount to the gun. In this video, Former Army Ranger sniper team leader Ryan Cleckner explains how proper head and scope position are critical components to accurate shooting. [Read more…] about Video: Head and Scope Position for Long-Range Shooting

Choosing the Right Holster

When you choose a handgun and holster, you are investing in a concealed carry system. The holster is an important part of the system, at least as important as the handgun itself. I have seen too many unserviceable, sorry excuses for holsters in my classes, and the hell of it is many carry such holsters to defend their life! [Read more…] about Choosing the Right Holster

Turkey Scouting 101 — Making Success

To hunt turkeys, you have two options. First, you can hope to get lucky. Second, you can be smarter than the turkey. Anyone who has ever hunted turkeys knows option 1 is easier, but with a little effort, and a mastery of the basics of Turkey Scouting 101, you can bring Tommy Three Toes home for dinner. [Read more…] about Turkey Scouting 101 — Making Success

4 Steps to Break in a New Pistol

Imagine being the victim of a burglary five times in a six-year period. Not only would you be losing personal valuables during each burglary, undoubtedly the ongoing victimization would take a toll on your life in other ways. Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened to a man named Harvey Lembo. Harvey is a retired lobster fisherman who lives in a small apartment in Maine. He takes multiple medications and uses a motorized wheelchair to get around. [Read more…] about 4 Steps to Break in a New Pistol

Thermal: A Sixth Sense for Home Defense

It’s your worst nightmare. Something went Crash! in the living room You’re lying in bed, shocked awake and quietly trying to hold your breath while straining for tendrils of sound. The sole focus of your existence at this moment is trying to classify the problem as routine or something far worse. Fortunately, if you are among the growing group of truly prepared Americans, you have an extraordinary advantage that gives you the figurative high ground against any threat: thermal imaging and night vision devices (NVD). [Read more…] about Thermal: A Sixth Sense for Home Defense