Firearms Safety & Training Basics

The following videos and articles are intended to provide basic information on firearms safety and the functions and use of a variety of firearms and related information. There are many points of view on shooting techniques, so you are always encouraged to do your own research to find those that help you improve your shooting skills. You are encouraged to attend a formal firearms training course, with a licensed firearms instructor, usually offered by local firearms merchants. Research the types of firearms training available and choose the best course(s) for you.

United States Bill of Rights

1 - ALWAYS Assume that ALL Firearms are loaded.
2 - Keep firearms pointed in a safe direction AT ALL TIMES. Never point, LOADED or UNLOADED, toward anything you are not willing to destroy.
3 - Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
4 - Be sure of your target and aware of what is beyond it. Your bullet may pass through your target and hit what is beyond it.

• Handguns
  • Automatic (Machine Pistol - Requires Special Federal Licensing)
  • Revolver
  • Semi-Automatic
• Long Guns
  • Rifles
    • Automatic (Machine Gun - Requires Special Federal Licensing)
    • Bolt
    • Lever
    • Pump
    • Semi-Automatic
  • Shotguns
    • Break-Open
    • Pump
    • Semi-Automatic

Types of Shotguns
Introduction to the Pump Action Shotgun
Shotgun Basics for Newbies
How to Shoot a Shotgun
Anatomy of a Shot-shell (Shotgun): [Video 1]   [Video 2]
Shotshell Sizes (Gauge)
Shotshell Shot Sizes

Types of Rifles
Rifle Ammunition Comparison

How A Revolver Works
How A Semi-Automatic Handgun Works
Semi-Automatic Handgun Anatomy & Function

Types of Ammunition
How Ammunition Works - 1
How Ammunition Works - 2
Anatomy of a Cartridge (Handgun & Rifle)
Ammunition Calibers & Bullet Measurements Explained
Centerfire vs Rim-fire Ammunition
Hollow Point (JHP) vs Ball (FMJ)
Magazine vs Clip
Handgun Ammunition Comparison
Bullet Trajectory
Forensics of Firearms
Layman's Explanation of Why The FBI Says 9mm Is Best Law Enforcement Handgun Round    How the FBI reignited the pistol caliber war
Best Ammo for Personal Defense? [Video 1]   [Video 2]   [Video 3]
- Regardless of the ammo, accurate target placement is key (see Handgun Selection section, Cleaning & Maintenence for selecting a weapon)
- Projectile fragmentation and/or expansion is key to striking multiple vital organs per shot
- Standardization: Compatability with firearms used within your circle of friends/family so that it can be easily shared

How NOT to Shoot a Gun (may contain Adult Language)
Semi-Automatic Handgun Basics
Loading a Semi-Automatic Magazine
Revolver Handgun Basics
Double Action vs Single Action
Online Basic Handgun Course

Warning shots only serve two purposes — getting you killed or killing the unlucky recipient of a stray bullet that should never have been fired in the first place. You are, personally, responsible for every projectile that comes out of your firearm. Warning shots put bullets where you DON'T want them to go. Using a firearm in a non-lethal way, such as brandishing, shooting to wound rather than to kill, and firing one or more warning shots to scare off an attacker is a guaranteed ticket to an arrest or law suit. Only pull your weapon on a "threat to your life". IF, in fact, it is a "threat to your life", you must stop the threat, not scare it. Fire AT the imminent deadly threat and keep firing at it until the deadly threat stops. Don't shoot anywhere else! For more details Watch this video and Read this Article.
Brandishing (Georgia, USA)

Choosing Revolvers VS Semi-Auto (an age-old, hotly debated gun-shop topic): [Video 1]   [Video 2]

Primary Considerations for choosing a weapon:
1 - Easy, simple and comfortable to operate
2 - Allows you to maintain control for good, swift and accurate shot placement
3 - Popularity and availability of ammunition

Why a Revolver (not Semi-Auto) Handgun may be a Better Choice of Self-Defense for Women and Seniors:
With no prejudice intended, weakness in the hands is a common attribute for many women and seniors. Over many years, I have observed that the slide and magazine of semi-automatic handguns are a challenge for many women and seniors. Pulling back the slide, to load the first shot, and filling the magazine with bullets, especially that last few, is a common challenge because springs (tension) are involved causing resistance to load. No such problems exist with a revolver. Additionally, magazine spring weakness (many debunk) is totally eliminated in a revolver. Over my 40+ years of shooting, the revolver has never failed me. Not the case with semi-autos. Let’s talk magazine springs; a Police Office, depending on their sidearm for their very life every day, recycles their ammunition in the magazines on a frequent basis. Harry Homeowner, many not think about doing this unless he finds the handgun hidden under the contents of his sock drawer. Semi-autos have a bazillion parts that can go bad. Revolvers have 3; the trigger, cylinder and the hammer. Additionally, the mistaken idea that more bullets are better is not a good argument for buying a semi-auto. In a life-threatening confrontation, it only takes one well-placed shot, with the right kind of ammunition, to stop an attacker (excellent reasons for proper training and regular practice). Even if you miss, the first shot should send the attacker running or there is a much bigger problem no amount of bullets will stop. So, before buying a "cool-looking" semi-auto, think about hand strength and how often the firearm will be taken out of the sock drawer.

Best and Worst Firearms for Home Defense:
There are numerous handguns and rifles on the market that are well suited for the purpose of home defense from violence. There are also just as many, if not more, that are poorly suited for the job.
Best:

• Pump action shotgun - reliable & devastating. The sound of the pump racking alone can be enough to scare an intruder. 12, 20 or 410 gauges for all size users.
• 9mm Handgun - very popular and reliable, lot of rounds, moderate recoil, cheap to train due to availability and low cost ammo.
• AR-15 - semi-automatic rifle provides greater ammo capacity, longer range, more velocity than a handgun and recoil is surprisingly low.
  Build your own AR:    [Link 1]    [Link 2]    [Assembly Video]    [Assembly Document]
• Large Caliber Double-Action Revolver - very reliable, moderate recoil, cheap to train due to availability and low cost ammo.
• Shotgun Revolver (Taurus Judge/Smith & Wesson Governor) - The reliability of a revolver with the devastation of a shotgun.


Worst:

• Small Caliber (Pocket) Handguns - difficult to aim and shoot accurately.
• High-Powered Handguns - generate excessive noise and recoil making them difficult to control in a combat situation.
• Single-Shot Firearms - missing your target, you're not likely to have time to reload before you are attacked. Also, consider the possiblity of multiple assailants.
• Bolt Action Hunting Rifles - Takes valuable time to manually operate a bolt to eject and load a round after each shot.
• Military Surplus Firearms - could be unreliable or excessively long barrels or high-powered ammo for battle-field accuracy.

Cleaning and Ammunition Maintenance:    [Blog Link]
General Cleaning & Maintenance
Revolver Cleaning
Semi-Auto Pistol Cleaning
Semi-Auto Magazine Cleaning
Semi-Auto Ammunition Rotation
Do Semi-Auto Magazine Springs Lose Power When Loaded for Years?

Hi-Tech, Laser, Ammo-Less Shooting Performance System saves money to improve shooting skills at home. [Video]    [Comparison] Ear and Eye Protection are obvious precautions to prevent hearing and eye injuries. [Video] Variations to Improve Your Practice:   [Video 1]   [Video 2]   [Video 3]   [Article] Use various types of targets and target distances for your firearm(s) training goal(s). Best Targets (human-size silhouette)   [Print Your Own]  [1 Pg Target]  [Small Silhouette 4 Pg]  [Full Silhouette 9 Pg] Best Target Distance (5½ to 22 yards) Targets on Amazon.com Gunfighting Lessons From Wyatt Earp: For a man who learned his lessons on gunfighting in the mean and dusty streets of some tough cowtowns, Earp's teachings ring true today, long after his passing. Read the historical interview.

Follow all local/state/federal Firearms Transportation Laws while transporting firearm(s) to/from the Range. Each Range has its own set of Range Rules so be sure to read, understand and follow them. It is best to call about, or get a copy of, the Facility's Range Rules before visiting to understand what kind of firearms and ammunition are allowed or prohibited as well as other custom rules to follow. For theft-prevention reasons, you should not have to return any firearm or ammunition to your vehicle because they were prohibited in the Range. Even though your vehicle may be locked, and the items are out of sight, this creates a safety concern because they are not in your immediate possession; your vehicle could be forcibly entered to steal those items by someone who overheard a Range conversation or saw you place the items in your vehicle.

Pistol Fundamentals - U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit
Trigger Control
Gripping the Gun
Sight Alignment & Sight Picture
Sighting-In Handguns With Adjustable Sights
Laser Sights for Training & Accuracy
Shooting Without Aiming
How to Determine Your Dominant Eye: Aiming a Handgun
Shooting With Both Eyes Open
One Handed Shooting - Strong-Hand & Weak-Hand (video)    [Why Weak-Hand Shooting Practice is a Must for Survival]

The 4 basic factors involved in missing where you aim are 1) Sight Alignment, 2) Trigger Pull, 3) Flintching in anticipation and 4) How you are gripping the weapon. Review the videos in the section just above this one. These charts and videos may also help.
Pistol Correction Charts - How to Use Pistol Correction Charts
Shooter Anticipation
Shooting Low
Shooting Low and to the Left
Shooting Low and to the Right
Shooting High and to the Right
Shooting High and to the Left
Shooting to the Left

Shoot for the "Center Mass".   [Video 1]   [Video 2]
Cover vs Concealment
Flashlight Shooting Techniques
Other Tactics and distances for self-protection
Shoot Until the Threat Stops

Many gun owners have had a Family Disagreement About a Gun in the House. Many times it is a misconception due to a lack of education on the part of the opposing party. There are ways to help overcome these micsconceptions and find a peaceful resolution.

Suggested readings: Talking with your SO about a gun in the house.

Self-defense firearms must be within easy and quick access when you need them but secure from those who should not have access to them. Regardless of the preferred security option, controlling who has access to your firearms is fundamental to gun safety. Burglars are first and foremost, but think about anyone else who may be in your home or have access to your home.

A wall safe can be simple to install and a secure way to hide valuables. However, if installed incorrectly, criminals can simply cut out the safe and take it with them. Following these steps will provide a safe and secure location to store valuables and keep firearms from criminals and curious young children.
• Locate the safe in a hidden area (closet behind clothes or behind furniture/mirror/painting, etc.)
• Select a safe based on budget, size (for the intended location), access control and theft resistance rating.
• Choose a safe with water resistance and fire resistance rated for the intended contents.
• Buy from a store that specializes in safes to get expert advice.
• Fix the safe between wall studs (void of plumbing or electric wiring) for concealment and prevent easy removal.
• Depending on the weight of the contents, extra support may be needed beneath the safe.

Resources:
Safe Gun Storage - Utah Department of Public Safety
Proper Methods to Storing Your Guns
16 Reasons to Own a Gun Safe (and 12 Reasons Not To)
Safe Locks: Electronic or Mechanical?:   [Digital vs. Dial]   [Mechanical Push Button]   [Key & High-Tech]
Installing a Wall-Mounted Safe:   [Video]   [Article]
Locks for Firearms

Moisture is bad for firearms, ammunition, gun powder, documents and many non-precious metals. Investing in reusable moisture removers will help prevent rust and damp gun powder and primers. Replace or "recharge" them periodically.

Laws & procedures change so do your own research on current local & federal laws & procedures before transporting your firearm.
Transportation of a Firearm in a Vehicle
How to Fly with a Firearm

You can never predict when a life-threatening encounter will occur. It happens around the world everyday. It can happen to you. Can You Take a Life? How can you be sure? Can you live with the consequences, emotionally and legally, of taking the life of another human being? You can, you must, mentally prepare yourself BEFORE that event occurs for a high level of success WHEN that event occurs. Hopefully, these resources will help you to Mentally Prepare For A Life-Threatening Attack:
The Real Science Behind A Gunfight
[Video 1]   [Video 2]   [Video 3]   [Video 4]   [Video 5]   [Article 1]   [Article 2]   [Article 3]

Self Defense and the Bible

Develop Situational Awareness

Laws vary, from state to state, on carrying a concealled firearm. Their qualifications range from taking a class, submiting proof of necessity, qualifying on a target range, background check, getting a permit, and all, or combination, of the aforementioned, to just being of legal age. If you have an interest in carrying a concealled firearm, research your own state laws and requirements, or search the web for those states that will issue a CCW (Carrying a Concealed Weapon) Permit to non-residents.

As of the date of this writing (November 2017), there are over 30 states in the United States that will issue CCW permits to its general citizenship. Some of these states recognize that "anyone who can legally possess a firearm can carry it concealed WITHOUT a permit". Most of these states have Concealed Carry Permit Reciprocity with other CCW states. Laws & procedures change so do your own research on current local & federal laws & procedures before carrying a concealed firearm.

It should go without saying that training and obedience to the laws of the state of residence, or state being visited, are the signs of a responsible CCW Permit holder. Additionally, the ultimate goal of carrying concealed is the element of surprise by avoiding to draw attention to oneself. Here are some links to view for further information:
The Concealed Carry (Stealth) Lifestyle   [Link 2]   [Video]
Concealed Carry Mistakes, Don'ts, and Blunders and Choosing the Best Handgun for You
Tips When Stopped By Police and Carrying a Firearm
Summer Carry Compromises
Concealed Carry Map and Guidelines

Most of us would probably say "I'll do what I have to do to protect myself, family and friends." But very few think of the aftermath, and consequences, of taking a life or severly injuring an attacker. Self-Defense Insurance is available to help deal with the legal and financial impact after a self-defense action.

The demand for personal body armor (clothing and accessories) is on the rise The demand for bulletproof clothing and accessories is on the rise. From children's backpacks to executive suits, something's available for everyone in one form or another. Pretty much anything can be made to be bulletproof. While penetration may be prevented or minimized, keep in mind that the trauma, from the impact itself, will be extremely painful and may be fatal. Here are some available ballistic items:
Vests (Body Armor)
Clothing
Backpacks
Notebooks
Briefcase
Shield or Seat Cushions/Covers
Baseball Hat
Ballistic Sunglasses
Face Mask/Bandana
Other Defense Equipment & Clothing
Let's Lighten the Mood

There is a movement sweeping across the country. Average citizens are taking destiny into their own hands, to preserve the Second Amendment, by using the initiative process, enabling citizens to bypass federal, or their state, legislature restrictions by placing proposed statutes and, in some states, constitutional amendments on the ballot. 2nd Amendment Sanctuaries should not be confused, or associated, with the despicable sanctuary cities that shelter illegal immigrants. Arizona Becomes "2nd Amendment Sanctuary State" (April 8, 2021)

References:
What is a 2nd Amendment Sanctuary?
2nd Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance
Preserving the Second Amendment
List of Second Amendment Sanctuary Cities, Counties, and States Across the Country
U.S. Map of Second Amendment Sanctuary Cities, Counties, and States
Second Amendment Sanctuary, Step by Step Guide to Make It Happen: [Link 1] [Link 2 with Example Resolutions]
Search Results for 2nd Amendment Sanctuaries

If you have benefited from someone sharing their time, knowledge, skills and resources with you to safely use a firearm, continue to improve upon your own skills and knowledge and pass them on to a newbie for the legacy to continue.

FAQs

Glossary of firearms terms
Building a Personal Defense Strategy
CCW Preparation to Stop a Mass Shooter
9mm Federal Premium HST 150 Gr "Micro" Ammo Review (also 147 & 147 +P)
Realtime Ammo Inventory & Online Purchasing: [Site 1]     [Site 2]     [Site 3]     [Site 4]     [Site 5]
The Best Way To Store Your Ammo
Multi-Ammo Adapters for Shotguns
Gun Control? Stop Blaming Guns! (Howard Stern - contains Adult Language)
Reloading Ammunition
How to Sight-In a Rifle
Slaughtered "by Guns"?