Have you ever gotten all worked up about something only to later figure out that whatever was causing anxiety wasn’t all that big a deal? I have. In fact, I used to spend way too much time and energy thinking about the optimum way to “zero” a laser sight on a pistol. Since the laser […]
How to Survive Your First Gun Store Visit
I remember the first time I walked into a Wild Birds Unlimited store. I was just like those characters on the TV show “Naked and Afraid,” although I was slightly less naked and much more afraid. Realizing that I might be exposed as a poseur who didn’t even know the difference between a pied-billed grebe […]
What Is Rifle Headspace and Why Is It Important?
I wrote this piece on headspace for Shooting Sports Retailer magazine but whether you sell guns to earn a living or not, the information about headspace is handy… Rifle headspace is one of those topics that, in reality, is not nearly as mysterious as it seems. When customers buy a used firearm, especially a military […]
Gun Science: What’s “Knockdown” Power?
OK, so that was a trick question because there’s really not much to “knockdown power” at least in the literal sense. Sure, a cannon would certainly knock you over, but a handgun? Not so much. Let’s explain. Handguns are certainly lethal and can cause all sorts of reactions in the recipient of a handgun shot. […]
Holster Butchery
Taking a Dremel tool to a firearm is almost always frowned upon. And I agree. However, butchering a holster might be entirely appropriate, depending on the reason. The other day I shared a story about how the extremely challenging Air Marshal Pistol Qualification test exposed some opportunities for gear improvement. The need for top speed […]
I Hope I Never Have to Draw…
In the comments section of a concealed carry article I wrote a while back for another publication, I read the following: “I HOPE I NEVER HAVE TO DRAW BECAUSE I CAN’T…” Needless to say, the opening words of that particular response got my attention, and I had to read on. This particular individual had chosen […]
Slide Release vs. Racking: Pros and Cons
Semi-automatic pistols have a neat little lever on the side that both locks the slide open and allows it to close. This feature has both administrative and “tactical” (for lack of a better word) purposes. Administratively, it’s handy for showing an empty gun and field stripping for cleaning and maintenance. Tactically, the lever is one […]
How to Connect: Front Sight Wobble Is Your Friend
I was training with a friend last week. I hadn’t shot with him before, so I didn’t have any idea of his level of skill with a pistol. After placing some targets at about 10 yards and starting to plink, he proceeded to drill the center box out of one of those miniature silhouette targets […]
Coolest Shooting Ranges in the United States
There’s a lot to see and do in this great country. You might enjoy checking out the Beer Can House in Houston, Texas. Or maybe you’d care to see the 55-foot tall Jolly Green Giant in Blue Earth, Minnesota. No? How about Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Museum in San Antonio? If you’re more into shooting […]
How to Adjust for Wind: Long-Range Shooting
One wouldn’t think wind could have much effect on a tiny and aerodynamic bullet zipping along at two or three thousand feet per second when long range shooting. But one would be wrong. Even though most bullets are dense, being made of lead, and moving fast, a small to moderate wind can cause big misses […]