Firearms, handguns, pistols, and guns. These are all words for the same thing, so it follows that it’s no wonder why many gun owners get confused by terminology. There aren’t hundreds of gun terms, there are thousands, and it can be a challenge knowing where to start your verbal gun education. To help you along the way, we’ve put together this guide to handgun terminology.
Online conversations regarding concealed carry positions for a concealed carry weapon (CCW) oftentimes devolve into the worst sorts of arguments, with people on one side arguing that their preferred concealed carry positions are far superior to the people on the other side’s preferred concealed carry positions. The fact of the matter is that concealed carry is much more nuanced than a black and white argument can ever fully capture. All the concealed carry positions in existence have pros and cons. While it’s true that some carry methods have many strengths and few weaknesses, or vice versa, that doesn’t negate the fact that there might be legitimate reasons or circumstances to choose any of them for concealed carry.
Trying to figure out how much ammunition you should have on hand can sometimes feel like a return to college algebra. Depending on where you look, there are ammo calculations based on rate of fire in a The End Of The World As We Know It (TEOTWAWKI) survival situation, training time, and priorities of multiple platforms (think AR-15, shotgun, handgun, and so on, all of which typically require different ammo). It’s amazing these calculations don’t consider the moon cycle and rising tides as well. If you find yourself wondering “how much ammo should I have?” you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to simplify this process by taking a realistic approach to the topic of your ammo stash and storage.
Icon doesn’t quite do the Colt Single Action Army revolver in .45 Long Colt justice. If a Winchester lever action was the rifle that won the West, then the Colt .45 was the pistol that did likewise. It became U.S. Army standard issue sidearm in 1872 and would retain that position for the next 20 years, from the beginning of the “Indian Wars” across the Great Plains through Geronimo’s surrender in 1886 and beyond. Cowboys, gunfighters, gamblers, stage drivers, Native Americans, nearly every western character adopted both the pistol and the cartridge or one of its spin-offs between its introduction in the 1870s and the turn of the 20th century, a dynamic time in U.S. firearms history.
There’s no doubt that concealed carry purses are extremely popular. But is a concealed carry purse a good choice for safely securing, carrying, and if you’re presented with no other option, deploying a handgun? This is a difficult question to answer simply because there are so many factors at play that have nothing to do with the actual design of the purse, or the kind of gun that someone carries in it, and everything to do with the person using the concealed carry bag.
If you own firearms, it’s wise to own a good-quality gun safe. Not only does keeping your guns locked up protect them from unnecessary damage and being handled by someone who shouldn’t have access to them, it protects them from outside issues like thieves, fires, and flooding. Choosing the best gun safe for your needs might seem overwhelming, but it can be simplified by taking certain factors into consideration.
Whether you’re a new gun owner or a long-time firearms shooter, proper gun range etiquette is one of the most important parts of range safety. An exciting day of target shooting practice can easily be spoiled by someone who is unaware or simply inconsiderate of good range manners. Make sure your trip to the range is fun, safe, and effective with these gun range etiquette tips.
The Glock 19 may not have been the first polymer pistol designed by Glock, but it’s certainly one of the most popular. In fact, in 2020, the Glock 19 was the top seller for some online FFL (Federal Firearms License) holders. What is it about the compact pistol that makes it so popular among gun owners from all walks of life? If you’re curious—or considering picking one up for yourself—you’ve come to the right place.
When looking beyond firearms, it can be difficult to navigate the sea of different federal, state, and local laws regarding carry and ownership. It’s best to be safe and consult with an attorney (like a U.S. LawShield® Independent Program Attorney) before purchasing and carrying a self-defense weapon. Legal to carry doesn’t always mean legal to conceal without a permit, so that’s another factor to consider. That said, here are some options that are generally legal, and useful self-defense tools for when a gun can’t, or won’t, be available.
There’s a lot of gun terminology out there, and it can be overwhelming hearing it used. To help you expand your gun language skills, we’ve put together this guide of words and terms you should know about the AR-15. After all, it’s a popular platform, so why not get to know it better?
