Month: November 2017

Five Concealed Carry Best Practices

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Owning a firearm sets you apart from non-owners. Your responsibilities increase. When you decide to obtain your concealed carry permit, you assume a new set of duties that are beyond that of simply being a gun owner. Getting your permit is a decision that requires plenty of consideration. Some questions you might want to ask yourself before you start down that path are:

  • Will I continue to educate myself of best practices with my weapon and the laws of my state and country?
  • Do I plan to carry every day?
  • Am I dedicated enough to practice with my firearm and maintain a high level of aptitude with it?
  • Am I aware of the financial obligation to supply my firearm with everything it needs to function properly and safely?
  • Do I fully understand what it means to concealed carry, and am I willing to use extreme force in the face of imminent threat?

There are numerous factors to take into account before you make a decision to concealed carry. If you feel that you are ready for the responsibility, here are some best practices to adhere to once you acquire your permit.

Prepare Yourself Mentally

Every time you make the decision to carry your weapon, you must be 100% aware of the consequences of your actions. Your firearm is a tool capable of deadly force, but it is your mind and mental state that dictates how that tool is implemented. When you immerse yourself in an environment with other people, you need to exercise extreme, judicious discipline. Going out of your way to avoid confrontation is crucial to limiting any sort of conflicts that might arise while you concealed carry.

Your weapon should only be used in dire circumstances after all other avenues have been explored to de-escalate the situation. Many situations can be resolved without the use of your firearm. Remember that you carry it to protect yourself and your family. Keep calm and remain levelheaded. A good rule of thumb is you should only use your weapon if your assailant has the ability to physically harm you, has the opportunity to do so, and is putting your or someone else’s life in danger.

Be a Student of Gun Laws

So much of owning a weapon is having the proper mindset and knowledge to use it. The only way to attain this is through education. Each state has a set of laws that differs from the rest, and they can often take federal law a step further. Use of deadly force, where you can and cannot concealed carry, what to do after a shooting, and several other factors change depending on where you live in the U.S. Find a reputable source and educate yourself on national laws, state laws, and any local requirements that might be enforced in your area. Make sure that if you are traveling, you have done your research on where you are going.

Continued Training is Critical

As you continue to inform yourself of the laws surrounding firearms and as you keep practicing the correct mental state, you must continue honing your abilities with your weapon. Long before you decide to conceal carry – or even own a weapon – you should seek professional classes to begin your training with how to properly operate a firearm. It should cover the fundamentals of gun use, safety, and different techniques in weapons operation.

Once you have mastered the basics, you can move on to more advanced concealed carry techniques. Proper concealed carry holster use, an overview of concealed carry laws, and how to access and fire your weapon from its concealed location should all be outlined in the course. Additionally, it is wise and recommended to take refresher courses periodically. Not only will you stay sharp on your abilities, but you will also stay current on the latest trends of concealed carry and become aware of any new developments in the field.

Once outside of a professional classroom, you need to practice on a regular basis. This includes more than just going to the range and shooting your handgun. Being comfortable with the accessories you use, like a concealed carry belt, must also be regularly checked and practiced. As we put wear on our equipment, their functions can alter. Being aware of these changes is vital to successfully carrying concealed. Some of these points leads to the next practice.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Concealed carry demands that you be aware of the environment and situation, but it also requires you to play close attention to your attire. From the shirt you wear to the holster and belt you use, all need to be carefully chosen to successfully conceal your firearm and its accessories. No one but you should be able to tell that you are carrying. If you are wearing the wrong clothing, you will be prone to adjust your handgun often, which will draw attention to your firearm. Avoid frequently checking and adjusting your weapon by wearing the right clothing.

Choose to Carry

Once you have made the decision to concealed carry handguns, it is an option that you should exercise all the time. If you choose to only concealed carry some of the time, you will find yourself becoming desensitized to the severity of the situation. Constant vigilance and dedication are a must when you decide to carry concealed. Finally, you will be ready for what the world brings your way. By carrying all the time, you can face the world around you with a mindset you would not have if you were not carrying concealed.

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6.5 Creedmoor vs 308 Winchester – Which is better?

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It’s nothing new for a company to introduce a rifle cartridge, tons of them try it and like restaurants 90% fail in the first year. What is exciting is when a round has so much potential in less than a decade it changes the entire rifle game. The 6.5 Creedmoor was one of those rounds. It came to life in 2008 from a little ammo company we know and love called Hornady.

The 6.5 Creedmoor is a rifle round that can be chambered in short action and semi-automatic rifles like the AR-10. It’s a direct competitor to the classic 308 Winchester. The 308 has been in the service of sportsman since the 1950s. It’s also a short action rifle round that is the AR 10’s original caliber. For the longest time, it was the king of full powered short action rifle rounds.

Which is better?

Effective Range

The 308 Win and it’s military cousin the 7.62 NATO, have long been the choice of military and police tactical shooters. It hits hard and has excellent penetration. It’s great in a semi-auto or bolt action platform. The round was originally designed to be a battle rifle cartridge and not a Sniper rifle cartridge.

Weatherby 6.5  Creedmoor

The 6.5 Creedmoor was designed for long-range shooting by ballisticians with over 50 years more data and science than the 308 Win. It’s a round loved by 1,000-yard bench rest shooters and has been for a reason.

The same gun in a modular Chassis

The 6.5 Creedmoor has considerably less drop, and out to a thousand yard, it outperforms the 308 significantly. At 1,000 yards the 308 on average has in excess of 300 inches of drop and has a velocity of around 1,500 feet per second when loaded with a 150-grain projectile. The 6.5 Creedmoor experiences less than 300 inches of drop and the heaviest rounds are still hitting 1,600 feet per second.

On average the Supersonic range of the 6.5 Creedmoor is further than the 308 Winchester by 200 feet.

Sectional Density

Sectional density comes from a calculation that compares a bullet’s diameter and its weight. The higher the sectional density the better the round is. Sectional density is important when it comes to considering a rounds ability to penetrate. This is going to be a consideration for hunters who need to stop a living target.

308 AR 10s tend to be more affordable

Sectional density is calculated by dividing the bullet’s weight in pounds by its diameter in inches. So if you took a 308 round and a 6.5 round of the same weight the 6.5 would have a higher sectional density due to its diameter.

For example, a 150 grain 7.62 round has a sectional density of .226

A 150 grain 6.5 mm round has a sectional density of .307.

This means the 6.5 mm round is going to outperform the 308 when it comes to penetration. This is going to be incredibly important when it comes to penetrating an animal.

Ballistic Coefficient

Ballistic coefficient, or BC, is a measure of how a bullet cuts through the air. Essentially it’s a rating based on how streamlined the bullet is and how it resists air drag. When comparing BC’s the higher the BC the better. A high BC means the round is more streamlined and resists the effects of air drag. A high BC also means a projectile is more resistant to wind drift, maintains a higher velocity.

Precision 308 Chassis platform from Savage

The higher the BC the flatter the trajectory will be. This means less bullet drop and a more predictable drop pattern. This is invaluable to know when shooting at long ranges and the flatter the trajectory the easier it is to hit a target. Without digging too deep into the science of BC we can show the difference between 308 and 6.5 CM.

A Pricier 6.5 Creedmoor AR 10

Let’s look at Hornady’s Match Loads:

The 308 Win Match 178 grain boat tail hollow point has a BC of.530

The 6.5 CM Match 140-grain boat tail hollow point has a BC of .580

You see this trend throughout a wide variety of loads. When you compare like with like you see the 6.5 always wins in BC.

Rifle and Ammo Selection

The science behind ammunition is fun and as a wanna be ballistician I find it equal parts fascinating and confusing. Now inside of 500 yards you aren’t likely to notice much difference between the two rounds unless you are a competition shooter. Even then it’s minimal. The 6.5 Creedmoor has proven to be ballistically the better round. Will that be a major concern for shooters inside 500 yards?

Ammo Matters

Unlikely. What will affect you is your ability to choose a particular rifle. Rifle choice is one of the most important considerations for any shooter. At this point rifles in 308 are not only more common, but they are significantly cheaper on average. This isn’t always the case, a Remington 700 SPS in 6.5 Creedmoor is about the same price as the same gun in 308.

However, if I wanted an AR 10 in 6.5 Creedmoor I’d have to be willing to spend significantly more money. Also if I was shopping for a budget rifle I’m more likely to find it in 308 than 6.5 Creedmoor.

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Best Rifle Calibers for Big Game Hunting

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You may have had a heated debate on this topic with a hunting buddy: What’s the best caliber for big game hunting? Everyone has an opinion on it. The truth is that there is not one right answer. So much is based on personal preference and what type of game you are hunting that selecting just one is nearly impossible. But that does not mean that certain rifle calibers are not better than others; in fact, quite the opposite is true.

There are a few that are more capable than the rest when it comes to your best option for hunting calibers suited for big game. Before you check out the latest semi-automatic rifles for sale, do yourself a favor and look at these bullet caliber options that many hunters agree are preferable for larger game.

.338 Winchester Magnum

What is more representative of big game hunting than Alaskan wildlife? A widely used bullet for hunting moose and grizzlies is the .338 Winchester Magnum. Nearly everyone who has done any sort of large game hunting in North America has used this ammunition at some point. These rounds can take out big game, but they are also generally associated with a large recoil and can be more expensive than some of the other rounds on the list. Don’t let that deter you, however. If you need to take down big game in the States, the .338 will get the job done.

7mm Remington Magnum

Do you desire to hunt exotic big game from regions of Africa? Perhaps impala, nyala, kudu or other animals that are not seen in the States? If so, then the 7mm Remington Magnum is the caliber for you. Commonly associated with a flat trajectory and consistency in hitting long range shots, there are numerous reasons why the 7mm is ideal for big game hunts. Stellar ballistic coefficients, above average velocities, and mid-range bullet weights help make the 7mm Rem Mag the right choice for the open plains and other African terrains may find yourself hunting in.

.30-06 Remington

Another caliber found in many rifle magazines throughout Africa is the .30-06. Though not often used at the distances that the 7mm Remington Magnum is, the .30-06 Remington is more than capable of taking down your prey at a few hundred yards. One of the smaller bullets on this list, it has plenty of power to be useful against most species you would be hunting. These controlled expansion rounds keep the hide of the animal intact while still deliver lethal force. With a long history of usage, the .30-06 is an old favorite for many hunters that continues to show its worth out in the field.

.308 Winchester

What could be a better seal of approval than that of the United States Military? The .308 Winchester is the civilian equivalent to what the armed forces use, the 7.62x51mm NATO. Bringing that kind of power in your ammunition to hunting expeditions means when you find your target, you don’t need to worry that you did not bring enough firepower. It is ideal for the most common big game in North America such as deer, black bears, and elk. Easily accessible and easy to fire, this could be the round you need for most hunts in North America.

Though there are plenty of calibers to choose from – anything between a .22 caliber and a 50 cal – there are some that are more equal than others in the world of big game hunting. In addition to the ammunition, it’s a good idea to have high-powered rifle scopes at your disposal. All the ammo in the world will not do you a bit of good if you cannot see the target you are aiming for.

Now that you know a little more about the caliber you will need, you can go scope out the latest bolt action rifles or other firearms to make your hunt successful. Make sure that the rifles you own or buy are compatible with the ammunition you need. While the options presented here are not the only ones available, they are some of the best for big game hunting.

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Understanding Class III Firearms

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If you’ve ever researched firearms online, you’ve probably come across terms like NFA, Title II, or Class III weapons. But do you know what they mean? If not, it is a good idea to have an understanding of Class III firearms as well as some of the laws, regulations and definitions that surround them.

Let’s start with the NFA, which is short for the National Firearms Act. The original act was signed in 1934 to impose a tax on the manufacturing and distribution of certain firearms. It also required NFA firearms to be registered with the Secretary of the Treasury.

What are NFA Firearms?

NFA firearms were defined as SBS (short barreled shotguns), SBR (short barreled rifles), machine guns, suppressors (firearm mufflers and silencers), and those defined as fitting into the “any other weapons” category.

In 1968, Title II of the Gun Control Act (GCA) was an amendment brought forward to correct some flaws of the NFA, most notably in the Haynes case. Title II redefined “firearm” to add “destructive devices” and broadened the definition of “machine gun.”

The current list of NFA weapons on the official website looks like this:

(1) a shotgun having a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length;

(2) a weapon made from a shotgun if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length;

(3) a rifle having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length;

(4) a weapon made from a rifle if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length;

(5) any other weapon, as defined in subsection (e);

(6) a machine gun;

(7) any silencer (as defined in section 921 of title 18, United States Code); and

(8) a destructive device.

Class III Firearm Ownership Requirements

Finally, we have the term Class III. In order to be sold legally, NFA firearms, which fall under the Title II amendment, must be sold by a specially licensed dealer with a Class III Special Occupational Tax permit. Due to this restriction on who can sell them, these weapons are often referred to as Class 3 weapons. The cost to process any transfer of the weapon was set at $200 in 1934, and it has stayed the same ever since.

Though there have been some modifications to NFA regulations, the legality has remained mostly the same. The way people view these weapons has been the main difference over the years. From semi-automatic handguns to tactical rifles, the public view has become skewed. Many people look at the list of weapons on the NFA list and assume they are illegal weapons. That is simply not true.

Common Myths About Class III Weapons

Plenty of myths surround these weapons, including the idea that they are illegal. To debunk the misconceptions around these weapons, here are three facts regarding their safety and legality:

  • There is no special license to own an NFA weapon. To obtain one, an approved ATF form must be filled out. Most of the confusion is around how to buy Class 3 guns and accessories. Which form you need will depend on how you plan to acquire the firearm. The Class 3 license is associated with the seller of the weapon, not the buyer.
  • Since the NFA was enacted in 1934, only one felony has been committed with a legal NFA firearm. Every other crime that used a weapon on the list was committed with an illegally acquired firearm. Law-abiding citizens have proven over the decades that they can handle the responsibility associated with owning NFA Class 3 weapons.
  • You can legally make Class 3 weapons. As previously mentioned, the correct ATF form must be filled out; in this instance, an ATF Form 1 Application to Make and Register a Firearm must be used.

Now that you know a little more about Class III firearms, you can approach your search for a SCAR rifle, semi-automatic shotgun, or another Class III weapon with confidence. If you’re searching for firearms online, be sure to double check any state laws before you proceed with a purchase, as there may be additional paperwork to fill out or approvals that must be secured.

Winchester SXP Shotguns

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Winchester firearms have seen a resurgence in recent years — in particular, the Winchester SXP. After several years of focusing on ammunition, the company returned its focus to shotguns and rifles, and marksmen everywhere were more than happy with Winchester’s decision.

Available in several varieties, the Winchester Super X Pump (SXP) offers a list of features not commonly associated with the Winchester name. Still these popular pump-action shotguns feature the typical Winchester craftsmanship for which the firearms manufacturer is known. Let’s take a look at some of the features that stand out on this model if you’re shopping firearms for sale and trying to narrow down your list.

5 Reasons to Buy Winchester SXP shotguns

Synthetic Pistol Grip

Anyone familiar with Winchester would know that a synthetic pistol grip is not a typical feature from a brand that typically focuses on hunting weapons. Granted, not all of the SXP models feature this attribute; the ones that do, like the Super X Pump Long Beard, are geared towards more defensive-oriented shooters. On all models, there are textured gripping surfaces to prevent the weapon from easily slipping in your hands.

Shotgun Durability

What good is a weapon that cannot withstand the rigors of the hunt or the range? Not much, which is why Winchester packed all of their SXP shotguns with solid components to keep your weapon working at optimal performance. Four large lugs offer support to the rotary bolt. A hard chrome-plated chamber and bore make the SXP ultra-resistant to corrosion and extended use.

On the Winchester SXP Breakup Country, shooters will find the alloy receiver drilled and tapped with black chrome protection on the bolt to increase both its life and the lives of components used with it.

Superior Shotgun Recoil Pad

Whether you are firing the 12 gauge or the 20 gauge version of this weapon, you are going to experience plenty of kick. Winchester tries to mitigate this as much as possible with their inflex technology recoil pad. Found on all of the SXP models, it helps nullify the intensity of the recoil while directing the felt recoil downwards.

Easy-to-maneuver safety

Many hunters have found certain gun safeties to be unnecessarily complicated. For home defense, the ability to easily and quickly disengage the safety could mean the difference between life and death. Winchester’s crossbolt safety allows for a quick transition to ready-to-fire. Most people agree that the safety can be easily operated while wearing gloves.

Exceptional Price Value

With these great features under the Winchester brand, you might be wondering how much this will set you back. Though price should not be the number one factor, you want to be sure you are getting the value you are paying for the firearm. The WINCHESTER SXP EXTREME DEFENDER, for example, can be found at around $407.00. There are various pricing tiers available depending on the model, finish and gauge you want, but the SXP series can generally be found between $350-$550 for most versions. Most people agree that Winchester has outdone themselves with all of the features in the SXP series and how much they are being sold for.

These are just a few of the reasons to consider buying Winchester’s latest Super X Pump models. They come with most of the traditional make-up of previous Winchesters, but with some modern upgrades and twists you might not expect to find but will be glad you did. If you are looking for semi-automatic shotguns for sale, or are just in the mood to upgrade any of your existing models to the latest version, the SXP series from Winchester is a great place to start looking.

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