Category: Beginners

Guns: Everything You Need to Know

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Since its invention, the gun has been a staple of human society. Its use has changed the course of history. Guns have also undergone some major changes since the Chinese first developed gunpowder in the 9th century. Though there is centuries of information on firearms, that does not mean you can learn everything you need to know about guns. Whether you are an experienced gun owner, looking for guns for sale online, or just want to gain some more information about firearms in general; there is something that everyone can learn.

Types of Guns

The evolution and progression of the gun has led to many subcategories of firearms. Arms has a broad range that fit under that definition, and so does firearms. Here are some of the most common:

Rifle

These firearms are designed to be fired from the shoulder. They have a barrel with a helical groove cut into the wall.

Shotgun

These firearms are designed to be fired from the shoulder. They discharge ammunition that is filled with small spherical pellets (shot) or solid projectiles known as slugs.

Musket

These are a large-caliber firearm that is muzzle-loading. These heavy smoothbore firearms are fired from the shoulder and were carried by infantrymen.

Handgun

These are firearms that can be held in one hand; most notably, the pistol or revolver.

Artillery

These are firearms that can fire distances much greater than the typical range and power of shoulder or hand-fired guns. These are just a few of the most commonly seen firearms. There is still a wide variety of subcategories that comprise the entire spectrum of firearms.

Ammo

Ammo is the material that is fired from a gun. When dealing with a firearm, this term generally refers to shot, shrapnel, bullets, shells, cartridges, or slugs. It comes in a variety of different sizes for fit different calibers of firearms. Ammo can also come designed for specific purposes, including non-lethal and target, to name a couple. Commonly known as rounds, ammunition is held within magazines or loaded directly into the barrel of a gun before firing.

Firearm Accessories

For all the different varieties of firearms, there are equally as many accessories made for them. Scopes, rails, grips, suppressors – the list is nearly endless. They can improve firearms performance, increase ammunition carry capacity, or provide an aesthetic difference.

Magazines

For firearms that can fire multiple shots in succession, the ammunition must be stored on the firearm so that it can be reloaded instantly. Most are detachable so that they can be reloaded. The main function of the magazine is to move cartridges into a position from which they can be loaded into the chamber of the firearm.

Scope, Optics, & Mounts

Improving shooting accuracy is something that every marksmen needs or wants to do. An ideal way to do this is through the use of scopes, optics, and mounts commonly known as sights. These accessories assist with the aiming of a firearm, aligning a firearm, and viewing objects from a distance. Some also project a target or aiming point to show a detailed image of where your shot will make contact.

Gun Uses

Hunting

A pastime, a coming of age, and a way of putting food on the table; hunting is one of the major activities than involves the use of a firearm. Though it is not necessary to use a firearm – many hunters use bows or traps – they are commonly associated with the hunting world. Rifles are made to take down animals from as large as a rhino to as small as a squirrel. There is a vast difference between the two firearms, in large part because what will take down a rhino would obliterate a squirrel and what would successfully kill a squirrel would not do much damage to a rhino. Hunting firearms are as diverse as the animals that are our prey.

Range and Sport Shooting

Recreational shooting is one of the greatest pastimes for avid gun enthusiasts. There are numerous international competitions that showcase an individual or team’s ability in marksmanship. From skeet or target shooting to competitions, range, and sport shooting; they feature a wide variety of firearms fired under countless situations.

Self Defense

Firearms have been used for defense since their inception. Being able to protect your country, state, community, and home is the basis for the second amendment and the right of every individual. Self-defense firearms can be handguns, shotguns, rifles, and a myriad of other firearms. Being comfortable using your firearm against invaders is the first step to securing the self-defense firearm that is right for you. There is arguably no better reason to buy a gun than for self-protection.

Handling Guns Safely

The old saying “a gun is not a toy” is true on so many levels. Proper handling and safety of a firearm is imperative to the livelihood of the owner of the firearm and the people they come in contact with. Following gun laws and regulations is important for every responsible gun owner. Adhering to the standards of safety for your firearm will ensure a safer environment for everyone.

Cleaning Guns

Maintaining your firearm is crucial for is functionality and durability. When a firearm is dirty or clogged, it can cause misfires or backfires that can result in injury or fatality. Routinely clean your firearm to make sure it is working at optimal performance.

While this is a good start for getting you informed on everything you need to know about guns, you will be learning about firearms for the rest of your life. Keep reading, researching, and shooting. Get your gun for sale, ammo for sale, and any accessories at GrabaGun today!

Shotguns 101: Info On Shotguns For Sale

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Buying your first shotgun? When you’re shopping for a shotgun for hunting, clays, skeet shooting, home protection, or competition matches; GrabAGun has the shotgun you seek. We offer a large selection of quality brands of shotguns, as well as other guns for sale. This guide will assist first time buyers in understanding the basics of shotguns.

Shotgun Types

Single Shot Shotguns

Single shot shotguns are typically the least expensive but only hold one shell at a time. To fire again, you must to open the breach and insert a new shell. Despite the inconvenience, they are a functional tool for many tasks. For a beginner, a single action is a good selection as it provides ample practice with loading and unloading and time to learn to aim. Single-shot shotguns are very affordable and reliable. They are one of the two most common of guns for sale purchased for beginners.

Pump-Action Shotguns

Pump-action shotguns are the most common and most are of low cost and high reliability. After each shot, you must pump the forend to eject the spent shell and load another from the magazine tube into the chamber.

Semi-Automatic Shotguns

Semi-auto shotguns enable you to fire a round by simply pulling the trigger. An increasing number of models and brands now feature the latest technology for increased comfort, accuracy, and reliability. The advantages of the advanced technology are helping semi-automatics rise in popularity among guns for sale.

Double Barrel Shotguns

Double barrel shotguns come in two varieties: over-under (O/U) and side-by-side. Over-Under shotguns have one barrel above the other and the side-by–side shotguns have the barrels horizontally.

Shotgun Barrels

Barrel length affects the handling capabilities of the shotgun and the ability to aim the shotgun accurately. Longer barrels swing more smoothly and are more accurate with a longer range. Shorter barrels are both easier to maneuver in restricted spaces and are quicker to point; they are considered better for combat or home protection, and are used by law enforcement in tactical form. A shorter barrel will produce more flash and noise.

Chokes

A choke tube is mounted at the end of the barrel and provides the function of constricting the diameter of the muzzle to create a tighter shot pattern. It maintains a dense enough pattern to engage your target. There are many sizes of chokes, including those that are adjustable for different patterns without having to change the choke. The choke size determines how wide the pellet spread will be. Wider patterns allow for greater aim error, but it limits the range.

Chokes are fixed or screw-in. Fixed chokes are part of the barrel design and require a gunsmith to change or remove. Screw-in choke insert into the end of a threaded barrel and allows for the use of different sizes of chokes.

Selecting Ammunition

Generally, shotguns are able to shoot two types of ammunition: large single pellets called “slugs” that create a large area of damage and shells full of smaller pellets called shot. These are useful for hitting small/moving targets.

Shot Size

Higher shot numbers indicate smaller size shot. For example, #9 shot birdshot is much smaller than #4. This applies to all categories of shot. Shotshells are available in either high-base (AKA high-brass) or low-base loadings. The high-base shells have more powder and are thus more powerful – use them when you need something extra. Shotshells come in various lengths. A shotgun can shoot shells shorter than its chamber (which will be marked on the barrel), but not longer. The longer the shell, the higher the recoil will be.

Bore Size

Bore size is the shotguns gauge and affects recoil. The smaller the gauge the greater the recoil as in 12 gauge. The higher the bore the less recoil will be as in 16, 20, 28 gauge, or .410 gauge shotguns. Most people of small stature lacking great strength can handle a 20 gauge or smaller

Ammo Based on Purpose

For small game or clay targets, purchase small shot like # 9 to 4. If you hunt larger game, such as ducks or geese, purchase the larger #5 shot up to #2 shot. For prey and game, such as coyotes or deer, use buckshot or slugs. Keep in mind sabot slugs are only for rifled barrels and use rifled slugs for smooth barrels.

Shotguns For Sale at GrabAGun

GrabAGun offers a large selection of shotguns as well as a full range of other guns for sale, shotgun parts and accessories, and hunting supplies. Shop our site and, if you fail to find a specific model of guns for sale that you seek, give us a call. If you are needing some help or inspiration on our various models of shotguns, check out this blog post on our best shotguns for sale!

Texas Concealed Handgun License

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texas chl class

Persons with Concealed Handgun Licenses (CHL) take notice, new Texas legislation has passed affecting CHL issuance, where CHL holders can carry and requirements of renewal.

Texas law allows citizens to carry concealed handguns for self-protection with the issuance of a license to carry concealed. The following is a summary of the new laws, and all effective dates are Sept. 1, 2013 unless otherwise noted:

CHL Classes

Previous law required a ten hour Concealed Handgun License Certification Course outlined by the State Department of Public Safety.
With the new legislation class time is reduced from a minimum of 10 hours including range time, to 4-6 hours not including range time. It allows Texas CHL holders renewing their license to take the classroom instruction and the written exam online. Shooting instruction and techniques will be eliminated from CHL classes as of September 1, 2013.

CHL Renewal

After September 1, CHL renewals will no longer require a renewal class. To renew your license you will have to register with the state, pay the renewal fee, and sign an “information form” confirming you are knowledgeable of use of force and concealed handgun laws. This legislation eliminates the one year grace period after licenses expired. If your license to expires, you will have to attend a class as a new student to be re-issued a CHL license. Renewal applications can be submitted on the internet. This legislation reduces the CHL renewal fee for certain honorably discharged veterans, current members of the state military forces, certain peace and correctional officers to $25.

Weapons Categories

Non semi-automatic and semi-automatic license categories have been eliminated.

Hotels with Restrictive Firearms Policies

Hotels are required to tell patrons in advance of any restrictive firearms policies.

School Employees

CHL holders who are employed by a school district or charter school who receive additional training, and have written authorization from their employer, will be allowed to carry a concealed handgun inside the school of their employment.

Currently the Department of Public Safety has not established this new curriculum and training requirements.

This legislation makes it illegal for college campuses to institute policies restricting CHL holders from leaving a firearm in their vehicle on a college campus or in parking lots.

Display of a Firearm

The phrase “Intentional fail to conceal” is changed to “Intentional display of a handgun”. It clarifies that the display of a concealed handgun is authorized to prevent the use of force, not just the use of deadly force against the CHL holder.

Fingerprinting

The Department of Public Safety must provide the means for people who live in a county with a population of 46,000 or less and are not within a 25-mile radius of a facility capable of processing digital or electronic fingerprints to submit their fingerprints. Fingerprints are required to apply for a CHL.

Seized Firearms

Seized weapons not returned or claimed by the owner can be sold at a public sale. Only a licensed federal firearms dealer can purchase the weapon, and proceeds go to the law enforcement agency that seized it.

Social security

Applicants for a concealed handgun license will not be required to give their Social Security number to the Department of Public Safety.

Interchangeable Guns Allowed

The new legislation allows CHL holders to carry a weapon that may be of a different category than they demonstrated handgun proficiency with prior to being issued a CHL. If you qualified with a revolver, you were limited to carrying a revolver. Earlier law stated that if someone qualified with a semi-automatic weapon, they could carry either a revolver or a semi-automatic. If they only qualified with a revolver, then a revolver was the only gun that could be carried. The new legislation lifts that restriction.

School Safety Task Force

The new legislation provides for a School Safety Task Force that will examine how to improve emergency operations planning and will develop a school safety certification program. Provides for the task force to be comprised of the chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management or a designee; the training director of the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University-San Marcos or a designee; the chairperson of the School Safety Center or a designee; and the agency director of the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service or a designee. Effective immediately.

Handgun Instructors

Provides certification for qualified handgun instructors in school safety training in the areas of the protection of students, interaction of license holders with first responders, tactics for denying an intruder entry to a classroom or school, how to increase accuracy with a handgun under duress. The certification course will require between 15-20 hours of instruction.

School Marshalls

The “Protection of Texas Children Act” creates a school marshal position in public K-12 schools and charters. Marshals will be allowed to carry a gun, and their identity would only be known to the school’s head administrator and law enforcement. When working in a classroom or around children, the school marshal’s weapon will be locked away but within reach. Effective immediately.

For those CHL holders who wish to take the popular field instruction that will be eliminated on Sept. 1, contact your local CHL class facility to register for available classes in August.

How to Buy a Handgun

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how to buy a handgun

Congratulations! You’re ready to buy your first handgun. But what are the steps to take in making such a worthwhile and important purchase? The first step in how to buy a handgun is to know your budget and keep in mind any accessories you might want to acquire. Ammunition, a holster, a carrying bag, ear protection, and eye protection are essential when you are practice shooting.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You might have a knowledgeable friend or an enthusiastic employee at a local gun range that can help you. Decide what the purpose of your gun will be; self-defense, recreational shooting, concealment? Also be aware that laws regarding handguns differ from state to state.

There are two types of handguns: semi-automatic and revolvers. Semi-automatics have many different distinctions, but the best bet for beginners is to pick something that will be reliable, and not require meticulous maintenance. Your goal is to know how to work your gun effectively and it to be comfortable in your hands. Some popular semi-automatic handgun brands to use are Glock, Beretta, Springfield, Smith & Wesson and Ruger. These are just a few of the many handgun brands that are available. A good semi-automatic makes an excellent beginner’s handgun.

Revolvers are reliable and quite easy to use. They are easy to load and you don’t have to worry about loading a magazine properly or fumbling with the slide as in semi-automatics. Revolvers come in a wide variety of weights and sizes, but they are often not as comfortable to hold as a semiautomatic, have limited capacities, and are often not as easy to shoot. Beginners should choose to buy this handgun when they want sheer simplicity above all else.

After you have narrowed your search considerably, try on the gun. Hold it in your hand and check if it’s comfortable enough. Do your fingers find the controls easily and could you handle the mechanics under pressure? The most important thing is to visit a range and do some target practice. The skills needed to operate your handgun effectively will only develop with practice.

Choosing your first handgun is a learning experience, but knowing what you’re going for and doing some research will really help you narrow it down to where you’ll be extremely happy with your purchase. Shop with GrabAGun for handguns for sale, magazine deals, ammo to go, holsters, and more! Get a handgun for sale online at a price you’ll love from GrabAGun.

Get On Target With A Gun Scope

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Gun Scope Basics

Simply put, gun scopes magnify an image and put your eye on the same optic plane as the image you are viewing. Looking through the glass, the image is magnified by bending light rays through a series of lenses within the scope. All gun scopes have a reticle or cross hairs built in to reference the center of the field of view seen through the scope. There are other considerations when thinking about choosing the best gun scope for your needs such as field of view, magnification levels, what kind of reticle do you prefer, parallax error, resolution, lens coating, and price you’re willing to pay.

Many enthusiasts and experts say they would rather spend money on a great scope than on a great gun. If you can’t see where to place the bullet with accuracy, the gun is useless. Many hundreds, if not thousands of dollars can be easily wasted on ammunition, hunting and other costs if you do not intimately know your gun. Understand how to use your gun scope well because in moments when it counts, like in hunting situations, you often have enough to think about, like scent, concealment, and accommodating your body to different elevations. Do the work ahead of time so you can enjoy the entire experience.

Buy a Gun Scope Today

Get the right tool for the job and make sure you consult your gun merchant to help you fit the best scope onto your firearm. They are experts and know how to get you to where you want to be.

Get the best gun optics and scopes for sale online from GrabAGun.

Back to Basics: Semi-Automatic Handguns

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Types of Semi-Automatic Handguns

Developed in the late 1800’s, a semi-automatic handgun is a type of pistol that has a single chamber and barrel and uses the power from each fired shot to load a new round into the chamber while simultaneously ejecting the used casing from the gun. This allows another shot to be fired as soon as the trigger is pulled again until the magazine is empty.

Ammo for semi auto handguns is loaded into a removable magazine that is commonly inserted into the grip of the gun. There are no current federal US laws regulating the maximum amount of ammo a magazine may contain though several states have imposed their own restrictions. Texas does not currently have any restrictions on ammo capacity.

Semi-automatic handguns only fire one shot per pull of the trigger, unlike fully automatic weapons that will fire continuously while the trigger is held down until the ammo limit is reached. A revolver can also fire a round for each pull of the trigger, but does so in a different way and is not considered a semi-automatic handgun. Revolvers don’t automatically eject the spent casing when a new shot is fired and typically hold fewer rounds than a semi-automatic. A revolver will also take longer to reload because you must manually eject the casings and load each round separately. Semi-automatic handguns reload much more easily since you can insert a fully loaded magazine into the gun very quickly. Some self-defense experts believe that these factors alone mean that semi-automatic handguns posses a significant advantage over revolvers. With any firearm purchase, though, the best choice is the one that is comfortable and easy for you to use.

The concept and design of semi-automatic handguns has been widely accepted as the most popular type of concealed firearm and also as the primary type of handgun for military and police use. Modern semi-automatic handguns are available for a wide range of bullet calibers, commonly ranging from .22 to .50 caliber.

As with any weapon, operational and safety training is vitally important as well as proper maintenance to ensure that it is used and stored safely.

Get the best semi-automatic handguns for sale online from GrabAGun.