Federal law takes away someone’s right to own a firearm if they are convicted of a felony, which can be restored if the conviction is expunged or set aside. There can also be gun ownership prohibitions for misdemeanors depending on the offense.

What does the Second Amendment say?

The Second Amendment, as it is written on the Bill of Rights passed by Congress, is as follows:

“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

Don’t miss our Top 5 Biggest Myths about Guns

Why was the Second Amendment so important?

The original intent of the Second Amendment was a part of maintaining the balance of power between state and federal government. 

The ability of private citizens to form organized, armed militias was deemed necessary not just to discourage the development of a tyrannical federal government that superseded state power, but also to fight and overthrow such a government should it rise to power. 

Armed militias were seen as a vital defense against tyranny due to their role in overthrowing the colonial rule of the British Empire. Providing constitutional protections to such militias was important because British colonial rulers had selectively banned and disarmed militias with Patriot associations.

In this context, the word “Militia” does not apply solely to organizations, however, and can also describe the individual or a group of individuals. Accordingly, the Second Amendment is also understood to protect the right of the individual to keep and use weapons for lawful purposes such as self-defense.

Second Amendment Court Cases

District of Columbia v. Heller

District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) is an important case for establishing how the Second Amendment is interpreted in modern American law.

At the time of the case, the District of Columbia had made it illegal to carry an unregistered firearm, while also prohibiting the registration of handguns. To lawfully own a handgun, people would need to obtain a one-year handgun license from the Chief of Police. Additionally, District of Columbia Code also required that all registered handguns must be kept unloaded and disassembled, or bound by a trigger lock or similar mechanism. Only handguns kept at a place of business were exempt from this requirement, which meant that they must be kept unloaded and disassembled at all times while in the owner’s home.

As a result of these provisions, the District of Columbia was sued by special police officer Dick Anthony Heller. Heller sued the District of Columbia after being denied a one-year license to keep a handgun at home for self-defense, despite being authorized to carry a handgun while on duty. He argued that these provisions violated his Second Amendment right to keep a functional firearm in his home without a license, and sought an injunction against the enforcement of these rules. 

This complaint was dismissed initially by the district court. However, the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit reversed that decision and stated that the Second Amendment protects the right of citizens to keep firearms in the home for the purpose of self-defense. Firearms kept in a nonfunctional state were not fit for the purpose of self-defense, and so the District of Columbia Code’s provision that handguns must be kept unloaded and disassembled therefore violated that right.

The Court of Appeals based its ruling on several factors:

Firstly, it reminds us that the “well-regulated Militia” referred to in the Second Amendment should not be understood to mean an organization licensed or sponsored by the government. Such a requirement would be counter to the purpose of the Second Amendment as a safeguard against tyranny. 

Instead, it upheld interpreting each Amendment in the simple meaning it would have had for readers at the time it was written. In the case of the Second Amendment, the meaning that would have been obvious to contemporary readers is that the Second Amendment guarantees the right of an individual to own and carry weapons as a defense in the event of confrontation. 

As handguns are a class of weapon widely used for self-defense purposes, and because the home is an area that needs to be protected in a confrontation, banning such firearms and preventing them from being kept in a functional state were both found to be in violation of the Second Amendment.

Although this was the majority opinion, 4 of the 9 Justices dissented, arguing that the Second Amendment does not curtail the government’s ability to regulate nonmilitary use and ownership of weapons.

McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010)

After the Court of Appeals ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller, Otis McDonald and several others filed a suit in Chicago to challenge gun bans put in place in 1982 that required registration to possess a firearm, and banned the registration of handguns. The suit argued that the ban violated the right of individuals to own and carry weapons, which the Supreme Court had found to be protected by the Second Amendment in the District of Columbia v. Heller case. 

The suit raised the question of whether the Second Amendment is applicable at a state level or solely federal. Plaintiffs in the case argued that the Second Amendment applied to state law through the Fourteenth Amendment due process and privileges or immunities clauses. Respectively, these clauses prohibit states from denying life, liberty, or property without due legal process, and prohibit states from abridging the privileges and immunities of US citizens.

The suit was dismissed by the district court, and the US Court of Appeals affirmed the district court’s decision before the Supreme Court agreed to reexamine the case, and reversed the decision.

The majority in the Supreme Court argued that the Second Amendment is incorporated in state law through the due process clause of the Fourth Amendment. It stated that the individual right to own and use firearms for legal purposes, especially self-defense, is integral to the American system of liberty and justice, and so must be incorporated to the states. This decision was based on the standards required for incorporation that were established in Duncan v. Louisiana (1968), namely that the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment applies to all rights that are fundamental and central to the American conception of justice.

Learn more about CCW reciprocity and carry out of state here

Second Amendment Rights

• Firearm Use For Lawful Purposes

The Second Amendment protects the right of individuals to use firearms for lawful purposes. Lawful uses of a firearm include self-defense and militia participation, as well as for practice, sport, and recreation. The Second Amendment does allow for state regulation of the ownership and use of firearms that does not infringe on the right to own and use firearms for lawful purposes.

• Lawful Firearm Ownership

The Second Amendment protects individuals’ rights to own firearms for use in lawful purposes such as self-defense. This means that classes of weapon that are commonly used for lawful purposes cannot be banned, and individuals have the right to maintain their firearms in a functional and effective state for those purposes, as per the District of Columbia v. Heller case. As a result, individuals cannot be required by state law to keep their firearms in a manner that would be ineffective for common self-defense scenarios.

* This guest post is brought to you by our friend Douglas Parker *

Douglas Parker handles content management and communications for Manshoory Law Group, APC. He has always had a special interest in the sphere of Law and Human Rights. Dedicating a lot of his free time to understanding the small details and specifics of these fields, Douglas enjoys exploring and analyzing them in his articles. His main goal is to make this sometimes complicated information available and transparent for everyone.

The post What Is The Second Amendment And How Is It Defined appeared first on Gunivore.

We’ll all remember 2020 for COVID-19, as well as the volatile presidential election. It was tough for all of us, and our collective resourcefulness and endurance were harshly tested.

Gun owners will also remember it as the year of one of the worst ammo shortages.

The additional paranoia that ensued immediately after the outburst of the pandemic triggered impulsive buying, and many still scramble to grab whichever ammo boxes they can get their hands on.

We talked to some gun enthusiasts, dealers, retailers, and we heard a lot of word-of-mouth rumors about this year’s ammunition situation, the reasons for the ammo shortage, and the foreseeable future. We didn’t like what we heard, and neither will you.

Why Is There an Ammo Shortage?

Let’s cut to the chase. We won’t see any restocking or standard ammo prices any time soon.

I remember the 2019 Gun Show in Monroeville, PA, where you could find mountains of ammo boxes at the stands. Last year, they only had ammo for two tables. I also remember the 2008-2016 ammo shortage too, when Democratic President Barack Obama took office.

Now, we have desperate gun owners who are more than willing to drive for hours just to grab two boxes of .223 Remmington ammo.

Since the pandemic, there has been a surge in panic buying. Gun owners scrambled as every box of ammo went flying off the shelves. Handgun rounds, rifle rounds, .308 Winchesters, rimfire rounds…

What’s more, there are still cases where customers and retailers don’t respect the ‘two boxes per family’ rule.

The 2020 Ammo Shortage

In January 2020, you could see piles and piles of ammunition and firearms inventory. And somewhere around March – poof.

By December 2020, you got empty shelves and racks, and a lot of angry customers lining up at various gun stores.

It was an election year with threatened gun rights, along with a global pandemic event. Top that with rioting and civil unrest, and you get increasing demands for self-defense.

2020 was an absolute downward spiral. Supplies were scarce, regular hunting equipment was limited, and prices were soaring high, with many gun owners stockpiling ammo for guns they didn’t even have.

Still, that’s nothing compared to the shortage we’re dealing with today.

Looking at the Firearms Statistics

In November 2020, merely two months before President Biden took office, the FBI conducted 3 million background checks, the biggest number of background checks since 1998.

This unveiled that there was a drastic increase of 1 million gun purchases compared to 2019, in which a staggering 2 million guns were purchased by regular and new gun owners.

The report made it obvious that firearms demand has been rising at an unprecedented rate.

But What Is Causing This Massive Demand?

There are a lot of factors at play, but the final nail in the coffin could have easily been anxiety over government change, simply put.

The current state of affairs seems to be an unfortunate combination of the election of a Democratic president while the pandemic that stopped the world in its tracks is still raging. 

Most industry experts and stock market observers are not surprised.

Gun owners began stockpiling when the first COVID-19 cases appeared in the US. The frenzy continued twofold when President Joe Biden, a Democrat, was elected.

Jason Hornady, vice president of Hornady, says “I’ve seen this cycle six times during my career. First, it was the ’94 ban. Then it was Y2K. Then Hurricane Katrina, September 11th, the election of [Barack] Obama, and then Sandy Hook.”

Understanding the Ammo Hoarding Paranoia

Georgia State University law school professor Timothy Lytton, an expert on the US gun industry, also believes that the new gun and ammo sales are spurred by the volatile political climate and the coronavirus crisis.

“Some people are worried about the fact that government’s falling apart and won’t protect them, and other people are worried that the government is getting too strong and is going to limit their freedom.”

He adds, “Or in this case, it’s anxiety about the deterioration of government – or the growth of government.”

It’s not just the fears of social disorder, but the political climate over gun control, as well.

This creates the perfect storm, which results in dwindling supplies, jacked prices, and an overall supply/demand imbalance.

So, we have the combined, panic-driven hoarding caused by both the pandemic and the election, along with the manufacturers’ inability to keep up with demand.

Truly, a vicious cycle in which all gun owners are affected.

Newcomers Are Another Reason

With the lockdowns and safety regulations, more and more people have been turning to the great outdoors.

The NSSF reports a new massive influx of gun owners in 2020 who purchased their first guns, hunting/fishing supplies, and ammo.

This, unfortunately, coincided with the great ammo shortage of 2020. Keep in mind that over 20 million firearms were sold in 2020, and the previous annual record was around 15 million in 2016, and over 8 million of those purchases were first-time buyers.

On one hand, manufacturers and retailers are delighted to hear about the massive demand for firearms, and on the other, they are forced to double down on production.

The industry desperately braced for every scenario possible and was bled dry with significant drops in material supply.

Manufacturing During the Ammo Shortage

When the crisis started out, overseas manufacturing operations had to follow strict lockdown measures, which halved primer and raw material production. After COVID-19 hit American shores, it got even worse.

A Gun Shack manager in Helotes, Wolf Laughlin, believes that the ammo shortage began right after the pandemic announcement last year, as guns and ammunition factories and mines were ordered to shut-down and reduce ammo production and manufacturing.

“All of the mines being closed means that you have less raw materials, less raw materials mean less components. Less components means less ammunition. And, again, as your supply goes down, your demand goes up,” states Laughlin.

Small ammo companies are unable to secure materials and components, suppliers scavenge brass and primers, Hornady scrambling to find boxes and packing tape… Primers and cartridges for 9mm and 5.56 NATO are the most sought after, and the manufacturers have a hard time utilizing all their manpower and machines to keep up with the demand.

However, it seems that firearms manufacturers haven’t exactly reached a consensus regarding this issue.

According to firearms manufacturer Hornady, despite the disruptions, American firearms and ammo manufacturing hasn’t slowed down. It’s actually on the rise.

The Marketing Director for Hornady stated, “There’s more ammo being made for the consumer market right now than, presumably, has ever been made in history. We are putting out more than we ever had. And I am positive that all of our colleagues in this industry are doing the same thing.”

The company president of Federal Premium agrees, “We are running our CCI/Speer and Federal factories 24/7 and shipping products for commercial distribution every day.”

How Can People Purchase Ammo?

No use going to the store just to be disappointed, right? We strongly suggest you keep an eye on the online stores and look for deals that are in stock.

We advise that you purchase only as much as you need instead of hoarding. If you aren’t sure where to start looking, check out these two guides for the best places to buy guns and ammo online.

There are many retailers and online stores that offer great deals for 9mm, .45 ACP, Federal, .223 Rem., 12-gauge buckshot, and AR-15 magazines.

When Will the Ammo Shortage End? What Can We Do?

Experts have held off making any exact predictions, but most agree that there are no indicators the ammo shortage will be stopping any time soon.

In the meantime, is there anything gun lovers can do?

We can practice buying with moderation, refrain from spreading misinformation and panic, and maybe even try taking matters into our hands by reloading, as some resourceful folks are already doing.

Additionally, branching out to new ammo types and calibers could do a lot for certain gun owners, and if you were thinking about buying firearms in .450 Bushmaster and 7mm Remmington, you’d do well to take that lucky shot right now.

* This guest post is brought to you by our friend Brady Kirkpatrick *

Brady is the owner of GunMade.com. He is from Omaha, Nebraska and has been an avid gun enthusiast ever since he moved to the Midwest over 15 years ago. It’s his passion to share his knowledge and expertise whether he is writing about purchasing your first firearm, shooting at the range, hunting, or any other related sports.

The post Current Ammo Situation appeared first on Gunivore.

There are two variables to becoming a good long-range hunter – owning the right kind of gears and possessing the right kind of techniques. Despite what gear manufacturers say, merely a good long-range device will not do. You need to be equally equipped with the skill sets to take it forward. This is what we are going to look at today. Hop on with me and by the end of it, I promise to leave you a tad bit enlightened with information and tips to take your shot farther and farther.

How Long is Long Range

Before diving into the topic, let me ask you the real question. How exactly do we measure the range? Or is there a particular stringent category called the long-range? How do I know if I have crossed it? Well, you would know for sure – that’s a whole other thing. Still, let me address this little mess of categorization. 

The truth to be told, there is very little solid account of what it means to take a shot to a long-range. For the longest time in history ‘long-range’ was seen as a descriptive comparative term that indicated one’s distance in comparison to others. You were praised in attaining a long-range if you went way beyond the record range of peers of that period. 

But there is this unending need to define ranges based on solid measurement units. Which would be why we normally refer to the NRA’s description of ranges for competitive shooting. This defines short-range as below 200 yards, medium-range somewhere around 600 yards, and long-range as between 800 and 1000 yards. I guess, most people have unanimously accepted 1000 yards as the distance for long-range shooting. 

But this definition is not complete on its own. While a practical definition in yards or meters is necessary, this is not the final word. Most professional hunters and shooters would look at a completely different definition – Long Range and Extended Long Range Shooting.

Also, a long-range structure is to them the distance for shooting which inherently requires ballistic calculations. If you zero at 500 yards but plan to take your shit to 800, then you have a lot of calculations in terms of windage and elevation corrections, bullet drop compensation, etc, to do, This is what experiences hunters treat as long-range. An extended long-range is when you will have to calculate the supersonic range of the bullet as well. 

Hence, the long-range becomes more about the technique and the gears rather than crossing a distance marker. This is what we will brush through today. 

Long Range Hunting Gear 

Getting hold of the perfect gear will be step one to attaining a long-range shot. There are many incidents of skilled shooters losing a shot due to a poor rifle or even of inexperienced hunters shooting down a target perfectly with the help of good gears. This is where the significance of perfect gear lies. As much as we say that skill is a must, so is allied pieces of equipment. So let us take a sneak peek at how to make your long-range shot easier and smoother with certain gears. 

Long Range Hunting Ammo 

Before discussing scopes or rifles, you need to figure out the power of your shot. Or in simpler words, pick an equipment that is best suited for the shot you intend to make. Choosing the perfect bullet includes looking at many features but when it comes to long-range the extra factor you must consider is the extended distance. 

You need to find ammo that can travel the extended distance and maintain velocity throughout. Bullet designs do help in these quarters. A sharp, aerodynamically shaped bullet will travel further distance with the same velocity. This type of bullet will be more favorable than a blunt one. Similarly, a heavier bullet will travel more consistently as it will be less influenced by wind and other environmental factors. Not just the weight, even the size of a bullet will influence and decide the caliber. All these factors will determine the strength and efficiency of hitting the target. Well, merely traveling a long-range is not our goal, is it? It’s to beat the target out. That is why good ammo is essential. 

Long Range Hunting Rifle 

We said that a bullet that weighs more is more efficient. But to put such a bullet into motion, a considerable amount of force is required. This is where rifles come into the picture. The rifle is what puts your shot into motion and is hence as significant as any other part. 

If you have been searching about long-range rifles, the concept of precision rifles would not have missed your eye. Precision rifles are not necessarily the only rifle for long-range shooting. But they are efficient and quite popular in the same arena. Their popularity is largely owing to the compilation of desirable features like sharpness in action, high precision, durability, stability, and efficiency in adverse conditions. 

While these characteristics make a precision rifle more desirable than others, I would also suggest you not get into this rat race of gear possession. Instead, look for a rifle that will ascertain these features to a degree you will prefer. For example, a heavier device can withstand more pressure and is also versatile in terms of mounting and environmental adversities. Hence the emphasis on the stability of a precision rifle.  Similarly, look for features that will guide you through a long-range hunt. 

You may also like our Best Hunting Rifles Review

Long Range Scope 

I will say that scope comes before ammo and a rifle. I would even suggest you spend more on a scope than on a rifle – cause a good scope will make your shooting day extremely fruitful. 

Certain basic components you need to look for in a decent long-range scope is good quality optics, precision powered reticles, efficient magnification and range, and a well-structured body. Nevertheless, extra components that boost up the aiming and measuring process become equally essential. 

A preliminary need will be the reticle which is usually placed in the First Focal Plane for long-range scopes. Most hunters tend to prefer this for shooting and targeting a far off object. Further, features like bullet drop compensators, parallax adjustment systems, windage and elevation turrets, side focus knobs, a fast-focus eyepiece, and so on. 

Many structural elements are also necessary for a long-range scope, and most of these are concerning the rifle and the bullet. If you are opting for heavy rifles and bullets, then a strongly built scope also becomes necessary. Not just strength, the scope should also be shockproof to handle high-velocity shots. Further, it should have really good eye relief. Otherwise, the recoil might just hit you badly and leave you hurt. So strength, comfort, and reliability are essential. 

Long Range Hunting Techniques 

Back in the days when Indian hunters were much more prolific than other hunters of the world, there was an axiom that said ‘Its the Indian, not the arrow’ It was not some God-blessed arrow that made hard targets reachable but it was merely their in-depth knowledge and training in the activity. The same goes for anyone. Even if you possess the best gears in town, you may still come last in a competition. This is because you are not trained as a huntsman or a shooter. Well, don’t worry. Let me give you a few tips to take your shot further and further. This is subdivided into two categories based on the relevance of long-range shots. Read on. 

Aiming

• The reticle is your ruler. Focus only on it. Make sure to align yourself on par with the reticle and then make required adjustments 
  
• Know your reticle well before magnifying. Reticles, based on the plane they are situated in and based on the kind of markings, have different sets of functions. This will essentially affect your target upon magnification. Like, a First Focal Plane reticle will be magnified along with the target. In the case of the Second Focal Plane, the reticle remains intact even upon magnification 
  
• If you are unsure about scopes that require you to squint for a long time then go for sight or devices which have an objective window and not a lens
  
• Find a position that well suits your hunting needs and also the terrains of your surrounding. Most long-range hunters have the habit of laying down on the ground and supporting the gun on their shoulders. This will certainly help in the long run by erasing any chances of shadow scope or parallax errors
  
• Adjust all the necessary values. Make your measurements correctly
  
• Cleckner in his book ‘Long Range Shootin Handbook’ gives a rather interesting means of aiming, ie, “Aim Small/Miss Small”. The idea behind this is to aim at a small area of the bigger target so that even if you miss that small area by a few inches you will end up killing the target nevertheless. Now, that is what I would like to call clever aiming techniques

Measurement

Measurements are rather tricky if you do not know the basic concept involved in each aspect of the equipment. Let me reemphasize here that measurements are not limited to the scope. You need to be well aware of other factors like the velocity of the bullet, power of the rifle, etc. so that you can correctly calculate things like bullet drop compensation and other distance estimations. Anyhow, two questions have been frequently asked in terms of measurement for a long-range shot. Let us take a quick breeze through these two. Read on. 

• MOA or Mil – which is better or easier for long ranges?

To start with, both these are units of angular measurements. The question of easiness in the application comes only with familiarity. To people who are used to doing distance calculations in meters and centimeters, distance estimation is easier in MIL units. For people who think in yards, MOA is the best choice. Now, if you ask about precision and efficiency for long-range shooting, all I would have to say is that MOA is a tad bit more precise. 

• What is a Ballistic Coefficient?

Ballistic Coefficient is the unit used to measure a bullet’s capability to travel through the air. A normal or popular Ballistic Coefficient would be less than 1 but then again this depends on the power of your bullet. In practical terms, the Ballistic Coefficient is a number that you will find on the box of your bullet. This is very important for calculating the trajectory of your bullet. The higher the Ballistic Coefficient, the less is the influence of wind on it, and hence the faster its movements. While this doesn’t necessarily involve a process of measuring, the Ballistic Coefficient further becomes useful in the process of measuring the bullet’s trajectory. The windage, elevation, and bullet drop estimations are all done based on this.

Check out our in-depth look at the best hunting dogs for all types of hunting

Conclusion

This is a mere sneak peek into the world of long-range hunting. To become knowledgeable about this you should step into the field yourself and tackle the shot. Just keep in mind the small tips and factors mentioned. You are ready for it. Hope you kill that speck of a target at just one go! Happy Hunting!

* This guest post is brought to you by our friend Eric at Shrewd Hunter*

I’m Eric from Nebraska, the founder of Shrewd Hunter. I have been hunting since I was a child. And now in my mid-30s, I wish to turn my hobby into something I can share with everyone. Hunting is a skill that is very difficult to master. But those who manage to do it love it. It teaches you about the world. And that is what I want to bring to you. I am here to use my experience to make things easier for you.

The post The Last Long Range Hunting Guide You’ll Ever Need appeared first on Gunivore.

Dogs are said to be the first species – and the only carnivorous animal – to be fully domesticated by humans. It is interesting to note that of all animals, ancient humans chose wolves to hang out with. And they did this continuously, even though wolves are large carnivores who could turn around and kill them at the drop of a hat.

In many ways, good hunting dogs are very much like ordinary dogs. Lots of them can easily double as fun family pets, who will tire out the kids and put a smile on your face. Throughout history, with the help of selective breeding, certain kinds of dogs were singled out for being particularly useful at a task. Different types of hunting dogs are often associated with specific prey, but this is not a constant.

The hunting instinct is still strong with the domesticated dog, and many breeds engage in spontaneous hunting without any kind of special training. That said, hunting dogs do require training beyond basic obedience, primarily due to the more complex nature of modern-day hunting methods and techniques.

“Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.”

Groucho Marx

Hunting Dog Breeds

Archeologists have discovered cave paintings from about 8,000 or 9,000 years ago, depicting dogs hunting alongside humans. Humans observed that certain types of dogs exhibit different traits and behaviors than others. At that point, they began using dogs for more specific purposes, carefully selecting those who were bred.

Breeding was kicked into higher gear 6,000 or so years ago, and this yielded many of the breeds and crosses we see today. Consequently, the number of dogs which walked the earth, with humans and without them, began to grow exponentially. Some breeds are much more recent, being several hundred years old. 

To break it down easily, the two main categories of hunting dogs are gun dogs and scent dogs. These two can be further broken down into subcategories: trackers, tree dogs, flushers, pointers, and more.

The more popular breeds are retrievers and shepherds of all sorts, hounds, setters, terriers, spaniels, and beagles. These are fit for all manner of hunting and trapping, though some are more active in the water or up a tree than others. I still get a real kick out of watching my friend’s terrier burrow and nudge her way through the earth, in search of prey.

How to Train a Hunting Dog 

As I said before, due to the nature of modern-day hunting, it is necessary to provide specialty training for your pup beyond basic obedience training. Depending on the type of dog, prey, and hunting methods which are involved, the training will vary. One thing you can bet on: the transformation will not happen overnight. It is a gradual process, and it takes time.

Hunting dog training begins with conventional training (sit, stay, come, heel, down, etc.). Once that is carried out successfully, you can use methods such as e-collars and positive reinforcement to hone your dog’s instincts and skills. Some employ different “dog whispering” techniques to assert themselves as the dominant in the pack, and then the dog submits to their will more naturally. This may also be a question of the dog’s temperament (and yours!).

With an e-collar, because of the demanding nature of the process, it is best to let a qualified dog trainer administer the shocks or stimulation. These are said to be akin to mild static electricity shocks. They are not designed to hurt or harm your pooch, but to get their attention.

If you plan on hunting in a boat, additional land/water training may be necessary. If you plan on using decoys and other toys, this too requires more practice. If you need to get your doggo used to heavy shotgun blasts and follow-up shots, this will also take some time to implement and ingrain. Patience is key, because the dog learns gradually, day by day.

Perhaps the most important rule of any kind of dog training is: consistency. Be consistent with your training, or else you might end up messing with your dog’s mental health. This is not some idle claim – it’s real, and it happens way too often. People begin training their dog, but they go about it the wrong way.

Whatever method of training you decide to use, get the information you need before subjecting your dog to the process. You could have the best and most advanced training equipment in the world, but if you are not using it correctly, all you’re doing is potentially harming your four-legged buddy. 

The hunting dog lifespan can be pretty long, depending on its breed and history. Normally, these dogs get plenty of exercise, love, and training, all of which make them physically healthier. Also, from a psychological point of view, I’d wager that a dog or bitch are in their element when they’re hunting. Consequently, they are very much alive, and their quality of life is higher for it. But this is just conjecture, since I am no veterinarian or animal psychologist.

Hunting Dog Names

What makes a good name for a hunting dog? Obviously, this is highly subjective and pretty personal. There are many reasons behind naming a dog, ranging from serious ones to silly and ironic ones. Also, there are female hunting dogs names and male hunting dog names to consider, though some are quite neutral and unisex.

The Bard already covered this question long ago, with his famous quote in Romeo and Juliet: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by another name would smell as sweet.” Which is precisely right: a name is just a name. On the other hand, a name bespeaks a kind of essence or quintessential characteristic, potentially anyway. Plus, let’s not forget you will be saying that name a lot, so choose one which has the staying power.

Unless you specifically want to go for the silly names, you could name a dog after the kind of prey which they traditionally favor. Alternatively, you could name the dog after their unique hunting methods. You could also name the dog after its unique colors or any other external feature.

A few examples of classic hunter dog names are:

• Hunt: Chase, Scout, Hawkeye
• Gods: Hercules, Thor, Neptune
• Military: Tank, Major, Marshal

Rat Hunting Dogs

Rats are varmints (aka vermin), and as such they are not the most welcomed guests on your property. They can carry diseases, destroy crops and gardens, and basically deal out some damage to you and your environment. I have no problem with rats out in nature, but when it comes to the home I’d rather steer clear.

Although cats have their claim to fame when it comes to catching rats and mice, dogs are also able to handle this important task. Some of the more popular rat-hunting dogs are terriers of all kinds, dachshunds, and pinschers. Rat-hunting dogs are often called ratters.

Bird Hunting Dogs

Bird dogs are a perfect companion for hunting game birds. They have the skills, the energy, and the character that precisely fit this sometimes-tedious job. Some of these (often) small hunting dogs may not seem like much to get excited about, but get them out in the field and watch them shine.

Take this into consideration: the best duck hunting dogs are not necessarily the best quail- or pheasant-hunting dogs. Again, different dogs – different skills. Training also plays a large role here, so you want to stay focused. Some breeds have more of an affinity for water than others, and so on. A dog may be great in the water and in a boat, and be considered a good duck hunt dog without the exceptional nose or eyesight of others.

Squirrel Hunting Dogs

Even though many dogs can become excellent squirrel hunters, there are a few breeds which are known for their natural instincts in that department. Terriers and curs are often singled out, with breeds like the coonhound or the American gascon hound also being used.

In the last few hundred years, more pest-combating breeds have been bred and used in farms around the world. This is, in part, what brought on so many crosses and mixes involving like-minded dogs with a knack for hunting small animals. Same thing goes for rabbits.

Rabbit Hunting Dogs

Although beagles are known for their rabbit-hunting abilities, and although some might consider them to be the go-to bunny breed – there are other doggies who are fit, agile, and definitely up to the task. Terriers, curs, and smaller hounds are (once again) a popular choice. 

Rabbits are great hiders, but these canines are up for the challenge! Hunting by sight or scent, rabbit hunting dogs are usually quick on their feet. They possess that wonderful “dig, dig, dig!” burrowing instinct, and have been bred precisely for that reason. Rabbits, moles, gophers, and other underground creatures – look out!

Fox Hunting Dogs

A fox hunt usually involves scent dogs, which can track their prey and lead the hunting party to the prize. There is a collection of breeds which have been carefully selected precisely for this purpose: foxhounds. The two main kinds of foxhounds are American and English, but others also exist. 

Other hounds, as well as terriers, can also be used during the hunt. A fox has the ability to move quickly and easily through the grounds. It can also go underground, and then – depending on the dog’s breed and the nature of the hunt – the chase could either continue or be over. A breed like the German dachshund is another classic example of a natural-born fox hunter.

Coyote Hunting Dogs

Curs (and breeds mixed with cur breeds) are often seen as the ultimate coyote-hunting partner. But they are not the end all be all of coyote hunting. Because coyotes are notoriously clever, especially in their natural wild habitats, tracking them and bringing them down is not the easiest thing to do.

Certain hounds – like the greyhound or plott hound – can be a popular addition to any coyote-hunting expedition. These dogs are fierce and loyal, and their hunting instincts are usually up for the challenge. After all, there is a reason why these types of dogs are used in these situations. Sometimes, one dog will be used as a tracker, and another will be used to go for the kill.

Deer Hunting with Dogs

Currently, less than 10 states in the US will allow a deer hunter to be joined by dogs. The dogs track the scent and follow the trail, and they are particularly useful for driving deer and bringing them running within range of the shotguns or hunting rifles. Deer were hunted with hounds for thousands of years, and the more popular breeds were coonhounds, beagles, and bloodhounds.

There is a question of ethics and morality when it comes to harvesting deer with dogs, and this is why so many states will consider it unlawful and therefore prohibit it. The states that do allow deer hunting with dogs have many regulations in place. The main reason why you’d want to use dogs is because it increases your chances significantly.

Two of the biggest questions this whole thing raises are:
A) Is it a fair game? and B) Is it a safe game?

Hog Hunting with Dogs

Boar-hunting dogs are generally split into two categories: bay dogs and catch dogs. The bay dogs are tasked with engaging the prey and pursuing it. The catch dogs are charged with ending the chase bringing it down. Being on the more invasive side, the wild hog population is more closely maintained, which is why hog hunting is allowed throughout the year.

Two of the more popular bay dog breeds are hounds and curs, but others are used around the world. Terriers and bulldogs are famously used as catch dogs, but other breeds will also get the job done.

In general terms, with bay dogs you want them to be quick and alert. With catch dogs, you need them to be strong and muscular. Wild boars are considered extremely dangerous, and your dog will need to be well-trained and fearless.

Bear Hunting Dog

Before anything, you could ask the obligatory question: should you hunt a bear with a dog, or even a pack of dogs? Not every dog is up for this challenge, and it is a challenge.

There is one particular breed – the Karelian Bear Dog – which is known for its affinity for hunting large game, including bears. Bear-hunting dog breeds have to be quick and sharp-eyed. Depending on the method used, they may also need to be pretty aggressive. Another popular breed used for hunting bears is the Caucasian Shepherd, which – to me – is reminiscent of Appa from Avatar: The Last Airbender.

The dogs used to hunt bears don’t necessarily have to fight it and bring it down. Many times, their job is to pick up the scent, track the bear, chase it down if needed, keep it at bay, and alert the human hunter to its presence. Bloodhounds, setters, pointers, and bulldogs of different sorts are also used.

Hunting Dog Supplies

Some items are considered vital and downright essential for a successful hunt, and when dogs are involved there is even more to think of. This is a partial list of things to consider taking along when going on a hunt with your furry friend.

It’s important to note that the items list will vary a great deal, depending on the type of hunting you’re doing, the terrain, etc. Going for large game or small? Is it dawn or dusk? Are you on land or in the water? The details matter. It’s best to have a personalized checklist, based on your own methods and experiences. And on your dog, of course.

You may want to take:

• adequate supply of dog food
• outdoor food bowl and water bowl
• dog call/whistle
• dog vest
• first aid kit
• outdoor kennel & cover

Hunting dog boots are something of a controversial item. There is no doubt that they can be helpful with navigating uneven surfaces and rough terrains. They serve a great purpose outdoors. They keep the paws in good health, and they protect that sensitive area in general. However, not all dogs are fans, and there’s a learning curve.

Dog Hunting Vest Explained

When you’re outside with your dog – especially at night and/or in the winter months – you want to give your pooch some protection and warmth. A normal “doggy coat” will not do in the outdoors scenario, because while they may be useful for a 20-minute walk in the neighborhood when it’s raining, they are not fit for a day spent out in the woods. This is especially true when water sources are involved.

A run-of-the-mill coat or sweater will not do, since it will usually just soak up the water and not do much else. A dog’s hunting vest should provide some measure of protection, some warmth, and ideally some buoyancy when engaged in swimming. Some vests are built specifically with those parameters and conditions in mind, simply because that is the nature of the outdoors. Sometimes, an ordinary orange hunting vest for dogs will be all you require.

Depending on the type of activity you’re going for, concealment may be a factor that’s on your mind. There are many different vests which offer protection, but some are safety vests and others are hunting vests. The difference is crucial. If concealment is a contributing factor to the success of the hunt, a vest in a loud orange color may not be the best idea. If concealment is a factor, make sure to purchase a vest with a proper pattern.

That said – do not compromise your dog’s safety for the sake of bagging game. Keep in mind that safety comes first, and this remains true whether your dog is wearing a camo hunting vest or an orange vest. While a vest is not the only item involved in keeping a dog safe outdoors, it is one of the more popular ones.

Hunting Dog Collars Overview

Despite their strong natural inclinations and carnivorous instincts, dogs are not born 100% ready to go. They still need to be trained in the art of the hunt, especially in regards to the human aspect – and this is where you come in. You are the teacher, the leader, the master, and you may want to collar your dog. The purpose of a hunting dog collar is to serve both in training and during an active hunt.

As collars go, you may not find the perfect one. It all depends on your wants and needs. Some collars are more durable than others, and this is necessary outdoors. Some are waterproof, some have a reflective surface to prevent accidents, and some are equipped with GPS. There are also collars which have a leash built into them, for the sake of convenience, or which have the ability to administer a minor shock, tone, or vibration.

E-collars are the go-to item for hunters, and with good reason. There used to be a kind of stigma or myth associated with them, but that’s in the past. With today’s e-collars, there is no question that they can be quite harmless. After all, the purpose of an e-collar is not to harm your dog or instill fear in it, but merely to get its attention and re-focus it.

A few of the more popular e-collar brands are Dogtra, SportDog, and Garmin. They cost more, but they’re worth it. The cheaper options are often not as durable, not as powerful (battery-wise), and not as resistant to water and the elements. And unless you foresee the collar getting lost immediately, those are things that you do not want to skimp on (if you can).

Again – know what you’re doing. Too many individuals e-collar their dog, but then go about the wrong way training them. In those cases, the e-collar is definitely not harmless. You don’t want to confuse or potentially harm your hunting buddy. 

Hunting Dog Kennels 

There is a bond between dogs and humans, and with hunters and their companions the bond is (arguably) even greater. It grows and strengthens when we take them hunting, hiking, backpacking, fishing, etc. In many cases, hunting dogs are not only a part of the family, but are also active participants in putting supper on the table!

Dog owners love their pets, and they care a great deal about their health and wellbeing. A dedicated hunting-dog owner will provide the animal with plenty of attention and exercise, as well as adequate training. There are stretches of time when silence and patience are needed, and some dogs prefer a familiar place to rest their paws. This is where outdoor kennels can be seriously useful.

A hunting dog crate or kennel is a highly practical apparatus. This becomes even truer when you have more than a dog or two. A kennel or crate which the dog is used to, can provide it with a sense of shelter and security, and do so in a way which the relatively-unknown terrain cannot.

You’ll want to look for something robust and solid, a well-constructed item which can be taken along for the journey. It’s interesting that while dogs don’t count as classic den animals, they do prefer a comfortable and safe environment.

Conclusion: Best Hunting Dogs

Personally, I am not in favor of buying animals. I don’t like the idea of selling and buying them as if they were a commodity. I feel that they should be real companions, and not seen as products or possessions. When you go hunting with your dog, you have the ability to see your doggo in its element.

There are those who say that humans should not have messed with the natural order, and should have just let sleeping dogs lie, so to speak. But what’s done is done, and we have many, many different breeds of dogs about the planet. With that being the case, I can understand why hunters would be interested in having a hound or setter along with them.   

The dogs I outlined here are all well and good, and they are known for their keen senses and loyalty. Eventually, you need to go with what you feel is optimal and most beneficial. It could very well be that you discover that your dog does not enjoy retrieving or treeing, in spite of what its lineage or breed is. There is no single breed which is the best all around hunting dog – But if there was one, the golden retriever would probably be it.

Overall, dogs are great hunting companions. When it works out well, it’s one of the greatest connections a human and canine can share. And during the off season and in-between expeditions, many of them make for excellent members of the household.

The post Hunting Dogs 101 appeared first on Gunivore.

However, the difference between “assault weapon” and “assault rifle” is important because the terms get thrown around a lot in legislation. When it comes to laws, semantics matter.

So, let’s look at the difference, and why that difference isn’t as trivial as it seems.

Assault rifles

Assault rifles are an actual class of rifle, not a made-up political term. The definition is simple:

An assault rifle is a select-fire rifle that fires a round of intermediate caliber, and is fed from a detachable magazine.

There’s a key term in this definition:

Select-fire.

A rifle must have at least two firing modes to be considered select-fire. “SAFE” is not a firing mode. That means that a rifle needs either semi-automatic and fully-automatic, or semi-automatic and burst-fire modes to be considered select-fire.

This is important because civilian rifles often have detachable magazines and fire intermediate caliber rounds. But, burst-fire and fully-automatic weapons have been illegal in the civilian market for decades.

All civilian rifles have only one firing mode: semi-automatic. Which disqualifies them from being assault rifles, regardless of other characteristics like being compatible with any optic, detachable magazines, or pistol grips.

Assault weapons

“Assault weapon” is technically not a political term (though it did originate in political speech). It means something. However, the definition is far too broad.

An assault weapon could be anything. That’s no exaggeration. If a person uses an object to attack another person, whatever implement they use in that attack would be an assault weapon.

Even if you limited the definition of “weapon” to only things which were designed to be used for violence, it’s still a very broad term subject to interpretation.

A combat knife seems pretty easy to call an assault weapon. But what about a serrated kitchen knife? What about a baseball bat, which is designed specifically for striking things?

The problem with the term “assault weapon” isn’t that it’s ridiculous. The problem is that it’s too broad to be used for legislation, which must be very intentional and specific, otherwise people get wrongfully convicted or laws are too easily abused.

But what people are rightfully concerned about are the motivations of people who insist on calling things assault weapons. It seems that many people use the term “assault weapon” because it’s broad enough that it could mean anything.

Slipping the term “assault weapon” into legislation could result in the government having the power to confiscate just about anything in the name of safety, which is clearly a dangerous path to walk.

Don’t miss our Automatic Weapons Overview

How much does the difference matter?

In the course of casual conversation, the difference between “assault rifle” and “assault weapon” is almost purely semantic. An assault rifle would qualify as an assault weapon. So, at worst, it causes some sort of misunderstanding.

But, in legislation, the difference matters a lot. Laws must be written so that they permit certain actions by law enforcement organizations and systems.

But, legislative language must also be written so that laws prohibit certain actions by the enforcing bodies. Otherwise, government oversight can quickly get out of control.

So, yes, there is a difference between an assault rifle and an assault weapon. What makes the issue complex is that the difference could be trivial, or it could be devastating, depending on the context.

And since the trouble is inherent to the term “assault weapon,” the best solution may be to find a better, more specific term that can’t be so wildly interpreted.

* This guest post is brought to you by our friend J. Montgomery *

J. Montgomery is a proud resident of Davenport, Iowa, where you can find him doing target practice on a specialized outdoor gun course, tinkering around the workshop, and taking care of his two dogs along with his lovely wife, Sandy. He currently runs a blog at Minutemanreview.com

The post Assault Weapons vs Assault Rifles: Different, Same, or a More Complex Issue? appeared first on Gunivore.

Vet TV is a fantastic steaming platform that makes original content aimed at military veterans and anyone with a dark, slightly twisted, sense of humor. They parody the military experience in an attempt to bring awareness to and prevent veteran suicide.

Their content includes series, films, and shorts. The content varies as well including some portraying military personnel in combat situations, support and supply troops, and even what veterans face when they return to civilian life.

Nevertheless, all of its content follows pretty much the same theme of humor. They are currently attempting to parody the military experience for every MOS (Military Occupational Speciality code) in order to not exclude any military personnel. This is a great way to bring back the sense of community and connection that many veterans lack with their return to civilian life.

The rate of veteran suicide is completely unacceptable and is arguably attributed to social isolation. Vet TV aims to shed some comedic light on the issues facing veterans and give them a digital community to help them feel less alone. However, it’s not just for veterans, Vet TV has plenty of content for anyone who enjoys dark parody humor. 

You may also enjoy our debunking the top myths about guns

Veteran suicide is a real issue facing the military and our society as a whole. It is obvious that the government does not have the means to actually deal with the issues facing military veterans once they return to civilian life. The need for a solution has to come from within the veteran community itself.

Vet TV is an excellent resource for veterans to use to help them face the specific issues that afflict them in the civilian world. The relatable content gives veterans the feeling of not being alone and having something they can connect with in the civilian world. Vet TV obviously does not solve all the problems facing the veteran community today but it is a fantastic asset that should grow, be given support, and be used by those who need it. 

Criticism – Vet TV has come under some heat for its content. Its crude and graphic depictions of the nature of warfare and the actions of soldiers has not been received well by everyone. It makes some people feel uncomfortable to hear people joking about death and killing. This kind of drives home the point of why veterans need their own entertainment platform. Yes, Hollywood makes films about war and about issues that veterans face, but these are all done by snobby Hollywood celebrities who have never actually seen or done anything.

After experiencing life in the military and being exposed to life overseas, it makes sense that the veteran community would not enjoy the soft Hollywood version of military life. The criticizers of Vet TV should probably just shut their mouths and just give a huge thank you to the veterans that allow them to live in a free and safe country. 

The owners and operators of Vet TV could do a lot of good with the right resources. Veterans know what veterans need to stop this epidemic of suicide within their community. Giving some support to Vet TV is a great way to give support to the veteran community as a whole. If you aren’t interested in a subscription to their channel, they also have a shop on their website where you can purchase apparel and accessories. The t-shirt selection is very funny and subtle in its presentation. At a glance, most people will not even realize the shirt is a reference to something or inappropriate joke. 

Don’t miss our picks for history’s most influential firearms

The post VET TV Review appeared first on Gunivore.

Beyond advances in the hardware, shooters from the US have continuously evolved the way that gear was employed by continually improving on lessons learned. One such pioneer was Col. Jeff Cooper, known as the ‘Father of Modern Pistolcraft.’

Cooper’s teachings live on today as the foundation for almost all training school programs to build on. His color codes of awareness and architecture of the draw stroke are still taught today by a number of his contemporaries and their protégés. Many of these living resources are approaching the end of their teaching careers and are an opportunity to be taken sooner rather than later. Others have recently hung their shingle and peddle their take on current trends based on their experiences in the military or law enforcement.

Not all trainers teach all applicable skills – if you are an aspiring IPSC shooter, then you train with Taran Butler like Keanu Reeves. If you need to do a pre-deployment workup before heading over to the ‘sandbox,’ then Kyle Lamb or Dave Harrington are your guys. Patrol Officer? Go check in with the Sig Academy. For John/Jane Q Public looking to learn the ins and outs of concealed carry, there are a number of quality trainers who can provide instruction directly relevant to your needs.

John Farnham – Defense Training International

John Farnham is one of those legendary resources that is approaching retirement, meaning that serious students of self-defense should register for one of his classes sooner rather than later. A Vietnam veteran, John has authored many publications related to defensive shooting and proper mindset. He regularly lectures at tactical conferences worldwide and is an adept trainer of civilian shooters.

Tom Givens – Rangemaster

Another industry veteran, Tom Givens opened his training facility in Memphis, TN in 1996 after a 25-year career in law enforcement. Rangemaster became the primary source of carry permit certifications for the greater Memphis area, with almost 60 students successfully putting their skills to the test.  Together with his wife and partner Lynn, they now form Rangemaster Firearms Training Services where they now travel worldwide delivering instruction to students in their region.

Rob Pincus – I.C.E. Training Company

Rob Pincus is a professional trainer, author, and consultant, and is one of the founders of the Association of Defensive Shooting Instructors. I.C.E. provides training to armed professionals and civilian shooters alike.

Rob provides efficient training methodologies to those interested in developing firearms and defensive skills. His methods maximize limited training resources and focus on what the body does naturally under real-world conditions.

Conducting over 50 courses a year in over 40 locations, Pincus travels over 300 days a year, bringing cutting-edge personal defense information to students ranging from military and law enforcement personnel to those who are just entering the concealed carry arena.

Clint Smith – Thunder Ranch

Clint Smith is the President and Director of Thunder Ranch. A two-tour Marine veteran of Vietnam, his experience includes seven years as a police officer during which he served as head of the Firearms Training Division.

Smith left law enforcement to lead Operations for Jeff Cooper’s American Pistol Institute, where he was Dean of instruction and heavily contributed to range and curriculum development.

In 1993, Clint opened Thunder Ranch®, Inc. to showcase innovative training and numerous range designs not seen before. Clint is a contributor to American Handgunner, American Cop, GUNS, and SWAT magazines and has appeared in many other national and international publications.

His wife and partner Heidi Smith has been Vice President of TR since 1999. An experienced instructor in her own right, she has been active in the field since the late 1980s.

Kathy Jackson

Kathy began training at the Firearms Academy of Seattle with FAS Director Marty Hayes and his wife, Gila. In 2003, she became a lead instructor at FAS in 2005, working with thousands of students at this professional firearms training facility over the years.

Kathy has been a professional student as well as an instructor for almost 20 years, having trained with many of the great names in the industry.  She is also an adjunct instructor for Massad Ayoob, qualified to teach Ayoob’s MAG-20 range class and Judicious Use of Deadly Force.

From 2012 through 2017, Kathy offered firearms training nationwide for both men and women through Cornered Cat LLC.

Gunsite Academy – Where it all began

While not a specific instructor, Gunsite is one of those places where the staff instructors teach a program developed by an industry pioneer. Jeff Cooper founded Gunsite as the American Pistol Institute (API) in 1976 to teach the modern technique of shooting. At that time the firearms training school industry did not exist.

Gunsite changed hands twice since Cooper first sold it, and Cooper acolyte Buzz Mills now runs it. Mills maintains the curriculum as close to Cooper’s original philosophy as possible.

Firearms Training Academy of Seattle

At the Firearms Academy of Seattle, Inc. Director Marty Hayes believes safety begins with the individual. As a career law enforcement officer, he knows that the police can’t protect you.

Marty, working with his wife Gila, creates a training environment that enables the student to maximize his or her training hours. Real-world dangers present themselves in a 360-degree panorama — not only the down-range orientation of the traditional firing range training venue. F.A.S. moves the student into less-static training drills as early in the curriculum as it is safe and productive to do so.

Sig Academy

Officially launched in 1990 for training law enforcement and military clients, the Sig Academy has become a significant source of quality firearm instruction for all. Moving to their current facility in 1996 in Epping, NH they created the first-ever non-toxic, frangible indoor range.

In 2001 SIGARMS Academy introduced specialized civilian training for select organizations and businesses. Shortly after that, the demand from the civilian population grew, and the Academy audience became Armed Professionals and Responsible Citizens. Sig defines a ‘Responsible Citizen’ as anyone who can legally possess a firearm.

The major difference is defined in the tactics and disposition of an armed encounter. In Sig’s view, an Armed Professional is required to contain, control, and render proper dispensation of an armed confrontation in their jurisdiction. The Responsible Citizen has no responsibility as such and is encouraged to disengage from an armed confrontation when possible, but be prepared to act with lethal force when no other option is available.

No matter which instructor you choose to work with, be sure to check out their equipment lists before you head to class. Make sure your Kydex holster and gun belt meet the requirements of the course as many instructors will limit the kind of gear allowed on the range. Many schools prohibit certain holster designs or carry methods depending on instruction level, so plan ahead.

* This guest post is brought to you by Benji Menez and our friends over at Concealment Express. *

Concealment Express is a rising star in the firearms community and is the place to go for high-quality holsters.

The post America’s Best Handgun Shooting Instructors appeared first on Gunivore.

Once you really start getting the hang of trap shooting, you may want to think about entering a competition. Trap shooting competitions are a lot of fun, and they sometimes offer up some pretty lucrative prizes. As a novice, though, you may feel a bit intimidated about joining a competition and not knowing what to expect. We’ve put together this trap shooter’s guide to help you prepare for your first competition. Keep reading to learn more!

How a Trap Competition Works

Let’s start with the basics. For the purposes of this article, we will be talking about American Trap singles, during which you have one chance to make each shot. A round of trap consists of 25 targets. Each person in a squad–typically consisting of five people–fires at five targets from five different shooting positions. Each person starts at a different position and takes a shot. Once everyone has taken their first shot, this is repeated four times so that each shooter shoots five times from their starting position.

Once the last person has fired their fifth shot, each shooter moves one position to the right with the shooter on the far right moving around into the first spot. This continues until each person has fired at five targets from each of the five positions.

A round of trap consists of 25 shots per person, but during a competition, you’ll typically be shooting 100 or 200 rounds. There are breaks in between rounds, and depending on the size of the event, you may shoot from multiple fields. Essentially, a competition consists of 200 one-shot competitions.

Trap Shooting Equipment

In basic singles trap, you can use just about any shotgun you prefer. You will want either a 20-gauge or 12-gauge, though, to ensure that you are firing enough shot downrange to break the target. You can use a pump action, semi-auto or over and under shotgun.

As long as it is capable of firing off one shot at a time, nearly any shotgun is suitable for this sport. An over and under gun is often the easiest option for beginners, but if you already have a pump action or a semi-auto that you love, feel free to use it! Using a gun that you are comfortable with will go a long way toward helping you perform well at the event.

Trap Shooting Etiquette

If you are thinking about entering a trap shooting competition, proper etiquette may be the furthest thing from your mind. It is incredibly important, though, and it’s often one of the most intimidating and challenging aspects of competition shooting. There are all sorts of unwritten rules about how you should behave during a competition, and if you aren’t familiar with them, you could inadvertently make a mistake or offend someone.

For starters, following proper gun safety protocol is always a must. Don’t load your gun until it is your turn to shoot, keep your weapon pointed downrange and never fire when someone is on the range. And no matter how frustrated you get after a bad shot, do not throw your firearm downrange in a fit of rage! When everyone follows proper safety protocol and uses common sense, it is possible to avoid potentially deadly accidents.

You’ll also want to make sure you are a good neighbor during the competition. When it’s getting close to your turn, be mindful of the shooter to your left. Don’t make any noise when that person is about to shoot. Avoid working your gun action so you don’t distract them. If you are using a semi-automatic shotgun, buy a shell catcher. Shell catchers are inexpensive and they prevent your empty shells from being flung out toward the shooter on your right. When using a pump action, be gentle to avoid flinging your empty.

When you are not in the shooting position, your firearm should be clear and unloaded. Keep the action open and the muzzle pointed at the ground or the sky unless the organizers of the competition tell you to do something different.

Make sure you are prepared when stepping up to the shooting line to begin a round. You should have a full box of shells (plus a few spares) and hearing and eye protection. If you are unprepared, you can slow down the entire competition, and doing so is not a good way to make friends.

Trap Shooting Dress

Find out if there is a dress code prior to the event. If there isn’t, plan on wearing closed-toed shoes, jeans or long shorts and a decent shirt. Most clubs don’t allow things like sleeveless tees for safety reasons. A shooting shirt is always a good option. You may want to consider wearing a polyester sweat-wicking shirt as a base layer to help you stay cool and dry throughout the competition. If it’s chilly, it’s a good idea to wear a windproof jacket, too.

Conclusion

Trap shooting is a lot of fun, and joining a competition is a great way to get out and do something you love. With the information listed above, you can prepare yourself for your first competition and avoid making any potentially dangerous or embarrassing mistakes. Always remember the rules of gun safety and show good sportsmanship. Once you’ve made it through your first competition, you’ll likely be hooked and ready to sign up for the next one!

* This guest post is brought to you by our friend Morgan Clarke *

Morgan Walker Clarke is a writer and avid hunter from Dallas, Texas. He has 10+ years of writing experience and has been hunting ever since he was a child. In his spare time, he enjoys taking his dogs to the park, watching football, and spending time with his wife and twin sons. 

The post The Trap Shooter’s Guide to Their First Competition appeared first on Gunivore.

It’s safe to say that the firearms market is doing well. In fact, we witnessed the second highest year in NICS firearm background checks, falling just behind the 2016 record. Between concealed carriers, competition shooters, and home defense, more and more people are buying guns. However, recent polls show that 2 in 3 gun owners claim protection as their main reason for owning a firearm. That being the case, we figured it was worthwhile to discuss some of the best guns for home defense.

It’s always been Man’s duty to protect his home. Even before the 2^nd Amendment, it was Man’s God-given responsibility to defend his family and homestead. Although firearms have been the weapon of choice for home defense for centuries, they have developed unfathomably.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand the need for a home defense weapon, though I’ve begun to doubt that assertion in light of recent events. Assuming we can all be sensible adults and recognize that there are evil people in the world and therefore guns in the home are necessary, there is one study in particular which shows just how crucial they can be.

Kennesaw, Georgia (a suburb of Atlanta) passed a law in 1982 compelling all homeowners to keep at least one firearm in their homes at all times. Unsurprisingly, the once crime-ridden community experienced a remarkable 89& drop in the burglary rate in the ensuing months. Moreover, Kennesaw’s burglary rate was still over 70% lower over a decade later. This shows with certainty that legally-owned firearms in the house are an effective crime deterrent.

Furthermore, studies by the CDC and famed criminologists Kleck and Gertz confirm just how effective guns are at stopping crime in its tracks. Together, their combined data indicated that defensive gun use isn’t just common, it’s often more effective than police. In fact, rough estimates suggest that there are somewhere between 500,000 to 3+ million defensive gun uses per year. No matter how you cut it, it’s clear that guns keep Americans safe. The good news is, a recent Pew poll found that approximately 40% of American homes have at least one firearm.

Home Defense Gun

There are so many factors to consider before buying a home defense gun that it can be quite daunting for many people. Even if you think you’ve found the perfect firearm, you still have to consider how and where you want to store it in addition to which caliber and type of ammo you want to use. For instance, these shooters have to factor in cost of ammo, stopping power, recoil, capacity, and user-friendliness. That being the case, there’s no right answer for what is the best gun for home defense. However, we’ve broken it down for you by category of firearm in the hopes that you can make the right choice for yourself.

Home Defense Shotgun

When it comes to home defense shotguns few names stick out more than Mossberg. The iconic gunmaker is the proud manufacturer of several great tactical shotguns, especially their new 590 Shockwave. This nifty little scattergun is a formidable choice for any homeowner looking to protect their family and property. In addition to its incredible specs and reputation, the Shockwave made headlines for its non-NFA status, despite it being a short-barreled shotgun.

• Model: 590 Shockwave
• Action: Pump
• Gauge: 12, 20, .410
• Chamber: 3″
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel Length: 14.4″
• Overall Length: 26.4″
• Stock: Raptor Grip / Corn Forend w/ Strap
• Weight: Approx. 5 lbs.
• MSRP: $504

You may also want to consider the new and improved DP-12 shotgun. The Standard Manufacturing bullpup (yes, a bullpup shotgun!) pump-action can hold a ton of cartridges and is built to hold any accessory you can imagine. Although they may be quite expensive, they are sturdy as all hell and won’t disappoint when you need it the most. These shotguns are also a bit heavy, so keep that in mind, but they are also easier to handle than traditionally built scatterguns.

• Model: DP-12
• Action: Pump
• Gauge: 12 Ga.
• Chamber: 2 x 18 7/8”, chambered for 2 ¾” or 3″ shells
• Capacity: 16 Total
• Barrel Length: 19″
• Overall Length: 29.5″
• Stock: Synthetic
• Weight: 9 lbs. 12 oz.
• MSRP: $1,725

I feel the need to at least mention the Kel-Tec KSG since it is incredibly popular, affordable, and user-friendly. The Kel-Tec tactical shotgun is anything but classic thanks to its 15-round capacity, unusual dual barrel bullpup design, and insane customizability. It’s by no means the perfect firearm, but it can certainly hold its own as a home defense shotgun. 

• Model: KSG Tactical
• Action: Pump
• Gauge: 12 Ga.
• Chamber: 3″
• Capacity: 8+1
• Barrel Length: 13.5″
• Overall Length: 21.5″
• Stock: Synthetic
• Weight: 6.2 lbs.
• MSRP: $1,200

Home Defense Pistol

Picking the right home defense pistol is tough since it really depends on the shooter to find the specs geared for them. While many shooters want the stopping power of a .45, some prefer the ease of a 9mm. That being the case, we’re going to look at a few different styles of pistols.

I’m a big fan of the FNX-45 Tactical because it’s dependable and packs a serious punch. Besides for its enhanced grips and sight system, the FNX-45 is fully-ambidextrous, features interchangeable backstraps, and offers a pretty sizable capacity. This isn’t the gun to carry on your hip, it’s the kind of pistol you want in your night stand.

• Model: FNX-45 Tactical
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Capacity: 15+1
• Barrel Length: 5.3”
• Overall Length: 8.6”
• Height: 6.5”
• Width: 1.58”
• Weight: 33.3 oz.
• Finish: Matte Black
• Sights: 3-Dot Night Sights
• MSRP: $1,349

I gotta recognize Ruger for their amazing strides in improving their collection of pistols, especially the American. The new and improved Ruger American Pistol is a great choice for carrying or home defense, plus it’s affordable and customizable. Besides for its integrated Picatinny rail and Novak LoMount Carry Sights, the Ruger American provides shooters with enhanced grips, low recoil, ambidextrous controls, and a multi-safety system.

• Model: Ruger American Pro
• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 10+1
• Barrel Length: 4.2”
• Overall Length: 7.5”
• Height: 5.6”
• Width: 1.05”
• Weight: 30 oz.
• Finish: Black Nitride
• Sights: Novak LoMount Carry Sights
• MSRP: $579

Kahr Arms is one of the most overlooked pistol brands in the industry and it’s a real shame. The American gunmaker produces several great guns, many of which are incredibly affordable, including the P380 and CW380. I picked these because they are highly concealable and for their unique caliber. While the .380 ACP cartridge is often considered the bare minimum for defensive purposes, it has way more stopping power than people think. All things considered, I wouldn’t choose .380 for my home defense, but it is a great choice for some shooters.

• Model: Kahr CW380
• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Capacity: 6+1
• Barrel Length: 2.58”
• Overall Length: 4.96”
• Height: 3.9”
• Width: 0.75”
• Weight: 10.2 oz.
• Finish: Black polymer frame, matte stainless-steel slide
• Sights: Adjustable white bar-dot combat rear, pinned front
• MSRP: $419

Revolver for Home Defense

As one of the most classic firearm designs on the planet, there’s no denying the power of a solid revolver. Interestingly enough, we are actually in the midst of a revolver revolution, where many companies are reintroducing modern variations of the traditional revolver. For example, the Colt Cobra has made a big comeback and found its way into the hearts of many home defense shooters. The redesigned .38 Special six-shooter is gorgeous and an overall pleasure to shoot and own.    

• Model: Colt Cobra
• Caliber: .38 Special +P
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel Length: 2”
• Overall Length: 7.2”
• Weight: 25 oz.
• Finish: Stainless Steel Matte
• Sights: Fiber-Optic Front, Frame Trench Rear
• MSRP: $699

If you’re looking for an interesting revolver for home defense than do yourself a favor and check out the Taurus Public Defender. Taurus is becoming more popular each year, especially in light of their impressive collection of revolvers. Besides for their affordability, these firearms are known for their user-friendliness and dependable designs. The award-winning Public Defender is a nifty small frame five-shooter, chambering .45 Long Colt (410 Ga), so you know you’ve got yourself a powerful hand cannon.

• Model: Taurus Judge Public Defender
• Caliber: .45 Long Colt / 410 GA
• Capacity: 5
• Barrel Length: 2”
• Overall Length: 9”
• Weight: 26 oz.
• Finish: Blued
• Sights: Fiber-Optic
• MSRP: $363

AR 15 Home Defense

With so many impressive AR-15’s on the market, there’s almost no wrong choice for home defense. Nevertheless, there are a few models which stick out to me as solid choices for standing your ground. I happen to love Savage rifles and have recently picked up their MSR Patrol. The innovative rifle is loaded with premium features, including a sweet AXIOM carbine stock and surprisingly effective flip-up sight system.

• Model: Savage MSR Patrol
• Caliber: .223 Rem / 5.56mm
• Capacity: 30+1
• Barrel Length: 16.13”
• Overall Length: 32.5”- 35.75”
• Weight: 6.5 lbs.
• Finish: Matte Black
• MSRP: $869

The Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 is one of the most underrated AR15s on the market. Besides for their fair price-tag and reputation, these entry-level rifles offer everything you need in a home defense AR. The AM-15 is most well-known for its proprietary RF85 treatment, which essentially guarantees you never have to lube your gun – how sweet is that? However, I really like the AM-15 pistol for home defense, considering its enhanced versatility, Magpul furniture, and tactical capabilities.

• Model: AM15 Pistol
• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Capacity: 30+1
• Barrel Length: 7.5”
• Overall Length: 24”
• Weight: 4.9 lbs.
• Finish: Black Anodized
• MSRP: $758.70 – $958.70

Conclusion

There are so many paths you can take to properly arm yourself for home defense, but the important thing is that you take the first step. There is virtually no excuse to not be prepared, the only question is how exactly you’ll do it. Either way, please let us know your thoughts and recommendations for the best home defense weapons.

The post Best Guns for Home Defense appeared first on Gunivore.

Survival weapons are built around the idea of making the most out of a relatively small or minimalistic package. Survival has everything to do with the bare necessities of human existence – shelter, water, food, and self-defense.

Some guns were designed to act as an all-in-one type of weapon, and the M6 X-Caliber by Chiappa Firearms is certainly one of them. Right off the bat, something sounds off. A firearm that is an all-in-one? Doesn’t sound too amazing, really. As they say, a jack of all trades is a master of none. Well, these guns are not meant to be amazing. They are simply meant to save your bacon.

Chiappa Firearms

Chiappa (pronounced kee-appa) traces its roots back to 1958, when Ezechiele Chiappa established the Armi Sport de Chiappa workshop, in Italy. Over the 60 years of its existence, the company has grown exponentially, and has branched out to other fields and territories. Mr. Chiappa had vision, that’s for sure, and this is part of why Chiappa Firearms is still family-owned and doing good business. Like many firearms manufacturers, it has had its share of ups and down, discontinued models, and consumer criticism.

Nowadays, Chiappa includes several divisions, and its headquarters can be found in northern Italy. The Chiappa group includes Chiappa Firearms S.r.l. and its U.S.-based Chiappa Firearms distribution center (located in Dayton, OH); KIMAR, which manufactures small arms, blanks, and signal guns; ACP, which produces laser training systems, primarily for law enforcement and military personnel; and Costa S.r.l., which is dedicated to the treatment of various metals. As of 2017 (if I am not mistaken), Chiappa’s U.S. facility also exclusively distributes Charles Daly systems. However, most shooters know them for their unique Rhino Revolver Series.

I actually wanted to learn more about Costa and its metal treatment methods, so I can share the knowledge with you, but didn’t really find anything online. The ACP training system website is also under renovation. I suppose we will have to get to those another time.

Survival Rifles

As mentioned earlier, the guiding principle behind the term “survival” is quite simple: getting out alive. It is about acquiring certain skills necessary for basic human survival.

To be clear, this isn’t some end-of-the-world, zombie-apocalypse, pirate-vampires-are-coming thing. It is as real as anything you could imagine or encounter in everyday life, except you usually wouldn’t encounter such things. But preparedness is key. The truth is, you never know what will happen.

The initial thought behind creating survival rifles was also pretty simple: the U.S. Air Force wished to provide downed aircraft crewmembers with the means of protecting themselves and providing for themselves, until such time as they are out of danger and back on friendly soil. And not just aircraft crew, but anyone who may lose contact and find themselves cut off and in hostile territory.

Over the years, military survival rifles have been produced, used, and discontinued. Famous models of survival rifles include the AR-5 (classified as MA-1, but never used), the USAF M4, and the USAF M6. Some survival rifles are more utilitarian than others. Some are a combination rifle/shotgun (like the X-Caliber).

On the civilian end, you have the option of building your own makeshift slamfire-action bug-out-bag shotgun for under $50, if you want. I only mention that since Royal Nonesuch did it on YouTube. His channel was terminated by YouTube when their policies changed, but this clip is still around and so is he. Honestly, I feel uneasy about some of the things he’s done on video, safety-wise. But hey, the guy knows what he’s doing, and his guns are certainly unique.

The more popular civilians models have been the Henry Repeating Arms’ AR-7 and the Springfield Armory M6 Scout – both of which are replicas of their military counterparts. A new model joined the ranks about a decade ago: the M6 X-Caliber, by Chiappa Firearms.

Chiappa X Caliber

Chiappa introduced its M6 X-Caliber model in 2010. This combi gun is modeled after the M6 Aircrew Survival Weapon, a rifle which was designed and manufactured by Ithaca and Springfield armories, and which remained in service of the USAF since the early 1950’s through the 1970’s, before it was replaced by the AR-7.

The X-caliber is capable of firing 12 different calibers, and is one of the most popular bug-out-bag rifles out there. It is a double-trigger over/under weapon, featuring a 3”, 12-gauge shotgun on top, and a 22LR rifle 18.5” barrel under it. It is highly compact, more so when folded, and it has an overall length of 34.5”. The X-caliber weighs 5.6 lbs, making it easy to carry and handle.

The one deterring factor about this weapon is probably the price, which is currently $729 (MSRP). You can find it at lower prices online and in gun shops, so keep your eye out for any deals and bargains.

The ability to fire a multitude of calibers makes this a gun ready for a wide range of scenarios and conditions. Whether it is hunting, self-defense, or anything in between, the X-caliber can provide you with the tools for the job. The action is of the break-open variety, and with practice it can prove to be a powerful weapon, indeed.

With a fiber optic front sight and an adjustable rear sight, it is relatively accurate and on-point. The rails provide the option of adding accessories and optics, which can be quite useful, to say the least. Some would call it an “ugly” gun, but even they would agree that when in need, appearance hardly matters. A combo gun such as this, especially with a 1+1 capacity (which is admittedly low), will not appeal to everyone’s tastes, but it is a highly-functional piece of weaponry nonetheless.

Conclusion

Survival rifles are probably not for your everyday shooter. It’s not the type of weapon you would be carrying as an EDC. In a pinch, it could provide you with an advantage, and this is why it was designed in the first place for high-risk military personnel. Under difficult conditions, it could prove to be one of your greatest allies.

Not many firearms manufacturers produce survival weapons. They may call them survival weapons, but in many cases it is more of a marketing-related term. Not the X-caliber, though. It is a bonafide ass-saver, and is based on the successful M6 rifle.

You never know what will happen when your ‘fight or flight’ instinct kicks in. The rush of adrenaline, the uncertainty of your condition, and even the terrain – these can all be factors which will determine your ability to survive. Those who were given these rifles were usually highly-trained individuals who were well-versed in the various arts of survival, concealment, and warfare. Survival guns may not mean much in your everyday scenarios, but when the chips are down, they could mean the difference between life and death.

The post Chiappa M6 X-Caliber Rifle & Survival Shotgun appeared first on Gunivore.