Shooting steel is fun! You hear the “ping!” when you hit the target, and can often save you time and money from shοoting paper targets. However, shοoting steel can be dangerous if you use the wrong caliber or shοot at the wrong distance.
Follow these six guidelines to stay safe:
1. Grade: Steel targets should have a Brinell hardness number (BHN) of at least AR500 or AR550.
2. Quality/Age: Do not use a steel target with any cratering, pitting, cracking, or an uneven surface because it can cause dangerous ricochets.
3. Distance: Shοoters should maintain a 15-yard minimum distance from steel with handguns, and a 100-yard minimum with rifles. Always check manufacturer’s guidelines.
4. Design: Quality steel targets are designed for predictable splatter. There are never any exposed bolts, clamps, or brackets on the shooting surface, and the target leans forward slightly to dissipate some of the bullet’s energy.
5. Caliber: Check manufacturer’s guidelines for approved uses. Some targets may be rated for rimfire or standard pistol calibers only. Others may be rated for specific rifle calibers.
6. Ammo: Never shοot green-tiρ or bi-metal bullets at steel.
When it comes to your safety, don’t settle for the advice of your local welder or do-it-yourselfer, who thinks he can fabricate a steel target for you. Shooting on poorly designed targets made of inferior steel can cause severe bodily harm.
Remember, at the range we are all Range Safety Officers. If you see something iffy or unsafe, speak up!
Steel targets are so much fun fun — and one of the greatest tools for firearms training and competition — if they are manufactured correctly. For more info, check out our AG & AG target sponsors: Red Stitch Targets, Gunfighter Targets, and Action Targets.
In my somewhat short time in the journey of pistol craft and the art of handgun shooting I’ve quickly noticed a pattern among a lot of folks who seem to be quick to ask questions or seek input or advice, or simply a yearning to share information on social media. As a whole, this is a great thing among the firearms community in general, right? I would agree that it is…to a point.
Unfortunately, I’ve seen a lot of bad advice and information that leans more toward horribly regurgitated third hand chatter, spoken by a huge and vast majority of members within the community that we all share, that is so narrow minded that most of what’s shared is really nothing more than terrible.
The close minded views of basically a lemming effect of people that have great potential, but refuse to open their eyes and think for themselves.
I see and read from folks daily that love to hand out advice as if it were candy, yet don’t follow a lot of the same advice they so willingly give. We’ve come to refer to a lot of these people as “armchair experts”.
Unfortunately, the majority of these “experts” have absolutely no idea what they’re talking about and refuse to learn anything that could actually make them a better shooter or gun handler…let alone, teacher.
So I have decided to write a list of some of the most real advice I could give someone in hopes that something could be shared that really can make a difference:
1. Dryfire. It’s real. And it works. It also costs NOTHING but an investment of your time and the benefits are endless.
2. Training classes are NOT, I repeat NOT making you a better shooter….GASP, what did he say? That’s right, taking a weekend class with your favorite instructor does not make you a better shooter. I don’t care if you take 10 classes a year. Taking a class does nothing more than give you ideas, theories and mental stimulus or “tools” for the proverbial “toolbox”. Improvement happens with purposeful and regimented practice wherein the tools you gain from those classes can be utilized toward a goal that is worked for. That’s how you make the training classes pay off.
3. Gear is not the answer. Ever. You can improve every aspect of your performance with the stuff you already have. It’s a guaranteed fact. Please stop with the constant “equipment race”.
4. Focus your practice on purposeful things. Things that really apply. Literal tons of repetitions both in dryfire and live fire and immense amount of PURPOSEFUL rounds down range. Learn how to practice and why. Context wins. I understand playing weekend warrior Army squadron is fun and I seriously don’t condemn it. However, (unless you’re putting your daily work or life is gearing up to kick doors or serve warrants) you’re deluding yourself if you think for a split second that has any context to your day to day reality. Again, think contextually. That’s the true stuff that will save your life.
5. Finally, stop with the delusions of self grandeur. Want to start truly improving? Quit BS’ing each other on the Internet and get your rear end to work. You don’t learn this stuff by osmosis. And you certainly don’t get better at any of this by repeating the baseless BS you read or heard some supposed “hardcore operator or competitor” say out of context to someone else 3rd person.
Self improvement takes hard work, dedication, discipline and open mindedness to always be learning and searching for more. ALWAYS. You can’t fool yourself or anyone else that you’re a student of the art if you’re only allowing yourself to stick to one thought, idea or mentality. That limits any and all growth.
I certainly hope some of this “advice” will help a few.
Tim is a married father of three from Independence, Mo. He started shooting pistols in 2010, quickly becoming involved in USPSA. He classified as C Class in Single Stack division with a 1911 that same year and within one year, moved to B Class. His skill set improved as he became more familiar with “how to shoot the game.” Tim achieved Master in Single Stack in October 2013, and Grand Master in August 2014. Along with shooting USPSA matches, Tim also shoots NRA Action Pistol events.
Tim is currently classified in four USPSA divisions:
I had a ‘first experience’ while assisting with teaching an NRA Basic Pistol Class thispast weekend. It taught me a lot about knowing what I don’t know. For that reason alone, I’m glad I agreed to do it.
For those who’ve never heard the odd phrase “I didn’t know what I didn’t know”, this refers to a novice or other non-expert in a field being unaware of their own knowledge gaps. Consider for example a new driver setting off on a first solo drive in the large family SUV, being unaware that a large vehicle on a windy day can be difficult to control during strong gusts. The young driver might be fine and never encounter a problem, thus giving him a false sense of security… OR a big weather front coming through might give him a few hair-raising seconds on the Interstate. They can’t teach you “everything” during a basic driver’s education course. Additional knowledge still has to come through experience and further study. The firearms learning curve isn’t much different.
I passed my NRA Instructor certification over a year ago, but have not tried to hold a class on my own, mostly because I still felt inadequately prepared. I felt my own knowledge gaps keenly. It turns out that I was correct in this self-assessment.
For this class I was more of an assistant-to-the-assistant, rather than “Instructor”, because I still had a bum post-op hand. There were a few more students than normal who had signed up for the class, and the husband/wife teaching team asked me to be another set of eyes and ears for them. I was happy to oblige. They brought all of their own AV equipment, handouts, demo guns, dummy rounds, targets, staple guns, real guns, real ammo, sandbags, extra eye and ear protection, folding tables, experience, patience and fortitude. I brought… myself.
Needing all of that gear alone showed me that I was not prepared to host my own classes yet. In addition to that, I discovered that I am more inexperienced with single action revolvers than I thought – particularly the idiosyncrasies of the borrowed one on the table – with which I was helping students to demonstrate their knowledge of loading dummy rounds.
Hopefully though, my inexperience provided a good example for the students. When I ran into a snag, I demonstrated that I was not afraid to raise my own hand as an “instructor” and ask the other instructors for help with the mechanics that we were having a problem with.
I’m not one to try to bluff my way through a situation. We physicians consult with other physicians all the time, so that mindset served me well. Recognizing ones own limitations is a critically important skill. In the cases of medicine and firearms, it can be a lifesaving skill as well.
Another area in which I found myself lacking was the ability to watch a student and then analyze inaccurate shots. Was it due to grip? Trigger slap? Anticipation? The student’s bifocals? A trigger pull that was too long/hard for the student’s hand strength? And was it the gun, ammo, or student technique that caused three stovepipe jams in a row? That analysis takes experience – experience which I do not yet have, but which hopefully can be gained with time.
In addition to my shortcomings I did also find out that I have strengths. This was a mixed class, but there were more women than men. The female students in particular seemed to respond well to my “style” of coaching and encouragement. That’s good to know. Sometimes I can be abrupt and curt, other times overly effusive. Whatever balance I struck that day seemed to be the right one.
I’m happy that it was a good experience for the students, because it certainly was an educational one for me. I hope I am asked to assist with future classes, because I know there is still more for me to learn about what I didn’t know that I don’t know. I suspect that this quest for knowledge and experience will be a lifelong pursuit.
Editor’s Note: 9 years into my own time as an instructor, and with thousands of students through my classes, I know more now than I ever have about shooting and am more proficient now than at any other time. I also know that the amount of knowledge I possess vs. the amount that exists continues to be a larger and larger disparity. For everything I learn I also learn of four things I don’t know yet, seriously a 1:4 ration of known vs. unknown. There is always someone who knows something you do not, period. Learn it, then learn the next item and the next.
Never fear being thought a novice, a novice learns. Fear being thought a fool, a fool learns nothing.
Follow-through occurs when you keep contact with the trigger between shots and only let the trigger release to the “reset position.” Do not allow the trigger to come forward after a shot any more than is needed to reset the trigger and get your sights back on target. As Lynn Givens of Rangemaster says, “The cycle of firing a shot does NOT end at “Bang!”; it ends when you are back on target, trigger is reset, the sights are realigned, and you are ready to fire again.”
Welcome to the We Like Shooting show, Episode 241 – tonight we’ll talk about WLS Colorado meetup, SBA3 pistol brace, Faxon, Desert Tech SRS A1, Liberty Doll and more!
The Smith & Wesson .380 Shield EZ - The Perfect Grandma Gun?
The Smith & Wesson .380 Shield EZ – Can a grandma with no experience learn how to use it?
There’s a target market for handguns I hadn’t considered thoughtfully until recently. Much of my shooting career has been focused on what I and people like me – young, fit, enthusiastic – can do with guns. With the advantages of average or better strength, the desire to master a new skill, and the time to spend practicing, gun choice was mostly a matter of preference.
But when Tamara Keel introduced me to the concept of a “grandma gun,” I immediately thought of Mom. She’s not “into guns” at all. Age has taken its toll and even her firmest handshake is a delicate squeeze. Shooting isn’t likely to be a hobby for her, so what would be appropriate if she decided she wanted to be able to defend herself with a gun?
What Are Qualifications of a Grandma Gun?
The “grandma gun” needs to be something that is easy to operate both in terms of simplicity and necessary strength and dexterity. It needs to be safe for people who might not have the time to completely engrain safety practices to the point where they are instinctive and natural. It needs to be shootable for someone who may be recoil-sensitive or won’t put in a lot of time to learn how manage recoil to be able to make follow-up shots. And it needs to shoot a caliber effective for self-defense.
Those criteria make common options like the classic J-Frame revolver or a simple .22lr pistol non-ideal for many cases. There’s no slide to rack on a revolver, but the heavy double-action trigger and snappy recoil can make it a difficult choice. A .22lr pistol may be easy to operate and shoot, but a larger caliber would be preferred if possible for the shooter. So what to do?
When Smith & Wesson announced the .380 Shield EZ, my grandma gun-hunting ears perked and I requested one for review. There are several modern .380 loadings that are capable for self-defense, particularly out of longer barrels like that on the Shield EZ. Its size seemed to be an excellent compromise between being small enough for petite hands and big enough to soak up recoil. But would the grip and thumb safeties work as I hoped? Would Mom be able to run the slide?
Yes, the .380 Shield EZ Series is Easy to Use
See, Mom’s never shot a gun before. In test of instructor and gun, I was going to take just a few hours on the range to see if she could get to the point where she would be safe and feel comfortable enough with the Shield EZ for it to be a viable option for self-defense.
Spoiler alert: it worked out great.
After just an hour in the classroom, racking the S&W .380 Shield EZ was easy for this grandma.
As in any introductory lesson, we started with safety. Mom picked up on the four rules quickly. When we moved on to actually handling the gun, it was immediately obvious that it felt good in her hands – not too big, not too small. The Shield EZ isn’t a brick that’s hard to wrap small hands around, and yet it’s large enough that there’s somewhere for both hands to go while still being able to easily reach the controls.
Many of the thumb safeties I’ve worked with new shooters on are difficult to operate because of size or how hard they are to move. We didn’t have any of those problems with the Shield EZ. In fact, Mom preferred using her shooting hand thumb to flick it on and off. She also found it a reasonable size to ride her thumb on top of the safety while shooting.
The grip safety was nearly a non-issue. It was easy to depress, requiring about the same amount of effort as needed to simply shoot the gun, and didn’t feel out of place. We did have some learning curve on what pressure was needed, but I was pleasantly surprised with how quickly Mom had it working reliably (read: almost immediately once we got to live fire).
Racking the slide? Good technique helped, but it was still easier and more pleasant than the full-size and micro carry guns I had her try. She didn’t need any coaching on slide racking by the end of the day. On our way off the range, Mom told me that an hour of dry fire over a few days would get her completely comfortable with the process.
Most importantly, from a shooting perspective, she thought it was fun and I thought her accuracy was quite good: almost all hits in the A-zone of a USPSA target at three yards. It was clearly enjoyable to shoot, for both of us.
Mom’s not ready to go get her own gun yet, but I think I’m going to keep the Shield EZ around for her and others like her.
*Post updated on November 14, 2023 for current product listing on S&W
When selecting a firearm for concealed carry that you will depend your life upon, there are four very important factors to consider.
Reliability. Your gun must work each and every time you reach for it. This means your gun must be of good craftsmanship (you get what you pay for) and remember KISS – Keep It Simple Sister. Don’t go crazy with custom upgrades, except night sights.
Effective Stopping Power. Your intent is to STOP someone who is actively trying to kill, cripple, or rape you. There is debate within the industry of the minimum caliber that you should carry as a primary gun, whether .380 or 9 mm, which is a separate conversation. Regardless, you must consider the various barriers, such as seasonal clothing that needs to be penetrated and distances/accuracy.
Wearability. You must be able to carry your gun open or concealed on your person throughout your daily routine. Select a gun that is the correct size and weight related to the size of your body frame and/or ability to carry extra weight. If you intend to purse carry as your primary option, adding a big ol’ gun to your already heavy bag is not really an appealing idea. This is a lifestyle choice and if your gun does not fit your wardrobe or body frame you are less likely to have it with you everyday. If you don’t have it with you when you need it, how can it help you?
User Friendliness. The gun you choose to potentially save your life someday must make sense to you. It must be designed to use quickly and efficiently AND complement your muscle memory. In other words, if you choose a gun with no external safeties your training should really emphasize trigger finger discipline when drawing from the holster. If you choose a gun with an external safety, then your training should include drawing from the holster and sweeping the safety. Safeties and other controls must be designed so you can operate them efficiently without having to change your strong-hand grip.
“Vista Outdoor is exploring strategic alternatives, which include potentially divesting the remaining Sports Protection brands, Savage/Stevens firearms, and Jimmy Styks [paddle boards,]” said the company, in a statement provided to CNNMoney. “We will begin the process immediately, but will take the time necessary to make prudent decisions.”
Savage recently got into the AR-15 and AR-10 line ups and while already well know for its high value bolt rifles and .22’s losing its connection to the massive Vista umbrella network could greatly diminish their ability and options to produce.
Stevens and their value shotgun line are in largely the same boat.
Vista is not just considering dropping firearms from their line up and they aren’t divesting themselves from the industry with an extensive line of optics, ammunition, and accessories still in their brand portfolio but cutting Savage and Stevens after so much pressure was exerted on companies to do so cannot help but look like capitulation or outright agreement.
Famously Dick’s dicked the dog by stopping AR sales and symbolically destroying their remaining inventory like a petulant child breaking their own toys. This was allegedly to keep these rifles out of the hands of killers.
With NRAAM this weekend and their stock taking a 15% hit after the news released we will see how Vista weathers this choice. Is it politics? Or legitimately ‘just business’. With the bare shelves I’m still seeing at local gun stores the MSR-15’s have plenty of easy homes so… we will see.
It’s no great secret that women in my demographic do not like to be cold. But many great hunting opportunities happen during the colder parts of the year. Thus, if we want to get more women afield and be sure they come back for more, it behooves us to make sure that our new recruits are warm and comfortable while they’re out there.
Chemical disposable hand warmers take awhile to heat up, and then contribute to the waste stream when their heat is exhausted. Their only advantage is that they are low cost and lightweight.
Reusable chemical hand warmers last only an hour or two, and then need to be boiled in order to recharge. They are effective (while they last) and reusable, but cumbersome.
There are also reusable hand warmers that burn lighter fluid fuel. People who are used to carrying lighters around may not be bothered by the flammable aspect, but I personally am not a fan of carrying anything in my clothing containing a flammable fuel. I’m just odd like that.
I first saw this answer to my frigid finger prayers at SHOT Show 2018, and was determined to have one to try for myself. Zippo kindly obliged me, and I have not been disappointed.
This handy warmer provides long-lasting, portable and rechargeable warmth for hands or even down a sports bra to keep your core warm. The heat has five adjustable settings and reaches a max of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
This electronic wonder generates six hours of adjustable-intensity heat, on a USB charge that takes 1-2 hours. As an added “in case of emergency” bonus, the hand warmer may also be used as a power bank to recharge a cell phone. In a situation where you may be stranded in the outdoors and need a phone signal to reach help, or for searchers to find you via GPS phone location, this feature could be a lifesaver.
I took this clever gadget to an outdoor basic pistol class I was assisting with, and it kept not only my trigger finger, but all my fingers nice and toasty. It was also popular with some of the other participants who needed a quick warm-up.
I have even used the Zippo USB hand warmer in my office. Yes, things get drafty at my desk. I keep an office sweater in my bottom desk drawer even in the summer.I have been known to warm my hands around a hot mug of tea, or over the exhaust vent of my laptop – even in July. So this little electronic wonder has been a welcome addition to my thermal arsenal.
If you are looking for a gift idea for a lady hunter, or a lady who might turn into a hunter if she were warm enough, or even your favorite shivering female office worker, be sure to check out the Zippo USB hand warmer. You don’t have to wait until fall either, because as many women office workers know, summer is “women’s winter” – and it’s coming.
I was at a friend’s home to try out his .30 cal suppressor on my SBR. I have the same make and model suppressor waiting on the approval of my Form 4 (about 2-months to go). My friend had just obtained a relatively new 10.5″ upper that came with an Aimpoint T2 for a decent price. When I found out that his whole family was going to be home and he was firing up the BBQ grill, I offered to bring my (registered) select fire AR and .22LR sub-caliber device for them to shoot. After I let the whole family, plus one of the sons’ friends, run 325-rounds of .22 LR ammo, we recovered back to the patio where I got to test out his .30-cal can on my 10.5″ 5.56 SBR.
– Situation:
After I was done, my friends’ youngest wanted to do some shooting with him. So I stood back while his son shot a suppressed M&P-15-22 at some water bottles filled with colored water. Once the youngest got tired (or frustrated?), my buddy decided to give his new upper a try while suppressed. As I was removing his (still hot) .30-cal suppressor from my SBR, his oldest son, a very hard-headed, 18-year old, recent HS graduate, know-it-all with an attitude, came out of the house and “declared” that he wanted to shoot the new gun (MISTAKE #2) (I will mention MISTAKE #1 later). He put on a set of ear muffs, picked up the rifle, grabbed a loaded magazine off the table and abruptly asked his Dad if he had the right “bullets” (MISTAKE #3). My friend quickly looked at them and nodded yes (MISTAKE #4). I observed the rounds loaded in the mag had red ballistic tips and was wondering why he was shooting those instead of FMJs (MISTAKE #5 – mea culpa).
My buddy and his son went to the established firing point and his son loaded the rifle without waiting for any command (MISTAKE #6). He took aim at the target and BOOM!! A huge ball of smoke engulfed the rifle and I observed pieces flying away from the gun. When I took a closer look at what hit the patio floor, I recognized parts and pieces of the gun and its magazine. I informed my friend that the gun had just blown up. He gave me that “I don’t believe you” look and they dropped the magazine (a windowed PMag) and tried to unlock the frozen action.
As I was watching them struggle with the rifle, I glanced down and noticed that one of the items that hit the ground was a piece of brass that looked kinda odd. I reached down and picked it up and realized what MISTAKE #1 was – the magazine his son picked up was loaded with .300 Blackout ammo!! I had not realized that my friend had brought out his .300 Blackout AR and placed it on the same table as the 5.56 ARs. In his son’s rush to do things his way now, and his Dad’s decision to let him get away with it just to avoid a confrontation, nobody had the opportunity to do establish and follow the proper procedures thus resulting in a catastrophic failure of a new upper receiver and some (fortunately) minor injury.
– LESSONS LEARNED:
MISTAKE #1 – Segregate and clearly mark your different calibers before you get on the firing line. This is especially important between “related” calibers like the .300 Blackout and the .223 REM/5.56x45mm. As in this case, the .300 Blackout will chamber in a 5.56 – once. The same should go with the corresponding rifles. Consider dedicating your AR mags to a particular caliber and marking them accordingly. Mark all the magazines you plan on using for anything but a 5.56 AR. I personally like to use either red or yellow electric tape so that I can easily tell at a glance that the magazine is not meant for my 5.56 AR; I use a marker on both sides to write the actual caliber. The same goes with other calibers (.308/7.62 vs 6.5 Creedmoor). Wal Mart sells those plastic “.30 Cal” ammo cans for about $5.00. Dedicate one for each specific caliber and also make sure you mark them accordingly.
MISTAKE #2 – Just because you have given up on disciplining your “adult” child, it doesn’t mean you should not keep them in line, especially on the firing line. Don’t be afraid to tell anyone to hold off and step back until you can properly organize yourself and the range. The firing line is not the place to be a “nice guy”. I would rather share the line with a safe asshole, than someone unsafe.
MISTAKE #3 – If I were running the line I would have had the kid put down the rifle and magazine and have him step back until I was good and ready to deal with him. I have run into this very situation when running a range with to two dozen shooters, or more, vying for their turn to use a particular barricade or shoot at a particular target. I’ve actually stopped the whole line and explained to everyone that we are all going to take a timeout and had them all unload and ground their guns while we did. I took the opportunity to cite unsafe practices and attitudes. There is no reason to be rushing anything at the firing line.
MISTAKE #4 – When it comes to verifying the correct caliber being loaded into the correct firearm, take the time to really check. Even if you segregate and mark the magazines and ammunition as suggested above. Someone could easily make a mistake and mix up your organization.
MISTAKE #5 – I should have questioned if he meant to shoot what is obviously ballistic tips (which he uses to deal with raccoons, foxes and coyotes that go after his chickens) versus FMJs that he uses for training. This might have given him pause to more closely inspect them in detail and could have prevented the mishap.
MISTAKE #6 – Unless I give a shooter to load and engage at their leisure, I have been known to stop someone, have them unload and make clear, and have them wait until I am clear on what their intentions are. When I was letting the family shoot F/A, I maintained positive control of each and every magazine that was inserted into that gun. It didn’t matter that they could never have loaded any other caliber since the only source was a can of Federal .22 LR that I supplied. Even with the younger son, I took physical control of the magazine and inspected it before I let him load it into my gun.
– ADDITIONAL LESSON: I have never had the urge to purchase a rifle that was chambered for the .300 Blackout. Once in a while, I’ll come across one that is selling for a song and the “Good Idea Fairy” will make an appearance. But then I realize that I really have no need for one and would rather not another caliber to my collection. After this experience, the chances of me doing so is even less.
I hope this helps someone down the line. Stay safe!!
BIOGRAPHY
Born and raised in the Philippines under Martial Law, Carlos Santillan first immigrated to the West Coast of Canada where he purchased his very first firearm, a Charter Arms AR-7 .22LR pistol. Carlos eventually moved to Baltimore where he applied for and became a Resident Alien. Three days after receiving his Green Card, Carlos enlisted into the US Army as an Infantryman with the Airborne School option. He first served as an Indirect-Fire Infantryman in an Armor Battalion; spending the last 26-months of his 4-year enlistment as an Arctic Paratrooper.
Upon receiving his Honorable Discharge, Carlos transferred to the MD-ARNG where he eventually completed the State Officer Candidate School (OCS) program and was commissioned as an Aviation Officer. After rotary wing flight training, he was assigned as the Aeroscout Platoon Leader and Executive Officer in an Attack Helicopter Battalion, along with the additional duty as the Battalion Marksmanship Officer.
After 8-years of service in the Army National Guard, Carlos transferred into the Inactive National Guard and subsequently the Inactive Ready Reserve. Eventually joining the US Army Reserve as a Civil Affairs Officer, served for 4-years in various positions, eventually leaving the military after almost 30-years of combined service in 2013.
In addition to his military service, Carlos spent 9-years as a Volunteer Deputy and more than 15-years volunteering as an NRA Certified Basic Pistol Instructor at his gun club. He also founded and, up until his decline in health, ran that club’s Tactical Shooters Group – a group of more than 60 shooters who prefer to conduct tactically-oriented drills. Carlos holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems Management and an MBA in Information Security.
While I usually have pleasant experiences with TSA when checking in my guns, the last time I flew I was faced with a situation where I wished I had been more prepared. I was told I had to unlock the case and wait outside of their secure room where they checked my guns to make sure they were unloaded and did the standard swab for explosive and drug residue. I argued that is against policy and the discussion escalated to the point where I was not going to be allowed to fly with my guns. I gave in and I wasn’t happy. Next time I fly, I will have this list ready in case of another unfortunate experience.
Here are the Top 10 tips for flying with firearms:
1. Know the Laws of Your Destination
Before you even start packing up your guns to travel, make sure the firearms you plan to take are legal at your destination. This means that you need to check things like which firearms or legal magazine capacity to ensure it is a compliant in the state you are visiting. Also know the concealed carry or open carry laws, what permits are recognized or required, how to legally store/transport firearms in vehicles if you don’t have a permit, and the big ones: Use of Force and Deadly force laws. They are very different from state to state. Handgunlaw.us is an excellent resource as a place to start.
2. Plan Your Connections
Try to fly nonstop so you don’t have the hustle and bustle of making connections and worry about lost luggage. Sometimes it is not an option and a connecting flight is part of the trip itinerary. When planning the trip look for airports that are in states that recognizes your LTC or CCW permit. Do not pass through states like Illinois or New York. If something were to happen that the flight was rescheduled and you had to take possession of your luggage because the airline was putting you up in a hotel room for the night, you could find yourself in violation of the law. Good luck getting back through TSA the next day.
3. Pack Your Gun at Home
Just like you pack your suitcase and do a pre-trip checklist, do the same for packing your firearm and gear. Your firearm must be completely unloaded. Nothing in the chamber (or cylinder) and empty magazines. It is very important that you do this at home, utilizing the privacy of your home and safe directions that you can control. Getting to the airport, parking, and getting inside with all your luggage is tough enough; trying to secure your gun in that mix is unnecessary stress.
4. Secure Your Guns in a Lockable Hard Case
Per the TSA regulations your unloaded firearm can be in a case with integrated combinations locks or a case with at least two holes for heavy duty locks (pad locks with keys or combinations). Pistol cases can then be stored in your checked luggage. Some people get by with using the plastic case from the gun manufacturer, but in most cases it will not meet the requirements for durability. If someone can pry open or cut through the case, it is not secure enough! Use a heavy duty travel cases for pistol, rifle, and shotgun from Explorer Cases. They are durable for travel and the big ones have wheels for convenience.
5. Weigh Your Gun Case and Ammunition
If you are trying to stay at the 50-lb limit, you might have to sacrifice other items in your luggage or check a second bag. Most airlines will allow up to 11 lbs of ammunition packed in your suitcase, and they prefer it in the original packaging. If you reload your ammo or have it in bulk, make sure that you store it in a safe container or plastic ammo box, not a flimsy bag.
6. Use Appropriate Locks
Do NOT use TSA locks on your gun case. It is actually illegal for you to use a TSA lock on a gun case because unauthorized persons could gain access to it once it has been inspected. Per the law, you alone must maintain possession of the keys or combination to open your gun case. TSA agents are not supposed to have access to your case, once cleared, without you being present to unlock the case. Once your gun has been inspected, locked up in the case, and placed inside your luggage, it is a good idea to put the TSA locks on your luggage zipper pulls. Pro tip: REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR LOCKS! Put them on your gun case and your luggage before you leave home.
7. Double Check TSA and Airline Policies
Depending on who you talk to, different TSA agents and airline employees have varied understandings of the TSA firearms policies. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone so that you can verify and prove, if necessary, that you are following the rules. While airline policies are usually consistent across companies, there could be variations with each airline so to be sure print out the policy page and bring it with you also. Ticketing agents know a lot of information, but not every agent is familiar with firearm policies, especially if they don’t deal with them often.
8. Go to the Full-Service Counter for Check In
Transport your gun case into the airport in the closed and locked condition inside of your suitcase to the ticketing agent. If you normally do curbside check-in, you will need to give yourself extra time to go inside. Don’t mess with getting your luggage tags at the kiosks; get in line for the full-service counter. After you give the agent your ID, tell the agent you need to declare a firearm(s). It is important to say the words “declare a firearm” and not “I have a gun.” You will have a very different experience, and an unpleasant one, if you say the wrong words. The agent will have you sign a declaration document. It is standard procedure that you are directed to the oversized luggage check-in area. You will go with the TSA agent to a secure room to perform the security checks and place your declaration document inside your luggage.
9. Stay With Your Bag Through Screening
After inspection by TSA, they will put your luggage in line to go through the security scanners. Don’t rush off. Stay with your bag and make sure it gets through the scanner and that TSA doesn’t need you for any other reasons during the scanning process. If they have a question or issue (because one TSA agent didn’t talk to the other TSA agent), they will call you back from the gate, which is a major pain and inconvenience.
Unexpected inspection? It is against policy, but an unexpected inspection can happen. TSA might clear your gun case upon your departure and sometime during the trip another TSA agent may cut your locks in route to your destination. They’re not supposed to without a good reason, but it happens. There is no recourse you can take for the damage to your locks, but if your gun(s) is missing, a crime has been committed and you need to notify the airline and the airports of your departure and arrival destinations. Call the police and then notify the FBI immediately to report an interstate theft of firearms. That gets attention fast!
10. Document Everything
Print airline and airport policies, print TSA policy on traveling firearms, and take pictures of your gun, case and then your luggage before it leaves your possession. If your luggage looks wrong when you pick up at the baggage claim, take pictures again before you open it.
The airport security process is a hassle whether you have your firearm or not. TSA agents are there to identify any breaches from intentional weapons to inadvertent mistakes of a forgotten pocket knife or shell casing. They’re just doing their job and you can make the process easier by educating yourself and following these ten tips. A good attitude and a smile goes a long way at the airport.
According to the Code of Federal Regulations: Title 49: Transportation, Part 1540 – Civil Aviation Security: General Rules, Subpart B – Responsibilities of Passengers and Other Individuals and Persons, 1540.111 (c) (iv) – The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the passenger retains the key or combination. Title 49: Transportation, Part 1544 – Aircraft Operator Security: Air Carriers and Commercial Operators, Subpart C – Operations, 1544.203 (f) (iii) The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the individual checking the baggage retains the key or combination;
The AR15’s stock, single-stage, mil-spec weight trigger works fine. I’ve shot targets out at 500 yards with an unaltered mil-spec M-16A2 rifle.
From Imgur
The same can be said for the SCAR series rifles. The stock FN single-stage triggers with their moderate weight and clean break (on both of my rifles at least) would lend themselves to perfectly adequate marksmanship using applied fundamentals.
So why switch them?
Why does every rifle I own that has the option to run a Geissele trigger do so?
Simple, they are the best triggers for applying combat marksmanship fundamentals. Each product they offer is purpose built for a specific application and to maximize on the disciplines involved in executing that method of shooting.
This is a combined review for one reason. The Super SCAR and Super Semi-Auto – Enhanced are, with the exception of mean (average) stage weights and platform, the same product. In fact this review gives a good overview of Geissele’s entire combat trigger line up.
The SSA-E and SuperSCAR are two stage combat triggers for two current service rifle families and their derivatives. These are the non select-fire versions of the products designed for the semi-auto only counterparts to the service rifles.
Mission: Uncompromising Reliability with Enhanced Performance
Geissele has a keenly focused understanding that they build combat grade equipment for warfare. In every product they design that focus remains, even those designed for the competitive sporting fields. They demand absolute reliability inherent in their design.
The reduced pull weights are secondary to the trigger maintaining or improving on the rifle’s ability to ignite a primer and a send a round to end an enemy combatant. Then reset and do it exactly the same way next pull.
What is Two-Stage? What are the Advantages?
The stock ‘Mil-Spec’ AR-15 and SCAR triggers are single-stage. With a modest amount of travel during their pull they break once the pull weight is reached. On release and reset they take up pretty much the same position they were in prior and will once again travel and break at the weight range designated, usually 6-9lbs of pressure depending on the individual rifle.
Two-stage triggers change the pull action to have two distinctly separate operations. The first stage has a lighter mean engagement weight, listed as 2.3lbs and 2.5lbs for the SSA-E and SuperSCAR respectively, where the trigger will travel freely and smoothly reward against the trigger spring.
This 1st stage removes the ‘grit’ of the trigger’s metallic surfaces interacting that is often a complaint of single stage triggers. Additionally this allows the operator to ‘stack’ the trigger. It’s an orange zone if you will, you can prepare for a shot in a safe manner with a distinct stop before the shot breaks by taking up the first stage but still have the ability to safely release the trigger if the shot is no longer a tactical necessity. The operator must still be very aware of how close they are to breaking the shot and ready to judge if they go from orange to red and fire or orange to yellow and the finger comes off the trigger, but the trigger design allows this to be done much more precisely and safely than ‘mil-spec’ designs where the amount of give and movement prior to ignition is always a guessing game.
The 2nd stage is is the ‘wall’ or stop point you hit after smoothly pulling through the first stage. This stop is the final preparatory action before committing to the shot. The machined geometry of the trigger mechanism makes the trigger travel at this point minimal so that reaching the required break weight pressure, 3.5lbs (SSA-E) total and 4.0lbs (SCAR) total, will fire the rifle while minimizing sympathetic motion transfer often imparted through the trigger press.
Minimizing the sympathetic motion transfer, all the extra movements the operator is imparting to the rifle while squeezing the trigger, will increase accuracy. It’s this purposeful design, more even than the lightened pull weights, that unlock more of a rifles inherent mechanical accuracy.
Going from 0lbs pressure through your finger, hand, and arm to 6-9lbs is not an insignificant change. Depending on how the rifle is equipped you’re imparting 50-100% of the force necessary to move the entire rifle just to the trigger and the trigger will have to move a short distance before firing.
The SSA-E and SuperSCAR change that by having most of the triggers required movement take place under only about 20-33% of the rifle’s weight in force and the final breaking force be about 30-50% of the rifle’s weight minimizing imparted movements.
Finally the triggers are designed to reset for firing just forward of the 2nd Stage so that a shortened take up of the first stage puts the operator right at the firing point again while still going through both stages distinctly. This again minimizes required motion to fire the rifle while improving control.
These fine triggers do this while not compromising the reliability. Geissele uses springs and hammer designs that impart the full force of mil-spec hammer impact onto the firing pin.
A common method of lightening trigger press weights is to change the springs to lighter ones which compromise a rifles ability to properly and consistently ignite primers, Geissele would not accept that. I am very happy they wouldn’t.
Will it Make the Rifle More Accurate?
No.
The rifle’s mechanical accuracy is inherent in the quality of the barrel and action.
They can, however, allow you to shoot more accurately and get closer to the rifles mechanical accuracy.
Installing an SSA-E or SuperSCAR trigger will lighten the trigger pull weight as the most noticeable change.
This is an expensive way to possibly improve your current accuracy an unimpressively mediocre amount.
But if the operator (you) are versed in the proper fundamentals of accurate shooting and apply those, you will find significant gains in how easy it is to apply the fundamentals to your shot.
You will become faster, smoother, and more accurate since the mechanism you’re using properly requires less force from the user and less motion from the user to fire. The trigger is minimizing the windows for operator imparted errors during shooting while maintaining safety and reliability.
These 2-Stage combat triggers are designed to work against possible negligent discharges with the ‘feedback through feel’ it imparts through the rifle to the operator, the trigger reset is not right at the firing point, and imparting full ignition force to the primer.
Both the SSA-E and SuperSCAR make the install as painless as possible while dealing with parts under tension.
They helpfully add instructions and ‘cheater’ pins that help hold parts in place while trigger and hammer pins are pushed out and in.
Bill goes into great detail here and the SSA/SSA-E can be installed by hand with very little assistance and a couple tools.
The SCAR install is a different animal just due to different parts but it is not overly difficult in either a 16 or 17 (The 16 has one additional retainer plate)
If you’re looking to maximize the performance of your rifle first… square away your fundamentals.
Any time is a great time to invite a friend to the range. Especially if he or she is a nonshooter or antigunner, introducing your friend to gun safety is always rewarding for everyone.
Before you take a new shooter to the range, plan using this checklist so that you give her the best experience possible. Use our SOS (Share Our Sisterhood) cards to extend your invitation. Write your name and meeting time/location on the card so that she has your information. Give or your time and share our community with her!
Arrange for a time to meet.
Go to a facility that is clean and friendly.
Schedule your meeting during a slow time at the range.
If you don’t know how to teach, arrange for a firearms instructor to work with your newbie. Don’t let her learn incorrectly.
Talk to the instructor to make sure she hits the high points and doesn’t overload your friend.
Try to go to eat together afterwards so that you can answer any of her questions about safe storage, talking to her kids about guns, holsters, carry/home defense, competition, etc.
The further the target the more difficult the target.
Remember this applies to you. Unless your specific mission is destruction of an enemy or aggressor force your fighting is likely a defensive action.
The goal of your fight is to get to safety, permanent decimation of the aggressor’s ability to fight could be a consequence of your actions in getting to safety but it is not, in itself, an end goal or objective so much as it is a method or contributor to get to the end goal. This is eminently true in civilian defense and law enforcement applications.
As a civilian defender the first opportunity to safely ‘beat feet’ should be taken, even if that is just a small gain in distance and cover. The position of advantage is the most protected and most distant. Once you are out of sight you are likely out of mind as the aggressor seeks targets of greater opportunity or breaks off the brief and sudden attack because the gain or goal is no longer attainable. In the less likely event of pursuit you can take advantage of their advance to engage as they come into your fire (assuming you are armed, if not keep moving).
In law enforcement circles, rapidly moving civilians away from the epicenter of the violent incident keeps them safer and establishing, where possible, safe distances for stand off where marksman can engage but are as protected as possible from the aggressor(s) is par for the course.
For your personal tactical priorities this encompasses the first. Run.
In the Run, Hide, Fight list of priority distance is your gain. Moving away, and when possible laterally with cover, gives you time, space, and opportunities to get to further toward safety. When necessary and legally appropriate, fighting to garner an additional opportunity to gain distance may be necessary.
Finally remember that lateral movement (movement perpendicular, left and right from aggressor perspective) to the target makes you much more difficult to hit. Short exposure times and quick movements are best. The longer you are exposed the more time they have to aim at you.
MISTAKE #2 – Just because you have given up on disciplining your “adult” child, it doesn’t mean you should not keep them in line, especially on the firing line. Don’t be afraid to tell anyone to hold off and step back until you can properly organize yourself and the range. The firing line is not the place to be a “nice guy”. I would rather share the line with a safe asshole, than someone unsafe.
