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What “Good Ready” Looks Like: A Safety-Forward Checklist for Responsible Firearm Ownership There’s a difference between owning a firearm and being responsibly “ready” to own one. “Good ready” isn’t about speed, tactics, or showing off gear—it’s about building calm, repeatable habits that reduce risk, protect the people around you, and keep your equipment dependable for its intended lawful use. This article focuses on high-level, non-tec …

Optics Basics Beyond “Zero”: Choosing a Simple, Safe Setup for Everyday Range Use Modern optics can make it easier to see your aiming reference, confirm your target, and shoot more comfortably—especially in challenging light or for shooters with aging eyes. But optics also introduce new choices (and a few new ways to get frustrated): dot sizes, reticles, mounting footprints, eye relief, batteries, brightness settings, and more. This guide covers optics at a high level—wha …

Range Etiquette 101: How to Be a Safe, Courteous Shooting Neighbor Whether you’re visiting an indoor lane range for the first time or you’ve been shooting for years, good range etiquette keeps the environment calm, predictable, and safe. It’s also a practical way to show respect for the staff and for other shooters who may have different experience levels, goals, and equipment than you. This guide focuses on common, broadly applicable expectations at U.S. shooting ranges. Alway …

Understanding Firearm Actions: How Different Operating Types Affect Handling, Maintenance, and Buying Decisions When people talk about a firearm being “bolt-action” or “semi-auto,” they’re describing the action: the operating system that loads, fires, and unloads a cartridge. Action type influences everything from how a firearm feels to run, to how you shop for it, to what you can reasonably expect in terms of upkeep and user experience. Understanding the basics can …

Zeroing Explained: A Safety-Forward Guide to Confirming Point of Impact Zeroing is one of the most misunderstood parts of getting comfortable with a firearm. People often treat it like a one-time chore—or assume it’s purely about precision shooting. In reality, a good zero is a confidence and accountability tool: it helps you understand where your firearm places rounds with a specific ammunition choice at a known distance, so you can make informed decisions at the range and avoid sur …