Freestate Training Academy

Seventy-two hours after the grid dies, the most shocking thing isn’t darkness — it’s the silence. The constant hum of refrigerators, HVAC, and transformers disappears. Phones become useless, alarm systems fail, and suddenly every device you trusted is just plastic. In that quiet, people notice things they didn’t before: who has what in their house, who’s been keeping to themselves, and who’s been stockpiling. In a world where help isn’t coming, security isn’t something you bu

As an overview of the basic woodworking tools you would need to begin your own gunstock woodworking customization project, I will be discussing a number of different tools and their uses. Please note that the tools being discussed are just the basics and not a comprehensive list of items you must have to complete your project. For example, a butter knife would not be listed as a basic woodworking tool but if you find a use for it that works well for the project you are workin

The term inletting is used to describe the process of carefully cutting away sections of a stock to fit the receiver, barrel and action. Typically, if you are buying a kit today there is a semi-finished stock included that has its general shape already formed and the section where you drop in your receiver, action or barrel are usually precut and only need a little work to fully complete. Using inletting black or simply by smoking the parts, press them in place and it should

For this, I have selected the Barrett M82A1 .50 Caliber rifle because it is one of the heaviest recoiling rifles on the market today. This is not often seen by many gunsmiths because of its price and availability but I myself have had the pleasure of working with and handling this rifle. While I believe this rifle specifically should have every available option installed in an attempt to reduce its felt recoil, the option I would likely start with would probably be to add a s

Having worked with a ridiculous number of firearms at this point in my career, I can attest that firearms blueprints and drawings can really come in handy when trying to diagnose and fix a malfunctioning firearm. If someone is handing you a firearm that you have never worked on before there is always going to be some sort of learning curve but one of the best ways to get started is research and this is done best with the use of things like exploded views and diagrams. If you

According to what I was able to find in the Encyclopedia Britannica website, a chemical reaction can be defined as “a process in which one or more substances, the reactants, are converted to one or more different substances, the products.” In other words, it is a change from one thing to another like a solid into a gas or a liquid into a solid. A great example of a chemical reaction can be the change gunpowder undergoes once ignited. What starts off as a solid, becomes a gas

There are three major factors to consider when looking to purchase a new rifle or designing a stock and they are the rifle’s purpose, the caliber it fires, and the amount of felt recoil the user gets when using it. Let us begin with the reason the rifle is being purchased. People may buy a rifle for a number of reasons, but I would say the most common would be for hunting, recreational shooting or simply because it looks really cool and will impress others. Hunters want an ac

Both the 6.5 Creedmoor and the .308 Winchester (commonly referred to as 308) are popular cartridges for long-range shooting and hunting. However, determining which one performs better is subjective and depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the shooter. The 6.5 Creedmoor typically offers better long-range ballistics due to its high ballistic coefficient and less wind drift, resulting in less bullet drop and better accuracy at extended distances. It also has

The AK-47 and AK-74 are both iconic assault rifles designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. While they share similar overall designs, there are several key differences between the two: 1. Caliber: The primary difference between the AK-47 and AK-74 lies in the caliber and associated ammunition they use. The AK-47 is chambered in the 7.62x39mm cartridge, while the AK-74 is chambered in the 5.45x39mm cartridge. The AK-47 fires a larger, heavier bullet compared to the smaller, faster bu

1. Personal Protection: One of the primary reasons individuals choose to own a firearm is for personal protection. Having a firearm can provide a means to defend oneself and loved ones in potentially dangerous situations. 2. Home Defense: Firearms can serve as a deterrent and a means to protect one's home and property. In the event of a break-in or home invasion, a firearm can offer a greater sense of security and the ability to defend oneself and their family. 3. Recreatio

The .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO (commonly referred to as .556) are two popular rifle cartridges. While they appear similar, there are a few key differences between the two: 1. Chamber pressure: The 5.56 cartridge is loaded to a higher pressure than the .223. This means that rifles chambered for 5.56 are designed to handle the higher pressures safely. 2. Chamber dimensions: The chamber dimensions of the 5.56 are slightly different compared to the .223. The 5.56 chamber

Self-defense and home protection are essential considerations for personal safety and the well-being of individuals and their loved ones. While self-defense and home protection strategies can encompass various aspects, having the means to protect oneself and deter potential threats is a significant component. Firearms: Firearms are often considered as a means of self-defense and home protection. They offer the potential for immediate response and the ability to neutralize a

Benelli is a renowned firearms manufacturer with a rich history and a legacy of producing high-quality shotguns and rifles. The company's commitment to innovation, reliability, and Italian craftsmanship has solidified its position as a leader in the firearms industry. This article explores the heritage of Benelli, notable models, technological advancements, community involvement, and the enduring appeal of Benelli firearms. Legacy of Excellence: Founded in 1967 by the Benell

The SIG SAUER SP2022 is a popular semi-automatic pistol that has gained a reputation for its reliability, accuracy, and affordability. With its sleek design and advanced features, it is a favorite among law enforcement agencies, military personnel, and recreational shooters. The SP2022 is chambered in 9mm and has a magazine capacity of 15 rounds, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The full-size polymer frame offers a comfortable grip and helps to reduce over

1. Are there any features that are common to all the firearms in this publication? 2. Choose five features of Henry firearms that are not common to most of the models listed. 3. Describe those features, and state which models exhibit them. The Henry rifle company has been around for a long time and was patented back in 1860. Most of their models use the iconic leaver action to feed, chamber, extract and eject ammunition and have done so since their earliest mo

The Walther PDP  (Performance Duty Pistol) is a striker-fired semi-automatic pistol  designed by Walther Arms  and introduced in 2021  as a replacement and evolution of the popular Walther PPQ series. It’s engineered as a duty-ready, modular 9 mm handgun  with modern features optimized for defense, duty use, concealed carry, and competition shooting. Wikipedia Design & Core Specs Platform & Operation Type:  Semi-automatic, striker-fired, short-recoil operated pistol. Caliber:

The Staccato C2  is a compact, double-stack 2011-pattern 9 mm pistol  aimed at defensive carry , professional use , and shooters who want 1911-like single-action performance  in a size that’s still reasonably concealable. It blends classic 1911 controls with modern high-capacity engineering , much like the guns used in high-end competitive and duty circles. Staccato 2011 Platform Type: Single-action-only, hammer-fired 2011 Double-stack magazine (flush ~16 rounds) 3.9″ bull ba

Elaborated Explanation: Properly Cleaning a Firearm Barrel Why Barrel Cleaning Matters Cleaning a firearm’s barrel is critical for: Maintaining accuracy  (removing copper, lead, and carbon fouling) Ensuring reliable function Preventing corrosion and rust Extending barrel life Residue left in the bore can degrade rifling over time and cause pressure inconsistencies shot-to-shot. Step-by-Step Breakdown with Added Detail 1. Preparation & Safety Your emphasis on safety is correct

Elaborated Explanation: The Cycle of Operations The cycle of operations  describes the complete mechanical sequence  that occurs from the moment a firearm is fired until it is ready to fire the next round. Every repeating firearm—whether bolt-action, semi-automatic, or fully automatic—must complete this cycle correctly to function safely and reliably. While the exact mechanics differ by firearm type, the core steps are universal . Step-by-Step Breakdown (Expanded) 1. Feeding

Ten miles is an ordinary distance in normal times—a morning walk, a short commute, a trivial inconvenience. But when every road is controlled by gangs, ten miles becomes something else entirely. It becomes a calculated movement through hostile territory, where survival depends not on speed or strength, but on discipline, planning, and restraint. The destination is irrelevant. Whether the goal is supplies, family, or safety, the challenge lies in what exists between here and t