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Freestate Training Academy
Freestate-Training-Academy.com is built for shooters who want more than surface-level opinions. With 400+ in-depth reviews, breakdowns, and instructional posts, our content is created and vetted by FreeState instructors and experienced professionals who live this craft every day. Whether you’re new to firearms or a seasoned shooter looking to refine your skills, this library is designed to help you make smarter decisions, train more effectively, and stay informed.


Wilson Combat EDC X9 Breakdown & Review
The Wilson Combat EDC X9 is a highly acclaimed and popular handgun designed for the everyday carry (EDC) market. With its exceptional craftsmanship, superior performance, and sleek design, it has become a favorite among firearms enthusiasts. The EDC X9 is built on a solid steel frame, making it durable and reliable. The frame has been carefully engineered to provide a comfortable and ergonomic grip, ensuring a firm hold on the firearm. This translates to better control and ac


Kel Tec PMR 30 with Kryptec Hydro Dip Review
The Kel-Tec PMR-30 is a unique and innovative handgun that has become quite popular among shooting enthusiasts. With its sleek design, high-capacity magazine, and lightweight construction, the PMR-30 offers a great balance of features and performance. One of the key features of the PMR-30 is its magazine capacity. The pistol is chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) and comes with a staggering 30-round magazine. This high capacity is rare for a rimfire handgun and p


Ruger SR1911 Breakdown & Review
The Ruger SR1911 is a popular and highly regarded handgun that pays homage to the iconic design of the original 1911. Combining classic styling with modern features, the SR1911 offers a reliable and accurate shooting experience. At the heart of the SR1911 is its solid stainless steel frame and slide. This construction provides durability and longevity, ensuring that the firearm can withstand the rigors of regular use. The stainless steel also adds a touch of elegance to the p


Bul Cherokee Breakdown & Review
The BUL Cherokee is a polymer-framed, 9 mm semi-automatic pistol made by Israeli manufacturer BUL Transmark (BUL Armory). It’s based on the proven CZ-75 / Tanfoglio action and features a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger with a manual thumb safety. Key Technical Characteristics Caliber: 9×19 mm Parabellum Action: DA/SA, short recoil, tilting barrel Capacity: 17 + 1 rounds Frame: Fiber-reinforced polymer Barrel & Slide: Forged steel components Sights: Adjustable thre


Rock Island 10mm 1911 A1 MS Tactical Breakdown & Review
The Rock Island Armory (RIA) 1911 A1 MS Tactical Pistol chambered in 10mm is a robust and versatile firearm that combines the timeless design of the 1911 platform with the powerful 10mm Auto cartridge. This pistol is a reliable and powerful option for those seeking increased stopping power for self-defense, hunting, or competition shooting. One of the key features of the RIA 1911 A1 MS Tactical Pistol is its chambering in 10mm Auto. The 10mm cartridge offers significant balli


CZ Tactical Sport Breakdown & Review
The CZ Tactical Sport pistol is a highly regarded firearm known for its exceptional accuracy and performance. Designed for competitive shooting, this handgun offers a range of features that make it a top choice among professional shooters. One of the key aspects that sets the CZ Tactical Sport apart is its heavy steel frame construction. The weight of the pistol contributes to its inherent stability, which helps reduce recoil and improves overall control during rapid firing.


Glock 43 Breakdown & Review
The Glock 43 is a compact and lightweight semi-automatic pistol that has gained immense popularity among concealed carry enthusiasts and civilians looking for a reliable self-defense firearm. Designed and manufactured by Glock, a renowned Austrian firearms company, the Glock 43 offers a balance of small size, ease of use, and reliability. One of the notable features of the Glock 43 is its slim profile and compact size. The pistol has a single-stack magazine that holds 6 round


Glock 42 Breakdown & Review
The Glock 42 is a compact and reliable semi-automatic pistol that offers both convenience and ease of use. Known for its small size, lightweight construction, and chambering in .380 ACP (Auto Colt Pistol), the Glock 42 is particularly popular among individuals seeking a reliable personal defense weapon or a discreet concealed carry option. One of the key features of the Glock 42 is its compact design. With a slender frame and a short barrel length, this pistol offers excellen


S&W M&P9 2.0 Breakdown & Review
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0 is a highly regarded pistol that combines excellent reliability, ergonomics, and versatility. As the successor to the original M&P series, this firearm has been improved in multiple areas to meet the demands of shooters for both self-defense and competition. One of the standout features of the M&P9 2.0 is its enhanced grip design. Smith & Wesson incorporated an aggressively textured grip with finger grooves, providing a secure and comfortable hold


Ruger LCP Review & Breakdown
The Ruger LCP (Lightweight Compact Pistol) is a popular and highly regarded concealed carry firearm known for its compact size, reliability, and ease of use. Manufactured by Ruger, one of the leading firearm companies in the United States, the LCP is designed specifically for self-defense and personal protection. One of the standout features of the Ruger LCP is its compact and lightweight design. Weighing in at around 9.4 ounces, the LCP is easy to carry and conceal, making i


SCCY CPX-2 Breakdown & Review
The SCCY CPX-2 is a compact and affordable semi-automatic pistol designed for concealed carry and personal defense. Manufactured by SCCY Industries, this pistol offers a combination of reliability, affordability, and ease of use, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious firearm enthusiasts. One of the standout features of the SCCY CPX-2 is its compact size. The pistol has a slim and lightweight polymer frame, making it easy to carry and conceal. It is constructed wit


Ruger LCP MAX Review & Breakdown
As of September 2021, Ruger has announced the release of a new compact pistol – the Ruger LCP Max. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Ruger LCP series, the LCP Max offers several notable upgrades and improvements that enhance its overall performance and comfort for concealed carry. One of the significant upgrades in the Ruger LCP Max is an increased capacity compared to its predecessors. Chambered in .380 ACP, the LCP Max boasts a 10+1 round capacity, offering


Field Stripping an AR-15 for Cleaning
Field stripping refers to the disassembly of a firearm into its major components for cleaning and maintenance. Specifically, let's discuss field stripping an AR-15 rifle. Before we get started, always ensure that your AR-15 is unloaded. Remove the magazine and visually inspect the chamber to confirm that there is no ammunition present. Safety should always be the top priority. 1. Perform a Safety Check: Double-check that the rifle is in a safe condition. Point the firearm in


Field Stripping an AK-47 for Cleaning
Field stripping refers to the process of disassembling a firearm into its major components for cleaning and maintenance. Let's walk through the general steps of field stripping an AK-47. 1. Ensure Safety: Before starting, make sure the AK-47 is unloaded. Remove the magazine and visually inspect the chamber to ensure there is no ammunition present. Always double-check the safety, keeping the firearm pointed in a safe direction. 2. Disassemble the Upper and Lower Receiver: The


Taurus G3XL Breakdown & Review
The Taurus G3 XL is an extended version of the Taurus G3, a popular striker-fired, polymer-frame handgun known for its affordability, reliability, and feature set. Developed by Taurus, a Brazilian firearm manufacturer, the G3 XL offers an extended barrel and grip length compared to its predecessor, providing an enhanced shooting experience for those who prefer a larger-sized pistol. One of the defining features of the Taurus G3 XL is its increased barrel length. With a 4-inch


Taurus G3C Breakdown & Review
Let's talk about the Taurus G3 C, a compact version of the popular Taurus G3. The Taurus G3 C is a striker-fired, polymer-frame handgun that offers a balance of size, capacity, and performance, making it suitable for concealed carry and self-defense purposes. With a compact size, the Taurus G3 C is designed for easy concealment and comfortable carry. It features a shorter barrel and grip compared to the standard G3, making it more suitable for individuals with smaller hands o


Springfield XDs9 Breakdown & Review
The Springfield Armory XD-S 9 is a popular semi-automatic pistol known for its compact size, reliability, and accuracy. Manufactured by Springfield Armory, this handgun is designed for concealed carry and personal defense. The XD-S 9 is chambered in 9mm, a widely used and accessible caliber known for its manageable recoil and effective stopping power. The 9mm chambering offers a good balance between magazine capacity and terminal performance, making it suitable for self-defen


Ruger 57 Review & Breakdown
The Ruger-57 is a semiautomatic pistol that has gained popularity among gun enthusiasts and collectors since its introduction in 2019. Developed by the renowned firearms manufacturer Ruger, the Ruger-57 is chambered in the impressive 5.7x28mm cartridge, which offers a unique combination of high velocity, low recoil, and armor-piercing capabilities. One of the standout features of the Ruger-57 is its capacity. The pistol sports a 20-round magazine, allowing for a significant a


SDS Imports 1911-B and Tanker 1911 Review
The SDS Imports 1911 Tanker Model is a semi-automatic pistol produced by SDS Imports, a company known for their high-quality firearms that pay homage to classic designs. The 1911 Tanker Model is inspired by the iconic 1911 pistol, a design that has stood the test of time and remains beloved by shooters worldwide. The Tanker Model specifically draws inspiration from the classic "Tanker" or "Overland" 1911, which was designed to meet the needs of tank crews during World War II.


Glock 20 10mm Breakdown & Review
The Glock 20 is a popular semiautomatic pistol manufactured by Glock, a renowned Austrian firearms company. It was introduced in 1991 as a member of the Glock "Safe Action" pistol family. The Glock 20 is chambered in 10mm Auto, a powerful cartridge that offers excellent versatility and stopping power. One of the standout features of the Glock 20 is its magazine capacity. It comes with a generous 15-round magazine, which provides users with ample firepower. The high capacity i
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