top of page

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.


Glock 44 22LR Breakdown & Review
The Glock 44 is a semiautomatic pistol introduced by Glock, a leading manufacturer of firearms, in 2019. It represents Glock's entry into the .22 LR pistol market, offering shooters a lightweight and low-recoil option for training, plinking, and even small game hunting. One of the most notable features of the Glock 44 is its chambering in .22 LR, a popular and widely available rimfire cartridge. This makes the Glock 44 more accessible for shooters in terms of ammunition cost


P-80 pistol Breakdown & Review
The Polymer 80 pistol is a unique and innovative option for firearms enthusiasts, particularly those interested in building their own custom pistols. The Polymer 80 refers to a specific type of 80% lower receiver kit, which is essentially an unfinished frame that requires some additional work to complete the firearm. One of the key features of the Polymer 80 pistol is its construction material, hence the name. The frame is made from a durable polymer material, which is renown


Taurus Judge First 24 Review
The Taurus Judge is a versatile and unique firearm that has gained popularity among gun enthusiasts and self-defense advocates alike. Manufactured by Taurus, a reputable Brazilian firearms company, the Judge combines the handling and functionality of a revolver with the capability to chamber both .410 shotgun shells and .45 Colt ammunition. One of the standout features of the Taurus Judge is its ability to fire .410 shotgun shells. This makes it a formidable option for self-d


Smith & Wesson 638 Revolver Review
The Smith & Wesson 638 revolver is a compact and reliable firearm manufactured by one of the most well-known firearms companies, Smith & Wesson. The 638 is part of the iconic Smith & Wesson J-Frame series, which is highly regarded for its concealed carry capabilities and self-defense applications. One of the standout features of the Smith & Wesson 638 is its compact size and lightweight design. It has a small frame, making it easy to conceal and carry comfortably for extended


Heritage Rough Rider 22LR Revolver Breakdown & Review
The Heritage Rough Rider revolver is a popular and affordable firearm known for its classic design and versatility. Manufactured by Heritage Manufacturing, this revolver pays homage to the iconic single-action revolvers of the Old West, offering gun enthusiasts a chance to experience a piece of history at an accessible price point. One of the standout features of the Heritage Rough Rider is its aesthetic appeal. The revolver features a timeless and rugged design, reminiscent


Smith & Wesson 442 Revolver Review
While I can provide general information about firearms, it is always recommended to refer to official sources, manufacturer websites, or consult with experts for the most accurate and up-to-date information about a specific firearm model. However, I can provide you with some general information about the Smith & Wesson J-Frame revolvers, which the 442 is a part of. The Smith & Wesson J-Frame series is renowned for its compact design and lightweight construction, making it a p


Glock 45 & 47 Review & Comparison
The Glock 45 and the Glock 47 are both pistols manufactured by Glock, a renowned firearms company known for their reliability and widespread use by law enforcement and military personnel. While both models share certain similarities, they also have some key differences. In terms of size, the Glock 45 and the Glock 47 fall into different categories. The Glock 45 is a compact-sized pistol, designed for concealed carry and self-defense purposes. It features a 4.02-inch barrel an


Shadow System DR920P Breakdown & Review
The DR920 P is a compact and versatile firearm manufactured by Shadow Systems, a company known for producing high-performance pistols for self-defense and duty use. The Shadow Systems DR920 P is a striker-fired pistol that combines modern features with a durable and reliable design. This firearm is specifically designed for concealed carry, making it ideal for individuals who prioritize compactness and ease of carry. One of the standout features of the DR920 P is its modulari


S&W 986 Revolver Review
The Smith & Wesson 986 is a versatile and high-quality firearm manufactured by Smith & Wesson, a renowned firearms company known for their commitment to quality and reliability. The Smith & Wesson 986 is a medium-frame revolver that is chambered in 9mm, a popular and widely available caliber. This chambering allows shooters to take advantage of the availability and variety of 9mm ammunition, making it an excellent choice for both self-defense and target shooting. One of the s


Ruger EC9s Review & Breakdown
The Ruger EC9s is a compact and affordable semi-automatic pistol produced by Ruger, a reputable firearms manufacturer known for their quality and reliability. The Ruger EC9s is specifically designed for concealed carry and personal defense. It features a slim and lightweight frame, making it easy to carry discreetly and comfortably. Its compact size, weighing just under 18 ounces, allows users to comfortably wear it for extended periods without causing fatigue or discomfort.


Canik TP9 SF Elite Breakdown & Review
The Canik TP9 SF Elite is a compact, striker-fired 9 mm pistol designed for everyday carry, concealed carry, and defensive use. It is part of Canik’s TP9 series, a lineup known for combining ergonomics, trigger quality, and value in a reliable package. Canik Arms+1 Key Role: Concealed carry Personal defense Range and reliability training Specs & Design Platform & Operation Action: Striker-fired semi-automatic Caliber: 9×19 mm Capacity: ~ 15 + 1 rounds standard Barrel:


SDS Imports PX-9 Gen 3 Duty Breakdown & Review
The SDS Imports PX-9 Gen 3 Duty is a semi-automatic pistol produced by SDS Imports, a company known for their reliable and high-quality firearms. The PX-9 Gen 3 Duty is a full-sized, striker-fired pistol designed with duty use in mind. It is chambered in 9mm, a versatile and widely available caliber known for its manageable recoil and effectiveness. The 9mm chambering allows for accurate and controllable shooting, making it suitable for law enforcement, security personnel, an


Taurus GX4 Breakdown & Review
The Taurus GX4 is a compact, polymer-framed, semi-automatic pistol manufactured by Taurus, a well-known firearms company. Let's explore more about this firearm! The Taurus GX4 is designed for concealed carry and personal defense, offering shooters a compact and lightweight option. It has a slim profile and weighs just under 19 ounces, making it easy to carry comfortably for extended periods. The compact size of the GX4 ensures it can be easily concealed, making it an ideal ch


Taurus G3 Breakdown & Review
The Taurus G3 is a full-sized, polymer-framed, semi-automatic pistol manufactured by Taurus, a well-known firearms company. Let's dive into the details about this firearm! The Taurus G3 is designed for a variety of purposes, including self-defense, target shooting, and duty use. It features a full-sized frame that provides a comfortable grip and superior control during shooting. The ergonomics of the G3 are outstanding, with a textured grip that ensures a secure hold, minimiz


Taurus TH9 Compact Breakdown & Review
The Taurus TH9 Compact is a striker-fired, semi-automatic pistol manufactured by Taurus, a renowned firearms company. It is designed for concealed carry and personal defense purposes. The TH9 Compact offers a balance between size, capacity, and performance, making it a popular choice among gun owners. This firearm is chambered in 9mm, a versatile and widely available caliber known for its manageable recoil and effectiveness. The 9mm chambering allows for accurate and controll


S&W M&P 40 Breakdown & Review
I'm here to provide you with information about the Smith & Wesson M&P 40 caliber pistol. The M&P (Military & Police) series is a widely recognized line of firearms produced by Smith & Wesson, a renowned firearms manufacturer. Let's dive into the details about the M&P 40 caliber! The Smith & Wesson M&P 40 caliber is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .40 S&W (Smith & Wesson). The .40 caliber round offers a balance between stopping power, manageable recoil, and magazine capac


Taurus 856 Defender Revolver Review
The Taurus 856 Defender is a small-frame, double-action/single-action (DA/SA) .38 Special revolver designed primarily for self-defense, concealed carry, and backup use. It’s part of Taurus’s 800-series lineup and is built on the Scandium (alloy) or steel frame depending on the specific model variant. The “Defender” designation generally refers to a compact model with short barrel and fixed sights optimized for defensive carry. Key Specifications Caliber: .38 Special Can fire


Sig Sauer P320 Breakdown & Review
The SIG Sauer P320 is a modular, striker-fired, semi-automatic pistol introduced by SIG Sauer in the mid-2010s. It has become widely known for its modularity, trigger system, and adoption by military and law enforcement agencies (notably as the U.S. Army’s M17/M18 service pistol) — marking one of the first major military contracts won by a striker-fired design. Key Specifications (General P320 Platform) Caliber: 9×19 mm Parabellum (most common; other calibers available includ


Beretta 92FS Breakdown & Review
The Beretta 92FS is a full-size, 9 mm, semi-automatic pistol originally developed in the 1970s and introduced in the 1980s. It became widely known as the M9 service pistol of the U.S. military (adopted in 1985 and in service through recent years), and has long been respected for its reliability, accuracy, and ergonomics. It is part of the larger 92 series, but “92FS” refers to this specific civilian and law-enforcement model with the Beretta “FS” safety/decocker system. Key S


Sig Sauer P365 XL Breakdown & Review
The SIG Sauer P365 XL is a compact, striker-fired, polymer-frame 9 mm pistol designed primarily for everyday concealed carry while offering a balance of capacity, shootability, and features. It’s an extended version of the original P365, with a slightly larger slide and longer barrel, blending concealability with improved handling and sight radius. Key Specifications (P365 XL, Typical) Feature Specification Caliber 9×19 mm Parabellum Action Striker-fired, semi-automatic Barre
bottom of page


