Freestate Training Academy

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

This review is for educational purposes only. Anytime anyone handles firearms, they are required to follow all safety rules and regulations.

A rifle buffer  is a weighted, spring-loaded component housed in the buffer tube (receiver extension)  of an AR-style rifle. Its job is to: Slow and control the rearward movement of the bolt carrier group (BCG) Absorb recoil energy Help return the bolt carrier forward into battery Improve reliability and shooting smoothness The buffer works together with the buffer spring , not on its own. Where the Buffer Lives Located inside the buffer tube Sits directly behind the bolt car

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

Clearing Pistol Malfunctions Using the S.P.O.R.T.S. Technique The S.P.O.R.T.S. technique  is a systematic immediate-action drill  used to diagnose and clear the most common semi-automatic pistol malfunctions , especially failure to fire  and failure to feed . It is designed to be: Fast Consistent Performed under stress Applicable without diagnosing the exact malfunction first What S.P.O.R.T.S. Stands For Letter Action S Slap P Pull O Observe R Release T Tap S Shoot Step-by-St

Clearing Malfunctions Using the S.P.O.R.T.S. Technique The S.P.O.R.T.S. technique  is a systematic immediate-action drill  used to diagnose and clear the most common semi-automatic malfunctions , especially failure to fire  and failure to feed . It is designed to be: Fast Consistent Performed under stress Applicable without diagnosing the exact malfunction first What S.P.O.R.T.S. Stands For Letter Action S Slap P Pull O Observe R Release T Tap S Shoot Step-by-Step Breakdown 1

Understanding your dominant eye  is a critical—but often overlooked—part of improving shooting accuracy. Just as most people have a dominant hand, most also have a dominant eye that the brain prefers for precise alignment and depth perception. In shooting, proper sight alignment depends heavily on this visual dominance. What Is a Dominant Eye? Your dominant eye  is the eye your brain naturally relies on for: Precise alignment Spatial awareness Target focus Even if both eyes h

At first glance, it seems inconsistent—or even confusing—that .40 S&W  uses an inch-based name while 9mm  uses the metric system. The reason comes down to a mix of history, geography, marketing, and standards , not physics. Let’s break it down clearly. It Starts With Two Measurement Systems Firearm calibers are named using either : Imperial units (inches)  – common in the U.S. Metric units (millimeters)  – common in Europe and most of the world There is no single global rule

Zeroing an optic isn’t just about turning dials until hits land near the center of the target—it’s about understanding the relationship between Point of Aim (POA)  and Point of Impact (POI) . Mastering this concept is one of the fastest ways to achieve a precise, repeatable zero and improve overall shooting accuracy. What Are POA and POI? Point of Aim (POA) Where your sights or optic are aimed The exact point you place your reticle, dot, or crosshairs on the target Point of I

Follow-through is one of the most misunderstood—and most neglected—fundamentals of accurate shooting. Many shooters believe the shot is “over” once the trigger breaks, but in reality, what you do immediately after the shot is just as important as what you do before it . Good follow-through ensures that the bullet leaves the barrel on the intended path and that you’re ready for consistent, accurate follow-up shots. What Is Follow-Through? Follow-through  is the act of maintain

The B.R.A.S.S. technique  is a fundamentals-based shooting method designed to improve accuracy, consistency, and shot control . Unlike malfunction-clearing acronyms, this version of B.R.A.S.S. focuses on the mental and physical process of firing an accurate shot . It’s especially effective for new shooters , but it’s just as valuable for experienced shooters who want to slow down, eliminate bad habits, and tighten groups. What Does B.R.A.S.S. Stand For? B.R.A.S.S.  breaks the

A proper handgun grip is the foundation of accuracy, recoil control, and fast follow-up shots. Even small grip errors can lead to inconsistent hits, increased recoil, and fatigue. The good news? Grip technique is learnable, repeatable, and adaptable  to nearly every handgun and shooter. This guide walks through how to grip your handgun correctly , why it works, and common mistakes to avoid. Why Grip Matters Your grip affects: Recoil management Sight stability Trigger control

If accuracy is your goal, trigger control is the single most important skill to master . You can have a perfect stance, grip, and sight picture—but if you mishandle the trigger, your shots will miss. The good news? Trigger control is a trainable skill , and improvements often show up quickly once shooters understand what’s really happening during the trigger press. Why Trigger Control Matters So Much The trigger is the only part of the firearm you intentionally move while fir

When people think about accurate shooting, they usually focus on sights, trigger control, and grip. While those are critical, breathing  is one of the most overlooked fundamentals—and one of the easiest ways to improve accuracy almost immediately. Whether you’re shooting handguns, rifles, or shotguns, understanding how breathing affects your body and your sights can dramatically tighten your groups. Why Breathing Matters in Shooting Breathing directly influences: Body movemen

Revolvers remain popular for their simplicity, reliability, and timeless design. One of the most important choices when selecting a revolver is single action (SA) vs. double action (DA) . While they may look similar, they operate differently and suit different shooters and purposes. This guide breaks down how each works, their advantages and drawbacks, and how to decide which is right for you . What Do “Single Action” and “Double Action” Mean? The terms refer to what the trig

Firearm ownership comes with serious responsibility. Whether you’re a first-time owner or a seasoned shooter, safety fundamentals never change . This guide covers the core principles and practical habits that every gun owner should follow—at the range, at home, and in the field. The Four Universal Rules of Firearms Safety These rules apply at all times , without exception: Treat every firearm as if it is loaded Even if you know  it’s unloaded—verify it anyway. Never point th

In the context of semi-automatic pistols, safety options  are mechanical or passive features designed to prevent unintentional firing . They vary widely by design philosophy and manufacturer, from traditional manual safeties to internal passive systems. Some reduce user error; others ensure the gun only fires when the shooter intends to pull the trigger. No safety replaces safe handling fundamentals , but the right combination can enhance confidence and reduce risk. 1. Manual

Iron sights are the foundation of pistol marksmanship. Even with the rise of red dots, mastering pistol iron sights  builds strong fundamentals, improves consistency, and makes you a better shooter overall. Accuracy with irons comes from understanding sight alignment, visual focus, and trigger control—then applying them consistently. Understanding Pistol Iron Sights Most pistols use a three-sight system : Front sight  (post, dot, or blade) Rear sight  (notch with two dots or

In an age dominated by optics and red dots, rifle iron sights  remain a foundational shooting skill. Mastering iron sights builds strong fundamentals, improves consistency, and translates directly to better performance with magnified optics later on. Whether for training, hunting, competition, or preparedness, iron sight proficiency is a skill every rifle shooter should develop. Understanding Rifle Iron Sights Most rifle iron sight systems consist of: Front sight  (post, blad