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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.


How has Steel Types and Machining Processes Changed in the past 50 years?
Depending on the type of steel used to make the firearm, the service life of the weapon may vary greatly. Of course, this is still dependent on how the individual owner stores their firearm. Mild steel with low carbon content may be more prone to rust and make a fine finish harder to achieve. Mild steel is often softer than steel made with other alloys included. This softer steel is more malleable and makes creating things like the receiver on a rifle easier to machine. Today


S&W M&P 9 2.0 Metal Frame Review
The S&W M&P 9 2.0 Metal Frame is a striker-fired, semi-automatic 9×19 mm pistol, part of Smith & Wesson’s M&P (Military & Police) lineup. The 2.0 series updated the original M&P platform with improved ergonomics, trigger feel, and modularity. The Metal Frame variant adds a steel frame/chassis (instead of the standard polymer-only frame) for increased mass, reduced felt recoil, and a more “solid” feel, especially during rapid fire or high-volume shooting. It’s designed for dut


Choose three components within the 1911 platform and answer the following questions
The 3 components I have chosen for this week include the trigger, firing pin and extractor.


Beretta APX Breakdown & Review
The Beretta APX is a striker-fired, semi-automatic pistol developed by Beretta USA and introduced in the mid-2010s. It was designed as a modern duty/service pistol with features focused on durability, ergonomics, and ease of maintenance. The APX platform has since expanded with variants (Compact, Carry, Elite, A1, A3, etc.), but the core design principles remain consistent across the family. The APX is known for its modular design, robust slide/frame interface, and user-frien


What ethical concerns are important to consider each time you receive a firearm for gunsmithing?
Identify at least one case of unprofessional work that has been performed on a 1911, how this work negatively affected the operation of the firearm and provide information as to how this work should have been performed to give a better outcome. Define why the resources you used to identify the proper method of conducting the work are credible resources and should be trusted. Detail if you would have performed this work appropriately, if you had been asked to in the past, or i


HK VP9 VS. SAR USA Comparison & Review
Here’s a factual, side-by-side comparison of the Heckler & Koch VP9 and the SAR USA SAR9 (9 mm striker-fired handguns), focusing on design, performance, features, and real-world considerations based on published specs and multiple reviews. Ergonomics & Controls HK VP9 German-engineered ergonomic grip with interchangeable backstraps and side panels, allowing highly customizable fit to different hand sizes. Fully ambidextrous controls including slide stop and magazine release.


Summarize Key Principles of Federal Law Applicable to Firearms Transactions
• Summarize Key Principles of Federal Law Applicable to Firearms Transactions


Sig Sauer P320 M18 Breakdown & Review
The SIG Sauer P320 M18 is a 9 mm, striker-fired semi-automatic pistol based on the highly modular SIG P320 platform. It was selected under the U.S. Modular Handgun System (MHS) program as the compact service pistol variant issued to branches of the U.S. military (including Marines, Air Force, and Navy). The civilian/commercial version replicates the military configuration with similar features, ergonomics, and reliability expectations. Key Specifications Caliber 9×19 mm Parab


Identify the important components of an operating budget a firearms business needs.
Identify the important components of an operating budget a firearms business needs.


Ruger LCP II VS. LCP MAX Comparison & Review
Here’s a factual, side-by-side comparison and review of the Ruger LCP II and the Ruger LCP MAX, two popular micro-compact .380 ACP pistols designed for everyday concealed carry. These pistols share a family lineage but are tuned for slightly different priorities: the LCP II is a proven, simple, ultra-compact carry pistol, while the LCP MAX builds on that platform with larger capacity and other modern enhancements. Design & Platform Philosophy Ruger LCP II Focus: Ultra-compact


What challenges do you foresee for setting up your own shooting sports business?
-Which form of business structure would you choose if you were starting your own shooting sports business?


Ruger Security 9 Breakdown & review
The Ruger Security-9 is a striker-fired, semi-automatic, polymer-frame 9×19 mm pistol introduced by Ruger in 2017. It’s designed as a compact to mid-size defensive handgun that bridges the gap between the smaller LCP line and larger duty pistols. The Security-9’s main appeal is its budget-friendly price, rugged reliability, and basic but effective features for everyday carry, home defense, or general range use. Key Specifications (Standard Security-9) Feature Specification Ca


National Requirements for a Business to Obtain Firearms Licenses
The national requirements for a business to obtain firearms licenses include several requirements. To start the individual applying for an FFL must be at least 21 years of age. The person also cannot be prohibited from possessing a firearm. Finally, don’t lie or fail to disclose any information on your forms and have a location where you plan to operate your firearms business out of that meets the needs of the FFL. In other words, do you have the means to secure your firearms


S&W M&P M2.0 Standard VS. Pro Series Comparison & Review
These two models share the same core platform, but they are optimized for slightly different uses: the Standard for broad defensive/range use and the Pro Series for shooters who want enhanced performance features (often for competition, defensive carry with enhanced controls, or more refined ergonomics). Platform & Philosophy M&P M2.0 Standard Purpose: A well-rounded defensive pistol built for everyday carry, duty, and range fun. Design Focus: Simplicity, durability, reliabil


What business licenses and permits are required to open/start up a firearms business
Conduct research and find out what business licenses and permits are required to open/start up a firearms business in your state/location.


Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard Breakdown & Review
The Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard series are small, lightweight polymer-framed defensive pistols primarily chambered in .380 ACP and (in a later variant) 9 mm. Originally introduced in the 1990s and carried into the M&P family in the 2010s, the Bodyguard pistols are intended as deep-concealment defensive tools that are easy to carry and operate, with ergonomic controls suited to their small size. The Bodyguard series includes several variants over time: M&P Bodyguard .380 (tra


I have heard of gunsmiths that will pin the grip safety in a collapsed position, would you do this?
Thanks for reaching out with your question as to whether I would consider pinning the grip safety on a 1911. Though I do see this pinning method as a much more professional way to achieve this as apposed to the use of a rubber band, I would really need to contemplate whether I would or not. On the one hand, I would have individuals sign waivers that wont make me liable for anything done with the firearm or the type of work that was done, and the 1911 does still have a safety


Mossberg Compact Cruiser AOW 12Ga Review
The Mossberg Compact Cruiser AOW refers to super-short 12 gauge pump-action shotguns made by Mossberg by removing the stock and adding a pistol grip, placing them in the Any Other Weapon (AOW) category under U.S. law. They are essentially Mossberg 500/590A1 platform shotguns with very short barrels and a pistol grip instead of a shoulder stock. AOW classification requires a special transfer with a $5 tax stamp and ATF paperwork rather than the typical $200 tax stamp required


Managing a firearms business during a national tragedy, or after a mass shooting incident.
• How would you manage a firearms business during a time such as the scenario described?


Ruger LCP II Breakdown & Review
The Ruger LCP II is a pocket-able, polymer-framed, striker-fired 9×19 mm (.380 ACP & 22Lr calibers in original LCP) pistol designed for deep concealment, simple operation, and dependable performance in a very small form factor. It’s the successor to the original LCP (.380 ACP micro pistol), updated with a more modern trigger, slide geometry, and improved ergonomics. The LCP II excels in everyday concealed carry (EDC) and backup roles, where weight and size matter most. Its si
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