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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 the firearms industry benefited from the 1911 platform?
Are there any components within the 1911 platform that were proprietary to this platform before the patent lapsing? If so, what are some of these, and are there other firearms that share these technologies today?


Kimber KHX Ultra 1911 Breakdown & Review
The Kimber KHX Ultra 1911 is a compact 1911-style semi-automatic pistol designed for carry and performance. It’s part of Kimber’s KHX series, which also includes 5″ (Custom) and 4″ (Pro) versions — with the Ultra being the 3″ barrel variant . Key features include: Chamberings: Available in 9mm or .45 ACP . Barrel: ~3″ stainless steel barrel for compact carry. Frame: Aluminum frame with KimPro II finish for corrosion resistance. Sights: Bright green and red fiber-optic


V Springs and the Process Used to Construct Them
At first glance you may not know that a V spring was in fact a spring at all. Most people have this notion in their heads that a spring is that coil of wire with loops on both ends. While this is not incorrect it is also not the only type of spring on the market. A V spring is called that because it is usually shaped this way because of a fold in the metal. A lot of older firearms were made with V springs in the action, but even newer firearms manufacture like Glock Use V spr


HK VP9 Breakdown & Review
The Heckler & Koch (HK) VP9 is a full-size, striker-fired 9×19 mm pistol produced by Heckler & Koch GmbH in Oberndorf, Germany. It was introduced in 2014 and quickly became popular with civilian shooters, law enforcement, and military users due to its ergonomic design and refined trigger system — addressing common complaints about earlier striker-fired handguns. In some markets (e.g., Europe and Canada), variants are sold under the designation SFP9 with essentially the same i


What are the elements necessary to effectively manage a firearms business?
As someone who has had the opportunity to manage two different firearms facilities for years at a time, there are several things you must get right to help you manage effectively and get your business growing. To start, you must keep your books tight. This means it is necessary to train and re-train your staff on the paperwork side of the house. Always getting a second set of eyes on the paperwork usually allows you to catch any mistakes. Depending on location and volume of g


Sig Sauer P320 M17 Breakdown & Review
The SIG Sauer P320 M17 is the civilian version of the U.S. Armed Forces’ M17 service pistol, which was selected under the Army’s Modular Handgun System (MHS) program in 2017 to replace the Beretta M9 and serve as the standard issue sidearm for multiple branches of the U.S. military. It is based on the P320 modular striker-fired platform but built to the military specification with enhancements for duty, defense, and durability. Specifications (Typical P320 M17) Feature Detail


List One Specific Type of Firearms Business and Who your Customers Should Be.
As I have managed two different Gun Ranges in the past, I believe this is the type of firearms business I would like to start. This means I will need an FFL to buy, sell, rent, gunsmith, and manufacture firearms. If I were to describe the layout of the facility, it would have two different shooting bays to handle a large customer base and to allow courses to be run while also having a space for walk-ins to shoot. I would keep a minimum of two classrooms to rotate classes out


Real Avid Accu-Punch & Hammer Review with Pin Alignment Tool
The Accu-Punch lineup includes various pin punch kits — from comprehensive master sets to smaller hammer & punch kits — all meant to replace generic hardware-store punches with purpose-built tools for firearm work. Punches are used for driving solid pins and roll pins when disassembling or assembling firearms during maintenance or upgrades. Key Features & Design Comprehensive Punch Selection The Accu-Punch Master Set includes standard, roll pin, brass, and specialty punch


What I believe the demand might be for firearms in my location, and does this match the ones I sell?
Describe what you believe the demand might be for firearms in your location, and does this match the types of firearms your firearms business would sell?


MCK SIG SAUER P320 Roni Review
The MCK (Micro Conversion Kit) is a conversion chassis that lets you take your SIG Sauer P320 pistol and turn it into a carbine-style platform . You insert the pistol into the kit, lock it in, and you gain a longer frame, stock/brace, and accessory rails. Key Features Tool-free installation — drop the pistol in and secure it without disassembling the firearm. Improved ergonomics & control compared to a bare pistol. Picatinny rails for optics, lights, and lasers. Ambidext


Practicing a guided investigation of malfunctions using multiple firearms.
1.To properly make a firearm safe, what checks would you perform?


Springfield XDE Breakdown & Review
The Springfield XD-E is a polymer-framed, hammer-fired, double-action/single-action (DA/SA) semi-automatic pistol built for concealed carry and personal defense. It blends traditional hammer-fired mechanics with modern ergonomic features derived from Springfield’s XD platform. Alien Gear Holsters Key role: Concealed carry Self-defense Everyday carry enthusiasts who prefer manual safety and hammer-fired control Design & Construction Action Type Double-Action / Single-Action


Four visual characteristics that the firearms professional can use to identify a modern finish.
1. Firearm Finish Evolution — Then vs. Now Historical Methods In the early days of firearms manufacturing, there were only a few common finish methods, such as: Bluing/Browning: Traditional protective finishes applied via chemical oxidation. Case hardening: Heat & carbon treatments that produce a mottled color effect. Plating: Basic metal coatings like nickel or chrome. These finishes were relatively easy to identify because each had a distinct appearance and there weren’


Taurus PT1911 Breakdown & Review
The Taurus PT1911 is a full-size, single-action semi-automatic pistol based on the classic Colt Model 1911 design. It has been in Taurus’s lineup since about 2005 and comes in various configurations and finishes, including .45 ACP and 9 mm versions. Wikipedia Role & Purpose Traditional 1911 platform for range use, home defense, or collection Ideal for shooters who want the feel and mechanics of a classic 1911 without paying premium prices Design, Construction & Features


Presenting the customer with options (rebarelling vs. lapping) the customer has requested lapping.
A customer returned to your shop and informs me that his customized Remington M700’s shot groups have considerably increased over his last few range sessions. While inspecting the bore, I notice severe pitting from the chamber through to approximately 10” down the barrel. The customer informs me that he has recently started shooting corrosive surplus ammunition. After presenting the customer with his options (rebarelling vs. lapping) the customer has requested I lap his barre


Canik TP9 SFX Breakdown & Review
The Canik TP9 SFX is a popular semi-automatic pistol that has gained attention and praise for its exceptional performance, features, and reliability. Manufactured by Canik, a renowned Turkish firearms company, the TP9 SFX epitomizes the company's commitment to producing high-quality and affordable firearms. One of the standout features of the Canik TP9 SFX is its exceptional accuracy. The pistol is designed with a long slide and a 5.2-inch barrel, which not only increases acc


Your customer has requested you service his favorite family heirloom - a World War II Arisaka Type 2
Your customer has requested you service his favorite family heirloom - a World War II Arisaka Type 2 Paratrooper rifle (also called aTERA - Teishin Rakkasan Assault/Raiding Paratrooper).


Sig Sauer Romeo Red Dot & Juliet Magnifier Combo Review
The SIG Sauer Romeo & Juliet combo pairs a 1× red dot sight with a 3×–5× magnifier to give shooters a versatile optic system that works for both close-quarters and intermediate-range engagements without swapping optics. It’s aimed at shooters who want fast target acquisition and added magnification on the fly . Typical combos include: Romeo-MSR (or Romeo5) red dot — usually a 2 MOA dot with multiple brightness settings, rugged housing, and waterproofing. Juliet3 Micro


Considering the time, and expense that goes into accurizing a firearm where do you draw the line?
I tell people constantly that you don’t need a $3,000 rifle, you need a $500 rifle and about $2,500 worth of training. If I hand the customer a rifle, I know is capable of tight groups at long ranges and they can’t shoot at least a 1-inch group at 50 yards then I usually recommend they take some rifle training and get back to the basics. Something as simple as their breathing could be all that they are doing wrong and a few classes later they can achieve the hits they want. T


LMT 40mm Grenade Launcher Review
The Lewis Machine and Tool 40mm grenade launcher, commonly referred to as the LMT 40mm launcher, is a versatile and reliable weapon used by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. Its design, performance, and durability make it a highly sought-after weapon in various tactical operations. The LMT 40mm launcher is known for its superior craftsmanship and attention to detail. Manufactured by Lewis Machine and Tool Company, a leading firearms manufacturer based in the Un
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