Freestate Training Academy

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

Even when ammunition itself is manufactured correctly, improper loading into a magazine or firearm  can cause malfunctions, damage equipment, or create unsafe conditions. Many of these errors are common—especially among new shooters—but they are entirely preventable  with proper technique and awareness. Understanding these mistakes helps improve reliability, safety, and shooting performance . 1. Backwards Ammunition in the Magazine What happens: A cartridge is inserted bullet

The SDS Imports 1911 A1 Army Model is a faithful reproduction of the classic M1911 pistol, which was originally designed for the United States Army over a century ago. SDS Imports has meticulously recreated the timeless design, maintaining its authenticity while offering modern enhancements. Chambered in .45 ACP, the SDS Imports 1911 A1 Army Model delivers the same punch and reliability that the M1911 is renowned for. This caliber is known for its stopping power and effective

An Over-the-Bolt (OTB) malfunction  occurs when a live cartridge slips loose from the magazine and wedges above the bolt carrier , usually against the upper receiver or charging handle area. Because the round is trapped on top of the bolt , the action cannot cycle normally. This is a severe stoppage  and cannot  be cleared with tap–rack alone. How to Identify an Over-the-Bolt Malfunction Common indicators include: Charging handle will not move (or moves only slightly) Bolt wi

A failure to extract (FTE)  on an AR-15 occurs when a fired cartridge case remains stuck in the chamber  after firing. Unlike a failure to eject (where the case leaves the chamber but doesn’t exit the rifle), an extraction failure means the extractor never successfully pulls the case free . This is a serious stoppage  that usually requires remedial action , not just a quick tap–rack. How to Identify a Failure to Extract on an AR-15 Common indicators include: The bolt is parti

A failure to eject (FTE)  on an AR-15 occurs when a fired cartridge case is extracted from the chamber but not fully expelled from the rifle . The case may become trapped in the ejection port, leading to a stoppage that prevents the rifle from firing again. This is a common malfunction and is usually quick to diagnose and correct. What a Failure to Eject Looks Like on an AR-15 Common symptoms include: A spent casing stuck sideways or vertically  in the ejection port The bolt

A failure to extract (FTE-x)  occurs when a fired cartridge case remains stuck in the chamber  after the pistol is fired. Unlike a failure to eject (where the case leaves the chamber but doesn’t exit the gun), an extraction failure means the case never comes out of the chamber at all . This type of malfunction can completely stop the pistol and often requires deliberate remedial action . How to Identify a Failure to Extract Common signs include: The slide is partially or full

Clearing a Failure to Eject (FTE) A failure to eject (FTE)  occurs when a fired cartridge case is not fully expelled from the pistol  during the cycle of operation. This type of malfunction is common, usually easy to fix, and often caused by ammunition, grip, or maintenance issues. What a Failure to Eject Looks Like Common FTE symptoms include: A spent casing stuck vertically or diagonally in the ejection port  (“stovepipe”) A casing partially extracted but trapped by the sli