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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.


Advantages and disadvantages of using your Federal Firearms License (FFL) to sell firearms online.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using your Federal Firearms License (FFL) to sell firearms online:


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


SIG SAUER Firearms: Precision, Performance, and Innovation
SIG SAUER is a renowned name in the firearms industry, known for producing high-quality, accurate, and reliable firearms. With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, SIG SAUER has established itself as a leader in manufacturing both military and civilian firearms. This article explores the legacy of SIG SAUER, its commitment to innovation, remarkable models, military adoption, and impact on the shooting community.


Why is it important for you to understand the development of the modern cartridge?
I believe it is important to understand the development of the modern cartridge because you never know what caliber firearm you will be working on or how the cartridge is fired. Knowing how the priming compound is ignited in conjunction with the way the cartridge is struck may be vital to understanding the basic operation of the firearm you are working on and may solve an issue.


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


Choose any two variants of blow back operations and compare and contrast them.
For this week’s discussion, I have chosen two rifle length 9mm carbines from different parts of the world. The first is the Windham Weaponry 9mm GMC Carbine made here in the USA and the second is the Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Model B Carbine made in Israel. While both are iconic in their own ways, they both utilize 9mm semi-automatic blowback operations to cycle while firing. Both also use detachable magazines, utilize a 16” barrel with 1 in 10 twists, and have pistol li


The Birchwood Casey AK Front Sight Tool Review
The Birchwood Casey AK Front Sight Tool is a purpose-built gunsmithing tool designed to install and adjust front sights on AK-47 and similar rifles. It’s aimed at shooters who want a simple, durable, and accurate method for sight adjustments without resorting to improvised methods like punches and hammers. Key design points: Heavy-duty steel construction for strength and longevity. Open design lets you see the sight as you’re adjusting, increasing precision. Removable pus


Explain the difference between swaging with a reloading press and using a swaging press.
One of the biggest differences between swagging with a reloading press and using a swagging press is that the swagging press is specifically designed to do the job and the reloading press, though with the right attachments is capable of doing the job, is a tool meant for a different purpose. It would be like using a small flathead screwdriver as a punch. Yes, it may push the pin but because that was not its original design or purpose, something was just damaged or broken. An


Direct Gas Impingement VS. Piston Driven AR-15's
How Each System Works (Quickly) Direct Gas Impingement (DI) Gas is tapped from the barrel Travels through a gas tube Enters the bolt carrier and pushes it rearward Gas vents inside the receiver Piston-Driven Gas is tapped from the barrel Drives a piston (short-stroke or long-stroke) Piston mechanically pushes the bolt carrier Gas vents forward, not into the receiver Reliability & Function DI AR-15 Pros Proven in decades of military, LE, and civilian use Extremely reliable whe


Can I argue that piston-driven systems are better platforms for gas-operated weapons?
So, I have chosen to use Gun Digest as my gun publication of choice and I will be arguing the point that piston driven firearms are better than direct gas impingement. While the article does list facts in favor of both types of firearms the first two examples, they list are in favor of the gas piston operation. First, they say “Piston-driven guns run much cleaner” and I can agree with this statement. Most of the carbon buildup happens in the tube that the piston sits in and n


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


Can you ever see yourself abandoning conversion or heat-based procedures for spray on?
If the result desired by the customer is a color, then yes, I would agree that spray on finishes are the future. However, a lot of people are getting away from the classic methods of bluing and browning type finishes which leads me to believe that I should invest in the older methods first. Anyone can buy a can of this spray on stuff and give it a shot on their own making the gunsmith obsolete. Sure, the average joe wouldn't spend the money for a full Cerakote kit with spraye


Real Avid 1911 Smart Wrench Review
The Real Avid 1911 Smart Wrench is a dedicated barrel bushing wrench tailored for 1911 pistols (both Government and Officer models). Its primary function is to safely loosen the barrel bushing and capture the recoil spring plug during disassembly — the part that notoriously flies across the room when using common GI-style tools. Design & Build Material: Durable engineering-grade resin that won’t mar your barrel or muzzle finish. Ergonomics: Rubberized, non-slip outer r


What are some common methods for clearing the feed source for single & double action revolvers?
The feed source on both single and double action revolvers is the cylinder that locks into the


Teslong Bore Scope Review
What Is a Teslong Borescope? Teslong borescopes are handheld inspection cameras designed to let you see inside firearm barrels and other hard-to-reach places without disassembling or guessing. They come in several formats: USB models that connect to phones/computers Wi-Fi models that stream to mobile devices Standalone units with built-in screens Rigid or flexible probes depending on the intended use All deliver live video and still images of bores, enabling detailed


What is a single action only revolver? What visual clues might you have with this type of action?
What Is a Single-Action-Only Revolver? A single-action-only (SAO) revolver is a type of revolver that cannot be fired until the hammer is manually cocked by the shooter . In this design, the trigger only performs one function — releasing the hammer to fire the gun — and does not cock the hammer itself. This means the shooter must thumb back the hammer before each shot. How to Recognize a Single-Action Revolver Visual and loading cues help identify a single-action revolver:


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


What is a double action only revolver? What visual clues might you have with this type of action?
What Is a Double-Action-Only (DAO) Revolver? A double-action-only revolver is a revolver that can only be fired by pulling the trigger; there is no single-action mode . In DAO revolvers: The trigger both cocks and releases the hammer on every shot. There is no provision for manually cocking the hammer before firing. Because the hammer cannot be manually cocked for a lighter single-action shot, DAO revolvers must be fired entirely in double action . Most DAO revolvers are d


AR-15 Taper Pin Removal Tool Review
Taper pin removal tools are designed to help you remove the front sight / gas block taper pins on AR-15 rifles. Those pins are notoriously tight and can mar your receiver if you try to drive them out with improvised punches and hammers. The idea behind a dedicated removal tool is to add alignment, support, and leverage , making the job cleaner and less frustrating. The most common dedicated product in this space is: Wheeler Engineering Delta Series AR Gas Block Taper Pin Re


What is “Cylinder Gap” & what potential negative safety and functionality implications does it have?
Cylinder gap is the term used for the distance between the end of the cylinder and the start of the barrel. These should have relatively tight tolerances to avoid malfunction, damage, and injury. Malfunction can occur if the gap is too large and lead bullets are being fired. The soft metal passing through this gap can shave off the bullet and lodge into this gap preventing your cylinder from rotating the next shot. This can damage the firearm but more importantly the pressure
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