TOP 10 THINGS NEW SHOOTERS NEED TO
KNOW:
Guns are tools.
Just
like any rational person wants to have a fire extinguisher in their home before
a fire starts, guns are tools you want to have available before The Bad Thing happens.
After all, you never know what might happen. Tools do you no good if they are
not immediately available to you when you need them most. That also means you
must know how to use them. Just having a fire extinguisher isn’t enough if you
don’t use it when there is a fire; just sticking a gun in a safe and ignoring
it isn’t going to be enough if you’re suddenly in need of it to defend your
life or the lives of your loved ones. You need to both have a gun in advance of
a life-threatening attack and know how to use it!
#1: TAKE A FIREARMS SAFETY CLASS BEFORE YOU EVER PICK UP A GUN
Before you decide to
go shooting at a gun range you should investigate taking a gun safety class. It is extremely important to get a hands-on look at gun
safety and how firearms function long before you are standing at the firing
line.
#2: PICK UP GOOD FITTING EYE AND EAR PROTECTION BEFORE YOU VISIT
THE RANGE
While you can rent
these at most gun ranges, you will want to make sure that yours fit perfectly.
#3: FIND AN INSTRUCTOR AT YOUR LOCAL RANGE
Let this individual
know your skill level and what you are looking to accomplish when you visit the
range for the first time.
Most ranges offer a
variety of gun safety classes for the inexperienced shooter to become
familiar with firearms and safety.
Call your local range
to learn more about available classes and which ones would be the best fit for
your experience level.
#4: LEARN HOW TO SQUARE UP YOUR SIGHTS
Simply putting the
front blade into the notch of the rear sight is not enough. You need to learn
how to properly square up your sights and develop a consistent sight picture
when engaging a target. You will want to understand how to hold the gun in
relation to your body and how to reacquire a sight picture after the gun
recoils.
#5: DEVELOP A CONSISTENT AND REPEATABLE GRIP ON THE GUN.
The main support hand does
not need a vise-like grip on the gun, but the supplemental hand (the left hand
for a right-handed shooter) should exert firm pressure on the grip of the gun.
#6: CHOOSE THE RIGHT CALIBER AS A NEW SHOOTER.
It makes no sense to
belly up to the range with the latest bear-slaying magnum revolver in tow – you
will have little fun and the overall experience of shooting will be marred by
sore hands and blistered fingers. A smaller caliber semi-auto pistol is a great
choice for most new shooters.
#7: EXPECT IT TO BE LOUD
Most new shooters are
shocked to find out how noisy an indoor shooting range can be – and that is
even when using quality ear protection. Part of the preparation as a new
shooter is to prepare for this noise, as well as the concussive blast that
accompanies each pull of the trigger.
#8: LEARN HOW TO SQUEEZE THE TRIGGER
Dry fire the gun in a
safe environment and only after you have determined it is unloaded. This will
help you learn the nuances of the gun without compounding the blast of the
firing gun.
#9: ASK QUESTIONS FROM THE EXPERTS
Never be afraid to
seek expert advice when you feel it is warranted. Guns are complex tools and
can be deadly when used incorrectly. Gun specialists love to talk shop with new
shooters, so take the time to connect with seasoned shooters who can give
advice that is learned over the years.
The Range Safety Officer would be more than willing to
answer any questions you have and even suggest shooting classes to help you become more familiar with firearms safety and
training.
#10: HAVE FUN
There is no feeling
like shooting a gun, and the experts at whichever range you choose, can
help you create a memorable and rewarding experience the first time you pull
the trigger.
**all credit goes to the original posters who are referenced below**
References:
Ainsworth, Kat,
and Kat Ainsworth. “10 Things New Gun Owners Need to Know.” Pew Pew Tactical, 5 Apr. 2020, www.pewpewtactical.com/things-new-gun-owners-need-to-know/.
“10 Tips of First Time Shooters.” The Range 702,
21 Nov. 2017, www.therange702.com/blog/10-tips-for-first-time-shooters/.
Information gathered by Taylor Smith.
Differences Between 308 WIN and 6.5
CREEDMOOR
308 vs 6.5 Creedmoor Barrel Life
While the two cartridges have a very similar case
capacity, throat erosion occurs faster with the 6.5 Creedmoor because it uses a
smaller diameter barrel. Simply put, burning the same amount of powder in a
smaller space will result in shorter barrel life.
This means that, in general, the 6.5 Creedmoor will
simply wear out barrels faster than the .308 Winchester will. Exactly how fast
that occurs depends on several factors like the quality of the barrel, the
exact ammunition used, etc.
For serious target shooters, this is a concern.
However, the good news for hunters is that typical 6.5 Creedmoor barrel life of
2,000-3,000 rounds is more than enough to last for many, many years of hunting
with no issues at all.
So, there is basically no practical difference in 6.5
Creedmoor vs 308 Winchester barrel life as far as most hunters are concerned.
6.5 Creedmoor vs 308: Ammunition Selection
The .308 Winchester is extremely popular among hunters
and shooters in the United States and consistently ranks as one of the
bestselling cartridges in the country. The 6.5 Creedmoor is no slouch in this
regard, but it still cannot hold a candle to the .308 in terms of widespread
use. Even so, the cartridge seems to be steadily growing in popularity, but
only time will tell if it becomes as popular or widespread as the .308 though.
The big ammunition manufacturers like Barnes, Berger,
Black Hills, Federal Premium, Hornady, HSM, Norma, Nosler, PPU Remington,
Sellier & Bellot, Swift, and Winchester all produce a number of high
quality 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Win factory ammunition suitable for hunting.
Prices and availability vary from region to region, but ammunition for both
cartridges is very common. The .308 Winchester is a much easier to find and a
little less expensive than the 6.5 Creedmoor though.
Reloading components for all both cartridges are also
widely available so making custom handloads is not too difficult for either
cartridge.
Do you primarily hunt medium sized game
like deer, feral hogs, or black bear at ranges within 200 yards?
-
Both cartridges with absolutely get the
job done if you do your part and there isn’t much of a difference between them
ballistically inside of 300 yards. Go with the .308 Winchester if you want the
cheapest or easiest to find deer hunting ammo.
Are you interested in the better cartridge
for hunting game like mule deer or pronghorn in open country where you might
need to take a shot at several hundred yards?
-
Both will also work in this role, but the
6.5 Creedmoor has a flatter trajectory, will drift less in the wind, and still
carries enough energy out to 400-500 yards to cleanly take deer sized game
without any issues.
Do you prefer to use a semi-automatic
rifle for hunting or want a battle rifle for personal defense?
-
Go with the .308 Winchester as there are
many more quality rifles available in this cartridge than the 6.5 Creedmoor.
Are you sensitive to recoil?
-
Go with the 6.5 Creedmoor. This cartridge
is especially well suited to new, small framed, and or recoil shy hunters.
Indeed, a good rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor is a great gift for a hunter
who is just getting started.
Are you a serious long-range shooter
searching for the cartridge best suited for target shooting out to 1,200 yds or
so in a precision rifle?
-
Again, go with the 6.5 Creedmoor, which really
stands head and shoulders above the .308 Winchester for long range precision
shooting.
Do you want a cartridge well suited for
elk, moose, caribou, kudu, eland, or red stag hunting?
-
Especially when using heavier bullets, the
.308 Winchester wins hands down here due to the big advantage the cartridge has
in in frontal surface area as well as energy under 200 yards.
**all credit goes to the original posters who are referenced below**
References:
Cerro, David,
et al. “6.5 Creedmoor vs 308 Winchester Debate Settled.” Big Game Hunting Blog, 18 Apr. 2020,
thebiggamehuntingblog.com/65-creedmoor-vs-308-winchester/.
Billet vs cast Lower Receivers
1. Cast Aluminum AR Lower Receiver
One of the processes for manufacturing an AR-15 lower
receiver is to ‘cast’ the lower. This means the lower receiver is formed using
a mold. Molten aluminum is poured into the mold to form the overall shape of
the lower. Once the aluminum solidifies the aluminum ‘casting’ is removed from
the mold. The ‘cast’ lower receiver is then finished on a CNC machine.
Cast lower receivers offer buyers some of the most
economical lowers of the three manufacturing processes. Furthermore, by casting
a lower receiver from A380 aluminum the lower is given the best synthesis of
mechanical properties offered by a casting process.
Cast receivers are also the blunt of unfair criticism.
Due to a handful of manufacturers who became known for poor casting and
inattention to detail, the cast lower has received a bad rap. Although, if
properly cast and heat treated, a cast lower receiver can be suitable for most
AR-15 applications.
Below is a stripped AR 15 lower, that was poured into
a cast.
2. Billet Aluminum AR Lower Receiver
A billet lower receiver is formed from a solid block
of aluminum often called ‘bar stock.’ This ‘bar stock’ is formed from extruded
aluminum. “Extruded” simply means the aluminum was formed into a shape by
rolling between two rollers. (A mental image might be to think of it as a piece
of dough, which was extruded or ‘rolled’ and cut to various shapes to form
different types of pasta.) From a piece of this extrusion or ‘bar stock’ a CNC
machine will cut the billet into the shape of an AR-15 lower receiver.
Due to the CNC’s ability to machine billet aluminum
into designated shapes, billet lower receivers are considered the most
aesthetic. While one-piece trigger guards, fine lines and geometric designs do
little for overall performance, some AR builders consider these to be bonus
features when considering the overall look of their AR build.
Below is a Tactical Skeleton AR 15 lower made from
machine billet aluminum.
** all credits go to original authors who are
referenced below**
References:
Ammoland. “AR
Rifle Lower Receivers: Cast vs Billet vs Forged Aluminum.” AmmoLand.com, Ammoland Inc, 10 Jan. 2017,
www.ammoland.com/2014/08/ar-rifle-lower-receivers-cast-vs-billet-vs-forged-aluminum/#axzz6KN5tbOTd.
Benefits of Cerakote and the process
Picture
is from Silver Fox Coatings; they are the ones we trust with all our Cerakoting
needs here at Tactical Skeleton.
Cerakote is,
simply put, a ceramic and polymer coating applied to hard finishes in order to
achieve bold looks and better protection. The coating specifically protects
against abrasions, common when training on the range or traipsing through the
woods, in addition to delivering corrosion resistance.
As most
firearms feature a certain level of steel and/or aluminum, the extra coat
of Cerakote reduces the interaction between oils and liquids and the
firearm itself. This prevents nasty corrosion from setting in and harming not
only the look of the gun but its functionality as well.
While the
practical applications of Cerakote are appealing from a protective standpoint,
the art behind it has driven a new generation of gun owners to seek out the
finish. From bright colors to funky patterns, Cerakote has opened the door for
consumers to express their personalities through their guns and gear. The
process has exploded in popularity with more and more Cerakote artists and
shops cropping up online and on social media, showcasing their creativity. The
result — a wide variety of rich colors, fun patterns and unique looks designed
to be the envy at any gun range.
Unlike many
other aspects of the gun industry, applying Cerakote to a firearm or part is
not a do-it-yourself venture. The process takes a certain level of know-how to
successfully complete, according to Cerakote. (https://silverfoxcoatings.com/
à they are truly amazing)
The Cerakote Process
1.
The Cerakote process
begins with the gun disassembled — fieldstripping alone will not do. Cerakote
emphasizes during its training sessions that the firearm must be completely and
fully disassembled for the coating to work properly. The firearms’ components
are then de-greased, followed by a blast with garnet sand to ensure no oils
remain on any surfaces. Any residual oils left on the gun can cause issues with
the coating, thus extra care must be taken in order to ensure the weapon is
free and clear of any oils.
2.
After all oils are
successfully removed, the Cerakote finish is then applied using a HLVP spray
gun. Skill and finesse are required to ensure the proper thickness of the
coating is achieved. Too much and the finish interferes with proper firearm
operation. Once applied, all metal parts are oven-cured at 250-degrees while
polymer components are oven-cured at 150 to 180-degrees.
Though
Cerakote offers advantages, the process does require gun owners to surrender
guns to a custom shop; unless, the gun is purchased straight from the
manufacturer with a Cerakote already applied. In addition to time spent away,
the cost of Cerakoting is another factor that prevents some gun owners from
achieving anything other than standard black. Cost, of course, depends on the
style and complexity of the design; but even just a basic flat color can knock
the price of a gun up by a couple hundred dollars.
** all credits go to original authors who are referenced below**
References:
Billings, Jacki.
“What Is Cerakote and Why Is It On The Rise?” Guns.com, Guns.com News, 21 Mar. 2019, www.guns.com/news/2018/09/17/what-is-cerakote-and-why-is-it-on-the-rise.
12.5 " 6.5 CREEDMOOR PISTOL
As promised, I am back with my friends from Tactical Skeleton because they just released a 12.5” 6.5 CREEDMOOR pistol. YES, you read that right! This pistol is the baby version of your typical 6.5 CREEDMOOR rifle, but it has just as much power.
I was extremely pumped to see what this weapon was capable of so me and the guys packed up and took it to the range! Here is a short video of how it went down!
https://youtu.be/RpyEEZ8C84Y
In case you did not know, the 12.5” is the shortest suppressible barrel that manufacturers can warranty, it is also the shortest length AR10 pistol barrel that will keep sub MOA groupings at 300 yards, if that doesn’t impress you… here are the specs:
BILLET UPPER:
· ·US made in Scottsdale, Arizona
· ·T6061 billet
· ·1913 picatinny rail flat top-dpms low spec rail height
· ·manufactured from solid block of billet aluminum
· ·mil-a-8625 type iii anodizing
· ·will match up with any brand lower receiver
· ·accepts mil-spec .308 Cal ejection port door kit and forward assist kit
· slim profile shell deflector
BARREL:
· ·12.5” stainless steel straight fluted bull barrel
· ·0.750” Gas Block
· ·Carbine Length gas tube
· ·Straight fluted for maximum heat dissipation
· 5/8x24 muzzle thread pitch
· ·1:8 TWIST
· ·M4 feed ramp
HANDGUARD:
· ·12” Super slim MLOK Handguard
· ·Steel Barrel nut
· ·Anodized
· ·T-markings on top rail
· ·Ultra-Light weight
BOLT CARRIER GROUP:
· ·Made for 7.62X51 / 308 Cal
· ·BLACK NITRIDE
· ·HPT/MPI Tested and Marked
· ·9310 Hardened Steel Bolt
· ·17-4 Stainless Steel Firing Pin (Heat treated to H900 Condition)
· ·8620 carrier and gas key.
· ·Hardened extractor S7 tool steel.
· ·The group comes fully assembled with properly torqued and staked gas key
· ·Made in the USA
MUZZLE BRAKE:
· US Made
· T6 Aluminum
· New Micro Design
· Total Weight: 3.4 oz
· Length: 3″
· Threads begin approx. 1.25″ down the shroud
· Dual Purpose Unit, Functions as A Barrel Shroud and A Muzzle Compensator!
· Slips Over Barrel and Threads Down from The Inside (Reverse Thread)
· Multi Porting “Gatling Gun” Style Muzzle Comp Reduces Felt Recoil Up To 70 Percent
· Anodized Black Finish
· .308/ 300 Blackout Cal
· 5/8 x 24 Thread
· Designed for use on AR Pistols
· ·SLIPOVER SLEEVE
BILLET LOWER RECEIVER:
· ·Machined from 7075-T6 aircraft grade billet aluminum
· ·Matte black hard coat anodized per Mil 8625 Type 3 Class 2
· ·Precision broached magazine well with beveled feed lips
· ·Machined and engraved to be compatible with 45 and 60-degree short throw fire control selectors.
· ·Caliber marking of “Multi” so it can be used with many different caliber uppers
· ·Compatible with all standard AR-10/.308 components and magazines and most aftermarket parts — Made to DPMS spec
· ·Upper tension screw behind grip screw (threaded hole with hardware included) to adjust any “slop” out of vertical fit between upper and lower
· ·Ambidextrous trigger finger rests with grooves (above and below mag release / mag catch)
· ·Compatible with Norgon and other aftermarket ambidextrous mag releases
· ·Threaded bolts catch pin (Threaded hole and hardware)
· ·Integrated large opening “winter” trigger guard
· ·Manufactured to MILSPEC on state-of-the-art CNC equipment for consistent quality parts and exacting tolerances
TRIGGER:
· ·standard milspec trigger
SBA – 4 BRACE:
· Complete kit, ready-to-assemble
· Kit includes:
· SBA4™ Pistol Stabilizing Brace®
· Mil-spec carbine receiver extension
· ERGO Flat Top SUREGRIP
· ERGO 6061 V3 adapter
· Castle nut
· Adjustable nylon strap
· US veteran designed and proudly made in the USA
· ·Fits all .223 and most .308 ar carbine style rifles
· Easy to replace and quick to install
· Uses 4 out of the 6 positions on a mil-spec or commercial tube
FEATURES:
· ·ergonomic
· ·adapts to existing commercial and mil-spec buffer tubes
· ·certain aftermarket commercial buffer tubes that exceed 1.172″ may not fit
· ·the vertical struts for the mba 3 are fixed therefore the cheek pc is not reversible like the mba 1 however the cheek piece itself is designed with a cheek pad for the lefty
