The Basic Groups of Firearms and How They Are Classified

The Basic Groups of Firearms and How They Are Classified

Firearms can be used for recreation, sports, hunting, and protection. They can be single-shot or fully automatic and come in many styles and sizes. Let’s learn more about the basic groups of firearms and how they are classified.

Semi-Automatic

Semi-automatic firearms are guns that fire one shot per pull of the trigger. Because they’re so common and easy to use, they make up most of the firearms owned by civilians. On the other hand, semi-automatic pistols, shotguns, and rifles are legal for civilian ownership in the United States.

On the battlefield, semi-automatic rifles have been used since WWI because of their speed and accuracy; soldiers can fire several shots per second with less recoil than a fully automatic rifle. For competition shooting, as in the events in Olympic competitions, athletes also prefer semi-automatics because of their precision.

Automatic

Machine guns are the type of automatic firearm that most people think of when they hear the word “automatic.” The first automatic weapons showed up in World War II, and they were used heavily by the Germans. While the duties of each military branch may differ, but they all use automatic weapons to defend our country.

Automatic weapons fire a continuous stream of bullets when the trigger is held down. Many people think you have to be a member of law enforcement or the military to own one, but automatic weapons are technically legal if they were made before 1986. Manufacturing new automatic weapons for civilian use is illegal.

Common examples of automatic firearms include M60 GPMG (light), M249 SAW (light/medium), M240 GPMG (medium), and M2 Browning HMG (heavy).

Assault Rifles

Assault rifles are selective-fire weapons that use intermediate cartridges and detachable magazines. The two most popular assault rifles are the Soviet AK-47 and the German StG44. These guns have been used by military forces worldwide for a very long time.

Class 3 Firearms

Auto-fire or burst fire weapons use a silencer or suppressor. They can be automatic rifles, submachine guns, or machine guns, and these firearms are highly regulated. There are several types of class 3 items that the National Firearms Act restricts.

Each state can impose additional restrictions on the sale, purchase, and transfer of class 3 firearms, and compliance with the National Firearms Act is required.

These are the basic groups of firearms and how they are classified. Technically, all firearms are classified as weapons, but there are a variety of different types that have varying uses and capabilities.

How To Hide Your Gun Safe From Potential Intruders

How To Hide Your Gun Safe From Potential Intruders

When figuring out where to store a gun safe, most people only consider locations that are advantageous to fight off the intruder if they are at home. However, many burglaries occur when no one is there, making an easy-to-find safe a prime target for a home invader. That’s why you might want to consider putting your gun safe in a spot they might not be able to find. This guide on how to hide your gun safe from potential intruders will help you achieve just that.

Find an Obscure Location

The simplest way to hide a gun safe is to put it in a location where a burglar wouldn’t expect to find it. Crawl spaces and garages are two of the most popular options, but they both come with a few caveats. To start, crawl spaces are usually tough to get into and move stuff around in due to their size. While that’s great for keeping intruders out, it’ll also be a problem for you if you need to access the safe often.

On the other hand, garages are much easier to access. However, even though a criminal is much less likely to find your safe in there, if they do, it’ll be insanely easy for them to get to, since your garage won’t be as secure as the rest of your house. Plus, if you live in a cold environment, your guns will be subjugated to the elements. Fortunately, you can take specific steps to protect them from freezing temperatures and humidity.

Even though both of these options have very noticeable downsides, they can be quite effective when combined with the other tips in this guide on how to hide your gun safe from potential intruders.

Hide It Somewhere Clever

No matter where you put your safe, leaving it out in the open will make it much more likely to get broken into, which is why you should do your best to hide it. Home intruders are usually in a rush, so if you obscure it from plain sight, they are likely to miss it.

A perfect example is to hide it in your closet. Even though skilled burglars will open it and look inside, they typically don’t rummage through it too much, which is why you should hide your safe behind your clothes and shoe racks. If done well enough, no one will be able to tell what hidden treasures are behind what looks like ordinary closet items. Of course, you can do this in other locations around the house with different sets of objects as well.

Disguise It as Something Else

If you want to take it a step further, you can fully disguise your gun safe as something else. Some common examples include large cabinets, coffee tables, or even a classic floor safe. Just be sure that whatever you put it into is secured on all sides. A locked door means nothing if the home invader can simply cut a hole into the back of it.

If you’re able to pull off a combination of all three of these methods, we’re sure any possible intruders won’t stand a chance of finding your stash of guns.

Crucial Things To Consider Before You Carry Concealed

Crucial Things To Consider Before You Carry Concealed

It’s imperative to know the law, receive proper training, and so much more when owning firearms. So, if you’re planning on going for your concealed carry license, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to educate you on what you need to know to carry a gun responsibly. Here are crucial things to consider before you carry concealed.

Carrying Is Cumbersome Without the Right Gear

Be prepared because carrying a gun isn’t always the most comfortable thing in the world. A firearm is bulky, and it requires a belt and a holster. If you don’t find the right fit, these items can chafe and feel awkward.

You also need to wear appropriate clothing to conceal your weapon. That means you can’t wear tight-fitting shirts or pants. Also, you’ll have to remove your gun if you go to the post office or another location that doesn’t allow guns.

You Need a Reliable Holster

To avoid discomfort, you need to consider various factors before choosing concealed carry holsters. After all, there’s plenty to think about, including your preferred gun and body type.

After considering the gun and getting a fitting holster, you’ll be able to carry your weapon comfortably. Unfortunately, you’ll regret your decision every time you attempt to sit down if you do this wrong.

You Need a Sturdy Belt

Besides a holster, you’ll need a gun belt. Rather than choosing a standard belt, you should go with a specialized gun belt. A gun belt is worth considering because it’s wider, thicker, and more reinforced than traditional belts. This design helps a lot because the belt must hold up the gun holster and your pants.

Engage in Extensive Training

When it comes to properly using firearms, practice makes perfect. So, if you plan on getting your concealed carry license, you should train regularly. Beyond sharpening your shooting skills, you should also read up on the legal side of things. Training and educating yourself on firearms will help you stay prepared for a real emergency.

Final Thoughts

These are some of the most crucial things to consider before you carry concealed. Carrying a concealed firearm is every US citizen’s right, and it can be a wonderful thing. Yet, it takes lots of knowledge and understanding to do right. Luckily, you can now start your education off on the right foot.