Cheaper Than Dirt

You just got a new scope, but it’s been so long since you last had to zero a scope from scratch that you can’t quite remember how to do it. Instead of heading to the range and wasting all of your 5.56 ammo trying to dial the scope in, follow these tips to get it right quickly. Check the Adjustment Values Your first step is to check the adjustment values for the elevation and windage adjustment knobs. Each click will move the reticle a specific amount in that direction, but the amount could be anywhere from one-quarter Minute of Angle (MOA) to a full MOA. You might also have a .1 MIL, or milliradian, adjustment. MOA is 1 inch of adjustment at 100 yards, while 1 MIL is 3.6 inches. If the values aren’t printed on the turrets, refer to the user’s manual. Hit the Paper Your next step is to hit the paper. From how your optic is mounted to the optic itself, plenty of factors can determine if your 30-30 Winchester is accurate or not. Shooting and adjusting is the only way to zero your sc...

If you enjoy spending time at the range, you may eventually explore competitive shooting. Do you want to hone your skills? Would you enjoy meeting like-minded people and sharing tricks of the trade? If so, getting involved in competitive shooting could be just what you’re looking for. Bulk Ammo But as with anything in life, you only get one chance to make a first impression, and your initial experience with competitive shooting can determine whether you keep going back or decide that it’s not for you. That’s why preparation is key. From stocking up on bulk ammo and other range supplies to drilling down on rules and techniques, here are four tips to help you prepare for your first competition. Set Achievable Goals The first thing to understand about getting into competitive shooting is it’s entirely different from plinking or spending time at the range. At your first match, you’ll compete alongside shooters of all skill and experience levels, from greenhorns to veterans who’ve been ...

Recoil can feel like a necessary evil for shooters and a part of the overall experience. However, excessive recoil can impact your accuracy and can even be painful after a while. Thankfully, you can reduce felt recoil in a few ways, from changing ammo to adding muzzle devices like suppressors that deal with gas differently. Here are a few tips to consider if your favorite firearm has too much of a kick. Choose Lower-Caliber Firearms Shooting lower-caliber firearms is the most obvious way to eliminate recoil from your range days. Bigger calibers can have a huge kick since they require more gunpowder to create more pressure to propel the bullet. Thankfully, plinking with rifles and handguns chambered in .22 LR is fun, and if you go with bulk ammo , it can be fairly cheap for a range trip. If you’re purely concerned with accuracy and want to have fun plinking some cans, a low-caliber firearm is the way to go. Improve Your Stance Posture and stance can play a big part in how your bod...

Have you ever wondered about the thing at the end of a barrel that your 7.62 ammo passes through and what exactly it does? More importantly, is your current muzzle device right for your gun and your preferred shooting style? The type of muzzle device installed on your firearm matters, each with different purposes. Here’s a look at four common muzzle devices, along with their primary purposes and benefits, to help you decide if it’s worth picking one up for your firearm. Flash Hiders Flash hiders are one of the most common rifle muzzle devices. If you buy a full AR upper, it will likely come with a flash hider attached. As the name implies, the device is intended to hide a significant portion of visible muzzle flash from the shooter. The A2 “Birdcage” is the classic flash hider, helping redirect the combustion gases so you can stay focused on the target. Because it redirects these gases, it can also reduce some felt recoil, although this isn’t the device’s primary function. Muzzle ...

No matter if you are new to firearms or have been hunting for years, you might have gun-cleaning questions. Do you need to clean your gun after every range trip, even if you barely shot any 5.56 ammo ? What items do you need to clean your gun properly? Knowing the answers can help you keep your firearms in their best shape. Should I Clean My Gun After Every Range Day? What happens when you come back from a range day and only put a few rounds through your 30-30 Winchester ? While there’s no harm in keeping your gun pristine, you probably don’t need to clean your gun after just a few rounds. There may be minimal fouling, but it should be fine unless you intend to put the gun away for an extended period. Even doing a couple of drills with your rifle doesn’t mean it needs immediate cleaning. However, those “few rounds” can add up, so if you’ve put a few rounds through your gun for months’ worth of range days, it’s definitely time for a cleaning. How Often Should I Clean My Gun? Okay, s...

Are you trying to shoot your rifle more accurately? One way you can tighten your groupings is by using a bipod. The bipod, used for nearly a century on countless rifles, is an excellent way to stabilize your shot. It can be used for hunting, at the range, or in long-distance shooting competitions. Here are a few tips to effectively use a bipod. Make Sure It’s Properly Installed Though it may seem obvious, the first step is to ensure your bipod is properly installed. Bipods are typically installed on a Picatinny or keymod rail or on a sling swivel stud. The trick is having the bipod not too far forward or back when on a rail. If there is slack in your bipod, there is slack in your shooting. Even if you think yours is installed correctly, double-check it just in case it’s a little off. Even more importantly, make sure that it’s suited for your gun. For example, bipods don’t typically work well with lever action 30-30 Winchester rifles and are better suited for semi-automat...

The safety might be the most important part of any firearm. It’s also vital that you understand the safety mechanism of any handguns you might use. There are a few different types of handgun safeties, and you must be able to identify and use each type correctly. From internal safeties to grip or hammer safeties, it’s essential to know how each works before you hit the range. Engage a Grip Safety with Your Palm A grip safety, as the name implies, is a safety that is part of the handgun’s grip. If you aren’t holding the gun, the safety is engaged, and you have to squeeze the grip to disengage it before you can mag dump your bulk ammo . The aim of the design is to avoid accidental discharge, preventing you from pulling the trigger if you aren’t holding the gun properly. When gripped properly, your palm will push the safety in. This type of safety is often found in the iconic 1911. Flip a Lever or Thumb Safety One of the most common handgun safeties is the lever or thumb s...