The Pretti Shooting: A Test for Gun Rights
Alex Pretti was a licensed CCW holder shot by federal agents after being disarmed. The video exists. Here's why every gun owner should care.
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Complete searchable collection of firearms articles, legal guides, reviews, and educational content. From constitutional carry laws to competition shooting guides — find the information you need.
01 // Search
04 // News & Updates
Firearms news and industry updates
Alex Pretti was a licensed CCW holder shot by federal agents after being disarmed. The video exists. Here's why every gun owner should care.
The attorneys general of New York, New Jersey, and Delaware want to intervene in a Pennsylvania case challenging the federal ban on shipping firearms through the USPS — a ban the DOJ just stopped defending. The 1927 law left gun owners with zero legal shipping options. Three state AGs want to keep it that way.
New Jersey's permit-to-carry transparency dashboard stopped updating when a new governor took office in January. Assembly Bill 222, reintroduced in the legislature, would codify reporting requirements into law rather than leaving them subject to executive discretion. NRA-ILA is urging residents to push the bill forward.
The Los Angeles County Superior Court failed to report roughly 147,000 felony convictions to the California DOJ over several decades, keeping them out of the NICS background check database. The convictions are being transmitted now, but no agency has announced plans to check whether any prohibited persons purchased firearms during the gap. The failure covers records from the 1980s through as recently as 2023.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren reintroduced legislation that would ban DoD contractors and military plants from selling firearms and ammo to civilians. The bill's primary target is Lake City Army Ammunition Plant — and critics say cutting off commercial sales would undermine the facility's ability to supply the military during wartime.
A DC appellate panel ruled the District's 10-round magazine ban unconstitutional last week, finding standard-capacity magazines are protected arms under the Second Amendment. DC is now asking the full court to reverse the decision, calling the ruling destabilizing. An en banc decision could come by end of next week.
Illinois HB 4414 would serialize all handgun ammunition and feed transaction data into a state police registry starting in 2027. The bill relies on microstamping technology that experts say fails in real-world conditions — and critics argue the real target is lawful gun ownership, not crime.
The Supreme Court has a clear framework for K-12 student speech — but nothing comparable for college campuses. That legal gap leaves student firearms groups at public universities operating without clear constitutional protection against administrator overreach.
A new legal analysis argues the 14th Amendment's citizenship clause was never meant to mirror English common law's feudal 'right of the soil'—and the Founders made that clear when they declared independence. The case before the Supreme Court over birthright citizenship may hinge on what 'subject to the jurisdiction thereof' actually meant in 1868.
The Supreme Court hears arguments April 1 on Trump's birthright citizenship order. DOJ's case rests on a definition of 'domicile' that doesn't appear in the 14th Amendment — and the legal citations aren't holding up under scrutiny. Gun owners have a stake: citizenship status directly determines federal firearms eligibility.
SCOTUS declined to act on several Second Amendment petitions in Monday's order list, adding only an environmental law dispute to next term's docket. For gun owners, a cert denial isn't neutral—it lets unfavorable lower court rulings stand. Here's what the court's silence actually means.
Gun sales rose 3.5% in February 2026 per NSSF-adjusted NICS data, even as the raw FBI background check number fell 13.5%. The gap comes down to permit rechecks—not fewer guns being sold. Constitutional Carry expansion in 29 states is the likely culprit behind the headline drop.
Ruger's LCP Max has cleared California's handgun roster with most of its upgrades intact. At $300–$350 with real sights, a 10-round magazine, and a tritium front dot, it's the best micro-.380 option Golden State buyers have had in a while.
The VA has ended its 30-year practice of reporting veterans to NICS simply for having a financial fiduciary. Over 270,000 veterans who lost gun rights without any court hearing or due process are getting them restored.
West Virginia Senate President Randy Smith killed SB 1071, the state's machine gun bill, before it reached a floor vote. Citing poor drafting and legal concerns, Smith blocked the measure despite strong committee support. A revised version may return next session.
Alex Pretti had a carry permit and never drew his weapon. Federal officials used his holstered gun to justify the shooting anyway. Gun rights groups that usually back Trump are calling it out—and it's not the only place the alliance is cracking.
Sen. Mike Lee introduced federal legislation that would eliminate concealed carry permit requirements nationwide and protect Americans from felony charges when carrying legally across state lines. The bill builds on the 29 states that already have constitutional carry and the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision. Political hurdles remain significant, but gun rights groups are treating this as the most serious federal push yet.
Senator Mike Lee introduced the National Constitutional Carry Act on March 5, a bill that would establish nationwide permitless carry and override state permitting schemes. Backed by GOA and NAGR, it would reshape carry law in restrictive states like New York and California. It faces an uphill battle in Congress, but it's forcing a national conversation.
The Supreme Court hears United States v. Hemani on March 2—a case that could determine whether 43–62 million marijuana users remain prohibited persons under federal gun law. The Liberty Justice Center argues the blanket disarmament has no historical or constitutional basis. The Trump administration wants the disqualification upheld, even for sober users in legal states.
Arizona's AG warned this week that ICE's unidentified plainclothes tactics put agents on a collision course with state self-defense law. She meant it as a caution. It reads as a textbook argument for why the Second Amendment exists in the first place.
The Supreme Court heard argument in United States v. Hemani, a case that asks how closely a modern gun law must mirror historical precedent to survive constitutional challenge. The ruling will sharpen—or loosen—the Bruen standard every lower court is currently applying. This one matters.
The Supreme Court declined to act on several Second Amendment challenges at its March 9 conference, including assault rifle and magazine ban cases. The Court is likely waiting to see how two pending gun-rights cases resolve before touching those petitions. Expect movement no earlier than late June.
Federal courts are weighing multiple ATF rule challenges in 2026, covering NFA regulations, private sale licensing, and marijuana user gun rights. Outcomes could affect suppressors, SBRs, and background check rules nationwide.
H.R. 38 cleared committee March 25 with 189 cosponsors and a 37% shot at becoming law. If it passes, your Idaho permit works in California, New York, and D.C.
The Sig P320's history of unintentional discharge complaints is back in focus after the Minneapolis shooting. Here's what P320 owners need to know about the recall history and voluntary upgrade program.
Florida's House passed HB 133 to drop the long gun purchase age back to 18—but the Senate hasn't filed a companion bill, same as the last three sessions.
SHOT Show 2026 delivered Gen6 Glocks, a $549 FN pistol, an updated SCAR lineup, and suppressor-ready ammo from Remington and Federal. Here's what actually matters.
PRS 2026 memberships are open for Rimfire, Regional, and PRO series. You need one before your first match if you want your scores to count in the standings.
SCOTUS looks ready to expand carry rights in Wolford v. Lopez — same week Trump officials argued a lawfully armed Minneapolis man deserved to be shot. Gun rights groups called out their own allies.
Winchester's Q4 2025 earnings collapsed 98% as raw material costs and promotional pricing wiped out margins. Commercial ammo price hikes are already announced for Q1 2026.
Colt CZ Group closed a $1.05B deal for 51% of Synthesia Nitrocellulose, locking in majority control of a key European propellant supplier. The move pushes the Colt/CZ parent deeper into vertical ammo production.
Ohio is moving to preempt local gun ordinances and establish a single statewide standard. For gun owners, it means no more legal minefield when crossing county lines.
Thermal sensor resolution quadrupled at SHOT Show 2026. High-end thermals are now complete fire control systems with integrated LRF and ballistics.
Savage's new REVEL series brings takedown lever-action rimfires in .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR. Nostalgia meets modern utility.
Scopes from Maztech, Revic, and Burris now calculate firing solutions in real time using environmental sensors. What was $20k military tech is now $2,500.
The Army created a new office to speed ammunition procurement, consolidating functions across multiple agencies. Winchester's profits collapsed 98% in Q4 as the industry faces rising costs and supply chain pressure.
Colt CZ Group will acquire Czech nitrocellulose producer Synthesia for $1.05 billion, securing control of critical gunpowder ingredients as ammunition demand surges across NATO countries.
New Jersey appellate court reversed red flag order against grieving mother who made no threats after learning of son's death. Ruling highlights due process concerns as 21 states expand extreme risk protection laws.
Gun Owners of America broke with the Trump administration over a federal shooting, defending a concealed carry holder's rights after a U.S. Attorney claimed agents were "legally justified" in the killing.
Ohio Senate Bill 278 would let citizens sue municipalities that pass illegal gun restrictions, creating financial consequences for cities that violate state preemption law.
House committee advanced concealed carry reciprocity legislation as Trump officials face backlash for threatening legal gun owners. The controversy may strengthen support for national reciprocity standards.
SHOT Show 2026 featured PSA's modular AXR ecosystem, FN's resurrected SCAR series with suppressor threading, and Zev's folding 9mm pistol. Ammunition manufacturers focused on suppressor-optimized loads.
SIG SAUER debuts P211-GT4 and GT5 double-stack 1911 pistols at SHOT Show 2026. Both models use P320-compatible magazines and target competition and duty markets with hammer-fired reliability.
Palmetto State Armory's modular fire control system lets one serialized unit transfer between handguns, PDWs, rifles, and shotguns. One 4473 covers all.
Supreme Court upholds ATF's ghost gun rule 7-2, requiring background checks and serial numbers for weapon kits and unfinished receivers. Gorsuch wrote majority opinion using "Buy Build Shoot" kit as example.
ATF's pistol brace rule faces ongoing court challenges, leaving millions of gun owners uncertain about compliance requirements as federal circuits issue conflicting rulings on the regulation's validity.
GOA Texas proposes platform planks to expand constitutional carry to 18-year-olds and strengthen self-defense immunity. The resolutions target age restrictions courts have ruled unconstitutional.
ATF's new rule drops the blanket ban on gun purchases by anyone who's used drugs, focusing instead on current "compulsive" users. Medical marijuana patients and past users can now legally buy firearms starting June 30.
The Ninth Circuit struck down California's open-carry ban in counties over 200,000 residents, affecting 95% of the state's population. The 2-1 ruling creates a circuit split and could force California to allow open-carry permits statewide.
Glock's Gen6 pistols finally address decades of ergonomic complaints with palm swells, improved grip texture, and better trigger design while maintaining legendary reliability. Early reviews from law enforcement instructors are overwhelmingly positive.
The gun industry's own trade group admits 40% of new firearms contain defects—a failure rate that would kill any other consumer product industry. With no federal safety oversight, dangerous guns stay in circulation until lawsuits force fixes.
Mason Lane dominated USPSA Limited division at Race Gun Nationals, winning by 39 points in record 616-shooter field. Team SIG member's commanding performance validates elite sponsorship deal.
The Ninth Circuit struck down California's ban on open-carry permits in counties over 200,000 people, covering 95% of the state. The ruling creates a circuit split and challenges the "ban one mode, allow another" approach to carry laws.
Federal courts struck down the ATF's pistol brace rule in 2024, making stabilizing braces legal again after threatening millions of gun owners with felony charges for possessing unregistered short-barreled rifles.
SHOT Show 2026 featured Glock's most significant design update in years with the ergonomic Gen6 pistols, expanded suppressor options following NFA tax removal, and practical gear improvements that address real shooter problems.
02 // Legal Guides
Idaho & Federal firearms laws
Idaho operates under constitutional carry. Anyone 18+ who is a U.S. citizen and not prohibited from owning firearms can carry concealed without a permit.
Which Idaho government buildings allow firearms and which do not. State Capitol rules, county courthouses, city halls, and the legal consequences of carrying in prohibited buildings.
Idaho has zero magazine capacity restrictions at any level of government. State preemption law prevents cities and counties from creating local limits.
Idaho age requirements for buying and possessing firearms. The 18-year-old handgun gap, minor possession rules, and what parents need to know to stay legal.
Idaho's two-tier concealed weapons license system explained. How the enhanced permit unlocks reciprocity in roughly half the states that recognize Idaho permits.
Idaho has no assault weapon ban or restrictions. State preemption prevents local bans. Federal NFA rules still apply to select-fire weapons and short-barreled rifles.
Idaho firearm purchase laws for dealer and private sales. Federal background check requirements, private party transfers, and the rules that change based on how you buy.
Idaho has no red flag law or extreme risk protection order statute. How neighboring states differ, the national ERPO landscape, and what Idaho gun owners who travel need to know.
Idaho suppressor laws and the federal NFA process. State-level permissiveness, ATF Form 4 requirements, trust vs. individual registration, and common mistakes.
Idaho school zone firearms laws under state and federal law. Constitutional carry exceptions, CWL holder rules, the 1000-foot federal zone, and on-campus restrictions.
Idaho's NFA regulations for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, machine guns, and other Title II weapons. Federal requirements, state-level permissiveness, and pending 2026 legislation.
Who cannot legally own firearms in Idaho under state and federal law. Covers felony convictions, domestic violence misdemeanors, mental health adjudications, and the restoration process.
Permitted and prohibited carry locations under Idaho constitutional carry law. Courthouses, federal buildings, private property rules, and the places where carry rights have real limits.
Idaho allows permitless concealed carry for eligible adults 18+. Learn the requirements, restrictions, and key laws governing constitutional carry throughout the state.
Virginia Firearms Laws: What's Changing in 2026
Washington State Firearms Laws: HB 1240 and Beyond
Illinois Firearms Laws: FOID and PICA Guide
New York Firearms Laws: Complete Guide
California Firearms Laws: Complete Guide
Wyoming's governor signed two solid Second Amendment bills into law — lowering the concealed carry age to 18 and criminalizing Red Flag enforcement — while vetoing a third bill that would have added civil lawsuit provisions to the state's gun sanctuary law. GOA is pushing back on the veto's legal reasoning and signaling another run at the legislation.
The Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel has declared the federal ban on mailing handguns unconstitutional under the Second Amendment, directing USPS to rewrite its regulations. The opinion follows a lawsuit filed by Gun Owners of America and applies the Supreme Court's Bruen historical tradition standard. USPS regulations haven't changed yet, so practical impact is still developing.
FPC and co-plaintiffs including the NRA and SAF filed for summary judgment in Brown v. ATF, arguing Congress's 2025 repeal of NFA transfer taxes eliminated the only constitutional basis the law has ever had. The motion also challenges suppressor and SBR restrictions directly under the Second Amendment. A district court ruling is the next step, with appeals certain to follow.
Virginia is poised to ban AR-15s and standard-capacity magazines under Senate Bill 749, with Gov. Spanberger expected to sign. The Virginia Citizens Defense League is already lawyered up and ready to challenge it. Given the Supreme Court's *Bruen* framework and a growing circuit split, this law is on a collision course with federal courts.
Idaho Enhanced CWL vs. basic permit: age requirements, mandatory 8-hour training, reciprocity in 38 states, prohibited places, and full statute reference.
Idaho government building gun laws explained: courthouses, schools, colleges, and where preemption law protects your carry rights under Idaho Code § 18-3302J.
Idaho's stand your ground law (§ 19-202A): no duty to retreat, burden on the prosecution, Castle Doctrine for home and vehicle. Full legal breakdown.
Idaho Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws explained — § 18-4009 presumptions, protected spaces, what voids your claim, and what to do after a defensive incident.
Idaho private party firearm transfer laws explained: no background checks required, but federal prohibited-person rules, interstate restrictions, and age laws still apply.
Idaho concealed carry laws explained: constitutional carry, CWL types, reciprocity, prohibited places, NFA items, and 2026 legislative updates. Complete legal reference.
Idaho open carry laws explained for 2026: no permit required, constitutional carry, NFA items, prohibited places, reciprocity, and vehicle carry rules.
Who is legally prohibited from owning a firearm in Idaho? Full breakdown of Idaho Code § 18-310 and federal 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) disqualifiers, restoration pathways, and penalties.
Idaho has no magazine capacity limits — state or local. Full preemption blocks local bans. Here's what the law says and what changes the moment you leave the state.
Idaho NFA rules explained: suppressors, SBRs, machine guns, and Senate Bill 1349's contingent machine gun framework. What's legal, what's changing in 2026.
Idaho school zone gun laws explained: K-12 prohibitions, employee carry with enhanced license, college campus rules, and key exceptions under Idaho Code § 18-3302D.
Idaho vehicle transport laws explained: loaded, concealed carry without a permit, RV rules, state line crossings, NFA items, and what changed in 2026.
Idaho constitutional carry laws explained: who can carry without a permit, optional licenses, prohibited places, reciprocity, Stand Your Ground, and 2026 legislative updates.
Complete guide to Idaho gun laws in 2026: constitutional carry, concealed permits, NFA items, reciprocity, and where you can't carry. Know your rights.
Complete guide to Idaho hunting regulations for 2026, including new nonresident draw system, season dates, licensing requirements, and tag allocations.
Complete guide to Texas gun laws 2026: constitutional carry, LTC benefits, where you can't carry, campus carry rules, and open carry requirements.
Idaho allows private gun sales between residents without background checks or paperwork. Learn the legal requirements, federal restrictions, and documentation.
Complete guide to Idaho open carry laws including age requirements, legal restrictions, and practical guidance for gun owners. No permit required for open carry.
Learn the federal requirements for ATF Form 4473, the mandatory paperwork for all gun purchases from licensed dealers, including new 2024 updates and legal obligations.
Federal law restricts armor-piercing ammunition primarily when designed for handguns, while rifle cartridges remain largely unrestricted. Learn the key definitions, legal distinctions, and licensing requirements that determine what ammunition you can legally purchase and possess.
Learn the federal requirements for legally transporting firearms through restrictive states under FOPA's safe passage provision, including storage rules and travel limitations.
Federal law requires you to be 21 to buy handguns from dealers and 18 for rifles/shotguns, but private sales follow different rules that allow 18-20 year olds to purchase handguns from unlicensed sellers.
Federal law prohibits firearms in most government buildings under 18 U.S.C. § 930, including post offices, courthouses, and federal offices. Learn which locations are covered, what weapons are banned, and the serious criminal penalties for violations.
Gun Owners Foundation reported eight legal victories in 2024, including constitutional carry expansion in Tennessee, coast-to-coast carry wins, and successful challenges to federal dealer enforcement policies.
Learn the essential requirements for owning NFA-regulated items like suppressors and short-barreled rifles, including the 2026 tax elimination and mandatory ATF registration process.
Learn federal serialization requirements for firearms, including new 2022 rules covering "ghost guns" and privately made firearms that now require serial numbers and background checks.
James Madison initially opposed adding a Bill of Rights to the Constitution, fearing it might limit rights to only those listed. Thomas Jefferson convinced him otherwise, leading to the amendments we rely on today—including the Second Amendment.
Learn federal 922(r) compliance requirements for imported semiautomatic rifles and shotguns. This guide covers the 10-part limit, regulated components list, and how to maintain legal compliance when modifying imported firearms or building from parts kits.
Learn how LEOSA grants qualified retired law enforcement officers nationwide concealed carry privileges, including eligibility requirements, annual qualification standards, and key restrictions that still apply across state lines.
Learn the complete process for legally owning NFA items like suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and machine guns, including current application procedures, tax stamp requirements, and key regulations.
Learn how three landmark Supreme Court cases—Heller, McDonald, and Bruen—established individual Second Amendment rights and reshaped modern gun law interpretation.
Learn what constitutes an illegal straw purchase when buying firearms and why federal law prohibits buying guns for others, even legally eligible recipients.
The Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988 prohibits firearms that cannot be detected by metal detectors and X-ray machines. Learn the federal requirements, penalties, and how this law applies to modern 3D-printed firearms and polymer-framed pistols.
Interstate firearm sales must go through a Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealer.
Federal law prohibits firearm possession by felons, fugitives, domestic violence offenders, and other categories.
Idaho's stand your ground law eliminates the duty to retreat before using force in self-defense anywhere you're lawfully present, allowing you to defend yourself or others with reasonable force.
Federal law prohibits firearms within 1,000 feet of schools, with exceptions for CCW permit holders.
Learn Idaho's rules for recreational shooting on BLM and Forest Service lands, including safety zones, fire restrictions, and legal requirements for responsible target practice.
No civilian possession of machine guns manufactured after May 19, 1986 under the Firearm Owners Protection Act.
Learn how Texas handles NFA items like suppressors and short-barreled rifles through its unique "defense to prosecution" framework, federal registration requirements, and practical ownership process.
Short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and suppressors require ATF Form 4 registration and $200 tax stamp.
Texas has no mandatory waiting period for firearm purchases, allowing buyers to take home their guns the same day once background checks clear at licensed dealers.
Federal law requires background checks for purchases from licensed dealers under the Brady Act.
Texas allows most adults to openly carry handguns without a license as of 2021. Learn the holster requirements, age restrictions, and prohibited locations that still apply under constitutional carry laws.
Texas allows private firearm sales between individuals without background checks or registration. Learn the key differences between private sales and dealer transactions, federal restrictions that still apply, age requirements, and how to stay compliant with state and federal law.
Enhanced CCW permit holders can carry in K-12 schools in Idaho. Learn about requirements and reciprocity benefits.
Texas Castle Doctrine grants legal right to use force, including deadly force, in your home, vehicle, and workplace without duty to retreat. Learn when self-defense is justified and protected under Texas law.
Idaho's Castle Doctrine eliminates your duty to retreat in your home and presumes your use of force against unlawful intruders is justified. Learn how this law protects your right to defend your home, yard, and vehicle with deadly force when facing criminal intrusion.
Idaho does not require firearms registration. No state-level registry exists.
Learn the benefits of Texas License to Carry (LTC) beyond permitless carry, including reciprocity with 37+ states, expanded carry locations, and additional legal protections.
Idaho law preempts local firearms regulations. Cities and counties cannot enact stricter laws than state law.
Learn Texas's 30.06 and 30.07 sign systems that allow property owners to prohibit concealed or open carry by license holders, including legal requirements and penalties.
Firearms may be transported in vehicles loaded or unloaded, concealed or visible under Idaho law.
Learn when Texas law allows you to defend yourself without retreating, including key requirements for justified force and deadly force under Stand Your Ground provisions.
Texas state preemption law prevents cities and counties from creating their own gun regulations beyond state requirements. Learn how this creates uniform firearm rules across Texas and what local restrictions are still allowed.
Learn Texas laws for carrying handguns in vehicles without a permit under the Motorist Protection Act, including eligibility requirements and key restrictions.
03 // How-To Guides
Training, maintenance, buying guides
Somebody breaks your front door at 2 a.m. You've got maybe seconds to get to your firearm, get your family clear, and be ready.
You bought the gun. You took the class. Now you're standing in a gun store or scrolling through Amazon at midnight, staring at roughly four hundred holster options and wondering how any of this is ...
You show up at a clay range for the first time and someone hands you a shotgun, points at an orange disc screaming across the sky, and says "just follow it." You shoot. You miss. You shoot again.
You pull the trigger. Three seconds pass. Then you hear it -- that distant, unmistakable *clang* of steel at 1,000 yards. If you've never experienced that, it's hard to explain.
You just dropped $800 on a new hunting rifle and now you're standing in a gun store staring at a wall of scopes priced anywhere from $89 to $3,000.
You're standing at the gun counter, watching the price tags on factory ammo creep up again. Your buddy at the range keeps telling you to just start reloading -- says he's saving a fortune.
You're driving from Idaho to visit family in New Jersey. You've got your EDC on your hip and a couple of standard-capacity magazines in your bag.
You found the exact rifle you've been looking for -- right color, right configuration, $80 cheaper than anywhere local.
You're standing in a gun store, staring at two boxes of 9mm. One's $18.99 for 50 rounds, the other's $34.99 for 100 rounds with a shipping sticker still on the flap.
Every listing in the BGC directory gets a letter grade from A+ to F. This is our way of telling you how complete and trustworthy a listing is -- before you drive across town to find out the hard way.
Complete guide to Idaho shooting competitions, ranges, and events for 2026-2027. Find matches, plan your shooting calendar, and discover opportunities across the state.
Learn shotgun chokes from basics to practical application. Understand the five main types, when to use each, and how to choose the right choke for hunting and clay sports.
Complete beginner's guide to concealed carry basics: choosing positions, holsters, drawing safely, dressing around your gun, and building good habits.
First-time gun buyer? Here's what you actually need to know -- legal requirements, which gun to start with, what to budget, and how to stay safe.
Complete beginner's guide to choosing your first shotgun. Learn about gauges, actions, and get specific recommendations for new gun owners. Safety-focused advice.
Complete guide to 3-Gun Competition in Idaho. Learn equipment requirements, costs, divisions, and how to get started in this multi-platform shooting sport.
Complete guide to airgun competition: 10m precision, field target, equipment, costs, rules. From beginner basics to competitive shooting with air rifles and pistols.
Complete guide to archery in Idaho: equipment, costs, rules, and where to shoot. From traditional bows to Olympic recurve and compounds - everything you need to start.
Complete guide to benchrest shooting - the ultimate precision rifle sport. Equipment requirements, costs, rules, and getting started in NBRSA/IBS competition.
Complete guide to black powder muzzleloader shooting: equipment, costs, rules, and how to get started in traditional firearms competition.
Complete guide to Bullseye/Precision Pistol: rules, equipment, costs, and how to get started in this classic marksmanship discipline. From beginner basics to competitive gear.
Complete guide to Cowboy Action Shooting in Idaho: equipment, costs, rules, and getting started in this Old West-themed multi-gun competition sport.
F-Class Long Range shooting: prone precision rifle competition at 300-1200 yards using scoped rifles, bipods, and front rests. Complete guide to getting started.
Five Stand combines the variety of sporting clays with the convenience of fixed stations. Learn rules, equipment, costs, and what to expect at your first match.
Complete guide to gun shows: what to expect, buying and selling tips, FFL transfer rules, pricing strategies, and practical advice for Idaho gun show attendees.
High Power Rifle competition combines traditional marksmanship positions with precision shooting at 200-600 yards. Complete guide to equipment, rules, costs, and getting started.
Complete guide to airsoft: combat simulation sport using replica firearms and plastic BBs. Equipment recommendations, game types, costs, and getting started tips.
Complete guide to Idaho hunter education requirements, course options, field day expectations, and certification process. Everything you need to know to get started hunting legally in Idaho.
Complete guide to metallic silhouette shooting: rules, equipment, costs, and getting started in this precision rifle sport where you knock down steel animals at long range.
Complete guide to sporting clays: equipment, rules, costs, and getting started in America's fastest-growing shotgun sport. From beginner basics to competition prep.
Complete guide to NRL22 rimfire precision shooting: equipment, costs, rules, and getting started in this accessible precision rifle sport using .22 LR ammunition.
Complete guide to Steel Challenge: the fastest, most accessible competitive shooting sport. Equipment, rules, costs, and how to get started in SCSA competition.
Complete guide to paintball: equipment, rules, costs, and getting started. From recreational weekend games to competitive tournament play, everything you need to know.
Complete guide to skeet shooting: rules, equipment, costs, and getting started. Learn the difference between American and International skeet, equipment recommendations, and what to expect.
Complete guide to IDPA/USPSA practical shooting - rules, equipment, costs, getting started. Dynamic pistol competition combining speed, accuracy, and movement.
Learn trap shooting basics: equipment, rules, costs, and skills. From your first round to competitive shooting, this guide covers American trap fundamentals.
Complete guide to Precision Rifle Series (PRS) competition in Idaho: equipment, costs, rules, and how to get started in tactical precision shooting.
Time to deep clean and inspect your firearms after winter storage. Complete maintenance checklist for spring readiness.
Keep your gear functioning and stay safe at the range during Idaho winters. Lubricant choices, battery tips, layering strategies, and cold-weather shooting safety.
Most firearms don't need constant gunsmith attention—regular cleaning and basic maintenance handle 90% of what a gun needs. But some problems require professional intervention. Here's when to seek help.
Long-term storage requires more than tossing a gun in the closet. Humidity, temperature swings, and improper preparation can damage firearms. Here's how to store guns for months or years without issues.
Responsible firearm ownership includes securing your firearms from unauthorized access—children, theft, and prohibited persons. Here's how to store firearms safely while maintaining access when you need them.
Dry fire is the single most effective way to improve your shooting without spending money on ammunition. Done correctly, it builds muscle memory and technique faster than live fire alone.
Malfunctions happen. Semi-automatic firearms occasionally fail to feed, fire, or eject properly. Knowing how to clear them quickly and safely is a fundamental skill every shooter needs.
Showing up to the range prepared makes everything smoother—for you and everyone around you. Here's the essential gear you need, organized from mandatory to nice-to-have.
The rifle market can overwhelm new buyers. Bolt actions, semi-autos, lever guns—each has distinct purposes, and the right choice depends on what you actually plan to do with it. Here's how to decide.
Your first handgun purchase is a significant decision. The gun store wall has dozens of options. The internet has millions of opinions. Here's how to cut through the noise and find what actually works for you.
Understanding ammunition is fundamental to responsible firearm ownership. This guide covers cartridge components, caliber selection, and how to choose the right ammo for your purposes.
A clean firearm functions reliably. A neglected one doesn't. Cleaning isn't complicated, but it does require consistency and attention to detail. This guide covers the fundamentals that apply to most handguns and rifles.
Shooting ranges have protocols. Some are formal rules enforced by range officers. Others are unspoken expectations that experienced shooters follow. Violating either marks you as inexperienced at best, dangerous at worst.
Every negligent discharge, every firearms accident traces back to violating one of these four rules. They're simple. They're absolute. They're the foundation everything else builds on.