Year: 2025

3 Ways for Firearm Instructors to Challenge Their Students

By North America Outdoors / April 27, 2025 / Comments Off on 3 Ways for Firearm Instructors to Challenge Their Students

Sometimes it takes going back to the basics in order to make progress as an instructor. 3 Ways for Firearm Instructors to Challenge Their Students NRA Training Counselors (TCs) are a different breed. These are individuals who take training to a new level. After meeting criteria, TCs are selected by the NRAโ€™s training staff as…

Go Retro with German Drillings and Vierlings

By North America Outdoors / April 16, 2025 / Comments Off on Go Retro with German Drillings and Vierlings

Add a new level of cool to your shooting with one of these historic but hip firearms. Go Retro with German Drillings and Vierlings There seems to be a trend in the U.S. firearms market. Firearm owners are going retro! You can identify this is the trend based on what is being marketed to consumers.…

What a New Gun Owner Really Wants to Know

By North America Outdoors / April 15, 2025 / Comments Off on What a New Gun Owner Really Wants to Know

STORY AND PHOTOS BY HEIDI LYN RAO What a New Gun Owner Really Wants to Know An increasing number of individuals are exploring their options to purchase a firearm for the very first time. Many of these people did not grow up in a household with firearms. As adults, they have either married into firearms,…

NRA Instructors Need to Check those Shotgun Chambers

By North America Outdoors / April 15, 2025 / Comments Off on NRA Instructors Need to Check those Shotgun Chambers

How To Handle 2 ยฝ-Inch Chambers By Heidi Lyn Rao As an NRA Firearms Instructor, one of my favorite courses to teach is the NRA Basic Shotgun Course. There is nothing like witnessing your students break their first clay target. The expression on their faces along with their excitement justifies all the hard work you…

Do You Have What It Takes to Become an NRA Firearms Instructor?

By North American Outdoors / April 11, 2025 / Comments Off on Do You Have What It Takes to Become an NRA Firearms Instructor?

One of the best ways to support the 2nd Amendment is by becoming an NRA Certified Instructor. by Heidi Lyn Rao As an advocate for the 2nd Amendment and an active member of the shooting sports community, the duty lies upon all of us to introduce as many new shooters as we can to firearms. By…

What is a Damascus Barrel?

By North American Outdoors / April 10, 2025 / Comments Off on What is a Damascus Barrel?

The intricate patterns, whirls, wavy lines, and light and dark areas make whatever is made from this ancient metal very pleasing to the eye. by Heidi Lyn Rao Damascus steel is some of the most beautiful metal in the world. It has been used in the making of knives, swords, rifles, shotguns and pistol barrels. Items…

Bullet Weight Pros and Cons

By North American Outdoors / March 30, 2025 / Comments Off on Bullet Weight Pros and Cons

Even bullets experience trends. Learn more about heavy vs. light loads to help you decide which is best for your situation. by Heidi Lyn Rao As a firearms instructor for more than 25 years, I have seen a definite shift in attitude about bullet weight and muzzle velocity, especially in self-defense cartridges. There was a time…

5 Reasons to Become an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor

By North American Outdoors / March 23, 2025 / Comments Off on 5 Reasons to Become an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor

By becoming an NRA Certified Instructor, you are not only protecting your own Second Amendment Rights, but you are protecting the rights of those who have not yet joined our ranks. by Heidi Lyn Rao Have you ever thought of becoming an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor? There are many benefits to achieving this sought after title.…

How to Slug a Rifle Barrel

By North American Outdoors / March 15, 2025 / Comments Off on How to Slug a Rifle Barrel

In possession of your grandfather’s old military rifle? Before you fire it, be sure you know the proper caliber. Here’s how to find out. by Heidi Lyn Rao If you are a collector of old rifles, or maybe you inherited some war trophies from your father, grandfather, or a treasured heirloom that has been passed down,…

Concealed Carry vs. Open Carry: Pros and Cons

By North American Outdoors / March 12, 2025 / Comments Off on Concealed Carry vs. Open Carry: Pros and Cons

If you live where you can carry either concealed or open, you must choose which way is right for your situation. Here are some factors to help with your decision. by Heidi Lyn Rao In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen that the Second Amendment protects the…