Handguns

5 Reasons Instructors Should Start New Shooters on a .22 LR

By North America Outdoors / January 9, 2026 / Comments Off on 5 Reasons Instructors Should Start New Shooters on a .22 LR

This little cartridge can be one of the most powerful tools for teaching the fundamentals that create safe, confident and successful shooters. As a longtime NRA Instructor, one of the best tools I have found to use with new shooters is a .22 LR. The NRA Training Department encourages instructors to utilize the .22 LR…

Identical Twin Cartridges – the Exception to the Rule

By North America Outdoors / December 10, 2025 / Comments Off on Identical Twin Cartridges – the Exception to the Rule

Exceptions include cartridges that have identical size dimensions, bullet weights, and powder charges but have different industry recognized names. Safe shooters know the importance of using the correct ammunition in their firearms. NRA Certified Firearm Instructors are expected to teach the importance of matching the correct ammunition to the firearm in Lesson II of all…

NRA Firearm Instructors Achieve Success Through Concentration

By North America Outdoors / October 26, 2025 / Comments Off on NRA Firearm Instructors Achieve Success Through Concentration

We all know what it is like trying to complete a project and constantly being interrupted by the phone, co-workers or even our kids. All of us at one time or another have said, “It’s so loud in here, I can’t even hear myself think!” If you have ever said or thought this, your concentration…

4 Traits of a Good Firearm Instructor

By North America Outdoors / October 26, 2025 / Comments Off on 4 Traits of a Good Firearm Instructor

NRA Certified Instructors are ambassadors for the NRA. If you are a student, here are four ways to recognize when your instructor is putting his or her best foot forward. When you visit a gun range, one thing you will notice is there usually is no shortage of firearms instructors. There may be business cards…

What is the Recommended Age to Introduce Kids to Firearms?

By North America Outdoors / October 13, 2025 / Comments Off on What is the Recommended Age to Introduce Kids to Firearms?

Spending my entire adult life in a career introducing people to firearms and hunting and teaching the safe and proper use, storage, and handling of fire- arms, one of the most frequently asked questions is, “What is the best age to introduce my kids to firearms?†The answer, without hesitation, is NOW! As parents, we…

How a Cartridge Becomes Standardized

By North America Outdoors / October 13, 2025 / Comments Off on How a Cartridge Becomes Standardized

Some of today’s most popular cartridges started out as “wildcats,” but thanks to SAAMI, are now produced as safe, standard and commonly available rounds. One of the first things new gun owners notice when they are looking to purchase their first firearm is the seemingly endless number of caliber options to choose from in the…

Is There a Picasso in Your Gun Safe?

By North America Outdoors / October 12, 2025 / Comments Off on Is There a Picasso in Your Gun Safe?

We’ve all read stories of priceless artifacts—usually works of art or original historic documents—discovered in pawn shops and garage sales. But as the author discovered, valuable firearms are also hiding in plain sight. Have you ever imagined going to a typical garage sale in your neighborhood and leaving with a $10 painting that caught your…

Stuck In a Rut? Time to Pivot and Progress!

By North America Outdoors / September 19, 2025 / Comments Off on Stuck In a Rut? Time to Pivot and Progress!

Getting out of a rut is not as hard as it seems. Simply change what you are doing! ** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA’s mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. ** Getting “stuck in a rut†is one of…

The NRA Has Something for Everyone

By North America Outdoors / July 31, 2025 / Comments Off on The NRA Has Something for Everyone

American gun owners join the NRA for many reasons that pertain to their individual shooting sports activities, but all join for the common goal of the protection of their Second Amendment rights. ** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA’s mission to protect, preserve…

3 Facts Regarding Rifling

By North America Outdoors / July 7, 2025 / Comments Off on 3 Facts Regarding Rifling

Understanding how rifling relates to using the proper ammunition will make any shooter a safer and more effective shooter. ** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA’s mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. ** Most people in the gun world have…