Shotguns

Why Shooting “Old School” Might Be Your Best Hunting Move Yet!

By North American Outdoors / July 1, 2026 / Comments Off on Why Shooting “Old School” Might Be Your Best Hunting Move Yet!

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB FOUNDATION • SUMMER 2026 BY HEIDI LYN RAO As hunting seasons around the country draw to a close, most hunters are “winterizing” their firearms for the “long sleep” until the next season opener. This is the time that we reflect on the hunts of the past season, plan…

3 Pieces of “Expert” Advice New Gun Owners Can Ignore

By North American Outdoors / May 29, 2026 / Comments Off on 3 Pieces of “Expert” Advice New Gun Owners Can Ignore

If I were to give advice to any new gun owner on purchasing a first firearm and subsequent training, it would be very simple and to the point: Don’t always trust the “experts,” and look to NRA Certified Instructors for accurate information. Some of the “experts” to avoid include internet and social media influencers; workplace watercooler wranglers;…

Gun Stocks: Which Wood—You Choose!

By North American Outdoors / May 10, 2026 / Comments Off on Gun Stocks: Which Wood—You Choose!

The stock is the first thing you notice about a rifle. Here’s why the wood chosen for a particular model firearm is anything but random. Many different types of wood are used in the manufacture of firearm stocks, the most common being American walnut, Turkish walnut, Claro walnut, Birch and Figured. But here’s why the…

Houston, We Have NRA Members!

By North American Outdoors / April 26, 2026 / Comments Off on Houston, We Have NRA Members!

More than 73,000 members gathered in the country’s fourth most-populous city to celebrate their Second Amendment freedoms. Everything’s bigger in Texas, and the fourth most-populous city hosting the 155th NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Houston April 17-19, 2026 did not disappoint. The NRA show is open to all NRA members and their immediate families…

From Hawaii To Houston: Finding Fab Female NRA Firearm Training on the Mainland

By North American Outdoors / April 16, 2026 / Comments Off on From Hawaii To Houston: Finding Fab Female NRA Firearm Training on the Mainland

Frustrated in their search for next-level instruction on the Big Island, two women journey 3,800 miles to Texas for the gold standard in training. By Heidi Rao One of the greatest things about being an NRA Certified Firearms Instructors is that you meet the greatest people. This is because individuals who specifically look for NRA…

Range Ready: A Successful Guide to Introducing New Firearm Owners to Their First Range Experience with Confidence and Success

By North American Outdoors / March 31, 2026 / Comments Off on Range Ready: A Successful Guide to Introducing New Firearm Owners to Their First Range Experience with Confidence and Success

A Successful Guide to Introducing New Firearm Owners to Their First Range Experience with Confidence and Success BY HEIDI LYN RAO The sights, sounds, and smells of a gun range may be something that brings comfort to you as a frequent and experienced shooter. To a brand-new shooter, a trip to the gun range may…

Firearm Terminology: Rifle and Shotgun Stocks

By North American Outdoors / February 17, 2026 / Comments Off on Firearm Terminology: Rifle and Shotgun Stocks

As we get more proficient with our firearms, it is important to know the differences between their parts. When NRA Certified Firearm Instructors teach students to use the correct terminology, many times it is in general terms. For example, we teach the terms “forearm” and “stock.” While these terms are correct, they are general terms.…

NRA Firearm Instructors Achieve Success Through Concentration

By North American 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 American 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 American 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…