Terminology

Understanding Bolt Extractors

By North American Outdoors / February 12, 2024 / Comments Off on Understanding Bolt Extractors

Understanding Bolt Extractors Next to the firing pin, the bolt extractor is the one of the most important features of any firearm. by HEIDI LYN RAO posted on February 12, 2024 NEWS, TERMINOLOGY, FIREARMS Support NRA Women DONATE Many shooters do not think much about extractors. They just shoot and assume that the gun knows what to do. In reality,…

Read More

Understanding Antler Restrictions

By North American Outdoors / December 3, 2023 / Comments Off on Understanding Antler Restrictions

Understanding Antler Restrictions  Learning the antler restriction laws in your state keeps you from guessing if a deer is legal. by HEIDI LYN RAO posted on December 3, 2023 NEWS, TIPS & TACTICS, HUNTING Support NRA Women DONATE Many hunting topics spark animated discussions, like opinions on the best all-round hunting caliber; when hunting seasons should open or close; and…

Read More
A moose with large horns is standing in the grass.

Do You Know Your Antler Terminology?

By North American Outdoors / October 13, 2023 / Comments Off on Do You Know Your Antler Terminology?

You might take a bull by the horns, but not a deer—or elk, moose or caribou! Regardless of how long you’ve been hunting, if you’ve been referring to a whitetail buck’s “antlers” as horns, it’s time for this refresher course. by HEIDI LYN RAO posted on October 13, 2023 NEWS, TERMINOLOGY, HUNTING Support NRA Women DONATE Antlers are what drive…

Read More
A close up of the barrel and the barrel end.

Understanding Cartridge Headspace

By North American Outdoors / September 14, 2023 / Comments Off on Understanding Cartridge Headspace

Many things must properly line up before a cartridge can be accurately fired through a firearm—and one of the most important factors is headspace. by HEIDI LYN RAO posted on September 14, 2023 NEWS, TERMINOLOGY, HUNTING, CONCEALED CARRY, GEAR, FIREARMS Support NRA Women DONATE Firearm cartridges are made up of four main components: bullet, case, gun powder and primer. If you look at…

Read More
A picture of the inside of an object.

Understanding Rifle Barrels—Groovy!

By North American Outdoors / August 7, 2023 / Comments Off on Understanding Rifle Barrels—Groovy!

Rifling makes it possible for bullets to reach their intended target by putting the right amount of spin on a projectile. by HEIDI LYN RAO posted on August 7, 2023 NEWS, TERMINOLOGY, HUNTING, FIREARMS Support NRA Women DONATE Rifling in firearm barrels was a major breakthrough in the history of guns. Before rifling was standard in the production of firearms, the…

Read More
A person holding a gun and aiming at something

Understanding Shotgun Shell Terminology

By North American Outdoors / May 3, 2023 / Comments Off on Understanding Shotgun Shell Terminology

Shotgun shooting can be the most confusing of all the shooting sports. The following is a list of common words or phrases that you might see on a box of shotshells, along with their definitions. by HEIDI LYN RAO posted on May 3, 2023 NEWS, TERMINOLOGY, FIREARMS, GEAR Support NRA Women DONATE Shotgun shooting can be the most confusing of all…

Read More
A woman holding a gun in her hand.

Firearm Basics: Parts of a Gun Stock

By North American Outdoors / May 1, 2023 / Comments Off on Firearm Basics: Parts of a Gun Stock

Want to sound knowledgeable about firearms? Learning the various parts of your gun is a great place to start. by HEIDI LYN RAO posted on May 1, 2023 NEWS, TERMINOLOGY, FIREARMS Support NRA Women DONATE Have you ever heard the saying, “lock stock and barrelâ€? This is an old phrase meaning “the whole thing†which has its roots from the…

Read More
Transfer bar

What Are Transfer Bars?

By North American Outdoors / January 12, 2023 / Comments Off on What Are Transfer Bars?

There is a defining distinction between those of us “in our prime,†and younger generations. No, it is not all of the electronics and technology, the “new†math that we parents cannot do, or even the virtual world. That is because even the eldest of the older generation can learn these things. What separates us…

Read More
A pair of ear muffs hanging from hooks.

Overheard on the Gun Range: Common Terminology

By North American Outdoors / December 22, 2022 / Comments Off on Overheard on the Gun Range: Common Terminology

Knowing what these terms mean can keep everyone safe while having an enjoyable experience at the range. Knowing what these terms mean can keep everyone safe while having an enjoyable experience at the range. Accidental Discharge—An unanticipated and unforeseen discharge of a firearm. Injuries and property damages can possibly be prevented if all shooters follow the…

Read More
A close up of the side of a gun

The Least Understood Rifles: Trapdoors, Rolling Blocks and Falling Blocks

By North American Outdoors / August 25, 2022 / Comments Off on The Least Understood Rifles: Trapdoors, Rolling Blocks and Falling Blocks

Knowing and understanding these primitive firearms leads to the admiration of the soldiers who had to use them. When conducting NRA Firearms Courses, there are certain topics on which I need to dedicate more time. I know that when I conduct the NRA Basic Rifle Course, I will get questions regarding trapdoor, rolling block and falling block…

Read More