Firearms Archives - North American Outdoors

Firearm Training for Students with Language Barriers

By North American Outdoors | September 12, 2023

A man is holding his gun and talking to another person.

Once you are sure that you are following all applicable laws and regulations, you are now faced with the challenge of meeting each of your studentâ€™s needs. by HEIDI LYN RAO posted on September 12, 2023 NEWS, HOW-TO, LIFESTYLE, TIPS & TACTICS, CONCEALED CARRY, FIREARMS Support NRA WomenÂ DONATE Being an NRA Firearms Instructor does not come without challenges. First are the legal challengesâ€”city, county,…

Understanding Terminal Performance

By North American Outdoors | August 10, 2023

We hear this term bantered about a lot when it comes to ammunition. But what exactly does it mean, and how does it affect your success in the field or for self-defense? by HEIDI LYN RAO posted on August 10, 2023 NEWS, LIFESTYLE, TIPS & TACTICS, CONCEALED CARRY, HUNTING, GEAR, FIREARMS Support NRA Women DONATE Terminal performance is how a bullet or other projectile…

5 Mistakes Firearms Instructors Should Avoid

By North American Outdoors | August 9, 2023

A man wearing headphones and a red shirt

Try these tips for what not to do if you are trying to put your best foot forward as a firearm instructor. by HEIDI LYN RAO posted on August 9, 2023 NEWS, HOW-TO, TIPS & TACTICS, FIREARMS Support NRA Women DONATE It should go without saying that firearms instructors must put their students first when conducting shooting classes. Toward this goal,…

Backcountry Backups: Popular Protection Guns Used by Hunting Guides

By North American Outdoors | August 8, 2023

A variety of guns are shown in this image.

Want to be as safe in the backcountry as your hunting guide? Here are some of the most popular firearms that make great backups. by HEIDI LYN RAO posted on August 8, 2023 NEWS, LIFESTYLE, HUNTING, FIREARMS Support NRA Women DONATE Hunting guides have very diverse job descriptions. They are trackers, skinners, butchers, cooks, horse wranglers and good listeners. Above all,…

Understanding Rifle Barrels—Groovy!

By North American Outdoors | August 7, 2023

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…

10 Firearm Safety Rules to Follow While Hunting

By North American Outdoors | November 29, 2022

A person holding on to the side of a gun.

The main safety rules apply to all firearm-related activitiesâ€”with a few more for hunting. As responsible hunters and firearm owners, it is our duty to ensure we follow the 10 rules of firearm safety to avoid being injured or worse, killed. Although there may be slight variations in the wording, gun safety rules are universal.…

Carrying Firearms on Our National Lands

By North American Outdoors | June 17, 2022

A woman standing on top of a snow covered slope.

Know your Second Amendment rights in National Parks. While NRA women are a diverse group of individuals with a diverse set of interests, I have found that most of us enjoy the great outdoors. We are engaged in hunting, fishing, camping and hiking, as well as a plethora of other outdoor activities. I recently took…

Firearm Bluing: More Than Just a Pretty Finish

By North American Outdoors | May 17, 2022

While aesthetically pleasing, bluing also has a functional purpose. Bluing is more than a beautiful finish on a firearm. It also serves as a functional protective layer that resists rust and other factors that could cause damage. The process of bluing is not a technique only known to gunsmiths. Many people have conducted a bluing…

Understanding Hammer-Fired vs. Striker-Fired Pistols

By North American Outdoors | December 14, 2021

A couple of guns are laying next to each other

Many of today’s new shooters have learned on striker-fired pistols, but what exactly does this mean, and what should they know about hammer-fired guns? Todayâ€™s NRA Woman has a choice between hammer-fired semi-automatic pistols and striker-fired semi-automatic pistols. Hammer-fired guns have been around since the 1800s. These early hammer-fired guns were single-action revolvers. The single-action…

5 Traits of a Successful NRA Firearms Instructor

By North American Outdoors | August 5, 2021

A person holding two guns in their hands.

Lots of people can be a good NRA Firearms Instructor. Hereâ€™s how to be a great one! by HEIDI LYN RAO posted on August 5, 2021 With the recent increase in gun sales comes a matching demand for gun training, and with that comes an increase of soon-to-be NRA Firearm Training Instructors. There has been a definitive…