A Brief History of Firearms

A close up of the back end of an antique gun.

A Brief History of Firearms – NRA Women.com Here are the six major developments in firearm technology that led to the guns you know today. We live in an age when researching our past is common. Many companies offer DNA tests so individuals can trace their ancestry. Our cable networks and streaming services have numerous…

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Let’s Do the Twist!

A picture of the inside of an object.

Let’s Do the Twist! – NRA Women.com Here’s what that “1:10” means in the gun reviews you read … and why it matters. Rifling is more than just grooves in a barrel. Barrel rifling was first introduced in 1498 by August Kotter, an armorer in Germany. Kotter applied the concept of putting a spin on…

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Scoring an “F” In Black Powder

A person holding a gun and aiming it at something

Scoring an “F” In Black Powder – NRA Women.com Using the right black powder in a muzzleloader is as important as using the correct cartridge in your gun. Muzzleloading is a specialized activity. Just about any shooter can tell you what a muzzleloading firearm is, but very few can tell you how to load and…

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NRA Gun Safety Training Brings Families Together

A person sitting on the ground holding a rifle.

NRA Gun Safety Training Brings Families Together – NRA Family.org Recognized the world over, NRA training offers a safe, supportive entry to your family’s favorite new hobby. I have been teaching firearms training courses for many years and educated many, many thousands in firearms safety and proper handling and use. I am very lucky–my vocation is my avocation!…

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The Different Types of Firearm Safeties

A close up of the trigger on an automatic rifle.

The Different Types of Firearm Safeties – NRA Women.com Familiarize yourself with these common safety types so you’re prepared to properly handle a variety of firearms, including your own. Firearm safeties are designed to prevent a gun from an accidental discharge. Safeties come in a variety of types and shapes, and each is engaged and…

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Canvas Rebel: Meet Heidi Lyn Rao

Canvas Rebel: Meet Heidi Lyn Rao – NRA Women.com We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Heidi Lyn Rao a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below. Heidi Lyn, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should…

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History of Cartridge Propellants

A close up of a bullet casing with black beads

History of Cartridge Propellants – NRA Women.com Without gunpowder there would be no guns! Without gunpowder there would be no guns! Gun powder is one of the “Four Great Inventions” of ancient China: paper, the compass, gunpowder and printing. Gunpowder was invented during the Tang Dynasty in the 9th century and consisted of a mixture of…

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Training New Women Shooters

Training New Women Shooters – Americas 1st Freedom With industry experts reporting that about 14 million Americans purchased a gun for the first time during the past two years, the widespread availability of high-quality firearms training for these new gun owners is critical in order for them to become safe, responsible practitioners of their Second…

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The Lost Art of Gun Cleaning

A group of people sitting around a table.

The Lost Art of Gun Cleaning – NRA Women.com Avoid misinformation and risky shortcuts! Here are our step-by-step instructions. The first step to maintaining a properly functioning firearm is proper cleaning of the gun. The word “proper” is the key here! As an NRA Firearms Training Counselor, I’ve heard some misinformation about the importance of and…

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Ammo Basics: Common Bullet Types

A group of different types of bullets lined up.

Ammo Basics: Common Bullet Types – NRA Women.com Different bullet types accomplish different goals. Make sure you’re using the right ammo! Firearms have their own language. To a non-shooter, it can be as foreign as trying to learn a new language. This terminology also includes ammunition. Ammunition terms are often not fully understood by shooters.…

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