Author: Frank Semeraro

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Dry Fire Training

By Frank Semeraro, AKA BIG GUN

 

If you aren’t familiar with Dry Fire Training, I would like to explain what it is and why you should be doing it.

Simply put, dry fire training is the practice of shooting a firearm without live ammunition.   With the cost of ammunition or lack of availability, you may not have the opportunity to practice shooting at the range as often as you would like.   Shooting is a perishable skill that will start to erode if you don’t practice frequently.   If you only practice shooting your firearm at the range with live ammunition, you may start to develop bad habits.    Most gun ranges will not allow you to shoot your firearm while drawing from a holster and will certainly not allow you to practice shooting while moving around.

 

Dry fire training allows you to practice and improve your skills with shooting live ammunition.   Since you will not be using live ammunition, it is safe, quiet, and can be practiced anytime, anywhere.    There are two methods of Dry Fire Training.    The First method is the use of Snap Caps and the second method is the use of a Laser Cartridge.

 

Snap Caps – Also known as dummy rounds, are bullets that do not contain a primer or gun powder and have a rubber cushion where the primer would be that protects your firing pin.   There are many different brands out there and the cost is about $15.00 for a pack of 5.    I use A-Zoom snap caps which are made of aluminum.    Just stay away from the ones made of plastic, which will crack over time.     They are available in almost any caliber for semi-automatic pistols as well as revolvers.

You simply load the snap caps into your magazine or cylinder and practice firing.  This is a great way to safely practice firing your firearm without the need to go to the range or waste valuable ammunition.

 

 

Laser Cartridges – Are devices that insert into the chamber and emit a red dot every time you pull the trigger allowing you to see where you would have shot if you were using live ammunition.     The cost of Laser Cartridges are between $40.00 and $60.00

There are many different brands on the market and I use the Pink Rhino Laser Cartridge.

You can tape a target on the wall and practice shooting.    The red laser will hit your target every time you pull the trigger.  This is an excellent way to train and keep your skills sharp.

To see Dry Fire Training in action watch our video by clicking on this link.

If you aren’t Dry Fire Training, you should start.   Pick up your Firearm, Snap Caps, Laser Cartridge, and your Remora Holster, and start training today. 

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Open vs Concealed Carry

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Written by Frank Semeraro

Welcome fellow gun owners.   I would like to cover the Pros and Cons of Open Cary Vs Concealed Carry.

When making a decision to carry a firearm the first thing you must decide is weather you will Open Carry or Conceal Carry.     This is a decision you need to make for yourself, what works for one person may not work for another.   You need to do what makes you comfortable.    The first thing you need to do is make sure you understand the firearms laws of your state.    If your state does not allow open carry, that decision will be made for you.     For comparison purposes, let’s assume your state allows you to open carry.

When carrying a firearm you must also know which states have reciprocity with your state and know the gun laws of the states you will be carrying in.    The size of the firearm you are carrying can also determine if you should open or conceal carry.   You may also need to purchase multiple holsters depending on the firearm you carry.   For example, I carry a full size 1911 with a 5 inch barrel which is a very difficult firearm to conceal and carrying that gun inside the waistband with a kydex holster is like walking around with a 2×4 in your pants all day.     For inside the waistband I recommend either leather or a Remora inside the waistband holster for comfort.

OPEN CARRY – Sometimes, how you carry is determined by where you are carrying.    If you are carrying in the woods while hunting or hiking you may need easy access to your firearm to defend yourself against dangerous animals.    Keep in mind that even though you may have the right to open carry, there may still be places that do not allow carrying a firearm.    Also keep in mind that when you open carry, in some places it may raise a few eyebrows and make people uncomfortable.    There is also the possibility that the bad guys see you carrying and it makes you a threat.    I personally like easy access to my firearm and open carry most of the time.    If I am in a crowded area I may just pull my shirt over the firearm to conceal it but technically, it is still considered open carry.

PROS –

  • The major benefit of open carry is easy access to your firearm in case of an emergency.
  • Attacks may be less likely to occur since would-be criminals know you’re armed and can also serve as a potential deterrent for people to commit crimes around you.
  • It may be much more comfortable to carry your firearm.

CONS –

  • Draws attention
  • May make people uncomfortable or be intimidating to others
  • May make you a target or considered a threat and makes it easier for someone to take your firearm.

CONCEALED CARRY – Compared to open carry, concealed carry can sometimes be a real hassle and may also determine what you will need to wear in order to totally conceal your firearm.    In the cooler weather it may be very easy to conceal your firearm allowing you to carry a larger firearm but in the warmer weather it will be harder to conceal especially if you are carrying a large firearm.   If you are carrying inside the waistband the grips on your firearm may also make you uncomfortable.    Rubber grips may stick to your clothing or your skin when you sweat and G10 grips may scrape your skin.     I recommend wood grips for concealed carry. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that some states require you to obtain a permit to conceal carry.  This is a good thing since it requires the gun owner to at least complete some form of firearm safety.   As mentioned earlier, the size of your firearm and the holster you use is much more important for comfort and to keep your firearm concealed.

PROS –

  • It makes it harder for someone to take your forearm away.
  • Does not make you a target or make people uncomfortable
  • Provides you with the ability to defend yourself if necessary and be discrete if it is not needed.

CONS –

  • May make it more difficult to determine what type of clothing to wear.
  • Can be uncomfortable depending on your firearm or holster.
  • Depending on how you are carrying it may either print and display your firearm or be difficult to access it quickly.

How should You Carry

How and where you carry is totally up to you.  You need to do what make you most comfortable.    If you carry every day like I do, you may carry a different firearm and wear a different holster depending on where you will be carrying or what activities you will be doing that day.    I personally prefer to open carry using an outside the waistband holster.    I try to wear an over-sized shirt so that I can just pull the shirt over the firearm if I feel the need to cover it up.

Click here too visit my Pro Gun University website at progununiversity.com, which has many helpful resources for new and experienced firearm owners.