CategoriesFirearms Shooting

SIG Sauer Cross Rifle

This one is a modern favorite, and with good reason. The SIG Sauer cross rifle comes in a variety of models, so the first thing to say here is that you do at least have a lot of choice. But there are some definite characteristics that all those models share, and this firearm is nothing if not powerful. If you are in the market for a cross rifle, then any of these from SIG Sauer are unlikely to disappoint. But which is best, and what can you actually expect from them? Let’s take a look at these firearms in some detail.

Ideal For Hunters

The main selling point of these cross rifles is that they are the ideal weapon for hunters. If you are thinking about starting up hunting again, or you just want a new weapon to add to your arsenal for hunting, then the SIG Sauer cross rifles are definitely going to be the way to go. With these guns, you get precision and accuracy every time, with a smooth handling that is really rare in rifles of this size, and if that isn’t enough then it’s also one of the most trusted brands for rifles in the world.

Different Models & Their Specs

Because there are a few different models of the cross rifles offered by SIG Sauer, it’s a good idea to take a look at all of the different specs and see which is likely to be the most suitable for you. That is really the only way to make sure that you get the right one, and it might help you to more fully understand what you are looking at here too. So here are some of the major specs of these models and how they differ, for your reference.

Caliber

The caliber is of course one of the first pieces of information you need to find out, and it does vary a lot across these models. For the CROSS-308-16B-FLC you are looking at 308 Win; for the CROSS-65-18B and CROSS-65-18B-FLC it’s 6.5 Creedmoor; the CROSS-277-16B and CROSS-277-16B-FLC have 277 Fury; and the CROSS-308-16B is a 308 Win too. Depending on what you are looking for, you might have to try out a few of these models to see what you are up against.

Barrel Length

So how does the barrel length differ across these models? As it happens, there is not a huge amount of variation here. They are all 16in, in fact, except for two – the CROSS-65-18B and the CROSS-65-18B-FLC, which come in at 18in instead.

Mags Included

How many magazines come with each cross rifle from SIG Sauer? Well, in fact each comes with only one – but you will probably find that this is perfectly ample for most hunting, and you can of course get more if you really need to. All mags are AICS.

Twist Rate

Any hunter knows that you need to have a good idea of your weapon’s twist rate before you know whether it is the right weapon for the job. The majority of these models have a twist rate of between 1:8-1:8.5, with the exceptions of the CROSS-308-16B-FLC and the CROSS-308-16B where the twist rate is instead 1:10.

Length

What of the overall length of the guns? There is not a huge variation, as you would expect, but it is good to know the smallest difference here before you get your hands on one of these cross rifles. The slightly shorter models are the CROSS-308-16B-FLC, the CROSS-277-16B, the CROSS-277-16B-FLC and the CROSS-308-16B, which all measure a total of 36.5in. The other two are a little longer, at 38.5in.

Weight

As you would expect, the longer models mentioned above do weigh slightly more – but only fractionally. They weigh in at 6.8lbs, while the rest are only 6.5lbs. So there is not a huge amount of difference between them all.

Common Features

As well as understanding the differences between the models, it might also be helpful to look into some of the features of these rifles which they have in common. There are many of these, and these are some of the most-loved and most important specs of the SIG Sauer cross rifles overall. The action type on each is the same, a Bolt, and they each come with a 5rd Polymer Mag as well as a SIG Precision Stock – one of the main selling points of these rifles compared to other brands.

Beyond that, all of these cross rifles are constructed of stainless steel for the highest possible quality you can find in rifles. The trigger type on each is a 2-stage match, and the forend is alloy on all of them too. The grip is a polymer, as standard. The threads on each rifle are 5/8in with 24 tpi. The operating system is Bolt-Action across the board. As you can see, these rifles have plenty in common with each other, and no matter which one you end up going for you are probably going to find it suitable for your hunting needs.

A Great All-Rounder For Hunting

These rifles have been received very well since their release, being particularly popular amongst knowledgeable and experienced hunters. Whether you are one of them, or you are just starting to get into hunting, you are going to find these rifles to be the perfect companion to your gun safe, and you should absolutely look into buying one soon to see what all the fuss is about.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter too much which one you go for, as these are all suitably powerful and user-friendly weapons which come with some amazing features, as outlined above. No matter what you might be looking for, these cross rifles are definitely some top options for you to consider.

CategoriesShooting

Is practicing point-shooting worth the effort?

Point shooting may seem deceptively simple but it’s an art that’s hard to master. Without the use of sights, point shooting relies on your marksmanship and speed to ensure accuracy. Also known as intuitive shooting or target shooting, this type of gunfire can be used to mitigate threats or suppress a potential emergency.

Of course, practicing point shooting enhances your marksmanship in general and can be used to hone other techniques and skills. When you can accurately hit targets at a long-distance or with little notice, for example, your ability to hunt or shoot for sport increases too.

Point shooting techniques

When it comes to point shooting, there are two main techniques you can employ. First, you can use a standard grip to control the gun with your thumb and wrist. Secondly, you could pull the trigger with your middle finger and allow your index finger to rest on the pistol, above the trigger guard.

Both techniques involve using either the thumb or index figure to align your shot and assist you in hitting the target. It’s believed that an impulse from the brain causes the arm or finger to naturally align itself with where your eyes are focused. Providing you’re looking at the target, this impulse should ensure that you’re able to successfully hit it, without the use of a sight.

How to practice point shooting

Most people practice point shooting at a range or on their own land, if it’s safe to do so. To improve your point shooting technique, you’ll want to start slowly and at a relatively close distance. Once you can consistently and accurately hit the target, you can begin to pick up speed and become proficient at point shooting.

Although learning point shooting can be harder than firing with a sight, it’s an important skill to have. By practicing regularly, you can gradually increase your intuitive shooting skills before making it an essential element of your shooting drill.

Do you need to practice?

Although the term ‘intuitive’ may make intuitive shooting sound natural, it takes time to enhance your skill. While the natural impulse to align your finger, and, therefore, the gun, at your target can help to improve your shot, regular practice will help you to hone your skills and improve your aim.

Additionally, practicing point shooting allows you to become accustomed to how the weapon feels in your hand. With consistent practice, you’ll develop muscle memory which will ensure the weapon feels like an extension of your arm, as opposed to a secondary object. Furthermore, routine point shooting practice can help to enhance your subconscious hand-eye co-ordination and increase the instinctiveness which with you fire.

How useful is point shooting?

Having good point shooting skills enhances your marksmanship in general but there are additional benefits to be gained. If you ever need to use your gun to mitigate a threat, it’s highly likely you’ll need to rely on your point shooting skills to respond to a sudden and unexpected danger. Due to this, practicing point shooting is always worthwhile and is something every gun owner should do on a regular basis.

CategoriesLifestyle Shooting

How to find training for beginners.

If you’re thinking of buying a gun, you want to learn how to hunt or you plan on shooting recreationally, it’s important to access the right training. As a beginner, you can learn the basics of different weaponry and shooting styles, as well as how to handle, clean, maintain and store guns safely.

However, finding the right type of training isn’t always easy. If you want to access firearm training for beginners, it’s worth doing your research and finding a trainer and facility that meets your needs. With this in mind, take a look at these top tips for locating training for beginners:

1. What’s your goal?

There are various different firearm courses available to beginners, but it’s a good idea to have a goal in mind before you sign up. If you want to purchase a gun for home safety, for example, taking a home security firearm course or a new gun owner’s course might be the most effective way to learn the essentials.

2. What type of gun?

Shotguns, rifles, and pistols all require different handling, which is why there are designated courses for each type of firearm. However, some firearm training schools will allow you to handle various types of weapons. This can be a useful way to get a feel for different types of guns and decide which one is right for you. Similarly, identifying your goals will help you to determine what type of gun is best suited to your needs and, therefore, which course is most relevant.

3. Safety standards

When you’re choosing a firearms training facility, it’s essential to select one that has exemplary safety standards and protocols. This will enable you to learn in a calm, safe and reassuring environment. Look out for training schools with an ISO 9001:2015 quality standard. This confirms that the facility has been recognized by the International Organization for Standardization in quality management systems.

4. Shooting and reloading

Some firearm training schools offer different classes and courses in shooting and reloading. Both are essential skills, so be sure to choose a facility that can offer training across both areas. There is a lot to learn when it comes to handling a gun and shooting safely, so don’t expect to learn everything in one session. In fact, it can take weeks to become fully proficient and years to become a skilled shooter.

5. Instructors

Before you sign up for a course, be sure to visit the facility in person or virtually and meet with the instructors. This will give you an idea of how they approach their training and whether you can build a good rapport with them.

Signing Up for Beginner Firearms Training

Learning more about firearms can give you useful practical skills, increased confidence, and a newfound passion. Whether you’re learning to shoot to increase your safety, prepare you for a job role, or to enhance your sporting prowess, taking a beginner’s firearms training course is the best way to ensure you get off to a good start.

CategoriesShooting

What’s the best gun for me?

If you’re thinking about buying a firearm, it’s important to find the right gun. By taking the time to identify a suitable firearm, you can use it more safely and more comfortably. However, finding the best gun for you will depend on how you plan to use your firearm.

A rifle is typically used for hunting, whereas a handgun is more suited to home defense or personal protection. Beginners usually feel more comfortable learning how to shoot using a handgun, which is why they’re a top choice for people who are just starting out at the firing range.

Choosing the Right Caliber

Although handguns are the most common choice for beginners, there are endless styles and sizes to choose from. Firstly, you’ll need to decide what caliber gun is right for you. The caliber of a gun refers to the interior dimensions of the barrel and, therefore, what bullets the gun can shoot

A 0.22mm caliber gun is usually the smallest caliber handgun you’ll find, but pistols with a caliber of 0.38, 0.40, and 0.45 aren’t uncommon. However, a 9mm caliber handgun is usually deemed to be the best gun for beginners. This is because 9mm bullets are fairly small and guns can typically hold a fair few of these bullets. This means minimal reloading is required, particularly in emergency situations. Additionally, its relatively smaller size means a 9mm firearm has a milder recoil than many other options.

Furthermore, you’ll find that 9mm bullets are easily available and relatively cheap to buy. If you want to practice your shooting, access to affordable bullets is a big advantage.

Choosing the Right Fit

How a gun fits in your hand will determine whether it’s the right firearm for you. With enough practice, your gun should feel like an extension of your arm, so it must be comfortable to hold. In addition to this, a gun that feels cumbersome or too heavy can be harder to control. By choosing a gun with a good fit, you can enhance safety and improve your accuracy.

Fit varies from one person to another, so it can be helpful to visit a gun store or a gun range and sample a few different weapons. This will allow you to get a good feel of what’s on offer and find a gun that’s the perfect fit for you.

Choosing a Gun with Sights

Sights enable you to shoot with more accuracy, which means they’re extremely popular with beginners and experienced gun users alike. If you’re buying a firearm for home defense, it’s well worth choosing a gun that’s compatible with night sights, as this is when most threats are likely to occur.

Finding the Right Gun

With so many different types of bullets and firearms out there, it’s easy to get confused when you’re buying your first gun. However, doing a little research and visiting your nearest gun store will help you to identify the manufacturers, caliber, and styles that are the best fit for you.

CategoriesShooting Tips & Tricks

What are the best, most practical ways to train without actually firing the gun?

If you want to improve your marksmanship, practice is essential. However, you don’t actually have to fire a gun to enhance your shooting technique. By honing your skills without firing, you can practice more safely and in a wider variety of locations. What’s more – you won’t spend a fortune on ammo when you practice shooting without firing. With this in mind, take a look at these practical ways to train shooting without firing:

1. Dry Fire

Dry firing simply refers to using your gun without ammunition and it’s a surprisingly effective way to practice. When you shoot with ammunition, the recoil can mask any potential errors you’re making and make them harder to correct in the long-term.

When you dry fire, however, there’s no recoil, which means you’re able to analyze your shooting skills in greater detail. Dry fire allows you to practice the basics, establish muscle memory and hone your hand-eye coordination. However, it’s essential to check your weapon is unloaded before you engage in dry fire and you should always have a backstop in place, just in case.

2. Pellet Guns

Although pellet guns aren’t quite as safe as dry firing, because ammunition is involved, they can be a great way to practice. You can even create a safe space on your land to ensure that you develop your shooting skills without putting anyone at risk.

Both pistols and rifles are available in air versions, so it’s easy to find something similar to your standard firearm. In fact, many manufacturers produce pellet guns that are virtually the same as real firearms, which makes practicing with them highly effective.

While you will need to purchase pellets, and CO2 cartridges depending on the gun you’re using, the cost of this type of ammunition is much cheaper than buying bullets. As a result, you can practice to your heart’s content without putting a dent in your wallet.

3. Laser Trainers

Adding a laser to your firearm allows you to assess your skills more easily and identify what you may need to change. There are plenty of lasers to choose from and many are created solely for the purpose of training. After firing, a laser will show exactly where your bullet would have landed.

Due to the level of detail, training with a laser is a great way to improve your shooting skills. Being able to see where your bullet would have struck makes this one of the most practical ways to train shooting without firing live ammunition. What’s more – it can be a whole of fun too! With targets that light up or emit a sound when the laser hits them, you can train alone or have a competition with friends.

Improve Your Shooting Skills

If you want to improve your shooting skills, regular practice is essential. However, training without firing means you can incorporate your practice into your schedule more easily, learn the basics more quickly and save some cash too.

CategoriesShooting Tips & Tricks

What do you look for in a firearm for everyday carry?

Choosing the right firearm ensures your gun fits your needs, is comfortable to use, and matches your budget. However, different firearms are appropriate for different uses and environments. You’ll want a very different firearm for home defense than you would for hunting, for example.

With this in mind, take a look at these critical factors to consider been you’re choosing a firearm for everyday carry (EDC):

1. Size

An everyday carry firearm should be easy to carry about your person, which means size is always a determining factor. If you’re permitted to conceal carry, you’ll want to ensure that your gun isn’t visible under your clothing too.

However, more compact firearms can sometimes lack the accuracy associated with larger weapons. Due to this, finding the ideal EDC firearm can mean balancing the need for accuracy with the size of a gun.

2. Action

When you’re choosing a gun for everyday carry, your three main options include: single-action; double action, or striker-fired. Single action pistols are typically the listed option, which can make them ideal as an EDC firearm, but you do need to cock the hammer manually. In contrast, a double-action gun usually features a heavier trigger, because of its dual purpose.

Striker-fired pistols don’t feature an external hammer, which means they can combine the lightweight feel of a single pistol, with a consistent trigger feel. However, if you’re more proficient with single-action, double-action, or striker-fired guns, you may want to choose the same action for your EDC.

3. Capacity

Another consideration when selecting a firearm for EDC is how many rounds its capable of holding. Again, the smaller size of the ideal EDC can reduce the capacity in the gun’s magazine, which could leave you without enough bullets to effectively neutralize a threat.

Many smaller pistols have a capacity of six to eight rounds but, if you’re worried this won’t be enough, there are other options out there. Some lightweight pistols are capable of holding 10 to 12 rounds, as well as one in the chamber.

Furthermore, you can often purchase a larger capacity magazine to use with an EDC gun. This allows you to increase its capacity while still maintaining a lightweight and streamlined feel, which makes a lot of sense.

4. Price

When it comes to the price of an EDC firearm, it’s important to consider your budget carefully. Although a high price tag doesn’t always mean better quality, spending a little more on an EDC gun can mean that you get a better weapon.

If you need to use your everyday carry for any reason, you’ll want to be confident that it won’t let you down. That’s why it’s important to find the best quality gun in your price range.

Choosing an EDC Firearm

Now you know what matters most when selecting an EDC firearm, you’ll be able to decide which model is right for you. Visiting your local gun store or gun range will give you the chance to assess what’s available and try out the most popular EDC firearms.

CategoriesShooting

How often should a person shoot their primary defense weapon to remain proficient?

Shooting regularly allows you to enhance your marksmanship, but, crucially, it also enables you to maintain the skills you already have. If you don’t fire a gun regularly, your expertise will decline over time and it doesn’t take long for this process to start happening.

Due to this, it’s important to make time in your schedule to train. Of course, the critical question is how often to practice shooting. Read on to find out when you should be training, how long for and how often.

When to train

Every gun owner or user should train regularly but it’s important to practice shooting when you’re in the right frame of mind. If you head to the range only because you feel like you should, your mind may not be fully focused on firing accurately or safely. Similarly, practicing shooting for a long period of time can mean your concentration suffers. This will impact your performance and is likely to reduce your accuracy rate.

No matter how often you train, it’s important to do so when you’re clear-headed and able to focus on the right techniques. If you miss a practice session, don’t necessarily try to spend double the time at the range the next time you visit. Instead, aim to practice when you can fully concentrate and immerse yourself in the training.

How long to train for

How long you should train for depends on the type of shooting you’re practicing, the environment you’re training in, and your personal preference. Someone who wants to fire off a few rounds at the range must only spend 30 minutes target shooting, for example. Alternatively, if you’re learning a new shooting technique, you might spend two or three hours practicing.

If you do engage in longer practice sessions, it can be useful to take a break every so often. This allows you to adjust your position, relax for a few minutes and refocus before you pick your weapon up again.

How often should you practice?

Regular practice is essential if you want to remain proficient at shooting your primary defense weapon (or any weapon). For some people, this may mean visiting the range twice a week, while others may train once a month.

Ultimately, you should practice as often as can if you want to maintain your existing skills and develop new ones. Of course, a busy home life or a stressful job can make it hard to factor frequent training sessions into your schedule. However, by practicing as often as you can, you can improve your marksmanship.

Remember – practicing shooting your primary defense hobby is much more than just a hobby. If you ever need to use your gun to mitigate a threat, all the time you’ve spent training will be well worth it. Indeed, the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re able to shoot accurately with your primary defense weapon, makes a few extra sessions at the range a valuable way to spend your time.

CategoriesLifestyle Shooting

What is the most efficient pistol for an older female to carry?

An everyday carry firearm gives you peace of mind that you’ll be able to protect yourself if you ever encounter a threat. As the risk of harm is increased if you’re a woman, it’s becoming increasingly common for females to carry a gun. In fact, women are one of the fastest-growing demographics when it comes to gun ownership.

However, finding the right gun for your needs is essential. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of efficient pistols for older females to carry:

1. SIG P365

The award-winning SIG P365 is a sub-compact pistol, which means its small size is ideal as an EDC firearm. However, its extended capacity means its able to hold 10 rounds, which makes it a great choice for a female EDC carry weapon. An overall length of 5.8” and a 1” grip make the SIG P365 easy to carry and conceal, while its 17.8-ounce weight ensures it’s lightweight. Furthermore, the striker-fired action ensures the SIG P365 is accurate and comfortable to use.

2. KIMBER MICRO 9

A compact handgun, the KIMBER MICRO 9 is based on a 1911 frame and features a single action trigger. With a slim grip and mild recoil, it’s easy to shoot and offers an impressive level of accuracy. Measuring 6.1” and weighing just 15.6 ounces, it’s a great lightweight gun to use as an everyday carry.

3. GLOCK 43

Weighing in at just 16.23 ounces, the GLOCK 43 is another lightweight pistol that can be used as an EDC firearm. As you’d expect from this manufacturer, the GLOCK 43 is a 9mm gun you can rely on. 6.26” in length and just over 1” wide, it’s also easy to conceal and small enough to use comfortably.

4. S&W M&P BODYGUARD 380

With a 5.3” overall length, the dimensions of the S&W M&P BODYGUARD 380 make it a great option as an EDC firearm. However, it’s also a super light pistol, weighing just 12.3 ounces. This may mean it’s the ideal option as an EDC for older females, as the lighter weight ensures it’s easy to carry and use. However, it does have a 9.5-pound trigger pull, which could be tricky for some people. While it does help to protect against accidental firing, you’ll want to ensure you’re comfortable with the trigger pull before using the S&W M&P BODYGUARD 380 as an EDC firearm.

Choosing the Right EDC Firearm

We’ve highlighted four of the most popular EDC firearms for females but there are plenty more on offer. The S&W M&P SHIELD, RUGER LC9S, and SIG P320 are another three options worth considering, for example.

When you’re selecting a firearm for everyday carry, it’s important to find a lightweight, easily concealable model, that also offers accuracy, durability and a decent capacity. For older females, a lightweight gun with a slim grip may be preferable. As women tend to have smaller hands than men, a slip grip can mean enhanced comfort and better control over the gun.

CategoriesShooting

Light, laser, or nothing for carrying?

An everyday carry firearm can be an effective way to protect yourself from potential threats, but it’s vital to ensure you have the right setup. As well as choosing an appropriate gun as an EDC carry, you’ll need to decide whether to use light, laser, or nothing for carrying. With this in mind, take a look at the different options available:

Lights

Adding a light to your weapon increases the visibility of potential targets in low light or total darkness. If you need to rely on your EDC firearm to protect yourself, it’s vital to be able to identify your target as easily as possible, which is why lights are a popular addition to EDC weapons.

However, adding a light to an EDC firearm does mean that you’ll change the size and weight of the pistol. Although slimline lights are available, it’s important to consider the impact a light will have on your ability to conceal your weapon.

Lasers

Having a laser on your EDC weapon will enable you to see exactly where the gun is pointing, regardless of what position you’re in. If you’re unable to see your EDC sights, for example, having a laser will ensure you’re still able to fire a shot accurately.

Remember – in real-life situations, there’s a chance your ability to focus will be compromised. If you’re knocked to the floor or you’re not wearing your glasses, for example, you could lose track of the sight. By using a laser on your gun, you can ensure you’re pointing your firearm directly at the target, regardless of whether it’s daytime, dusk or pitch black.

Nothing

Once you’ve selected an EDC weapon, you might feel as though you’ve got everything you need to protect yourself. While you certainly don’t need to add extra lights, lasers, or EDC sights, it’s important to consider whether your gun alone can offer sufficient protection.

While you may be able to fire accurately and consistently at the gun range, real-life threat mitigation is a different scenario altogether. When your life’s in danger, it’s hard to see and your heart is pounding, having your EDC carry pre-prepped with lights and/or lasers can be a lifesaver – literally.

Customizing Your EDC Firearm

One of the best things is about firearms is the ability to customize them to fit your needs. By adding a laser, you can improve your accuracy, for example, while using a higher capacity magazine allows you to hold more rounds.

When you’re using an EDC carry to increase your personal safety, consider what will offer you the best level of protection. Sure, an EDC weapon is going to help you to stay safe, but could a light or laser make you safer? For most people, the answer is probably yes.

However, you don’t have to order a light or laser straight away. By figuring out which extras are compatible with your gun and trying out a few models, you can customize your EDC set-up so that it meets your requirements.

CategoriesShooting

Is training better by oneself or with others,like a gun range?

Firearm Training – Is It Better Alone or With Others?

Firearm training has several different components to it. When you’re just learning the basics of a firearm, you might feel better about working alone or one-on-one with an instructor. That way, you can have complete focus and take all the time you need to make sure you have the fundamentals down.

Firearm training can also be beneficial alone if you really want to hone in on your skills to eventually become an instructor. But, even if those are your goals, there are benefits to taking a class with others or training at a gun range, too. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons.

Benefits of Training With Others

Think about the benefits of practicing on a team when you’re playing a sport. Not only do you learn how to work together, but you learn from each other. You can watch your teammate and learn more about their form, their precision, and little nuances they might have. You can pick up on things that aren’t taught through fundamentals alone.

Others can do the same by watching you. It’s a natural form of motivation and can build a desire to learn and thrive even more during your training.

Additionally, also like sports training with a team, working with others in a class or at a range can push you to be better. Encouragement from others is one of the best ways to learn and grow.

Benefits of Training Alone

There are drawbacks to any type of class you’ll take. It’s just a matter of deciding whether those drawbacks outweigh the ones that come from training alone.

When you choose to go through firearm training by yourself, you know you won’t be overlooked. For example, if you’re not a “stand out” student in a group or class (meaning your skills are right in the middle), or you’re not extremely outspoken, you might not get the one-on-one attention from an instructor. As a result, you might not feel as confident and you might end up not asking important questions.

If you know that you would benefit from individual attention with an instructor, training alone is probably your best option.

Training With a Partner

A third option apart from firearm training by yourself or going to a range is training with a friend or partner. This can be a great way to further advance your skills, push yourself forward, and still feel comfortable and confident because you’re working with someone you know.

Training with a buddy can allow you both to work on your own schedule without and pressure, so you can enjoy the comradere and fun that can come from growing your skills together, while pushing each other to be better with everything from firearm handling to shooting and hitting your target.

Many times, whether you train by yourself or with others is a matter of personal preference. Think about your needs and what you really want to accomplish from your training, That can help you to make a more informed decision.

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