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What’s Difference Between Shotguns vs Rifles and Who Should Use Which?

To someone new to hunting or firearms, it can be a difficult to decision to choose between a shotgun and a rifle.

In this article, we will go over the pros and cons of each, and make recommendations for when each one is better.

Before starting, we will go over some shotgun and rifle basics.

What Are Shotguns?

Shotguns are firearms that shoot shells rather than the traditional cartridge.

Shells are loaded into the shotgun, and are either automatically or manually (pump style) cycled through after shooting the shotgun.

Shotguns traditionally fire “shot,” which is a higher quantity of smaller projectiles, but can also fire a slug. Slugs are one larger projectile, and essentially make the shotgun a basic rifle.

The Pros and Cons of Shotguns

The pros of a shotgun are the versatility, legality, and slug size.

Shotguns are some of the most versatile weapons. With very few changes, you can hunt birds and big game with the exact same weapon.

weapon used has a significant impact on the range

By changing the shell used, you are able to do many different types of hunting with a shotgun.

In some places, you are not able to hunt with a rifle. In this situation, a shotgun shooting a slug is an excellent choice to be able to hunt.

Similarly, a slug that is shot from a shotgun is generally much larger and heavier than traditional rifle projectile.

As a result, a shotgun shooting slugs is much deadlier.

The cons of a shotgun are the accuracy and the range.

When a shotgun is used to shoot slugs, it is not nearly as accurate as a high quality rifle.

While scopes can be mounted on a shotgun, the accuracy is still limited.

There are shotguns available specifically for slugs with a rifled barrel, but this limits the shotgun to only shooting slugs.

Similarly, the range is limited to 75-100 yards, while high quality rifles can easily shoot out to 300+ yards.

What Are Rifles?

While there are countless different types of rifles, they all function basically the same.

Rifles fire a traditional cartridge, which has a projectile located above a propellant filled casing. Rifles fire this projectile downrange at extremely high rates of speed. There are many different cartridge sizes available.

The Pros and Cons of the Rifle

The pros of a rifle are the range, accuracy, and the available options.

Sightmark Ultra Shot Reflex Sight-2

As previously mentioned, many modern rifles can accurately shoot out to 300+ yards.

When paired with modern optics, shooting to 300 yards is not even a stretch for the experienced marksman.

Due to the rifling in the barrel, rifle projectiles are able to travel much further and much more accurately.

With modern rifles, there are many options available. There are seemingly endless cartridge sizes and ammunition types.

Choosing the exact cartridge size you would like to shoot and pairing it with a hand chosen ammunition will help to ensure your exact needs are met.

However, even with the multiple cartridge and ammunition possibilities, rifles are still extremely limited compared to shotguns.

If you are having an ar15, you should choose the best optic for your AR-15.

The cons of a rifle are its limited uses and potential legality issues.

Despite the fact that there are so many cartridges available, once you select your rifle, that specific cartridge is all that the weapon will be able to shoot.

With a shotgun, you can shoot multiple different loads of shot as well as slugs.

The other con, as previously mentioned, is that in some areas it is not legal to hunt with a rifle.

Why would a hunter choose to use a shotgun with slugs instead of a rifle?

First, there are some places where it’s illegal to hunt with a rifle.

In areas like this, hunting with a slug gun is absolutely necessary. However, there are other reasons to use a shotgun slug instead of a rifle as well.

If you hunt in an area with a lot of brush, a slug will travel through brush much better than a rifle bullet. Similarly, due to the stopping power, if you’re shooting within 100 yards, a shotgun is a better choice.

Shotgun Slug vs Rifle Bullet

Shotgun slugs and rifle bullets are similar in some regards, but different in others.

On one hand, they are both largely used for hunting deer and other larger animals. However, there are some key differences. Right off the bat, the biggest difference is the size.

Shotgun slugs commonly weigh about an ounce (437.5 grains), while rifle bullets are usually closer to 150 grains, dependent on the size.

Slugs are also significantly wider, at .69 inches in diameter, compared to rifle bullets which are commonly half that diameter or less.

As you can imagine, the significantly increased size and weight of the slug can be extremely devastating. A well placed shot with a slug will stop a deer dead in its tracks.

Recommendations

If you are planning on doing nothing but hunting for larger animals, such as deer, elk, and hogs, I would recommend getting a fine tuned modern rifle
If you know for a fact that you will be taking similar shots over and over again, a rifle is going to be your best bet, as long as it is legal in your area.
If you live in a flat area, where you will likely be taking long distance shots, you absolutely need a rifle.
If you plan on doing multiple types of hunting, but don’t mind buying multiple weapons, I would still recommend a rifle due to the increased accuracy and range.
However, if you plan on doing multiple types of hunting, but only want one firearm, a shotgun is the way to go. Choosing different loads will allow you to do many different types of hunting with this one versatile weapon.
If you plan on only hunting for birds, a shotgun is definitely your best bet.
If you live or hunt in a heavily wooded area, I would recommend a shotgun. As a result of the terrain, it is unlikely that you are going to take any shots at long distance. The added size and weight of a shotgun slug will be deadlier, but will also cut through foliage better.
If it’s illegal to hunt with rifles where you’re from, a shotgun is your best bet. If you’re looking for a home defense weapon, a shotgun will function admirably.

Conclusion

As you can see, both rifles and shotguns serve specific purposes.

While there are definitely circumstances where one is better than the other, they are both very useful weapons.

Shotguns are some of the most versatile firearms out there, and modern rifles have come a long way in terms of effective range and accuracy.

All said, decide what you need your firearm to do, and decide from there whether a shotgun or a rifle better suits your needs.

What Are Shotgun Slugs and When Is It Better to Use a Slug?

To first understand the basics of shotgun slugs, you must understand what exactly a slug is and how a shotgun works.

How a shotgun works

A shotgun is a firearm that shoots shells rather than the traditional rifle cartridge.

So what's the shotgun shells?

Shotgun shells are generally plastic and are filled with their intended projectiles
Shotgun shells are commonly filled with smaller projectiles, called shot, but can also have one singular piece of metal, called a slug

The traditional rifle cartridge is generally some type of a metal filled with a propellant and the projectile on top of the cartridge. Both are fired by a firing pin striking a primer.

After the shotgun is fired, many shotguns are pump action. When the pump is pushed rearward, it ejects the spent shell, and loads in the next shell.

What exactly is a slug

As previously mentioned, a slug is one solid projectile, rather than smaller projectiles, such as birdshot or buckshot.

When a slug is fired from a shotgun, one larger solid projectile is fired, making it similar to a rifle firing a bullet. A shotgun firing a slug can be viewed as a simple rifle.

Pros and cons of using a slug

Strength of Slug

When compared to a similar hunting rifle, a shotgun slug is much heavier. source

Generally speaking, a rifle slug is at least twice as heavy as a comparable rifle bullet. I have a article to compare shotgun with rifle, you can read it in here.

While an advanced rifle fires its projectile nearly twice as fast, the sheer weight of a shotgun slug makes it extremely deadly.

The Cons of Slugs

However, the range of a shotgun with a slug is much less than that of a rifle.

A general rule of thumb is that slugs work within 100 yards. Modern advanced rifles can accurately shoot out to at least three times that far.

Another con of using a slug is that they cost slightly more than rifle ammunition.

Man is holding his Shotgun

When is it better to use a slug?

There are multiple situations in which using a shotgun firing slugs would be better than using a rifle. This is some situations:

Legal issue: In some states and areas, you aren’t able to hunt using a rifle. In an area like this, using a shotgun shooting slugs will allow you to continue hunting legally
About weight: If you are hunting large game, due to the weight of the shotgun slug, you will have a deadlier shot. While there are also bigger rifle cartridges, these come with larger weapons. Shotguns are generally easier to carry around than a much larger comparable rifle
About performance: In heavily wooded areas, using a slug may also be preferential. As a result of the added weight and size, a slug will be able to penetrate through brush easier. Similarly, in any situation in which your expected shot is within 100 yards, a slug will be better than most rifle cartridges, because it is more deadly.

Conclusion

Shotguns are an extremely versatile weapon. Slugs are just another facet of their versatility.

Shooting slugs from a shotgun give you a basic rifle. While the range is greatly decreased, it fires a much larger and heavier projectile than most rifles, making it a much deadlier projectile. (You should choose the best scope for ar15 rifle to make a perfect shot)

While the slug is by no means a one size fits all answer, there are definitely specific circumstances in which shooting a slug is more than likely better than most rifles.

While it will ultimately come down to personal preference, a shotgun shooting slugs is a formidable weapon for hunting.

Which is Better Between Striker Fired vs Hammer Fired?

Despite the fact that a striker and a hammer serve the same purpose, they are actually a little bit different.

Striker Fired vs Hammer Fired

Ever wondered when a striker fired weapon may be better than a hammer fired weapon?

In this article, we will go over the differences between the two and a comparison about when each firing mechanism is better to have.

For starters, striker fired and hammer fired refer to how the firearm actually fires a bullet.

What's Hammer Fired Weapon?

A hammer fired weapon, as the name may imply, has a hammer.

A perfect example is a revolver and any 1911 semiautomatic pistol.

When you rack the slide of a hammer fired weapon, it cocks the hammer back.

When you pull the trigger, the hammer will fall, which strikes the firing pin. The firing pin then springs forward and punches the primer of the cartridge, which then initiates the propellant that sends the bullet down range.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that not all hammer fired weapons have external hammers. There are some weapons that have internal hammers that you will not be able to see.

What about Striker Fired Weapon?

Striker fired weapons are fired by an internal striker.

Think about any Glock firearm. These all work with an internal striker.

When you rack the slide of a striker fired weapon, the internal striker is cocked. When you pull the trigger, that internal striker is what rides forward to punch the primer. Most striker fired weapons can only be decocked by pulling the trigger.

What's the different between Striker Fired and Hammer Fired? Which's better?

One common thing that you hear is that hammer fired weapons are safer.

Skilled Amateur Stiker Fired and Hammer Fired Source: http://www.awwba.com

People say that because of the fact that you are able to decock the hammer, you are unlikely to accidentally discharge the weapon. Once you rack the slide and a round is chambered, you are able to decock the hammer, if you are not ready to shoot yet.

In a striker fired weapon or a weapon with an internal hammer, you are NOT able to decock the hammer or striker.

Usually, the only way to decock the hammer is to fire the weapon, although you can obviously pull the slide back and take the round of the chamber.

My opinion is that both firearms are definitely safe in the right hands, but the external hammer does add an additional degree of safety.

Another reason that I think hammer fired weapons with an external hammer are slightly safer, is that you can actually see the position of the hammer, so you will know exactly what position the firearm is in.

When to Use Each

In my opinion, hammer fired weapons with an external hammer are excellent for new shooters.

Being able to physically see the position of the hammer, and what pulling the trigger does to the hammer is a tremendous advantage to someone new to firearms. However, this is just my personal opinion. Safe handling of any firearm will make it easy for a new shooter to learn and shoot.

Striker fired weapons are more commonly used as concealed carry weapons.

The reason for this is that the striker fired weapons don’t have a hammer that can catch on the user’s holster or pocket. Since everything is internal, it makes for a sleeker weapon with no snags or catches.

For home defense purposes, I also prefer striker fired weapons. The reason for this is that I like the point and shoot use. In a high stress situation, there is nothing to worry about other than aiming and pulling the trigger.

For hunting and general shooting purposes, either type of weapon will work, and I don’t really have a preference. The important thing is to ensure that you are using the weapon safely, and are familiar with how it functions.

Related: Best shooting sticks for hunting are great accessories for hunters. Fine out it one is right for you.

Conclusion

Overall, both striker fired and hammer fired weapons systems are excellent options.

The primary difference is how the firearms is actually fired. In a striker fired weapon, an internal striker is cocked back and fired when you pull the trigger. In a hammer fired weapon, there is a physical hammer that does the same.

While both weapons have their pros and cons, they are both excellent choices.

Striker fired weapons generally are better in defense situations, but hammer fired weapons will also perform admirably.

New shooters may learn better from hammer fired weapons, and some old school shooters will prefer hammer fired weapons.

It comes down to personal preference, and whatever you can comfortably and safely use.

The 6.5 Creedmoor vs .308: Which One Is Best?

When it comes to short-action cartridges, few have seen the rapid rise in popularity of the 6.5 Creedmoor. But in regards to performance, have you ever wondered which is best between the 6.5 creedmoor vs .308? If so, we'll explore that a little later.

Is the 6.5 creedmoor a good hunting (Photo courtesy of Hornady) http://www.thesportsmanchannel.com/2016/03/6-5-creedmoor-qa-industry-experts/

Reports come in from all over the country about hunters making the switch to the 6.5 and moving to this effective cartridge.

Is this a good thing?

Are hunters actually noticing an improvement in their skill and results?

The answer is revealed within the testimonials, and we’ve heard so many. But we finally wanted to answer the question flat out: Is the 6.5 Creedmoor good for hunting?

Why People Love The 6.5 Creedmoor

I firmly believe that part of the obsession is just a trend. Shooters are latching on to what’s current and what the folks in the public spotlight use.

With that said, there are a few incredible features that have clearly swayed public opinion on the cartridge. Here's what I mean:

The 6.5 Creedmoor continues to perform extremely well in various competitions. It’s hard to argue against something when a cartridge is tried and tested.
There has never been an abundance of cartridges designed solely for hunting. Those that perform well in hunting situations tend to receive considerable admiration
It’s relatively easy to request a custom build for the 6.5 Creedmoor. With the increasing popularity of customizing everything, of course the trend has spilled into cartridges

The readers of popular shooting publications like Guns & Ammo and Field and Stream have likely noticed the rise in discussion about the Creedmoor and its firm place in the mainstream arena.

Media discussions will continue, as well as talks around the campfire regarding the Creedmoor’s durability and dependability.

Another reason for all the uproar is the solid build of the 6.5 Creedmoor.

Everything about the construction is sturdy and ensures long term performance that won't be easily affected.

But even better than the cartridge itself, hunters notice an increase in the longevity of their hunts because they aren’t tired from a sore shoulder.

New hunters have an easier time finding their comfort zone and getting up to speed with more experienced hunters.

The 6.5 Creedmoor adapts with many firearms

One of the reasons the 6.5 Creedmoor is so popular with hunters is because it's versatile.

Fans of shooting history may recall that the last time the world saw a craze with customize-able firearm accessories. It was during the 1950's when classic military weaponry became available to the public.

6.5 creedmoor with rifle 6.5 creedmoor vs .308

6.5 creedmoor with rifle https://www.quora.com/Why-are-sniper-rifles-so-expensive#!n=18

Well, a similar craze is happening now, and it's clearly a superior product on the market. We have yet to see any stain on the Creedmoor's reputation, so you can expect this cartridge to continue to be in high demand.

The 6.5 cartridges do so well with these guns that it’s a natural fit. Plus, the Creedmoor is both modern and compatible with popular guns.

The 6.5 performs well in long-range hunts and on rapidly moving targets as well. Hunters become comfortable with setting the cartridge and follow-up. It’s rare to see any frustration from the hunter when they're using the 6.5 Creedmoor.

Not to mention, you should also have the best gun safe for the money, it will keep safe for your firearms.

Hunters need accuracy, and this cartridge delivers

Anyone who doubt the statement above should look into the competition results over the last few years.

The 6.5 Creedmoor is among the most accurate cartridges available for the everyday hunter. Recoil is not an issue because it assists in accuracy and the hunter's comfort as well.

Many find that with the shot, they have no problem holding ground. As a result, they are more confident lining it up and coming to zero. Hunters know when they pull the trigger, they'll be right on track.

On the other hand, the 6.5 isn't great for hunting big game.

The 6.5 Creedmoor performs well with mid-sized animals such as deer and slightly smaller creatures.

But you don’t want to be out there hunting a Sasquatch with this thing. Likewise, short range shots under 25 yards don’t necessitate such a badass cartridge.

While it will certainly get the job done, it’s almost like overkill – unless you’re in practice mode and trying improve your skills.

The 6.5 Creedmoor vs .308: The Battle

The Creedmoor is the best long range cartridge for mid-sized animal hunting.

This is the main reason why it has become so trendy, and firmly confirms the fact that this cartridge is awesome for hunting.

Why?

For starters, it's more durable for the hunter's shoulder and body. The Creedmoor won’t wear you down after a day of shooting like a .308 will.

Furthermore, the recoil is so negligible that firing dozens of shots on the 6.5 causes less wear on the hunter than firing five shots with a .308.

Here is a video of the cartridge in action with Ruger Precison. If you have a Ruger Gun10/22, you should buy the best scope for ruger 10/22, i highly recommend you have one.

It performs better in windy situations, too.

Hunters notice less deflection from the wind and less effect on their overall accuracy with the 6.5.

Everything about the Creedmoor —including stock ammo— is more affordable than many other cartridge selections as well.

Hunters are consistently coming to the conclusion that once you go Creedmoor, you never go back.

Fifty years from now, this cartridge will have the track record and reputation of the most legendary hunting cartridges ever – just wait and see!

The 6.5 Creedmoor vs .308 Winchester

We know that we’ve given a lot of information about Creedmoor, but that doesn’t mean the Winchester doesn’t have anything to offer. We’ll take a look at a few of their characteristics and let you choose between the 6.5 Creemoor vs .308

Case Structure

Let’s first look at the difference in design between the two. The Creedmoor looks a lot like a 308, and it’s based on the .30 TC case. However, 6.5 has a more precise shoulder at 30 degrees than the Winchester’s 20-degree shoulder. It gives the brass in the Creedmoor more longevity but feeds more accurately in semi-automatics for the Winchester.

In regards to brass availability, the 6.5 doesn’t have much, so the .308 wins in the category.

Barrel Life

Since the Creedmoor has a smaller bore and faster speed, it has a shorter lifespan than the barrel of a .308. However, it won’t be too overbore like other barrels. But nonetheless, the Winchester takes the win on this one.

Ballistics

In regards to the 308, it performs okay but it’s not really ballistic coefficient—especially, for shooting at longer ranges. They’re both neck and neck within the 500-yard range; however, the Creedmoor has more to offer in regards to wind drift resistance.

Final Thoughts The 6.5 Creedmoor vs .308 Cartridge

Is the 6.5 Creedmoor is good for hunting?

The answer is a resounding and emphatic ‘YES’. It is great for hunting.

The one thing that may put a dent in the Creedmoor’s fame is the invention of a better product. But it would have to be one that out-perform the 6.5 and have a solid marketing team behind it because the Creedmoor is winning right now.

Hopefully this article shed some light on the 6.5 Creedmoor and why it's so good for hunting. But hey, that doesn't mean you should count the .308 out. It's still a good catridge, and I recommend that you try both and see which one best fits your hunting needs.

Please share this content on social media if you’ve enjoyed it, and feel free to post your thoughts in the comments below. We always love hearing about new situations where the Creedmoor or the Winchester has done the job. In the battle between the 6.5 Creedmoor vs .308, who do you think wins?

Which’s Better Between .45 Long Colt vs .44 Magnum Ammo?

As their names may suggest, .45 Long Colt and .44 Magnum are very similar rounds.

Ever wondered what the specific differences are?

In this article, we will go over some key differences, and what situations may be better for each caliber.

What is .44 Magnum vs .45 Long Colt?

.44 Magnum

For starters, the name .44 Magnum is slightly misleading.

.44 Magnum midwayusa.com

This name would suggest that the bullet is .44 inches in diameter, when in reality, it is .429 inches in diameter.

The bullet is fired from a 1.285 inch case. This round can be used in handguns, rifles, and revolvers.

While it is newer than .45 Long Colt, it is still a relatively old round.

.45 Long Colt

Unlike the .44 Magnum, .45 Long Colt is true to its name.

.45 Long colt ammunitiontogo.com

The bullet is approximately .45 inches in diameter.

Similar to the .44 Magnum, .45 Long Colt is fired from a 1.285 inch case.

This specific round is used solely in revolvers, and is an extremely historic round. It was first designed over a century ago.

What's different between .44 Magnum vs .45 Long Colt?

Size Difference

As you can tell, the .45 Long Colt is the same height as the .44 Magnum, but slightly wider.

As a result,

a .44 Magnum bullet is about 96% of the weight of a .45 Long Colt bullet
A .45 Long Colt bullet weighs approximately 250 grains, while a .44 Magnum bullet weighs approximately 240 grains

Ballistic Differences

Ballistic testing has shown that .44 Magnum is shot much faster than .45 Long Colt. When shot from a similar length barrel, .44 Magnum will be much faster.

For our purposes, we will use a 5 inch barrel for a comparison.

When shot from a 5 inch barrel, .45 Long Colt has a muzzle velocity of 957 feet per second, while .44 Magnum has a muzzle velocity of 1270 feet per second.

.44 Magnum shoots a bullet that is nearly the exact same size at a much higher rate of speed.

What this means to you, is that .44 Magnum is deadlier.

This improved performance is the result of nearly 100 years of ammunition and weapons technology advancements between the creation of .45 Long Colt and .44 Magnum.

Recommendations

Given this ballistic data, I would recommend using .44 Magnum over .45 Long Colt in a self-defense or hunting scenario.

If you are simply shooting for fun, both cartridges are extremely fun to shoot, and either will work.

Overall, both .44 Magnum and .45 Long Colt are excellent cartridges. While .44 Magnum has better ballistics, .45 Long Colt is an absolutely iconic American cartridge.

With more modern weapon technologies and more versatile weapons, .45 Long Colt has remained relevant today. Weapons such as the Taurus Judge and the Smith & Wesson Governor are capable of shooting .45 Long Colt, along with .410 bore shotgun shells, so the round still sees plenty of use.

Learn What a Bonded Bullet vs Non-Bonded Bullet is and Which is Best

If you are new to firearms, then you may have come across bonded or non-bonded bullets and wondered what the difference was.

Well, the answer is really pretty simple, but it has to do with how the bullet is made.

To learn the exact differences between a bonded and non-bonded bullet than continue with reading this article and digging deeper into the subject this article will also provide you valuable information on when it is best to use a bonded or non-bonded round.

What's the different between Bonded Bullet and Non-Bonded Bullet?

Bonded Bullet Characteristics

So what is the bonded bullet?

A bonded bullet is when the core of the bullet is bonded to the jacket.

This can be done in a variety of ways including electro processes and electro-chemical means.

The way the manufacturer creates a bonded bullet isn’t really the important thing, but the reason why they do it is important.

The main reason for a bonded bullet is it keeps the core and jacket from separating when the bullet penetrates into the target. This is a benefit because it helps the bullet hold most all of its weight into the penetration process.

The reason why the weight is important is the bullet doesn’t expand as rapidly and it goes deeper into the target, especially if the target is thicker fleshed or has a lot of layers.

Enviroment is one of factor impact weapon range

The fact that the bullet stays together means a deeper and cleaner wound.

When it comes to self-defense the cleanness of the wound may not matter as much to you, but when hunting this could mean the difference of pieces of bullet scattered throughout your game or it being one chunk of metal for you to pull out when cleaning.

Bonded bullets also do an excellent job of going through bone, so if shot placement is off a little with hunting than the effect will be less noticeable with a bonded bullet.

There are some disadvantages to bonded bullets however. One is it cost more to manufacture them.

No matter how the company does the bonding process it is still an extra step and this extra cost has to be passed on to the customer buying the rounds.

Also, since there are extra manufacturing steps they may suffer a little in accuracy. This is because even with top quality control the extra steps means that it is harder to get every bullet coming off the line to be identical. You want your bullets to be identical so they will fire the same way and produce the same results. Consistent results and reliability is really important if you are using the rounds for defense. Outside of these factors bonded bullets still have their place, but these are some of the reasons why they still make non-bonded bullets too.

You should buy the best biometric gun safe to storge your weapon

Non-Bonded Bullets

Non-bonded bullets are rounds that the core of the bullet and the jacket are not connected.

What's this mean?

This means that when the round is fired it is very likely that it will separate into multiple pieces. This is defiantly true if the target is thick or has parts that can grab onto the bullet. If you are firing into thick flesh, then it can pull the jacket from the round. Also, a hard surface can cause the bullet to shatter on impact. Another quality of a non-bonded bullet is that it expands more rapidly. This means that the penetration may not be as deep.

These things may seem like bad things, but they actually don’t have to be. Since the manufacturing is easier non-bonded rounds cost much less and also since there are fewer steps in making them they fire more consistently. This means that the accuracy is better and with good shot placement a non-bonded bullet is excellent at taking down smaller game where you don’t need deeper penetration. The reason less penetration is good is because it damages less of the meat when you are hunting. If you are hunting deer, then if you place your shot behind the front shoulder, then a non-bonded round will bring it down just as easily as a bonded round. Non-bonded rounds however are not good at going through large game.

Which is Best Between Bonded Bullet and Non-Bonded Bullet ?

The answer to which is best between non-bonded and bonded rounds is it depends on the use.

If you are just having target practice, then a non-bonded round would make a lot more sense because it cost less.

Penetration and deformation results don’t matter if you are just shooting targets for fun. If you are shooting small game or want more accuracy, then a non-bonded round is probably just fine.

It will save you some money and will bring down the small game you are shooting or keep you safe if it is a round you are using for defense. If you are hunting bigger game such as elk or shooting through thicker things, then that is when you may want to consider bonded rounds.

The ability to keep shape better and more consistently on impact is important if you need deeper penetration. Also, if you are shooting the bone or joint of the animal instead of behind the boney part than a bonded round may be what you need.

Conclusion

To sum everything up though there is no right or wrong between bonded and non-bonded rounds.

To answer the question of what a bonded round is, it is simple just a round that has the jacket and core connected. This keeps it from separating and helps the round hold its weight and shape.

When choosing a round it is important to consider your use, but picking a bonded bullet or non-bonded bullet is just one question you have to answer.

Outside of this question you also need to consider caliber of the round and how many grains are behind it.

These are just two other simple questions to think about when choosing a round along with if it is bonded or not.

What’s Better Between Single Action vs Double Action? (Pros and Cons)

Feeling confused about the difference between single action and double action?

By the end of this article, I will teach you the primary differences between the two, tell you the pros and cons of each, and say in what situation I prefer each.

To understand the difference between single action and double action, you must first understand exactly how a handgun works.

When you pull the slide of the handgun back, it allows for the magazine spring to push a bullet into the chamber. It also cocks the hammer of the firearm back.

Then, when you pull the trigger of the gun, it causes the hammer to snap forward, which pushes the firing pin inside the gun into the primer of the bullet cartridge.

When the firing pin strikes the primer, it ignites the propellant that will send the bullet flying down the barrel at a high rate of speed.

Make sense?

What the Hell Single Action vs Double Action is?

What is Single Action?

Single action is the exact chain of events that was previously described.

what is the single action gun (1911 Pistol)

When you pull the handgun slide back, the hammer is cocked and locked back.

When you pull the trigger of the gun, it drops the hammer, and the bullet is fired.

Many revolvers are single action, meaning you have to cock the hammer each time you shoot it.

What is Double Action?

In some semiautomatic pistols with an exposed hammer, you are able to decock the hammer.

What is double action weapon thespecialistsltd

In essence, you are able to ride the hammer forward slowly with your finger, without firing a bullet.

Similarly, some revolvers do not have an exposed hammer, and are double action each time you shoot it.

When you pull the trigger of a double action weapon, it serves two purposes. First, the trigger pull will cock the hammer. Second, the trigger pull will also drop the hammer.

As a result, double action weapons have a very long trigger pull.

Comparison between Single Action vs Double Action

Both single and double action weapons have their pros and cons.

So what is pros and cons of Single Action weapon?

The biggest pro of a single action weapon is the shorter trigger pull. A shorter trigger pull will feel more natural to someone who is new to shooting. In my opinion, it is also a smoother shot, and you will be able to shoot more accurately.

The biggest con of a single action revolver is that you have to cock the hammer between each shot. This will increase the amount of time it takes between shots. However, in a single action semiautomatic pistol, you only have to cock the hammer one time.

Pros and cons of Double Action

The double action weapon are increased safety and faster shots in revolvers. Some people will argue that double action weapons are safer, as a result of the longer trigger pull. Because the trigger pull is longer, it is therefore more unlikely that you will inadvertently shoot the weapon.
Double action revolvers will shoot faster than single action revolvers, as you don’t have to cock the hammer each time. However, double action semiautomatic pistols will shoot at the same rate as single action semiautomatic pistols.

The con of a double action weapon is the long trigger pull. With some experience, it is easy to get used to, but at first, the long trigger pull will feel uncomfortable to most people.
In striker fired double action semiautomatic pistols, such as a Glock, you will not feel this long pull. However, in hammer fired semiautomatic pistols, the long trigger pull is easily felt.

When Each Type is Best

In semiautomatic pistols, the difference between single action and double action is almost negligible.

Once you pull the slide back, it will usually cock the hammer. Then, it’s just a matter of whether you decock the hammer or not. At that point, the two weapons are extremely similar, in that all you have to do is pull the trigger. For that reason, I think the two can be used interchangeably.

Both single action and double action semiautomatic pistols can be used for hunting, casual shooting, and self-defense.

However, the difference becomes magnified when using a revolver.

In my opinion, single action revolvers are BETTER for hunting, and double action revolvers are better for self-defense.

For general shooting, either will work, but I would recommend single action. I prefer double action revolvers for self-defense since you don’t have to worry about cocking the hammer each time you shoot.

I prefer single action for general shooting, because it requires you to pay better attention. Since you have to cock the hammer each time, you are unlikely to make any careless mistakes.

Conclusion

Overall, the biggest difference between single action and double action weapons is what the trigger does when you pull it.

When you pull the trigger of a single action weapon, it simply drops the hammer. In a double action weapon, pulling the trigger both cocks and drops the hammer.

Both are effective mechanisms, and each of them have their pros and cons.

What is the Most Versatile and Best Ammo for a Ruger 10/22

Part of the joy of buying a new rifle is figuring out which ammo is the best for that specific gun.

There are so many types to choose from that sampling everything at the range just isn’t doable.

Today we’re going to look at the best ammo for a Ruger 10/22 based on a few different situations.

Versatility is key with the Ruger, and a big reason for its popularity. Bulk ammo generally does well, and we’ve identified the best bulk option here.

More specifics may be rejected, but it really depends on what type of barrel you are using.

Let’s take a look:

A few notes on the Ruger 10/22

Try to avoid a BX magazine.

If there is one mag that severely effects which ammo your gun will like, this is it.

CCI is known for not working well with BX, and many have a tough time shooting anything other than general bulk ammo.

Use a 10-round factory magazine. Versatility and dependability are much higher than with a BX or other options.

Get small box of many different types of bullet

We recommend buying a small box of many different types of bullets and enjoying shooting them.

See what sticks and what doesn’t, and what makes you feel the most comfortable. You’ll probably be able to eliminate some of the options after only a few shots fired.

Once you’ve got the group down to three or four, run through specific scenarios and try each ammo with them.

Accuracy, different distances, moving targets, etc. all may deliver different results with different ammo. The best ammo for a Ruger 10/22 is available in bulk, so keep that in mind.

Best Ruger 10/22 ammo for general high-volume shooting: Remington bulk ammo

Part of what makes ammo work well with specific guns is how smooth it flows through the chamber.

Remington bulk is easy to load and shoot with a Ruger, and doesn’t slow down the process at all.

As far as accuracy, Remington bulk ranks at the top for 25 and 50 yard shots. It is good enough that nailing a specific area on the target is doable from 25 yards and beyond.

Many have found that Remington bulk is the best ammo for a Ruger 10/22 because it’s easy to order in bulk, fits the specifications of the Ruger, and is generic enough that modifications aren’t going to screw everything up.

NOTE: Best scope for ruger 10/22 is good choice for your ruger, it will help you improve your result

Best Ruger 10/22 ammo for tougher shooting situations: CCI Stinger

Many barrels are not going to eat Stingers the way they eat general bulk ammo.

But CCI Stingers are great for accuracy in adverse conditions. For shots from a range longer than 25 or 50 yards, wind and other weather factors, and moving targets, Stingers really up the shooting game of the average hunter.

CCI lead 40-gram standard are great ammo for the Ruger 10/22.

CCI lead 40-gram

At 50 yards, the ammo is a lock with ten shots on a dime.

One thing to watch out for is whether they will cycle well with this gun – if you’ve got a custom barrel or add-ons, this may cause problems.

Other than that, CCI has a lock on the technical shooting aspects of the Ruger 10/22.

Here’s a video of ammo being tested by the Ruger 10/22:

Conclusion

Variety is one of the many benefits of owning a Ruger 10/22.

Most will eat just about any type of ammo, and it will be blatantly apparent if there’s something it doesn’t like.

Keep a bulk ammo on hand at all times, as well as some CCI for more specific situations. When there are choices, the odds of a successful shooting session are much higher.

If you found this article helpful, please share on social media.

Conversation is key in the hunting community, so if you have a specific ammo you love for the Ruger 10/22, share it below in the comments so we can all try it out!

How to Choose the Right Ammunition for Your Firearm

Are you a new gun owner who is trying to figure out the right ammunition for your gun?

Well, this article will help you do just that.

Not only is it important to know the size of ammunition you need, but it is also important to consider the use you have intended for the bullets that you are picking out.

After reading this article you will know how to choose the right ammunition for your firearm based on the purpose you have in mind. So go on!!

Bullet Size or Caliber

Before getting into picking out a bullet by purpose it is important that you get the right caliber for your gun.

For guns, “caliber” means the diameter of the barrel and thus the diameter of the bullet that is going through it. Also for terminology sake, “bullet” just means the metal projectile, while the entire thing is called a cartridge.

When you purchased your firearm you probably went over this with the person you were buying the gun from. Their are a lot of different common sizes and each one is better for certain things than others.

.22LR- Small round for long riffles or pistols. These can kill and be used for defense, but they aren't much above pellet guns. These are great for learning however because they have little kick and recoil. They are also cheap.
9mm- There are a few rounds between the 22LR and the 9mm, but they are not as common and actually the same size as the 9mm, but just have different counts of gun powder in them. The 9mm is great for the range or self defense. They have enough power to penetrate well as close range, but still easy to fire with little recoil.
.38 Special- Again skipping a few to get to this one. This bullet is bigger and has more power behind it than a 9mm. Getting to this size you start to get more recoil This is especially true if you are using this in a smaller gun. The 38 special is mainly seen in revolvers. Also, the same size is the .357 magnum, but it is longer, so be sure to use it in a gun designed for it.
.223 and .308 – These are starting to get into rifle rounds. These are seen in assault rifles and are great fun at the range. They also can be used for defense, but the guns firing these are bigger which makes sense since the bullet is larger.
12 Gauge – This is a shotgun round and is the most common type. Their is also 20 gauge which is smaller and 10 gauge which is bigger. Shotgun rounds are used primarily for hunting.

Just remember to pick the right size bullet for your gun. The caliber is how big the diameter of the bullet is and it will match up with the barrel of your firearm. Just remember bigger bullets have more power and also cost more.

Firearm Purpose

People generally have three main purposes for their firearm when it comes time to purchase ammunition.

You probably want to practice with it, go hunting with it, or use it for self defense. Depending on your purpose it will dictate some of the futures you look for when buying ammo.

Target Practice Ammo

type of ammo for shooting practic

If you are just going for target practice or training, then you DON'T need the most powerful bullets.

Instead you want to focus on cost of each round.

You don't want to spend a lot on rounds when just shooting them for fun.

For rifles and handguns you probably want to look at FMJ cartridges and bullets.

FMJ rounds are made with soft lead in the middle and this is surrounded with a metal shell. They are easy to make and thus they are cheap.

If you are shooting a shotgun, then you probably want to look into lightweight target loads. They generally are 7.5 shot or smaller. The pellets on the inside of the shell are normally lead unless you live in an area that requires steel shot.

Outside of cost of ammunition you also want to consider the recoil when picking out rounds for target practice.

If you are shooting all day, then your arm will get tired fast if the gun has a lot of recoil. You should probably look for small-bore rim fire ammunition and avoid magnum rounds.

Using Ammo For Defense

If you are buying ammunition for defense, then cost is a factor, but you really want to make sure you get a round that will stop the threat as quickly as possible.

type of ammo for home defense

You want a round that will fire reliable and also come out with a lot of force.

A good type of rounds to use are hollow points. These bullets are designed to expand on contact making a larger hole in what they hit.

This is done by having a empty cavity in the tip of the bullet.

Not only does this make a larger wound though, it also helps with penetration and keeping the bullet in the target so no one else gets hurt.

When using a shotgun you should use buckshot rounds.

The pellets are large enough to do good damage. The key when picking out rounds for self defense though is finding ones that transfer all the energy into the target and also penetrates the target so no unintended person gets hurt.

You also want a reliable round to end the situation quickly.

What type of Ammo does Hunter use for Hunting?

For hunting you pretty much want to consider all the same factors as with self defense.

via m01229

You want a bullet that will expand and produce enough damage to the animal that it will kill it quickly and humanly.

That is why if hunting with a shotgun you want to use slugs.

You should NEVER use an FMJ bullet for hunting as it won't kill the animal and it will most likely go straight through.

The difference between ammunition for hunting and defense is you need more penetration for hunting since most hunted animals are larger than humans.

For hunting more power is better,

This means picking out ammunition that produces a lot of force.

This normally means going with a larger caliber bullet.

This is something to keep in mind when purchasing a rifle or handgun if your main intention is hunting you should get something larger up front. (Pick the best handgun safe for the money to keep safety)

Conclusion

So now that you have finished reading this article you should be able to choose the right ammunition for your firearm depending on your purpose.

The two factors to consider when picking out ammunition is caliber of the bullet and also your use for the firearm.

If you are hunting, then you need to get a larger caliber gun.

If you are using it for self defense, then you want reliable rounds that will cause enough damage to end the situation quickly.

If you are just target practicing, then you can go with cheaper FMJ rounds in the caliber for your gun.

Even though there are a lot of different types of bullets there is really only a few uses for them, so you should be able to figure out the right firearm for you now and the right rounds for it.

Glock 18: Some Important Things You Need to Know

The Glock 18 is among the most popular handguns on the market for its purposes.

The weapon was originally developed in Austria and introduced in 1982. I first bought a Glock in the early 1990s, after persuasion from a friend whom I’d been visiting the shooting range with frequently.

Granted, it wasn’t an 18, because they’re near impossible to get.

But it was a Glock, and my buddy had been using one for a few years and loved it. He noted that I would see an increase in enjoyment and accuracy during my shoots.

Let’s take a look at why the Glock 18 is such a legendary piece of equipment, and what separates it from guns that are actually available in the US.

What is the Glock 18?

The Glock 18 is a 9mm chambered gun. Made to be full size, these babies are fully automatic and thus fully illegal for the average citizen to buy.

The full-auto component is the main thing separating the Glock 18 from the Glock 17. Anyone who tells you they’ve shot an 18 is probably full of it and has probably only shot a 17. Unless, of course, they’ve got military or police experience.

Basically, the Glock 18 is one of the most badass pistols ever produced. If you’ve never seen one fired before, check out this video. It will get your heart pumping!

What are the Glock 18’s characteristics and purposes?

The Glock originally was built to meet the needs of the Austrian army after World War II.

Photo from video of TheFirePowerSolution

They were looking to upgrade their standard issue pistol to be self-loading and have a capacity of eight rounds.

The Glock, as it is commonly referred to as, is specifically designed to be one of the safest pistols available. It can be dropped from a height of over 4 feet without firing.

Additionally, the gun is built to resist just about any type of accidental fire. If you are have a glock pistol, I recommend you buy the best pistol safe for the money to keep it safe.

The 9mm Glock 18 automatic can fire 1200 rounds minute – not going to be easy to acquire that one! There have been different models and multiple generations of Glock guns produced over the years, none as legendary as the 18.

Recoil. As far as recoil, Glock 18s are the best pistol for a short-recoil operated semi-automatic. The barrel is hammer-forged and offers one of the past behind-ammo gas seals ever developed. For quick fire and ease of use, I’ve found my Glock 18 to be an absolute stunner. When I first started using it, it only took one trip to the range for me to feel comfortable with the process of prepping, loading, shooting, and handling the weapon. Because of its size, storage is no problem either
Feed. The gun feeds double stack magazines. The magazines used can be swapped out with just about any of the same caliber
Sighting. The sighting arrangement on the Glock 18 is a combat ready fixed polymer piece. The front is ramped, the rear is notched, and I have found windage adjustment is much less of an issue here than with other pistols
Fire. 1200 rounds per minute, fully automatic. Here’s a video of a kid shooting a Glock 18

Glock 18 add-ons and upgrades

Because of its popularity spanning four decades now, Glock 18 shooters have the luxury of being able to modify their gun rather easily.

I’ve got a tactical light on mine that was easy to put on the front rail and has made accuracy and line of sight a non-issue in most situations.

My buddy that got me into the Glock 18 has upgraded his magazine capacity. All this took was a trip to the gun store and a quick consult with the guy behind the counter. He’s also got a real nice pouch that he bought at the shop which fits the increased magazine capacity with no discomfort.

The manufacturer has released upgrades for release levers, trigger upgrades, and even spring cups that prevent the day being ruined by water getting into the firing pin assembly channel.

Not a bad list of ways to ensure you’ve got the best pistol available. Most of this stuff is a bit much for simple range practice. But us gun fanatics can never have enough toys to complete the setup and increase our leg to stand on in weapon conversations.

How easy is it to buy a Glock 18?

The simple answer here is: not very easy, at least for the Glock 18s of lore. Here is a quick rundown:

Glock 18s that were registered before May 19, 1986 are very rare, so I wouldn’t encourage you to count on finding one of those that is actually legitimate, for anything less than what you’d pay for a timeshare
Most Glock 18s automatics made after that date are only available to the military, law enforcement agencies, and specified dealers

The moral of the story here is that you’re not going to get one. Unless you’ve got a lot of money, power, or are in a law enforcement or military profession. But hey, we can all dream. Right?

Conclusion

I’m guessing that this article has you pretty excited about the prospects of shooting a Glock 18.

If you ever get the opportunity to do so, definitely take advantage of it. I’m a Glock enthusiast and can’t recommend it any higher.

Please help us share the stoke – share this article on your social media channels and encourage people to check it out.

Do you have a story to tell about shooting a Glock 18? Go ahead and leave a comment below and tell us all about it. I bet we can get a diary’s worth of stories here. Bonus points to anyone who has a story of using it professionally in the field – thank you for your service and we look forward to hearing your story.