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Defense & Range

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Safety First

When you choose to own a firearm, you’re also choosing to take on the responsibility of ensuring it’s handled, stored and used safely. We explain what you need to know and the rules you must follow to do your part.

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Jim Gilliland Looking down a handgun at an indoor range

4 Universal Rules Of Gun Handling

Responsible gun ownership ultimately boils down to keeping yourself and those around you safe at all times. Competitive shooter and Federal ambassador Krystal Dunn runs down the four most critical rules for safe gun handling.

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Federal Premium Ammunition packaging and cartridges

How To Select Pistol Ammunition

Handgun loads—like handguns themselves—are tools built around specific jobs. Federal ambassador Jim Gilliland runs through the common ammunition types and shares tips for choosing the best load for your needs.

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Josh Froelich discussing carbine accelerator drill

Carbine Accelerator Drill

Run your long gun faster with this multi-faceted drill from Federal Ambassador Josh Froelich. Distance changeups, transitions, cover, movement and much more—this one has it all and the benefits are real.

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Josh Froelich discussing dry fire drills

Drills For Dry Fire

You don’t need to make the gun go “bang” to improve your game. Federal ambassador Josh Froelich uses dry fire to expand training sessions, work on fundamental skills and just prepare for the day at hand.

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Handgun How-To

Handguns are one of the most exciting and versatile classes of firearms, and they're used for everything from self-defense and target shooting to hunting. We reveal how to get the most from them.

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Krystal Dunn looking down an AR Scope at an indoor range

The Big Problem with Small Pistols

Josh Froelich hears from a lot of new shooters, and he sees many make a common mistake: Buying too small of a handgun. The Federal ambassador explains why smaller usually isn’t better and reveals his top pick for newcomers interested in home defense.

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The Rifle Rundown

At the range, in the field or beyond, rifles are a diverse and highly practical class of firearms. Whether you want to shoot a modern sporting rifle at targets or put a classic bolt-action to work for hunting big game, you need to master the basics and choose the right caliber and proper ammunition.

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Krystal Dunn looking down an AR Scope at an indoor range

Rifle Home Defense

AR-platform rifles offer versatility and adjustability that make them perfect for defending a home or larger property. But you have to do your part. Federal ambassador Jim Gilliland details the accessories and concepts you need to consider to turn your rifle into an effective defensive firearm.

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Shotgun Basics

At the range, in the field or beyond, rifles are a diverse and highly practical class of firearms. Whether you want to shoot a modern sporting rifle at targets or put a classic bolt-action to work for hunting big game, you need to master the basics and choose the right caliber and proper ammunition.

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Jim Gilliland looking down a shotgun at an indoor range

Buckshot Home Defense

When people consider home defense firearms, most default to handguns. But shotguns are extremely effective, especially for less experienced shooters. Brand ambassador and veteran Jim Gilliland shares why these long guns excel and how to get more from them.

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Sportswoman Courtney shooting a handgun

Four Fundamentals

New to shooting? We explain four fundamentals you’ll need to master to start your journey into the shooting sports.

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Krystal Dunn looking down a hangun at an indoor range

Proper Sight Picture

Firearms are useless without a way to put rounds on target. We illustrate how to use common sight systems with the help of competitive shooter and Federal ambassador Krystal Dunn.

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Krystal Dunn aiming pistol at an outdoor range

Dry Fire First Steps

As a competitive shooter, Krystal Dunn uses dry fire to stay at the top of her game. But the Federal ambassador also believes it’s critical to getting new shooters comfortable with their firearm and mastering fundamentals.

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Krystal Dunn loading pistol

Gun Fit Facts

One-size-fits all was never said about firearms. Federal ambassador Krystal Dunn explains nuances of gun fit that will make or break how a firearm performs for you.

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pistol and Hoppe's pistol cleaner

Maintenance Matters

The easiest way to protect your firearm investment and keep it running at the range or in the fight of your life is simple cleaning and maintenance. Federal ambassador Krystal Dunn shows how to break down a typical handgun and give it a thorough cleaning.

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Jim Gilliland standing in front of rows of ammo

Safe, Effective Gun Storage

A lot goes into how you store a firearm—from its intended use to the presence of children and the specifics of local laws. Federal ambassador Jim Gilliland explains all of the factors you need to consider and gives tips for striking the right balance between security and accessibility.

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Josh Froelich holding a rifle outside

Home Defense Vs. Self-Defense

It’s tempting to lump home defense and carry into a single category, but in truth, they’re very different jobs. As such, they call for different firearms. Federal ambassador Josh Froelich spells out which firearms are best suited to each purpose.

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Josh Froelich Shooing a rifle at an outdoor range

Navigating The Gun Counter

If you’re new to shooting, the counter of your local gun store might seem like an intimidating place. But it doesn’t have to be. Get insights for navigating your first gun shop stops from Federal ambassador Jim Gilliland.

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Josh Froelich shooting a pistal at an outdoor range

Diagnosing Common Misses

There’s almost no limit to ways we can miss our target, but Josh Froelich sees two common culprits. The Federal ambassador explains these miss-makers and reveals how to fix them.

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Krystal Dunn removing a handgun from its holster

Choosing A Carry Holster

Krystal Dunn knows that if you’re going to carry concealed, you need to choose the right holster to do it. The Federal ambassador and competitive shooter goes through some of the most popular holster systems available.

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Krystal Dunn loading pistol

Know Your Laws

When you choose to obtain a gun, the onus is on you to ensure you’re following laws of the specific jurisdiction—especially should you happen to use it defend yourself or others. Federal ambassador Jim Gilliland provides guidance on navigating the legal waters of defensive firearms use.

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Jim Gilliland holding two pistols

Pistol Choices

Prospective handgun buyers have lots of options. Federal ambassador Jim Gilliland breaks them down into the top three types and provides pros and cons you can use to guide your purchase.

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Looking down the iron sights of a handgun

Handgun Sight Systems

Today’s shooter has never had more options when it comes to handgun sights. Federal ambassador Jim Gilliland explains each of the common systems and provides the guidance to choose the one that best fits your shooting needs.

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Jim Gilliland holding a pistol holster outside

Getting A Handle On Holsters

A holster holds more than your handgun—it also carries a lineup of advantages and disadvantages you need to consider when making your choice. Federal ambassador Jim Gilliland lays out all the options and information.

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Josh Froelich shooting a target around an obstacle.

Every Day Carry—More Than Just Firearms

When shooters talk about every day carry, they often get tunnel vision and focus only on guns, holsters and ammo. But there’s more to EDC, and Federal ambassador Josh Froelich empties his pockets to explain.

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Handgun chamber being loaded

Loaded Chamber Carry

Although there are a few unbreakable rules, many aspects of firearms use are matters of personal preference. When it comes to carrying with an empty or loaded chamber, Federal ambassador Jim Gilliland doesn’t pull any punches. He explains why he believes a loaded chamber is the best way to carry.

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Josh shooting a pistol with one hand

One-Hand Shooting

You never know when you’ll need to shoot one handed—or with your weak hand. So, train for it. Federal ambassador Josh Froelich shares how to do it right.

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The Shotgun Approach

Handguns and ARs get all the attention, but shotguns reign as the easiest road to home defense proficiency. Learn the basics to get started.

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Tiffany showing where she carries her concealed handgun

Reasons To Carry

Even a peaceful country road can become the backdrop for a violent attack. Federal ambassador Tiffany Lakosky recalls a frightening close-call that made her a believer in concealed carry.

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Tiffany in her house pointed a non-loaded handgun

Use Dry Fire To Shoot Better

One of the best ways to improve your shooting skills isn't really shooting at all. Federal ambassador Tiffany Lakosky gets into her dry-fire practice routine and reveals why it's so important for all shooters.

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Tiffany & Lee talking about rotating your carry ammunition

Rotating Your Carry Ammunition

The wear and tear of daily carrying can take its toll on any ammunition. Federal ambassadors Lee & Tiffany Lakosky explain how they manage their carry loads to ensure they perform when needed.

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Tiffany discussing gun counter tips for new shooters

Gun Counter Gurus

One of the most valuable resources for information on shooting is likely standing behind the counter at your local gun shop or sporting goods store. Federal ambassador Tiffany Lakosky recalls how beneficial these relationships were when she started shooting.

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pistal and magazine loaded with Syntech

Top Questions New Gun Owners Ask

New to shooting? You’re certainly not alone, and it’s natural to have questions. Federal ambassador Jim Gilliland outlines the top questions newcomers should ask themselves or others as they start their journey into gun ownership.

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Man pointing pistol in an indoor range

3 Steps To Faster Shooting

If you want to shoot your handgun faster and still hit your target, Josh Froelich knows how to do it. The Federal ambassador shares three easy ways to pick up the pace.

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American Eagle sitting on a table with a rifle in the background

A 7.62x39mm That’s Easier On Steel

If you want to shoot at close range with your 7.62x39mm, the bi-metal jacket of typical foreign-built ammunition can damage steel targets. Federal ambassador Josh Froelich avoids this and trains harder with American Eagle. The 7.62x39 load is American-made with a brass case and FMJ bullet to shoot better without hurting your steel.

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American Eagle sitting on a table with a rifle in the background

Get Into The Game

Whether you’re new to shooting or an old hand who wants a break from the ordinary, the sport of 3 gun might be for you. Federal ambassador and accomplished 3 gun competitor Josh Froelich explains the training benefits it offers and what you need to do to get started.

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Krystal Dunn shooting a pistol

Train More With Fewer Rounds

It shouldn’t take a historic surge in demand for shooters to think critically about how they expend their ammo. Learning from every shot should always be the goal, and Federal ambassador and competitive shooter Krystal Dunn explains how to do it.

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Josh Froelich shooting a rifle at an outdoor range

Get Your Heart Pumping

When you shoot a rifle for keeps—whether on a hunt, in a competition or during the fight of your life—your heart’s going to be pumping. That’s why Federal ambassador Josh Froelich likes to train in ways that mimic this adrenaline dump and elevate his heart rate.

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looking down the iron sight of a pistol

Iron Sight Selection

Post-and-notch iron sights are durable, dependable and proven. Federal ambassador and champion shooter Julie Golob runs through the most common configurations and shares tips on choosing the one that’s right for you.

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Krystal Dunn showing how to hold a pistol

Dry Fire Warmup: Get A Grip

Getting the most out of every round begins with the right grip. Federal ambassador and competition shooter Krystal Dunn explains how she uses a pen to perfect hers before ever firing a shot.

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Josh Froelich holding a rifle at an outdoor range

Barrel Buster

Shooting faster is all about efficiency. Federal ambassador Josh Froelich explains a better way to maneuver around a barrel or other obstacle to eliminate wasted movement and trim precious seconds.

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Julie Golob holding a pistol with red dot sights

Seeing Red Dots

Slide-mounted red dot optics are popular for a reason—actually, several of them. Champion shooter and Federal ambassador Julie Golob explains why they work so well and reveals how to get more speed, accuracy and consistency from them.

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Julie Golob pointing a pistol at a target outside

Laser Focus

Champion shooter and Federal ambassador Julie Golob calls laser sights invaluable tools for both training and carry. Her insights on how to use them will shorten the learning curve and make you more accurate in any situation.

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Krystal Dunn pointing a pistol

Dry Fire Warmup: Body Mechanics

Without proper, consistent body mechanics at the moment you press the trigger, you’re wasting your ammo. Federal ambassador Krystal Dunn gets her practice sessions off on the right foot and saves rounds with these quick refreshers.

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Josh Froelich aiming a rifle at an outdoor range

Position Yourself For Long-Range Success

When you work on long-range shooting, the most critical factors to success are also the most fundamental. Federal ambassador Josh Froelich runs through the basic elements that get his focus during long-range drills.

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Krystal Dunn pointing a pistol

Dry Fire Warmup: Trigger Control

A bad trigger press is a round wasted. Federal ambassador Krystal Dunn saves ammo and kicks off training sessions right with a trigger control drill that uses a shot timer.

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Julie Golob pointing a pistol outside

How To Take A Stand

The right stance makes all the difference when shooting a handgun. Federal ambassador and champion shooter Julie Golob shows how to position yourself to minimize recoil’s effect and smooth transitions between targets.

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Josh Froelich holding a pistol

Carry Pistol Choices

Advancements in self-defense ammunition have evened the playing field between different cartridges, allowing shooters to effectively use guns of all sizes and chamberings for different carry applications. Federal ambassador Josh Froelich explains three easily concealed pistol choices and how to carry them.

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Choosing Carry Ammunition

With a full spectrum of ammunition offerings built for protection, Federal provides a load that fits anyone’s unique needs. Competition shooter and brand ambassador Krystal Dunn runs through each of Federal’s Premium Personal Defense products to guide shooters toward the one that’s right for them.

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Josh Froelich shooting a rifle

Near-To-Far Carbine

Get more comfortable transitioning between carbine optics and learn to quickly engage targets at varying distances with this simple drill. Federal ambassador and competition shooter Josh Froelich runs through the steps.

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Shoot-Two Transition Drill

You don’t need to send a lot of rounds downrange to improve your skills. This two-shot drill from Federal ambassador Krystal Dunn proves it, smoothing out transitions for faster, more accurate shooting at multiple targets.

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target moving to the back of an indoor range

Practical Accuracy

Handgun shooting is a balancing act between speed and accuracy; the faster you shoot, the less accurate you become. The goal for effective real-world shooting should be to shoot as quickly as you can and still hit a target of your intended size. Federal ambassador Krystal Dunn walks through a drill designed to dial in your peak speed and improve on it.

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Josh Froelich shooting Shotgun from behind a barrel outside

Make Your Shotgun Do It All

Understanding how a particular choke affects your patterns is critical to hitting your target—especially in competition. Federal ambassador Josh Froelich reveals how he pairs chokes with different payloads to make his shotguns perform virtually any job.

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Krystal Dunn holding a pistol

Call Your Shot

If you can predict where a bullet hit the target simply by watching your muzzle at the moment the shot breaks, you’re well on your way to more controlled, accurate and consistent shooting. Federal ambassador Krystal Dunn explains what shot calling is all about and how to incorporate it in your next range session.

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Krystal Dunn going through her range bag

What’s In Krystal’s Range Bag?

Whether you’re shooting a match or just heading to the local range, there’s nothing worse than having your day derailed because you lack the essentials. Federal ambassador Krystal Dunn spills out her range bag to reveal her must-have gear.

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Ammo being loaded into a magazine

Feed Your Rifle Right

Even at the range, there’s no such thing as truly general-purpose ammo. Different distances, conditions and other factors make specific loads better than others. Federal ambassador and competition shooter Josh Froelich shares his rifle ammo picks for specific situations.

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Krystal Dunn showing how to train with bands

Strength Conditioning For Shooters

Shooting is a physical game as well as a mental one, and like any athlete, shooters need to stay in peak shape to perform their best. Federal ambassador Krystal Dunn shares four easy shooter-specific exercises you can do at home.

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Josh Froelich looking down the scope of a rifle while laying down

Assume The Position

Shooting a rifle accurately—especially at long range—hinges on setting yourself up with a solid shooting position. Competition shooter and Federal ambassador Josh Froelich explains how he selects and builds the most effective positions for any shooting situation.

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Krystal Dunn aiming a pistol at a target in an indoor range

Sight Picture Practicality

In competition or self-defense, you need to deliver effective—not perfect—accuracy at a high rate of speed. That means you only want to aim to the degree of difficulty your target presents. Federal ambassador Krystal Dunn explains a drill that helps you visualize the limits of an effective sight picture to ratchet up your speed at any distance.

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Krystal holding a range timer

Focus On Fundamentals

Whether you're just getting started or want to advance your journey into the shooting sports, keeping it simple pays off big. Federal ambassador Krystal Dunn outlines how to focus on fundamental shooting skills and reap the benefits.

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Krystal aiming his pistol with a red dot attachment at a competition

Compete With A Red Dot

After her first major match running a red dot optic, Federal ambassador and competitive shooter Krystal Dunn shares her reactions—what worked, what she learned and why she’ll be shooting with them a lot more in the future.

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Julie aiming a pistol

Tweaking Stance For Better Recoil Control

Most shooters know the fundamentals of a good stance, but few take it beyond the basics. Learn subtle ways to improve your stance for better recoil management and accuracy from Federal ambassador Julie Golob.

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ear protection, eye protection, and boxes of Syntech Action Pistol, American Eagle 30 Super Carry, and HST on a table

How To Get A Newcomer Range Ready

Getting a new shooter ready to fire their first rounds should start long before they ever get to the range. Federal ambassador Krystal Dunn shares her checklist of must-dos.

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Julie Golob aiming a handgun at a wooden target

Aim Small For Big Gains

We’ve all heard “aim small, miss small,” but how do you actually do it? Champion shooter and Federal ambassador Julie Golob explains how to narrow your focus to develop better accuracy.

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Julie Golob shooting around a barrier outside

2 Ways To Shoot Better Around Barriers

When presented with a barrier, shooters tend to set up too close to it. Federal ambassador and champion shooter Julie Golob reveals the ideal distance and explains how to position your feet for the best speed and accuracy.

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different caliber Federal cartridges lined-up on a table in front of a handgun

Choosing A Handgun Caliber For Every Application

Shooters like to debate calibers, but the truth is every cartridge has its place. Choose the right one for any situation with this rundown from Federal ambassador Julie Golob.

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Julie Golob aiming handgun at multiple targets outside

Shoot 5-To-1 Dryfire For Better Practice

You don’t have to send a lot of rounds downrange to have a meaningful practice session. Instead use Julie Golob’s 5-to-1 ratio. The Federal ambassador and champion shooter explains what it means and how it maximizes both ammunition and training time.

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Syntech cartridge being held in a hand

The Sound Of Silence: Syntech & Suppressors

Clean and cool, Federal Syntech Action Pistol has become a favorite for training and competition. But it’s also great for suppressed handguns, particularly the subsonic 150-grain 9mm Luger. Federal ambassador Josh Froelich explains and demonstrates the incredibly quiet performance.

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Julie Golob examining her pistol in her hand

4 Good Habits For Shooters

Not all habits are bad ones. Federal ambassador and champion shooter Julie Golob lays out four habits every shooter should build and maintain.

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cardboard target shot multiple times in a group

What Shooting Groups Teaches You

Slow, deliberate group shooting with your handgun really shows what you’re capable of—and where you need to improve. Federal ambassador Julie Golob shares how she approaches shooting groups and what she learns from the process.

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Julie Golob aiming a handgun at a target outside

Handgun Point Of Aim Vs. Point Of Impact

Most shooters don’t give handgun bullet trajectory much thought, but it can have an effect on the distance you zero, where you aim and how you shoot. Federal ambassador Julie Golob demonstrates how trajectory affects point of impact and shares advice on how to factor this into your shooting.

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Steel Targets outside

Why You’re Missing Steel Targets

Having a hard time connecting on steel targets? It’s likely because you’re anticipating the feedback from the target itself. Federal ambassador and champion shooter Julie Golob reveals an easy trick to improve your game.

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Syntech cartridge being held in a hand

The 5.7 Factor

Fast, soft-shooting and manageable. Adaptable in both handgun and carbine platforms, with more capacity and longer range than other pistol cartridges. The 5.7x28mm checks a lot of boxes. Learn all about the cartridge and what it offers from Federal ambassador Josh Froelich.

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Julie Golob laying on the ground aiming a handgun

How To Shoot Prone With A Handgun

We tend to think of the prone position as being reserved for rifles, but it has applications for handguns as well. Federal ambassador Julie Golob shows how to shoot handguns from the prone position and avoid common problems.

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Julie Golob holding a handgun

How To Make A Good Pickup

In competition, it's called a pickup—just grabbing the gun off the table. But the skill applies across virtually all handgun disciplines. Federal ambassador Julie Golob shares ways to make your pickups fast, clean and safe.

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Julie Golob aiming a handgun

Go Beyond A Good Grip

Most handgun shooters know the basics of a good grip. But nuances in how you hold the gun, position your hands and squeeze improve recoil control and accuracy. Federal ambassador Julie Golob explains.

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