LearnAboutGuns.com 

The question of which gun cleaning solvent, protectant, and lubricant to use is one that comes rather often.  This article addresses my thoughts and recommendations insofar as gun solvents/oils/protectants are concerned: Read the rest of this article »

I’ve seen people who don’t own guns react with surprise or concern upon hearing that I, or another law abiding citizen, own several firearms.  This article provides information about why people often own multiple guns, and how owning multiple guns is not “bad”: Read the rest of this article »

Gary Reed has written a great article addressing the use of terms such as “assault weapon” and “Saturday night special.”  Here is one of the more humerus quotes:

“Hometown Herald - A pair of assault thugs stole a Ford Saturday Night Special Crew Cab and drove it through the front door of the Saturday Nyte Special 99 Cent Store. They attacked the ATM with an assault crowbar, but the shop owner drove them off with a small self-defense assaultin’ pepperbox revolver.”

I’ve seen that some people, most of whom have never fired a gun, are opposed to parents teaching their children to fire guns.  I disagree, and feel that children who are interested in firearms should be taught to shoot under responsible adult supervision, once they are mature enough to do so safely. Read the rest of this article »

This video clip demonstrates the steps to completely disassemble and reassemble a Glock pistol, which is good to know for detailed cleaning.  Note that it is not necessary to dismantle a pistol to this great of a degree for the cleaning that should be done after every firing. Read the rest of this article »

This video clip demonstrates the steps to disassemble and reassemble your Remington Mossberg 500 or Mossberg 590 shotgun, for cleaning.
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This video clip demonstrates the steps to disassemble and reassemble your Remington 870 shotgun, for cleaning.

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This video clip demonstrates the steps to disassemble and reassemble your AK-47, for cleaning. Read the rest of this article »

Proper cleaning is important to keep all firearms functioning reliably, however it seems to be especially important for the AR-15. This video clip demonstrates the steps to disassemble and reassemble your AR-15, for cleaning. Read the rest of this article »

A good percentage of crime consists of criminals victimizing other criminals, often over drugs, money, or gang turf.  However, criminals will often break into the wrong house, or attack the wrong person, after mistaking them for someone else.  Self defense in this situation is yet another reason to own a gun: Read the rest of this article »

The question of “which caliber” is one that is asked and debated quite frequently.  This article gives my opinion as to the proper revolver caliber for self defense purposes. Read the rest of this article »

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There is a lot of misinformation out there about gun control, gun rights, self defense, “assault weapons,” and the like. This article is intended to briefly set the record straight: Read the rest of this article »

Sound suppressors, sometimes referred to as “silencers,” are legitimate tools that have gotten a bad reputation in movies and in the law. The fact is that sound suppressors don’t truly “silence” guns, but can serve a legitimate and peaceful purpose. Allow me to explain: Read the rest of this article »

I’ve bought a variety of gun cases, for transporting handguns, shotguns, and rifles. This article lists some tips that I have come up with for those choosing a gun case, based upon the lessons I’ve learned. Read the rest of this article »

I’ve seen that some people dislike handguns such as Glocks and some of the Springfield XD pistols because they lack an external safety, such as can be found on the Springfield 1911. This article addresses my thoughts on the matter: Read the rest of this article »

The Tribune ran an article about Glen Soustek, a Roselle, IL man whose life was saved by his handgun.  This excellent article is an especially good read, given the recent lawsuits filed against Chicago, Oak Park, and other Illinois cities that violate the individual right to gun ownership for self defense. Read the rest of this article »

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has declared the Second Amendment protects the right of an individual to keep and bear arms, striking down the (failed) District of Columbia handgun ban. This article discusses what exactly the court held, and what that means for American gun owners: Read the rest of this article »

Pistols and revolvers each have their own advantages and disadvantages. This article discusses the pros and cons of each type of handgun: Read the rest of this article »

The pros and cons of pistol caliber carbines, which are rifles that have a relatively short barrel and are chambered for pistol cartridges, are discussed below: Read the rest of this article »

As previously discussed, safe and responsible gun storage is essential. I’ve been asked what features I recommend for gun safes, which I discuss below: Read the rest of this article »

I see quite a few visitors searching for information on the size of shot in the various shotgun shells, such as 00 buck, #1 buck, #4 bird, etc., and the number of pellets in a one ounce 12 Gauge shell This article provides that information for lead shot. Read the rest of this article »

There are a variety of options when it comes to choosing a sight for your handgun, shotgun, or rifle. Each sighting option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This article discusses each of the major options. Read the rest of this article »

Different shotgun activities require different barrel lengths. This article addresses the recommended barrel lengths for various purposes, and the pros and cons of these barrel lengths. Read the rest of this article »

Joining the NRA is a great way to help protect our 2nd amendment right to keep and bear arms. Normally, a 1 year membership is $35, but you can join here for $25 - That is a $10 discount. Read the rest of this article »

The Springfield 1911 is a semiautomatic pistol that has achieved near legendary status in the eyes of many people. This is due in no small part to its design and reliability. Although I prefer modern polymer framed pistols such as the Springfield XD, I also appreciate the Springfield 1911. My review of the 1911 is below. Read the rest of this article »

In response to my articles on selecting a gun for home defense, taking a friend shooting for the first time, and facts about recoil, I have been asked how one can get used to the recoil generated by more powerful guns. Getting used to recoil is not too challenging, as this article explains. Read the rest of this article »

Few topics are as hotly debated as the question of “which caliber”. This article addresses my thoughts on the topic for semi-automatic (autoloading) pistols, intended for self defense use. Read the rest of this article »

Shooting is a great sport for everyone.  I say that not just because it is fun, but because it does not have to have the same physical requirements as many other sports.  This allows a lot of people to participate and excel at shooting, even if they could not do the same in other sports.  Shooting is also great for the most physically fit among us, who are seeking a new challenge. Read the rest of this article »

As stated in my biographical and demographical information, I am an African American male, in my mid twenties.  Because of this, some of my friends have questioned whether it is wise of me to go to gun stores and ranges.  These friends were concerned that, due to my race, I would face discrimination or violence in these gun-related locations.  Since I have heard so many people voice this concern to to me, I thought I would describe my experiences as a black man who frequents 4 Chicago area gun stores and shooting ranges: Read the rest of this article »

I’ve noticed that many people who aren’t familiar with guns tend to fear them.  I’m not referring to the fear of a criminal pointing a gun at them, but rather a fear of owing a gun themselves.  Recently I asked coworkers and other people who have such a fear of guns why guns scare them. This article lists the answers I’ve been given, along with solutions for such irrational fears of guns. Read the rest of this article »

Pump action shotguns and rifles are well suited to home defense, due to their reliability. An added benefit of pump action is that it makes storing the firearm in a relatively safe yet ready to use fashion easier. While this practice is likely obvious to those experienced with pump action firearms, it may not be as obvious for those more familiar with other action types, or those new to firearms. This article describes how to store a pump action firearm in a safe yet ready to use manner. Read the rest of this article »

The Ruger 10/22 is a great gun for target practice. It is inexpensive but of high quality, and the ammunition it fires, .22 long rifle (.22LR), is just a few cents per cartridge. My review of the Ruger 10/22 is below. Read the rest of this article »

Every time I read about an “accidental” shooting in the news, I want to write a letter to the editor to point out their error. The fact is that when someone is unintentionally shot, it was not an “accidental” shooting. Instead, it was either a negligent or reckless shooting. Allow me to explain: Read the rest of this article »

There are a lot of misperceptions, bias, and misinformation out there about guns.  This can make even reasonable and intelligent people, who don’t have first hand experience with guns, believe that guns are somehow evil or are the cause of crime.   One great way to dispel these myths and let your anti-gun friends decide for themselves is to take them to shooting range.  My girlfriend and I recently did that just that, with a co-worker of mine and his wife.  Below are suggestions I have on how to make such an outing to the shooting range a success, along with our experience. Read the rest of this article »

For a home defense or self defense handgun, simplicity and reliability are paramount. That said, there are several accessories which can provide the law abiding citizen with an advantage in a home defense situation, without adversely effecting the simplicity and reliability of the handgun. Read the rest of this article »

Guns ownership and sporting use is a special hobby like no other.  And I’m not only speaking about the unique fun and physics that go along with responsible firearms use -  Whether you are interested in hunting, target practice, or collecting, firearms as a hobby require something that almost no other hobby requires: Read the rest of this article »

Below is a how to guide on breaking down, cleaning, and reassembling a Remington 870, complete with pictures of each step. The shotgun pictured is a Remington 870 XCS Marine Magnum, but the steps will be the same for any of the Remington 870 family. The steps for other shotguns are similar as well. Read the rest of this article »

Having discussed how firearms are the great equalizer, enabling a 90 pound grandmother to defend herself against a 250 pound home invader, I thought it would be proper to discuss which guns are best for those sensitive to recoil. Read the rest of this article »

There are a few basics of safe gun handling that everyone should know and abide by before they even consider touching a gun, much less firing one.  Safely exercising our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms requires that we be responsible, for our own safety and for the safety of those around us. Read the rest of this article »

Selecting the right ammunition for home defense use is vital to effectively stopping an attacker and reducing the risk of injury to innocent bystanders. This article addresses recommendations for shotgun, handgun, and rifle ammunition. If you’re unsure as to what type of gun to get for home defense, see this article. Read the rest of this article »

Gun terms defined: Read the rest of this article »

I am relatively new to firearms and had trouble locating a gun store and range near my home, which is in the Chicagoland area Read the rest of this article »

There are a variety of ways that we can all do our part to protect gun rights. I have listed a few of these ways below Read the rest of this article »

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Welcome! This site is dedicated to preserving the individual right of law abiding citizens of Illinois and the United States as a whole to possess firearms for self defense as well as sporting purposes. I created this site after recognizing the growing threat to our right to keep and bear arms, and hope to both dispel the myths surrounding guns and “gun crime“, as well as to provide useful information to those who already support firearms rights.

I also hope to persuade those who don’t currently support gun rights, through the use of polite and well reasoned arguments, including information about why I have a gun. I firmly believe that polite debate, which focuses on the issues and facts rather than on personal attacks and hyperbole, is what we as a society need when it comes to issues such as gun rights.

Information that may be helpful to people who are new to guns is available here too. This includes information on selecting a firearm for home defense, selecting the ammunition for home defense, firearms maintenance, legally purchasing a gun online, safe and responsible gun storage, reviews of various guns and accessories, etc.

I also have taken a few moments to address myths about gun stores and their customers for those in my demographic (African American).

Another goal of this site is to encourage my fellow firearms rights supporters to do their part to protect gun rights. This includes joining the NRA, the ISRA, and taking further action to help safeguard and expand our gun rights. Without the involvement of gun owners in the political process, the anti gun groups will succeed at taking away our gun rights.

Those who have a gun related question that is not already addressed by this site are encouraged to contact me, and I will likely be willing to write an article addressing the question. I’ve tried to write articles addressing many of the questions I can think of, however I’m certain there are many areas I have yet to address. Since the goal of this site is to “learn about guns,” feel free to ask away.

The Gun related book store and DVD store contains the books and DVDs which I recommend.

Finally, the discussion forum is a place to discuss and debate gun rights, self defense, various firearms, and related issues.

Main Categories:

Contact the Author - If you have any questions, concerns, suggestions for this site, or would like to have a polite and civil debate about firearms rights, I can be reached by email.

Gun and Accessory Reviews - Reviews of various firearms and accessories.

Gun-Related News - Regularly updated gun-related current events. Includes legislation, events that have taken place, and commentary.

Help Protect Our Gun Rights - You can participate in the political process to protect our 2nd amendment rights.

How-To Guides and Other Info - Getting started with responsible and lawful gun ownership in Illinois, along with technical information about guns, cleaning guns, etc.

Links - Links to other relevant sites.

Pro Gun Rights Articles - Articles discussing general firearms related issues, from a pro-firearms perspective.

Video Clips - Firearms related video clips.

Legally Buying Guns Online - Lawfully purchasing a gun online requires only a little bit more work than purchasing most other items online. The extra effort can easily be worth the price savings and wider selection. This article describes the relatively simple process of legally purchasing a gun online.

Gun Related Books & DVDs - Recommended gun related books and DVDs.

Gun Discussion Forum - Discuss firearms, firearms rights, politics, etc.

Getting started as a responsible, law abiding firearm owner in Illinois is a simple process, as this article shows Read the rest of this article »