MOA... i'm sorry what was that? What the heck is MOA (Minute of angle) and why do I need to know this? This is what was going on in my mind when I came across this specification. I soon learned what it was and it makes total sense. A bullet doesn't just fly exactly where you point the gun for ever right, there are elements like gravity, wind and elevation that we have to consider! Haha silly me.

Shop a quality reflex red dot sight by 2nd Amen here.

MOA, or Minute of Angle, is a unit of measurement used in gun optics to describe the size of the dot or reticle in the scope or the size of the group of shots fired from the firearm. One MOA is equal to 1/60th of a degree, or about 1 inch at 100 yards, 1.047 inches at 110 yards, 2 inches at 200 yards, etc.

In gun optics, MOA is often used to describe the adjustments made to the scope's reticle to account for bullet drop and windage. For example, if a scope has a reticle with 1 MOA markings, then moving the reticle one mark to the right or left will move the point of impact of the bullet approximately 1 inch at 100 yards. Some scopes have MOA adjustments that allow the user to fine-tune the point of impact by turning a knob or making other adjustments.

MOA is just one of several units of measurement that can be used in gun optics. Others include Mils (milliradians), which is similar to MOA but is based on metric units instead of imperial units. It is important for the user to understand the units of measurement used in their optics and how to make the necessary adjustments to ensure accurate shots.

If you are anything like me you will have google at the ready when learning about optics. As soon as I read the term 'eye relief' I googled 'What is eye relief?' and a whole bunch more. After learning about it more and listening to some other folks who know far more than I do I learned this.

Shop a quality reflex tube-style red dot sight here from 2nd Amen

Eye relief is also an important factor to consider when using optics on firearms, such as scopes or red dot sights. Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece of the optic and the user's eye, and it determines how comfortable and accurate the user will be when aiming through the optic. Long eye relief allows the user to comfortably view the reticle from a distance, while short eye relief can cause discomfort or even strain on the user's eye. It is important to choose an optic with appropriate eye relief for the intended use and user, as well as the recoil of the firearm. Too short of an eye relief can result in the user getting "scope bite," where the eyepiece of the scope hits the user's eyebrow or cheek during recoil. Too long of an eye relief can make it difficult for the user to get a proper sight picture and may affect accuracy. 

So red dot is more of a generalization. That's what I have come to find anyway. There are several types of red dot sights available on the market. Some common types include:

Check out our tube-style reflex red dot sight here: 

When it comes to life in general I am all about being minimal, so don't have what you don't need or don't carry what you won't use. Thats just me and my wife too. We hate clutter!

I have strong opinions on an everyday carry belt set up only because I use one. 

Shop the best EDC Gun Belts here.

An EDC (everyday carry) belt set up is a collection of items that a person carries with them on a daily basis for convenience, utility, and preparedness. These items are typically stored on a belt, which allows the person to easily access them while on the go.

An EDC belt set up can vary greatly depending on an individual's needs and preferences, but it may include items such as a knife, flashlight, multitool, keys, wallet, phone, and any other personal items that are frequently used or needed.

The goal of an EDC belt set up is to have all of the necessary items within easy reach and to keep the weight and bulk of these items to a minimum. This allows the person to be prepared for any situation that may arise, while also maintaining a high level of mobility and comfort.

Overall, an EDC belt set up is a practical and efficient way to carry the tools and supplies needed for everyday life.

Shooting at the range can get expensive! Therefore improving your shooting skills can be an expensive hobby. That's where MantisX comes in ;)

I came across this from someone giving me s*it on my YouTube video haha, so thanks for the suggestion buddy. 

The Mantis X Shooting System is a portable training tool that helps shooters improve their accuracy and performance by providing real-time feedback on their shooting technique. It consists of a small sensor that attaches to the firearm and a companion app that displays the data collected by the sensor.

The Mantis X sensor measures and analyzes a variety of factors related to the shooter's technique, including trigger control, sight alignment, and recoil management. It also tracks the movement of the firearm during the shot process and provides feedback on how to improve the shooter's accuracy and performance.

Visit MantisX website.

The Mantis X system is designed to be used with live fire, dry fire, and airsoft firearms. It can be used for a wide range of shooting activities, including target shooting, hunting, and competitive shooting.

The Mantis X system is popular among shooters because it provides a convenient and affordable way to practice and improve their shooting skills. It is also a useful tool for instructors, as it allows them to identify and correct shooting errors in real-time.

Shop for almost all of your tactical EDC needs here at 2nd Amen.

Dryfire practice: When my instructor mentioned this I was a little lost so after about 20 minutes I plucked up the courage to ask "hey man, what is dryfire practice?". Haha here is my take on it so far! 

Dry fire practice refers to the act of practicing firearm handling and shooting techniques without live ammunition. There are several reasons why dry fire practice can be beneficial for shooters:

Overall, dry fire practice can be an effective and convenient way for shooters to improve their skills and maintain proficiency in handling their firearm. It is important to follow proper safety protocols and use a dry fire training aid, such as a dummy round or snap cap, to protect the firearm from damage during dry fire practice.

Shop for almost all of your EDC and Tactical needs here at 2nd Amen, a Charter Tactical company.

My Ruger 556 and my Daniel Defense M4A1 RIII need a solid rifle bag when I transport from one place to another, so when I talk about my brands rifle bag I am using it for real too. 

You can check out our 2nd Amen Rifle Bags here.

A rifle bag is a type of carrying case specifically designed for transporting and storing firearms, particularly rifles. Rifle bags come in a variety of sizes and styles, and they can be made from a range of materials, including nylon, canvas, and leather. Some rifle bags have padded interiors to protect the firearm from impacts and scratches, and some have additional pockets or compartments for storing ammunition, cleaning supplies, and other accessories.

Rifle bags are a popular choice for hunters, competitive shooters, and gun enthusiasts, as they provide a convenient and secure way to transport firearms to the range or to hunting grounds. They are also often used by law enforcement and military personnel to carry their duty rifles.

There are several factors to consider when selecting a rifle bag, including the size of the firearm, the intended use of the bag, and the material and durability of the bag. It is important to choose a bag that is large enough to fit the rifle comfortably, with enough padding to protect it from damage during transport. It is also important to consider the material and construction of the bag, as it should be sturdy and able to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.

Some rifle bags also have additional features, such as lockable zippers or locking compartments, to help prevent unauthorized access to the firearm. It is important to follow local laws and regulations regarding the storage and transport of firearms, and to choose a rifle bag that meets these requirements.

Again, you can see the 2nd Amen Rifle Bag here.

Okay so I am not a huge fan of the holographic sight but you never know, I may change my mind one day. I am a newbie after all! 

I learned a little about them and it is interesting, especially the construction complexity verses a reflex sight.

A holographic sight, also known as a holographic weapon sight or holographic diffraction sight, is a type of firearm sight that projects a reticle, or aiming point, onto a small glass window in front of the shooter's eye. The reticle is typically in the shape of a dot or a crosshair, and it can be used to aim the firearm more accurately at a target.

Holographic sights work by using a laser to project the reticle onto the glass window. The reticle is created by the interference pattern of two lasers, one of which is reflected off a holographic grating and the other of which is reflected off a mirror. This creates a three-dimensional image of the reticle that appears to be floating in front of the shooter's eye.

Holographic sights are popular with shooters because they offer several advantages over traditional iron sights. They are faster to acquire a target with, as the reticle is always in the shooter's field of view, and they are more accurate at longer ranges. They are also more durable than iron sights, as they do not rely on mechanical parts that can break or become misaligned.

Holographic sights are commonly used on rifles and shotguns, but they can also be found on handguns, crossbows, and other types of firearms. They are typically mounted on the top rail of the firearm, allowing the shooter to co-witness the reticle with the iron sights if desired.

Still not a fan? Go get our Tube style reflex red dot sight here!

Reflex sights: Open style red dot sight & tube style red dot sight. 

Tube style red dot by 2nd Amen

This can get quite confusing so I have tried to simplify it as much as possible. 

Reflex sights are a popular type of optic that are used to improve accuracy and speed when aiming at a target. These sights use a reticle, such as a red dot or crosshair, to help the shooter aim their firearm. There are two main types of reflex sights: tube style and open.

Tube style reflex sights are characterized by their cylindrical shape, which is similar to a traditional telescopic sight. They are designed to be mounted on a firearm, such as a rifle or shotgun, and they use a reticle to help the shooter aim. Tube style reflex sights are known for their durability and reliability, and they are often favored by shooters who want a simple and effective aiming solution for their firearm.

Open reflex sights, on the other hand, are characterized by their open design, which allows the shooter to see through the sight and keep their peripheral vision. These sights are typically smaller and lighter than tube style sights, and they are often used on handguns or other firearms where size and weight are a concern. Open reflex sights are known for their fast target acquisition and ease of use, and they are a popular choice among shooters who need to aim quickly and accurately.

When choosing a reflex sight for your rifle, it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Both tube style and open reflex sights have their own unique features and benefits, and the best option for you will depend on your shooting style and the type of firearm you are using.

My opinion, and slight vent. Competitive shooting is for everyone.. who owns a gun.

Learn more about IDPA competition shooting.

Competitive shooting is a sport that is accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are just starting out or you have been shooting for years, there is a place for you in the competitive shooting community.

Competitive shooting can take many forms, from traditional target shooting to simulated self-defense scenarios. There are various organizations and leagues that host competitions for shooters of all skill levels, ranging from amateur to professional.

One of the great things about competitive shooting is that it is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Children and teenagers can get involved in the sport through programs like 4-H or the Boy Scouts, while adults can participate in local, regional, and national competitions.

Competitive shooting is also a sport that allows shooters to test their skills against others of similar ability. Whether you are just starting out or you are a seasoned pro, you can find competition that is appropriate for your skill level.

Overall, competitive shooting is a sport that offers something for everyone, no matter their age or skill level. Whether you are looking to compete at a high level or just want to have fun and improve your shooting skills, there is a place for you in the competitive shooting community.

Shop for almost all of your tactical needs here with Charter Tactical.