Your Guide to Firearm Accessories

Responsible gun ownership is important. While these are devices primarily used for self-defense, hobbies, and hunting, they come with a certain gravity to them. Obviously, it is more than possible to own a gun responsibly.

Today, we’d like to cover some of how that works. Additionally, we’ll be examining what speed loaders and/or stripper clips are. These concepts work in tandem.
If you want to learn more about owning guns and their accessories, be sure to stay tuned. You can also read plenty about it here. Overall, we have a lot of ground to cover!

Gun Ownership: The Basics

To start off, let’s look at some of the basics as far as gun ownership goes. How does it work? Now, keep in mind that we’re discussing this from an American perspective. If you live in another country, it probably works a bit differently.

The Legal Stuff

There are a few things to think about as a gun owner. After all, there are some legal aspects to consider. You may want to double check your local regulations before purchasing certain accessories.

Right to Bear Arms

This right is enshrined in our constitution. It states, “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Therefore, in most places, you won’t need to worry about having a firearm in the first place.

In a few cases there are some regulations. You may need a background check. It will depend on where you live.

Background Checks

We’d like to mention a bit more about background checks. Namely, there are federal laws in place that require them. Specifically, they’re required when buying from licensed dealers.

However, with private sales, they aren’t required. That’s the main thing to be aware of here.

Types of Firearms

Obviously, another important facet of owning a gun is understanding the different types of them. There are several examples. Let’s look at a few of the options.
Just keep in mind that certain accessories aren’t usable with each type. A 5.56 speed loader is a specialized piece of equipment, for instance. That’s simply something to think about as you decide on accessories, though.

Handguns

These are the most common types, especially right now. They’re smaller and portable. More often than not, they’re used for self-defense.

Still, they’re an accessible option for many aspiring owners of firearms. If you’re a newcomer, they may be something to consider.

Rifles

Another type of firearm is the rifle. For the most part, they’re utilized for hunting. They can also be used in firing ranges.

Overall, they’re a hobby-style firearm. They’re longer and larger than the former entry. Still, they’re pretty popular, and can be quite a solid choice.

Shotguns

When you picture a firearm in most forms of media, be it a television show, movie, or video game, shotguns tend to come to mind. They are big and bulky. They’re also often used for self-defense.

With all of that said, they may not be the right choice for beginners. These are just some things to bear in mind when you’re deciding on which gun to purchase.

Assault Rifles and Weapons

As the name suggests, there are the most “heavy duty” firearms out there. Certain states may restrict their ownership. However, they tend to have detachable magazines.

Additionally, they frequently have cosmetic features and changes to make them unique. Generally, they’re quite large. It’s important to be responsible when in possession of these weapons.

Ownership and Storage

With those examples covered, we can turn our attention to ownership and storage. As sources like this one demonstrate, there are several key components to keep in mind. Accessories such as speed loaders or stripper clips may also change some of this. We’ll touch more on that later.

Purchasing

This process will differ based on where you live and what type of retailer you’re purchasing from. As we mentioned earlier, when buying from a licensed vendor, a background check may be required. Private sales don’t require this. Still, it could be requested anyway.

You may also need a permit first. Again, this depends on where in the United States you’re buying the firearm. It helps to do some research on these rules before you go to a vendor.

Safe Storage

Overall, this is an incredibly important part of gun ownership. In fact, in many states, there are regulations surrounding how they are stored. Namely, it’s critical to keep them out of the hands of children.

How can we do so? One option is to have them high up. The cabinet or case should not be accessible for children. A lock can do wonders on that front.

Accessories should also be safely stored. This may be less complicated than the actual firearm. It will depend on what sort of accessories or speed loaders you have. Again, just try to keep them out of the hands of children.

Firearm Accessories

Finally, let’s take a look at the accessories you can get. There are a ton of different options. Resources like this provide some additional context about it.
The main thing to keep in mind is that the type of gun you have will significantly impact on the accessories that will be useful for you. When shopping, take that into consideration.

Optics

For the most part, these have some impact on the sight of the gun. They’re usually used for rifles. What are some specific examples?

Scopes: These devices are mounted on rifles to help with aiming.

Red Dot Sights: They provide a point of aim via a red dot. Often, they are used both by rifles and handguns.

Magnifiers: The name says it all here. Typically, they’re used alongside red dot sights to provide magnification.

Sights

At first, it may seem strange to have this as a separate section. However, there are some distinctions here to be aware of.

Iron Sights: Basic sights that are typically fixed on a firearm.

Night Sights: Sights that provide visibility in low-light conditions.

Grips and Stocks

Now we can properly shift gears. These are for a different part of the firearm than the above options.

Pistol Grips: As the name suggests, these are aftermarket grips that can enhance comfort and control.

Adjustable Stocks: Primarily, these are used with rifles. They can be adjusted for length and fit.

Magazines

Chances are, this is what you came to learn about. Don’t worry! There’s plenty here to cover. Further information can be found here, but we’ll be covering several examples as well.

Extended Magazines: As you can probably guess, these are magazines that hold more rounds than other versions.

Magazine Pouches: These are carrying cases for extra magazines.

Speed Loaders: As the name suggests, these help holders load up several magazines in rapid succession. They’re ideal for days on the shooting range. Their main purpose is to help maximize trigger time because users don’t need to spend as much time loading their clips.

Stripper Clips: These are similar to the above. They are used to quickly load ammunition into a firearm magazine or chamber.

Holsters

For the most part, these are what we hold firearms in. They’re an understandable and necessary accessory. What are some examples?

Concealed Carry Holsters: For those looking to be more discreet, this is what you’ll want to go with. They are designed for carrying firearms discreetly. Just remember there may be some restrictions in your state.

Tactical Holsters: Comparatively, these are more “practical.” They are often used by law enforcement or military personnel. That is because they typically feature a retention system.

Bipods and Foregrips

Now we can get into some of the more niche options here. While not everyone has heard of these, they’re still useful.

Bipods: These are stabilizing legs. When attached to the firearm, they aid in shooting accuracy. Particularly, this is true when the user is in a prone position.

Foregrips: This is something that can be attached to the front of rifles. It allows for better handling of the gun.

Cleaning Kits

Admittedly, the purpose of these is pretty obvious. They are kits specifically designed for maintaining and cleaning firearms. This helps to ensure they function properly.

Overall, these accessories can enhance the practicality and effectiveness of firearms. They allow users to tailor and customize their setups. After all, we each have our own needs and preferences.

Again, though, it’s important to consider local regulations and laws. Make sure that your setup isn’t in violation of that.

However, with that in mind, it’s rare to see limitations on speed loaders or stripper clips. At least, this is the case for those bringing them to the shooting range.

At the end of the day, it’s important that we get the accessories we need to enjoy our hobby. With responsible gun ownership, these items can be completely safe. Hopefully, this guide will help you find what you need!