Glossary
Gun and firearm terms, in plain English.
Built for people who want to know what the words mean — not get sold something. No fluff, no tacticool, no "buy this rifle" lead generation. Sources cited.
Concealed carry
IWB Holster
Inside-the-waistband concealment — carry positions, retention types, materials, and how to pick one.
OWB Holster
Outside-the-waistband — fastest draw and most comfortable wear. Pancake, paddle, and duty types.
IWB vs OWB
Head-to-head comparison of inside and outside the waistband. Concealment, speed, comfort, and use case.
Appendix Carry (AIWB)
The dominant modern concealment style. Why it works, the safety rules, holster selection, and the femoral-artery part.
AIWB
The acronym version of appendix carry — same position, same rules. Quick reference + cross-link to the full guide.
Red Dot Pistol (MRDS)
Optic-ready handguns are now standard. Footprint compatibility (RMR, RMSc, ACRO), top brands, co-witness, and the 500-round learning curve.
Ammunition
5.56 NATO vs .223 Remington
Why you can shoot .223 in a 5.56 chamber but NOT 5.56 in a .223 chamber. Plus .223 Wylde, the hybrid that does both.
Hollow Point (JHP)
The standard self-defense bullet. How expansion works, the FBI 12-18" penetration spec, and the duty-grade short list (HST, Gold Dot, Critical Duty).
Long-range shooting
AR-15 / rifle components
Bolt Carrier Group (BCG)
The heart of an AR-15. What the BCG does, coating options (phosphate, nitride, NiB, DLC), and how to vet quality.
AR-15 Buffer Tube
Mil-spec vs commercial, carbine vs rifle vs pistol, buffer weights (H/H2/H3), and how to diagnose cycling problems by brass ejection pattern.
AR-15 Charging Handle
Mil-spec vs extended vs ambidextrous. BCM Gunfighter, Radian Raptor, Geissele Super CH — which to buy and when ambi matters.