introduction to firearms

FBI Ballistics Expert Explains Why the FBI Favors 9mm Ammunition

FBI Seal One of the most secretive facilities in American law enforcement is the FBI’s Ballistic Research Facility in Huntsville, Alabama.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, FBI: Reported Crime Statistics in America for 2024 ]

Up until now, the FBI has not been forthcoming about publicly explaining its reasons for selecting and using different pistol ammunition calibers at different times.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Concealed Carry Daily Prayer ]

But James Reeves, executive producer of TFBTV (The Firearm Blog TV), was able to record the TFBTV video interview below with “Scott,” the section chief of the FBI’s Ballistic Research Facility, who has been with the FBI for 23 years. His job is to make sure FBI agents have the best possible chance of surviving a gunfight.

By semperverus
Posted on 01/16/202601/21/2026

Stay Legally Informed With Concealed Nation’s Interactive Concealed Carry Maps

While a majority of states allow for concealed carry reciprocity—the agreement between two or more states to recognize each other’s concealed carry permits—several states do not, including California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Over 86% of Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Support National Concealed Carry Reciprocity ]

It is deplorable that the USA consists of a state-by-state complex patchwork of concealed carry legislation, of which unsuspecting, responsible, law-abiding armed self-defenders can easily be ignorant and in danger of unwittingly and innocently violating. Staying informed about concealed carry laws is more important than ever.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Concealed Carry Permit Reciprocity Maps ]

Concealed Nation has created a suite of regularly updated free, mobile-friendly, and comprehensive Interactive Concealed Carry Maps, providing fast, accurate, and state-by-state breakdowns of the most important firearm laws in the country.

CCW Safe Lessons: How, When, and Why to Use a Firearm Lawfully

CCW Safe is the self-defense legal coverage membership program that connects members with a criminal defense attorney and helps pay for legal expenses involved in a court case following a self-defense incident. It also provides educational resources on the topic of self-defense.

[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of INTRODUCTION TO FIREARMS ]

One resource is The Armed Defender’s Dilemma. This 36-video-and-written series teaches legal and tactical lessons compiled from more than a decade of real-world court case analysis alongside criminal defense attorney Don West and firearms instructor Steve Moses.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, The 4 Basic Rules of Gun Safety ]

Released one a month for the next 36 months, the series emphasizes that self-defense includes understanding how, when, and why to use a firearm lawfully.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, CCW Safe Lessons: Medical Series ]

The self-defense lessons encourage a mindset rooted in restraint, preparation, and the ability to disengage rather than escalate, exploring the judgment and split-second decisions that determine the eventual legal outcome.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, The 5 Elements of Self-Defense Law ]

Developed by self-defense litigation expert Shawn Vincent, the debut episode shown below, titled, “The Goal of Self-Defense is to Break Contact,” explores why awareness, de-escalation, and less-lethal options give armed defenders more control. It’s a clear reminder that breaking contact isn’t weakness; it’s the smartest, most defensible strategy for surviving both the fight and its legal aftermath.

By semperverus
Posted on 11/21/202512/14/2025

Exposing Lies on Child Gun Death Statistics

The following excerpted quotes are from an Op-Ed article by Dr. John R. Lott Jr., the president of the Crime Prevention Research Center. He served as the senior advisor for research and statistics in the Office of Justice Programs and the Office of Legal Policy in the US Department of Justice during 2020-21.

“Gun control advocates often claim that guns are the leading cause of death among children — but that is false….Over the last couple of years, the media has continually pushed the assertion regarding children being at risk….What defines a child? For those under 18, vehicle deaths consistently outnumber firearm deaths.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Active Shooter Prevention Saves Lives in Wayne, MI ]