Guides

These guides are the actual training materials used in in-person firearms safety classes in Texas, covering everything from selecting your first handgun to starting your own range day. Have questions or feedback? Contact us at contact@armyourfriends.com.
How to Choose Between the AR Platform and the AK Platform
How to Choose Between the AR Platform and the AK Platform
Before we start, let’s be very clear about what this article is and is not. This is not an evaluation of aesthetics, symbolism, political identity, or historical mythology. Firearms are... Read more...
How to Choose Body Armor (A Guide to "Bullet Proof Vests")
The Real Guide to “Bulletproof Vests” and Body Armor Most people use the term “bulletproof vest” without realizing it is technically incorrect. No personal armor is truly bulletproof. Body armor is designed to resist specific ballistic threats based on tested standards, and nothing stops every possible bullet under every condition. This article explains what body armor actually is, what the key terms mean, how different materials behave, and why some options commonly marketed online are not safe for civilians. It is U.S.-focused and practical for real-world safety thinking. This article... Read more...
How to Store Your Weapons Safely: A Practical Guide for Responsible Owners
How to Store Your Weapons Safely: A Practical Guide for Responsible Owners
How to Safely Store Firearms: A Practical Guide for Responsible Owners Safe firearm storage is not about fear, politics, or optics. It is about responsibility. A firearm that is not... Read more...
How To Buy a Handgun: A Guide for First time Gun Owners
Here's our practical,guide to buying your first handgun. Learn how to choose the right size, caliber, and platform, compare trusted brands like Glock and Sig Sauer, and avoid common mistakes so you can buy reliable gear without wasting money. Read more...
How to Shoot a Handgun (Basics of Pistol Shooting + Safety Fundamentals Course Guide)
A step-by-step guide to the basics of pistol shooting. Learn firearm safety, stance, grip, trigger control, breathing, and what to expect in our Houston fundamentals class so you can shoot safely, confidently, and responsibly from day one. Read more...
SLIP 2000: MAINTENANCE, RESPONSIBILITY, AND WHY CLEANING YOUR FIREARM MATTERS
Discipline is Maintenance: Why We Partner With SLIP 2000 Owning a firearm isn't just about training; it’s about discipline. A weapon you don't maintain is a weapon you cannot trust. For community defense, responsible carry, and everyday readiness, maintenance is part of the job. That’s why we partner with SLIP 2000. Their lubricants, cleaners, and carbon cutters are the industry standard for shooters who need their equipment to work every single time. Why Cleaning Matters A clean firearm is a reliable firearm. Consistent maintenance: Reduces malfunctions and cycles smoother. Extends... Read more...
ALIEN GEAR HOLSTERS: RELIABLE, AFFORDABLE, AND READY FOR REAL-WORLD COMMUNITY DEFENSE
Your Holster is Your Lifeline: Why We Trust Alien Gear Carrying a firearm is about control, consistency, and confidence. None of that matters if your holster fails. For community organizers and those dedicated to real-world defense, a dependable holster is as essential as the weapon itself. Alien Gear has proven to be one of the most reliable and accessible makers in the game. They build gear that holds up under stress without the "tactical tax" of $400 price tags or 8-week lead times. The Core Lineup: Readiness for Every Scenario... Read more...
FARADAY BAGS: WHY THEY MATTER FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS AND COMMUNITY DEFENSE
Phones are the strongest tool most of us carry. They are also the easiest way for someone else to track us. Anyone doing real community work already knows that your digital footprint can follow you everywhere. What most people do not realize is that software protections are no longer enough. The threats are not just government agencies. Non state actors are now using cheap surveillance tools, location scrapers, Bluetooth trackers, fake access points, and plug in data skimmers the same way people used to use lock picks. This is why... Read more...
Dry Fire Workshop: Structure, Safety, and Course of Fire
Our Dry Fire Workshop is designed to give both new and experienced shooters a safe space to build and refine their skills. This is a free, no-live-ammunition training event. All drills are supervised by certified instructors and vetted experienced shooters. The goal of this event is to allow shooters to refine their skills, movement, and techniques in a social setting where they can practice and learn by coaching and observing others. Safety is our number one priority. Before each drill, when a Mantis Blackbeard is not in use, instructors will... Read more...
Intermediate Rifle + Self-Defense Concepts – Houston Class Guide
This class is for students who have completed Basics of Rifle Shooting and are ready to develop real-world handling skills with their personal AR-15 platform. We introduce working from ready positions, safe and consistent safety selector use, and weapon light manipulation. Every drill reinforces responsible control, clean execution, and confident movement with your rifle. This class is run on a flat range and focuses on applying defensive concepts at 10 to 20 yards, the maximum engagement distances most indoor ranges allow. Who This Class Is For Shooters who have completed the... Read more...
Intermediate Pistol Shooting + Self Defense Concepts – Houston Class Guide
This class is designed for students who have completed Basics of Pistol Shooting + Safety Fundamentals and are ready to build on those fundamentals. You’ll learn to work from ready positions, toggle a weapon-mounted light, and build speed and control at realistic self-defense distances. This class introduces elements of readiness, decision-making, and more refined movement while keeping the pace accessible for newer shooters. Who This Class Is For Students who have completed the Basics class Shooters ready to train with the pistol setup they actually plan to carry or use... Read more...
How to Shoot a Rifle (Basics of Rifle Shooting + Safety Fundamentals Course Guide)
This class is designed for new or first-time rifle shooters who want to learn the fundamentals of safely operating and accurately shooting an AR-15 pattern rifle. Students will learn how to handle the rifle confidently, apply core shooting fundamentals, and understand key concepts like mechanical offset and zeroing. With guided live-fire at 10 and 20 yards, we focus on building good habits, consistent groupings, and the ability to self-correct. Whether you're learning for the first time or preparing to teach others, this class lays the foundation for safe and effective... Read more...
How to Build a Local Training Operation
If you want to build a training operation in your city, you are in the right place.If you are here because you want to have an operation that simply copies what Arm Your Friends does in Houston, this guide is not for you. Why We Do Not Have Chapters Outside of Texas Arm Your Friends is a Houston-based training group. We do not currently have plans to build chapters outside of Texas or to 'franchise' this work. Our focus is on keeping our operations high quality and sustainable in our... Read more...
How to Pick Your First Rifle
Choosing your first rifle does not need to be intimidating, political, or performative. At its core, a firearm is a tool. It is a method of delivering a bullet to a specific destination safely, predictably, and under your control. This guide is written for the United States, with particular attention to Texas, where we teach and train regularly. Laws, availability, and training culture vary widely across the country, so context matters. What works well in Texas may require modification in other states. This article is not legal advice. Always verify... Read more...