May 7, 2026
New Buyer Tips
Should you buy a suppressor now
With the $200 suppressor tax stamp going away on January 1st, 2026, gun owners are wondering...should you buy now or wait? We break down all three options: filing today and eating the tax, buying now and letting your FFL hold the paperwork until January, or waiting until the new year to start fresh. Each has…
Why Outdoor Ranges Keep Me Coming
The range is always a serious place when the line is hot, eyes forward, ears covered, and everyone focused. But it’s the moments during cease fire that keep me coming back. That’s when the conversations start, the smiles show up, and sometimes strangers turn into friends. On a recent trip to sight in a red…
September 2, 2025
Why Outdoor Ranges Keep Me Coming Back
So You’ve Never Shot a Gun
Walking into the world of firearms for the very first time can feel a little overwhelming. For many new shooters, the journey actually starts at home by researching online, watching YouTube reviews, and reading articles trying to figure out “the best first gun.” Then comes the trip to the range. Rows of pistols, racks of…
Finding the Right Firearm: A Shooter’s
Choosing the right firearm can be daunting, but this guide offers recommendations based on personal experience and discussions with fellow shooters. It's essential to select a firearm that suits your needs, comfort, and budget rather than just trends or popularity.
Is a Chronograph Worth It?
Blackbox Ballistics Range Report We took a trip to the range today to put the Athlon Rangecraft chronograph through its paces. To keep things grounded, we didn’t bring handloads or match-grade ammo—we brought a few boxes of Fiocchi Range Dynamics 5.56, the kind of affordable factory ammo many shooters rely on for training and casual…
July 6, 2025
Is a Chronograph Worth It?
Why You Should Buy From a
When you're in the market for a new firearm, you’ve got options—lots of them. These days, it’s easy to hop online, scroll through massive inventory lists, and get sucked into the convenience of digital shopping. But before you go all-in with a faceless online retailer, consider what you're missing by not working with a local…
What to Expect at Your LTC
This past weekend, my wife and I finally checked something off our list—we took a License to Carry (LTC) class together here in Texas. Whether you're brand new to firearms or just want the legal option to carry in more places, this course is a great way to boost your confidence and responsibility as a…
What Is a Gun Trust—and Do
If you’ve spent any time around gun forums or chatting with experienced firearm owners, chances are you’ve heard the term gun trust thrown around. But what exactly is it, and do you really need one? Let’s break it down in plain English. What Is a Gun Trust? A gun trust is a special type of…
How to Zero a Scope: A
This weekend, my wife and I hit the range to sight in her brand-new scope, and it inspired this guide for anyone just getting started with optics. Zeroing your scope (also called “sighting in”) is one of the most important steps in setting up your rifle. It ensures your point of aim matches your point…
Gun Speak: A Beginner’s Guide to
Welcome to the world of firearms, where the acronyms sometimes seem to fly faster than the bullets. If you're new to gun ownership or branching out into a different part of the firearms community—like concealed carry, sporting clays, or long-range precision shooting—you’ve probably run into a confusing wall of letters. We’ve got you covered. Below…
Texas Gun Laws in Plain English:
This guide outlines Texas firearm laws, emphasizing that adults 21 and older can carry handguns permitlessly as of September 2021. Restrictions exist for certain locations, such as schools and polling places. An LTC offers benefits like reciprocity and less stringent purchase checks. Responsible ownership and safety are emphasized throughout.
Your First Time at the Gun
Today was range day—and for us, it wasn’t just another day of sending rounds downrange. It was a family affair. My wife, my son, and I spent the morning under blue Texas skies at a local outdoor shooting range, working through everything from 9mm pistols to AR-15s to a classic Rossi lever-action .357. Whether it’s…
Beginner’s Guide to Buying Your First
Whether you're stepping into the world of firearms for protection, sport, or pure curiosity, buying your first gun can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot of noise out there, and too many people forget what it's like to be the new guy (or gal) at the gun counter. At Blackbox Ballistics, we believe in cutting through…
April 20, 2025
Beginner’s Guide to Buying Your First Firearm
