Self-Defense Terminology

Appendix carry involves carrying a firearm inside the waistband near the front of the body, typicall...

The ATF Form 4473, or Firearms Transaction Record, is a vital document used during the purchase of f...

Brandishing refers to the act of displaying a weapon, typically a firearm, in a threatening or intim...

Some states have “Castle doctrine” laws, which allow individuals to use force, including...

A concealed carry weapon permit (CCW) or concealed carry permit (CCP) is sometimes also referred to ...

Constitutional carry, also known as permit-less carry or unrestricted carry, is a legal framework in...

Double-action refers to a firearm’s firing mechanism where a single trigger pull performs two ...

In many jurisdictions, individuals have a duty to retreat or seek safety if they can do so safely be...

An FFL, or Federal Firearms License, is a license issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms...

An autoloading firearm that is designed to fire continuously as long as the trigger is held down and...

Often used interchangeably with magazine, however, clips (gun clip) and magazines are not the same. ...

A gun magazine is a detachable or fixed device that holds and feeds ammunition into the firearm̵...

The use of force, including deadly force, in self-defense is typically justified when an individual ...

This involves carrying a concealed firearm inside a holster tucked inside the waistband of the pants...

Legal defense insurance, also known as legal expense insurance or legal protection insurance, is a t...

In may-issue states, applicants must meet certain legal requirements, but the issuing authority has ...

The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is used to conduct background checks on...

In many cases, individuals using force in self-defense are not required to investigate the attacker&...

Open carry is the practice of carrying a firearm in a visible manner, often holstered on the outside...

The use of force should be proportionate to the threat faced. Deadly force should only be used when ...

Concealed carry permits are typically issued at the state level, and the laws governing them vary be...

A revolver is a type of firearm characterized by a cylindrical chamber that rotates to align with th...

Self-Defense Insurance, also known as concealed carry insurance (CCW Insurance) or firearm liability...

A semi-automatic firearm (or “semiauto), also known as a “self-loading” or “autoloading” f...

In shall-issue states, the government agency responsible for issuing concealed carry permits is requ...

In this method (shoulder holster carry), a holster is worn on the shoulder under clothing, and the f...

A single-action firearm is a type of firearm mechanism where the trigger performs a single function:...

Some pistols employ a Single-Action/Double-Action (SA/DA) mechanism, providing the operator the opti...

Stand your ground is a set of self-defense laws that allow individuals to use force, including deadl...

Third-party coverage, in the context of legal defense insurance or self-defense insurance, typically...

The legal and ethical principles governing when and how individuals with concealed carry permits or ...