Home Defense Shotguns Offer Safety, Security, and Peace of Mind

When it comes to safeguarding their homes and loved ones, many Americans turn to shotguns as reliable and effective defenses. The advantages of having a home defense shotgun are numerous, making it a popular choice for those looking to protect their property and family during a break-in or emergency. There are three advantages to using a shotgun for home defense.

1.         Stopping Power: Shotguns are known for their ability to deliver a devastating blow to intruders, incapacitating them and providing a strong deterrent against any further threats.

2.         Quick Aiming: In a high-stress situation where split-second decisions can make all the difference, having a firearm that is easy to aim under duress yet effective is a great choice—especially for those who have not had extensive handgun training.

3.         Intimidation: Studies show that shotguns have a more visceral effect on people than handguns or rifles.

It's important to remember that with the power of a shotgun, there also comes a great responsibility. Gun owners must prioritize safety, ensuring their firearms are stored securely and handled with utmost care. This is where the concept of using a barrel flag to mark a loaded shotgun in a safe becomes crucial. A barrel flag is a simple yet effective tool that can help quickly identify the status of a firearm as LOADED, especially in low-light conditions or high-stress situations.

By using a brightly colored barrel flag to mark a shotgun in a safe, homeowners can quickly distinguish between a firearm that is ready to use and those that are not. This simple yet effective tool can prevent accidents and confusion, allowing homeowners to access their home defense shotgun with confidence and efficiency when it matters most. The ease of implementing this tool reassures homeowners that they can increase their readiness and preparedness in the face of potential threats.

Owning a home a defense shotgun can offer invaluable protection and peace of mind for homeowners seeking to fortify their security. By combining the advantages of a shotgun's stopping power with the safety and convenience of a barrel flag system, gun owners can confidently defend their homes while minimizing the risks associated with firearm ownership. Stay safe, stay prepared, and above all else, prioritize safety!

Muzlstik Is Now the Official Chamber Flag Partner of the IHEA-USA

It’s been a busy few months here at Muzlstik, and we’re thrilled to announce a brand-new partnership with the International The International Hunter Education Association-USA!

The IHEA-USA is the world’s best-known professional hunter education association, affiliated with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service hunter education programs.

Bringing chamber flags to the classroom and beyond

With this exclusive partnership, we will offer discounts to IHEA-USA Hunter Educators via the organization’s Hunter Education programs. These programs employ 55,000 instructors, many of whom are volunteers, teaching hunting and shooting safety and responsibilities throughout the United States.

We’ll also join the IHEA-USA in hosting organized field days and events to showcase brightly colored chamber flags, which fit most firearm models and allow users to easily know whether their firearm is LOADED or UNLOADED. And while Muzlstik flags are used widely by hunters and avid shooters, we emphasize that our products are made for anyone who owns or uses a firearm—whether that’s in the classroom, at the range or in storage.

Partnering to promote gun safety for all Americans

At Muzlstik, we believe that knowledge and information are the power of safety. We developed our unique chamber flag system to promote gun safety and education for all Americans. By partnering with the IHEA-USA, we hope to empower gun users and prevent tragic incidents that can happen when a firearm is accidentally discharged. 

The IHEA-USA will help spread the word about chamber flag effectiveness by including chamber flag proper-use demos and other instructional content in their forthcoming IHEA-USA Firearm Fundamentals Course. The courses will be rolled out this fall across the United States and in IHEA-USA Hunters Connect videos found on YouTube.  

A shared mission to ensure education and awareness

The IHEA-USA shares Muzlstik’s commitment to quality firearm education, and the organization is known for delivering high-quality safety standards and best practices to professionals, students and enthusiasts across the United States. 

“As we continue these organizational values through the launch of our relevant Firearms Fundamentals course for new firearm owners, we are hoping to create new partnerships such as this that align with our mission delivery,” said IHEA-USA Executive director Alex Baer. “We are so grateful to Muzlstik for supporting our programs with a product that focuses on keeping people safe, and for their willingness to support state agency hunter education programs.” 

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Here’s How to Practice Safety at the Shooting Range

There’s still a little bit of summer left, and many people are taking this opportunity to get a few more shooting range visits in before their busy fall schedule begins. Whether you have a “home base” range that you enjoy, or you’re looking to try someplace new, this article offers tips for making your range visit a safe and effective one. 

Always use a chamber flag

The number-one rule for shooting range safety is to clearly indicate the status of your weapon. Chamber flags work perfectly for this purpose because: 

  1. They’re highly visible and leave no room for error. Brightly colored chamber flags signal to anyone in the vicinity whether a weapon is loaded or unloaded. 

  2. Many shooting ranges already require them. With new regulations emerging every day, it’s important for responsible shooters to get ahead of the curve by implementing chamber flags in their regular shooting practices. 

  3. They make life easier for range employees. As you move about the range (as well as during mid-travel) your weapon may be subject to occasional security checks. If your firearm prominently features a flag, safety personnel will be grateful for the ability to know at a glance whether it is loaded or unloaded.

Know the terminology

Here is some of the most common terminology to be familiar with, especially if you are visiting a shooting range for the first time:

Firing line: This is the area where shooters may stand, and is usually indicated by a painted line or stripe across the floor. You must position yourself and your weapon at the line before loading or firing, and step behind it during cease-fires and while taking a break from shooting. Before stepping behind the line, be sure your weapon is unloaded and locked, with the slide or cylinder open.

Downrange: This refers to the area past the shooters and the line of fire, where targets are set. You may hear this term come up in safety commands. Except during a cease-fire, no person should be walking or standing downrange, as they will be crossing the line of fire/in front of shooters.

Hot and cold: While you’re on the range, you may hear a safety officer call out “hot” to indicate that shooters are active. At this time, you may commence firing and no one should advance beyond the line of fire. If you hear an officer call “cold,” this means all weapons have been unloaded and remain in the open position. Only at this time should individuals be allowed to go downrange.

Backstop: This simply refers to the wall or barrier behind targets. Backstops may appear as solid walls at indoor facilities, or a man-made berm or soil embankment at the outdoor range. These dividers are designed to stop stray bullets and projectiles that puncture through targets. To allow the backstop to block bullets safely, it is important to shoot straight and parallel to the ground every time you discharge your weapon.

Lanes: The lane is the area from a shooting stall or booth to the target. Most ranges incorporate multiple lanes that run parallel to one another. At any range, shooters must stay within their lane and fire at their own targets.

Bench: Most shooting range stalls include a bench, table or counter where you may rest your firearm once it has been unloaded and locked in the open position.

Follow the rules

Many ranges have rules and regulations that are specific to their business, so it’s important to listen and heed the directives of range staff and safety personnel. In addition, always follow these “12 Golden Rules” of gun safety, as outlined by the NRA:

  1. Point your weapon in a safe direction, which generally refers to the direction in which there are no people in the line of fire. 

  2. Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot by instead resting your finger alongside the frame or outside the trigger guard. 

  3. Keep your gun unloaded until you’re ready to use it. Engage the safety device, if possible. If the gun has a magazine, always remove it before looking into the chamber.

  4. Know your target (and what’s behind it) to avoid the potential for a dangerous mishap.

  5. Know your weapon. Learn about its basic parts, how it works, and how to safely clean, transport, and operate it. 

  6. Make sure your gun is safe to operate. Guns require regular maintenance and inspection. If you’re unsure whether a gun is safe to operate, have it looked at by a knowledgeable gunsmith before using it.

  7. Use the right ammunition, and only ammunition that has been designed and approved for your firearm. In many cases, the ammo type will be stamped on the barrel, but when in down consult an expert.

  8. Protect your eyes and ears to avoid sustained damage or injury from noise emissions, debris, and gases that can escape when a gun is fired. This goes for spectators, too!

  9. No alcohol or drugs while shooting. This includes over-the-counter or prescription medication.

  10. Store your guns when you’re not using them in a lockbox or other secured place where no unauthorized person can access them.

  11. Be aware of safety rules for both your weapon and the location in which you’re shooting, be it a private range or public lands.

  12. Clean your gun regularly of moisture, dirt, grease, and to keep it functioning optimally. And always make sure your gun is unloaded before you clean it!

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Exploring U.S. Gun Laws by State

When it comes to safe shooting, it’s all about educating yourself. Hopefully you’ve learned the easy way about things like proper storage and transport, maintenance, and using chamber flags to signal your weapon’s status. But how familiar are you with the gun laws where you live?

In this article, we’ll explore the evolution and current state of gun laws in the United States. We’ll also provide tips for staying up to date, so you’re never caught off guard or subject to a penalty. 

Federal firearm laws in a nutshell

Here are some of the major federal statutes that have been enacted over the years to regulate the sale, manufacture, trade, possession, and transport of firearms:

Getting up to speed on state and local gun legislation

There are hundreds of gun laws on the books throughout the U.S., and they can vary dramatically by state and even between regions and municipalities. For example, gun owners in Florida can obtain a license to carry both concealed weapons and firearms, but other states license only the concealed carry of firearms.

In Ohio, no state permit or license is required to possess a handgun, rifle or shotgun, but it is generally unlawful to carry a concealed weapon without proper licensing. The state shares reciprocity agreements with Colorado, Florida, Maine, Michigan and New Hampshire, as well as limited (permit-only) reciprocity in Pennsylvania and South Carolina.

At the local level, gun laws can become even more complex. Since these laws are constantly evolving, it’s important to maintain at least a working knowledge of what’s happening in the area where you live (or the places you travel frequently). Start by exploring reputable resources from groups like the NRA, which offers an interactive guide to laws by state, as well as top news stories related to gun usage and legislation.

As you dig deeper, visit web pages for your local city, town or municipality. Many of these organizations publish up-to-date firearm laws as well as FAQs for travelers and visitors. 

Five essential rules for using guns across state lines

Gun laws are a necessary part of any society. They keep guns and ammunition in the hands of the right people, and they can prevent unnecessary tragedy. But it’s not always easy to know the specific ins and outs of the location where you’re living or traveling. 

That’s why we recommend following these six vital rules for transporting and using guns across state lines. Keeping these in mind at all times will not only help to keep you safe, but also help you avoid running into legal problems as you move from place to place with your weapons.

  1. Safety first at all times. It should go without saying that unwanted attention from law enforcement often comes as a result of negligent or unsafe behavior. Following all safety protocols for transporting, cleaning, handling and firing a weapon—just as you would at home—is your best bet for ensuring both safety and peace of mind in your travels.

  2. When in doubt, call ahead. If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for online, your best bet is to get on the horn with someone at the local city building or field office who can tell you exactly which rules apply to the location where you’ll be shooting.

  3. Get your paperwork right. Regardless of how strict or loose the local gun laws, every state in the U.S. requires gun owners to be fully licensed. If your hunting permit has expired, be sure to renew it before going on that interstate hunting trip. If you were previously charged with a felony but are now eligible to carry, you must go through the proper channels to get your status reinstated and documentation validated.

  4. Use common sense. Every responsible gun owner knows, if something doesn’t feel right, that’s probably because it isn’t. Whether it’s a question of selling/shipping a firearm, shooting in a zone where you’re unsure, or anything else, rely on your instincts and common sense to make a good decision.

  5. Be transparent. This relates to the note earlier about avoiding unwanted attention. If for some reason you find yourself answering to law enforcement in an unfamiliar place, communicate clearly and make sure your weaponry and ammunition is visible and accounted for. Cooperating with full transparency will get you a lot further than being evasive or hiding details.

Want to chat more about gun laws and responsible shooting?
Drop us a line. 

6 Reasons Everyone Should Use Gun Flags

Chamber safety flags aren’t a new invention. For many years, weapons manufacturers have included them in their packaging along with other accessories. Sadly, many of these flags end up forgotten in the box or thrown out with the trash. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using flags for every firearm you own.

They are essential for everyone’s safety.

In our industry, safety is everything, and we know that accidents are more likely to happen when human error is at play. It’s surprisingly easy, especially when handling a semi-automatic handgun or rifle, to forget whether or not it’s loaded. And those errors can ultimately prove tragic.

Bright, clearly worded chamber flags provide an essential way to guarantee that a firearm is safe and ready to handle when seconds count. In addition to your own family’s safety, firearm flags also help range officers and fellow shooters confirm that all firearms are empty before proceeding downrange to check targets. 

They are incredibly simple to use. 

It wasn’t always the case, but gun flags these days are some of the easiest firearm accessories to use. Muzlstik makes a wide variety of flags that go directly in the chamber, clip over the side, or attach with a zip tie. 

Muzlstik gun flags are range-safety compliant and don’t require any weapon modification. After using them just a few times, they will become an essential part of your readiness routine that could ultimately save your life or the life of someone else.

They are virtually indestructible. 

Our firearm flags have evolved over time and are now made from highly durable ABS plastic that won’t buckle or snap as you’re storing, cleaning or transporting your weapons. 

That means, whether you’re out on the road or packing up at the range, you can use your Muzlstik chamber flags time and time again with very little wear and tear.

They serve more than one purpose. 

As discussed, Muzlstik chamber flags come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to suit every weapon. Many of our flags are inserted directly into the chamber, which serves the dual purpose of making the weapon virtually impossible to discharge. All the while, keeping enough surface area visible that shooters and bystanders can clearly see the loaded/unloaded label. 

They are useful beyond the range.

With new regulations emerging constantly, shooting ranges aren’t the only place you will continue to see gun flags in usage. FFLs and firearm shops often use flags to block the chamber of weapons so that they’re clear, safe, and easy to inspect while being handled by customers or used in demonstrations. In addition, chamber flags allow law enforcement officers to decide at a glace whether a seized gun is safe to handle and store. 

They could soon be required everywhere.

Firearm flags are quickly becoming a legal requirement for shooting on the range, in education programs, while hunting, and other gun-related activities. Failing to use chamber safety flags could incur a citation or fine, so many hunters and recreational shooters are beginning to work them into their normal routine in order to avoid future hassle. 

Want to learn more about Muzlstik safety benefits and buying options? We’d love to talk. 





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Debunking Three Common Myths About Firearm Safety Flags

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If you have ever used a firearm, you know there’s no time to waste when it comes to deciding whether it is loaded or unloaded. Chamber flags provide a quick way for shooters to know the status of a weapon without having to guess.

In this article, we’ll tackle some of the most common myths about purchasing and using flags for storing, transporting and keeping weapons at the shooting range.

Myth 1: Firearm flags are just for hunting.

While chamber flags are essential for safe hunting, the need for chamber flags isn’t limited to hunters and outdoorsmen. The simple truth is that every person who owns firearms, or anyone who is interested in gun safety, should own and use flags.

Muzzleloaders are one great example. It’s all too common to stow guns away after a muzzle shoot with the ball and charge left inside. Best case scenario, you remember to discharge the load first before shooting again—and even that is a waste of perfectly good ammunition. Worst case scenario, you forget, and the load remains in the chamber indefinitely, creating the potential for a tragic accident.

Myth 2: Any firearm flag will do. 

This is another common myth that could not be further from the truth. For one thing, quality matters. Smart gun owners know that the best safety flags are made in the USA from durable ABS plastic, designed to be range-safety compliant. Flags should be purchased from an experienced craftsman—not from a fly-by-night bulk seller who focuses on quantity over quality.

Function matters, too. Some chamber flags are designed with a stem to be inserted directly into the barrel, while others attach over the side or are fixed with a string or zip-tie. Before purchasing, check the list below to ensure you’re using the correct flag for your firearm and shooting preferences.

Myth 3: Flags are one-size-fits-all.

As we mentioned, gun flags come in many different shapes, sizes and styles—and that variety exists for a reason. Here are some of our most popular types of flags, along with weapon recommendations and tips for using each one safely and effectively.

Standard Chamber Flag
Size: 1 1/2"W x 3 1/4"H x 1 1/4"D
Best for: Caliber .22 or Higher
Revolutionizing chamber flags of the past, this standard flag can be inserted into the firearm along with a loaded magazine. Simply place the stem directly into the chamber of your firearm, which will make it virtually impossible to discharge.

 

Over-the-side Flag
Size: 5.25"H x 1.5"W x 1.5"D
Best for: Any Firearm
These easy-to-use chamber flags attach over the side and require no firearm modification. Simply insert the flag into the firearm’s barrel anytime you’re storing, transporting or keeping firearms on standby at the shooting range.

 

T-shaped Barrel Flag
Size: 8.75"H x 4.5"W x 0.5"D
Best for: Any Firearm
This dynamic flag can be used both as a loaded/unloaded indicator as well as to set the ball or bullet into the barrel. Simply insert the flag into the barrel of your firearm while storing, transporting or at the range.

 

Stringed Barrel Flag
Size: 1 1/2"W x 3 1/4"H x 1 1/4"D
Best for: .22 and Pellet Guns
Feed the string completely through the chamber of your firearm through the length of the barrel, and then trim accordingly. This will make it virtually impossible to discharge the weapon, so remember to close the chamber carefully on the flag to avoid damage.

 

Zip-tie Chamber Flag
Size: 1 1/2"W x 3 1/4"H x 1 1/4"D
Best for: Break-barrel Firearms
Insert the flag into the chamber, then loop and secure the zip-tie through the trigger guard, which will make it virtually impossible to discharge the weapon. To remove, simply cut the zip-tie and replace with another standard-size zip as needed. 

The bottom line: Safe shooters use a gun flag every time. 

Gun flags have evolved over time, and they are fast becoming a legal requirement for hunting, range shooting and many other gun-related activities. That’s why at Muzlstik, we’ve expanded our flag line to include our original T-shape flag, as well as options for over-the-side clips and our revolutionary new chamber flag.

Despite our name, these flags are essential not just for muzzleloaders, but for every firearm that you may have in your home. Because when seconds count, nothing replaces the peace of mind you’ll have knowing your weapon’s status when you reach into the gun cabinet, rack or drawer. We hope that our flags will give your family the same reassurance they have given ours and countless others.

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