https://www.facebook.com/101283095657192/

Freedom Range, Granite Falls, WA (2026)

06/05/2026

Thermal Scopes Are Getting Cheaper... But Can You Beat Them?

With decent thermals now showing up in the $1k–$2k range, it feels like every other person suddenly has Predator vision. Awesome if you’re hunting hogs at night. Slightly less awesome if you’re the one trying to stay sneaky and someone else has the fancy optic.

So… is it game over? Has thermal officially ruined hide-and-seek for adults?

Not quite. It’s powerful stuff, but it’s also kind of dumb in some very exploitable ways. Here’s how regular humans are beating (or at least annoying) thermal detection without needing a $50,000 invisibility cloak:

🔹️ Mylar space blankets — The $8 burrito wrap of tactical superiority. Throw it over yourself and you turn into a human disco ball for heat. Field tests show it actually works shockingly well. Bonus: you’ll look ridiculous, which is half the fun.

🔹️ Wool blankets + mud — Get dirty like you’re five years old again. Wet outer layers and a little mud can help cool you down and break up your heat signature. Pro move: roll around like you’re in an action movie. Reality: you’ll just look like you lost a bet.

🔹️ Actual solid cover — Trees, rocks, dirt berms, thick brush, or that one neighbor’s questionable shed. Thermal can’t see through stuff that blocks line of sight. Revolutionary concept, I know.

🔹️ Dawn and dusk timing — Nature’s built-in thermal crossover. Everything’s roughly the same temperature and the whole world looks like a blurry Instagram filter. Perfect time to move or hide while the optic has an identity crisis.

🔹️ Train with your own thermal — The ultimate counter. Buy one, play with it, and realize it also lights up your neighbor’s cat, warm rocks, and that one weird tree stump that looks suspiciously like a person. Knowledge is power. Also comedy.

🔸️Look, there’s no magic “now you see me, now you don’t” button. A good thermal scope and operator with time and patience can still find you. But you can make their job way harder, force them to get closer, and maybe give yourself enough time to do something clever (or at least run away dramatically).

Have you ever tried any of these tricks? What’s the funniest or most creative thing you’ve done (or seen) to mess with thermal? Drop it below — I need new material 😂

Train hard. Stay sneaky. And maybe keep a space blanket in your range bag… just in case.

06/04/2026

🔫 Gyroscopes, Computers & Pistol Aiming — Real Tech or Expensive Toy?

Hey Freedom Crew — ever hear talk about “computer-assisted aiming” for pistols using gyroscopes? Like some kind of smart aim-assist for handguns? I dug into it so you don’t have to. Here’s the straight truth.

Gyro tech itself is very real. WWII fighter planes used gyro gunsights to automatically calculate lead on moving targets. Today, serious military and LE systems use high-speed gyros to stabilize weapons on boats, helicopters, and vehicles so the gun stays on target even when everything else is bouncing. Those systems are legitimate tools for professionals who need precision from unstable platforms.

There are also patents for gyro stabilizers that could attach to pistols, and some niche demonstrations (like gyro-stabilized gunstocks) that claim big accuracy gains by fighting wobble and recoil. The most famous “smart” example was TrackingPoint’s precision-guided rifles. They combined gyros, sensors, and a computer to only let the shot go when everything lined up perfectly. It worked.… but it was rifle-only, crazy expensive, and never became mainstream.

🟠 For civilian pistols? Almost nothing practical exists right now. No major company is selling a plug-and-play gyro-assisted or computer-corrected aiming system for your EDC or range gun. The engineering hurdles (weight, bulk, power, cost, and reliability) are steep for something that’s supposed to be simple, fast, and 100% dependable when it matters.

🟠 Legit capability or fancy toy? It depends on the application. On a stabilized military mount from a moving vehicle — legit and proven. Bolted onto or built into a handheld pistol for most civilian use? It starts looking like an expensive gadget that adds complexity without solving the problems good training already fixes.

🟠 Will we ever see this widely available for regular folks? Possible in limited forms someday as sensors shrink, but I’m skeptical it becomes common on defensive pistols. Red dots, weapon lights, and night sights succeeded because they’re simple enhancements. Full computer-assisted aiming raises reliability questions and potential regulatory headaches that most of us would rather avoid.

At the end of the day, no piece of tech replaces fundamentals. Grip, stance, trigger control, and time on the range still beat any gadget.

What do you think? Would you ever trust a computer-assisted or gyro-stabilized pistol if it was reliable and affordable? Or do you prefer keeping it mechanical and simple? Drop your thoughts below 👇

Train hard. Stay ready.
The Freedom Range — where real skill gets built.

06/03/2026

🚨 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT – RANGE SAFETY 🚨

Please, Please Dont Do This!!!

This video shows very DANGEROUS behavior, with two shooters conducting a live-fire drill while repeatedly crossing in front of each other with active rounds downrange!

Even though they raise their barrels when moving past one another, this practice is **extremely dangerous**. With live ammunition, there is zero room for error. One slip, one accidental discharge, or one moment of lost focus can result in a preventable tragedy.

📍Core safety rule: Never cross in front of or into the line of fire of another shooter while they are actively firing. Movement drills are valuable when executed correctly — with clear communication, controlled positioning, and strict adherence to muzzle and line discipline.

Gun safety is the foundation of everything we do. Responsible gun ownership means putting safety above everything else, including training drills.

Please watch this video and use it as a reminder:

- Always be aware of everyone around you on the range.
- Never be in-front of the line of fire.
- Never compromise muzzle discipline or positional safety for the sake of a drill.
- Don't do stupid stuff!!!

If you see unsafe behavior, speak up. If you're unsure, stop and ask.

Share this post to help spread awareness. One shared reminder could prevent an accident.

What safety rule do you consider non-negotiable when shooting with others? Drop it in the comments below.

Train hard. Train smart. Train safe.

06/02/2026

🚨 HEY WASHINGTON GUN & KNIFE ENTHUSIASTS – UPCOMING SHOWS ACROSS THE STATE! 🔥

Fellow 2A supporters and freedom-loving Washingtonians! Summer show season is here, and there are some great gun & knife shows coming up all over Western WA (and a few more statewide). Perfect time to shop, trade, connect with vendors, and support local businesses while exercising your rights.

Here’s the lineup of upcoming events (starting right after today, June 1, 2026):

➡️ June 6-7, 2026 → Bremerton Gun & Knife Show @ Baymont Hotel by Wyndham, Bremerton (Falcon Productions)

➡️ June 13-14, 2026 → Liberty Fi****ms & Blade Expo @ Southwest Washington Fairgrounds, Centralia

➡️ June 20-21, 2026 → Falcon Gun & Knife Show @ Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Monroe

➡️ July 18-19, 2026 → Granite Falls Gun & Knife Show @ Granville Grange 857, Granite Falls

➡️ July 25-26, 2026 → Falcon Gun & Knife Show @ Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Monroe

➡️ August 29-30, 2026 → Stanwood Gun & Knife Show @ Stillaguamish Grange Hall, Stanwood

📍Bigger ones later in the year📍

➡️ October 17-18, 2026 → Washington Arms Collectors Show (Washington’s LARGEST Gun & Knife Show!) @ Washington State Fair Event Center, Puyallup

➡️ Plus more Falcon dates in Bremerton (Sept & Nov), additional Monroe, Granite Falls, Stanwood, Centralia (Liberty), Tri-Cities, and Kent shows through December.

Typical hours are usually Saturday 9am–5pm and Sunday 9am–3/4pm. Admission is generally $8–$15 (kids often free or discounted, military/veteran discounts common). These shows feature guns, knives, ammo, accessories, militaria, and more!!

📍Quick reminder: Always double-check the latest dates, hours, vendor lists, and rules directly with the promoters (FalconGunShow.com, gunshowtrader.com, Big Top Promos, Washington Arms Collectors, etc.). All federal, state, and local firearm laws apply — no loaded fi****ms on the floor, etc.

Who’s planning to hit which show? Drop a comment below, tag your buddies, and let’s pack these events! 👇 Share this post so every Washingtonian in the 2A community sees it!

Follow The Freedom Range for more events, 2A news, gear tips, and freedom content.
📍 www.facebook.com/TheFreedomRange

See you out there, patriots! 🇺🇸

05/31/2026

🚨 Okay Freedom Fam – this one hits close to home 🚨

Here’s a straight-up unconstitutional power grab disguised as “private property rights.”

Hawaii’s law (and similar ones creeping into other states) makes it a crime for licensed concealed-carry holders to enter most stores, restaurants, malls, or parking lots unless the owner gives explicit permission. No “No Guns” sign needed — the default is you’re banned!!

This isn’t about sensitive places. This is about making your Second Amendment right practically useless the moment you leave your house.

The Founders didn’t secure the right to keep and bear arms just so we could be defenseless at the grocery store. They meant for us to protect ourselves where we actually live, work, and shop.

SCOTUS has *Wolford v. Lopez* right now. They need to strike this down and make it crystal clear: law-abiding citizens don’t need to beg for permission to exercise a constitutional right!!

**What do you think?**
Are you still carrying every day despite these traps, or are you changing your habits because of them? Drop your thoughts below and tag a friend who carries. Let’s keep the pressure on.

**

05/31/2026

🔫 The Future of Fi****ms: Biometric “Smart Guns” — Safety Upgrade or Self-Defense Killer?

Let’s talk about where things are headed.

Imagine every new firearm built with a biometric scanner (fingerprint, palm grip, facial recognition — whatever the latest tech is). Or some RFID bracelet/authorized-user device that only lets YOU or the people you personally approve pull the trigger. The pitch is simple: stop kids from accidental discharges, render stolen guns useless to criminals, and keep fi****ms out of the wrong hands.

On paper, it sounds responsible. But here’s the real question we should all be asking as free Americans:

In a self-defense situation, when every single second counts… can you afford to trust your life to electronics?

Real talk on reliability:
- Sweat, dirt, blood, gloves, or high-stress shakes can fool fingerprint and grip sensors (it’s happened in testing).
- Batteries die. Electronics glitch. Systems get hacked or jammed.
- We’ve already seen biometric gun safes recalled because the tech failed and let unauthorized people (including kids) inside.
- Even the newest “smart guns” on the market still carry that nagging risk of a false negative when your life is on the line.

Traditional mechanical fi****ms have been proven reliable for generations precisely because they don’t rely on a chip, a battery, or perfect conditions. You pick it up, it works. Period.

I’m all for voluntary innovation — if someone wants a biometric firearm for their home safe or range toy, that’s their choice. But mandating this tech on ALL fi****ms? That’s a different story. It turns a tool of self-defense into a potential paperweight at the worst possible moment.

What do YOU think?

Should the government or manufacturers force biometric locks on every gun moving forward? Or should we keep the decision where it belongs — with responsible, trained owners who understand that in a real fight, speed and certainty save lives?

Drop your honest thoughts below. Let’s keep the conversation real and respectful. 🇺🇸

05/31/2026

🚀 On This Day in Fi****ms History – May 31, 1870

156 years ago today, American inventor Frank Wesson (brother of Daniel B. Wesson of Smith & Wesson fame) was awarded his U.S. patent for the Model 1870 Single-Shot Pocket Rifle/Pistol — a true gem of post-Civil War ingenuity.

This compact rimfire beauty came in .22 or .32 caliber with a tipping/swivel-barrel design for fast, easy loading. Many were built with 10- to 22-inch octagonal barrels and came with an optional detachable skeleton shoulder stock that turned the little pistol into a handy “pocket rifle.” Collectors still call them the “Sportsman’s Jewel” or “Bicycle Gun.”

Thousands of these practical, affordable guns were made right here in Worcester, Massachusetts between 1870 and the early 1890s. Surviving examples proudly wear the roll mark:
“FRANK WESSON WORCESTER MASS. / PATENTED MAY 31, 1870”

In an era when everyday Americans valued self-defense and self-reliance, Frank Wesson’s design was exactly the kind of practical innovation the Second Amendment was written to protect.

We love these stories — because they remind us that the right to keep and bear arms has always gone hand-in-hand with American creativity and independence.

Ever seen or handled a Frank Wesson pocket rifle in person? Drop a photo or your favorite gun-history story in the comments! 👇

❤️ Like | 📲 Share | 🔖 Follow for more daily 2A history!

****msHistory

05/31/2026

🔥 .223 vs 5.56 NATO: Is There REALLY a Difference? And Is One Actually Better?

If you’ve ever stood at the range and heard the eternal debate—“Can I run 5.56 in my .223? Is .223 just weak sauce?”—you’re not alone. So let’s cut through the internet noise and give you the straight, no-BS truth from a shooter’s perspective.

🔸️First, the basics:

- .223 Re*****on = The civilian / commercial round. Designed in the early 1960s for varmint hunting and target shooting. SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute) specs it to a maximum average pressure of **55,000 psi**.

- 5.56x45mm NATO = The military round. Adopted by the U.S. military in the Vietnam era. It’s loaded hotter—NATO specs allow pressures that test out **58,000–62,000+ psi** depending on the load and measurement method.

They look almost identical. Same bullet diameter (.224″), same case length. But the devil is in the details… and those details matter for safety and performance.

# # # The REAL differences:
1. **Pressure**
5.56 is loaded to higher pressure. That extra oomph gives it more velocity and energy, especially out of longer barrels.

2. **Chamber Dimensions (The Leade/Throat)**
This is the big one most people miss.
- A true **.223 Re*****on chamber** has a shorter, tighter leade (the freebore area in front of the case).
- A **5.56 NATO chamber** has a longer leade by about 0.125″.
That extra space was intentional so the military round could handle hotter loads and longer bullets without spiking pressure dangerously.

3. **Bullet & Case Variations**
5.56 often uses thicker brass and different crimps because it’s built for full-auto reliability and harsher conditions.

🔸️ So… which one can you shoot where?
✅ **Safe rule of thumb (memorize this):**
- You can safely shoot **.223 Re*****on in a 5.56 NATO chambered rifle**.
- You should **NOT** shoot 5.56 NATO in a rifle marked only .223 Re*****on — the tighter chamber + higher pressure can create dangerous over-pressure spikes.

Many modern AR-15s are now chambered in .223 Wylde (a hybrid designed by Bill Wylde). That chamber safely handles both .223 and 5.56 at full performance. If your barrel says “.223 Wylde,” you’re golden either way.

🔸️ Is one “better” than the other?
It depends on what you’re doing:

- **Plinking / fun range days / steel** → .223 is usually cheaper, softer shooting, and plenty accurate. Great for high-volume days without beating up your shoulder or wallet.
- **Home defense / duty / serious use** → 5.56 NATO generally edges it out with higher velocity, better terminal performance, and the military has spent decades proving it works when it counts.
- **Precision / long-range varmint** → Many shooters swear by .223 for slightly better accuracy and less recoil in match-grade rifles.

Bottom line: Neither is “bad.” They’re just tools for different jobs. The “better” one is the one your rifle is safely chambered for and matches your purpose.

🔸️ Pro tip from TheFreedomRange:
Always check the markings on your barrel! If it only says “.223,” stick with .223 ammo or upgrade to a .223 Wylde or 5.56 barrel. When in doubt, ask a pro. We love geeking out on this stuff.
What do YOU run at the range — .223, 5.56, or both? Drop your setup and why in the comments! We read every one.

Stay safe, stay free, and keep stacking brass!

*****on ****ms

05/31/2026

🚨 Stand Strong with Illinois State Rep. Adam Niemerg Against the Unconstitutional G***k Ban! 🚨

Folks... while criminals are out there breaking no laws and doing nothing illegal, Illinois Democrats just pushed through another gun grab law disguised as a safety measure. But Rep. Adam Niemerg isn’t backing down!! He’s calling it exactly what it is!! A direct attack on law-abiding gun owners who just want to protect their families with a legal, compliant G***k pistol.

Criminals don’t follow laws. They never have. Yet here we are, penalizing responsible Americans instead of locking up the bad guys. Rep. Niemerg nailed it! This ban won’t stop one criminal — it only strips away our constitutional rights!!

At The Freedom Range, we stand with leaders who actually fight for the 2nd Amendment. Thank you, Rep. Niemerg, for speaking truth!

Who’s with us? Drop a 🔥 if you’re tired of these backdoor bans and share this post to spread the word.

***kBan

05/30/2026

🚨 URGENT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE – C**t CBX Bolt-Action Rifles (Precision & Tac Hunter) 🚨

Fellow shooters at The Freedom Range,

C**t’s Manufacturing Company LLC has voluntarily issued an important safety recall for **ALL** C**t CBX bolt-action rifles, including both the **CBX Precision** and **CBX Tac Hunter** models (specific SKUs: CBX-HV24CGA-308, CBX-HV26CGA-65C for Precision; CBX-SP20PGA-308, CBX-SP22PGA-65C for Tac Hunter). This affects every serial number in these lines.

**What’s the issue?**
In some rifles, if you pull the trigger while the manual safety is in the “safe” position, the trigger may not fully reset. When you later move the safety to the “fire” position, the rifle could discharge **without pulling the trigger again**. This creates a serious risk of unintentional discharge.

**The fix?**
C**t has discontinued the entire CBX line, so there is **no repair**. Instead, they’re offering owners two generous options when you return your rifle:
- **Cash refund**: $1,899 for Precision models or $999 for Tac Hunter models.
- **Replacement revolver option** (plus cash in some cases): Choose from select C**t Anaconda, Python, or King Cobra revolvers (must be 21+ and legally eligible; transferred through a licensed FFL dealer; some state restrictions apply).

C**t covers all shipping costs with a prepaid FedEx label.

**What you need to do RIGHT NOW:**

1. Stop using the rifle immediately — do not load, shoot, or handle it further.

2. Safely unload it (keep muzzle in a safe direction, engage safety, remove magazine, open bolt, and verify chamber is empty).

3. Go to https://coltcbx.com, fill out the simple form (one per rifle/serial number), and print your free return shipping label.

4. Ship the complete rifle back to C**t.

Once they receive it, expect processing in 4–6 weeks.

You can also contact C**t directly:
📧 [email protected]
☎️ 1-800-962-2658 (weekdays 9 AM – 4 PM ET)

No injuries have been reported, but C**t is taking this step proactively to protect owners. Safety always comes first on the range and at home.

If you own one of these rifles (or know someone who does), please check it now and share this post to help spread the word. Questions? Drop them in the comments or reach out — we’re here to help our community stay safe.

Stay safe and shoot responsibly,
The Freedom Range Team

**tRecall

Freedom Range

06/05/2026

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

05/31/2026

05/31/2026

05/31/2026

05/31/2026

05/31/2026

05/30/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category