2A Day Store to Range video W/Lauren + Mikayla
2A DAY AT BROWNELLS: TAKING A FIRST-TIMER TO THE RANGE
Caleb is at Brownells headquarters with Lauren and Mikayla from the marketing team to celebrate 2A Day, which falls on February 22. The goal is simple: advocate, celebrate, and join. That means using the available resources to support the Second Amendment, then getting out and actually enjoying the shooting sports by taking someone to the range.
CHOOSING A FIRST HANDGUN STARTS WITH FIT
Caleb starts the process the way it should be done. Ignore the stereotypes and ignore the one-size-fits-all answers. Ask ten people what handgun someone should buy and you will get ten different opinions. The right approach is to pick up different guns and see what fits your hand.
A good firing grip matters. If a pistol feels awkward before you even shoot it, you are going to hate it when it is time to train. The first stop is the Glock section, where Lauren and Mikayla handle a Glock 43X and then compare it to a standard Glock 43. The shorter grip on the 43 is immediately noticeable. More grip length generally means more control and a more stable hold, especially for newer shooters.
COMPARING POPULAR COMPACT OPTIONS
From there, they look at the Springfield Hellcat. Caleb points out practical considerations like grip length and the availability of extended base plates. He also notes that some controls are not fully ambidextrous, but left-handed shooters can still run right-handed guns with a little practice.
Next up are Sig P365 options, including a heavier .380 metal-frame version that is compensated. The extra weight and compensator can help keep recoil more manageable. Caleb also discusses the optic cut and the general idea of adding a micro red dot, depending on what the shooter wants and what footprint the slide supports.
RANGE TIME: SAFETY, PPE, AND SIMPLE COACHING
At the range, the focus shifts to safe handling and fundamentals. The wind is strong, so most of the instruction is kept direct and simple. Caleb walks them through loading, racking the slide correctly, keeping the muzzle downrange, and staying off the trigger until ready to fire.
He coaches stance by adjusting foot placement for balance and stability. Then he fixes the common “teacup” grip by getting the support hand wrapped properly around the firing hand. Thumbs stay aligned and the shooter maintains a firm, controlled grip without over-tensing.
TRIGGER CONTROL THAT BUILDS HITS
The biggest lesson is trigger control. Caleb explains the slow, steady squeeze and the idea of letting the shot surprise you. The reason is simple: if you anticipate the shot and jerk the trigger, you move the muzzle and miss. A controlled press keeps the sights steady.
After a few reps, both shooters start getting comfortable and begin ringing steel, building confidence quickly once the grip and trigger press are cleaned up.
TAKEAWAY: INVITE SOMEONE NEW FOR 2A DAY
This is what 2A Day should look like in practice. Pick a handgun that fits. Learn the basics. Keep it safe. Then have fun. If you want to celebrate the Second Amendment, one of the best ways to do it is to invite someone new and give them a positive first range experience.
