Frequently Asked Questions

1 Is it safe to order from TacticalSide.com?

Yes! TacticalSide.com uses secure payment gateways and SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial information. We are committed to providing a safe and reliable shopping experience for all customers.

Tactical Side accepts a varity of payment options such PayPal, Crypto, Cash App, VenMo, Credit Cards and other secure online payment options. All transactions are processed securely to ensure your data is protected.

We ship to addresses within the United States and to international destinations.  ALL FIREARMS MUST BE SHIPPED TO AN FFL DEALER.

Orders are typically processed within 1-3 business days. Shipping times depend on the method selected at checkout:

  • Standard Shipping: 3-7 business days

  • Expedited Shipping: 2-3 business days

  • Overnight Shipping: 1 business day (where available)

Tactical Side offers a 30-day return window for most unused and unopened items in original packaging. If you are not satisfied, you can request a return or exchange. Customers are responsible for return shipping unless the item was defective or incorrect.

Yes! Tactical Side honors our heroes. We offer discounts for military personnel, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders. You may need to verify your status at checkout or through customer service.

You can reach us through:

Our team typically responds within 24-48 business hours.

Yes! Once your order ships, you will receive a tracking number by email so you can monitor your package’s progress until it arrives.

Yes! Tactical Side provides bulk purchasing options for law enforcement agencies, security firms and to the general public.

While we strive to comply with all federal and state regulations, it is ultimately the customer’s responsibility to ensure that any product ordered is legal in their location. Certain items (e.g., high-capacity magazines, specific self-defense tools) may be restricted in some areas.

11 What is the difference between a rifle, a shotgun, and a handgun?

A rifle has a long barrel with rifling (spiral grooves) that stabilizes a bullet for accuracy. A shotgun also has a long barrel but typically fires shells filled with small pellets (shot) or a single slug, making it useful for close-range targets. A handgun (such as a pistol or revolver) is designed for one-handed use and is smaller and easier to carry.

Caliber refers to the internal diameter of a gun’s barrel or the diameter of the bullet it fires. It’s usually measured in inches (e.g., .45 caliber) or millimeters (e.g., 9mm). Caliber helps determine the power and intended use of a firearm.

A semi-automatic firearm fires one round per trigger pull and automatically chambers the next round. An automatic firearm continues to fire as long as the trigger is held down. Automatic firearms are heavily regulated in many countries.

Rifling consists of spiral grooves inside the barrel that cause the bullet to spin. This spin stabilizes the bullet in flight, greatly improving accuracy over longer distances.

A safety is a mechanical device that helps prevent accidental discharge. It blocks the trigger or firing mechanism until the shooter disengages it. However, safeties can fail or be mistakenly left off, so safe handling is always essential.

Recoil is the backward force experienced when a firearm is discharged. It’s the result of Newton’s third law—every action has an equal and opposite reaction. The force that propels the bullet forward pushes the gun backward against the shooter.

A suppressor reduces the noise, muzzle flash, and recoil of a firearm by trapping and slowing the expanding gases from a fired round. It doesn’t make guns silent, just less loud.

A pistol typically uses a magazine to feed cartridges into the chamber automatically (semi-automatic). A revolver has a rotating cylinder that holds rounds and aligns them with the barrel as it rotates.

Dry-firing, pulling the trigger without ammunition, is generally safe for modern centerfire guns, but it can damage rimfire firearms because the firing pin may strike the edge of the chamber. Always check your firearm’s manual or ask the manufacturer.

20 What is a magazine vs. a clip?

A magazine is a device that holds and feeds ammunition into the chamber (either detachable or internal). A clip holds rounds together for faster loading into a magazine or internal magazine but doesn’t feed the rounds itself.

Cleaning removes residue, fouling, and corrosion that can affect accuracy, reliability, and safety. A dirty gun is more prone to malfunctions and damage over time.

Most handguns are designed for effective use at distances of 25 to 50 yards/meters, though skilled shooters can hit targets farther. Rifles generally have much longer effective ranges.

Hollow-point bullets expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel and transferring energy efficiently—often used in self-defense. FMJ bullets have a soft core (usually lead) encased in a harder metal shell; they’re commonly used for target practice because they penetrate more deeply and are less expensive.

✅ Treat every gun as if it’s loaded.
✅ Never point the muzzle at anything you’re not willing to destroy.
✅ Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
✅ Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.

These fundamental rules help prevent accidents.

It depends on your jurisdiction. Many countries and states require a permit or license to purchase, own, or carry a firearm. There may also be different rules for concealed or open carry. Always check and follow your local laws.

A pistol is typically a semi-automatic handgun that uses a magazine to feed ammunition into the chamber. It automatically chambers the next round after each shot. A revolver has a rotating cylinder that holds cartridges; each time you fire, the cylinder rotates to align the next round with the barrel.

The best caliber for self-defense depends on personal preference, recoil tolerance, and intended use. Common choices include 9mm (widely favored for its balance of power, capacity, and manageable recoil), .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. The 9mm is often recommended for most shooters due to its availability, effectiveness, and ease of control.

Yes, in most places, you need a permit or license to own or carry a handgun, especially for concealed carry. The laws vary by country, state, or region. Some areas require background checks, training, and registration, while others may have fewer or stricter regulations. Always check and follow your local laws before purchasing or carrying a handgun.

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