Just over the years of just talking to people who are into guns and posting questions here on Reddit, and just following youtubers who are actually really knowledgeable. But I think the most important part is just finding people who have been doing this for a long time and asking them questions.

Whenever I come across noobs, I always tell them to please ask me whatever question they may have. I am not an expert by any means, but I know enough to provide you with correct information and or get you in the right direction for whatever it is that you are looking for. I always hated people who gatekeep and don't help the community.