[greyhawk50]

Not wanting to hijack SWO1's thread about CCW Training, here is a related topic.
Directed at SWO1 as well as many others on this forum;
I have every confidence in your knowledge and abilities with a hand-gun.
For that very reason, please give any ideas, comments or related articles.

Below is an article that I have saved and read thru many times. I agree with most of what it says although, in many ways, it addresses only the basics. For those that are fairly new to handguns, this may be of some help. The author is unknown. At the very least, it's a thought provoking read.

Hand Gun Choices;
Hand Gun Choice is a matter of personal preference.

First the gun must first be a natural pointer using the Applegate method. If you don't understand this concept read Bullseyes Don't Shoot Back. This concept is not negotiable. Practice instinctive point shooting in the dark, without use of sights at ranges from contact to 15 feet. At close range your attention is target focused, not sight focused. You are not looking at the sights you are not watching his hands. Point the gun as an extension of your finger, eyes always on the target. If the grip angle is wrong or the grip doesn't fit and you cannot get the first shot off and hit a paper plate in 1 second, it is a deal breaker. My own preference is for a gun which can be carried safely with the chamber loaded, and which can be fired immediately in double-action using a natural continuous trigger stroke, without having to manipulate an external safety. Examples which work for me are the Walther PP, Mauser HSc, and Beretta INOX Tomcat (which has the heavier slide than the blue version - mine has fired over 200 rounds with no problems). These are only lower profile substitutes for a DA only .38 snubby loaded with http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=765718.
X38PD if a social situation, say either tux or bathing suit, T-shirt and flip-flops, won't handle cylinder bulge.


Second, the gun must be safe, rugged and reliable. Shoot not less than 500 rounds to "shake down" any carry gun before staking your life on it. No malfunctions which cannot be cleared at the user level in 2 seconds or less are unacceptable.

Third, Practice with the gun. Don't complicate things by changing to different guns or holsters whenever your socks get dirty.

Fourth, when using marginal calibers shot placement, use of multiple hits and penetration are key. Many guns do not feed reliably with hollow-point ammunition. Remember what I said about firing 500 rounds. Hollow-points which do expand often fail in penetration, even if they feed OK. It's better to use .32 ACP hardball which always feeds, dump the magazine at the threat and run like hell, than to get your brains bashed in and both arms broken with a baseball bat while you are clearing a jam.

If you carry a little gun and try to stand and fight you'll never live to shoot them all. A mouse-gun buys time to escape from the kill zone. That is all.

 

[greyhawk50]

I agree with most of the article although it only covers the basics.
Many years ago, I considered myself a better than average pistol shot. I've taken 2 deer with a handgun. I've once humbled an Army Pistol Team Member at a nearby Armory with a 6" Python. He was using his Match 1911.
Although I lack any first hand experience with self defense, I have ran thousands of round thru handguns.
As I've gotten older and my eye sight have began to fail, I've became more interested in instinctive shooting from 7-10 yards with both eyes open. I quess that is why this article caught my eye. That and I can see where it compares to a close-in lethal threat situation.

First point; I've studied the Applegate Method but haven't officially taken the course.

Second point; I agree with testing the weapon but I question the need for more than 100 failure free test rounds. Additional rounds can be spent as you practice proper form and accuracy during later trip to the range.

Third point; For the experienced shooter, this may not apply. For a beginner, it could be good advise. I especially related to the subject of grip angle My preference is for semi-autos. Although I like the 1911 style, personally, I find the angle of the PPK style to feel more natural when pointing at the target.

Agree - Fourth point...Don't really believe there is a "marginial" caliber. There are people with marginial placement and bullet choice.

 

[greyhawk50]

Pistol grip angle has been a topic of discussion for more than 100 years.
http://www.vintagepistols.com/1907/ad13.html?adid=13

Check out the "Advertising" drop down.
http://www.vintagepistols.com/1907/index.html

Although I personally find the angle of the 1907 Savage to be too vertical.

 

[greyhawk50]

Thanks SWO1.
Very interesting reading.
With my failing eye sight, it has became impossible for me to see iron sights. Therefore, if I want to remain proficient with a handgun, I need to practice point & shoot techniques.
With rifles, using a scope helps some. The use of a Red Dot or a Reflex sight is the best option, although neither has any magnification.
I don't like optics on pistols so the Point & Shoot works well. If I'm shooting at distance, I do pretty well with shooting right handed while aiming with my left eye.
As for Shotguns, I've shot Trap, Sporting Clays and Skeet for many years. Ideal point & shoot exercise.
This is why I have systematically reduced my pistol & rifle inventory while increasing the number of Shotguns in my safe.
It is what it is - and we adjust accordingly. I'm thankful for all the abilities that I have left. No complains from here.