They might have done a little shooting when they were young, or maybe some hunting or trap shooting, so they’re pretty sure they know exactly what they need for a defensive carry firearm. They pick some teeny-tiny “Noisy Cricket” (Men in Black reference), and when they get to the range, the gun kicks like a mule and is no fun to shoot. So, they decide it’s not worth the unpleasantness of training, and proceed to carry a defensive firearm they can’t use effectively, and don’t even like. I’ve seen this more times than I can count.
So as a Public Service Announcement, here are some guidelines to share with new defensive shooters to help you be successful right off the bat.
1. Get training.
Hunting with a shotgun is NOT the same thing as running a handgun at the defense of your life, PERIOD. For one thing, long guns (shotguns and rifles) are simply easier to use than handguns, and more accurate. And in a defensive situation you need to do more than simply shoot. Consider draws, retention shooting, immediate actions, deterrence, low light, and combative techniques to hold off a close contact threat while you draw your handgun. Remember when your adrenaline is pumping, your ability to think clearly about what your next action will be is severely hindered.
None of the required skills needed in personal defense happen by magic, they require detailed execution and consistent practice. By getting solid training first, borrowing a firearm to start out if needed, you will learn exactly what type of handgun would be most appropriate for your situation and skill level. And you’ll have the comfort level necessary to take that new firearm to the range and practice your skills accordingly.
2. Decide how you will be carrying your handgun, and find a carry system that will work for both carrying and training.
Having a good holster can make all the difference in whether you carry your defensive handgun or leave it at home. If you’re constantly having to fidget with the holster or the placement of the handgun, you’ll be uncomfortable carrying, plus you’ll be letting everyone know that you’ve got a firearm on you. Both are bad.
I generally suggest either an “Inside the Waistband” (IWB) or “Outside the Waistband” (OWB) holster. I have been using a high-quality DeSantis Speed Scabbard holster for years. I’m a little old school and have used leather holsters since the early 70s. However, Crossbreed has caught my eye and I now own one for my Glock 17. It’s solid, comfortable, and stays in place for draws or holstering. My son carries his Glock 43 in a Crossbreed and loves it. One ACT student carries in an off-body bag. Another ACT Advanced shooter uses appendix holsters from Tier 1 Concealment, a very solid and reputable system.
Not all holsters are created equal. There are numerous less effective setups out there in the market. These floppy, sticky holsters are super cheap and they have no retention or structure to effectively enable drawing your handgun. Worse still, once you’ve drawn the firearm, the whole holster has to come out of your waistband to put the firearm back in, making them a serious pain if you’re trying to train and impractical if you find yourself in a serious physical fight. No matter what kind of holster setup you choose, you need to be able to consistently train with it so you’re prepared if you need to draw in a real-life encounter. If your holster doesn’t make training convenient, look for a better one.
3. Finally, keep practicing.
At ACT we teach that defensive response is all about developing neural pathways in response to a threat stimulus. The pathways you’ve laid down can and will be kicked off by an incoming violent threat stimulus. And the structure of the defensive techniques, things like draws or immediate actions, will not work in real life unless they’ve been programmed and stimulated in training and scenarios that are as close to real world conditions as possible.
If you can train with ACT, we’ll help you make huge strides in all aspects of training, equipment selection and “Skills and Drills” to help you become the very best protector of yourself, friends and family.
If you can’t make it in person, you can practice with a firearm simulator (a SIRT) using drills. SIRTs allow you to get in hundreds of reps without having to fire a single round, saving you time, money (less spent on ammunition) and no need to drive to the range for a little practice time. Practicing with a SIRT is critical to becoming truly proficient with concealed carry, so I highly recommend it. I personally use mine in my training regimen and all of our students train with them in every class we teach. Get your SIRT at Nextleveltraining.com and use the promo code: ACTPD for a special discount.
Train hard and stay safe!
Wayne