-Suarez International Staff Instructor Jon Payne
So I ask myself, “Where did all this begin?” How does one become a gunfighter? First and foremost one has to recognize the need for self-preservation. There are people that will never willingly cause harm to another living creature. I can deal with that and even accept it as long as they don’t portray themselves to be something they’re not. Don’t come at me with the judgmental moral high ground B.S., back in the days of caves and big sticks you would be mine. Want a glimpse of that cave man behavior? Look no further than the prison system. If you can’t fight and protect what’s yours, your possessions and your dignity will be taken unless you have something to offer of value to someone who can protect you.
If you’re reading this you’ve probably made the decision that you are willing to fight for what is yours. The way I see it, if it’s not worth fighting for is it really worth having?
Coming to the realization that only you are responsible for you can be considered coming of age. When I got married I assumed the responsibility to protect my family. Knowing I have some physical fighting skills, I also know I can’t out punch, kick, or grapple everyone. Knives are good useful tools, but do require some special knowledge to use and you have to be very close to your enemy to employ a knife. There are defensive tools that make you equal to or more powerful than your enemy.
The old saying goes, “God made all men and Sam Colt made them equal”. While maybe a true statement at face value, later on I will explain while two subjects may both be armed with similar weapons, that by no means make them equals.
In order to have a gun you must first get one. There's all kinds of free advice on the internet on how to choose a handgun. Much of that information is worth exactly what you paid for it. You may have heard this before if you’re a member of Warrior Talk, buy a good quality pistol. Think in terms of Glock, Sig-Sauer, Beretta, S&W, Springfield, and others of their ilk. Yes, all manufacturers can put out an occasional lemon. All of the big name companies I know of will make good on any problems.
A good way to see whether you like a particular handgun is to find a shooting range that rents handguns. Another option is to find an instructor that is familiar with several different weapons so they can teach you on the finer points of each one. Once a brand of gun picked out you need to choose a caliber.
Choosing a caliber is not hard at all. Choose the most powerful one you can control that gives you the highest capacity in your pistol. I mostly carry a 9mm, but have been known to carry a 40 S&W from time to time. I have even been known to pack a 45 ACP. The only people that benefit from caliber arguments are the ones who make the ammo, guns, or sell magazines. When it comes to choosing ammo I buy the best priced FMJ I can find for training and the best modern defensive ammunition I can afford for carry. Next you’ll need magazines to carry your ammo in.
Unless we’re talking about the 1911, the best magazines you can get for your firearm are produced by the same company that makes your firearm. Magazines are not the place to try and skimp. For a pistol you need three magazines, with a minimum of two for daily carry. Now you have a pistol, magazines, and ammo. What do you carry all your gear in?
I have already written a piece on how to choose good carry gear here. I will say again though, don’t be cheap. You will get what you pay for. Buy good quality stuff and buy once – cry once. With all your gear together you will need to get a CCW unless you live in a state that does not require one. You need to get some good training in marksmanship fundamentals before tackling a CCW class. Suarez International’s Introduction to Defensive Pistol is a four hour class that is designed to really work the fundamentals and will do more than just get you prepared for a CCW course.
Once you have the CCW course behind you, you’ve only begun to put your toes on the path. There is more training available today to us “cake-eating” civilians than there has ever been in the past. I’m talking about training geared towards the CCW Operator. Having a firm understanding of marksmanship fundamentals, gun handling, and applicable CCW laws is a great start, but it only scratches the surface. Even Suarez International’s basic 16 hour course Defensive Pistol Skills covers more material than is covered in many state and federal programs! There are no short cuts to building a strong foundation and once your skills are solid you will be an educated beginner. Now the journey begins.
Jeff Cooper once said "Owning a gun doesn't make you armed, any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician."
I miss Jeff.
Posted by: WarriorClass III | Friday, February 18, 2011 at 06:14