A lot of times newer shooters have trouble finding or deciding on where they should go to get some practice in. And finding a good place to shoot should be hard. One question people ask fairly often is whether its better to shoot indoors or outdoors, so I thought I would offer some advantages and disadvantages to each, to offer some insight into what will work best for you. This post does focus on dedicated shooting ranges of both varieties. If you have private land available to you that you can shoot on, that is a great thing, as long as it is done in a safe manner.
I will start by talking about indoor ranges, which, when they are done right, can be pretty awesome. You are in a comfortable, climate controlled setting, which is also sheltered from the elements. Indoor ranges almost always have some sort of motorized pulley system to send your target downrange and retrieve it, which can mean more shooting time, because you don't need to wait for a cease fire to put up a fresh target. Often indoor ranges are attached to gun shops, which means you can window shop while you wait for a lane to open up, they have ammo on hand to buy if you need more, and sometimes they have guns for rent, which is helpful if you want to get a feel for a gun before you buy it.
But, more often than not, the indoor ranges I have seen are less than ideal, and leave a lot to be desired. The biggest issue that many indoor ranges have is their ventilation system. If an indoor range is not properly ventilated, then all that smoke, unburnt powder and lead residue from shooting is just hanging in the air. Obviously that isn't the sort of thing that you want to be breathing into your lungs, so good a good ventilation system is key. I have been on indoor ranges with great systems, and indoor ranges with terrible or non-working systems. This is definitely something to look into when choosing an indoor range.
The next issue indoor ranges also have is size/space. Usually indoor ranges don't allow for real distance shooting. One hundred yards is about the longest indoor range I have seen, with 25 yards being much more common. This is perfectly acceptable for pistol shooting, but generally too short for rifle work. Many indoor ranges also don't allow rifle's to be fired at them, because their backstop (the part of the range that stops the bullets) isn't built to withstand the higher power that rifle cartridges have. Another point against indoor ranges is that there is generally less space per shooter on the firing line. Your lane might just be three feet wide. And then there can be a person on each side of you. If someone in the next lane over is firing a pistol with a large muzzle blast, it can be uncomfortable to be next to them. Also, the partitions tend not to be bullet proof, so if the person next to you has poor firearm safety skills, it can be a safety hazard. The same is true on an outdoor range, but they tend to be more open, and without partitions to block your view of other shooters.
The lighting in indoor ranges also is often not very good the entire distance of the range. It would be very expensive to have lights all the way down every target lane on even a 25 meter range, so the lighting conditions can shift, depending on your distance to the target. Also, most indoor ranges tend to amplify the sound of the gunshots, so they are much louder than if fired outdoors. Hearing protection should always be worn when firing a gun, but ear muffs are almost always needed for an indoor range, because of how much the sound is amplified, in order to protect your hearing. I haven't found any ear plugs that work well for me indoors, but I have never tried the really expensive ones.
In my experience, outdoor ranges are usually a better place to shoot, and the first reason is space. You can find ranges out to 1,000 meters and beyond, so that you can really stretch out your shooting distance. They also generally have more space on the shooting line, do you aren't right next to your shooting neighbor. Ventilation is provided naturally, and the sound of a gunshot is much quieter because there are no walls for the sound to bounce off of. Outdoor ranges are also generally less expensive to shoot on, and you get more time on the range. At indoor ranges you usually pay by the hour or half hour, at an outdoor range it is often a lower fee to begin with, and for the day. You can also find an outdoor range for rifles, pistols, or shotgun sports. I have seen a video online for an indoor shotgun sports range, in Germany, but it doesn't seem very practical to me, and it would certainly be expensive. Outdoor ranges also often allow more target types to be fired on, most indoor ranges only allow paper targets.
Some of the downsides is that often there is not a gun shop attached to the outdoor range, so you need to bring all of your supplies with you. Which also means you often can not rent guns there. But, since you have more time and can fire at a more leisurely pace, you can talk to other shooters if you are so inclined, and many would be willing to let you shoot a few rounds through their firearm if you ask nicely (or they may not, but I will often let someone shoot a gun if they ask nicely and handle their own firearms safely). You also will probably have to wait for a cease fire on the range to replace targets, so that no one is handling firearms with people downrange. You also may need some sort of optic, like binoculars or a spotting scope, to see where you are hitting on target between cease fires. The distance to the target is also often set, so you need to shoot a whatever distance all the other shooters are firing at.
The other big "disadvantage" of an outdoor range, isn't really a disadvantage to me. And that is that you are exposed to the weather and the elements. There is no A/C or heat, although some outdoor ranges do have overhead structures, to keep the sun or rain off of you. But I have shot year round, in the snow, rain, and baking sun. Maybe it is the Marine infantryman in me talking, but you need to train in uncomfortable conditions.
As much as we might like every self defense encounter to happen when it is 75 degrees and sunny out, that is seldom the case. When people are exposed to the elements, they tend to internalize their attention. Instead of paying attention to their surroundings, they worry about how cold/hot, wet, and miserable they are, and how soon they can remedy that. This makes you a more attractive target to someone who wants to do you harm, because you aren't paying attention to the world around you. So, aside from the practical applications of things like making sure you can hold your gun when it is wet (from rain or sweat), there is another advantage to shooting in the elements. It forces you to focus on something outward while outside of your comfort zone. When shooting a gun, your attention should be on how you are interacting with the gun, making sure you are handling it safely, and focusing on good fundamentals of marksmanship to get good hits. So it also trains you not to internalize with self pity when you are cold and wet, or baking in the sun. Which will help your situational awareness when outside of your comfort zone.
Maybe everyone else doesn't see it the same way as me, but I see exposure to the elements as one of the biggest advantages of shooting outdoors. Of course, if you are out in wet conditions, firearms maintenance will take slightly longer, and more detailed attention, that is something I will cover later. I hope this cleared up somethings for anyone who was having a hard time deciding between shooting indoors or outdoors. Thanks for reading.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Some Different Target Ideas
While shooting at traditional scoring targets does serve its purpose. I find that after a while it gets kind off boring, so I start looking for new types of things that are both inexpensive, and fun to shoot. In this post I will cover some of the ideas which I have found through the years. Now, as I mentioned in the last post, you need to know your target, as well as what lies beyond it. So, anything that is very hard, and very flat, offers a more significant chance or ricochet. That is why there are some extra safety rules for shooting at steel targets in matches (usually lead bullets, minimum safe distances and things like that). As well as the targets either being angled in such a way as to deflect the bullet in a safe direction, or having some other means of distributing the energy in a safe manner (like a "pepper popper" target that falls backwards). So, make sure whatever target you are shooting, will not send the rounds coming back towards you, or in any other unsafe direction. That being said, shooting steel in a safe matter is a lot of fun, because it gives audible feedback of a good hit.
One of the characteristics that will make a good type of target stand out is that it gives easily recognizable feedback, which is one area where paper generally fails beyond normal pistol ranges. That being said when I am shooting at paper targets, I usually shoot either at a human silhouette target, or simple paper plates. If you read Marshall's findings that he wrote after World War 2, it makes a strong case for why someone who is training for defend themselves with a firearm should shoot at a silhouette or similar target. You can also find a very good synopsis of the topic in "On Killing," by Ltcol. Dave Grossman.
But, purpose made targets tend to be kind of expensive, which is a reason I like paper plates. You can buy a couple hundred for a few bucks, and they do a lot of things well. First of all they are a 9" circle, which is about the same as most standard bullseye pistol targets, so they are a reasonable size target for a pistol. However, unlike standard pistol targets, they lack aiming reference points, which I like for a couple reasons. First is that a lot of people have a tendency to try to focus on the target while shooting, which isn't really what you want to do for sighted firing. You want to be focused on the front sight, the target should be fuzzy in the background. So, if you take away aiming points on the target, a lot of times people shoot smaller groups, because they focusing on the front sight as long as the target is somewhat lined up. The other reason is that a fair amount of my firearms training that I do myself is defensive in nature. In a self-defense situation, there probably will not be aiming references on an assailant, so, why would you have them on your targets? If you can consistently get a 2-3" group on a paper plate from 7-10 yards with a pistol, then you understand the fundamentals of shooting, and are pretty good at executing them.
One upgrade that you can also use with a paper target are the target stickers that have been out for a few years, that show with a bright color where your shot went. There are a number of different makers and names for them, but if you go to somewhere that sells firearms, they most likely have them. These make it possible to see hits on a paper target at further distances, and can really come in handy for sighting in a new scope or set of sights.
One of my favorite targets to shoot for a long time have been clay pigeons, and not just with a shotgun either. Trap, skeet, sporting clays, or just informal clay sports are a whole lot of fun, but your options aren't limited to that. You can also use them as a rifle or pistol target. They are fairly inexpensive (usually under $10 for a box of 90), so you can shoot a lot of them. They also are easy to sight in on due to their bright orange color, although they have about a 3" diameter, so it takes some skill to hit them. But they provide very positive feedback when shot. You can clearly see the clay turn to dust when hit with a rifle or pistol round, which is a bit more exciting that seeing a new hole in a piece of paper. Also, if you want to have a competition with your friends, see who can get the most hits with a .22 on a clay until it is completely disintegrated. If you start at the top and work your way down, it may be more than you think.
Another good option, especially for rifles at distance, are balloons. Not only will a balloon tell you what the wind is doing at the target, it moves the target around to increase the difficulty. The balloon obviously gives very positive visual feedback as well. The downside is obviously that they are a single shot target, but, if you want to add a bit of stress, and test your skills for hunting, a balloon can be a great target. You need to be able to read the wind, be accurate, and hit a moving target within its arc of movement.
Finally you have basic plinking type targets. Things like old pop or food cans that turn into a moving target when shot with a .22. Water bottles filled with liquid that provide great visual feedback when hit. Or a deck of cards that you and your friends can play firearms poke with (put all the cards face up on a target backing, each shooter gets 5 shots, best hand wins). Or bowling pins. The possibilities are really endless.
Please check with your range safety officer/range master before just putting up random objects as targets, most ranges have rules about what kind of targets are allowed. And if you are shooting at objects like these on private property, be sure to clean up any debris after you are done shooting. Always be sure the target is safe to shoot at, and you have a safe backstop as well. Does anyone else have any fun target ideas that they would like to share? I am always looking for new ideas.
One of the characteristics that will make a good type of target stand out is that it gives easily recognizable feedback, which is one area where paper generally fails beyond normal pistol ranges. That being said when I am shooting at paper targets, I usually shoot either at a human silhouette target, or simple paper plates. If you read Marshall's findings that he wrote after World War 2, it makes a strong case for why someone who is training for defend themselves with a firearm should shoot at a silhouette or similar target. You can also find a very good synopsis of the topic in "On Killing," by Ltcol. Dave Grossman.
But, purpose made targets tend to be kind of expensive, which is a reason I like paper plates. You can buy a couple hundred for a few bucks, and they do a lot of things well. First of all they are a 9" circle, which is about the same as most standard bullseye pistol targets, so they are a reasonable size target for a pistol. However, unlike standard pistol targets, they lack aiming reference points, which I like for a couple reasons. First is that a lot of people have a tendency to try to focus on the target while shooting, which isn't really what you want to do for sighted firing. You want to be focused on the front sight, the target should be fuzzy in the background. So, if you take away aiming points on the target, a lot of times people shoot smaller groups, because they focusing on the front sight as long as the target is somewhat lined up. The other reason is that a fair amount of my firearms training that I do myself is defensive in nature. In a self-defense situation, there probably will not be aiming references on an assailant, so, why would you have them on your targets? If you can consistently get a 2-3" group on a paper plate from 7-10 yards with a pistol, then you understand the fundamentals of shooting, and are pretty good at executing them.
One upgrade that you can also use with a paper target are the target stickers that have been out for a few years, that show with a bright color where your shot went. There are a number of different makers and names for them, but if you go to somewhere that sells firearms, they most likely have them. These make it possible to see hits on a paper target at further distances, and can really come in handy for sighting in a new scope or set of sights.
One of my favorite targets to shoot for a long time have been clay pigeons, and not just with a shotgun either. Trap, skeet, sporting clays, or just informal clay sports are a whole lot of fun, but your options aren't limited to that. You can also use them as a rifle or pistol target. They are fairly inexpensive (usually under $10 for a box of 90), so you can shoot a lot of them. They also are easy to sight in on due to their bright orange color, although they have about a 3" diameter, so it takes some skill to hit them. But they provide very positive feedback when shot. You can clearly see the clay turn to dust when hit with a rifle or pistol round, which is a bit more exciting that seeing a new hole in a piece of paper. Also, if you want to have a competition with your friends, see who can get the most hits with a .22 on a clay until it is completely disintegrated. If you start at the top and work your way down, it may be more than you think.
Another good option, especially for rifles at distance, are balloons. Not only will a balloon tell you what the wind is doing at the target, it moves the target around to increase the difficulty. The balloon obviously gives very positive visual feedback as well. The downside is obviously that they are a single shot target, but, if you want to add a bit of stress, and test your skills for hunting, a balloon can be a great target. You need to be able to read the wind, be accurate, and hit a moving target within its arc of movement.
Finally you have basic plinking type targets. Things like old pop or food cans that turn into a moving target when shot with a .22. Water bottles filled with liquid that provide great visual feedback when hit. Or a deck of cards that you and your friends can play firearms poke with (put all the cards face up on a target backing, each shooter gets 5 shots, best hand wins). Or bowling pins. The possibilities are really endless.
Please check with your range safety officer/range master before just putting up random objects as targets, most ranges have rules about what kind of targets are allowed. And if you are shooting at objects like these on private property, be sure to clean up any debris after you are done shooting. Always be sure the target is safe to shoot at, and you have a safe backstop as well. Does anyone else have any fun target ideas that they would like to share? I am always looking for new ideas.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
The Basics of Firearms Safety
Some people seem to think that safe gun handling rules don't always apply to them, and this baffles me. The basic rules of gun safety are easy to follow as long as you are aware of your movements, and able to control your body. It is also worth noting that the basic gun safety rules don't just apply to new or less experienced shooters, they apply to everyone. In my experience often times newer shooters are much more safety conscious, because they haven't been around guns so long to get a laid back attitude towards gun safety, so it is something they are very aware of.
One of the last things that outgoing convoys saw leaving our base in Iraq was "Complacency Kills," spray painted in big letters on a concrete blast barricade. And I think that simple phrase is an important reminder to someone who routinely does an activity that has an element to danger. It doesn't just apply to firearms, shooting, or the military. It applies to sky or scuba diving, working with power tools, or even just our daily commute. If your attitude towards firearms safety is that you know it all, and you don't need to keep reading this blog on firearms safety, then you are exactly the kind of person who needs a refresher on gun safety. In fact, as I write this I will be evaluating my own gun safety habits, and re-affirming good habits. So, without further ado, the rules in my own language.
1. Never point a firearm at anything you do not wish to destroy. This is also sometimes stated as "Treat every gun as if it were loaded." A pet peeve of mine is when someone does something blatantly unsafe with a firearm, like point it at me, and then offers as a weak excuse "But it's unloaded!" Never is a pretty cut and dry word in my book, it is an absolute. Muzzle awareness seems to be one of the first things to start slipping when complacency sets in. As long as this rule is followed, the worst thing that can happen is some property damage. It is always the first rule listed for a reason, because it is the most imperative to firearms safety. But a few times a year you can open up your newspaper and read about someone being shot with an "unloaded" gun. Which is of course preposterous, unloaded guns can't shoot. Whenever you come upon a firearm that you are unsure of the condition of, you should point the firearm in a safe direction and conduct a visual and physical check of the chamber, in order to make sure the weapon is unloaded. If you don't know how to check the condition, find someone who does know how. But don't leave the firearm unattended where a child can find it.
2. Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. This is one area where new shooters seem to struggle sometimes. Humans seem to have a natural inclination to put their finger on the trigger when they pick up a gun, it must be instinctive. But you as a shooter need to train yourself to keep your finger straight along the frame and off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Especially with a gun that you are unfamiliar with. Triggers come in a wide range of weights, and some of them are very light, if you pick up a target rifle with a very light trigger and put your finger on the trigger, you could fire it unintentionally. So, keeping your finger off the trigger is important. Many modern sidearms have safety devices that means that the pistol can not fire unless the trigger is pulled correctly, and are also drop safe. So there is no way for them to just "magically go off by themselves" a human must interact with them in some way in order for them to fire a round.
3. Keep the firearm unloaded until you are ready to use it. This coincides with people who get shot by "unloaded" firearms. If you are not actively using the firearm, it should be unloaded. With ammunition separate. If this rule is followed, even if an unauthorized user gains access to the gun, they will not be able to fire it. I will add as a note here, a firearm that is kept for a defensive purpose is in use, and as such, should be kept loaded.
The fourth semi-official rule is that you should know your target, what lies beyond it, and in between it. There are some objects that should not be shot at, because of the high risk of ricochets, things like hardened steel straight on, bodies of water, and rocks. A ricochet can be just as deadly as a round straight out of the barrel, so you need to shoot at a target that will not send the whole bullet, of pieces of it, back towards you. Likewise, you need a safe backstop to shoot into. Once you pull the trigger, that bullet belongs to you, and you are responsible for what it does. So you must take the time and effort to make sure you have a safe backstop to shoot into. What is a safe backstop? The base of a hill, or a large pile of packed dirt, or some other material that will contain bullets in a safe manner. The final part is to know what lies in between. If you are shooting at a distance, you need to make sure no one, or thing is between you and the target that you don't want to shoot. With a rifle like an AR-15 with raised sights, you need to make sure that you are firing high enough over any obstructions to avoid ricochets. This also applies to scoped rifles, and rifles on bipods. To not be aware of your surroundings and shooting lane while shooting is extremely irresponsible, and can have dire consequences.
If these basic safety rules are followed, then you should never have a negligent discharge that causes property damage, or hurts someone that you don't want to. Hopefully this post has you contemplating your own firearms safety habit. If you own or use firearms, then safety is your responsibility. Letting complacency set in or ignoring safety rules can negatively impact your life forever, and following these simple rules really isn't that hard as long as you pay attention. Shooting is one of the safest sports that there is, and a sport that everyone can enjoy, and as long as we all do our part obeying the safety rules, it will stay that way.
One of the last things that outgoing convoys saw leaving our base in Iraq was "Complacency Kills," spray painted in big letters on a concrete blast barricade. And I think that simple phrase is an important reminder to someone who routinely does an activity that has an element to danger. It doesn't just apply to firearms, shooting, or the military. It applies to sky or scuba diving, working with power tools, or even just our daily commute. If your attitude towards firearms safety is that you know it all, and you don't need to keep reading this blog on firearms safety, then you are exactly the kind of person who needs a refresher on gun safety. In fact, as I write this I will be evaluating my own gun safety habits, and re-affirming good habits. So, without further ado, the rules in my own language.
1. Never point a firearm at anything you do not wish to destroy. This is also sometimes stated as "Treat every gun as if it were loaded." A pet peeve of mine is when someone does something blatantly unsafe with a firearm, like point it at me, and then offers as a weak excuse "But it's unloaded!" Never is a pretty cut and dry word in my book, it is an absolute. Muzzle awareness seems to be one of the first things to start slipping when complacency sets in. As long as this rule is followed, the worst thing that can happen is some property damage. It is always the first rule listed for a reason, because it is the most imperative to firearms safety. But a few times a year you can open up your newspaper and read about someone being shot with an "unloaded" gun. Which is of course preposterous, unloaded guns can't shoot. Whenever you come upon a firearm that you are unsure of the condition of, you should point the firearm in a safe direction and conduct a visual and physical check of the chamber, in order to make sure the weapon is unloaded. If you don't know how to check the condition, find someone who does know how. But don't leave the firearm unattended where a child can find it.
2. Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. This is one area where new shooters seem to struggle sometimes. Humans seem to have a natural inclination to put their finger on the trigger when they pick up a gun, it must be instinctive. But you as a shooter need to train yourself to keep your finger straight along the frame and off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Especially with a gun that you are unfamiliar with. Triggers come in a wide range of weights, and some of them are very light, if you pick up a target rifle with a very light trigger and put your finger on the trigger, you could fire it unintentionally. So, keeping your finger off the trigger is important. Many modern sidearms have safety devices that means that the pistol can not fire unless the trigger is pulled correctly, and are also drop safe. So there is no way for them to just "magically go off by themselves" a human must interact with them in some way in order for them to fire a round.
3. Keep the firearm unloaded until you are ready to use it. This coincides with people who get shot by "unloaded" firearms. If you are not actively using the firearm, it should be unloaded. With ammunition separate. If this rule is followed, even if an unauthorized user gains access to the gun, they will not be able to fire it. I will add as a note here, a firearm that is kept for a defensive purpose is in use, and as such, should be kept loaded.
The fourth semi-official rule is that you should know your target, what lies beyond it, and in between it. There are some objects that should not be shot at, because of the high risk of ricochets, things like hardened steel straight on, bodies of water, and rocks. A ricochet can be just as deadly as a round straight out of the barrel, so you need to shoot at a target that will not send the whole bullet, of pieces of it, back towards you. Likewise, you need a safe backstop to shoot into. Once you pull the trigger, that bullet belongs to you, and you are responsible for what it does. So you must take the time and effort to make sure you have a safe backstop to shoot into. What is a safe backstop? The base of a hill, or a large pile of packed dirt, or some other material that will contain bullets in a safe manner. The final part is to know what lies in between. If you are shooting at a distance, you need to make sure no one, or thing is between you and the target that you don't want to shoot. With a rifle like an AR-15 with raised sights, you need to make sure that you are firing high enough over any obstructions to avoid ricochets. This also applies to scoped rifles, and rifles on bipods. To not be aware of your surroundings and shooting lane while shooting is extremely irresponsible, and can have dire consequences.
If these basic safety rules are followed, then you should never have a negligent discharge that causes property damage, or hurts someone that you don't want to. Hopefully this post has you contemplating your own firearms safety habit. If you own or use firearms, then safety is your responsibility. Letting complacency set in or ignoring safety rules can negatively impact your life forever, and following these simple rules really isn't that hard as long as you pay attention. Shooting is one of the safest sports that there is, and a sport that everyone can enjoy, and as long as we all do our part obeying the safety rules, it will stay that way.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Why a gun?
I guess I am going to tackle one of the basic questions prospective students may have, which is, why would someone would want to own a firearm, or carry one for defense. The majority of classes we teach are NRA Basic Pistol and Ohio CHL courses, which are great for someone who is either new to shooting and guns, wants to get their Concealed Handgun License in Ohio, or both. So what makes a firearm so great that someone would carry one for self defense?
I think the thing that a firearm can do for an individual that no other self defense tool can do is that it is one of the ultimate equalizers in a self defense situation. There is not another self defense tool that can give the advantage to anyone, regardless of size, age, or gender. A 9 millimeter bullet has the same amount of force on impact whether it is fired by a 6'4" 325 pound 25 year old man, or a 5'1", 95 pound, 78 year old woman. The same can not be said for a knife, club, punch or any other handheld melee weapon. There is no other self defense tool that is as effective at stopping a threat that gives the user such an advantage.
Now, there are some less lethal options that also exist, and some people may think that carrying them for self defense makes more sense than a gun. While I do think that less lethal are valuable tools for police officers, they make less sense for civilians, and are not as effective as firearms. Probably the most popular less lethal option is Mace, pepper, or OC spray, which can bee a great tool. But it does have its drawbacks, which I don't think everyone considers. First of all, it does not effect everyone equally, and can be overcome. Some people are affected more than other, this also depends on the ingredients and strength of the spray. But, a routine part of training for those who carry pepper spray as part of their job is to get sprayed, and then conduct a task before seeking treatment for the spray, which proves it is not always effective at immediately stopping a threat. The second major drawback is that although there are different types of sprays, even the more concentrated stream form is subject to forces of nature during deployment. Rain can disrupt deployment, and wind is a major factor. Just like any other aerosol, most defense sprays perform poorly when deployed into the wind. And because of this, if you are going to carry a defensive spray, you should be prepared for some of the spray to blow-back on you when it is deployed. So you need to be able to overcome its effects in order to escape the danger if the threat does not immediately stop. So, while a defensive spray can be a good less lethal option, it also has problems.
Another less lethal option is a Taser, which also has issues that must be taken into consideration when weighing the options of carrying one or a firearm. The first is cost, because Tasers are not inexpensive, but then again, neither is a quality made firearm. The difference is that with a quality made firearm you get a multiple shot device that is capable of ending a threat immediately, and can be used for other activities, like recreational shooting. A Taser is a single shot weapon unless you carry extra cartridges, so if you miss you have to have a back-up plan, and is rather limited in the scope of activities you can use it for. It is also expensive to buy extra cartridges to practice and train with for a Taser, which is a drawback. Tasers do work well when they deploy correctly, but even then there are problems. Your defensive range is limited to the length of the wires connected to the probe. And both probes have to properly connect with the target in order to make a complete circuit and deliver their charge. Thick clothing, or a probe that misses can prevent this from happening. Also, it only disables the threat far a temporary amount of time, and then the threat can become active again. During that time you need to be able to escape from the area, but what if that area is your house, in the middle of the night, and you have to grab multiple other family members, like your children, in that 5-30 second window?
So a firearm really is the only defense tool that can level the playing field and immediately stop a threat. It isn't something that should be used except in the gravest circumstances when a person is in fear for their life, but if you are facing a lethal threat, you need the capability to end it as soon as possible. Also, it is true that shooting skills require training and practice, and that is why I recommend large amounts of both with high quality sources. Also, in the vast majority of states, there is now the ability to legally carry one for your defense, and if you are going to carry any sort of self defense tool, please obey and understand all applicable laws for the area in which you are going to be.
But in my personal opinion, someone who wants to take some proactive measures for their defense, and the defense of their loved ones, should consider the legal ownership and carrying of firearms. It is a grave responsibility and something which anyone considering doing should reflect on, but could mean the difference between life and death.
Aside from how valuable a firearm is for a self-defense tool, I didn't even touch on the other reasons why someone might want to legally own a firearm, like collecting, target shooting, plinking, shotgunning, organized competitions or any other sort of recreational shooting. But I think I will leave that for another post.
I think the thing that a firearm can do for an individual that no other self defense tool can do is that it is one of the ultimate equalizers in a self defense situation. There is not another self defense tool that can give the advantage to anyone, regardless of size, age, or gender. A 9 millimeter bullet has the same amount of force on impact whether it is fired by a 6'4" 325 pound 25 year old man, or a 5'1", 95 pound, 78 year old woman. The same can not be said for a knife, club, punch or any other handheld melee weapon. There is no other self defense tool that is as effective at stopping a threat that gives the user such an advantage.
Now, there are some less lethal options that also exist, and some people may think that carrying them for self defense makes more sense than a gun. While I do think that less lethal are valuable tools for police officers, they make less sense for civilians, and are not as effective as firearms. Probably the most popular less lethal option is Mace, pepper, or OC spray, which can bee a great tool. But it does have its drawbacks, which I don't think everyone considers. First of all, it does not effect everyone equally, and can be overcome. Some people are affected more than other, this also depends on the ingredients and strength of the spray. But, a routine part of training for those who carry pepper spray as part of their job is to get sprayed, and then conduct a task before seeking treatment for the spray, which proves it is not always effective at immediately stopping a threat. The second major drawback is that although there are different types of sprays, even the more concentrated stream form is subject to forces of nature during deployment. Rain can disrupt deployment, and wind is a major factor. Just like any other aerosol, most defense sprays perform poorly when deployed into the wind. And because of this, if you are going to carry a defensive spray, you should be prepared for some of the spray to blow-back on you when it is deployed. So you need to be able to overcome its effects in order to escape the danger if the threat does not immediately stop. So, while a defensive spray can be a good less lethal option, it also has problems.
Another less lethal option is a Taser, which also has issues that must be taken into consideration when weighing the options of carrying one or a firearm. The first is cost, because Tasers are not inexpensive, but then again, neither is a quality made firearm. The difference is that with a quality made firearm you get a multiple shot device that is capable of ending a threat immediately, and can be used for other activities, like recreational shooting. A Taser is a single shot weapon unless you carry extra cartridges, so if you miss you have to have a back-up plan, and is rather limited in the scope of activities you can use it for. It is also expensive to buy extra cartridges to practice and train with for a Taser, which is a drawback. Tasers do work well when they deploy correctly, but even then there are problems. Your defensive range is limited to the length of the wires connected to the probe. And both probes have to properly connect with the target in order to make a complete circuit and deliver their charge. Thick clothing, or a probe that misses can prevent this from happening. Also, it only disables the threat far a temporary amount of time, and then the threat can become active again. During that time you need to be able to escape from the area, but what if that area is your house, in the middle of the night, and you have to grab multiple other family members, like your children, in that 5-30 second window?
So a firearm really is the only defense tool that can level the playing field and immediately stop a threat. It isn't something that should be used except in the gravest circumstances when a person is in fear for their life, but if you are facing a lethal threat, you need the capability to end it as soon as possible. Also, it is true that shooting skills require training and practice, and that is why I recommend large amounts of both with high quality sources. Also, in the vast majority of states, there is now the ability to legally carry one for your defense, and if you are going to carry any sort of self defense tool, please obey and understand all applicable laws for the area in which you are going to be.
But in my personal opinion, someone who wants to take some proactive measures for their defense, and the defense of their loved ones, should consider the legal ownership and carrying of firearms. It is a grave responsibility and something which anyone considering doing should reflect on, but could mean the difference between life and death.
Aside from how valuable a firearm is for a self-defense tool, I didn't even touch on the other reasons why someone might want to legally own a firearm, like collecting, target shooting, plinking, shotgunning, organized competitions or any other sort of recreational shooting. But I think I will leave that for another post.
Monday, April 9, 2012
An introductory post
I envision this blog to be a place that our students can continue gaining knowledge outside of the classroom, as a continuing service from us, to law abiding gun owners. If you have questions that we didn't have time for during a course, something you think of later, or just want to talk about firearms, this is the place where you can do it. I am not a lawyer, and will not discuss the legal aspects of using a firearm for defense, but other firearms related topics are welcome. From firearm and ammo selection, to what kinds of holsters work best, ideas for how to conceal your handgun, to the fundamentals of shooting, and a myriad of other topics. I hope to have new blog posts on a regular basis, so if you have a question, feel free to ask.
So, who am I, and what qualifies me to answer questions? First of all, I don't claim to be an expert that knows everything about firearms. There is far more information out there than one person can amass in a lifetime, so first and foremost, I am still a student as well. I am still constantly seeking new information on new firearms and techniques, attending training courses for myself, and finding new ways to challenge myself to become a better shooter.
I started shooting when I was fifteen years old. My family was on vacation and I had the chance to do some skeet shooting on the resort. From the first time I pulled the trigger on that Browning over-under shotgun and sent a Fiocchi target load down-range, I was hooked. I then branched out from just shotguns and started shooting .22 rifles, then center-fire rifles, and handguns. I shot whenever possible, and was always looking for new firearms to try out, trying to expand both my skills and knowledge base. Then a few years ago I joined the Marine Corps where I served in the infantry, which really expanded the types of firearms that I could fire, and the ways in which I could employ them. I got the chance to fire most of the infantry weapons in the Marine arsenal, from the M-16, to .50 caliber machine guns, and 40mm grenade launchers. I did two deployments while in the Marines, one each to Iraq and Afghanistan during the Global War on Terrorism.
After the Marines I attended NRA instructor courses, and currently hold ratings in rifle as pistol, as well as being a range safety officer. Although I am currently working on adding more ratings so that I can instruct courses in other disciplines.
So, for the past decade and more, firearms have played a large roll in my life, and are a hobby and sport that I thoroughly enjoy. I now really enjoy having the opportunity to teach people how to safely and responsibly shoot firearms, and to share my enjoyment of the shooting sports with them. My tastes in firearms generally focus more on defense-centered skills than precision target skills, although I am always willing to expand my horizons and try new types of shooting.
I hope that answered some questions about why I started this blog, and why I enjoy teaching others about firearms so much, and some of my qualifications to do so. If you have any feedback or questions, please, feel free to contact me. Thanks for stopping by.
So, who am I, and what qualifies me to answer questions? First of all, I don't claim to be an expert that knows everything about firearms. There is far more information out there than one person can amass in a lifetime, so first and foremost, I am still a student as well. I am still constantly seeking new information on new firearms and techniques, attending training courses for myself, and finding new ways to challenge myself to become a better shooter.
I started shooting when I was fifteen years old. My family was on vacation and I had the chance to do some skeet shooting on the resort. From the first time I pulled the trigger on that Browning over-under shotgun and sent a Fiocchi target load down-range, I was hooked. I then branched out from just shotguns and started shooting .22 rifles, then center-fire rifles, and handguns. I shot whenever possible, and was always looking for new firearms to try out, trying to expand both my skills and knowledge base. Then a few years ago I joined the Marine Corps where I served in the infantry, which really expanded the types of firearms that I could fire, and the ways in which I could employ them. I got the chance to fire most of the infantry weapons in the Marine arsenal, from the M-16, to .50 caliber machine guns, and 40mm grenade launchers. I did two deployments while in the Marines, one each to Iraq and Afghanistan during the Global War on Terrorism.
After the Marines I attended NRA instructor courses, and currently hold ratings in rifle as pistol, as well as being a range safety officer. Although I am currently working on adding more ratings so that I can instruct courses in other disciplines.
So, for the past decade and more, firearms have played a large roll in my life, and are a hobby and sport that I thoroughly enjoy. I now really enjoy having the opportunity to teach people how to safely and responsibly shoot firearms, and to share my enjoyment of the shooting sports with them. My tastes in firearms generally focus more on defense-centered skills than precision target skills, although I am always willing to expand my horizons and try new types of shooting.
I hope that answered some questions about why I started this blog, and why I enjoy teaching others about firearms so much, and some of my qualifications to do so. If you have any feedback or questions, please, feel free to contact me. Thanks for stopping by.
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