When I started carrying a concealed firearm in 2008, I carried a 5-shot Model 642, in a jeans pocket. I felt "comfortable".
I knew how to shoot it reasonably well, but I knew next to nothing about self defense.
Now, I carry a 9mm pistol with an eight round magazine, in a good, accessible OWB holster. I can carry it all day without discomfort, but I would not say that I really "feel comfortable".
We hear often that someone "feels comfortable" carrying a particular firearm.
That may or may not be justified. Without giving the impression that we think that anyone else is better qualified to judge, I strongly suggest that everyone who believes his or her carry habit should really provide a feeling of "comfort" consider and challenge the assumptions that have led them to that conclusion.
Some thoughts:
It should also make it clear that, absent the proper mindset and skill-set, no firearm should really make anyone "comfortable" by itself.
I have often emphasized the desirability of good defensive training. Not everyone can undertake that, and I would suggest looking at websites, such as that of I. C. E. PDN, for training videos, home study plans and materials, etc, that can help.
Why do I not feel "comfortable"? Well, I'm getting older and less fit, the wold around me is becoming more dangerous, and I know that my gun cannot make me safe.
I hope this proves useful.
I knew how to shoot it reasonably well, but I knew next to nothing about self defense.
Now, I carry a 9mm pistol with an eight round magazine, in a good, accessible OWB holster. I can carry it all day without discomfort, but I would not say that I really "feel comfortable".
We hear often that someone "feels comfortable" carrying a particular firearm.
That may or may not be justified. Without giving the impression that we think that anyone else is better qualified to judge, I strongly suggest that everyone who believes his or her carry habit should really provide a feeling of "comfort" consider and challenge the assumptions that have led them to that conclusion.
Some thoughts:
- Has the person based his impressions on what he might encounter in the gravest extreme on his experience shooting slowly at a stationary target at the range, or on screen fiction in which the action is deliberately slowed so that the audience will not miss anything?
- Has the person ever tried drawing quickly while moving after having been ambushed, and firing within, say, a second and a half, as in a Tueller drill?
- Considering how quickly that situation might unfold, does the person believe that he would also be able of shoehorn the time need to perform a couple of reloads into that short time interval?
- Has the person really studied enough about handgun wounding effectiveness and the human anatomy to understand that two, three, or even more hits may not effect a timely physical stop, because none of the key internal "stop buttons" were hit, even though screen fiction or shooting at jugs of water might lead us to believe otherwise?
- Has the person concluded, for some reason, that if the perceived likelihood of an attack occurring may be very low, that tat is a basis for concluding that what would be needed to stop an attack, should it occur, would therefore be reduced?
It should also make it clear that, absent the proper mindset and skill-set, no firearm should really make anyone "comfortable" by itself.
I have often emphasized the desirability of good defensive training. Not everyone can undertake that, and I would suggest looking at websites, such as that of I. C. E. PDN, for training videos, home study plans and materials, etc, that can help.
Why do I not feel "comfortable"? Well, I'm getting older and less fit, the wold around me is becoming more dangerous, and I know that my gun cannot make me safe.
I hope this proves useful.