Revolver Training

[RugerSAFan]

Why is it that all the mainline self-defense handgun courses have their participants shooting large, belt holstered pistols (i.e. Glock, 1911, etc.) generally not under cover.

In my experience, when outside my home, I am either carrying on my belt UNDER a vest/jacker OR pocket carrying.

Why don't the classes stress the teaching of the smaller guns (i.e. S&W642, Keltec, etc) that many folks use as an "always" gun?

 

[HankB]

I've taken classes from Jim Crews and Ray Chapman . . . in each case, I burned up well over 1000 rounds in two days, all full-powered ammo. (Shooting light loads in "tactical" classes seems to miss the point.)

My "Always" gun is an S&W 340SC, normally loaded with .357 Mag, 145 grain Winchester Silvertips. This is a serious working gun, not a fun gun.

Even though the Silvertips aren't "maximum effort" .357s, recoil in the lightweight J-frame is still . . . unpleasant. I can shoot it well enough for several cylinder fulls without developing a flinch, but my hand couldn't take 500+ rounds a day for two days - or even one day! - in a row. (One day in a row??? )

 

[1911 guy]

Look for other training.

There are schools out there that will tell you to bring what you normally carry and carry it where and how you normally do. They will teach you to use cover and concealment, handle a firearm in tight quarters and make the best use of your gun and situation. My "always" gun does happen to be a 5" 1911, but the classes I go to are populated with all size and caliber pea-shooters.

 

[HuntAndFish]

I have generally found that most of the information I learn in training with a belt holster and full sized gun is transferable to the smaller carry pistol and carry methods, whatever they are. Generally the tactics, problem clearing methods, gunhandling and mindset issues all are transferable. Also, no trainer I have ever met has failed to answer a specific question about my particular carry gun and carry method during a break in the class or after class. I'm paying the money...I'm asking the questions. I had an instructor work with me to determine the specific draw method for a particular holster and gun combination.
The basic concepts of practicing your draw stroke, clearing malfunctions, etc....all translate to concealed carry from a training class with a full sized gun.

Is there a specific problem that you are having that hasn't been addressed?

 

[crebralfix]

Though the methods will transfer, the actual *practice* will not. If you carry a revolver, but attend class using a semi-automatic pistol, then you are learning distinctly different gun manipulation methods.

HankB: Perhaps you should get a S&W 640 for class. Carry the 340SC, but the manual of arms will be the same.