Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Rondar on October 14, 2012, 10:28:38 PM
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I'm going to take a concealed carry handgun class first of november. I bought a Ruger sr22 handgun for this. I have small hands and cant get the fingers around a Clint Eastwood type gun.
Anybody else have one of these handguns? I really like it so far... shot a box of rounds through it to get a little familiar with it. I have a glock 40 but didnt want to take the class with it. Also have a Ruger Mk 1 that has a long barrel, but shot another sr22 in oklahoma last year and really like it then.
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Be sure to double check the requirements in your state. If I recall correctly, here in Texas, the smallest caliber you can qualify with is the .32
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Be sure to double check the requirements in your state. If I recall correctly, here in Texas, the smallest caliber you can qualify with is the .32
9mm is the smallest allowed for Texas.
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9mm is the smallest allowed for Texas.
Where I took my class...
http://www.caps-chl.com/range-qualification.html (http://www.caps-chl.com/range-qualification.html)
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I looked at several different kansas websites for this class. All of them say any handgun, any caliber. In fact at least two of them say if you need to use one of their guns, it is .22 caliber.
Here is one of the websites. http://mrarmsco.com/ccw.htm (http://mrarmsco.com/ccw.htm)
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I'm going to take a concealed carry handgun class first of november. I bought a Ruger sr22 handgun for this. I have small hands and cant get the fingers around a Clint Eastwood type gun.
Anybody else have one of these handguns? I really like it so far... shot a box of rounds through it to get a little familiar with it. I have a glock 40 but didnt want to take the class with it. Also have a Ruger Mk 1 that has a long barrel, but shot another sr22 in oklahoma last year and really like it then.
The SR22 is a fun plinking gun. You can outfit them nicely too.
I would not carry it for protection but it is better then nothing.
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Wow, you have to qualify in Texas?
Small hands? Try the Ruger LCP .380. Got one for the wife. Quite the pocket cannon.
The SR22 is a fun plinking gun. You can outfit them nicely too.
I would not carry it for protection but it is better then nothing.
Still wouldn't want to get hit in the head with one...
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Wow, you have to qualify in Texas?
Small hands? Try the Ruger LCP .380. Got one for the wife. Quite the pocket cannon.
Still wouldn't want to get hit in the head with one...
Yeah its a joke of a qual, but a qual nonetheless.
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Wow, you have to qualify in Texas?
Small hands? Try the Ruger LCP .380. Got one for the wife. Quite the pocket cannon.
Still wouldn't want to get hit in the head with one...
Not to say the 22 is not a deadly weapon.... I would just not carry one unless I wanted a backup.
There rae a lot of .380s and 40s oput there for small hands.
My wife went back to her SW9. She likes it alot.
In Texas you have to show you can load and handle your weapon of choice. You have to fire at a target at varying distances. It is basic in the extreme.
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If you can find one, the Sig P225 or P239 are excellent conceal carry firearms.
I have the same issue (smaller hands) and can operate these with ease.......
I prefer the fit and feel of the P225, but my 239 is great. (239 is available in 9mm, .357SIG or .40S&W ) The P225 is 9mm.
Just an FYI (i know i dont need to say this, as your taking the most important first step (and kudos to you :aok) Training....Training....Train ing, and then when you think your trained....train some more, and keep training as long as you carry........to the point that its second nature and muscle memory takes over.
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Just an FYI (i know i dont need to say this, as your taking the most important first step (and kudos to you :aok) Training....Training....Train ing, and then when you think your trained....train some more, and keep training as long as you carry........to the point that its second nature and muscle memory takes over.
.... and safety safety safety. :D
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.... and safety safety safety. :D
NSFW- language
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=deeMCYsyV94
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I've got other handguns at home of larger caliber's. Apparently all that is required for Kansas is a .22 semi-automatic to qualify for all handgun types. But, as I will be fingerprinted for this class, I assume whatever handgun I bring might be run through the pipeline too. So I bought a legal paperworked handgun for this class, and now I may lose it as my wife is taking a liking to it :eek:
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I've got other handguns at home of larger caliber's. Apparently all that is required for Kansas is a .22 semi-automatic to qualify for all handgun types. But, as I will be fingerprinted for this class, I assume whatever handgun I bring might be run through the pipeline too. So I bought a legal paperworked handgun for this class, and now I may lose it as my wife is taking a liking to it :eek:
:noid
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I've got other handguns at home of larger caliber's. Apparently all that is required for Kansas is a .22 semi-automatic to qualify for all handgun types. But, as I will be fingerprinted for this class, I assume whatever handgun I bring might be run through the pipeline too. So I bought a legal paperworked handgun for this class, and now I may lose it as my wife is taking a liking to it :eek:
I did all my fingerprinting and paperwork prior to the CHL class.
No one checked out my XD on the range.
I'll tell you now.... if the gun you are planning on using is new then get about 200 rounds through it before the day of your class. The last time I was up for a class three folks from the same family had brand new out of the box guns that constantly jammed.
None of them had much experience with weapons and I considered them dangerous on the line.
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and now I may lose it as my wife is taking a liking to it :eek:
Lost a Glock 19 to this exact cause :lol
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I have one for OD. Nice gun but its designed for a midgets hands. I hear theres a 10 rnd mag for it that also functions as a grip extender. .38/9mm is the absolute smallest I'd ever carry for defense. In the last 30 years weve had a huge increase in the caliber size and power of weapons criminals and gangstas use. The idea of CC is to survive so in carrying a plinker you are defeating the purpose your supposed to be preparing for. Honestly I only feel properly armed with a long gun in my hands.
Wow, you have to qualify in Texas?
Small hands? Try the Ruger LCP .380. Got one for the wife. Quite the pocket cannon.
Still wouldn't want to get hit in the head with one...
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Here is what I was using for CC.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_775003_-1_757768_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
It is a great small carry piece that fits in your front pocket and with the right holster, looks like a wallet. However, This little thing is NOT a target practice gun. A .357 magnum weighing in at only 11oz kicks like a mule on cocaine. I could only shoot about 10-15 rounds through it at the range before my hand started bleeding. The rubber from the grip would literally peel your skin off between your thumb and index finger.
(http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson2/upload/images/firearms/zoom_lg/163064_01_lg.jpg)
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I carried concealed a Walther PPK in .380 ACP for over 12 years. I shot it often and I shot it well (at the range and at pistol courses). Thing is though, I have big hands and I was getting "bitten" on the webbing of my hand when the slide came back during firing. I simply dealt with it because I really liked the PPK. In 2002 I fired a Sig 232 in .380 ACP and instantly fell in love with the pistol. It ultimately is not any bigger than the PPK, the grip has a slight palm swell and it also has a slight "beaver tail" on the top of the back strap of the grip preventing me from getting bit by the slide when fired. I traded in my PPK in 2002 and since then I've been carrying concealed the Sig 232 in a Galco open top holster as often as I can.
Thankfully, I've not ever had to use it. :pray
Remember, some guys will give all kinds of advice based on an opinion without any substance behind it. I approach the debate of gun, caliber, and role from a very open minded position. I've been reloading and shooting for over 20 years now and I've been in law enforcement for 11. I've been to multiple shooting clinics including Thunder Ranch and multiple LEO courses. Am I an expert? No, but who is and by what standard? Here is my take on CCW handguns: As for the gun, for CCW purposes it needs to be small. A full size Beretta 92, 1911, S&W 686, or other such full size handgun defeats the purpose in most cases. They are simply too large and heavy to keep concealed by typical means. In terms of caliber, remember that the shooter *needs* to practice with the gun and if it is not fun to shoot or able to be shot in a comfortable manner to gain good and consistent accuracy then what is the point? IMO, it is real simple. The smaller the gun and the larger or higher pressure the caliber the less likely a person is apt to practice with it thanks to a healthy recoil and muzzle jump. Sure, some shooters can shoot anything at anytime and do well, I'd like to think I am one of those people. But to the bulk of the shooters I highly suggest that the smaller the gun the smaller the caliber. With that in mind, I think the .22LR and .25 ACP are too small to be of much use in defense especially if the target is wearing a winter coat or even a heavy sweatshirt. On the other hand, the .45 ACP, .357 Mag, and even the .40 S&W are too big because of the reasons mentioned earlier (small gun and big caliber = hefty recoil, muzzle jump, noise, and a tendency to be less accurate). The .380 ACP, 9mm Luger, and .38 Special are about perfect when considering the size of gun that has been suggested, the role in which the gun will be used, and the ease in which the user can practice and learn the gun for CCW purposes. Last note: in regards to what brand all I can say is this: avoid the cheap POS's as much as possible. The Lorcins, Phoenix Arms, etc. They are truly junk. Otherwise you cant really go wrong.
This is all my opinion, but after shooting the dozens and dozens of firearms and calibers, in a multitude of different roles, I feel I can offer a new guy and maybe even an "old dog" a few insights as to what to look for in a CCW handgun.
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In a world where people debate the effectiveness of 9mm for self defense, I'm pretty surprised that someone would even consider .22LR
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In a world where people debate the effectiveness of 9mm for self defense, I'm pretty surprised that someone would even consider .22LR
I have the same SR22 but with the laser pointer. I've already decided if the need arises, teeth will be the bulls eye.
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In a world where people debate the effectiveness of 9mm for self defense, I'm pretty surprised that someone would even consider .22LR
Very true. Some people will still load up their .22LR revolvers or semi auto pistols and use them for CCW, and that is there choice. Considering that the typical .22LR is a 40gr bullet of very soft metal (usually lead or a soft copper alloy) moving at a nominal 1400 fps at the muzzle, the chances of that bullet penetrating deep enough to do much damage to vital organs is very slim. In a best case scenario the bullet would hit a major artery.
The 9mm Parabellum/Luger/NATO is certainly considered "low end" in the realm of combat cartridges in terms of FMJ's, but through in the +P+ (high pressure) and a quality hollow point bullet and the playing field is very much leveled vs the larger semi-auto pistols. The .40 S&W and .45 ACP have very little if any benefit once performance ammo is introduced. Of course there will be those people who will want to pull up the wound cavity studies and state that the 9mm is "inferior", but will it matter if the wound cavity is 8in, 10in, or 11in in diameter when performance ammo is used? About the only legit combat pistol cartridge that has a true advantage is the .357 Sig, it fires the same bullet as the 9mm but at about another 400-500 fps faster. The extra velocity helps make a difference. Most people fall in to 1 of 2 categories: high velocity vs heavy bullet weight. I subscribe to the "whatever you can shoot accurately and yet carry discretely" category in terms of CCW. :D
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I have the same SR22 but with the laser pointer. I've already decided if the need arises, teeth will be the bulls eye.
You do know that it has been proven that laser pointers hinder your reaction time, yes? It also gives you something else to be distracted by in a situation in which you need to go "on target" while you communicate, move, or otherwise perform different functions while keeping the gun on guard. You look for the laser instead of pointing and/or looking down the sights at the target. You've added a step which typically is not needed. Just food for thought. ;)
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again, if the need arises, I'll be using my eyes first and going for teeth. Laser is only for if you get in a punch and my vision is blurred, then I'm just hittin you somewhere to slow you down if not stop you.
SR9C is on order anyway so the 22 is fixing to be retired... but the laser is moving over from the 22 to the 9 incase ^^ happens
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Very true. Some people will still load up their .22LR revolvers or semi auto pistols and use them for CCW, and that is there choice. Considering that the typical .22LR is a 40gr bullet of very soft metal (usually lead or a soft copper alloy) moving at a nominal 1400 fps at the muzzle, the chances of that bullet penetrating deep enough to do much damage to vital organs is very slim. In a best case scenario the bullet would hit a major artery.
The 9mm Parabellum/Luger/NATO is certainly considered "low end" in the realm of combat cartridges in terms of FMJ's, but through in the +P+ (high pressure) and a quality hollow point bullet and the playing field is very much leveled vs the larger semi-auto pistols. The .40 S&W and .45 ACP have very little if any benefit once performance ammo is introduced. Of course there will be those people who will want to pull up the wound cavity studies and state that the 9mm is "inferior", but will it matter if the wound cavity is 8in, 10in, or 11in in diameter when performance ammo is used? About the only legit combat pistol cartridge that has a true advantage is the .357 Sig, it fires the same bullet as the 9mm but at about another 400-500 fps faster. The extra velocity helps make a difference. Most people fall in to 1 of 2 categories: high velocity vs heavy bullet weight. I subscribe to the "whatever you can shoot accurately and yet carry discretely" category in terms of CCW. :D
We laid out 5 of the most popular handguns and my wife kept going back to the Ruger LCP. I know most guys have hands too big for it, but for her, it is a perfect fit in her hand and in her purse. She absolutely loves it. She is damn accurate with it and considers it comfortable enough that she carries it all the time, as opposed to, the .38 revolver I had gotten her which is the most important thing...
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Here is what I was using for CC.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_775003_-1_757768_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
It is a great small carry piece that fits in your front pocket and with the right holster, looks like a wallet. However, This little thing is NOT a target practice gun. A .357 magnum weighing in at only 11oz kicks like a mule on cocaine. I could only shoot about 10-15 rounds through it at the range before my hand started bleeding. The rubber from the grip would literally peel your skin off between your thumb and index finger.
(http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson2/upload/images/firearms/zoom_lg/163064_01_lg.jpg)
You don't want to test with that though. If you do then you can only carry a wheel gun. Test with a semiauto and you can carry either.
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I carried concealed a Walther PPK in .380 ACP for over 12 years. I shot it often and I shot it well (at the range and at pistol courses). Thing is though, I have big hands and I was getting "bitten" on the webbing of my hand when the slide came back during firing. I simply dealt with it because I really liked the PPK. In 2002 I fired a Sig 232 in .380 ACP and instantly fell in love with the pistol. It ultimately is not any bigger than the PPK, the grip has a slight palm swell and it also has a slight "beaver tail" on the top of the back strap of the grip preventing me from getting bit by the slide when fired. I traded in my PPK in 2002 and since then I've been carrying concealed the Sig 232 in a Galco open top holster as often as I can.
Thankfully, I've not ever had to use it. :pray
Remember, some guys will give all kinds of advice based on an opinion without any substance behind it. I approach the debate of gun, caliber, and role from a very open minded position. I've been reloading and shooting for over 20 years now and I've been in law enforcement for 11. I've been to multiple shooting clinics including Thunder Ranch and multiple LEO courses. Am I an expert? No, but who is and by what standard? Here is my take on CCW handguns: As for the gun, for CCW purposes it needs to be small. A full size Beretta 92, 1911, S&W 686, or other such full size handgun defeats the purpose in most cases. They are simply too large and heavy to keep concealed by typical means. In terms of caliber, remember that the shooter *needs* to practice with the gun and if it is not fun to shoot or able to be shot in a comfortable manner to gain good and consistent accuracy then what is the point? IMO, it is real simple. The smaller the gun and the larger or higher pressure the caliber the less likely a person is apt to practice with it thanks to a healthy recoil and muzzle jump. Sure, some shooters can shoot anything at anytime and do well, I'd like to think I am one of those people. But to the bulk of the shooters I highly suggest that the smaller the gun the smaller the caliber. With that in mind, I think the .22LR and .25 ACP are too small to be of much use in defense especially if the target is wearing a winter coat or even a heavy sweatshirt. On the other hand, the .45 ACP, .357 Mag, and even the .40 S&W are too big because of the reasons mentioned earlier (small gun and big caliber = hefty recoil, muzzle jump, noise, and a tendency to be less accurate). The .380 ACP, 9mm Luger, and .38 Special are about perfect when considering the size of gun that has been suggested, the role in which the gun will be used, and the ease in which the user can practice and learn the gun for CCW purposes. Last note: in regards to what brand all I can say is this: avoid the cheap POS's as much as possible. The Lorcins, Phoenix Arms, etc. They are truly junk. Otherwise you cant really go wrong.
This is all my opinion, but after shooting the dozens and dozens of firearms and calibers, in a multitude of different roles, I feel I can offer a new guy and maybe even an "old dog" a few insights as to what to look for in a CCW handgun.
My father in law used to carry a .380. One night some dog got in his fence and was attacking his old dog. He went out to stop it. The dog tried to attack him. He shot the dog in the head at least 2 times and the dog kept comming. He ended up hitting it in the head several times before it went down.
He quit using it as his carry at that time.
That was his personal experience.
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You don't want to test with that though. If you do then you can only carry a wheel gun. Test with a semiauto and you can carry either.
In Florida you don't even test with your own gun. Basically they have a gun sitting on the table at the range. You simply pick the gun up, shoot one round, and set the gun back down. They basically just check to see you can safety handle the gun. They don't even care if you hit or missed the Target 10' in front of you. LOL. Kinda scary how easy it is to get a permit here.
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In Florida you don't even test with your own gun. Basically they have a gun sitting on the table at the range. You simply pick the gun up, shoot one round, and set the gun back down. They basically just check to see you can safety handle the gun. They don't even care if you hit or missed the Target 10' in front of you. LOL. Kinda scary how easy it is to get a permit here.
Ha!
Fill this out... http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&ved=0CD0QFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.co.venango.pa.us%2Findex.php%2Fcomponent%2Fdocman%2Fdoc_download%2F388-application-for-pa-licence-to-carry-firearm%3FItemid%3D&ei=U3R9UOGKLue80QH9-YGgBw&usg=AFQjCNHr-hQ0Vq2RnujyidxQFrPsMutDlg&sig2=b0UJ_fU074QM8YmEmhlGoA (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&ved=0CD0QFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.co.venango.pa.us%2Findex.php%2Fcomponent%2Fdocman%2Fdoc_download%2F388-application-for-pa-licence-to-carry-firearm%3FItemid%3D&ei=U3R9UOGKLue80QH9-YGgBw&usg=AFQjCNHr-hQ0Vq2RnujyidxQFrPsMutDlg&sig2=b0UJ_fU074QM8YmEmhlGoA)
Turn it in.
Pay $25
Go get a cup of coffee down the hall.
Come back.
Look at camera.
Smile.
Take license from Sherrif's deputy.
Continue on with your day (with a CCW license in your pocket)
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In Florida you don't even test with your own gun. Basically they have a gun sitting on the table at the range. You simply pick the gun up, shoot one round, and set the gun back down. They basically just check to see you can safety handle the gun. They don't even care if you hit or missed the Target 10' in front of you. LOL. Kinda scary how easy it is to get a permit here.
lol I heard Florida was easy to aquire a license. I'm wondering who can judge how safe someone handles a weapong with one shot and not even loading.
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lol I heard Florida was easy to aquire a license. I'm wondering who can judge how safe someone handles a weapong with one shot and not even loading.
basically it was sitting on the table facing down range, they wanted you to pick it up, shoot, and set it back down facing down range. No twirling the gun or pointing it in another direction. It was a total joke. Like I said, even if you completely missed the 3'X3' target 10 feet in front of you, you were approved :lol
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By the way. I sold my 360pd (aka "the noisy cricket") to friend for $500 to help cover some of the cost of my shot gun I shoot sporting clays with. I am now back to my glock 27 as a carry piece (my original carry piece before the 360pd). Even being a subcompact it is just too bulky to comfortable conceal every day. I may get a pair of matching LCPs for the wife and I.
(http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa317/Dub007_photo/RugerLCPRasp.jpg)
How cute would that be. :aok :rofl
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I'm going to take a concealed carry handgun class first of november. I bought a Ruger sr22 handgun for this. I have small hands and cant get the fingers around a Clint Eastwood type gun.
Anybody else have one of these handguns? I really like it so far... shot a box of rounds through it to get a little familiar with it. I have a glock 40 but didnt want to take the class with it. Also have a Ruger Mk 1 that has a long barrel, but shot another sr22 in oklahoma last year and really like it then.
I had a Walther P22 and my mom liked it so much she went and bought the SR22. The SR22 is a little more square but they both act nearly identical except for the clip release. Nice for going to the range and having fun but I still am not a fan of CC them.
We also have an LCP and a TCP. I think they are both too small and they tend to hurt the space between my thumb and index finger. My dads 1911 is perfect though. :D
id love to get my hands on a p226...
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I carried concealed a Walther PPK in .380 ACP for over 12 years. I shot it often and I shot it well (at the range and at pistol courses). Thing is though, I have big hands and I was getting "bitten" on the webbing of my hand when the slide came back during firing. I simply dealt with it because I really liked the PPK. In 2002 I fired a Sig 232 in .380 ACP and instantly fell in love with the pistol. It ultimately is not any bigger than the PPK, the grip has a slight palm swell and it also has a slight "beaver tail" on the top of the back strap of the grip preventing me from getting bit by the slide when fired. I traded in my PPK in 2002 and since then I've been carrying concealed the Sig 232 in a Galco open top holster as often as I can.
Thankfully, I've not ever had to use it. :pray
I ran a couple of box's each through a PPK and a P230 back in 1989 before choosing the Sig, been carrying it ever since, great gun.
shamus
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id love to get my hands on a p226...
FYI: http://wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=100000451&dir=
:)
From what I've ready of others, and including mine, they're German models, manufactured in the late 80's and early 90's.
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When you have started with the .38/9mm handgun, loaded with a quality JHP defense load, you have then entered the realm of where bullet placement far outweighs caliber discussion. Or even magazine capacity. The fact is handguns are not very good stoppers. You have to use a decent load and absolutly have to place the bullet in a vital region.
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When you have started with the .38/9mm handgun, loaded with a quality JHP defense load, you have then entered the realm of where bullet placement far outweighs caliber discussion. Or even magazine capacity. The fact is handguns are not very good stoppers. You have to use a decent load and absolutly have to place the bullet in a vital region.
I run CorBon 125gr JHPs thru my P225, good load. Actually i use CorBons in all my carry guns. My Kimber ProCarry (CDP) and my Wilson CQB feeds them like there lubed with silk :aok
And I agree its all bullet placement
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FYI: http://wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=100000451&dir=
:)
From what I've ready of others, and including mine, they're German models, manufactured in the late 80's and early 90's.
Id prefer .40, but looks like a good deal.
Im just not a fan of 9mm.
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I run CorBon 125gr JHPs thru my P225, good load. Actually i use CorBons in all my carry guns. My Kimber ProCarry (CDP) and my Wilson CQB feeds them like there lubed with silk :aok
And I agree its all bullet placement
Looks like a nice round. :)
I use Federal HST 124 +P in my 9mms. I may have to try a box of the CorBon. It appears to be slightly faster and have a little more hitting power. Thanks for making me want to spend another $25 or so... :D
I use DoubleTap 180 JHP in my 10mm.
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Most of the Corbon stuff presents amazing results when fired in to ballistic gelatin. However, the lighter weight bullet than average, the thinner than average jacket, and the higher than average velocities do lend to the bullet not being able to penetrate as well when there are mediums between the gun and the target. If the Corbon needs to defeat glass, heavy winter clothing, or other such common mediums found in every day life there is a high probability that the target will receive a bunch of shrapnel instead of a slug, according to the multiple studies I've seen. Corbon ammo is great stuff and produced amazing wound channels when tested directly on ballistic gelatin, but it fell behind when tested against mediums. Just be mindful of that.
I simple use a good HP with a known record of success. The Hyrda-Shoks and Gold Dots seem to lead the way. There are many others that will work well. The Silver Tip and Golden Sabre are good too.
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Well, I spent the day in this class and passed it. Now I am entitled to apply for a cch permit. A lot of eye opening whatifs, and consequences and stuff like that. A lot of stuff to think about that can be life changing events for yourself and the other "party". The shooting part was fun and was a breeze.
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grats on passing the class
if the need arises, shoot to kill
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Well, I spent the day in this class and passed it. Now I am entitled to apply for a cch permit. A lot of eye opening whatifs, and consequences and stuff like that. A lot of stuff to think about that can be life changing events for yourself and the other "party". The shooting part was fun and was a breeze.
Congratulations :aok
Glad they gave you some food for thought information. I actually wish PA would do the same.
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My Dad is an expert shot. In fact, at one point ranked in the top-10 in America for slow-fire pistol shoot and combat shooting. He was a 30-year veteran police officer, trained FBI shooters, etc.
Unless you have hands the size of a 5-year old boy what my Dad would tell you is to work on grip strength. His hands or normal size though his preferred weapon for slow fire is the .45, which has a "Clint Eastwood" sized grip. When you shake my Dad's hand its like a little ball of muscle, that is key. It is all about a stable grib and strong fingers for an even squeeze on the trigger.
I would suggest you buy one of those hand grip devices and squeeze it 500 times a day. Even if you buy a smaller weapon that is more comfortable it is your hand strength that will determine accuracy.
Just my two cents (via hundreds of lectures from the master).
Boo
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My Dad is an expert shot. In fact, at one point ranked in the top-10 in America for slow-fire pistol shoot and combat shooting. He was a 30-year veteran police officer, trained FBI shooters, etc.
Unless you have hands the size of a 5-year old boy what my Dad would tell you is to work on grip strength. His hands or normal size though his preferred weapon for slow fire is the .45, which has a "Clint Eastwood" sized grip. When you shake my Dad's hand its like a little ball of muscle, that is key. It is all about a stable grib and strong fingers for an even squeeze on the trigger.
I would suggest you buy one of those hand grip devices and squeeze it 500 times a day. Even if you buy a smaller weapon that is more comfortable it is your hand strength that will determine accuracy.
Just my two cents (via hundreds of lectures from the master).
Boo
Interesting that you bring up grip. If we go "by the book", it says to use %40 of your total grip from the main hand and %60 of your grip comes from the "support" hand (outside). Yes, you heard that correctly. For a right handed shooter the right hand should be about %40 of the total grip, and the left hand as it wraps around the right hand should give about %60 of the grip pressure. The the thumb of the right hand high enough so the heel of the left hand can actually touch the guns left grip panel. The right thumb should rest on top of the left thumb. I've seen people squeeze so hard on their handgun that it shakes, too tight of a grip works against the shooter. Instead, the stiffness needs to come from the arms most notably between the elbows and wrists. The gun in the hands should not move at all, so indeed the bigger and more powerful the cartridge the more fatigue that the shooter is going to experience. I can shoot 9mm all day long from my Sig 226, but when I carried the .357 Sig in my Sig 226 for that 12-18 months or so I certainly could tell I had been shooting something with some gusto after a few boxes of ammo.
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Interesting that you bring up grip. If we go "by the book", it says to use %40 of your total grip from the main hand and %60 of your grip comes from the "support" hand (outside). Yes, you heard that correctly. For a right handed shooter the right hand should be about %40 of the total grip, and the left hand as it wraps around the right hand should give about %60 of the grip pressure. The the thumb of the right hand high enough so the heel of the left hand can actually touch the guns left grip panel. The right thumb should rest on top of the left thumb. I've seen people squeeze so hard on their handgun that it shakes, too tight of a grip works against the shooter. Instead, the stiffness needs to come from the arms most notably between the elbows and wrists. The gun in the hands should not move at all, so indeed the bigger and more powerful the cartridge the more fatigue that the shooter is going to experience. I can shoot 9mm all day long from my Sig 226, but when I carried the .357 Sig in my Sig 226 for that 12-18 months or so I certainly could tell I had been shooting something with some gusto after a few boxes of ammo.
Agreed. It is like someone who can barely bench press 150 lbs and they shake the entire time. Versus someone strong enough to bench press 200 lbs, but calmly pressing 150 lbs. A strong grip makes the whole process much smoother. All the shooters I know have very strong grips then exercise a smooth, consistent squeeze. Do you ever do one handed shooting? My Dad does it as a form of practice.
Boo
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Agreed. It is like someone who can barely bench press 150 lbs and they shake the entire time. Versus someone strong enough to bench press 200 lbs, but calmly pressing 150 lbs. A strong grip makes the whole process much smoother. All the shooters I know have very strong grips then exercise a smooth, consistent squeeze. Do you ever do one handed shooting? My Dad does it as a form of practice.
Boo
I shoot equally using the typical two hand grip, single hand strong, and single hand "support" (using left hand only). I also shoot from about 8+ different stances. I shoot prone both on stomach and back; both knees down; 1 knee down; weaver; modified weaver; isosceles; one hand target (turn full sideways); while moving laterally and forward/backward; and then when able I do all of those stances using the "support" hand alone, too. But for standard shooting technique I usually split between the three grips (dual, 1 hand strong, 1 hand support).
FWIW, research has shown that no matter how many times you practice using the weaver or modified weaver stance that by some genetic default our bodies will typically use the isosceles stance if given the chance. Some researchers think it is because for thousands of years humans have "engaged" a threat using 1 arm as a shield or for balance and the other to strike and the isosceles stance best mimics that. Anyone's guess though. I always teach to stand like you're going to punch someone, it seems to provide the best balance.
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Next time I go shooting I want to try the 'Tom Cruise in Collateral' shooting position. He is on his back, basically like he is doing sit-ups, knees spread a bit and hit targets. I know, it's Hollywood and my local gun range discourages people from screwing around but I do think there could be a practical application in a messy situation.
Boo
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9mm is the smallest allowed for Texas.
In Texas, .32 caliber is the smallest you can qualify with. Once you have your CHL you can carry any caliber you want, even a .22.
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Next time I go shooting I want to try the 'Tom Cruise in Collateral' shooting position. He is on his back, basically like he is doing sit-ups, knees spread a bit and hit targets. I know, it's Hollywood and my local gun range discourages people from screwing around but I do think there could be a practical application in a messy situation.
Boo
Actually, firing your pistol with your backside on the ground is a valid stance. In the case of a peace officer if and when we were ever knocked down instead of taking the time to get up first we were trained to brand whatever tool we needed (OC spray, Asp baton, taser, pistol) to defend ourselves and get control of the situation and then get up. Firing while your back is on the ground or in partial sit-up mode is not Hollywood at all, it is a valid stance. In the last 10 years or so there has been an entire new school of thought brought forth in positions and stances. For instance, picture yourself slowing moving down a hallway with your pistol at "ready" position (approximately 2-4 inches below your sight plain). You hear a noise in the opposite direction you are face/moving. Instead of completely turning your entire body simply bring your hands to your chest and transfer the gun from right to left then continue on and point the gun 180° from the start of the transfer without moving your body much at all. That transaction is much faster and smoother than moving your entire body, but you have to really train with using your off hand as primary hand to be able to shoot worth a hoot. It takes a lot of practice.