My family really didn’t understand my interest in guns, so it was up to me to figure it out. Being as I was only 11 when all of this started, the only resource I had were the plethora of firearms publications available. So, in-between my DC comics and school reading assignments, I would soak up every scrap of information I could from Chuck Taylor, Masaad Ayoob, and all the masters of that age. I studied the makes, models, capacities, and finishes of every gun that was reviewed, and as I became a young man, I essentially knew everything. Condition One, Fitz Specials, the Harris light technique, and the virtues of 10mm were a second language to me. As I became an adult, I raced out with my high interest credit cards and filled out my collection with Sig-Sauers, 3rd gen Smith’s and a nickel plated Detective special that made me feel like a gritty P.I. in a well worn trench coat. I had studied, I was ready, and it was time to carry a gun.
As the years rolled on, YouTube and DVD’s started to augment my already vast intellectual mastery of my chosen discipline. I was a dead shot at the range, and I’d often wonder how police could expend so many rounds in a gunfight and hit nothing…I guess they just didn’t know what I knew. Well, one day I was offered a trip to a one day class at a new shooting school. It was owned by a Sherrif’s deputy who was his departments training officer and it seemed like a fun way to pass the time (even though I probably didn’t need it). That day is when I learned what all the magazines, books, videos had really taught me…absolutely nothing. None of it was real. Sure, I understood what defines a double action semi-auto, but I had no idea how long it truly takes to draw my j-frame from a pocket holster. Somehow my self-appointed expert marksman status disintegrated when I paired off with a partner on a dueling tree. To say the least, it was a humbling experience, and not entirely an easy one. I knew it all, didn’t I? I studied and I practiced (sort of) at the range. The truth is, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Until I saw my skills liquefy under a little pressure; I never realized how much of a beginner I was. That’s a tough lesson 15 years into your area of “expertise”. There was a whole different aspect to shooting that I never realized. I look back at the flimsy cloth inside waistband holsters; barely hooked to my yuppie department store belts, and I am grateful that I never had to use them. The sad truth is; I wasn’t just ill equipped and unprepared, I was dangerous. I was a child with a gun on my hip and a few quotes from Jeff Cooper. I confused raw data with wisdom, and I covered it up with a heaping side of luck and a dash of arrogance. In the last few years, as I have attended about half a dozen shooting classes, I see the world through slightly wiser eyes (just slightly though, I’m not quite as smart as I think). While bordering on the verge of sounding anti-gun, my time on the range has brought me to a new way of thinking. If you have not gotten practical and ethical training for your CC then you are a hazard to yourself and others. I hate the idea of infringing on anyone’s rights, but I grapple with the idea that there are people who have never practiced drawing and re-holstering a pistol under pressure walking around with a deadly weapon. In all of those years of “study”, did I ever once decide what to say if I had to draw? Did I ever seriously practice malfunction clearing? Was I ever 100% positive that my gun was glued to the same spot where it started that morning? Did I know the best way to interact with the police after an encounter? The answer to these very important (and very elementary) questions is no. I didn’t know what I was doing, and I tricked myself into thinking I did. What I find so terrifying is that defensive shooting is a realm of life and death; freedom or incarceration; and there will always be elements of guilt and misery if you have to pull that trigger. Is that a world to be entered into lightly? I did. I thought I was ready. In 8 hours, I learned I was not. I have never heard of a famous boxer or dancer or scientist that learned from YouTube videos, and shooting is no different. I now have a coach (hell, I have several really). I found a school that can teach me what works, help me forget what doesn’t, and correct me when I make a mistake. By the way, it’s ridiculously fun. I have made good friends with other students and trainers. I giggle like a school girl in-between drills and crack jokes at every opportunity. There are many ways to express our love of shooting. Some hunt, some compete, some target shoot on the weekends, but I like to train. I still like the magazines, blogs, and videos out there, and I would never dissuade someone from enjoying them too, but just realize it is not an education. So, if you want to educate yourself and ratchet up your skill set, close your browser, and find a school. You will never regret having your eyes opened. I’ve had a hypothetical scenario in my head for a few years, and I’d like to share it with anyone interested. Ok, it’s the middle of the night, and the “self-defense fairy” has popped into my bedroom and gently woken me up. She tells me that there is a maniac heading my way and I have a few seconds to make some pretty big decisions. However, because I donate to the 2nd Amendment groups, she is going to get me some help. I can choose one of the following people. Choice #1 is a nice guy named Pat. Pat comes equipped with a Daniel Defense AR-15 with a suppressor, high-powered light, and top-notch red dot sighting system with excellent flip up iron sights co-witnessed. Pat is a normal guy who isn’t afraid to buy the best gear when his life might be on the line. Choice #2 is Danny. Danny is accessorized with an old Smith and Wesson Model 10. That’s it. No drop leg holster, no integral laser, and it only has a 6 round capacity. Also, Danny was a Recon Marine who has seen real action in Iraq, Afghanistan, and even Libya. Choose now. I may be wrong, but I think we all would want Danny. We know he has training, and we know he can stand and fight when needed. Pat, while geared like a pro, is just a guy who works in his office, and pops a few rounds at the range when the weather is nice. He could be an asset, but I think Danny is the clear winner. My point in this nonsensical scenario is that we must trust the person, not the tools. More directly, we must trust ourselves, and not OUR tools. Look, I’m not opposed to cool gear and utilizing the latest technology. I like red dots and flashlights as much as the next guy. However, I think there is a trend out there that you can somehow spend enough money on the right brand name, and that will keep you prepared for whatever trouble is coming your way. I just don’t think that much trouble is actually out there, and frankly, if you don’t believe that you could defend yourself with a Ruger 10/22, you might need to rethink your stance on a few things. Yes. I said a 10/22, the 10 shot, .22 caliber rifle. Is that what I have by the bed? No, I have better options, but the truth is, I believe I could if I had to. If trouble ever came knocking, I know that I’m the one in the fight. It’s my reaction time, my plan, and my willingness to make a stand. “Mr. Daniel” from Daniel Defense will not be there. Neither will Gaston Glock, nor Heinrich Heckler and Fräulein Koch come to my aide. I cannot hide behind the fact that the Military uses the Aimpoint I use, and I’m pretty sure that Surefire’s customer Service Department will not be of any use. Ultimately, the crisis will be mine to resolve. I think good tools can help, but my abilities (or lack thereof) will be the deciding factor. To that end, I just got into an argument over the internet (shocking) about modifying triggers on carry guns. I think a stock trigger is a good idea, but I was in the minority. It seems that many shooters buy a gun and IMMEDIATLEY install aftermarket spring kits on their defensive firearms. The M&P series is far and away the biggest target, but most common guns seem to have “upgrade” kits available. Now, I like tinkering with guns, just ask Dale Hanna, who also blogs here. However, those guns basically become range toys or fodder for zombie apocalypse fantasy. Basically, I think most production guns have good triggers, and when the collective shout of “I need a new trigger to shoot well” crashed on me this morning, I could only stare at my screen in disbelief. Personally, if you have to modify a gun the second you purchase it, then maybe you just didn’t buy the right gun. Regardless, I was pummeled as a Massad Ayoob devotee, and my opinion was quickly discounted. I suppose what this boils down to, is that I think something is lacking out in the shooting world. There is this overwhelming need to customize and enhance any gun out there, and I just see it as a mistake. The way I see it, you could spend $100 on some trigger or gizmo that makes one gun a little easier to shoot, or get 2 hours of personal coaching and training, and be a better shot with every gun you will ever touch. Frankly, I think investing in yourself is the better value. |
Mike HoganMike Hogan is a forever student of shooting and is an avid shooter and collector. A self avowed mall-ninja...he does that to hide the fact that he can write. Archives
June 2017
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