earlthegoat2
Member
A recent thread about the most recent flavor of the month, the Sig P365, and the new owner's problems with it got me in the mood to share a few bits of observation on the theory and practice of shooting, marksmanship, practice, and concealed carry.
1. Don't be so quick to jump on the next new thing.
If your current carry gun is adequate, think carefully before trying something new. We are firearms enthusiasts here. It is a hobby for most of us and even further, a passion for some of us. I would like to try out anything and everything I can get my hands on. Objectively, there is very little that can be done so differently as to cause a paradigm shift in the world of concealed carry yet often on the cusp of a new release many folks like to start hyping something in which they have very little real information about.
2. Its OK not to like a new gun.
I can understand there is significant financial and time investment in evaluating a new and unknown firearm. Initial purchase, ammo, travel time and time at the range all will play a part in your evaluation unless you can separate yourself from that thinking. You paid big money for something. You convince yourself you "have to" like it. Like there is no other option. Some things just don't work out. If you give it an honest try and it still does not work, put it away or get rid of it.
3. A gun will not adapt to you.
If you have small or big hands or grip angle geometry does not work for you, it is not the fault of the gun or the company who made it. It may be yours though. Make sure your firearm fits you the best that you can perceive without being able to fire it. If you can, shoot a friend's gun or rent one at a range. I understand this is not always possible. If it is not possible, once again, you need to think carefully before purchase. Do not fall into the trap of "I have to have this gun and I have to like it because it is the newest thing." If you find that you cannot disengage the safety one handed or the magazine falls out under recoil because your hand keeps hitting the release button, it is not the gun's fault. Everyone has different anatomy. Most guns will work with most people. As in, an incredible number of guns of various designs and configurations will work flawlessly with the majority of people out there. One aspect of any particular design of firearm will usually have a ton of overlap with many different builds of people. Do not fret if your gun is not working for you, it is an anomaly I can assure you and there will be another option out there for you.
4. If it is not working, do not try and make it work.
It is unwise and not recommended to go against any previous training or instincts you have developed in the past to try and "work with" or "retrain" yourself on a new gun that has some quirks but if you concentrate can be overcome. This should not be done for a tool you use under uncommon stress to defend yours and others lives unless a great commitment is made to fully and irreversibly train for that platform and forgo mastery of the others. Like I said, this is not recommended and I would not ask this of anyone.
5. There is more to all guns than the physical item in your hand.
I have read through countless threads that start off as a passable Public Service Announcement about a particular gun and an individual's problem or problems with it. It is really nothing more than a veiled bash that then evolves over a page or two into a Customer Service rant. Really, one begets the other in the end. There are many folks who applaud companies on their fantastic CS and use this as a point to buy said company's products. I don't see things this way. I take note of every time I hear about a problem with any gun and make a note of it. I don't want problems. Period. If a company has good CS and they get your defective equipment back to you fast that is excellent but I want no part of that transaction. I buy my guns second hand always. I buy the individual gun that has a good reputation. If the company that made it has a good reputation as well then that is a happy bonus/coincidence. HK has a terrible reputation for service whether it is deserved or not. It did not stop me from buying an out of production no less P7. I put 7000 rounds through that thing before I lost interest in it and sold it.
As always, practice with your carry gun. It is the only way you are going to know if it is the right one for you.
1. Don't be so quick to jump on the next new thing.
If your current carry gun is adequate, think carefully before trying something new. We are firearms enthusiasts here. It is a hobby for most of us and even further, a passion for some of us. I would like to try out anything and everything I can get my hands on. Objectively, there is very little that can be done so differently as to cause a paradigm shift in the world of concealed carry yet often on the cusp of a new release many folks like to start hyping something in which they have very little real information about.
2. Its OK not to like a new gun.
I can understand there is significant financial and time investment in evaluating a new and unknown firearm. Initial purchase, ammo, travel time and time at the range all will play a part in your evaluation unless you can separate yourself from that thinking. You paid big money for something. You convince yourself you "have to" like it. Like there is no other option. Some things just don't work out. If you give it an honest try and it still does not work, put it away or get rid of it.
3. A gun will not adapt to you.
If you have small or big hands or grip angle geometry does not work for you, it is not the fault of the gun or the company who made it. It may be yours though. Make sure your firearm fits you the best that you can perceive without being able to fire it. If you can, shoot a friend's gun or rent one at a range. I understand this is not always possible. If it is not possible, once again, you need to think carefully before purchase. Do not fall into the trap of "I have to have this gun and I have to like it because it is the newest thing." If you find that you cannot disengage the safety one handed or the magazine falls out under recoil because your hand keeps hitting the release button, it is not the gun's fault. Everyone has different anatomy. Most guns will work with most people. As in, an incredible number of guns of various designs and configurations will work flawlessly with the majority of people out there. One aspect of any particular design of firearm will usually have a ton of overlap with many different builds of people. Do not fret if your gun is not working for you, it is an anomaly I can assure you and there will be another option out there for you.
4. If it is not working, do not try and make it work.
It is unwise and not recommended to go against any previous training or instincts you have developed in the past to try and "work with" or "retrain" yourself on a new gun that has some quirks but if you concentrate can be overcome. This should not be done for a tool you use under uncommon stress to defend yours and others lives unless a great commitment is made to fully and irreversibly train for that platform and forgo mastery of the others. Like I said, this is not recommended and I would not ask this of anyone.
5. There is more to all guns than the physical item in your hand.
I have read through countless threads that start off as a passable Public Service Announcement about a particular gun and an individual's problem or problems with it. It is really nothing more than a veiled bash that then evolves over a page or two into a Customer Service rant. Really, one begets the other in the end. There are many folks who applaud companies on their fantastic CS and use this as a point to buy said company's products. I don't see things this way. I take note of every time I hear about a problem with any gun and make a note of it. I don't want problems. Period. If a company has good CS and they get your defective equipment back to you fast that is excellent but I want no part of that transaction. I buy my guns second hand always. I buy the individual gun that has a good reputation. If the company that made it has a good reputation as well then that is a happy bonus/coincidence. HK has a terrible reputation for service whether it is deserved or not. It did not stop me from buying an out of production no less P7. I put 7000 rounds through that thing before I lost interest in it and sold it.
As always, practice with your carry gun. It is the only way you are going to know if it is the right one for you.