Does anyone else feel the need to "requalify" when going back to full time CCW?

[TheLastBoyScout]

For the past 4 months I've been in a non-CCW state; I've had to store my weapons away from my residence here as well. Between that and all the other claims on my time, my range time has been severely curtailed.

On top of that, for cost reasons I've been shooting mostly .22 out of my carry piece with a ciener kit. Pretty much the only bright spot is that when I have been able to shoot, I've shot alot (i.e. 3 times, but a full brick each time).

I realized that if I were to strap a weapon on without having fired full power rounds through it since January, I would not be really comfortable with that situation. So Sunday I went to the range and burnt up the 100 rounds of .45 ACP that I had. I was very happy with the results; as a result I'm going to have no problem carrying my 1911 full time once I return to where it's legal.

Contrast this with my father, who keeps a P9 (I think thats what it is-the new singlestack Walther) in his car that he hasn't fired round one through yet--and its not his only handgun. I tried to point out to him that especially if he's leaving it in his car he might as well use the G36 he's had for 7 years now, but I don't know if he's gonna take my advice. He honestly hadn't thought twice about trusting a weapon he's never fired as a carry gun.

He's not a Fudd or one-box-a-year shooter when he has the choice--but with his job pretty much the only time he gets to the range is when I bring him along to IDPA.

 

[MadMercS55]

I carry a firearm pretty much 6 days a week since normally I can carry while working. I do work alot of hours, so my range time is horribly limited at times. Winter time is the worst for me, probably only get to the range once or twice if that. Once the weather changes though, I always do feel the need to "qualify" myself with my carry guns first off. Right now I'm back to getting 50-100rnds a week into my schedule and very glad about that.

 

[doc2rn]

I shoot maybe 50 of what I carry the rest is with a kit and .22 lr also. I usually go through a bulk pack. I used to get laughed at by the guys shooting now they ask if they can join me. Practice is what counts, staying proficient even if its with a .22 is more important than staying with one caliber.

 

[MCgunner]

I don't "need" to requalify. Ronnie Milsap could pass Texas qualification. However, it's required every 4 years. My 3 classes so far, I'm 100 percent on the qualification. It's kind of a joke. I've seen folks that shouldn't be allowed around a loaded handgun pass the qualification. I guess that's a good thing, though, really. It really shouldn't be too exclusive. Lots of inept folks running around with CCW permits, though.

 

[Harley Quinn]

Those who don't shoot very often (practice) are only fooling themselves. I know it is like riding a bike, once you learn no need to practice

First off how about the folks that are innocent and because of your bad shooting get injured Legally you are doodoo...

 

[Robert Hairless]

I'll agree with Harley Quinn here. Handgun shooting is a perishable skill. It's not like "riding a bicycle." It's like shooting a pistol or revolver and it takes good practice fairly often.

 

[The_Shootist]

Skill?

I carry 24/7 - I work from home mainly and even when I have to go into the office, at the bare minimum I have a P-32 stashed in my briefcase. Usual carry pieces are either a G19 with 1 spare mag or a Taurus M85 snub with 2 speedloaders.

I figure I've had a bad month when I only get out to the range once that month (having Fridays off only helps ). Usually its at least 2-3 times, some months its every week.

But if I HAD to go long periods without practice, then I would feel comfortable with just my G19 as my carry/home gun. I have a high degree of confidence it will go bang if needed, and its accurate/easy to aim with even with limited practice and 9mm ammo is easy to deliver multiple hits with.

So, yeah - while going without practice for lengthy periods of time is not recommended, depending on your carry piece, you could consider it without alot of risked disadvantageto yourself in a serious encounter. After all, I'd say there's a high probability that the bad guy(s) you might face in an encounter are even LESS familiar/trained with THEIR choice of weapons.

 

[coloradokevin]

I carry pretty much anytime I am away from home. It is part of the job for me.

I also have a work requirment of qualifying once quarterly on every weapon we use... To me, I consider pistol skills to be a cross between a perishable skill and riding a bike. To be where I want to be with my shooting at all times takes practice, and you have to stay in practice (like a trained athlete). But, even if I didn't practice, I could shoot our qualification course 'off the couch' without any issues. To me, it is more a question of how good I want to be... And, if my life depends on it, I want to be the best!

 

[rainbowbob]

I've been shooting mostly .22 out of my carry piece with a ciener kit.

What does this refer to? It sounds like some kind of conversion (e.g., .38 to .22). Never heard of it.

I googled it and found that you can convert semi-autos...cool! Now if only I could do that with my j-frame.

 

[jfdavis58]

Sounds to me like you are having a 'comfort' problem: you don't feel comfortable carrying because of a lack of shooting time. So grab your gear and let a few fly! You'll know almost immediately how much additional practice you'll require to get back into your comfort zone.

I shot competitively for several years. Then only touched a gun to move it to a different shelf for more than a decade. When I felt the need to get my CHL, I bought a new gun, set-up the 'exam' scenario and let fly about 100 rounds. I took the class, passed the exam (100%) and got my ticket.

Now I 'practice' when I get the 'itch', i.e. when I'm out of my comfort zone. Time allowing. About every 10 days or so; I may go more often to shoot other guns. Personally I think a lot of CC is being comfortable: comfortable that it's hidden, comfortable with my knowledge of the law, comfortable with my ability to employ a deadly force solution effectively. And I'm comfortable with the idea that a little refresher is a good idea from time to time.

Hope that helps...

 

[MechAg94]

At what I would say are typical self defense distances, I think most of us could hit a man size target easily enough.

I wouldn't carry a gun I hadn't fired or didn't have some confidence in.

 

[Ltlabner]

I'd say yes. While it's not required by any state governement orgization, for my own piece of mind I'd run myself through a self-made set of practice drills. These skills need to be honed and kept sharp. The longer I hadn't CCW'd or been at the range, the more I'd drill before resuming CCW.

Same goes for purchase of new weapons. I CCW a G23 and have probably put several thousand rounds through it thus far practicing (have had CCW since Feb). However, the CZ-40P and S&W 4014 will never see my hip until they have had (1) at least 1000 rounds through them and (2) I am comfortable with their operation (which is somewhat easy since they are all either striker, or decocker so it's simply draw, aim and press).

Those new weapons are not even "qualified" for use around the house for SD until I get the 1000 round mark with them.

I do it for my own piece of mind so when the kim-chee hits the fan I'll have (hopefully) engrained training embeded in my gray matter. Also, if hauled into court I'd MUCH rather be able to cleary dictate a regimented training/practice program than say, "gee, I fired it once last year, I think".

 

[Geronimo45]

I googled it and found that you can convert semi-autos...cool! Now if only I could do that with my j-frame.

Try some electrical tape.

 

[Triple S]

It is not required in FL, but I took the class again a few years ago, when a group of my friends signed up for a class to get their CCW. No, I did not need to do it, but I am glad I did. It actually reminded me of a few "simple" rules that I was unclear on. Just for the heck of it, I will probably take it again next year when my fiance wants to get hers.

 

[dogrunner]

I sure don't feel the "need", but HR218 requires me to do it once a year!............................And that's precisely why I also have a State license. At least the 218 qual. exempts one from a bunch of niddling State regs so I guess it's worth it.

 

[aryfrosty]

After carrying daily for the last 37 years I feel a need to qualify on many levels. For 25 years I got free ammo to qualify with and loved it. Those years created, in me, a realization of the justification of requalifying. If I am ever in a position to have to testify in a shooting I want to be able to say that, Yes, I am familiar with the handgun I used. Also I use the type ammunition I qualify with to carry concealed. We qualified twice a year on the job. I do a minimum of 2 times a year now. More if I can.

 

[BlindJustice]

CCW Qual. - I wish...

Washington State has no class or test for issuance
of the Concealed Pistol License (C.P.L.).

I have a CPL Wa. State, but I wish there was a course
and range time for the rookies out there so I would know at
least they were exposed to gun handling, minimum force and
all that.

Full size 1911 - Milt Sparks Axiom

 

[Eightball]

It couldn't possibly hurt--just shoot as much and as often as your budget and time constraints allow.