In Rifle, one of my favorite gun magazines, I always enjoy reading Terry Wieland’s thoughtful column, “Walnut Hill.” In the May 2014 issue, he cited an important quote from a great authority on firearms, Bob Hagel.
The quote was, “You should not carry a rifle that will do the job when everything goes right; you should have one that works when everything goes wrong.”
Words to live by, and they don’t apply just to rifles.
It’s looking as if the FBI is going to scale down from .40 caliber Glocks to 9mm, starting next year. The 9mm has long been approved as an option for agents, and a recommended one for those who find the recoil of the .40 too difficult to manage in training and qualification, even though .40 Glocks have been standard issue for the Bureau since the late 1990s. The .45 caliber Glock 21, if privately purchased, is also approved, and I can think offhand of at least three agents I know who carry them, all “gun guys.” I hope that option remains for field agents if and when the Bureau goes to 9mm as its primary caliber.
It comes at a time when, as discussed here, there’s a push in the military to go back to .45 from the 9mm that has been standard issue for most elements since the mid-1980s. Non-expanding ball ammo being the norm for military pistols, I can certainly see the .45 argument: it’s what I’d definitely prefer if I suffered under the same limitations of bullet configuration. With law enforcement hollow points, current ammo has made the 9mm a much more viable defensive choice than it used to be. Of course, the same new designs make .40 S&W and .45 ACP more potent than they used to be, too.
Lower ammo cost, and smaller rounds allowing more cartridges on board, favor the 9mm over the .45 in a pistol, and the 5.56mm over 7.62mm in the rifle. Yet if there’s time for only one shot – whether it’s the winter venison or your own life that’s at stake – all of a sudden, more powerful cartridges seem more comforting.
Each of us has to assess our needs and our abilities, balance them, and make the right decision.
Where did you find your balance?
Balance = G19, loaded with 16 rounds, and to balance that, 2 loaded 15 round mags on opposite side.
Balance = G19, loaded with 16 rounds, and to balance that, 2 loaded 15 round mags on opposite side.
In bear country, S&W Model 29, .44 Magnum. Primary carry, SA M1911A1 .45 ACP. Alternate, Browning Hi-Power, 9mm or Ruger GP100, .357 Magnum. Rifle M1A in .308 Win; shotgun Mossberg 500, 12 gauge.
In bear country, S&W Model 29, .44 Magnum. Primary carry, SA M1911A1 .45 ACP. Alternate, Browning Hi-Power, 9mm or Ruger GP100, .357 Magnum. Rifle M1A in .308 Win; shotgun Mossberg 500, 12 gauge.
The Browning BDA 380 / Beretta 84, are good double-stack .380s, and aren’t too large to carry. Heavy enough, though. Great ergonomics on the grip, and the Beretta’s safety works in the right direction.
Bersa’s double-stack .380 seems better than it’s price point. The local indoor range has a couple that run all the time, and don’t seem to break down, either.
I used the Browning BDA 380 as my “motorcycle gun” for years. Trained a LOT with left-handed shooting, so I could keep my right hand on the throttle. 13 in the mag, with one in the pipe. If I had a road-ragey car on my tail, the first few were for the radiator….nice, big fat target, that. I figured I could outrun the SOB till his engine overheated, thereafter. Thankfully, never had to test that theory.
My favorite though, remains a 4″ S&W M-28 with Winchester 145 gr. Silvertips in .357 Mag. Only six, but lazer accurate, and in the N-frame, recoil isn’t a factor. Heavy? Yes. But it’s like a natural extension of myself, so my confidence with it is very high, indeed.
Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX
The Browning BDA 380 / Beretta 84, are good double-stack .380s, and aren’t too large to carry. Heavy enough, though. Great ergonomics on the grip, and the Beretta’s safety works in the right direction.
Bersa’s double-stack .380 seems better than it’s price point. The local indoor range has a couple that run all the time, and don’t seem to break down, either.
I used the Browning BDA 380 as my “motorcycle gun” for years. Trained a LOT with left-handed shooting, so I could keep my right hand on the throttle. 13 in the mag, with one in the pipe. If I had a road-ragey car on my tail, the first few were for the radiator….nice, big fat target, that. I figured I could outrun the SOB till his engine overheated, thereafter. Thankfully, never had to test that theory.
My favorite though, remains a 4″ S&W M-28 with Winchester 145 gr. Silvertips in .357 Mag. Only six, but lazer accurate, and in the N-frame, recoil isn’t a factor. Heavy? Yes. But it’s like a natural extension of myself, so my confidence with it is very high, indeed.
Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX
The Browning BDA 380 / Beretta 84, are good double-stack .380s, and aren’t too large to carry. Heavy enough, though. Great ergonomics on the grip, and the Beretta’s safety works in the right direction.
Bersa’s double-stack .380 seems better than it’s price point. The local indoor range has a couple that run all the time, and don’t seem to break down, either.
I used the Browning BDA 380 as my “motorcycle gun” for years. Trained a LOT with left-handed shooting, so I could keep my right hand on the throttle. 13 in the mag, with one in the pipe. If I had a road-ragey car on my tail, the first few were for the radiator….nice, big fat target, that. I figured I could outrun the SOB till his engine overheated, thereafter. Thankfully, never had to test that theory.
My favorite though, remains a 4″ S&W M-28 with Winchester 145 gr. Silvertips in .357 Mag. Only six, but lazer accurate, and in the N-frame, recoil isn’t a factor. Heavy? Yes. But it’s like a natural extension of myself, so my confidence with it is very high, indeed.
Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX
The Browning BDA 380 / Beretta 84, are good double-stack .380s, and aren’t too large to carry. Heavy enough, though. Great ergonomics on the grip, and the Beretta’s safety works in the right direction.
Bersa’s double-stack .380 seems better than it’s price point. The local indoor range has a couple that run all the time, and don’t seem to break down, either.
I used the Browning BDA 380 as my “motorcycle gun” for years. Trained a LOT with left-handed shooting, so I could keep my right hand on the throttle. 13 in the mag, with one in the pipe. If I had a road-ragey car on my tail, the first few were for the radiator….nice, big fat target, that. I figured I could outrun the SOB till his engine overheated, thereafter. Thankfully, never had to test that theory.
My favorite though, remains a 4″ S&W M-28 with Winchester 145 gr. Silvertips in .357 Mag. Only six, but lazer accurate, and in the N-frame, recoil isn’t a factor. Heavy? Yes. But it’s like a natural extension of myself, so my confidence with it is very high, indeed.
Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX
The Browning BDA 380 / Beretta 84, are good double-stack .380s, and aren’t too large to carry. Heavy enough, though. Great ergonomics on the grip, and the Beretta’s safety works in the right direction.
Bersa’s double-stack .380 seems better than it’s price point. The local indoor range has a couple that run all the time, and don’t seem to break down, either.
I used the Browning BDA 380 as my “motorcycle gun” for years. Trained a LOT with left-handed shooting, so I could keep my right hand on the throttle. 13 in the mag, with one in the pipe. If I had a road-ragey car on my tail, the first few were for the radiator….nice, big fat target, that. I figured I could outrun the SOB till his engine overheated, thereafter. Thankfully, never had to test that theory.
My favorite though, remains a 4″ S&W M-28 with Winchester 145 gr. Silvertips in .357 Mag. Only six, but lazer accurate, and in the N-frame, recoil isn’t a factor. Heavy? Yes. But it’s like a natural extension of myself, so my confidence with it is very high, indeed.
Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX
I think my user name above provides the answer. To be specific, my carry guns are 1911 Kimbers. Most of the time I carry my 4″ Pro Carry II outfitted with Novak Low Profile Wide Notch Tritium Sights. If wardrobe calls for it, I carry my RCP II, and if it’s late at night and I have to be someplace particularly troubling, I carry my TLE/RL II with an X300 Weapon Light in a holster that accommodates the light (I’ve got IWB and OWB holsters for it). All three guns have Crimson Trace Lasergrips. And I always carry at least one spare mag (usually two).
My BUG is usually a 9mm Kahr in an ankle holster, though sometimes I carry my Glock 26 in its ankle holster. The Glock also has a Lasergrip.
I feel pretty well equipped. The only thing I would improve upon is to get more range time.
I think my user name above provides the answer. To be specific, my carry guns are 1911 Kimbers. Most of the time I carry my 4″ Pro Carry II outfitted with Novak Low Profile Wide Notch Tritium Sights. If wardrobe calls for it, I carry my RCP II, and if it’s late at night and I have to be someplace particularly troubling, I carry my TLE/RL II with an X300 Weapon Light in a holster that accommodates the light (I’ve got IWB and OWB holsters for it). All three guns have Crimson Trace Lasergrips. And I always carry at least one spare mag (usually two).
My BUG is usually a 9mm Kahr in an ankle holster, though sometimes I carry my Glock 26 in its ankle holster. The Glock also has a Lasergrip.
I feel pretty well equipped. The only thing I would improve upon is to get more range time.
9mm, 10 mm, 357 Sig, 40 mm, 45 acp, makes no difference because when you are in a life or death struggle and the adrenalin is pumping, I guarantee you will not feel the recoil. Probably would make sense to practice with the most powerful round you can manage and put up with the discomfort. We need to toughen up, not scale back our standards to accommodate being weaker. I am 70 yrs. old and have used the 45 acp for 52 years. Too old to change now.
Paul in Texas
9mm, 10 mm, 357 Sig, 40 mm, 45 acp, makes no difference because when you are in a life or death struggle and the adrenalin is pumping, I guarantee you will not feel the recoil. Probably would make sense to practice with the most powerful round you can manage and put up with the discomfort. We need to toughen up, not scale back our standards to accommodate being weaker. I am 70 yrs. old and have used the 45 acp for 52 years. Too old to change now.
Paul in Texas
9mm, 10 mm, 357 Sig, 40 mm, 45 acp, makes no difference because when you are in a life or death struggle and the adrenalin is pumping, I guarantee you will not feel the recoil. Probably would make sense to practice with the most powerful round you can manage and put up with the discomfort. We need to toughen up, not scale back our standards to accommodate being weaker. I am 70 yrs. old and have used the 45 acp for 52 years. Too old to change now.
Paul in Texas
I started in the military with 9mm. having gone from beretta to Glock and then to SW MP’s. I have carried a few calibers. 10mm probably my fav, but I always come back to 9mm.
I started in the military with 9mm. having gone from beretta to Glock and then to SW MP’s. I have carried a few calibers. 10mm probably my fav, but I always come back to 9mm.
I started in the military with 9mm. having gone from beretta to Glock and then to SW MP’s. I have carried a few calibers. 10mm probably my fav, but I always come back to 9mm.
It’s all clout .vs. control .vs. concealability and portability.
See you could have a real powerful .454 but it’s hard to control and real hard to conceal.
Or a snubby .454 that is easy to conceal and real powerful but just impossible to shoot fast!
Or the reverse, a .22 that is easy to carry and shoot but unless one can hit an eye socket at whatever range the encounter dictates one finds oneself unable to stop opponents.
For those who shoot often, I mean real often, even a .22 might suffice.
For those who shoot rarely, if at all, I doubt anything would suffice.
So what one has to do is find a combination of power/firepower and size that allows one to shoot fast, accurate, and still deliver enough fight stopping power.
So what do I use? Usually a Glock 26 or Kahr K9 with top ammo. But I’ve been known to use a Colt Commander .45 or S&W 19-5 snub Combat Magnum with just .38s. But then I practice very often and shoot matches on the side.
Others may not have that kind of time, or they may be bigger gents that can control bigger guns and still conceal them.
The up shot is.. as Jeff Cooper said, “Carry the most powerful gun you can control”, and to that I add, conceal and carry daily.
Deaf
It’s all clout .vs. control .vs. concealability and portability.
See you could have a real powerful .454 but it’s hard to control and real hard to conceal.
Or a snubby .454 that is easy to conceal and real powerful but just impossible to shoot fast!
Or the reverse, a .22 that is easy to carry and shoot but unless one can hit an eye socket at whatever range the encounter dictates one finds oneself unable to stop opponents.
For those who shoot often, I mean real often, even a .22 might suffice.
For those who shoot rarely, if at all, I doubt anything would suffice.
So what one has to do is find a combination of power/firepower and size that allows one to shoot fast, accurate, and still deliver enough fight stopping power.
So what do I use? Usually a Glock 26 or Kahr K9 with top ammo. But I’ve been known to use a Colt Commander .45 or S&W 19-5 snub Combat Magnum with just .38s. But then I practice very often and shoot matches on the side.
Others may not have that kind of time, or they may be bigger gents that can control bigger guns and still conceal them.
The up shot is.. as Jeff Cooper said, “Carry the most powerful gun you can control”, and to that I add, conceal and carry daily.
Deaf
Several very good points here. I feel one answer for leo’s could be insufficient practice needed to handle the PROPER caliber/weight firearms due to budgetary constraints – if they could shoot a .45 enough, they would be fine. If anyone should be sensitive to shooting a .45 – it would be me as I have arthritis in my hands that really lets me know when things are not going well. To any reader who is apprehensive about .45 ACP – try a Glock G 30 S. It has been my EDC since last March. It is not the first .45 I have ever fired, but in my opinion, it should present no problem to an experienced shooter. I’m sure there are other .45’s that are its equal in “shootability,” but the Glock is the one I know.
Several very good points here. I feel one answer for leo’s could be insufficient practice needed to handle the PROPER caliber/weight firearms due to budgetary constraints – if they could shoot a .45 enough, they would be fine. If anyone should be sensitive to shooting a .45 – it would be me as I have arthritis in my hands that really lets me know when things are not going well. To any reader who is apprehensive about .45 ACP – try a Glock G 30 S. It has been my EDC since last March. It is not the first .45 I have ever fired, but in my opinion, it should present no problem to an experienced shooter. I’m sure there are other .45’s that are its equal in “shootability,” but the Glock is the one I know.
Seems to be the topic of the month among the blogs I follow.
http://commanderzero.com/blog/2014/08/22/9mm/
His flow chart at the end of his post is about as good as it gets. Kind of hard to argue with that kind of logic.
Seems to be the topic of the month among the blogs I follow.
http://commanderzero.com/blog/2014/08/22/9mm/
His flow chart at the end of his post is about as good as it gets. Kind of hard to argue with that kind of logic.
IMO the gun/caliber you shoot well, have confidence in (and of course is reliable) Is your best choice.
As with most folks it has changed over time. For me a S&W 66-2 4″. With full house mag loads I was all over paper (Double action/rapid fire) at 50′. But with a 38+p load they were acceptable (to me) So I carried the +P and mag in speed loaders.
Then 1911 with 185G JHP (IIRC) for short while. Then S&W 39-2. G19, G26, G27 (was too good deal to pass up but seldom carried)
I agree the 9mm does the job if the operator does their part. I have been watching for a 9mm revolver for yrs. (used/reasonable)
IMO the gun/caliber you shoot well, have confidence in (and of course is reliable) Is your best choice.
As with most folks it has changed over time. For me a S&W 66-2 4″. With full house mag loads I was all over paper (Double action/rapid fire) at 50′. But with a 38+p load they were acceptable (to me) So I carried the +P and mag in speed loaders.
Then 1911 with 185G JHP (IIRC) for short while. Then S&W 39-2. G19, G26, G27 (was too good deal to pass up but seldom carried)
I agree the 9mm does the job if the operator does their part. I have been watching for a 9mm revolver for yrs. (used/reasonable)
IMO the gun/caliber you shoot well, have confidence in (and of course is reliable) Is your best choice.
As with most folks it has changed over time. For me a S&W 66-2 4″. With full house mag loads I was all over paper (Double action/rapid fire) at 50′. But with a 38+p load they were acceptable (to me) So I carried the +P and mag in speed loaders.
Then 1911 with 185G JHP (IIRC) for short while. Then S&W 39-2. G19, G26, G27 (was too good deal to pass up but seldom carried)
I agree the 9mm does the job if the operator does their part. I have been watching for a 9mm revolver for yrs. (used/reasonable)
IMO the gun/caliber you shoot well, have confidence in (and of course is reliable) Is your best choice.
As with most folks it has changed over time. For me a S&W 66-2 4″. With full house mag loads I was all over paper (Double action/rapid fire) at 50′. But with a 38+p load they were acceptable (to me) So I carried the +P and mag in speed loaders.
Then 1911 with 185G JHP (IIRC) for short while. Then S&W 39-2. G19, G26, G27 (was too good deal to pass up but seldom carried)
I agree the 9mm does the job if the operator does their part. I have been watching for a 9mm revolver for yrs. (used/reasonable)
I am fortunate enough to own a variety of handguns, rifles, & shotguns in all of the major calibers so I can carry whatever I feel is appropriate for the occasion. Honestly, I do not feel under armed with any of them. Bullet technology really does seem to have improved the effectiveness of all calibers across the board.
Having said that, however, I’ve never been in a gunfight so I pay close attention to the experiences & advice of those who have. The person whose advice I trust the most on this subject is Jim Cirillo, who was probably the most experienced non-military gunfighter of the 20th century.
The most significant thing that I remember Jim saying on numerous occasions, was a statement to the effect that when the shooting starts, the two things you are going to wish you had more than anything else are the biggest, most powerful gun you can get & a helluva lot more ammo!!!!! Based on his expertise & experience, I believe this is advice that you can take to the bank.
I am fortunate enough to own a variety of handguns, rifles, & shotguns in all of the major calibers so I can carry whatever I feel is appropriate for the occasion. Honestly, I do not feel under armed with any of them. Bullet technology really does seem to have improved the effectiveness of all calibers across the board.
Having said that, however, I’ve never been in a gunfight so I pay close attention to the experiences & advice of those who have. The person whose advice I trust the most on this subject is Jim Cirillo, who was probably the most experienced non-military gunfighter of the 20th century.
The most significant thing that I remember Jim saying on numerous occasions, was a statement to the effect that when the shooting starts, the two things you are going to wish you had more than anything else are the biggest, most powerful gun you can get & a helluva lot more ammo!!!!! Based on his expertise & experience, I believe this is advice that you can take to the bank.
In the recent ammo shortage, I bought a .40. I could not find 9mm or 45, but could find 40. Now even after the ammo shortage almost over the choice in .45 is limited and the cost crazy. Localy 9mm is ~18 bucks a box, .40 is ~20 bucks a box, and .45acp is ~ 40 bucks! The next thing is that now that new lead is no longer smelted in the USA and the 45 takes twice the lead a 9mm does, that price trend will not go away. I’m not saying the 9mm or 40 is better, but like the last of the big block Detroit iron cars, you will see a phase out. Good bye old friend…
In the recent ammo shortage, I bought a .40. I could not find 9mm or 45, but could find 40. Now even after the ammo shortage almost over the choice in .45 is limited and the cost crazy. Localy 9mm is ~18 bucks a box, .40 is ~20 bucks a box, and .45acp is ~ 40 bucks! The next thing is that now that new lead is no longer smelted in the USA and the 45 takes twice the lead a 9mm does, that price trend will not go away. I’m not saying the 9mm or 40 is better, but like the last of the big block Detroit iron cars, you will see a phase out. Good bye old friend…
I started out with a .45 Combat Commander (the stainless model, not long after Mas wrote a very positive review–which was totally on the money, BTW).
Over the years, I have settled on pocket carry, and I currently carry a J-frame in .38.
I started out with a .45 Combat Commander (the stainless model, not long after Mas wrote a very positive review–which was totally on the money, BTW).
Over the years, I have settled on pocket carry, and I currently carry a J-frame in .38.
I started out with a .45 Combat Commander (the stainless model, not long after Mas wrote a very positive review–which was totally on the money, BTW).
Over the years, I have settled on pocket carry, and I currently carry a J-frame in .38.
I started out with a .45 Combat Commander (the stainless model, not long after Mas wrote a very positive review–which was totally on the money, BTW).
Over the years, I have settled on pocket carry, and I currently carry a J-frame in .38.
EDC = G30sf w/ Speer GD JHP 200g +P and S&W J-Frame w/ Speer .38 JHP short barrel
Fun = G20 w/ any round and AK-47 ditto
Bug Out = Colt AR over AK-47 (lighter & can carry more ammo) also G35 and G23 (again ammo weight, but round count in magazine too. And I like the ballistics of the .40). But have considered G21/G30 pair.
Never owned a 9mm as I consider it not all around effective: thru barriers etc., but maybe ironic to be comfortable with a .38 if it comes down to it. Go figure.
EDC = G30sf w/ Speer GD JHP 200g +P and S&W J-Frame w/ Speer .38 JHP short barrel
Fun = G20 w/ any round and AK-47 ditto
Bug Out = Colt AR over AK-47 (lighter & can carry more ammo) also G35 and G23 (again ammo weight, but round count in magazine too. And I like the ballistics of the .40). But have considered G21/G30 pair.
Never owned a 9mm as I consider it not all around effective: thru barriers etc., but maybe ironic to be comfortable with a .38 if it comes down to it. Go figure.
EDC = G30sf w/ Speer GD JHP 200g +P and S&W J-Frame w/ Speer .38 JHP short barrel
Fun = G20 w/ any round and AK-47 ditto
Bug Out = Colt AR over AK-47 (lighter & can carry more ammo) also G35 and G23 (again ammo weight, but round count in magazine too. And I like the ballistics of the .40). But have considered G21/G30 pair.
Never owned a 9mm as I consider it not all around effective: thru barriers etc., but maybe ironic to be comfortable with a .38 if it comes down to it. Go figure.
Just a thought on Glocks; Why Glock decided to produce a .380 I will never understand. I WOULD like to see a single stack 9mm, compact wih the same trigger pull as a conventional Glock and holding about 8 rds. I keep hearing rumors but so far nothing concrete. I have 7 Glocks for competion but have to switch to a Kahr for carry and the trigger pull and reset are totally different.
Just a thought on Glocks; Why Glock decided to produce a .380 I will never understand. I WOULD like to see a single stack 9mm, compact wih the same trigger pull as a conventional Glock and holding about 8 rds. I keep hearing rumors but so far nothing concrete. I have 7 Glocks for competion but have to switch to a Kahr for carry and the trigger pull and reset are totally different.
Just a thought on Glocks; Why Glock decided to produce a .380 I will never understand. I WOULD like to see a single stack 9mm, compact wih the same trigger pull as a conventional Glock and holding about 8 rds. I keep hearing rumors but so far nothing concrete. I have 7 Glocks for competion but have to switch to a Kahr for carry and the trigger pull and reset are totally different.
Just a thought on Glocks; Why Glock decided to produce a .380 I will never understand. I WOULD like to see a single stack 9mm, compact wih the same trigger pull as a conventional Glock and holding about 8 rds. I keep hearing rumors but so far nothing concrete. I have 7 Glocks for competion but have to switch to a Kahr for carry and the trigger pull and reset are totally different.
I took my 21 year old daughter out shooting the other day to get her ready for deer season. After a session with the .22 rifles and her .243, I gave her my 1911 .45 auto. She had never fired a pistol other than my Colt Woodsman prior to now. I was amazed, given the difficulty of learning how to control a square grip pistol, at how well she shot. It was only after several magazines that her accuracy started to fall off due to muscle fatigue. Other than than, the recoil didn’t bother her at all. She is an athlete in excellent physical condition and that certainly had a lot to due with her ability, but someone not being able to handle a .40?
Practice, practice, practice.
As for hunting, I think it was Elmer Kieth who said, “Use enough gun.” He hunted pronghorn antelope with one of his wildcat .338 magnums. When kidded about being over gunned he said, “I prefer to do my hunting BEFORE I pull the trigger.”
Following his advice I shoot a .300 Weatherby at deer and elk. I also get some flack about my “Earsplitten loudenboomer” or the rifle that kills on one end and cripples on the other. But so far, I have never had to track anything I shot at and hit. They are always DRT.
Needless to say however, is that range sessions are extremely short. One shot, where I intended it to go, convinces me that I am done. Having hair behind the crosshairs eliminates felt recoil for some reason.
I took my 21 year old daughter out shooting the other day to get her ready for deer season. After a session with the .22 rifles and her .243, I gave her my 1911 .45 auto. She had never fired a pistol other than my Colt Woodsman prior to now. I was amazed, given the difficulty of learning how to control a square grip pistol, at how well she shot. It was only after several magazines that her accuracy started to fall off due to muscle fatigue. Other than than, the recoil didn’t bother her at all. She is an athlete in excellent physical condition and that certainly had a lot to due with her ability, but someone not being able to handle a .40?
Practice, practice, practice.
As for hunting, I think it was Elmer Kieth who said, “Use enough gun.” He hunted pronghorn antelope with one of his wildcat .338 magnums. When kidded about being over gunned he said, “I prefer to do my hunting BEFORE I pull the trigger.”
Following his advice I shoot a .300 Weatherby at deer and elk. I also get some flack about my “Earsplitten loudenboomer” or the rifle that kills on one end and cripples on the other. But so far, I have never had to track anything I shot at and hit. They are always DRT.
Needless to say however, is that range sessions are extremely short. One shot, where I intended it to go, convinces me that I am done. Having hair behind the crosshairs eliminates felt recoil for some reason.
I took my 21 year old daughter out shooting the other day to get her ready for deer season. After a session with the .22 rifles and her .243, I gave her my 1911 .45 auto. She had never fired a pistol other than my Colt Woodsman prior to now. I was amazed, given the difficulty of learning how to control a square grip pistol, at how well she shot. It was only after several magazines that her accuracy started to fall off due to muscle fatigue. Other than than, the recoil didn’t bother her at all. She is an athlete in excellent physical condition and that certainly had a lot to due with her ability, but someone not being able to handle a .40?
Practice, practice, practice.
As for hunting, I think it was Elmer Kieth who said, “Use enough gun.” He hunted pronghorn antelope with one of his wildcat .338 magnums. When kidded about being over gunned he said, “I prefer to do my hunting BEFORE I pull the trigger.”
Following his advice I shoot a .300 Weatherby at deer and elk. I also get some flack about my “Earsplitten loudenboomer” or the rifle that kills on one end and cripples on the other. But so far, I have never had to track anything I shot at and hit. They are always DRT.
Needless to say however, is that range sessions are extremely short. One shot, where I intended it to go, convinces me that I am done. Having hair behind the crosshairs eliminates felt recoil for some reason.
Mike said: The FBI, and many agencies try to balance what the average cop, whether they be small female or large men with Meat books for hands, can shoot effectively
—
That’s why physical requirements exist for many jobs. If you can’t lift a bale of hay, see over the dashboard, handcuff an ornery drunk, speak Japanese, or whatever the job requirement is… that’s just too bad.
There are probably some people out there who think 9×19 is “too much gun.” Should the FBI then roll their requirements back to .380 or .32 to accomodate every possible employee?
If the FBI’s physical requrements are now so lax that some of their agents can’t handle a 9mm, a more sensible solution (other than “get a job somewhere else”) would be to let them buy an approved 9mm with their own money instead of using the FBI’s issue firearm.
Mike said: The FBI, and many agencies try to balance what the average cop, whether they be small female or large men with Meat books for hands, can shoot effectively
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That’s why physical requirements exist for many jobs. If you can’t lift a bale of hay, see over the dashboard, handcuff an ornery drunk, speak Japanese, or whatever the job requirement is… that’s just too bad.
There are probably some people out there who think 9×19 is “too much gun.” Should the FBI then roll their requirements back to .380 or .32 to accomodate every possible employee?
If the FBI’s physical requrements are now so lax that some of their agents can’t handle a 9mm, a more sensible solution (other than “get a job somewhere else”) would be to let them buy an approved 9mm with their own money instead of using the FBI’s issue firearm.
I am currently a full-time CHL and range instructor and trainer in Dallas. I teach people to shoot with SIG P238,P239,P229, Glock 19, Glock 17, Springfield XDM, XDS, XD, various CZ, Colt Govt Model .380, Smith M& P, 9 , 40, 45, Smith Model 10 and 64 or 66, Ruger SR9, whatever the flavor of the month.
Since 1995 I have carried, 6 days a week, under a suit and formal business attire , sloppy casual, “mow the lawn clothes”, “go to the gym ” clothes and church dress-up, basically three guns with little deviation:
Mostly 80 %, a steel frame Colt Officers Model .45, or a Series ’70 Colt Commander Model .45. For beach clothes or extra concealment or I go with a Colt Detective Special .38 with + P Speer Gold Dot Short barrel.
On the seventh day, usually Ill carry a full-size Colt Government Model .45.
If I’m teaching with revolvers a Smith Model 64 with + P loads. Always with a spare mag or a speed-loader, at least.
I choose steel frame guns- the weight is absolutely unnoticeable when carried in a Milt Sparks IWB with a good belt, but steel frame allows me faster shot to shot recovery. People who say they “cant hide” a 1911 haven’t been taught how to do it or hope for some gun-utopia which does not exist.
Calibers- I am confident in the .45 ACP with “Modern Magic Bullets”; they should expand to perhaps .6 inch or so – if they do not, they still make .45 inch diameter hole. My .38’s carry the ultimate “Modern Magic Bullet” in the Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel +P – an excellent choice for defense easily outstripping the 9 in such applications with a heavier bullet.
The purpose of bullets is to make holes; in my mind, the bigger the better.
The 1911 platform, regardless of source is skinny, easy to shoot, not complicated and utterly reliable with good mags – throw away the Mec-Gar and buy Wilsons. I find it is easy for small-handed and female shooters to master, easier than Glock with its awkward ergonomics, and the steel frame tames the recoil.
I have put a good deal of thought into my choices and they work well for me. As I tell my students, though: Figure out what works for YOU and practice with it. If you have a gunfight, I wont be there, YOU will.
Regards
GKT
I am currently a full-time CHL and range instructor and trainer in Dallas. I teach people to shoot with SIG P238,P239,P229, Glock 19, Glock 17, Springfield XDM, XDS, XD, various CZ, Colt Govt Model .380, Smith M& P, 9 , 40, 45, Smith Model 10 and 64 or 66, Ruger SR9, whatever the flavor of the month.
Since 1995 I have carried, 6 days a week, under a suit and formal business attire , sloppy casual, “mow the lawn clothes”, “go to the gym ” clothes and church dress-up, basically three guns with little deviation:
Mostly 80 %, a steel frame Colt Officers Model .45, or a Series ’70 Colt Commander Model .45. For beach clothes or extra concealment or I go with a Colt Detective Special .38 with + P Speer Gold Dot Short barrel.
On the seventh day, usually Ill carry a full-size Colt Government Model .45.
If I’m teaching with revolvers a Smith Model 64 with + P loads. Always with a spare mag or a speed-loader, at least.
I choose steel frame guns- the weight is absolutely unnoticeable when carried in a Milt Sparks IWB with a good belt, but steel frame allows me faster shot to shot recovery. People who say they “cant hide” a 1911 haven’t been taught how to do it or hope for some gun-utopia which does not exist.
Calibers- I am confident in the .45 ACP with “Modern Magic Bullets”; they should expand to perhaps .6 inch or so – if they do not, they still make .45 inch diameter hole. My .38’s carry the ultimate “Modern Magic Bullet” in the Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel +P – an excellent choice for defense easily outstripping the 9 in such applications with a heavier bullet.
The purpose of bullets is to make holes; in my mind, the bigger the better.
The 1911 platform, regardless of source is skinny, easy to shoot, not complicated and utterly reliable with good mags – throw away the Mec-Gar and buy Wilsons. I find it is easy for small-handed and female shooters to master, easier than Glock with its awkward ergonomics, and the steel frame tames the recoil.
I have put a good deal of thought into my choices and they work well for me. As I tell my students, though: Figure out what works for YOU and practice with it. If you have a gunfight, I wont be there, YOU will.
Regards
GKT
I am currently a full-time CHL and range instructor and trainer in Dallas. I teach people to shoot with SIG P238,P239,P229, Glock 19, Glock 17, Springfield XDM, XDS, XD, various CZ, Colt Govt Model .380, Smith M& P, 9 , 40, 45, Smith Model 10 and 64 or 66, Ruger SR9, whatever the flavor of the month.
Since 1995 I have carried, 6 days a week, under a suit and formal business attire , sloppy casual, “mow the lawn clothes”, “go to the gym ” clothes and church dress-up, basically three guns with little deviation:
Mostly 80 %, a steel frame Colt Officers Model .45, or a Series ’70 Colt Commander Model .45. For beach clothes or extra concealment or I go with a Colt Detective Special .38 with + P Speer Gold Dot Short barrel.
On the seventh day, usually Ill carry a full-size Colt Government Model .45.
If I’m teaching with revolvers a Smith Model 64 with + P loads. Always with a spare mag or a speed-loader, at least.
I choose steel frame guns- the weight is absolutely unnoticeable when carried in a Milt Sparks IWB with a good belt, but steel frame allows me faster shot to shot recovery. People who say they “cant hide” a 1911 haven’t been taught how to do it or hope for some gun-utopia which does not exist.
Calibers- I am confident in the .45 ACP with “Modern Magic Bullets”; they should expand to perhaps .6 inch or so – if they do not, they still make .45 inch diameter hole. My .38’s carry the ultimate “Modern Magic Bullet” in the Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel +P – an excellent choice for defense easily outstripping the 9 in such applications with a heavier bullet.
The purpose of bullets is to make holes; in my mind, the bigger the better.
The 1911 platform, regardless of source is skinny, easy to shoot, not complicated and utterly reliable with good mags – throw away the Mec-Gar and buy Wilsons. I find it is easy for small-handed and female shooters to master, easier than Glock with its awkward ergonomics, and the steel frame tames the recoil.
I have put a good deal of thought into my choices and they work well for me. As I tell my students, though: Figure out what works for YOU and practice with it. If you have a gunfight, I wont be there, YOU will.
Regards
GKT
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