Handgun Basics by John McSweeney

Handgun Basics by John McSweeney

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Handgun Basics by John McSweeney - Mar. 5th, 2007, 6:11:15 PM

Zoran

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In this article, I'll cover some of the basics of gun ownership. First and foremost, of course, is that anyone who would own a gun must learn how to use it safely, effectively and responsibly. The only way to do this is to seek out a qualified expert in the field and learn from him or her. If you're not willing to do this, you have no business owning a firearm of any kind. Period.

Proper handgun use can’t be learned from reading a book or article. It takes an experienced instructor to teach proper technique and troubleshoot errors or problems that the learner may encounter while gaining experience and honing expertise. However, there are eight areas that can be addressed in print, and this article will briefly cover those.

Psychology: If you’re going to own a handgun, be sure you’re mentally prepared to use it when necessary. Be honest. Ask yourself if you would really pull the trigger against a rapist, home invader or kidnapper. Some people simply aren’t capable of using a handgun even when they’re completely justified in doing so. If you’re that kind of person, you shouldn’t own a gun.
Holsters: In a number of states, concealed carry is legally permissible for those who are properly licensed. When civilians carry guns, most put the weapon in a pocket, purse or fanny-pack. If you want to use a holster, I recommend belt, ankle and thigh holsters (under a skirt). My .45 holster is an inside-the-belt one made by Milt Sparks. My duty gun is a Colt Detective Special .38, which has an exposed hammer. I carry it in a Bianchi pancake holster which rides high and close to the body. Its snap fastener works only with an exposed hammer handgun.
Drawing: You should practice drawing your gun from pocket, purse, fanny-pack or holster (if you wear one). For safety reasons, be sure that the gun is unloaded. Drawing and presenting a weapon is a function of motor nerve training, and because the motor nerves have no idea whether the gun is loaded or unloaded, why risk accidental discharge and possible injury or death while training?
Malfunctions: If you have a hang-fire in a revolver, wait at least 30 seconds, and be sure the gun’s muzzle is pointing down-range, then fire again. Hang-fires are usually caused by defective primers. If a second hit by the firing pin doesn’t fire it, wait an additional 30 seconds, then swing out the cylinder to eject the shells and the one live round. This kind of situation is fraught with danger, so be sure to use extreme care every step of the way when you’re dealing with a possible hang-fire.
Ambidexterity: Be sure to train using both right and left-hand grips, as your strong hand could be injured at the time you need to use your gun.
Storage: If you intend to use your gun in a potential self-defense situation, you should always keep it loaded, whether at home or in your place of business, and whether alone or with others. However, before doing this, you must first fully consider the dangers associated with having a loaded gun. If children, irresponsible adults or criminals gain access to your loaded gun, tragedy can easily ensue. Also, keep in mind that a loaded automatic places continual stress on its magazine, so don’t fill it completely. No such problem exists with the revolver.
Placement: When firing a gun, placement of bullets is more important than ballistics. A hit by a .22 short is better than a miss by a .44 Magnum. At ranges beyond arm’s length, fire at the center of mass of the attacker’s torso, because it’s a large target and, therefore, easier to hit. Within arm’s length, try to place your bullets in the throat, eye or heart, because hits here usually end a gunfight quickly.
Practice: Proficiency in point-shooting and hip-shooting is critical, since that’s where 80% of the action happens. Even if you become a competition-shooter and an expert in aimed-fire, never neglect practicing hip and point-shooting. It could save your life someday.

In closing, I must ask you to carefully consider every possible aspect and implication that comes with owning and using a handgun. Before you buy one, you must be prepared to make a total and enduring commitment to the safe and responsible ownership and use of this powerful weapon. If you aren’t willing to make that kind of commitment, you aren’t fit to own a gun