By Salvatore DeGennaro
I only carry one of two guns: either the ever-popular GLOCK 19, or a Ruger LCR snub nose revolver. Most often it’s the GLOCK 19. When I need deeper concealment that the G19 cannot provide, I pack the Ruger. These are the only two guns that ever reside on my person for defensive use. Why, you may ask, would I limit myself to only two guns in this wide world of ballistic abundance? The answer is quite simple: maximum familiarity . . .
Many shooters constantly change their carry guns. I even hear people talk about their “carry rotation.” Often they will mention five or six different guns they cycle through. Upon shooting a new model of blaster they will say, “Wow, I’m adding this one to my rotation.” I can’t fathom this.
When it comes to training for self-defense with a handgun, we all understand that repetitions are how we become accomplished at any given skill. I have found that many reps, as in many dry-fire sessions combined with many shots fired, are required to reach full potential with a given handgun, even when you’re an accomplished shooter.
The bottom line is, when you switch to a new gun, there is an inherent re-learning process. There are many who will argue against this, and at the risk of ruffling feathers I will say this: those who say they can switch platforms on a daily basis without issue are consistently training at only a casual level, while accomplished shooters tend to stick to a single platform.
Let me clarify: I am not arguing against ever changing guns. Most shooters will, at some point, change their carry gun. That’s fine if you do so based on need, or even want a change just for the sake of it, within reason. Changing guns reasonably would be the decision to switch wholesale to a new platform, at least for a substantial amount of time.
For example, let’s say cold weather months allow you to carry more gun, so you carry your full-size SIG for six months of the year. Of course, I believe in carrying enough gun year-round as bad guys don’t change their level of determination based on the weather. But if summer demands more concealment, maybe you switch to your J-frame revolver.
That’s a reasonable rotation as long as your training takes the change into account. Even if that J-frame isn’t as much fun to shoot, you need to train with it if you’re going to be carrying it. Or let’s say you usually carry your compact autoloader on a daily basis, but when hiking in Grizzly country you strap on your .44 Magnum revolver. Again, perfectly sound carry rotation, as the different platform serves a needed purpose.
Here is the rotation I am eminently opposed to: “It’s Monday, I will wear my 1911. It’s Tuesday, I’ll tote my GLOCK. Its Wednesday, I’ll pack my Baretta 92!” Some people actually do this. Why? Simple: It’s fun to own and use a lot of guns. But, those who deem this acceptable are never reaching a level of true proficiency with their handguns so they don’t see a significant change in performance between these varied platforms.
Can a good shooter bounce between platforms and still perform reasonably well? Yes. However, any experienced shooter knows that you will shoot substantially better with a platform that you have been consistently training with. A handgun is a defensive tool, not a fashion statement. You don’t need to change your handgun like you change your shoes to match different outfits.
The second issue with carry rotation beyond just hampering performance is that it can lead to disaster. This is primarily the case when switching between platforms with different manuals of arms. Going from a handgun with no safety to one with a thumb safety, for instance, is really asking for unnecessary trouble. You may think that you’re experienced enough with both guns to do this seamlessly, but I will again suggest that those who assume that are doing so based on only a low level of training. Casually shooting at bull’s eye targets at the range is not a good determination of this cross-competency. Many who practice this rotation don’t even train with the gun out of the holster or under any sort of induced stress.
On many occasions I’ve seen people botch the safety or some other control on their handgun in IDPA matches. And that’s with no one shooting back. Imagine how the wheels would fall off in a defensive shooting if the pressure of the timer results in fumbling in that kind of situation.
Other things that can happen when shooting under some real pressure go beyond just the manual of arms. I have seen competitors drop their magazines. Imagine how this sort of thing can be aggravated when switching between platforms. Again, most shooters never push themselves to the levels of realizing the possibilities of handling different types of guns under stress. If you want to rotate guns, you need to push yourself to a high level of training and testing with each platform to ensure absolute reliability and shooter compatibility with each gun that you will carry. And if you actually do that, your rotation will drastically reduce, I assure you.
Granted, switching between guns with substantially the same manual of arms, will simplify things. For example, switching between a GLOCK and a Smith and Wesson M&P (the standard model with no thumb safety) isn’t as big a deal as switching between a GLOCK and a 1911. However, there is still a different trigger, different ergonomics, and potential trouble due to a slightly different location of controls.
Why bother doing that? If you’ve been shooting a GLOCK and switch entirely to an M&P because you find that you like it better, fine. But, carrying one on Monday and the other on Tuesday just for a change of pace? Not a sound approach.
There’s a reason the KISS principle works. Minimize the actual number of guns that you carry and choose them based on need. This will maximize your familiarity with your carry weapons. Test your abilities with the gun(s) under induced stress to be sure that unexpected failures don’t occur. If you do switch platforms, stick with it and be sure that you adequately train for the transition. Remember, your gun is not a fashion statement; it’s your lifeline should things go bad.
Makes a lot of sense with different controls and sight pictures on the market, I alternate only between my sig and 1911.
^ This here is a valid point. What if the firearms in one’s rotation are very similar as far as manual of arms and feel are concerned? I mean, you could switch between like, literally every revolver on the market today and not get thrown off at all.
Now, out of convenience I’ve only ever carried one firearm. I had* a well broken in holster that worked extremely comfortably and the handgun (GLOCK 19) was* the right size for my body shape and the way I carry. However, I was* very comfortable, due in no small part to the amount of shooting and dry practice I did, with all the firearms I owned and would have no qualms about cycling through 3-6 different guns on a regular basis.
*past tense indicates tragic boating incident where all firearms were consumed by killer whales.
Guns are fashionable to a lot of people now.
That makes no sense considering the thing they are carrying people don’t see
Victoria secret seems to disagree.
I dunno, we had an article here today that talked about some super secret club sign carriers should flash or say to one another.
Victoria’s Secret wearers don’t need to flash anything. Or at least, their models don’t.
Is this really that big of an issue?
From what I’ve read, the number of people who’ve sucessfully defended themselves with minimal training and familiarity by far dwarfs the number who failed to do so…
I know people that use it as justification to buy more guns. I tell them, just buy more guns. You are correct, the fun you are carrying is better than the one you don’t have.
+1 to everything you just said. Having a reliable firearm when you need it is the key.
It’s great the author has a method and a reason. Whether or not he understands why someone has a “rotation” has zero impact on him.
Murica! The only country in the world where we can choose to carry and choose what to carry in our preferred caliber, mostly.
one small nit pick – i think we should all stop saying “murica” – this is a leftist theme, meant to mock those of us who love this country (because, the lefty logic goes, anyone who “loves” America, is too southern or imbecilic to properly pronouse the name of the country, or they speak like GWB).
That said, I know you personally were not mocking America…
Don’t uncritically “love America”. Nowadays it’s really just short for The Progressive Republic Of Obamastan.
Valid point though I still love this country, if not the 50+% that voted for this imbecile (twice).
The problem with your assessment is that you are looking only at instances with favorable outcomes, and avoiding discussion of failures. If you take into account incidents of failure, the picture is very different. Those with training have a much better track record than those who don’t .
Training is important, as is a more robust understanding of statistics.
I agree with what you say, but we seem to see the results of people with little training winning than the results of when they don’t (gatekeeper bias, most likely). Do you have evidence of the track record you mentioned?
I agree with article. I have a two gun rotation myself. Glock 19 and Glock 26.
Seconded. I got my G43 as a backup/ alternative carry to my G19. Do I love my other pistols and revolvers ? Yes. But every day carry is every day.
What have you done?? If my wife sees this I won’t be able to buy another gun!!! Lashes with wet noodles I say!!!!!
Respectively,
Tom
Dan, brace yourself for the cavalcade of internet tough guys who are going to disagree with you.
Anyway, you’re right. The concept of a “rotation” seems silly to me as well. Though I do have multiple Glocks that serve very specific carry needs depending on the situation. I prefer to carry my Glock 19, but if I’m at the zoo with my family or someplace where I want to increase concealability, I’ll strap on my G26. Or if I’m in more formal attire, I’ll slide a G42 into my pocket. Different context, different gun, same manual of arms.
Good points on the article, and it exposes an issue I’ve had. I carry an STI Duty One 4.0 aluminum framed 1911 as my daily carry. I trust it, shoot well with it, and conceal it well. I’m sold on the platform and the gun. But my back up gun, and deep concealment gun, is a J Frame Airweight .38spl+P. I also shoot it well, for what it is, on the range. But they are about as different as you can get, and the transition, even though I practice a bunch, is a challenge. They have radically different everything.
But they both work well for their particular tasks.
What’s a better choice for that deep concealment/boot gun, that would come closer to the feel of my 1911?
Any advice is appreciated.
JWT
SIG P238?
I’d prefer 9mm. But the 380+P Buffalo Bore offers is plenty as well, as long as the gun can handle it.
Sig P938.
STB,
Yeah,
The 938 is a really great carry gun, especially during summer, when all you have on top is a lightweight shirt.
In response to jwtaylor….
The Sig 938 is by far the best we’ve found as a micro-substitute for the 1911.
We’re both heavy-duty action pistol competitors, and both with 1911s. The Sig is so perfect as the sub it causes domestic disharmony. Need to get another!
I agree with the non-rotation concept, and that from someone who once carried just about anything anyday.
Now it’s two: the Commander nearly always, and the Agent (think: Cobra) the rest of the time.
Maybe someday I’ll win the fight and get to use the 938.
Sure.
Never even heard of that gun. How many guns does Sig offer? At only 1oz heavier than the JFrame, we may have a winner. I’ll have to find one and shoot it
Here are the details
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2014/10/jeremy-s/gun-review-sig-sauer-p938/
The only fault with the Sig 938, is it only comes with one 6 round mag. It’s a great little 9MM, but if you get one (not cheap) get the 7 round, which has the pinky support, Their not cheap either! Around 45 to 50 bucks.
jwtaylor, you might also consider the STI Elektra, if you want to stay with an STI. However, it may cross the line into being too big or heavy for your purposes: http://stiguns.com/guns/elektra/
STI’s website says it’s 1 oz heavier than the Sig 938 (17oz), and I think it’s about an inch longer, too. On the flip side, you get the option of having 6+1 .45’s or 8+1 9mm’s…and it’s an STI.
Love me some STI’s, bought another one (Guardian 9mm) last week. But the Electra is still a little too big for deep concealment and boot carry.
Does this Kimber go with my outfit? Should I wear the Sig instead? This article makes a good point. I carry the same Sig 320sc almost every day. When I open carry, it is a Sig 320c. Same operation and trigger pull. Why? If you practice with a pistol with a short reset trigger, and you try switching to one with a long reset, you will struggle for a while.
..and you will get the point of the article.
Sometimes gun stores feel like jewelry stores.
My wife is very small at 5 feet tall and just over 100 pounds, and we had a heck of a time finding her a weapon she could clear in case of a failure…and she doesn’t like revolvers. She has a lot of training and we shoot often, but she was just unsatisfied with every gun I bought her, Keltec P11, Keltec PF9, Kahr CM9, etc, until a friend let her shoot a Sig P238. After shooting just over 100 rounds on that trip to the range, she announced she had found the perfect gun for her. Our range had a great selection, and she settled on the P238 Black Pearl, announcing she had finally found “Gun Jewelry”, the only gun she carries, and it goes everywhere with her.
As for my rotation, I don’t rotate at all, even though I have plenty of guns. I just stick with my STI Escort, as it conceals well in a Black Hawk Check Six for daily use, and the Alessi shoulder holster does the trick when I have to wear a suit. I shoot the little 3 inch STI in a weekly USPSA style match, and draw from concealment, so I have a ton of practice with mag changes and the gun in general, but then again, I could care less about my score relative to others. As a result, I know this gun like the back of my hand, so feel 100% confident in the gun and my ability with this particular weapon, which why I don’t rotate.
It’s the perfect fit. I’m talking about Guys that buy edc guns for no particular reason other than to match the outing. Guns have become very fashionable. Considering the amount of effort you took to find your wife the proper gun tells me she wasn’t getting it to match her shoes.
Yes, because theres so many tragic cases of armed citizens getting shot because they used a different gun every day…
Seriously, it really doesnt matter. The odds of needing to clear holster to begin with for us non-Special Ops people is rather low. Atop that , if we ever do use a weapon for self defense its gonna get seized for evidence. Which means for most of us working people well be using a different model of handgun afterward anyways. You ballers out there who can afford two versions of the same pistol need not worry about that problem. As for myself, coughing up the dough for one brand new Sig per annum is hard enough. Some folks are lucky between medical bills and daycare costs to scratch out $500 for a Glock.
“The odds of needing to clear holster to begin with for us non-Special Ops people is rather low”
Clearing my holster is an unfortunate reality that I must now face for just going to the store. I am from the Hinterland, so I have nowhere else to white flight to, which only leaves the retreat option of moving to bum fuk egypt and boy you sure got a pretty mouth. It is not in my nature to flee, which means I have to be armed. I carry the same caliber handguns, but different styles so I can carry the maximum amount of interchangeable ammo for almost any situation.
Just last night a wonderful African refugee decided that me looking at him was enough reason to stop his vehicle to try and act hard. He called me a white bitch for just looking at his vehicle, and he definitely had my attention peaked. I have never been so happy to not be open carrying, but if I was open carrying this never would have transpired. For a fraction of a second, I ran in to this very problem of which gun model to draw and from where to draw it, if he transformed into being an imminent threat. The second his door opened I instantly began open carrying, and I heard his hefty breeder say that white guy has a gun, and then all I saw was taillights and the UAE flag on his rear window.
Traveling for a living presents unique challenges to this concept. Different climates, different threat levels etc. That said I try to keep everything with the same grip angle and same sight/sight picture, same knife in the same pocket. Dawson precision perfect impact tritium sights set for the same poa/poi limits the transitions. Multiple copies of the same holster, and multiple copies of the same guns / knife spread out around the country. Still a challenge to change cover garments in the same week due to being in different climate zones 2 to 3 times a week. That said, a consistent manual of arms, the same holster in the same position, and practice, practice, practice. Sure would be nice to have a consistent set of laws across the country.
I suspect this is true for me. My EDC is odd and I am a creature of habit. I stick to one rifle for the same reason.
Many many years ago (before the Reagan admin), my self defense gun was a Dan Wesson .357 revolver. Why? Because that is what I had. Later I got a 1911 in .45 (bigger holes!) Then later, I got a Glock model 17. I carry the Glock in warm weather, and the 1911 in winter. That is my carry rotation if you want to call it that. In fact, because of the neat stuff I’ve learned from this forum, I’m looking at a Glock in .45 for year round carry. I love the 1911, I really do, but Glock and most of their competitors offer more bullets. More bullets and bigger holes are all good things in my mind.
I still carry a .357 4″ revolver as an EDC. It’s what I’m used to carrying and what I’m good at shooting.
Fashion be damned, it goes with everything 🙂
My rotation used to include 2 guns (a Beretta M9 while on Duty and a Glock 21 when off duty). I’m no longer in the Army so now my carry “rotation” is just one gun, a Glock 27. Although, I’ve been thinking about adding a Ruger LCP 380 to that.
My carry “rotation” is a Glock 27, although I’ve been thinking of adding a Ruger LCP 380 to that.
I’m kind of guilty of this. I love to pocket carry. I pocket carry my 642 more than 90% of the time that I carry. I’ll occasionally step down and pocket carry my P3AT when I want even greater concealment. The good thing about both of those guns is that they have a very simple manual of arms.
I have pocket carried my SR22, Rossi 461, and even CZ82 as well. Every great once in a while, I’ll carry a bigger gun (G19/SW9VE) OWB. I even tried a G21 OWB a bit, but it was just too big. I’ve never carried my Colt 1917.
I clearly don’t have enough pistols yet so this isn’t a problem I have come across.
That being said, I have made very sure that the pistols I have bought for defensive use have a nearly identical manual of arms. So that I’m the dark of night the controls are as similar as possible.
That’s why having a family of glocks is actually not a bad idea (although I don’t by the way). The only variable changed is the length of the slide and the grip when going from fullsize competition/OC gun down to mid and then deep concealment. Then again you can do that with 1911’s too 🙂
I only carry two guns for the most part as well, either an LC9 when I really want or need to keep it hush hush, or a full sized M&P9 otherwise. I print more with the M&P, but not too badly, and I’m a smaller guy. I feel the more salient things with carrying different guns, in order are:
1. Proficiency (obviously)
2. Similarity of controls. If some of your guns have the thumb safety and some don’t, I can see that being a problem. My LC9 has a thumb safety, my M&P doesn’t, I judiciously removed the offending safety. I like to have the same sights too, and so 3-dot on both.
3. Consistency of holsters. Like everyone else I have a bunch of different holsters. IWB for concealing, OWB for when I don’t want or need to, Shoulder for anything the previous two don’t cover. That doesn’t sound very consistent, but I’m talking about how they work. My IWB are all similar, with no retention, the OWB ones are both level 2, and the shoulder holsters both have the same thumb break retention strap.
4. Caliber. This one is way less important, but I think there is something to be said for carrying a consistent caliber. I’ve gone with 9mm for the capacity, availability, and inexpensiveness. Obviously, there is a world of difference between shooting 9 from the LC9 and the M&P, but my thought here is that it’s easy to get out of practice with a gun if you have hard time getting the ammo for any reason. My .22’s stopped talking to me years ago. I have a big stockpile of 9mm, and I don’t have to also keep a supply of .40 like I would if I had an M&P40 or .45 with an M&P45. One caliber to worry about.
But that’s just me.
So logically, if I’m going to have two carry guns, or as JWT says above a carry gun and an occasional deep concealment gun, then I should want them to have as similar a manual of arms as possible.
So if my usual carry is , say, a 1911 Commander-style, I might be better served by carrying a Colt Mustang or a Kimber Micro – same basic manual of arms as the usual carry, albeit smaller everything; same controls, same method of reloading, etc.
My impression is most pistol families have a Mini-Me version of some sort, albeit perhaps not in a caliber you really care for. For instance, as above, a .380 instead of a .38 Spl. In that case the question is, Which do you care more about, maintaining a consistent operating system, or keeping to rounds you really like.
I suspect that if one believes shot placement is paramount, then consistent controls, sights, etc would outweigh ammo selection.
Sig P938 and M&P Pro in 9mm
Author hit the nail directly on the head
besides “adding to the rotation” I also think anyone calling a firearm a “platform’ is a mall ninja too
This is pretty much why I chose my current weapon, the beretta px4 storm compact. I got used to carrying an m9 for work, but when I got out and got my permit I wanted something with a similar manual of arms. So I found myself with a nearly identical layout, with the exception of twin slide stops, shorter more manageable dimensions, and identical capacity. I have been thinking about getting a smaller nine for hot weather /a backup weapon, possibly a nano just to stay in the Italian family 🙂
While you make some good points I will disagree that I do carry different guns, almost all are a version of M&Pfrom a .380-.40 full size. Different sizes for different occasions, usually a 9c open carry, but I am getting a Pyrex holster for my hipower clone today.
Kydex…New phone sorry.
Stick with the “Pyrex”,
If you ever want to bake your holster, It’ll take the heat!
rotation without purpose is silly. If you rotate your carry guns just so you can “make use” of the different guns you own, I would suggest you need to take your guns to the range more often.
I have one semi-auto that I carry, year-round. (If I am hunting, I use a stainless revolver, just because of the moisture issue.) Otherwise, it’s the same gun, all the time, everywhere. Been that way since I started carrying 10 years ago. I did switch to a different gun in 2010, but it was a complete change-over, not a “rotation.”
The author makes perfect sense to me. That’s why I went to an all-Kahr “rotation”: CW9 and CW380. Same gun, same trigger feel and operation (apparently a stated goal of Kahr for the entire line), same grip (that giant slide stop can be painful if you get your thumb too high), different size for dress needs. It may sound a little silly and OCD but I love the simplicity and “sameness” of the two.
I used to carry a Glock 17 at work, sometimes backing up a shotgun or an AR15, but usually just the pistol.
I carried a full sized 1911 in daily life.
It was definitely an issue when practicing, (I think real operators call it “Training”), as I would get a hiccup in disengaging the safety on the 1911 sometimes. I never had to pull the 1911 “for real” so it was never tested under genuine stress.
After I moved and changed occupations, I only carried the 1911 so the issue went away.
As a sidebar; I’m back on Glocks after a hand injury made my 1911 just not feel right in my hand anymore, but now I carry a 21 exclusively.
I came to this conclusion a couple of years ago when I would switch between my 1911 and XD/m compact 9. I solved this problem by buying an XD service in 45. Essentially the trigger and manual arms on a scaled up platform. So when I was running around Northern Virginia if I felt I needed to up gun I would pull out the XD. For special occasions like when I was playing golf or I was dress limited I would pull out the Nano. Now that I have migrated back to the Midwest I am back to carrying a 1911 platform, generally in 10mm. I switched to full sized pistol because I felt that two legged creatures were no longer my primary adversary and I dress for retirement. The biggest threat here in west central Wisconsin are coyotes, bears, wolves and mountain lion in that order. I don’t worry about capacity because I don’t think I will be getting into a running gun fight with Wylie and Yogi. When the bears go to sleep I will probably switch to my Browning Hi Power since 9mm JHP should be more than enough for the wildlife that is still awake. I still carry the Nano when I play golf.
Once I can afford it i will have a 4 gun rotation. S&W M&P 9, 9c, Shield in 9mm, and a .380 Bodyguard. Same or near as same manual of arms and with generally equivilent after market parts for as similar a product as possible. I have the option to optomize my carry to my situation and lose nothing in familiarity.
I would highly recommend you play with a S&W .380 bodyguard before buying it, the one I bought for my wife had such a lousy trigger, the lasar dot would dance all over the target. she finally found a ruger lc380 with a smooth, easy to open slide, and a better trigger.
your first three choices are, what I consider, great choices, own them and love them. the bodyguard has a trigger that will make your Lazar dot bounce all over the target, and such a small size that it is a challenge to accurately shoot it. (traded it for a ruger lcr)
For basic CCW this is probably good advice. For me, I carry based upon my “mission.” That means Glock 35, Glock 19, Glock 23, Glock 27, Sig 226 Tac Ops once the holster comes in, Smith 340 PD, Smith 4006, etc. I mentally review my carry option and holster set up during the day, as does any responsible carrier. My duty holster and belts are significantly more sturdy, and less comfortable, than my off duty stuff. Heavier, too.
At first, simplicity rules. Then you try a holster you like better. Then you find a gun you shoot more accurately, one that’s more comfortable to carry, etc. I like multiple guns with multiple options. Shooting them all regularly means more practice and more range time fun.
I really think his article is aimed at normal people who everyday carry and not people who have “missions”. Not even real sure what that even means.
Usually it doesn’t mean anything. Sometimes it does. I try to avoid off duty confrontations whenever possible, but I haven’t always succeeded in “being a good witness.”
There might be something else to consider regarding trigger pull. If your used to a heavier pull, such as some striker fired weapons, and then switch to a single action gun with a light trigger pull, you could feasibly set off a round accidentally.
Of course it’s all in what you get used to. I’ll stick to my 938, with my little mouse magnum always in my pocket for back up.
Guns are tools but they’re also visually appealing and a fashion statement… But that doesn’t mean one can’t own five different G19’s (FDE, Grey, cerakote, etc.) to add variety! Like Henry Ford’s quote you can have one in any color as long as it’s black, I believe in carrying any gun I want as long as it’s a Glock 19.
The article is complete nonsense. Titled “Avoid Carry Gun Rotation”, in the first sentence the author notes that he DOES NOT avoid a carry gun rotation, but rotates between two completely different platforms, burning down his entire premise.
A kind of opposite argument could also be made: That you really ought not to be using a gun in a civilian capacity, unless you are clear minded enough to consciously think though the operational procedure specific to your current gun.
I’m not taking sides, just throwing it out there.
My carry rotation is when I turn around in front of a mirror to check concealment of my one gun.
Keltec P11.
Goes boom every time the trigger is pulled, Not bad after fluff and buff, do have to blow lint out of the hammer channel if I pocket carry. After 18 the years that rough slide finish has been polished smooth by holster wear.
I’m not some mall ninja or gun fashionista. I’ve been practicing and carrying since 1981. I don’t “rotate” guns, but I have quite a few guns I carry upon occasion. Sometimes because of weather, clothes printing and sometimes “just because”. I resent the statement that some would think that I’m somehow unable to differentiate between them on draw or that I’m couldn’t possibly defend myself to the same degree with multiple guns.
I don’t want anyone to crap themselves, but I sometimes carry in different positions and I’ve even been known to throw a gun into my laptop bag and carry off my body. The horror!
I was taught in the Army “Do what your rank can handle”.
I don’t see rotation of firearms being a problem – where are the thousands of instances showing this is a problem?
Crickets chirping…
Yea thats what I thought. Its up to the shooter to determine if they want to rotate firearms or not. Claiming people should not is coming dangerously close to banning certain firearms use. I know the author does believe in this but the point can be taken out of context.
The author also tried to imply a causal relationship with rotating by saying this… “On many occasions I’ve seen people botch the safety or some other control on their handgun in IDPA matches. And that’s with no one shooting back. Imagine how the wheels would fall off in a defensive shooting if the pressure of the timer results in fumbling in that kind of situation.”
Thats kind of a low blow if you ask me. The fact remains that the majority of armed self defense situations end with the shooter not shooting anything. Those that do often shoot once or twice on average; and of those we do not see any documentation or stats showing gun rotation is the cause of this supposed problem that is plaguing shooters today.
I personally see some good points but overall I think this article is much adu about nothing.
Again its up to the shooter to train and ‘do what his/her rank can handle’.
🙂
That’s pretty much was I was thinking. I rotate deer rifles almost every season, carry guns, etc. In the military I rotated guns based on rank: M16A2 as a PFC, M249 as a LCPL, M16/M203 as a Corporal, and back to M16A2 as a Sergeant. 3 gunners rotate in a split second, and if I was going to a shooting on duty I’d have 2-3 guns.
This makes a lot of sense to me.
Given every thing else besides manual of arms and similar handling characteristics that a responsible shooter SHOULD consider, IMHO- state laws on self-defense, castle doctrine, use of lethal force, Situational Awareness, general strategy and tactics for typical scenarios, drills before range time- dry firing, malfunction drills, shoot and scoot, use of cover, adequate exercise to have the physical capacity to do so, and post-shooting steps- what to say, how, and of course – having a lawyer retained in advance…
Why would you WANT to add to the time to train, by adding complexity and introduce typical errors in muscle memory under stress?
Personally, the reason I choose Glock was for simplicity. I would ideally choose a G43, as pocket carry for same reason as I would OWB a G23, G19, G20, etc.
Same grip angle, slide operation and mag release.
KISS, and I’d use same sights and lights, for same, for carry guns.
Nothing worse than fixating on trying to release a safety because its not the same as another gun, or getting hung up on releasing a mag, or a tap-rack drill that depends on one particular unique to the gun element.
Seen way to many times in other areas of training under stress that people can get tunnel vision and locked into a routine when monkey brain takes over, and it will, when you apply adrenaline.
I am of the similiar manual of arms rotation mindset, Shield M&P or G26G19. I LOVE the 938, it is one red hot shootin iron, but I dont personally like safety for EDC.
Agree with the post. Reaction to the main point depends on how we each view carry, no? If we carry believing that our circumstances will require very fast presentation and an accurate shot, then like the classic revolver experts and William Fairbairn, we’ll prefer one model of gun, one holster design, and one positioning of the holster. If, on the other hand, we believe that our handling of our carry gun will not require such speed at moment of need in order to for the carry gun to earn its way, then we’ll find varying our carry gun and holster to be no big deal.
It really is that simple. It seems to me most who carry expect a heads-up, time to get their hand on their EDC, when trouble comes. Perhaps, statistically, that is a reasonable expectation. However, it seems an attractive proposition to be prepared for that situation that requires an extremely fast, reliable, and accurate response. Why forgo the skill benefit that one highly grooved carry gun provides?
I agree with this “somewhat”. However, I have 4 guns that I will carry depending on the time of year, clothing, and transportation issues. BUT, ALL of them are similar in function. ALL are double action, semi-auto and safeties are very similar. Size and caliber are the only real difference. The author is carrying two guns that are operationally very different. I see that as more of a problem than carrying more than 2 different firearms.
People who have had a lot of firearms training have also had training in avoiding dangerous situations. People with firearms training have also at least put some thought into getting out of a bad spot without using their gun. That is why more people with a minimum amount of training end up in a spot where they have to use their gun.
May issue states that issue permits frequently are given more points than those that don t, and states that say the licensing authority shall issue permits are given higher scores. States with permitless carry are given higher scores, whereas states that both issue permits and allow citizens to carry without one are given a full 10-point score.
Comments are closed.