I've read both current threads about firearms of choice with great interest, as this is a subject near and dear to my heart. Many years ago (and multiple eyeglass prescriptions back
) I used to shoot handguns very seriously. My tool of choice for years was a K-38....S&W model 14-4, 38 Special full target model (different grips, hammer, trigger). I was very, very fortunate to be taught by a gentleman who was then nationally ranked, and was also the founder of a big city SWAT team. An excellent shooter, and a good instructor.
I was more fortunate to have a mentor for many years....a man 25+ years my elder who had been in the Marines and saw much action in the Pacific theatre. This man knew practical shooting--self-defense, hunting, etc. as well as anyone I've ever known. He is the person who made me "night-fire" the first time. He would intentionally pose situations and scenarios to me to help me be aware of surroundings and possibilities. He is also the man I went to and cried on, after tossing my cookies, the first time I ever held a gun on someone. The situation ended without violence, as the other parties surrendered, but I knew I would have shot if necessary. That realization just went through me afterwards like an earthquake.
So----for those of you who have not seen combat duty, and are not LEOs, it is highly likely you have never had to face this. And for you it might be different.....but I doubt it. I am curious as to how many have had similar experiences, how you reacted, and for those who have not, have you tried to anticipate just how stressful such a situation is? I spent several hours with this man--my mentor--that night, who then told me of the first hand-to-hand kill he had in WW2. He and one other man were assigned to remove a sentry so they could observe an encampment; he told me when he returned in the morning, he also got sick. Then he told me not to worry until such a situation did NOT make me ill.
I have also had a gun held on me and several others, by a robber (near "The Flats" in Cleveland, 1979 I think) and that too brings on some strange thoughts and feelings, though I did not get sick as I did when I was the one holding the gun. I could read "Colt MK" on the side of the barrel, and distinctly remember thinking "the hammer is down, he can't shoot me without cocking", and feeling some relief with that thought. Funny what goes through your mind at such times. He got what he wanted and fled. If I'd been carrying I could have dropped him as he turned and fled. Would I have? Probably not.
I guess the gist of all this is to at least be aware that even with frequent practice as to how to respond, there will still be factors you cannot know beforehand. Without practice (both at the range and just rehearsing scenarios, even in your mind) one is probably unlikely to respond well and carrying may just be a useless exercise.
) I used to shoot handguns very seriously. My tool of choice for years was a K-38....S&W model 14-4, 38 Special full target model (different grips, hammer, trigger). I was very, very fortunate to be taught by a gentleman who was then nationally ranked, and was also the founder of a big city SWAT team. An excellent shooter, and a good instructor. I was more fortunate to have a mentor for many years....a man 25+ years my elder who had been in the Marines and saw much action in the Pacific theatre. This man knew practical shooting--self-defense, hunting, etc. as well as anyone I've ever known. He is the person who made me "night-fire" the first time. He would intentionally pose situations and scenarios to me to help me be aware of surroundings and possibilities. He is also the man I went to and cried on, after tossing my cookies, the first time I ever held a gun on someone. The situation ended without violence, as the other parties surrendered, but I knew I would have shot if necessary. That realization just went through me afterwards like an earthquake.
So----for those of you who have not seen combat duty, and are not LEOs, it is highly likely you have never had to face this. And for you it might be different.....but I doubt it. I am curious as to how many have had similar experiences, how you reacted, and for those who have not, have you tried to anticipate just how stressful such a situation is? I spent several hours with this man--my mentor--that night, who then told me of the first hand-to-hand kill he had in WW2. He and one other man were assigned to remove a sentry so they could observe an encampment; he told me when he returned in the morning, he also got sick. Then he told me not to worry until such a situation did NOT make me ill.
I have also had a gun held on me and several others, by a robber (near "The Flats" in Cleveland, 1979 I think) and that too brings on some strange thoughts and feelings, though I did not get sick as I did when I was the one holding the gun. I could read "Colt MK" on the side of the barrel, and distinctly remember thinking "the hammer is down, he can't shoot me without cocking", and feeling some relief with that thought. Funny what goes through your mind at such times. He got what he wanted and fled. If I'd been carrying I could have dropped him as he turned and fled. Would I have? Probably not.
I guess the gist of all this is to at least be aware that even with frequent practice as to how to respond, there will still be factors you cannot know beforehand. Without practice (both at the range and just rehearsing scenarios, even in your mind) one is probably unlikely to respond well and carrying may just be a useless exercise.
