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Faq
frequently asked questions
Hello! We are excited to welcome you on your self-defense and skill development journey!
Here we have provided examples of commonly placed questions that we've seen over the years. If you'd like further insight into these topics, please feel free to reach out!
Firearm Safety Rules
1. Treat All Weapons as if they ARE Loaded /
More Importantly know the Status of your Weapon at ALL Times!
2. Never Point the muzzle at Anything that you do not intend to Destroy, Eat or Bury!
3. Keep your Finger Straight and Off the Trigger, until Sights are on Target with the intent
to Fire! Place your trigger finger high on the slide, with pressure engaged.
4. Always be aware of your Target(s) Foreground and Background!
*Never Try to Catch a Falling Pistol!
Loading/Unloading Procedures
LOADING
- Check the Status/Condition of the Firearm
- Load the Magazine
- Insert Magazine
- Rack the Slide, Chambering the Round
- Confirm that the Round is Chambered
- Engage Safety or De-Cocker (if Applicable)
UNLOADING
- Remove the Magazine
- Rack the Slide, Removing the Chambered Round
Do Not Attempt to Catch Ejected Round!
- Confirm that the Chamber is Emplty
- Emptying the Magazine (Optional)
Caliber Selection
Most common Handgun Rounds used for Personal Defense are 9mm, 40 cal & 45 acp with 9mm being the predominant of them all. Many technological advancements have been made for this caliber, though many will quote the misgivings of the round. They are often speaking from a nostalgic remembrance and emotional bias of the 45 acp in past Military use. Others speak to the misunderstood use of the 40 cal by Law Enforcement Agencies. Most of whom, have transitioned to the 9mm today.
22lr, .38 spc, .380, 10mm, .357, .44 mag etc. are not conducive to defensive in most urban scenarios. There are indeed unique scenarios but are certainly NOT case studies. Using the time Gene Moe killed a Grizzly Bear with a knife, does not submit a buck knife for practical consideration as bear defense. Likewise, that truly amazing Uncle who was carrying a hammer less revolver in a hoodie, as an Undercover Officer, does not rationalize it for everyday use on all fronts. Finally and Respectfully, the use of the 45acp 1911 and 9mm Beretta by the Military, does not merit nostalgia as objective reasoning for their consideration over the modern day options...though anyone who argues that Die Hard is not a valid Christmas movie is invited to take their leave now.
Round capacity How much ammo do you really need?
"If I can't solve the problem with seven rounds, I shouldn't be carrying a gun!"
Yup got it. Round placement is essential. 100% agreed.
However the logic that one has the premonition that on that "day", the fight will look a certain way and they will foresee exactly how many rounds it takes to solve the problem is well, bold...Context and task will dictate the general load out, but do carry "enough" to merit your reasonable convictions. The world isn't getting any safer, and now "they" more commonly prey in packs.
Typical everyday carry practice is one in the gun and a spare magazine. Ideally a high capacity magazine of at least 15+ is recommended for a modern EDC handgun. (Sorry folks in States who limit you to 10.)
Frame/ size Selection Micro Guns & J Frame Revolvers?
You've seen it on the range and in retail shops.
We need to stop assuming that the "smaller guns" are appropriate for anything other than extremely deep concealment.
Consider the Bullet is the "engine". If you place a V8 Engine in a Full Size Truck, it would handle just fine. Place that engine in a Civic Hatchback and how would it handle?
When you shoot a micro sized Pistol in a traditional load of 9/40/45 it will recoil substantially more than when fired out of a Compact or Full-Sized Handgun.
No, simply arguing that the revolver has multiple chambers and repeatedly pressing the trigger will amount to a more reliable tool is biased at best and illogical outside of story time. The thought that the ability to hastily reload a revolver nearly as efficiently as a semi-automatic is absurd. (unless you are indeed Jerry Miculek himself)
What should I bring to class? Generalized List
- Good Attitude!
- Eye Protection (Dark & Clear)
- Anti-Fog for Glasses
- Ear Protection (Electronic Recommended)
- Extra Batteries for Optics, Hearing Pro, etc.
- Tools to adjust Optics
- Serviceable Firearms
- Extra Magazines
- Quality Ammunition
- Quality Holster (Typically Outside the Waist based on experience)
- Rigid Belt
- Appropriate Attire for the Season
- Food/ Snacks
- Water
- Any required Medication
- Notepad
- Pen & Sharpie
- Sunscreen
- Medical/ First Aid Supplies
Why can't I Shoot my own Gun? Micro Guns, Revolvers, .22lr, etc.
We hear this one ALOT and certainly discern where you're coming from.
If you have a family of five, a two seat convertible would not be a practical choice. This would negate where or how the convertible was initially acquired. Be it a gift from a loved one or "it was a great deal".
It is important to understand that not all firearms are conducive to a prolonged training event. Little details can hinder your learning environment, adding unnecessary stimulus and frustration to an already "filling cup".
It is also vital to understand that the fundamentals do indeed translate.
When you travel, must you rent the EXACT same vehicle that you drive at home?
No, you would quickly acclimate to the rental and drive on. As such, if you need a rental firearm for the day, you would Train/Learn the fundamentals and get repetitions during the class and then translate and practice them on your personal weapon.
Irons or Red dots?
Unequivocally DOTS!
I get it, we all grew up on Iron Sights and Front Sight Focus. However, the dividends provided by the development of technology and methods cannot be argued. Target Focus with a Micro Red Dot, offers an objective advantage in every arena. It does not require the focal shift from target to front sight, as the iron sights do.
Average engagement with a Handgun in the United States is 7 yards, with the majority within 3 yards. Placing visual priority on the target is the natural response.
Baseball: "Keep your Eyes on the Ball" Not the Bat.
Driving: "Keep your Eyes on the Road" Not the Steering Wheel
The benefits of staying Target Focused is also a critical benefit to making sound decisions before applying lethal force. Our safety does not supersede that of our community. Tunnel vision of the front sight limits the visual awareness around the target.
Fads or progression? Red Dots, Lights, Comps, High Cap Magazines, etc.
Would you race in the Daytona 500 against modern cars, with a legacy stock car?
"But I like it and this works for me..." Just doesn't cut it, when the stakes are the safety of your loved ones.
Red Dots on Handguns, Carbines with Suppressors, Civilians with Night Vision...Why wouldn't you want an advantage when lives are on the line?
A house can certainly be built with power tools or hand tools alike. However if efficiency is the metric, you must be progressive in both technology and skill set.
Trigger Warning
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