[JohnB]

I was reviewing a website regarding a new holster and I ran across the following statement:

"Those with single action pistols should not attempt cocked-and-locked carry without first availing themselves of professional training.â€

What type of training does this refer to? How do I find out more about said training?

I want to have the best possible decision making capabilities, given the awesome responsibilities that are commensurate with concealed carry. I fully understand that this issue is not to be taken lightly, but I am uncertain as to how to proceed.

Any information/insight will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[RetiredRod]

Hey John,

I'll give my take on this, although I have a suspicion I'll be flamed, as more people read this thread.

I can't think of any "professional training" that is required for cocked & locked carry. I've been to a couple of shooting schools where all the shooting began with a holstered weapon, and, of course, for 1911's that means cocked & locked. The only special training was just the fundamentals of a safe draw, finger off trigger till sights on target, and sweeping the safety as you draw. No brain surgery there. Just common sense.

If you're starting from zero, with no "drawing & shooting" experience, then you should definitely practice quite a bit. In a heart-stopping, tense situation, your reactions have to be well-ingrained muscle memory. So, start slow with a perfect grip on the pistol, withdraw from the holster, extend front sight to target while sweeping safety, sight on target, finger on trigger, press. Do this over & over until it's second nature. Then go to the range and do it with live ammo. Draw & fire over & over.

IMHO, no "professional training" needed, just proper practice.

 

[fiddletown]

The reference to "professional training" in the holster maker's website was no doubt inserted by, or at the insistence of, a lawyer (such as myself) to help protect the holster maker from liability when some poor buyer shoots himself in the leg and wants to blame the holster maker for poor design.

BUT

I’m a strong advocate of good, professional training if you are going to carry a gun for personal defense.

Personally, I try to take some formal, professional training on a regular basis. At Gunsite (http://www.gunsite.com ), I've gone through Defensive Handgun (250) -- under the ever watchful and critical gaze of Jeff Cooper – and General Rifle (270). I've taken classes from the Walt Marshall group (http://www.awt-co.com ) and Louis Awerbuck (see http://ezine.m1911.org/awerback.htm ). Each one has been time and money well spent. Each taught me new things, gave me new insights, and was great fun. I also just took the new NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home class with a bunch of other NRA certified instructors (as part of getting certified to teach the course).

Good training will introduce you to basic and important skills that could be useful in a self defense situation like: presenting your weapon from a holster, moving safely with a loaded weapon, shooting while moving, shooting from unconventional postures, target acquisition, shooting fast and accurately, reloading, clearing malfunctions, etc.

Being able to effectively use a gun in self defense also means knowing and understanding the legal rules and being prepared for the legal and social consequences. And it involves mental preparation and mindset. Jeff Cooper used to say that, "Having a gun doesn't make you armed any more than having a guitar makes you a musician."