The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post

The British Soldier · October 10, 2005, 06:08 AM

As a fellow 'newbie' to this site, please read on because my experience with firearms is not 'newbie'.
Let's tackle this systematically:
1. Get trained - there are a pleathora of shooting venues and training establishments in your area [been there]. I imagine that they all run introductory courses in firearms usage - so enroll and learn how to safely handle a pistol. Once you can do so confidently and accurately, take a look around at what is in your budget.
2. Chose a pistol - forget revolvers; the effective ones are too bulky and carry too few rounds, pistols are compact and reliable [despite what the revolver supporters say]. The advice about getting a Glock is good, but know that Glocks require discipline to handle because of the lack of a safety catch. In the UK the Police use Glocks and many of them have shot themselves in the thigh, because they holstered their Glock with their finger on the trigger! It comes down to poor training; anyone who trains you should first show you how to hold the pistol and that means your index finger is straight and outside the trigger guard.
Glocks aren't expensive, they are very reliable, accurate and have a healthy magazine capacity. Stick to a 9mm or a .40; above that they are too thick to carry effectively. Learn how to use it and look after it; keep your skills current and have muscle memory.
3. Having become proficient and armed yourself, know the law! In the Army in Northern Ireland we were placed frequently in situations where you had to know the rules of when you can or cannot shoot! We call them 'rules of engagement' (ROE) - know yours. If the ROE fall into place you can shoot with confidence that the law will back you up; if you are in a grey area then you might hesitate and the criminal will not! He doesn't give a [color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color] about the law. You must know the law regarding 'self defence' because often this is outside any ROE; in the British Army we have the absolute right of self defence written into military law. No matter where we are we can shoot to protect ourselves.

I hope this strikes a chord; keep it simple and know what you are doing. A pistol is all you need, even against well armed opponents, if you are skilled with it and have the mindset, which is gained from confidence that you are in the 'right'.

Take care of yourself.

October 10, 2005, 06:08 AM	#18
The British Soldier Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2005 Location: England...that green and pleasasnt land. Posts: 295	As a fellow 'newbie' to this site, please read on because my experience with firearms is not 'newbie'. Let's tackle this systematically: 1. Get trained - there are a pleathora of shooting venues and training establishments in your area [been there]. I imagine that they all run introductory courses in firearms usage - so enroll and learn how to safely handle a pistol. Once you can do so confidently and accurately, take a look around at what is in your budget. 2. Chose a pistol - forget revolvers; the effective ones are too bulky and carry too few rounds, pistols are compact and reliable [despite what the revolver supporters say]. The advice about getting a Glock is good, but know that Glocks require discipline to handle because of the lack of a safety catch. In the UK the Police use Glocks and many of them have shot themselves in the thigh, because they holstered their Glock with their finger on the trigger! It comes down to poor training; anyone who trains you should first show you how to hold the pistol and that means your index finger is straight and outside the trigger guard. Glocks aren't expensive, they are very reliable, accurate and have a healthy magazine capacity. Stick to a 9mm or a .40; above that they are too thick to carry effectively. Learn how to use it and look after it; keep your skills current and have muscle memory. 3. Having become proficient and armed yourself, know the law! In the Army in Northern Ireland we were placed frequently in situations where you had to know the rules of when you can or cannot shoot! We call them 'rules of engagement' (ROE) - know yours. If the ROE fall into place you can shoot with confidence that the law will back you up; if you are in a grey area then you might hesitate and the criminal will not! He doesn't give a [color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color] about the law. You must know the law regarding 'self defence' because often this is outside any ROE; in the British Army we have the absolute right of self defence written into military law. No matter where we are we can shoot to protect ourselves. I hope this strikes a chord; keep it simple and know what you are doing. A pistol is all you need, even against well armed opponents, if you are skilled with it and have the mindset, which is gained from confidence that you are in the 'right'. Take care of yourself. __________________ Mike When you're wounded and left on Afghanistan's plains And the women come out to cut up what remains Just roll to your rifle and blow out your brains An' go to your Gawd like a soldier. Rudyard Kipling.