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<blockquote data-quote="Mad Professor" data-source="post: 2921871" data-attributes="member: 5316"><p>Welcome to the forum. Please excuse my typos/grammar as I try to do this from my phone. </p><p></p><p>Congratulations for considering the need to take primary responsibility for the protection of you and your family. I'm addressing your questions as I would to someone that is taking a very serious interest in doing so vs someone just "buying a handgun for protection. </p><p></p><p>You will see a lot of different opinions on these questions. My opinions on the subject come from many different applications of firearms. Derived from my experiences of about 14 years combined in reserve law enforcement, informally teaching new shooters before I was "qualified" to do so, several hundred hours of classes in LE and civilian settings, NRA Instructor course, Oklahoma CLEET and SDA instructor Certified, 2 instructor courses and an advanced instructor course from what I consider members of the top of their field, and many years of research on the subject(s). I have a pretty strong opinion on the subject be cause I am right!! <img src="/images/smilies/wink.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=";)" title="Wink ;)" data-shortname=";)" /> </p><p></p><p>A 9mm is an excellent choice, I agree 100%. Ammo selection is a factor, but it very capable as a self-defense round. However that is only part of the requirements. I suggest a full sized (or near full-sized), polymer framed, striker fired, double stack magazine, without a manual safety. The acceptance and/or issuing by major law enforcement agencies is a good way to qualify your choice. Examples in no particular order Glock 17/19, S&W M&P FS, SIG P320, Walther PPQ M2, Springfield XDM, and HK VP9. </p><p></p><p>It is very important to choose one that fits you. This is part of the problem I regularly see with many people but is more common in women. A handgun is purchased and then the shooter struggles trying to learn with a gun that is not optimum for their needs. Most common Is a small gun is selected that is harder to get a good grip on. And because of its size (weight) there will be more felt recoil to the shooter. You are not trying to conceal this (yet) so that removes some of the desire of a smaller gun. Many of the guns I mentioned above can be changed to better fit smaller or larger hands. </p><p></p><p>Realize that your first choice in a firearm may be wrong. It's not a dog or kid you are stuck with. Be willing to trade for something that works better for you later. As you progress through training you will realize your needs. There are rental options, loaners from friends/relatives/instructors,etc. I'd suggest getting involved with "the well armed women". Most chapters meet monthly and there are lots of opportunities to experiment with different firearms. Don't get in a hurry to buy one. </p><p></p><p>Additionally you really need to budget additional equipment along the way. A very study gun belt and quality holster., 2+ spare magazines, eye and ear protection. The belt and holster would be helpful even with home protection. Herding small children might be much easier and safer with a holstered firearm if actual presentation is not needed at that exact time. Such as immediately after the threat has diminished but before the Calvary has arrived. Again it is important to get information from someone qualified to make recommendations an these items as well. </p><p></p><p>There are several locking boxes that can be used when the firearm is not in the safe or on your person. Cabelas, Bass Pro, Academy, and H&H all have some decent examples to pick from with different levels of access and protection. </p><p></p><p>Classes: Just in case I have not hurt enough feeling with my opinions above, I'm going to take care of it now. </p><p>1. No, you are not required by law to have classes or permits for home protection. </p><p></p><p>2. The majority of the police officers I have been exposed to would not be my first choice if I was the captain picking team members for a gunfight like you would a high-school dodgeball game. It is sad but pretty accurate statement. There are exceptions, but I have seen so many performance issues in annual or bi-annual qualifications that I stand firm in my statement. Most only fire their firearm once or twice a year during these qualification sessions and it shows. </p><p></p><p>3. Civilian vs Law enforcement training differ in many aspects. As a civilian, I should have ZERO interested in the apprehension of an offender. I want an immediate stop to the threat of myself or my family. There are many instances where an LEO would be just in pointing a firearm that would result in charges for a civilian. The person providing the training needs to be familiar with methods that are "civilian friendly". While retreat is not usually a LEO option, many times it is the best option for a civilian. </p><p></p><p>4. Even if the officer (or civilian) is an excellent marksman that does not mean he is qualified as an instructor.</p><p></p><p>5. "NRA instructor" certifications are too easy to obtain and should not be the basis of choosing an instructor by itself. </p><p></p><p>6. Building correct skills from the start is extremely important. We build muscle memory in performing the tasks. It is much easier building proper skills than it is to break bad habits. </p><p></p><p>7. Family members (and friends) don't always make the best instructors for adults. Feelings get hurt and/or they may let things slide to prevent hurt feeling. If you are screwing up, you need to know right now. It is even more critical if it is a safety issue. Not a screaming drill Sergeant style chewing, but a caring conveyance of the issue. </p><p></p><p>8. Training needs to be very structured and build on previous techniques. The previous skills are constantly reinforced as you add new skills. </p><p></p><p>9. Training with new shooters needs to occur in small chunks. 1-4 hours with a mix of presentation and range time. I see new shooters overwhelmed in 8 hour courses. They are usually overwhelmed the last half of the day. They make mistakes and continue to reinforce those mistakes by continuing. Choose carefully so that you get the desired results for the time and money you invest. </p><p></p><p>Now I'm going to change from hurting feelings to straight out offending people: </p><p></p><p>When I hear someone say to get a revolver as a primary self-defense firearm, I pretty much discount everything they say on the subject. About the same as those that say 22/.25/.32 is adequate for self defense. I suggest you do the same. </p><p></p><p>Take 10 minutes and watch this video interview with Tom Givens. While one portion addresses CCW, it still applies. </p><p></p><p></p><p>[MEDIA=youtube]j4BBr4wUSIg[/MEDIA]</p><p></p><p>PM me if you want specific recommendations. I have no intent on taking a student on for lessons, but would be more than happy to point you the right direction.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Mad Professor, post: 2921871, member: 5316"] Welcome to the forum. Please excuse my typos/grammar as I try to do this from my phone. Congratulations for considering the need to take primary responsibility for the protection of you and your family. I'm addressing your questions as I would to someone that is taking a very serious interest in doing so vs someone just "buying a handgun for protection. You will see a lot of different opinions on these questions. My opinions on the subject come from many different applications of firearms. Derived from my experiences of about 14 years combined in reserve law enforcement, informally teaching new shooters before I was "qualified" to do so, several hundred hours of classes in LE and civilian settings, NRA Instructor course, Oklahoma CLEET and SDA instructor Certified, 2 instructor courses and an advanced instructor course from what I consider members of the top of their field, and many years of research on the subject(s). I have a pretty strong opinion on the subject be cause I am right!! ;) A 9mm is an excellent choice, I agree 100%. Ammo selection is a factor, but it very capable as a self-defense round. However that is only part of the requirements. I suggest a full sized (or near full-sized), polymer framed, striker fired, double stack magazine, without a manual safety. The acceptance and/or issuing by major law enforcement agencies is a good way to qualify your choice. Examples in no particular order Glock 17/19, S&W M&P FS, SIG P320, Walther PPQ M2, Springfield XDM, and HK VP9. It is very important to choose one that fits you. This is part of the problem I regularly see with many people but is more common in women. A handgun is purchased and then the shooter struggles trying to learn with a gun that is not optimum for their needs. Most common Is a small gun is selected that is harder to get a good grip on. And because of its size (weight) there will be more felt recoil to the shooter. You are not trying to conceal this (yet) so that removes some of the desire of a smaller gun. Many of the guns I mentioned above can be changed to better fit smaller or larger hands. Realize that your first choice in a firearm may be wrong. It's not a dog or kid you are stuck with. Be willing to trade for something that works better for you later. As you progress through training you will realize your needs. There are rental options, loaners from friends/relatives/instructors,etc. I'd suggest getting involved with "the well armed women". Most chapters meet monthly and there are lots of opportunities to experiment with different firearms. Don't get in a hurry to buy one. Additionally you really need to budget additional equipment along the way. A very study gun belt and quality holster., 2+ spare magazines, eye and ear protection. The belt and holster would be helpful even with home protection. Herding small children might be much easier and safer with a holstered firearm if actual presentation is not needed at that exact time. Such as immediately after the threat has diminished but before the Calvary has arrived. Again it is important to get information from someone qualified to make recommendations an these items as well. There are several locking boxes that can be used when the firearm is not in the safe or on your person. Cabelas, Bass Pro, Academy, and H&H all have some decent examples to pick from with different levels of access and protection. Classes: Just in case I have not hurt enough feeling with my opinions above, I'm going to take care of it now. 1. No, you are not required by law to have classes or permits for home protection. 2. The majority of the police officers I have been exposed to would not be my first choice if I was the captain picking team members for a gunfight like you would a high-school dodgeball game. It is sad but pretty accurate statement. There are exceptions, but I have seen so many performance issues in annual or bi-annual qualifications that I stand firm in my statement. Most only fire their firearm once or twice a year during these qualification sessions and it shows. 3. Civilian vs Law enforcement training differ in many aspects. As a civilian, I should have ZERO interested in the apprehension of an offender. I want an immediate stop to the threat of myself or my family. There are many instances where an LEO would be just in pointing a firearm that would result in charges for a civilian. The person providing the training needs to be familiar with methods that are "civilian friendly". While retreat is not usually a LEO option, many times it is the best option for a civilian. 4. Even if the officer (or civilian) is an excellent marksman that does not mean he is qualified as an instructor. 5. "NRA instructor" certifications are too easy to obtain and should not be the basis of choosing an instructor by itself. 6. Building correct skills from the start is extremely important. We build muscle memory in performing the tasks. It is much easier building proper skills than it is to break bad habits. 7. Family members (and friends) don't always make the best instructors for adults. Feelings get hurt and/or they may let things slide to prevent hurt feeling. If you are screwing up, you need to know right now. It is even more critical if it is a safety issue. Not a screaming drill Sergeant style chewing, but a caring conveyance of the issue. 8. Training needs to be very structured and build on previous techniques. The previous skills are constantly reinforced as you add new skills. 9. Training with new shooters needs to occur in small chunks. 1-4 hours with a mix of presentation and range time. I see new shooters overwhelmed in 8 hour courses. They are usually overwhelmed the last half of the day. They make mistakes and continue to reinforce those mistakes by continuing. Choose carefully so that you get the desired results for the time and money you invest. Now I'm going to change from hurting feelings to straight out offending people: When I hear someone say to get a revolver as a primary self-defense firearm, I pretty much discount everything they say on the subject. About the same as those that say 22/.25/.32 is adequate for self defense. I suggest you do the same. Take 10 minutes and watch this video interview with Tom Givens. While one portion addresses CCW, it still applies. [MEDIA=youtube]j4BBr4wUSIg[/MEDIA] PM me if you want specific recommendations. I have no intent on taking a student on for lessons, but would be more than happy to point you the right direction. [/QUOTE]
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