January 1, 2010
Happy New Year! Let’s make 2010 one heck of a good year.
To kick off the FIRST Armed American Report of the decade, I’ve got a call-to-action special message from the host of Armed American Radio, Mark Walters.
Mark Walters:
Ladies and Gentlemen, 2009 was absolutely one for the record books on Armed American Radio! We defied the odds according to some of the biggest names in radio syndication management! They told us that "we were crazy", that we would "need to be on the air for at least a year" before we could "even THINK of national syndication".
You know what my response was? "Yeah, sure"!
Guess what, in less than 3 months of being on the air in one city for one hour, Armed American Radio defied those predictions and went national. In addition to that, in less than 3 months of syndication, AAR is now heard on DOZENS of stations across American and all time zones LIVE for THREE solid hours. Those career radio folks have since apologized for doubting our dreams! Although it felt good to hear them tell us we were doing things that they thought could never happen, WE KNEW FROM THE START IT COULD BE DONE!
See, what those career radio folks didn’t understand was our PASSION for freedom as LAW-ABIDING gun owners!
Operation Velvet Hammer is designed to defy the odds even greater! Your response so far has been overwhelming and humbling to say the least BUT we can do even better! So far, hundreds of you have offered your assistance in growing AAR even faster than it has in 2009 and with your help, together we can OWN 2010. Please help us show the radio guru’s that not only do we mean business and not only have we become one of the fastest growing radio programs in America but WE CAN BE EVEN BIGGER even FASTER.
Get involved in this fight today by clicking here and learning more…
Situational Awareness
"…The major desired result from awareness is of course gaining thinking time and therefore the greater ability to escape safely or determine when things have gone too far and escape is no longer possible, then responding to hopefully survive another day…"
by Chris Beglin
One of the prerequisites of concealed carry should (must) be avoidance of dangerous situations, by which I mean we escape them at all costs rather than enter into conflict. To maximize that requires good awareness, which I consider the most important and vital aspect of being alert. Our firearm is no passport to a gunfight. The major desired result from awareness is of course gaining thinking time and therefore the greater ability to escape safely or determine when things have gone too far and escape is no longer possible, then responding to hopefully survive another day.
There are popular "condition" colors we can allude to, suggested originally by the venerable Jeff Cooper (white, yellow, orange and red) which conveniently separate and demarcate the levels of awareness we can employ. As we may know, many people do indeed live most of their lives in condition white - meaning that while they might think they look and listen, they do not in fact see and hear as an effective information gathering experience. Rather they remain in their personal space sometimes oblivious to most of the environment that is around them. I think we all see vehicle drivers who can be labeled this way! There are other factors that can play a part also, including excessive alcohol intake effects and severe tiredness. It is these people who also perhaps exhibit what we may refer to as "victim status," because they can be recognized by criminals as unaware, sometimes slow, often trance-like and certainly potentially vulnerable.
Fish-eye view to show the choice of a seating position with a near-full scanning view of the whole interior. The outside window is to the author’s back.
Condition yellow is a step up from white and in my opinion where we should all be as responsible firearm carriers. It does not need any stress level because it is calm and relaxed but does require that we hone our senses to maximize their usefulness and habitually absorb the incoming information to good effect - ALERTNESS! It is what I think we should practice at all times possible, all our waking hours.
Orange is effectively an enhanced yellow state where we sense something is not quite right and things do not add up, so we think through our options for flight or fight.
Finally, condition red. The fight is on and you have to take decisive action to defend yourself or flee the latter being as ever the better choice if possible. It is though please note only with a firm grasp on yellow that the transition to orange and red can be properly and usefully achieved as, with white as a starting point sensory overload and denial will possibly be the main consequence resulting in a very non-productive panic. The transition through these three important stages is actually seamless.
Of all the senses, sight and hearing are the most obvious and applicable here, with touch taste and smell being secondary. The final one I include is "intuition" which is actually a "cerebral sense" and less apparent. I may be stating the obvious to some but, there is a very significant difference between looking and seeing, as there is also with listening and hearing - even the sense of smell should not be totally disregarded though I am not dealing with that here, other than to maybe state the obvious whereby if we smell smoke there just may be fire! I am assuming that all readers have their senses intact, however for those who may be hearing or vision impaired then they must further hone their remaining sense skills that much more. The majority of people I find do tend to let their senses run on "idle" when actually they have much remaining potential.
Let’s look briefly at specific sensory aspects and ways to better exploit them for situational awareness.
For the majority of us blessed with sight, this is perhaps the best sense to capitalize on, and remember, looking is not always seeing. Here is where practice with peripheral vision really helps because not only is that function acutely motion sensitive but also most people can manage very nearly 180 º coverage. To most gainfully use that however requires some extra work initially, so as to "register" in the mind what is out there over and above the central vision field, forming a habit of including that wide area in one’s appraisal.
When eating out next, for example, try to observe what you can see with peripheral vision and notice that movement in particular is well included by the eyes. Extend that further to try and recognize colors and types of clothes and you may be amazed that with a small increase in mental concentration and analysis you actually "see" a great deal more. Try also to practice subtle scanning actions, which can include extra eye movements side to side as well as subtle head movements, disguised more as general interest looks than actual intrusive intrusions into the space of others. Even an apparent cursory look at one’s wristwatch can effectively allow for a wider sweep which would not be noticed by most others. When out and about, even reflections in window glass can be very informative, such as glancing in a store window to see a reflection in another area while seeming to be window shopping. Auto glass can also be useful in a similar manner. Another ploy that can be used is to make a casual glance upward as if interested in something flying perhaps and then when returning to a low gaze, include a target area in the return sweep! Learn to place image "frames" grabbed during a sweep in temporary store and if possible make 360º sweeps too.
It is further important to practice scanning at all ranges. We have probably seen drivers who appear isolated in their own small cocoon and probably looking no further than ahead by one vehicle. It is they who may fail to see a wreck a quarter mile away and fail to act soon enough to avert trouble. They might equally fail to see the same distance behind and not see an errant truck barreling down on them with failed brakes. Apply this to everyday life. Do not just look within your local space but also scan at distance for anything unusual. In a street situation it might mean spotting a vehicle behaving strangely long before it has got close, or a person moving in an odd manner.
Much of our waking life, sound is a constant input and also very mixed in content. One thing we can fail to exploit is "selective hearing," which we often use unwittingly in a crowd when talking, shutting out extraneous sounds as we concentrate on a speaker. This can be developed considerably if when listening to input we consciously do a separation exercise. An easy example might be imagined when again, sitting in a restaurant, we attempt listening to and trying to tune in on and identify each voice or sound, attempting then also to even listen for outside sounds like vehicles.
Shop front to demonstrate using reflections to advantage - in each case an oblique view shows people or vehicles - and of course movement is easily seen with no obvious give-away of what one is doing. This is useful for those situations if you are suspicious of being followed etc.
Intuition. What is it? Well as individuals we have it to greater or lesser degrees and it is perhaps (arguably) something more applicable to older people with more experience. How can we train for this? I doubt we can but we can allow ourselves to listen to our inner self when alarm bells ring and try to rationalize our "gut-feelings." It is I consider a part of condition yellow anyway and goes with a heightened state of awareness. The hardest part is knowing whether to heed or disregard. This decision will necessitate a rapid weighing of facts as available. Imagine a noise in the night and we wake in a state of immediate heightened alertness, at which point we have to make quick decisions. Is the sound we heard a "normal" one such as a dog stretching his legs, or a cat jumping off a chair? We could call this waking to yellow. Rapid analysis is essential.
So, where are we now? Well, I have covered aspects regarding our two main sensory tools and also our intuitive instincts but also under this heading of situational awareness I am choosing to include what we might call situational assessment. Let us flex the imagination and suppose that we are in a public place, having already been alerted to some less than desirable people nearby. This we have ascertained by already being in yellow condition. Being unsure of our company we may now slide into condition orange because we feel uncomfortable and want to leave the area but also consider options if escape is not possible. This is where awareness usefully becomes assessment and there is much to be gained sometimes by looking at someone close enough, in the eye. In some cases this can be taken as an offensive gesture if not subtle enough but it can give some clue as to the possible intentions of third parties. A firm confident return of a look may well show no evil intent whereas a shifty look may well show nervousness, sometimes a danger sign.
In conclusion, remember once more that your prime responsibility as a bearer of a concealed weapon is to avoid trouble. The best way to do so is to know what is going on around you at varying distances and positions and it is something everyone can do, because the potential is there but it must be used and enhanced through practice. Every extra piece of sensory input you can accumulate represents vital fractions of time you may be better able to plan for flight or flight.
I have had to keep this fairly concise but it should hopefully set you off in the right direction, all the better to be a responsible and safe bearer of a firearm.
About The Author
I am an ex-pat’ 60-year-old Englishman and a proud American citizen, married to an American lady for the last six years and living happily in SW Pennsylvania. My daily carry is a SIG 226 ST in 9mm, in a custom K&D Holsters belt slide. I used to do freelance photography. I am a degreed Engineer, even though these days, I work mainly on the computer dealing in web design and kidding myself that I am semi-retired! In 1997, I suffered the ignominy of loosing my prized collection of 24 handguns, thanks to the UK Government revoking my "privilege." As a result, I now cling on tightly to our right to keep and bear arms in the U.S.A. I am an NRA Certified Instructor in all disciplines and enjoy passing on my experience as well as bringing in new shooters whenever possible. This allows me to feel that I give a little something back.
USCCA Toon of the Week
Disabled Man Stops Home Invasion with 3 Gun Shots
Gun Rights Roundup
by Buckeye Firearms Association
Gary Wroblewski is confined to a wheelchair and therefore an easy target for criminals. His physical limitations and lack of mobility are the type of weakness that cowards look for in an easy mark. But, Mr. Wroblewski is anything but a helpless victim.
That’s because he exercises his natural right to bear arms, which may have saved his life on December 15th when thugs attacked him inside his home in Ocala, Florida.
In a premeditated act of crime, three young hoodlums forced their way into Wroblewski’s home, knocking over Wroblewski in his wheelchair. On his way down, he fired three shots, fatally wounding one of the men and scaring off the other two.
If the anti-gun crusaders in America had their way, instead of a .45 in his hand to ward off his attackers, Mr. Wroblewski would have had nothing but a telephone to feebly dial 911, perhaps after he had been beaten. Or worse, the police may have had one more brutal murder to investigate that night.
The Founders knew what they were doing when they wrote the Second Amendment. And it had nothing to do with target shooting or sport. Our liberty is predicated on feeling secure in our own homes and having the ability to protect ourselves. Without that, the American experiment is a failure.
Read the full story, watch a video interview with Wroblewski, and listen to the 911 call.
Gun Rights Roundup is a joint venture of Buckeye Firearms Association and USCCA. We will keep fighting until every American enjoys their natural right to carry and self-defense. For more news on pro-gun law, politics, and events,click here to subscribe to Buckeye Firearms Association’s FREE Newsletter.
Coming Up On Armed American Radio
The Official Voice of the USCCA
by Mark Walters
Well, it’s here. The new year. 2010. Elections. The choice between freedom and socialism. This is the year we can make our voices heard and KICK some well deserving arse out of DC permanently.
The previous year was a huge success for Armed American Radio and 2010 is already looking like it’s going to blow 2009 right off the map. The interest in the program nationwide is building to unbelievable levels and more great things are bound to come.
For now, I’ll make this one short and sweet and let you get back to enjoying your families on another deserved day off but before I go I want to say THANK YOU! Thank you for making AAR one of the most talked about radio broadcasts in America and for all of your support. The lineup for the first show of 2010 is a huge one with Tim Schmidt, Oregon Firearms Federation’s Kevin Starrett, Dr Bruce Eimer exploring the criminal mind, the unbelievable gun photographer Oleg Volk and MORE!
Don’t forget to join us on Facebook at Armed American Radio and visit www.armedamericanradio.org for up to the minute info on everything we’re doing to bring freedom to America’s airwaves, coast to coast every Sunday evening for 3 solid hours of hard hitting talk about YOUR rights.
You have my word that I will continue to put myself on the line to carry the torch of freedom nationwide in 2010! Keep the letters and emails coming, the show suggestions, and when you see the freedom haters in your back yard be sure to let me know… I’ll take them to task and make sure the entire nation knows what they are up to! Buckle up folks, 2010 is gonna be a wild ride and I’m driving!
Thanks again and I’ll see YOU on the radio, this Sunday January 3rd at 8pm EST, 5pm PST!
Mark Walters
A Big Boy’s “Toy” - The Ruger LCR
USCCA Gear Review
by Todd Metzger - USCCA Member
www.greenandbrass.com/
Squirt guns, airsoft equipment, Nerf blasters, Glocks and the Ruger Lightweight Compact Revolver (LCR) all have one thing in common: plastic as a material of construction. Plastics are materials that are typically known for their light weight, relative strength and corrosion resistance. Modern day technologies allow for the manufacture and production of economical, high performance plastics that rival the properties of many materials of construction that have traditionally been used in the past for everything from spaceships to firearms. It is the use of plastics in modern day firearms that has created a revolution in their design and manufacture over the past several decades and brought new and unique products to the market.
I have been an owner and user of the commonly labeled Tupperware guns, Glocks, for years. I have even carried one as a law enforcement officer. Within the last couple of years, we have seen an explosion in the Tupperware handgun market, from pocket sized, semi automatics to even a revolver, the Ruger LCR. The plastic revolver is something that is quite unique in regards to the world of handguns. The Ruger LCR, with its use of plastic (polymer for those that don’t care for the term plastic) as the material of construction for its frame, aluminum and streamlined design, is one of, if not the lightest pocket snubbie out there when it comes to a .38 special pocket revolver.
In addition to the use of plastic, aluminum and component optimization achieves further lightening of the revolver. The great design of the LCR goes beyond just simple weight reduction. The fire control system was designed in such a way as to produce a very smooth and consistent trigger pull from start to finish. Even the grips of the revolver are designed to reduce the impact of recoil on the shooter in an effort to counter the increased recoil from such a lightweight handgun. The individual features of the Ruger LCR are designed and produced to work together to achieve a smooth, homogeneous system that leaves little to be desired.
I have read the reviews and seen them in the shops. While I found the revolver interesting when it first came onto the market, I didn’t have any interest in owning a LCR or any snubbie for that matter. However, over the last few months, I have evaluated and revised my daily carry gear, training and mindset where required. While OC Spray is an example of a new carry tool that I added that this reevaluation resulted in, I also realized that as much as I wanted my daily carry, IWB Glock 26 to serve all purposes, all of the time, it simply could not. I needed something that could be easily moved from pocket to pocket, accessible in bulky outer layer, cold weather garments and a lightweight pocket gun for my lawn mowing shorts. The Ruger semi automatic, .380 ACP LCP was actually on the top of my list to begin with. However, I realized that I wanted something with more energy, more punch. The .38 Special cartridge, which is the chambering for the Ruger LCR, in +P will give approximately 30% more energy than the .380 ACP cartridge. Additionally, snubbies purposely built for concealed carry, i.e. double action only, lightweight, short grip, concealed hammer, have a reputation for being workhorses. Given my requirements, the Ruger LCR was a near perfect fit. Since the LCR can actually be found in various stores and shops today, I was able to recently purchase one and bring it home with me.
The LCR was supplied with a nice Ruger emblazoned pistol case, user manual, various paperwork, fired casings in an envelope and a gun lock. Right from the box, I found that everything that I had heard about the revolver was accurate and truthful. The Ruger was lightweight, good looking, had a smooth trigger and lightweight. Yes, I said lightweight twice for emphasis! The LCR is also available with factory installed Crimson Trace Laser Grips for an additional price if desired. The size of the Ruger is consistent with every other .38 Special snubbie on the market. The LCR is about the same size as my Glock 26 and, obviously, slight smaller than the Glock 19 as seen in the photo below.
The LCR, as should be any concealed carry weapon, is rugged, simple and requires little in the way of supporting accessories. The direct supporting accessories for the LCR that are required are quality personal defense cartridges, an adequate holster and at least one reload worth of cartridges in the form of QuickStrips or other speedloader.
Based on my personal experience with firing this load as well as various technical/review data that is available, I prefer the Winchester’s Bonded PDX1 +P JHP Personal Protection cartridge as my primary self defense load.
The best method that I have found for carrying a spare load of cartridges is the Tuff Products QuickStrips. They allow for all of the rounds to lie flat in line, can slip in and out of my pocket easily and much quicker than carrying individual rounds loosely. While a traditional revolver speedloader is the quickest method to reload an “empty” revolver, I have found that the “cushy” Hogue Tamer grips supplied with the LCR interfere with the correct size HKS speedloader, size 36-A. While the HKS speedloader can be used, the grip interference requires some rather fine motor skills to align and drop the rounds into the cylinder that I do not believe would be available during a high stress event such as a self defense scenario.
As far as holsters, I own and recommend both a pocket and a belt, tuckable IWB in my case, holster. I purchased a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster that works like a pocket holster should. It holds the LCR as it should, covers the trigger guard as it should and stays in your pocket on drawing your revolver as it should. The belt holster, a tuckable IWB, that I purchased was a High Noon Leather Hidden Ally. The High Noon is a basic leather, IWB without any major bells or whistles, but it gets the job done.
I have mentioned numerous times as to how lightweight the LCR is. Ruger specifications indicate that the LCR, empty, weighs in at a tremendous 13.5 ounces. For a means of comparison, an unopened 12 fluid ounce can of soda weighs approximately the same. But, we all know that we don’t conceal empty weapons. If you conceal an empty weapon regularly, I will give some free advice that will save you hundreds of dollars: sell the gun and get a rock! Returning to the subject of weight, the revolver empty is light and the revolver loaded is still light. The revolver fully loaded with PDX1 and in a holster weighs in at a whopping 1 pound 2.7 ounces, an addition of 5.2 ounces.
The revolver not only looks and feels good, it operates great too! The revolver, for its intended purposes of personal defense, provides the accuracy needed! I have only had the opportunity to put approximately 30 rounds downrange in an effort to proof the basic operation of the revolver. However, those 30 rounds proved that the revolver puts the rounds where I need them. I fired 25 rounds of Winchester White Box FMJ and 5 rounds PDX1 +P. The recoil of the standard pressure rounds was stout but more than manageable. The +P loads definitely are snappier than standard pressure rounds, but are still manageable, although I wouldn’t care to put 200 rounds of +P downrange in a single session. The target pictured below is from the 30 proofing rounds that I fired during the first and only range session with the LCR. The target was at a distance of approximately 7 yards. The red circle indicates the location of aimed, snap shots, the yellow circle indicates the location of point shots and the green rectangle indicates the location of a mixture of a few hip shots (one hip shot was dumped) and a few shots on the move. As one can see, the revolver puts them where they are needed.
The final verdict is… This one is a keeper! I like this handgun so much that, if it weren’t for the limited capacity, it would be my daily carry piece starting yesterday. I am definitely happy with the purchase and it will certainly fill the niche that I was intending it to fill as well as much more!
The end.
ATTENTION USCCA MEMBERS!
The review you just read was written and photographed completely by a member of the USCCA, who originally posted it on the USCCA Member’s Only Forum.
Over 130,000 Armed Individuals will read this review, and be helped immensely because of it.
How would you like to have your gun or gear review published in this Armed American Report?
To have your review considered for publishing, simply email your word document with photos included or as seperate attachments to gearreview@usconcealedcarry.com
Reviews should be between 800 and 1600 words long. Photos are encouraged and should be in .jpg format and less than 500 kb in size.
I look forward to reading your submission.
P.S. -Be sure to include your full name and email address so I can email you with questions or comments.
Quote of the Week
(From The Editor: Is this the source of the gun control tactics?)
“Tell a lie loud enough and long enough and the people will believe it.”
—Adolf Hitler
USCCA Forum Highlights
Every paying website member has complete access to the USCCA forum, which is constantly being accessed by members sharing information, knowledge, insight, and fun. With well over sixty-thousand posts and growing by the hour, this is one heck of a valuable resource!
If you have never logged in but are a member, visit THIS location to watch help videos, including how to find out your username and/or password!
*******************
This week in the Forum Highlights I’m giving you an example of the responses members get from their posts. I want you all of you who aren’t yet members of our exclusive online members only forums to not only get a taste of the questions and other posts, but also the wonderfully informative replies.
This Happened To Me–Forced To Disarm
(From The Editor: What this person posted in the forums is totally unacceptable, and absolutely ridiculous! Sure officers need to be kept as safe as possible in these troubled times, but ordering a person in his own home to disarm is not the answer. There is no argument here for that police agency, for if the homeowner meant any harm to the police, he would not have told them he was armed!)
On Dec. 18th 2009 at or around 12 noon, I had someone attempt a forced burglary on my home here in South Seattle. I called the Police to report it. Operator 117 took the phone call. She asked me if I had any weapons. I replied yes I do. I am armed all the time. Told her I also have a permit. I also told her I was reporting it for information so they would know that something was going on in this area and I did not request they send the Police. She requested that I disarm. I asked why should I since this is my house and home. Her response was because I said so. She then referred me to Chief Dispatcher 20 who demanded that I disarm before they would even dispatch.
Very nicely as with the other dispatcher I stated I would not. My weapon is in my holster. She got on the radio and I heard her say “he is arguing with me and refuses to disarm” I informed her that I was not arguing with her. She stated again sir disarm and come out of the house with your hands up or we will not respond onto your property. I told her I would put the gun down and come out but not with my hands up. 2 minuets later there was a knock and I went outside. 2 officers then began to lecture me that I should obey the dispatcher and do what they tell me to do. There were about 9 officers outside.
They did not take a report or check the property or look at anything except for walking up and down the street. Then they left. I cannot understand why a legal gun owner on their own property has to disarm just to have the Police show up. Plus why I should come out of the house with my hands up.
Just installed a Crimson Trace on my SA 1911. Went to the range yesterday and all I can say is WOW. Drew and fired as soon as it cleared the holster and oddly enough it hit where the little red spot was. Every time. I fired from the close ready position with deadly accuracy. As a sideline benefit, as I fired the laser traced my hand and trigger mistakes for me. As I corrected them, accuracy improved. Only regret was that I only had 300 rounds. If you are on the fence about one get off and get it.
Best Value Officer’s Model 1911?
Hello all, I am looking for a budget minded officer’s model 1911. Does anybody have any input who makes a good one at a decent price?
Video of the Week
The tones of the voices, the words, the body language and facial expressions. This video tells me all I need to know. Watch it closely, and never give up the fight to keep the Second Amendment an individual right to bear arms.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4138T2VRgxs&feature=related
USCCA Photo of the Week
All Photos of the Week are taken from Mr. Oleg Volk’s
website:
http://www.a-human-right.com/.
It is a fantastic site. Please check it out!
USCCA Self Defense Story
Every day, thousands of Armed Americans use their firearms to preserve human life. Let this section of my newsletter serve as a record of this fact!
December 28, 2009
Peoa, Utah
From: KSTU
Mountain Lion Shot After Killing Family Dog
PEOA, Utah - Elain Jorgenson walked outside her house to feed her dog only to discover her 11-year-old Yorkshire Terrier mauled to death, bloodied and in nearly an unrecognizable state. She turned around and took two steps back to find a Mountain Lion hissing at her. Reeling in shock, she turned and ran into the house calling out her husband. "So I’m yelling at him ‘please get the gun’; he shoots it, we call 911 to let them know what happened."
The couple is from Peoa, a small town just northeast of Park City, nestled in the mountains.
Wildlife experts call this an isolated incident, but warn those to be safe and try to keep pets inside as much as possible this winter.
"This situation was a young juvenile cat, first winter on its own in my estimation… looking for food in the winter," Jorgenson says.
Closing Thoughts
Last Week’s Question: ANSWERED.
"How important in performance is barrel length? Specifically, is 4.5″ an whole lot better than 3.8″ in 9 mm or .40 cal? -John"
Paul from Austin:
Hello John, in response to your question about a barrel length of 4.5 or 3.8 inch barrel in 9mm and 40mm calibers and the difference of the two. I don’t believe you will find a whole lot of difference in barrel length in regards to close quarter confrontations. There may be a 5-20 fps difference in velocity through the chronograph maybe a bit more or less but not much with the length you’ve given. Even in sniper applications in the military they are looking at a shorter barrel as opposed to a longer barrel on their rifles for better portability and lighter overall weight. But with your case it’s which ever you like best. You can’t go wrong with either length, both will shoot excellent groups. Hope this helps your decision.
Phil R.:
In my opinion the only real concern over barrel length is it’s relation to sight radius. The shorter the barrel the shorter the sight radius thus a small sight misalignment equals a miss. Of course the speed of the bullet will be effected but that will not matter as much as missing the target. The target will not ask was that a 3 or 4″ barrel after being hit. If you are going to use a compact or sub-compact just practice with it until you can put all your shots in a 4″ paper plate out at 10 yards.
Mark Avery, Beavercreek, Ohio “DesertLion” on the USCCA Forum:
Barrel length - To some extent, it depends on what you mean by “a whole lot better”. There are differences in ballistics between barrels of different lengths in otherwise similar guns, but the differences are small. The main difference most people will notice is due to sight radius. The longer barrel guns have their sights further apart. The longer sight radius magnifies any sight alignment inaccuracies and are therefore easier to align properly. A very small error in sight alignment (the precision with which the sights are aligned with the eye) will have a much greater effect on shot placement, especially at longer distances, than small errors in sight picture (where the sights are aligned on the target). Most people attribute the perceived difference in accuracy between longer and shorter barrels to the barrels themselves, but the majority of the difference is due to the ease of aligning the sights correctly. At typical personal defense distances, from contact out to about 15 feet, precise accuracy is less of an issue. For that, you need to be able to get to your gun in the very few seconds you have from the time you have identified the threat. If a smaller gun means you are more likely to have it with you and easily accessible, the decreased ease of aiming precisely and very slight decrease in muzzle energy will be trumped by having the gun when you need it.
This week’s question. Have an answer? Use the “Ask Tim” form below to give an answer- I’ll share them here next week!
I understand old ammunition can be dangerous. My question is, How old is TOO old?? Thank you!
Do you have a pressing concern? Use the ‘Ask Tim’ contact form found at this page to let me hear your advice. Just use the graphic below!
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