11/18/2013
Is there one gun for all purposes? Part two: What pistol would I recommend for beginners?
When we consider this question, we have to narrow down the parameters, what use or specifically what purpose would this pistol be used for? What is best or easiest pistol to recommend for a lady or novice shooter. Regardless, of what my favorite gun for carry or self-defense is, I have to look at the simplicity of the mechanics of the pistol and exactly how long it would take to gain a minimal proficiency: that is to understand the operation and how to shoot that gun. At this point I should explain my background, I have had over 30 years of experience shooting various pistols; although I have been planking with pistols since I was a teenager. It wasn’t until after I graduated from college that I had the opportunity to train and shoot in a pistol league with the Chief Training Instructors from the Elite Naval Pistol Team for several years. It was only after years of shooting with these highly knowledgeable and skilled shooters that I gain an understanding of the mechanics of successful shooting and the requisite understanding of pistol operation in general. After five years of shooting with men from the Naval and Marine pistol teams. I began a long shooting career in local pistol matches for money and prizes for 25 years. During this time, I also served as the match director. This is where I gained the experience and knowledge and insight on many varieties of pistols and guns used for recreational and for self-defense purposes. Consequently, I believe I can answer this question objectively, as an experienced professional firearm enthusiast and certified fi****ms instructor.
Few experienced instructors would argue against me; even in the elite armed services, that the revolver is the simplest pistol to learn: in its operation and to shoot. In general, pistols-revolvers are double action. Meaning, when you pull the trigger; .2 things happen: 1. the hammer is cocked and 2 .the hammer is released, with one pull of the trigger. There are no external safeties, there are no magazines, no magazine releases. The revolver is simple: you have the grip, the cylinder (where you insert cartridges) the barrel, and of course the trigger. That’s about all there is to it! You put rounds in the cylinder, you close the cylinder, then you pull the trigger and the gun goes bang! There really isn’t anything very complicated about this process and it doesn’t take a lot of time to understand how that works.
The process of learning how to shoot a revolver is very simple; consequently, this is why I and most other firearm instructors would recommend learning to shoot the revolver as a simple starting point. When we get into the subject of semi-automatic handguns; we now enter into a world of many other variables and factors, as well as design differences in operation. This opinion is also understood by most instructors in the shooting community. There many instructors, including myself, that acknowledge the G***k semi- automatic pistol is pretty simple to learn. Nonetheless, it involves more components and is more complex in its operation, than a revolver. So, I stand by the basic thrust of this article and, that is. you really can’t beat the simplicity of the revolver. When it comes to understanding how it works and learning how to use it. Hopefully this article has been beneficial and if you’re interested in learning how to shoot a gun or complete course to gain your concealed carry permit. I have my contact information at the end of this article and I would be more than happy to assist you in obtaining whatever your goal is.
George Dagres, Certified Fi****ms Instructor, Alphaplus Fi****ms Training 757-235-9847
