Purchasing a handgun for self defense - Dodd and Associates Firearms Training

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	PURCHASING A HANDGUN FOR SELF DEFENSE by Ronnie Dodd

Home invasion, car jacking, armed muggings, mall shootings, business owners and valued customers murdered in their shop - a sad but daily occurrence in the United States. Then the tragic events of September 11, 2001 shocked our nation. More than any time since Pearl Harbor, the people of our great country started asking themselves an important question. What can I do in defense of such horrible attacks? Their answer? Gun purchases, especially handguns, registered a dramatic increase across the United States. However, in their haste to protect themselves and their families, many people purchased weapons that were not the best for their own defense! You must first ask and answer this important question before even considering purchasing a weapon for self defense! "Could I take a human life?" Both civilian and law enforcement students of professional firearms training are taught to shoot "center of mass" (or the chest area of an attacker facing you - the largest target presented…) to stop or neutralize a threat or an attack. There is a very strong likelihood that a shot to the "center of body mass" will end the attacker's life. Before purchasing a handgun, you must make a conscious decision that you could and would use deadly force to defend yourself or your loved ones! Below are a few of your next considerations before purchasing a handgun as a self defense weapon. While handguns are not the best fight stoppers, they are easily concealed and transported when compared to other firearms. Keep in mind; a firearm will only be useful to you if you have it with you when you need it!
COST
The average "good" defensive handgun will cost roughly $500.00. Recommended accessories include spare magazines for semi-automatic handguns or speed loaders for revolvers, practice ammunition, carrying systems such as holsters, cleaning supplies, professional firearms training, etc. A budget of $1,000 or more for this personal protection "system" would be a reasonable amount to consider. Evaluating your value and the value of your loved ones, this initial expense is quite reasonable indeed!
THE CORRECT FITTING HANDGUN
In my home state of Tennessee, it is mandatory to attend a state approved Tennessee Handgun Carry course to be issued a handgun carry permit. I am certified instructor to conduct these sessions and do so frequently. In a class recently, a young lady attempted the shooting requirement portion of the certification course with a rather large framed revolver. She did fairly well with that weapon but she did much better when she was allowed to shoot with a smaller, lighter 9mm handgun. The smaller frame of the 9mm handgun was a better fit for her small hand, giving her greater control of the weapon. The proper fitting handgun should provide both a firm and a comfortable grip during both one and two-handed shooting. A proper fit will allow you to comfortably reach the trigger with the first pad of your index finger. You should then be able to comfortably pull the trigger smoothly to the rear without disturbing your sight picture. A proper fit will also allow access to the weapon's controls (magazine release, safety lever…) without radically adjusting the position of the weapon in your hand. These simple things will make the weapon more comfortable and then the owner is more likely to practice with the weapon and this is what makes a person good with the gun - practice.
CONTROLLABILITY
Your ability to control your weapon is of utmost importance. The Smith and Wesson 44 Magnum "the most powerful handgun in the world…" is definitely a good fight stopper but it is terribly hard to control during rapid fire shooting due to it's tremendous recoil or "kick". Do not be talked into a firearm that you cannot control under self defense shooting situations. Col. Jeff Cooper, father of Modern Pistolcraft, once said, "A hit with a .22 caliber is better than a miss with a .45ACP.
POINTABILITY
This is a combination of the stock design and the grip angle of the gun. Under self defense conditions the weapon should become an extension of your forearm. This is necessary due to the reactive nature of self defense situations. You will NOT be able to pick the time and place of your confrontation. Take an unloaded weapon (double check the weapon is unloaded!) and "point-in" or aim at a specific point on a target, or a spot on the wall if you are still in the store, but some small no bigger than a silver dollar. Lower the weapon and then quickly raise the weapon to the target again. It should point naturally very close to your intended point of aim or to where the bullet will hit. Alternately, pick out a spot on the wall - make sure the weapon is unloaded and then double check again - close your eyes and "drive" or push the weapon to the point on the wall. Open your eyes to see where the weapon naturally points, if you do not come close to the intended spot, then you need to work on "natural point of aim" a technique used taught by high power rifle shooters. The bodies naturally resting area but very effective working with a handgun as well. To achieve natural point of aim, close your eyes, get into a comfortable shooting stance and without any tension on the weapon, aim at your intended spot on the wall. Open your eyes. If the sights are not resting on the intended spot, then adjust your stance by repeating the above steps until the sights are on the intended target. Over time, you will learn to assume your natural point of aim quickly, allowing for immediate and accurate fire with that handgun.
ACCURACY
Most modern well-made handguns are far more accurate than the average shooter is capable of shooting. A match grade weapon is not necessary for self defense situations. Any handgun that can shoot a 3-4 inch group at 25 yards is perfectly acceptable accuracy for self defense.
RELIABILITY
This is paramount. If you have to use your handgun you want it to work! Roughly a year ago I purchased a weapon which I had three malfunctions after my breaking in period (which is a thousand rounds for me). I no longer shoot that weapon!
NECESSITIES
A good set of sights, which can easily be observed in low light situations (that is when most self defense situations will occur), a good smooth trigger pull, and reliable magazines and or speed loaders are a must.
PREPAREDNESS
Preparedness is vitally important. I cringe every time I hear a story like "I bought a pistol for the house but I really don't feel comfortable with it". Handgun accidents are usually caused by ignorance or carelessness - do NOT be one of these individuals. Attend a professional, well-designed handgun course. Even if you do not want a handgun carry permit, the Tennessee Handgun Safety course is an excellent start. It covers, nomenclature, cleaning, storage, safety, legal, and some shooting. Use this analogy when it comes to your firearms training, if you buy a piano and take one music lesson, do you now qualify as an accomplished pianist? Before purchasing your personal firearm, find a firearms instructor, police officer or gun store that will allow you to hold, sight, work the action and trigger and possibly even shoot the weapon before you make the purchase. Make sure you pick a weapon you will be comfortable with, not what someone else tells you need. Just like buying a new car or home, a little homework will save you time, money and frustration. In the case of a purchasing a firearm for self defense, that extra homework just may save your life! Keeping a weapon for self defense is a serious consideration and you should put a considerable amount of thought and research into the process. When you decide to own a weapon, do your homework and get good quality training. Do not be afraid to ask the instructor for their qualifications and background. Remember, some people can play a piano but not be good at teaching you how to play.
Ronnie Dodd Dodd and Associates Training

Ronnie Dodd of Dodd and Associates Training is a 24-year veteran of law enforcement with an extensive background in civilian, law enforcement and military tactical training. Mr. Dodd conducts a variety of private training seminars in self defense at his private training facility in Southeastern Tennessee. For more information and class schedules, visit his website at www.doddtraining.com or email him at redodd@doddtraining.com.

Recommended Professional Handgun Self Defense Classes at Dodd and Associates Training:
Basic Pistol Practical Pistol Tennessee Handgun Carry Course Dynamic & Personal Protection/Intro Into Home Protection - please email Ronnie Dodd for reservations Concealed Carry for the Business Person Reference the Calendar for class schedules and registration information by clicking here.