Agreed. Welcome to all the new folks…
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Hi David there as so many handguns out there that it would be hard to say which one is better. We can tell you what we like to carry but that does not make it the best. I carry a Sig 357 and Sig 45. Love both of them and they shoot right on the love spot. I would suggest that when you buy your gun take it home and when you have time set down with the book and read it several times. Find out how the gun works. Then have someone to set down with you and let them show you how to field strip the gun. To learn how to fire the weapon do a lot of dry firing. The way I use to practice was to get a pencil with a good eraser, place a piece of paper on the wall just about shoulder high. With the pencil make a dot just about a 32nd of an inch in diameter 'Remember to focus on the front sight. Looking through the rear sight blades focus on the front sight, not the back site. The rear sights or you target should always be blurry. You can only focus on one thing at a time. When you look through the back on most handguns you will see a square notch. Now when you look through the rear sight the front sight post should be even with the top of that notch in the rear sight and you should have equal light on both sides. Now back to the dry firing. Place the pencil, eraser end first down the barrel, bring you weapon upon the dot you made on the paper. Move forward to where your barrel is about 3/8 of an inch from the wall. Pull you hammer back to cock position, align your sights as described above and squeeze the trigger very slowly keeping you sights a aligned. When the hammer goes forward it will hit the rubber on the eraser, propelling the pencil forward and the pencil point will make a mark on the paper. The mark should be fairly close to the pencil dot. Do not worry if the mark is not on the dot, just so it is close. Make four or five shots and what you are looking for is for all of you marks be very close together. If all of your dots are real close together than you sight alignment is working. When you can perform this exercise without any problem then find you a range instructor. If he wants to start you further back then about 10 to 15 feet request him start you at that distance. Unless you want to target shoot you will not normally have to shoot more than 15 to 20 feet to defend a life. When you feel comfortable with shooting the 10 to 15 feet then it is fun to start backing up and improve your shooting using your sights. When shooting to defend your life most of the shooting will be with in the 10 to 15 foot range more than likely you will not use you sights. I hope this will help you. Do not be afraid to ask questions from people in the community. They will be more than glad to help you if they can. You make want to check and see if we have any members close to where you live. Hope you have a wonderful week.
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Simply WOW William. Thanks for this detailed reply - much appreciated. This is an interesting way to begin learning how to shoot - not something I would have figured out. I’m very open to suggestions and am in no hurry to rush into this. I want to learn from the experts and “teach” my body whatever muscle memory/stance it takes to shoot straight. I haven’t bought my gun yet. The Sheriff just sent me my CC card in the mail. When picking out a gun, should I just concern myself with how it feels and handles in my hands? Or is it important to also fire it if there is a range? The gun store near me has a firing range, but I don’t know if I have to rent the gun or if they will let me fire the ones that pass my initial “handling test” to compare them.
Dave Knapp
P.S. I’m assuming the gun barrel needs to be 3/8’s of an inch from the wall because a lead pencil doesn’t go very far? (Serious question, because I don’t know). doh! Also, as for what you mean by “equal light on both sides” [of the front sight?], is that a check that the gun isn’t cocked left or right but straight true to the target?
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Welcome Randall32! 21 years as a fighter pilot, 10 years CCF, lifetime patriot. Shoot SASS and N-SSA. Love that old stuff. Practice daily with SIRT and weekly with carry gun, offhand and weak hand/strong hand while moving. Fun!
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Hi, my name is David and I have carried concealed since 2016 and have been a USCCA member since 2017. I have been an avid hunter from my early teen years to the present and enjoy the outdoors. I like the information that the USCCA provides and cherish other peoples like minded post. Life to me is always a learning experience and I hope to learn the right lessons to stay on the right side of it.
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Welcome David22
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You too, have a great day, & stay safe.
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Glad to have you here!
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Hi folks,
My name is Diane and I am a senior and also a USAF veteran. I have been carrying concealed for some time and consider myself fairly well versed in the use of my police special and my 9mm Ruger. Hope I never need to pull either from my holster but will if I have to.
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Welcome Mrs_Diane_L , Welcome to the neighborhood so glad you came.
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Hello. I’ve been carrying since the 80’s, but just recently decided, due to riots and political dialogue, that the probability of being forced to defend myself justified the expense of insurance. I did three tours in Vietnam as part of a 21 year Navy career followed by a 35 year career in Aerospace industry. I have used my experience to assist numerous acquaintances in handgun selection and preparation for Concealed Carry formal training. Becoming a USCCA member has significantly eased my anxiety.
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Jim here. “Fukuro” (means Owl) is a nickname because I like to read.
Glad to finally be onboard. I’m an NRA CRSO and instructor of numerous courseworks out here in Southern California. I’m no expert, always willing to learn and willing to help!
Thank you to everyone and to @moderators for having me!
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First off allow me to thank you for your service, welcome to the neighborhood we are so glad you came.
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Welcome home family
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