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In my many years of teaching handgun training classes for new and experienced concealed carriers, various professional military and law enforcement groups, and other handgun owners and shooters, I have learned several very basic fundamentals in training that are not fully understood, only partially learned, and/or infrequently practiced or followed. I use the list that follows, 11 critical neglected training basics, as a regular, personal review to help myself and hope you also might find some value in them. These are training problems I regularly see with our students and the handgun skills, safety, and concealed carry classes.
Here are eleven of the most common training basics often overlooked by those carrying a concealed handgun, by new gun owners and students, and other shooters.
11 Critical Training Basics Often Neglected
- Don’t have sufficient training in fundamentals of shooting and in self-defense situations and awareness
- Don’t have a practice plan for training, but just plink when practicing
- Don’t know the federal, state, and local laws in their area and jurisdiction
- Don’t educate family members and household guests about proper gun use and safety
- Violate common gun safety rules, like Finger Off Trigger, Indexing Finger on Frame, Gun Safety Checking, Treating All Guns as Loaded, and Pointing Gun in Safe Direction
- Don’t follow safe gun storage guidelines for individual circumstances
- Don’t carry daily
- Don’t have a proper gun belt or proper holster and don’t practice drawing with them.
- Don’t have proper JHP carry ammo and don’t practice with it and with FMJ training ammo
- Don’t practice shooting for accuracy and speed
- Don’t practice shooting at various distances
01
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Don’t have sufficient training in fundamentals of shooting and in self-defense situations and awareness
Most of the new students in our classroom and range live-fire classes do not have sufficient handgun-related experiences, proper handgun training, or the understanding of the necessary training required for success in handling and using a handgun, in particular, especially for self-defense of their own life or the lives of their loved ones.
TIP: Some even believe that the training they already have, like from the military for rifles or from a relative when hunting as a youngster, is sufficient for a lifetime and that no other training, even for handguns, is necessary. Be open to specific and different skills and techniques for self-defense, concealed carry, and shooting improvement with a handgun.
This is not to say that they are inconsiderate or uncaring, but rather that this new area of handling and using a handgun is so very new for them that they do not know the breadth nor depth of the critical handgun, self-defense, concealed carry topics, or different skills needed. Even those many with previous military and law enforcement-related experiences and training do not understand this necessity.
Almost all of our previously-experienced firearm students have some extensive long gun, rifle or shotgun, experience in the military or hunting with family and friends. Of course, there are major differences and considerations in using a handgun for self-defense and in general versus a long gun. And almost all have not had training with a certified tactical handgun instructor in the many, complex skills and techniques required in practical life-threatening situations and scenarios.
Some believe their 45-minute short gun show session to qualify for a concealed weapon license will help save their lives, but the concentration in the many in-depth aspects of self-defense with a handgun is what is critical, rather than a brief, summary class and shooting one round into a barrel. I do not want to short change myself with a short summary class, but rather want to focus on as much quality classroom time, the thorough legal aspects of knowing when and when not to use deadly force in complex scenarios, and live-fire training as I can get, with personal, customized professional instruction for my skills improvement. Given my many years of training and experiences, I understand that I have much to learn and want to devote regular, annual training time for handgun basics and skills improvement. I want to learn not just the mechanics of shooting a gun, but the important legal guidelines in practical situations that might save me from going to jail, from an experienced legal professional. So, do not minimize the value you place on human lives and the necessities to be able to handle and survive the unique threats, legal challenges, and the required necessary skills.
02
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Don’t have a practice plan for training, but just plink when practicing
I find myself sometimes just randomly, fun-plinking at stationary, paper targets at 15 to 20 yards at the range, when practicing. Occasionally, I find myself at the range without a goal or plan and just haphazardly existing there without a definite plan for developing certain skills. Of course, having fun and being relaxed is necessary for a well-developed individual, but what about handling yourself in a deadly-force encounter and the bad guys? I enjoy casual, un-planned fun shooting time, but do want to primarily develop and extend my self-defense and carry skills.
TIP: Develop your own personal plan and specific goal and objectives for using a handgun for your self-defense training, when visiting the range for practice.
My major goal is to improve my accuracy, time, and necessary self-defense skills when carrying and shooting in deadly-force situations. Of course, I still want to have relaxing, fun pleasure shooting. But, I can get caught in the trap of overly focusing on the fun aspects of shooting and basic mechanics, without having a specific plan to match my goal, specific objectives, and activities and drills for improving specific skills, techniques, and handling deadly-force situations. Sometimes I do not follow my goal and plan when throwing rounds down range and lose sight of the “big picture” and all the many other challenges resulting from using a gun. I recognize then that I am not contributing to my goal and am not using specific drills and information to accomplish them.
For example, I might introduce an objective and drill for improving the speed of my draw from concealment to two seconds from a holster. Or another objective and drill for placing three rounds in a two-inch circle at five yards in three seconds, using a shot timer. Or an objective for knowing exactly when it is reasonable and legal for me to use my gun in various deadly-force situations, like applying the three major legal decision factors when responding to someone who attacks me in a public bank. Saving just a few seconds in your response time with your gun and with the quick legal decisions you make under pressure just might save your life and the lives of your loved ones.
TIP: Train hard with goals and specific drills for measuring key skills, as well as goals for knowing when and how to apply legal guideline factors for deciding the key elements for decision making in various deadly-force situations. So through developing muscle memory of what you have practiced in both mechanics and legal guidelines you can introduce those required decisions and skills automatically in a dangerous situation.
The old adage that “We don’t rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training” is certainly true. It is credited to an anonymous Navy Seal or through history to a Greek soldier and lyrical poet, Archilochus, during his fighting with the Thracians near the Greek Island of Thasos, around 650 BCE. Sadly, he concluded this worthy advice in his poems before his untimely death when he threw away his Shield in battle after insufficient training. So the point was strongly made that success is based on the ability to train to the point that when faced with a critical situation someone has practiced so many times that it becomes an immediate reaction without thought. So under pressure, we do not rise to the occasion but sink to the level of our training. So, train hard and in specific detail.
03
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Don’t know the federal, state, and local firearms laws and regulations in their area and jurisdiction
Over the many years teaching handgun skills, safety, and concealed carry, I have discovered that many students do not have an understanding of gun laws and the role of the federal, state, and local governments. Some insist that the federal government and Congress do not have a role, or should not have a role, in regulating all firearms, so there is no need to know these laws. And many students also disagree and believe just the opposite. In fact, Congress can regulate firearms through the federal government’s (limited) commerce and taxing powers which are given in our U.S. Constitution. The first federal regulation of firearms was the National Firearms Act (NFA) and was enacted as part of the Internal Revenue Code. And the federal regulation related to the exercise of the “commerce power” gives Congress its commerce power to regulate channels of interstate commerce (across state lines), objects (like firearms) moving in interstate commerce, and activities that have a substantial relation to interstate commerce. Many recent federal laws have been enacted through the commerce power. So, there are federal laws existing for regulating firearms.
TIP: Know not only your state and local firearms-related laws and regulations, but also know the federal laws and regulations. Per our Constitution, our federal government has the power to enact firearms laws in the interests of the public health, safety, and welfare of the people through “police powers,” even if we do not accept or agree with it. This police power is at the core of state and local authority to regulate the purchase, possession, transfer, and use of all firearms. This police power is not delegated to Congress but instead is vested in our 50 U.S. states.
Preemption of Local Laws
A higher level of government (e.g. a state) can remove regulatory power from a lower level of government (e.g. a county or city) and its local laws and this is called “preemption.” Generally, with some exceptions, Congress has not expressly preempted state or local laws regulating firearms and ammunition. Recently, however, several states have removed authority from local governments for gun and ammunition regulation.
TIP: Know if your state has a preemption law about firearms and ammunition and understand these regulations.
My state of Florida, for example, has a preemption law. In Okaloosa County, Florida officials passed a local ordinance banning firearms, trampolines, and bounce houses in beaches, parks, and recreation areas. Because of Florida’s firearm preemption law, the local ordinance banning the carrying of firearms in public places was rescinded, but not the ban on trampolines and bounce houses. There is a Florida statute exception to local-authority preemption under a state of emergency.
04
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Don’t educate family members and household guests about proper gun use and safety
As U.S. citizens, we have the right to carry and use a gun for self-defense, but we should do so very safely because we have that great responsibility and necessary accountability. Without a doubt, any gun, whether it is a carry handgun, hunting pistol, or any firearm, can become very dangerous and fatal, if not handled or stored properly. We all have this duty to ourselves and others, so we should ensure our family, friends, neighbors, visitors, and strangers to our homes know gun safety and gun safety rules. Those properly informed and trained can safely protect themselves and their families from anyone trying to harm them, while not having a big worry about accidents occurring.
05
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Violate common safety rules, like Finger Off Trigger, Indexing Finger on Frame, Gun Safety Checking, Treating All Guns as Loaded, and Pointing Gun in Safe Direction
Each of us should know and practice the fundamental firearm safety rules. While there are many “Golden Rules” of safe gun handling,” there are five in particular that are very important.
TIP: As a minimum, ALWAYS follow these five gun safety rules.
- Always treat any gun as loaded.
- Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
- Always keep your finger straight on the frame and off the trigger, until you have eyes and sights on the threat/target and are ready to shoot.
- Never point the gun at anything you do not intend to destroy.
- Be certain of your target and what is beyond it.
On my website, my book Concealed Carry and Handgun Essentials- 2nd edition is available and contains 11 chapters on safety topics, like carrying cocked and locked, types of handgun safeties, tips for selecting proper hearing protection, and defending against attacks from dangerous dogs.
06
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Don’t follow safe gun storage guidelines for individual circumstances
Guns should be stored unloaded, uncocked, with the magazine removed if a pistol, and securely locked out of sight and out of reach, paying special attention for safety for minor children in the home. If a handgun is used for home defense, it can be kept loaded and ready to quickly accesss, but still safe from minor children and adults. For maximum safety, use both a locking device and a storage container, depending on your personal considerations. Ammunition should be stored locked up and separate from your gun. There are modern gun and ammo storage lockable units with fingerprint detection security that are safe. Some states, like California, make it a criminal offense for a firearm owner to store a loaded gun in a home.
TIP: To perform a safely check of a semi-automatic handgun, first remove the magazine from the pistol’s magazine well, then next check the chamber both visually and tactilely by touch to see if a round of ammo is present.
07
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Don’t carry daily
When you have your concealed carry license or permit for your jurisdiction and state, it makes a statement that you care, are involved and aware, and have the confidence to improve your safety. But most importantly it makes you an even more responsible gun owner. You are taking legal and morally responsible steps to help potect everyone’s safety and are doing your part as a law-abiding citizen to protect your community. Given today’s uncertain environment and the lurking dangers of potential deadly-force attackers any time and at any place, whether sitting in church, eating at a restaurant, or shopping at a mall, it makes sense to be armed just in case there is a threat to you and your loved ones. Select the proper personal protection handgun and carry it daily!
My book Concealed Carry and Handgun Essentials- 2nd edition is available and contains 5 chapters on my selection criteria for a concealed carry handun, my ideal carry gun features, my top 21 concealed carry handguns, and more.
08
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Don’t have a proper gun belt or proper holster and don’t practice drawing with them.
So many times while teaching students in many different venues and while observing shooters practicing for concealed carry, I have seen them not practicing drawing from a holster as a part of their plan or not even having on a holster to draw a gun from. How can they effectively practice saving their life in realistic scenarios without drawing from a proper holster? In some jurisdictions, like in my home state of Florida, it is illegal to walk around in public with a gun and people cannot open carry.
TIP: Defenders must include in their self-defense training plan, drills which require drawing their handgun quickly from a holster, with a proper holster and proper gun belt. On my website my book Concealed Carry and Handgun Essentials- 2nd edition is available and contains in-depth technical details and my criteria and tips about these topics. See some of my related articles on this website:
Drawing from Concealed Carry: Steps and Tips – USA Carry
My Criteria for Selecting a Gun Belt and Review of the Armour Gun Belt – USA Carry
Criteria for Selecting Your Holster: A Review of the Alien Gear In-the-Waistband Holster – USA Carry
Validation of the Tueller Drill with My Personal Experience
Many years ago when I was learning some concealed carry basics, I remember taking a private shooting class from an experienced young, middle-aged NRA-Certified instructor who included a drill to help me recognize that I was not as quick as I thought about defending myself from an attacker rushing at me while my gun was holstered. At the time, I did not know I was to experience the Tueller Drill.
The instructor had me face the target which was seven yards away with my gun holstered. Then she stood at my back facing away from me. She stepped off 21 feet behind me in the opposite direction away, turned toward me, and stayed there. She said when I heard her say the word “go” that I should draw my gun from the holster and fire three of my best shots at the target before I felt her tap my shoulder. I did not know she would be running toward my back to tap my shoulder. Then I heard her say “go” and recall just getting my gun out of the holster and haphazardly raising it to fire one un-aimed, erratic shot at the target, even after she touched my shoulder. I remember being embarrassed that I got off only one shot quickly and it was a miss to center mass. And it was not within the rules because I shot only once and after she touched my shoulder. I was not able to fire three effective shots quickly and failed the drill.
I had just experienced firsthand the Tueller Drill. My instructor explained that this drill concludes that a defender has only 1.5 seconds to draw their gun from a holster before the attacker very quickly covers 21 feet and is close to harming them. She was the “attacker” who ran at my back from seven yards away. Even though I was a decent marksman then, I did not get a chance to show that because I could not even draw the gun that quickly from my holster to be able to use it to defend myself before she reached and tapped me. She said the research consistently shows that most defenders cannot even draw their gun from their holster, let alone take one effective shot, within the time limit. So, this drill quantifies a dangerous distance where an attacker presents a clear threat.
NOTE: Sergeant Dennis Tueller was with the Salt Lake City Police Department in 1983 when he studied how quickly an attacker could cover 21 feet, by timing many volunteers as they raced toward their target. His research led him to conclude that it could be done in 1.5 seconds; his Tueller Drill.
I quickly recognized how critical it is for any defender to prepare against a short-range knife or weapon attack when the defender is armed with a holstered handgun. What a wake-up experience this was for me about the necessity to not only practice accuracy and speed but quickly drawing from a holster.
My book Concealed Carry and Handgun Essentials- 2nd edition is available on my website and contains 48 Chapters with research results, court guidelines, and practical tips for short-range weapon defense. Also, see my related article on this website:
What is Your Safe Distance to Engage the Threat: The 21-Foot Rule
TIP: Safely practice quickly drawing from a holster to take at least two effective defensive shots at seven yards within 1.5 seconds. At first practice with inert snap cap rounds in a safe area in your home with a shot timer, before using live rounds at a range. Ensure the range permits drawing from a holster.
09
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Don’t have proper JHP carry ammo and don’t practice with it and with FMJ training ammo
Today, almost any loads from a top-level, reliable major ammo manufacturer will do for practice and training, as well as for self-defense purposes. However, it is very important to recognize that there should be a match between your situation and the ammo used, e.g. full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds for training and practice, with jacketed hollow-point (JHP) rounds for personal protection.
FMJ versus JHP Ammo
FMJ ammo is not often used in self-defense situations due mostly to the penetration risk of this bullet going through surfaces and objects and striking an unintended target. FMJ ammo is not designed to expand when it hits a target and is ideal for range training and practice. And almost all FMJ rounds are less expensive than JHP rounds.
However, JHP rounds are used extensively for self-defense and concealed carry because of their high expansion properties allowing them to more easily stay inside a target and do more damage to stop or neutralize the threat. As JHP bullets hit a target, their hollow tip allows the bullet to deform like a mushroom, thus slowing the bullet and giving more stopping power. There is a difference among any training ammo and JHP self-defense ammo in terms of how your particular defensive gun will handle the ammo. Some handguns handle defensive jacketed hollow-point ammo rounds significantly differently than they handle training FMJ rounds, So know how your self-defense gun especially handles defensive ammo, like jacketed hollow-point rounds, compared to full metal jacket rounds.
10
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Don’t practice shooting for accuracy and speed
I observe that some students and friends always practice for getting accurate hits on target, even to the exclusion of any other training personal protection skills, techniques, or considerations. While others mainly focus on quick speed in drawing and placing hits anywhere on target(s). What training approach do you follow?
Well, my fellow handgun instructors frequently debate which is most important for concealed carry: accurate hits on target or speed getting hits on target. Frankly, I hear both sides of the debate and believe both are correct. For me, it is not an “either or” debate, since my personal protection goal in my training is to draw and get precise hits (three center mass hits) on target fast (about 1.5 seconds a shot max, with a 1-second draw from concealment), at a distance of seven yards. Of course, I practice other skills and techniques and at different distances. I must add that there are several factors affecting success here, including the situation and its many variables (some uncertain and unpredictable), with distance from target(s) and number of threats being major considerations. This above personal protection one goal is realistic for me, but maybe not for a lot of folks, risks, and situations. So, determine a realistic goal(s) for yourself and practice to achieve it (them.) Remember, the situation is key and there is a difference between an International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) match and an uncertain, highly risky, self-defense, life-and-death encounter.
TIP: The target uncertainties and need for movement to cover, the unpredictability of the number of targets, their unknown distances from you, the confusing variables of the situation, and the general ambiguity and precariousness of chance mean that you must train for both speed and accuracy. First, fully develop your fundamentals and basics, as a foundation.
11
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Don’t practice shooting at various distances
In my competitive shooting experiences with IDPA, I quickly learned that shooting at distances longer than 15 yards is much more difficult than shooting less than that at say three, seven, and ten yards for accuracy. Yes, most self-defense shootings occur at distances of about seven yards. But, because of the uncertainty of attackers’ plans, the frequency of long-distance attacks, the situation and its variables, and the possible longer distances involved in deadly gunfights, a shooter should be prepared to defend themselves at distance. Remember the 2017 Las Vegas shooting of 59 killed and over 500 injured by a long-distance sniper at a music festival. And also perhaps you recall other recent mass public shooting attacks involving long distances, like the D.C. Beltway sniper shootings that killed 17 people, the Boulder, CO mass long-distance killings of 10 people at a grocery store, and the mass shootings of 12 people driving the highway around Chicago.
TIP: While concentrating on practicing self-defense shooting at shorter distances (like three, five, and seven yards), also practice shooting at distances of 10, 15, 20, and 25 yards with your handgun, in case of emergencies.
Conclusions
With the primary motivation and zeal to quickly get that concealed carry license/permit and spending the least amount of time and money to get it or as any shooter’s urgent expectations, do not overlook the absolutely necessary critical training basics that many folks often neglect. Here I gave the top 11 critical training basics or problems I see neglected by some of our students and by other shooters. I have also given several tips and suggestions to help you based on my early mistakes and what I have learned, sometimes the hard way. So I hope my ideas save you some time and benefit you as well.
Continued Success and Be Safe!
Photos by author. Copyright for lead photo purchased from Adobe Stock by i156 LL.
* This personal opinion article is meant for general information & educational purposes only and the author strongly recommends that you seek counsel from an attorney for legal advice and your own personal certified weapons trainer for proper guidance about shooting & using YOUR firearms, self-defense, and concealed carry. It should not be relied upon as accurate for all shooters & the author assumes no responsibility for anyone’s use of the information and shall not be liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information or any damages or injuries incurred whatsoever.
© 2022 Col Benjamin Findley. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be reprinted or reproduced in whole or in part by mechanical means, photocopying, electronic reproduction, scanning, or any other means without prior written permission. For copyright information, contact Col Ben Findley at [email protected].
Excellent article. Thank you for your tips.
Great info and tips. I like the easy to read ideas and suggestions. I make some of these mistakes and you help me.
Very thorough ideas and tips. I have violated several of these basics and will focus on them. Thanks!
Super article. Without a doubt, get training and practice, practice, practice. Nice checklist.