The Gun Counter

Skill Set: Choosing A Pistol
By Tiger McKee

According to Jeff Cooper, there are three requirements for a fighting pistol. It should be sized to fit your hand, have a set of sights that work for your eyes, and a crisp trigger. In order to acquire a correct grip on the pistol and manipulate the controls properly the pistol should feel good in your hand. To stop a threat requires accurate hits, so you need sights that you can see. And the most important fundamental of shooting accurately, pressing the trigger, is accomplished best with a clean crisp trigger break.

For fighting we need a pistol designed for that purpose, one that functions properly, and is something that eventually becomes an extension of your body and mind. It's hard to beat the polymer pistols such as Glocks, the Springfield XD, and S&W's M&P. These are quality weapons, they are the easiest type pistols to operate, and they come in a variety of calibers. The 1911 style pistol is a great weapon, but it requires more training and practice to operate correctly than the pistols mentioned above. Then there are some pistols that simply are not designed to fight with. Their sharp edges cut your hands when you're cycling the slide, the safeties or decockers are ergonomically incorrect, and their triggers feel like crunching glass.

If you're looking for a self-defense pistol you should seek out advice from people who have knowledge of how to fight with a firearm. Once you have some knowledge find a gun-shop that rents pistols you can shoot. Investigate every option before making that purchase. And then, if you discover that your choice doesn't work exactly how you thought it would, get rid of it and buy the one you need.

If you are an experienced shooter, and something new and better comes along, you might want to consider changing. We're talking about a fighting weapon; so don't put yourself at a disadvantage simply because of tradition. Choose the tool that will get the job done as efficiently as possible. And don't get too hung up on the caliber issue. If you get to the point where it hurts your hand when shooting a .45, then go with a 9mm. Your friends might make fun of you, but their opinions won't matter during your fight.

"What weapon is best?" Selecting a firearm for fighting is serious business, like a life-and-death kind of decision. As a new gun owner do your research, and don't stop until you get what you need. Experienced shooters should never be hesitant to try something new. And remember there is a big difference between shooting and fighting, so get training, then practice, so when the fight comes you have the physical skills and mental confidence to win.

Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, located in northern Alabama, author of The Book of Two Guns, a staff member of several firearms/tactical publications, and an adjunct instructor for the F.B.I. (256) 582-4777 http://www.shootrite.org