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thetexan wrote:Yes, never draw the weapon unless you are prepared to used it...even as a threat against force as per 9.04. And even then the very last thing one does before firing is to put the finger on the trigger. At all other times...and I mean ALL OTHER TIMES....the finger is indexed against the side of the frame away from the trigger.

But what I have learned from teaching countless numbers of students is that most are frightfully improficient at using the gun if and when it is necessary to use it. And most don't even understand why this is. This is something I teach in tactical training classes.

There are several parts to the concept of having a "effectively usable" firearm when it becomes necessary to use it. Having a round in the chamber is only one of these parts and, ironically, the last on the list of these parts. If you are not proficient with the other skills you will fail with the gun long before you get to the part where having a round in the chamber makes a difference.

Let's take concealed carry with a gun in a belt holster for example. Here is a list of skills you must master to use the weapon effectively...

1. Making a "space" and "time" determination. Do you have adaquate space between you and the attacker and do you have the time to use the gun.
2. Getting your shirt out of the way so that you can get to the gun
3. Getting your shooting hand from where ever it happens to be at the time of the realization you are being attacked to the vicinity of the gun
4. Placing your drawing hand perfectly onto the gun in preparation for extraction
5. Extracting the gun smoothly while keeping your trigger finger off the trigger
6. Going from the extract position to a position where is the gun is in the quickest, most usable position for firing with the most economy of movement and time
7. Selecting from one of several ultimate firing positions based on what the immediate scenario calls upon.
8. NOW IT MATTERS IF THERE IS A ROUND IN THE CHAMBER!!!

If you are a woman...

3. Getting you gun out of your purse quickly without killing yourself in the process.

All of these tasks must be performed skillfully and proficiently when needed or else that LTC license you are so proud of is giving you a false sense of security. In fact, most times, someone who is dreadful at these skills may be better off just leaving the gun alone because you will just make the attacker madder by insulting his intelligence by trying to convince him you are a threat. He may, in fact, just take your gun that you are struggling to grab and use it on you!!

That is why I tell all of my students that the most import piece of equipment you can own is a blue gun that is a replica of your carry gun. Each of the above skills need to be rehearsed a thousand times, individually, and together, until you are an actual competent, proficient defensive threat with your weapon. And the great thing about the blue gun is that this can be practiced at home, over and over, and over and over and over....and did I mention....and over again!

THEN, and only then, will it matter if there is round in the chamber. Otherwise you might very well be more dangerous to yourself and others with a live gun you are not really able to safely use.

tex