It's almost impossible to understand the challenges a real gunfight entails without training in a realistic, 360 degree environment with targets in motion, unidentified persons (who may be innocents or confederates of the bad guy), low light, and no shoot zones beyond the target that's attacking you. The cheap way to do this is to engage in force on force exercises with a tactically experienced partner using Airsoft or similar training tools.caldvn wrote:There is only so much one can do when a situation arises that requires the use of a firearm. At a certain point, you have to decide on how far, and how practical it is to bubble yourself from every outcome/scenario you can imagine. Primary firearm + bug, bullets types, calibers, body armor? etc...Excaliber wrote: Just keep in mind the challenges presented by multiple offender situations and folks who don't know or care they've been shot until a few minutes later. This can happen even if your caliber starts with a 4 and you do your part well.
You could easily get well into your backup magazine before things settle down. In those circumstances, there's no substitute for flawless functioning.
I'll be the first to admit that not only do I need to test my defensive ammo (ranges apparently don't like non-brass casings... and shooting a few rounds in my neighborhood wouldn't be very smart.) I also require training in regards to use of a firearm, beyond just going to a gun range and shooting paper targets. (Hopefully I'll get a chance to take a few self defense and firearm classes in the future.) One of my primary reasons I visit this forum often is to learn as much as I can (without paying, I'm a cheapskate) and have picked up a lot of valuable information. Much more then I learned during my CHL class by far.
Getting this training is where I would encourage you to start. When you fully understand the problems, you'll be in a good position to work out a solution set that best fits your circumstances and temperament.
