This is a broad sport! I don’t carry a pistol to defend myself or others AT ALL. Never. I am a sport shooter- I shoot pistols because I like to, not because I am afraid of people.
That’s a good article.
It points out that many people are required to carry a sidearm but have no interest in training for it.
Background music plays, pan to a man working at his desk. “Bang! Bang! Bang!” The sound of gunfire. The man draws a pistol and racks the slide. He listens. “Bang! Bang! Bang!” then a shout “It’s them gol derned zombies again!” The man gets up and moves to his office door. “Third time this week, stupid zombies. How am I supposed to get this spreadsheet done today?” He opens the door, looks down the hall, and fires.
My club- too many shot the floor, one guy shot himself holstering (he survived) and that’s it, strict rules came down to protect the club’s long term survival. You are in your lane shooting, or firearms are unloaded and actions open.
I’m comfortable with Glocks, I’ve owned a g26, g17 and a g22 LS with an Aimpoint on it. I didn’t care for the pipsqueak 9mm as I was in to big bore then, the g22 was a range gun. At the range, I never had a magazine in it until it was time to shoot! Wait... that’s how it’s done in competition for safety. All these trained competitors, all with guns unloaded until it’s their turn. Because safety.
So I’ve lost track of how many guns I’ve owned over the years, from sketchy old antiques to space guns. I stick with what works for me- always treat as if it’s loaded, and never load until I intend to shoot. Works for every gun, no matter if I forget which I have in my hand.
Other countries, other cultures, other people, other priorities - but maybe me saying
“I shoot pistols for fun, not because I feel I have to”
might remind people to work on some NRA Bullseye targets for a relaxing afternoon or pulverize some pinecones on a log.
Then we make up excuses on why we flinched, not why we got Glock Leg.
