DECEMBER 1, 2016

Skill Set: Pistol Tactics

In Tuesday's Wire column Rich made an important point about the difference between "micro pistols" and "service" pistols. Micro pistols are small frame handguns, have a limited magazine capacity, normally in a smaller caliber. Service pistols are larger framed, carry more rounds and in larger calibers. (Yes, there are exceptions to these terms.) By nature all handguns are defensive weapons; you use them to defend against an attack. Yes, you fight with the pistol, but the tactics used will vary according to what type handgun you have. Small pistols, such as .380's often carried in the pocket, have a limited field of application. They are used to get you out of a tight spot. They have just enough rounds and power to stop a threat, as long as you place your hits in the proper locations. At the same time you're putting hits on the threat you're creating distance, moving to cover or even better towards an exit. You don't have enough rounds or power to get into an extended altercation. Even if you carry extra magazines, being small means they are difficult to reload, especially when your hands feel like balloons due to the effects of stress and loss of dexterity. The smaller pistols might not be my first choice, but there are times when they are the only option. A .380 or small revolver in a pocket or ankle holster is easy to conceal. The way you have to dress may dictate what and how you need to carry. Since they are easy to conceal small pistols are also a good choice for backup or secondary weapons. For example I normally carry a full size pistol on my hip, and then a smaller weapon in another location. Carrying two full size pistols would be ideal, but I can't get away with that. When I can't carry a full size handgun I'll carry two small pistols, usually a matching pair so that everything's the same. Larger pistols, what I call fighting handguns normally fire larger caliber rounds and have more capacity in the mag. They have more stopping power and enough rounds to allow you to take aggressive actions. For example, if it were necessary you could use it to take control of an environment, clear a building or fight your way to family or partners. In most situations I want to avoid and escape and not have to fight. But you can't always predict what your particular type of trouble will look like. It may be necessary to face more than one threat. Escaping might not be an option. I can't leave friends or family behind and have to fight my way to them, and then get them out and to a safe location. I'd rather have a rifle, but if necessary a fighting pistol gives me a better chance of success then a small caliber weapon with limited mag capacity. Ultimately the fight is determined by what's in your heart and mind. Having the proper weapon makes winning a little easier. Regardless of what you carry you need training and practice. The key is to understand the tactics involved for the type weapon you carry. During training and practice you're developing an understanding of the tactics used with that weapon, its advantages and disadvantages. Also, remember if you don't have it with you, none of these things are going to matter. Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, located in northern Alabama. He is the author of "The Book of Two Guns" - http://shootrite.org/book/book.html writes for several firearms/tactical publications, and is featured on GunTalk's DVD, "Fighting With The 1911 - http://shootrite.org/dvd/dvd.html Website: www.shootrite.org http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shootrite-Firearms-Academy/156608611038230?ref=ts