DRR #279 - Thank you Michael!

[BAC]

I'm so glad you covered training on your own for self-defense, Michael.  I'm really tired of other "experts" insinuating (or just outright stating) that if you haven't been to Gunsite at least 3 times you shouldn't own a firearm.  Yes, I need training, but thanks to our Complainer-in-Chief, I really can't afford the time or money to get training.

I'm working 3 jobs, usually 7 days a week, with no benefits.  So if I don't work, I don't get paid.  As a bonus, I'm making less than half what I made before getting laid off.  It really bugs me when other people in the gun world act like it's no big deal to take off work and just go to some expensive training or other.

I've been trying to pick up what I could from your show and others and the internets, and on those rare occasions I make it to the range to practice.  I'm going to get some self-defense books.  Hopefully better times are ahead and I'll be able to get some real training.

Anyway, to end the blather, thank you for actually acknowledging that we can't all just pick up and run off to USSA for training, and for giving us some advice on training on our own.

P.S.  If you are looking to hire an experienced trainer/photographer/Photoshop guy/network administrator/salesman/ammo bearer, let me know.

Brian

[Michael Bane]

Thank you!

Like you, I've gotten a little tired of the "must get expensive training" meme. Training is, to be sure, good, but darn it, as you noted times are hard! And it's important to note that most of the people who are selling you their expertise (including me) are pretty much self-taught. Yes, I've had about a billion classes since I "turned pro," but in those early days, when I was scraping to round up enough lead to make enough bullets to reload enough to keep shooting, hi-zoot classes were strictly a pipe dream.

We're expanding SHOOTING GALLERY's training segments, so you'll see 2-4 minutes broadcast, then the whole training session free on DRTV. Ditto on THE BEST DEFENSE...we'll show the Mikes' training briefly, but we'll make sure the whole training segment is available on-line.

Hell, I like money as much as the next person [YES! BUY MY VIDEO! IMMEDIATELY! ADVERTISE ON MY SHOWS! HURRY! SALES ENDS MOMENTARILY! LOL!], but it's important to spread training information as widely, and as inexpensively, as possible.

Wait'll you see me and Marshal's next trick pony! It'll rock...

Michael B

[Timothy]

We love ya Mikey!

We love free too.....

I'm an old hunter, shooter, Veteran sort and pretty regularly try and practice!  I'm reasonably sure I'm qualified to carry a firearm without the tactical gear and out of reach training that are marketed to us "less than adequate" gun owners.  I've always been a skeptic about this stuff. 

I've yet to listen to the pod cast but I'm sure I'll enjoy the message.

Once again Mr. Bane, I thank you for this community of brethren you and Marshall have created...

T

[BAC]

Can't wait for the shiny new stuff!

[jaybet]

To the "professional" gun training industry:
What part of "...shall not be infringed" don't you get?

Mike, thanks for not making everything about making money.

[Sponsor]

[DBC]

Michael...great podcast as usual! 

I have had some professional training, twice from Louis Awerbuck, and also the new NRA Defensive Pistol class...and when I can get the money together for these things, it is always worth it.  I'm saving and planning a hoped-for trip to Gunsite for a 250 Pistol class next year, but if it comes together it will be a major undertaking and a once-in-a-lifetime trip for me...it's so expensive!

But it's great to hear some confirmation for self-training.  If I get any pro training, cost usually keeps it to once a year.  So to stay sharp I read everything I can get my hands on, watch videos (including your DVD!), and shoot USPSA and steel to polish my gunhandling.

There's so much good information out there, anyone with a little sense and motivation can come up with a training plan and do just fine.  So while I would certainly recommend professional training when possible, I'd agree it's not necessary if you are at least moderately diligent and take advantage of the great shooting and self-defense resources that are available these days!  (I always mine Downrange Radio for just this type of info!)

Dave

[JLawson]

I have a question about dry-firing .22-caliber rimfires.

In the podcast, at about mark 37:50, Michael mentions dry-firing for practice.  I'm very familiar with dry-firing centerfire pistols and revolvers and use A-Zoom snap caps, most of the time, to prevent damage to firing pins.  A-Zoom sells .22LR action-proving dummy rounds but the packaging specifically states that they are not to be used for dry-fire.  And I've read other sources that state that .22LR firing pins and/or breech faces can be damaged by dry-firing.

So, the question... what is the best way to dry-fire a .22LR pistol without damaging the firing pin or breech face?

Thanks.

[seeker_two]

Great podcast, Michael. For those of us who have "self-studied" for decades, I get a little ruffled at the "professionals" who keep saying that we're completely ignorant and probably shouldn't be CCW'ing. And don't think the anti-gunners would think twice about using their quotes to push for training requirements before anyone can carry (or even buy) a gun.  Stuff like this is why it takes 10 hrs in a classroom and 6 months of waiting before you can get a Concealed Handgun License in Texas while other states (VT, AZ, AK) have far more reasonable CHL standards.

One other thing about the training courses....why do they require you bring a few thousand rounds of centerfire ammo (a significant expense....esp. today) when most of the drills they do could be accomplished just as well with a .22lr pistol?

[tombogan03884]

Great podcast, Michael. For those of us who have "self-studied" for decades, I get a little ruffled at the "professionals" who keep saying that we're completely ignorant and probably shouldn't be CCW'ing. And don't think the anti-gunners would think twice about using their quotes to push for training requirements before anyone can carry (or even buy) a gun.  Stuff like this is why it takes 10 hrs in a classroom and 6 months of waiting before you can get a Concealed Handgun License in Texas while other states (VT, AZ, AK) have far more reasonable CHL standards.

One other thing about the training courses....why do they require you bring a few thousand rounds of centerfire ammo (a significant expense....esp. today) when most of the drills they do could be accomplished just as well with a .22lr pistol?

This is one I can answer, you should train with what you would fight with.
Training on basics like sight picture/sight alignment is fine on a .22,.
 But when your life depends on it d9o you want your "muscle memory" to be focused on the .22 you plink with, or the centerfire that you're carrying ?

[Bic]

I have a question about dry-firing .22-caliber rimfires.

In the podcast, at about mark 37:50, Michael mentions dry-firing for practice.  I'm very familiar with dry-firing centerfire pistols and revolvers and use A-Zoom snap caps, most of the time, to prevent damage to firing pins.  A-Zoom sells .22LR action-proving dummy rounds but the packaging specifically states that they are not to be used for dry-fire.  And I've read other sources that state that .22LR firing pins and/or breech faces can be damaged by dry-firing.

So, the question... what is the best way to dry-fire a .22LR pistol without damaging the firing pin or breech face?

Thanks.

I've used empty (fired)  .22lr brass before BUT you'll need to rotate the case in the chamber after each 'firing' to ensure that the striker doesn't hit the same part of the case each time....also change the case every half dozen 'clicks'