More requests for CCW training.

[Adam Helmer]

The last several days have been pretty busy. I have had several CCW folks request training in handgun use. There is a lot of crime routinely reported in our weekly newspaper and a few cases indicated the presence of a CCW person, skilled in handgun use, would/could have made a big difference.

I keep my classes small because novices need lots of supervision. I would say only about 20% of my students already own a CCW firearm. Most are seeking advice on "The Best" CCW arm. I introduce all students to revolvers and semi-auto pistols with the admonition that both require weekly practice to maintain proficiency. Besides shooting, my course covers gun cleaning and safe storage. Every student is another vote for our side FOR gun ownership.

Adam

[Adam Helmer]

UPDATE:

One of my CCW students bought a S&W M637 5-shot .38 Special 2-inch revolver last week. The individual came to my range and fired a box of factory loads to get used to the new gun. Next week we have another range session and 3 additional factory loads to test to find which shoots to the sights at 25 yards.

The 637 is a nice, very concealable defensive handgun that fits the needs of the student. Revolvers still have their place in the 21st Century.

Adam

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Just out of curiosity, what loads was he shooting? I'm not familiar with the 637.....is it rated for +P ammo? If so, I would suggest he try the Remington 158 grain Lead SWC HP in +P configuration. That's the load I carry and it's quite accurate and expands to 60+ caliber in my test medium.

[Adam Helmer]

Mr. 16 gauge,

You are amazing! Yes, the 637 is rated +P and we were firing Federal 158 grain LSWCHP, aka the "FBI Load," and doing well with it. We will try Remington 158s and 110 grain JHPs and 125 grain JHPs.

Adam

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Adam;
Here is a photo of the recovered bullets from my test media (wet surgical sponges packed in plastic jugs)



Do you do any expansion testing, with or without your students? Just curious, as it was a real eye opener for me (tested several loads in .25ACP, .380, 9mm, .38 Super, and .38 Special).

Do you cover topics such as holsters, ect? Reason I ask is that our CCW course basically consisted on legal aspects, and little else....everything else I had to get from books, internet sources, ect.

[Adam Helmer]

Mr. 16 gauge,

Nice photos of bullet expansion. In the past, I shot a bar of Ivory soap and a can of Campbells beans to show the effect of various bullets and indicated why we must always"Watch the muzzle." The students got the message.

I discuss holsters and show types that cover the trigger in the carry position. In the past, I have been on the range when a person FIRED their gun IN THE HOLSTER and lost a slice of the buttocks in the process!

Besides handguns, I walk my people through a pump 12, an over-under Savage M24 .22 Magnum over 20 gauge, and bolt and semi-auto rifles. I like my classes and try to equip them for the world outside.

Adam

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Just one more question, Adam....has anyone shown up yet with an "oddball" gun or cartridge, like Grandpa's .455 Webley that he got in the war, or a .38 Super, or some such thing?
....or has it been pretty much folks who have no gun and they are looking for direction?

[Adam Helmer]

Mr. 16 gauge,

Thanks for inciting reflective thinking. At my first CCW class in NH in 1979 or 1980, I advertised our club's program from 0800 until noon on Saturday. I specifically asked prospective students to NOT bring a loaded handgun to the class; we would cover loading and firing on the range.

The first man showed up with a 4-inch M10 S&W .38 Special revolver. I check his gun at the door and it passed my safety inspection. I asked to see his ammo he planned to fire on the range. He said, "Your ad said don't bring no ammo to class." I had the ad at my table and asked him to point out his understanding of the ad. "Oh, he said, well I just read it quickly." This is why I had 6 certified instructors, one for each bench and shooter on the line.

The next guy came into the hall with a cigar box under his arm. I asked to inspect his house gun. He said, "It is in the box and loaded. My dad, now deceased, brought it back from the War. He said, just push down the safety and fire." I told him to place the box on the table and take a step back. I opened the box and saw a nice M1911A1 Ithaca .45 auto locked and cocked. I cleared the piece and told him to take a seat in the classroom.

I began those classes because a neighbor lady heard a noise one night, cocked her M-10 2-inch revolver and checked her house. All was clear so she tried to open the cylinder to swing it out before she lowered the hammer. She fired the revolver a time or two in the past, but never lowered the hammer on a loaded chamber. FINALLY, she shot her kitchen trash can to lower the hammer, neighbors called the cops and the chief asked me as club president to teach these pilgrims.

At our training, we teach people with revolvers to block the cocked hammer with their weak thumb, thumbnail UP toward the firing pin/hammer, when they pull the trigger and control lowering the hammer with their strong thumb. As a result, trash cans are now out of danger.

Adam