Handguns I see in class

I have seen two different glock 9mm’s,  two walther ppk .380’s, one .38 super, one cz75 9mm and one beretta 96 .40 s&w.

The walthers really surprise me as that gun is fairly pricey for what you get, old technology that works, but still old. No night sights, no hi tech corrosion resistant finish, no cocked and locked carry, minimal round count. Yet the two shooters that had them intend to carry them. Fact is one is a daily carry piece while the other was brand new. The brand new one was purchased to be carried everyday, as compared to a bigger handgun that was normally left in the shooters vehicle.

The rest of the guns involved had only one that was a daily carry, that being the beretta 96 in compact form. The way that the owner carries this weapon is very interesting as he uses an off body carry, yet the gun is always with him. He has not yet adapted his lifestyle to carrying on his person , but still manages to carry a fairly serious fighting handgun with him, there is more than a little truth to the adage “where there is a will, there is a way”.

All of the other guns involved are not really carried on a daily basis, something that might change for at least one of them with the purchase of a slightly smaller weapon. I encourage everyone that I teach to properly learn how to carry and to carry everyday.  Trouble will not send you prior notice, when you are picked what you have with you will determine the outcome.  The weapons at home or in your vehicle are not going to save you, only the one on your person will carry the day IF you actually have it with you.

Next class will be November 2.

This post will stay on top until then, if you need to renew or just want to get your chl, please let me know either by email or call me at 437-2607.  New content is below.

Had another class today.

Today I taught another CHL class, my students did great, great questions and answers. All in all a great group of guys. Sorry no ladies in this one, but maybe that will change for November. Had another student shoot a target frame, that’s why I made them of pvc. I have a post coming up on the weapons that I see in class, some very interesting trends that I want to comment on. I have a post to wrap up the gear posts that I have been writing, see you in a bit.

Now what to hang

Your holster from. A good gun belt makes your life much easier. Good belts make the load almost disappear, cheap or non-reinforced belts will have you squirming and cinching all day long. Understand what we are trying to accomplish is to carry a typical medium size handgun with one reload all day and not have people around you notice anything out of the ordinary. That is easier said than done.

The typical gun belt will be available in nylon or leather. Almost all will have some sort of reinforcement that increases the belts rigidity, or be made from double thickness leather. Styles range from nylon

Instructors belt from The Wilderness

to more everyday “common” leather belts.

Aker leather belt

Most common belt width will be 1.5 inches, that width works in pretty much all pant loops, from dockers to jeans and even dress slacks. The good nylon belts will have a nylon liner sewn into them, plus multiple rows of stitches running around the belt for more reinforcement. The Wilderness brand is the original nylon gun belt, it’s really innovative claim to fame is the way that the buckle allows just the right tension, no holes are used for buckling. Many have copied the design, but the original seems to work best. The Aker belt is traditional leather and buckle, this belt with the right holster will allow IWB carry even with a tucked shirt. Because the adjustment is fixed by the holes in the belt you really need to cinch down tight if you change your wardrobe, leaving it loose after lunch will risk having your pants fall down. However some people cannot wear a nylon belt to work, the aker is probably one of the best designs that is not a custom made belt.

Let me point out that spending money on fashion or name brand belts to carry a gun is a waste. I have never run across one “design” belt that would hold up to carrying anything more than a cell phone, much less something as heavy as lets say a colt commander or glock 26. If you are carrying a gun, buy a gun belt. The wilderness belt is available from the company of the same name found under the gear links, the best selection on Aker belts seems to be at galls.com. Many of the custom holster makers also make belts, look around a bit and you should be able to find something that works for you.

Next up: how to carry a spare mag.