As a long-time defensive firearms instructor, I have lost count of the number of students that have attended our classes, but the number is in the hundreds. Our students have included persons of all sizes ranging in ages from 21 to 84, and included law enforcement, active military, MMA fighters, and great grandparents. I believe that teaching my students that there is only one way to grip a handgun may be doing them a disservice. I will be the first to admit that I have a preferred gripping method, but if a student can’t meet certain shooting standards with that method but they can with another accepted method, then the results speak for themselves.

Ask any extroverted professional golfer, tennis player, or bowler how important a proper grip is, and expect to receive an earful.  The same is true when it comes to defensive handgun shooting. Most people forced to use a handgun to defend themselves are not in danger of running out of ammunition, but instead they are in danger of running out of time.  The most reliable way to shut down an attacker or attackers representing a genuine threat to life and limb when no other options are available is to place accurate fire on target as quickly as possible and achieve effective hits.  A proper grip is necessary to not only hold the muzzle of the handgun as steady as possible while pressing the trigger, but it also minimizes muzzle rise between shots. Excessive muzzle rise slows down the ability of the shooter to get the sights back on target. A dirty little secret in the training industry is that in real-life shooting events, handgun bullets are not particularly effective in shutting down a motivated attacker, and many criminal assaults end because the criminal attacker did not want to get shot anymore. It may be necessary to place multiple rounds into a vital area and obtain a blood loss of as great as two liters to achieve cessation of another party’s deadly actions. A proper grip is much superior to a poor grip in making that happen.

If possible, we always want to get two hands on the butt of the handgun in order to obtain maximum control of the pistol or revolver. I personally believe that there are at least three different gripping methods that can work. It is my opinion that instructors should be able to teach all three grips in order to assist their students in adopting the type of grip that works best for them, then encourage them to  practice (much of which should be through dry-fire practice) to the point that they automatically default to it without conscious effort every time they pick up or draw the handgun.

My statement may incense a certain percentage of experienced instructors. However, I now believe that such variables as the size of the handgun selected, the width of its butt, the distance between the trigger and the frontstrap of the handgun, the size of the shooter’s hand, and his or her grip strength are likely to make one grip preferable to the rest. The three different grips will be discussed in future articles.

Top 7 Comfortable Gun Holsters for Women of All Shapes and Sizes

When do you need a holster?

JANUARY 1, 2022 By Sandra Stephens

The word is out. More women are entering the world of firearms. Check your social media. They are everywhere and from all walks of life–actresses, lawyers, musicians, and the list goes on. Women make up 20 percent of gun owners nationwide, and that number is increasing daily. In addition to self defense, getting outside, learning something new, overcoming fear, and meeting new friends are among the reasons more women are shooting.

The simplicity of men’s clothing makes concealed carry pretty straightforward for them. Many holster manufacturers make a gender-fluid style that fits both sexes, but these days, holster options for women are more numerous than ever. However, women’s body types and fashion vary so drastically that we want to guide you through some holster options. If you plan to carry concealed as a lifestyle, you will probably want to invest in assembling a holster wardrobe to prepare for every situation.

What to Consider When Looking for a Holster

When searching for the right holster, think about these standard features–safety, fit, and location. Look for one that covers your trigger completely to prevent accidental discharge of your firearm. It has to work for your body type when it comes to fit. As for location, determine where you can gain the quickest access to your gun in a life-threatening situation. Can you get to it from your chest, torso, hip, thigh, or ankle? Will it be inside (IWB) or outside (OWB) if you carry at your waistband? Whatever you do, check each holster to ensure that your specific gun will fit, and be sure to practice drawing your weapon so that you can do it without thinking if the time ever comes that you need to use it. Traditionally, your holster position is either “kidney” in the back or “appendix” in the front.

Finding the Holster Style That Fits You Best

Bra Holster
Bra holsters attach to or strap around your bra. Your weapon either lays muzzle down or across your chest. Bra holsters are all about quick access. You can raise your shirt and draw your gun. Now, depending on the size of your gun and the length of time you need to carry it, a bra holster can dig into your chest, weigh down your bra, and become uncomfortable. Some companies offer an over-the-shoulder sling to distribute the weight more evenly. You can also solve that problem with styles that look more like a sports bra or tank top with support–only with a pocket and strap for your gun under your arm. 

Belly Band Holster
A belly band holster is one of the most popular styles of concealed carry. That could be because it wraps around your waist and can be adjusted easily for a good fit. You can wear it high up on the body or lower toward your hips, and you can turn it to place your gun exactly where you want it. Its versatility makes it a favorite.

Inside the Waistband (IWB) Holster
The most common method for carrying a weapon is on the waistband. In this instance, it is inside the waist of your pants or skirt. Since this places the gun right next to your body, it will be secure but possibly less comfortable. You may also need to have more room in your waistband for a good fit. However, it delivers a balance of comfort and practicality for most women.

Outside the Waistband (OWB) Holster
If you plan to train at an outdoor range, an OWB holster may be required. So, even if you prefer other holster types, prepare to add this one to your list. Whenever you need it for everyday use, put on a blazer or a simple shirt, and it is easily concealed and accessible.

Corset Holster
A corset holster can be a feminine and practical option. It is typically a band that I like to say is shaped like a girl because it fits tight in your midsection and narrows at the waist. Your firearm sits securely on your body, and it minimizes printing (a visible bulge).

Thigh Holster
Wear this one inside or outside of your thigh under dresses and skirts. The best part is that it can virtually go unseen. One of my favorites comes in a short that doubles as a shaper. Just like the bra holster, this one requires you to raise your clothes up to fire.

Ankle Holster
An ankle holster is probably one of the simplest to wear all day when wearing pants. There is one caveat. It will be a challenge to draw your weapon fast if you are running. This type of holster could be an ideal option in other situations, especially if you have to sit a lot.

Leggings with Built-In Holster
Leggings could become your go-to option for everyday concealed carry from workouts to a night out. They are versatile, practical, and so comfortable. You will the option to carry both kidney and appendix. Check to see if they are available in right-hand and left-hand versions.

Whatever your needs, go ahead and try them all. It never hurts to have a holster wardrobe that works with everything in your closet. You can practice wearing them around the house before you venture out. Your favorites will be the ones that fit your firearms lifestyle.

‍Mark Gurney covers some very important tips about safety at the range.

Blog Video by: Gallery of Guns Blog

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The biggest reason why most shooters have inconsistent shot groups or miss their intended target, is POOR trigger control. We see it at EVERY camp we run and want to cover with you today, some training tips that will get you on target and keep you there with every round you send down range.

The following are some techniques to consider as a way to improve your trigger control:

1. BUILD A GOOD GRIP

Improper grip and if the grip on your firearm is too large or small, your trigger finger will not be in the proper place to exert the proper force straight to the rear on the trigger. Build a proper grip at the initial stage of your draw. Generally, the firearm, your wrist and forearms should form a straight line if you have a proper grip. Adjust the grip size of your pistol if it has this feature.

2. ISOLATE THE TRIGGER FINGER

Once you have built a proper grip, the index finger’s sole purpose is to pull the trigger.

Most shooters tend to tighten their grip during the trigger pull. Concentrate on moving just the index finger while maintaining the same grip pressure.

3. FOCUS

Shooting accurately is as much a mental exercise as a physical one. Concentrate on your grip pressure and trigger pull. Think front sight…front sight…front sight as you deliberately pull the trigger straight to the rear.

4. GO SLOW

Jerking and flinching is a product of rushing the trigger pull. Be fast out of the holster and acquiring sight alignment and sight picture but slow down on the trigger pull. Think smooth and steady pull versus a fast squeeze. Say in your head, “slow pull…slow pull…slow pull”.

5. SPEND A LOT OF TIME IN DRY FIRE PRACTICE

Dry firing is an excellent way to train for a proper trigger pull since there is no noise or recoil. This allows the shooter to focus solely on pulling the trigger without disrupting sight alignment and sight picture. Spend time dry firing from various positions like drawing from the holster, compressed ready or low ready etc.

Utilize a double action pistol if available or a SIRT product that resets the trigger so it allows you to pull the trigger multiple times without having to cycle the slide. This allows for a better feel of the trigger reset and builds muscle memory much better that pulling the trigger and having to cycle the slide.

Article from: Nick Rians <nick@ghostringtactical.com>

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DEALING WITH CHALLENGES IN RAINY WEATHER PART TWO

Posted By: Justin Collett (Firearms Trainers Association FTA)

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Part One of this article contained some sage advice from FTA members and veteran trainers Warren Wilson, Dave Spaulding, Ed Monk, and Cecil Burch. Part Two continues with more wisdom derived from experienced trainers who “have been there and done that” when it comes to dealing with the rain during classes on multiple occasions.

DEALING WITH CHALLENGES IN RAINY WEATHER PART ONE

Posted By: Justin Collett (Firearms Trainers Association FTA)

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I recently asked some FTA members that I know and respect to contribute to an article titled “Dealing with Challenges in Rainy Weather” knowing full well that I would likely benefit from reading the various responses myself. I have not been disappointed. FTA members have historically supported other members when it comes to making sure that students everywhere benefit in classes covering material that might prove to be critically important someday. What follows is advice from some experienced FTA members on lessons learned when it comes to dealing with rainy weather with much of it learned the hard way.