It is time to talk about defensive guns and tactics again

Sig P365 XL

It is time to talk about defensive guns and tactics again.

Frankly, this conversation is so overdue it should be paying late fees.

People cling to this fantasy that they are perfectly safe at home as long as the doors are locked. Cute theory. The real trouble starts when they leave their little castles to pump gas, buy groceries or walk back to a dimly lit parking lot where predators watch people who are glued to their phones instead of their surroundings. Training ought to take place in low light, no light and especially outdoors. Civilians never get enough night fire training, while cops get it because they actually have to stay alive.

Now for the fun part. Revolvers have crawled back into fashion like the Phoenix clawing its way out of the grave. Suddenly everyone is falling in love with these gorgeous heavy caliber wheel guns. They are simple, reliable and they look damn good doing their job.

Not that the semi autos have gone anywhere. In fact, the tiny 9 millimeter pistols are exploding onto the scene like someone kicked over an anthill. The Sig P365 and the Springfield Hellcat rule that kingdom.

Of course, there is a trade-off with these dainty little semi autos. Men usually have paws that need more grip, and the smaller guns can feel like holding a bar of soap under recoil. You gain conceal ability and lose control. Sometimes that compromise is worth it. Still, you need to be proficient with a full-sized combat pistol as well as your pocket blaster. If you know you are heading somewhere dicey, carry the big iron. Or carry both and let the small one ride backup.

Now let us talk about sights. Red dots and green dots have taken over the landscape. Holosun is making the best reasonably priced optics on the market, and everyone knows it. As your eyes age, the front sight becomes harder to see. The red dot solves that problem instantly. Just make sure you can still co-witness with iron sights when your fancy gadget decides it is time for a quiet little death.

I am not thrilled about everyone running back to the 9 millimeter. Ammo makers swear it has the punch of Thor’s hammer, but reality often disagrees. Some shooters simply cannot handle the noise and recoil of a .45 ACP. Plenty of female cops can barely control a 9 millimeter, which is more psychological than physical. There is no reason an average woman cannot run a 1911 like a pro.

Too many instructors let women hide behind excuses. A good trainer tells them straight that they are not second-class shooters. Women often outscore men because they actually listen. They should not be allowed to fear heavier calibers out of habit or bad coaching.

I kept this short and to the point. Choose your defensive guns wisely. Your life may one day thank you for it.