Based on last weeks responses, it seems that most of you like to plan your range time. I find well planned, well documented range time necessary for improvement. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for a laid back trip to the range. Unfortunately, when you write a blog, it seems those laid back trips turn into review sessions.
This week’s question is in response to a sentiment that I seem to come across a lot lately. Is organized “tactical” firearm training vital to responsible gun ownership or is it poser-ish? For the purposes of this question, assume that I am talking about tactical or defensive firearms courses. A 3 day carbine course would be a good example. I am not referring to legally mandated CCW training or military/LEO training.
Be Heard! Leave a comment below.
I don’t know if I’d say it is ‘responsible gun ownership’ necessarily. You can be a responsible gun owner and NOT attend a tactical course. But I would not say it is poser-ish either. There is a place for tactical courses, especially if you are planning on carrying for self-defense or have a carbine for same. Those courses teach you what to practice at your range sessions. The provide the foundation of how to handle your weapon in a fight… not just how to shoot it.
I think it’s all relative. If you’re a civilian who takes a bunch of ultra high risk breach/slingload/night-ops/k9 ninja classes, but you don’t actually do anything with it then I suppose by definition you’re a poser. This is not to say I’m telling you where to spend your money as it is YOUR money but I believe that your time would be much better spent getting wizardly good with your defensive handgun(s) and carbine/shotguns and MEDICAL TRAINING!!!
Balance in all things. It is up to the individual to determine their best configuration for personal and home defense. For most this is some combination of handgun, shotgun and carbine. For the civilian who has no military or LEO training, it only makes sense to acquire a higher level of “tactical” training. Hardly makes a person a “poser” – simply proficient in the arms they choose to use.
For those with military and LEO training, training changes over the years. The training I received in ’68 looks nothing like my last shooting course. There is always more to learn, and I embrace that. And, attempt to share that as well.
I could not agree more that medical training is some of the best dollars you could spend. Everything from basic first aid to wilderness first aid to trauma care is vital.
I think it depends on how you mentally process WHY you are doing what you are doing.
Nobody should be judged for spending their time/money in any legal manner they so choose, but they should be clear in their minds about the reasons for their choices. Its when people start confusing training/physical skills with “deeds” that they become “poseurs”.
http://tgace.com/2012/05/10/dont-confuse-skills-with-deeds/