Comments on: Too Much Gun

By: David Marlow

David Marlow — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 01:09:21 +0000

Again, I realize this is an old thread, but to address Edwin’s old concern or a future concern of shooters who come here, I’d like to add an observation.

If the first and only pistol you fire is a .22, then just about any centerfire round is going to feel like it has a heavy recoil. I personally am a 9mm guy because of my personal preferences, but I recognize the fact that 9mm isn’t really the best caliber out there for stopping a deadly threat. A shooter has to find that balance between comfort and effectiveness. While a .22 may be very easy to shoot well and allow for very rapid follow-up shots, most would agree that you’re gonna want to sacrifice some of that comfort for a round that will go through a leather jacket.

By: Chuck Haggard

Chuck Haggard — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 09:30:40 +0000

One thing I like to try and get across to folks is the need to be able to shoot their chosen pistol single handed.
I know lots of folks who shoot fine-ish with their .40+ caliber pistols, with both hands.

One may not have the luxury of having both hands available when the balloon goes up.

Since I am of the opinion that none of the standard service calibers works better than the others on people, I choose to carry my Glock 9mms and S&W J frame .38s for work and defensive use.

By: gtmtnbiker98

gtmtnbiker98 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:14:37 +0000

Man, I should start proof reading.

By: gtmtnbiker98

gtmtnbiker98 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:13:34 +0000

Well, you’ve gone and done it, now. Your chosen topic can become as “long-winded and heated” and as the 9 vs. .45 debate. I definitely agree in your observations and I also tend to carry a 9mm a lot, especially during the summer months.

A 9mm is my chosen competition round and when I shoot my carry gun (P229 .40) once a month, I will admit it takes some adjustment and I’m not as fast with it. You muscle memory becomes accustomed to the recoil characteristics of the caliber you shoot the most and fore me, it’s the 9mm.

Good article, BTW. Ought to post this over on M4C, interested to read the potential feedback.

By: gregory

gregory — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:20:13 +0000

So, in essence, what you are saying is follow-up shots with a 9mm are easier than follow-up shots with a 45 ACP.

This is absolutely true.

However, practice does help a great deal and one CAN learn to control a 45 ACP handgun. With that said, it is more important for one to shoot a handgun that fits their hand properly than one that doesn’t, even if they have to go with a larger caliber.

By: Haji

Haji — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:49:58 +0000

While bigger and heavier is bigger and heavier, so to is more capacity more capacity. Its all a compromise.

By: David

David — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:14:56 +0000

there are also the below average shooters who defend caliber choice based upon capacity. they will say “you only have 13 or 14 shots of .45 (g21sf) but I have 147 shots from my 9mm”. subpar shooters tend to be exceptional apologists.

By: ToddG

ToddG — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:57:30 +0000

Edwin — If you find the recoil of a P30 or BHP “insane’ then I can guarantee you’re not holding the pistol properly, or your idea of how much a pistol should recoil is unrealistic. Check with local gun shops and ranges, they should have a good idea of what kind of classes are available in the area.

By: Edwin Garcia

Edwin Garcia — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:18:47 +0000

I started shooting only recently and currently own a Ruger mk2 in .22lr. When my grandfather gave me his Browning HP I foudn the recoil to be insane compared to the Ruger. I rented an HK P30 and also found the recoil to be much.

What can I do to help mitgate and correct the issues you have mentioned in your post? I was thinking of attending some trainning classes but I don’t really see any in the south Florida area.

By: Haji

Haji — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:51:08 +0000

That’s absolutely true, Todd! Add to that the fact that most people think they shoot like Dave Sevigny when they really shoot like Barney Fife.