Defensive Handgun Training

Use of weapons and guns forms the centerpiece of a majority of self-defense training programs. While a bulk of the self-defense training tactics have a primary focus on shooting aspect of the handguns, there is actually a lot more to the subject. Any well-devised self defense training program must include lessons on selection, safe-use and maintenance of firearms.

Exclusive training for shooting skills is not of a great help to individuals who are seeking ways to protect themselves. This is simply because shooting skills from handguns only forms a part of such training and one has to learn a lot other than simple shooting skills in order to ensure effective self defense.

There can be three probable situations that could involve the use of firearms during self defense. These situations are:

• * The defender is armed but the assailant isn’t.
• * The assailant is armed but the defender isn’t.
• * Both assailant and defender are armed.

In all these aforementioned conditions, there would be a handful of factors, including the time of the use of weapons and distance between the assailant and the defender, etc that come into play. All these crucial factors must be there in any well-structured training program to ensure effective use of weapons for self defense purposes.

By looking at these three conditions, it can be said that the shooting skills, though important, aren’t everything in case of self-defense using guns. Indeed, in two of these three conditions, shooting is either not the way or may be regarded as an illegal action.

Henceforth, there are certain things that must be kept in mind while using weapons for self defense. These are:

* Familiarization With The Weapon – Familiarization with the weapon is the primary step when it comes to using handguns for defense purposes. This familiarization includes tips on having proper grip on the weapon, easy loading and reloading techniques, choosing the appropriate weapon, stances and much more.

In addition to these, this basic step also includes other crucial skills, such as drawing the weapon, moves while drawing the gun, dropping the safety stance, proper aiming, and necessary tips on avoiding the incoming fire.

• * Shooting Skills – Unarguably, shooting skills with the handgun are utmost necessary in self defense training programs. Though the area seems to be self explanatory, apart from the general standing positions, it actually includes many skills such as shooting under pressure, tips on shooting and drawing, off-hand shooting skills and techniques on firing from several distinct positions.
• * Disarming Techniques – One can learn about using the weapon only when he/she knows the technique of defending against it. So, along with the necessary shooting skills, one should also learn the tips and techniques on disarming the attacker while negotiating with him. This certainly requires some presence of mind, along with some physical tactics.
• * Retention Techniques – In addition to the disarming techniques, one should also learn the essential tips and techniques on holding over his weapon during unfavorable times.

Apart from all these techniques, one is also required to apply some common sense while negotiating with the assailant.