Although competition handguns differ from self-defense models, competition participation may improve self-defense preparation. However, supplemental training and practice will improve self-defense effectiveness. In addition, gun owners should focus on their personal protection.
Competition Versus Self-Defense Weapons
Competition firearms typically have customized triggers, optics and grips, making them heavy and more responsive, which may be unsuitable or unsafe for self-defense. Concealed carry self-defense weapons should be light and comfortable to carry, while home defense weapons may be a bit heavier but require accuracy at longer ranges.
Competition Helps Improve Skills
Participation in firearms competitions may improve self-defense skills. For example, competitors gain practice loading magazines and firing while moving, in tight quarters and accurately under pressure. In addition, competitors must consistently draw their weapons, producing muscle memory.
Competitors also learn to search for cover and practice firing at various light saturation levels, such as direct sunlight or low light. Competitions also require focus on more than one target at a time or in rapid succession, helping individuals focus during stressful, undesirable situations. Finally, they practice overcoming gun malfunctions.
Alternative Skill Development Techniques
Gun competitions do not simulate real-world situations perfectly. Therefore, gun owners should pursue additional training that mimic real-life scenarios. In addition, although range shooting typically involves standing in a single position and firing at a target that does not move, this practice helps owners familiarize themselves with their self-defense weapon, including its trigger pull weight, reloading process and optics.
Through gun handling and safety training, individuals learn how to fire and operate their weapons safely. However, advanced self-defense training should be sought to optimize safe gun control in stressful situations. Gun owners should also practice loading, malfunction and shooting drills, including firing with both hands, to develop muscle memory with their self-defense weapons.
Finally, gun owners should prepare for the mental and emotional impact of self-defense situations and actions.
Focus on Protection
Choosing a lower caliber weapon to scare off attackers is not a safe strategy. In addition, shooting to warn an attacker wastes valuable time and may result in greater personal injury. Therefore, individuals must be prepared to shoot to stop an attacker permanently.
Self-defense laws differ, but legal counsel may save a person who acts in self-defense from going to jail. In addition, insurance may be purchased to pay for any legal fees that arise from self-defense actions.
Although competition and self-defense weapons and shooting differ significantly, competition participation may help you hone your weapon skills. However, additional training should be sought. Finally, you should be prepared to protect yourself physically, financially and legally in self-defense situations.
