Subcompact handguns are outstanding tools. They are great for deep carry and as a secondary weapon. The best gun to carry is the gun you have with you. Thus, if circumstances don’t allow you to carry a mid or full size weapon, then a subcompact gun is better than nothing.
However, they are not designed as a primary weapon system and should not be treated as such. Typically, subcompact guns are not as reliable as full size guns, and they are more difficult to shoot fast and accurate. Subcompacts are intended for deep carry, not extended training sessions. Attending a two day course like General Defensive Handgun is not optimal with a subcompact gun. Learn marksmanship and gun handling on a mid or full size gun then work with the subcompact. Click here to read more »
Used in competition for years, a non magnified red dot optic has shown to increase speed and accuracy for the operator. Recently, non-magnified red dot optics have become the standard on carbines. They are extremely rugged. The optic will probably be out dated and upgraded before the battery ever runs out.
As of late, some have been exploring the use of a red dot optic on fighting handguns. The best incarnation I have seen thus far is the work by Bowie Tactical Concepts. He mills the slide on a Glock or M&P and attaches a small JPoint optic. The optic sits very low on the gun and the center of the optic is very close to the line of sight with irons. In fact, there is a notch at the bottom of the optic to co-witness with the front sight so there is a back up if the optic goes down. Click here to read more »
We universally use sights from Heinie Specialty Products, specifically, the Ledge Straight Eight QWIK sight.
The Heinies use a thin front sight with a wide (QWIK) rear notch that is .156” wide. For defensive purposes, this provides a good balance of accuracy and speed. The Ledge design allows the operator to easily manipulate the gun one handed. Most importantly is the Straight Eight sight design. Night sights are important for low and no light engagements. However, there are problems with the conventional three dot design. Click here to read more »
Universally, the Insights instructor cadre carries and shoots Glock 19s. The main exception to this are instructors who are issued a different gun by their employers. From my perspective, I did not choose the Glock 19 because it is the “perfect” or best gun out there. I see it as the gun with the least problems given my tactics and skills. Click here to read more »
Often times I hear people say that you should select a gun that “feels the best to you. Go to the range and shoot a bunch of guns and buy the one you like.” This is lousy advice, and often results in new shooters making poor purchases. Again equipment should be selected based on the criteria for YOUR mission (private citizen, concealed carry, LE duty, military, etc) and then evaluated based on your tactics and skills. If you have no tactics and skills then you have no reference point to make an informed decision. If your tactics and skills suck, then your equipment selection will likely suck.
Body shape and size are factors for weapon selection. The biggest variation is hand size. For smaller handed shooters, single stack magazine feed handguns can be an advantage. Realistically, however, most anyone can learn to shoot any gun well. Don’t get caught up in the subjective feel of the gun. Click here to read more »