By John Farnam
Ft Collins, CO –-(Ammoland.com)- Modern and Trendy!
“There’s a critical difference between humility and gullibility. Who can’ t distinguish between the two live a short and anguished life of arrogant ignorance, and/or blind devotion.” ~ Ritu Ghatourey
Just reviewed an email from an online guns-and-ammo vender.
They are advertising an aftermarket, replacement slide for the G17, that is “electro-optical-sight-ready.”
But I notice that, in keeping with the gee-whiz, I-hope-this-impresses-my-friends ethos of young, hip, aspiring (but misguided) Operators, it is machined with all sorts of maladroit “gripping surfaces” and multiple, “ slotted openings.”
These ostensibly allow one to view the thus-exposed barrel (not sure why that is important).
I wonder whether purveyors, and purchasers, of such a thing ever think this through.
What will happen when they desperately attempt to fire their shiny, edgy wunderwaffe, as they dodge incoming bullets, while submerged in a cold, muddy ditch, at night, in the rain, upon recovering their glittering monstrosity from a bottomless pool of sloppy, sandy mud?
A “happy ending” is unlikely!
I’m not sure what all this means, beyond guns mistakenly viewed (by the naive and vain) as little more that icons of power and chic.
But, it all overlooks the fact that guns are not wizardly talismans of “ automatic victory.” “Looking chic,” and being legitimately prepared to win the fight, are not the same things!
You have to ask yourself:
“Am I trying to impress my friends, or my enemies?”
“Despite all the velcro, high-tech gear, and confusing politics, just do what you were trained to do, Son: Run your gun with measured precision. Shoot accurately, with deliberate purpose. Discipline will always defeat panic ”
Advice from a senior member of famed “Bat32,” South African Defense Forces (long-since disbanded by the ANC, owing to of their legendary “malicious competence” ) ( 32 Battalion – The Terrible Ones )
/John
About John Farnam & Defense Training International, Inc
As a defensive weapons and tactics instructor John Farnam will urge you, based on your own beliefs, to make up your mind in advance as to what you would do when faced with an imminent and unlawful lethal threat. You should, of course, also decide what preparations you should make in advance, if any. Defense Training International wants to make sure that their students fully understand the physical, legal, psychological, and societal consequences of their actions or inactions.
It is our duty to make you aware of certain unpleasant physical realities intrinsic to the Planet Earth. Mr Farnam is happy to be your counselor and advisor. Visit: www.defense-training.com
First of all all of you are assuming people who spend crazy insane $ on a firearm with fancy ports and lightened slide topped off with a red dot and finished in some crazy color are using this as a defensive tool. 98% of time they buy / build this type of firearm for competitive shooting. And what does a flashy firearm do? Its attracts attention it sometimes starts a conversation and brings attention to sponsors products. Now there are those individuals who have way more $ than brains and talent and just throw everything they can on a weapon… Read more »
I’ve never understood ported barrels on carry guns (ruins your night vision on the first shot) or forward serrations on a slide, you train exactly as you would (and will) react in real life situations and grasping the forward part of the slide to clear malfunctions, rack a slide for any purpose, while in an adrenaline infused, life and death situation is a recipe for disaster. Keep things as simple as possible and repeat all functions until you don’t even have to think about the procedure when the time comes.
We are moving away from basic skills and towards “gadgets” to get the job done. I remember when it was all about training (Basic Training). I have hired college “educated” kids for years to work for me and I have seen over time less and less basic skills being taught on campus. One of the things that was primary in my business was the use of topographic maps and the use of a simple compass to locate places and features on the ground and being able to map sites by hand. The last few years, the majority of college kids… Read more »
I learned the hard way a long time ago about tech on a gun. I was using my TC in .357 Maximum to deer hunt. I got caught in an awkward position when a nice 9 pt. buck approached. I moved slowly to light up my red dot when it decided it wasn’t going to provide a red dot. Luckily, I was carry my trusty Ruger Blkhwk. .44 in a holster for backup. Shot him at less the 25 ft. then took the maximum home and sold it a few weeks later, Red Dot and all….
Or as Wyatt Earp used to say “Fast is fine but accuracy is final.”
Vets and those still serving, from cooks to clerks all have been trained to respect the weapons of war . From a pen, to a Panzer, rifle or pistol they all can kill, or miss their intended target and someone lives. The military issued basic weapons, they do the job. The one behind that weapon may take advantage of technology to increase his odds but still relies on a basic weapon.
This is my Rifle, This is my gun. This ones for killing! That ones to, show the neighbors you are a gun nut!
Doodads don’t make a sharpshooter!
Practice and learning do. Rely on a Doodad and you’re DEAD!
Low battery, Wrong setting, Don’t know how it works. No IRON SIGHTS you’re dead!