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What is Handgun Proficiency?


Scott Garcia

Jun 10, 2022

An often overlooked trait...

The ability to shoot a handgun proficiently is an important skill for anyone who owns or plans to own one. Handgun proficiency is not only about being able to hit a target, but also about understanding the proper techniques and having the proper mindset for using a handgun in self-defense.


In my opinion, the group who struggles the most with handgun proficiency is the concealed carrier crowd so this will mostly be focused towards them.


There are many concealed carriers out there who have never had any formal training beyond the required permit class. While taking a permit class is a great start to understanding the laws, it is not enough to make someone proficient with a handgun. In order to be a responsible and safe concealed carrier, one must take the time to learn how to shoot properly and how to use their handgun for self-defense.



So what is handgun proficiency?



There is a lot of misinformation out there about what it means to be proficient with a handgun. Some people think that you only need to be able to shoot accurately from a few feet away. Others think that you need to have extensive experience shooting in difficult and dangerous situations. The truth is, being proficient with a handgun means something different for everyone. It depends on your goals, your abilities, and sometimes depends on the type of handgun you are using.


One of the most important things to understand about proficiency is that it is not a static skill. You do not achieve proficiency and then stop learning. Rather, proficiency is something that you work towards your entire life. There are always new techniques to learn and new situations to practice for. The goal is to never stop improving your skills so that you can be the best possible concealed carrier you can be.


So, how can you work towards becoming more proficient with your handgun? You need to understand the handgun fundamentals. Once you have these basic skills down, you can start working on more advanced techniques like shooting from different positions and moving while shooting.  You should also make sure to practice and train regularly so that you can keep your skills sharp. The more you practice and train, the better you will become at using your handgun for self-defense.


Practice and training are key when it comes to becoming proficient with a handgun. We'll cover the difference between the two in another post.


In addition to being able to shoot accurately, you must also understand how to use your handgun for self-defense. This includes learning proper techniques, mindset and local laws for using your handgun in a defensive situation. As a concealed carrier, you have a responsibility to yourself and to those around you to be proficient with your handgun. This means being able to shoot accurately and responsibly, and having the knowledge and skills to use your handgun properly in a self-defense situation.


If you are serious about becoming a responsible and safe concealed carrier, then you need to make sure that you are proficient with your handgun. Take the time to learn the basics, train occasionally and then practice regularly. By doing this, you will be prepared to use your handgun for self-defense in any situation. Remember, proficiency is not a static skill - it is something that you work towards your entire life. Start learning today and never stop improving your skills!



What level of proficiency do you think a concealed carrier needs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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If you're reading this, there's a good chance that you're interested in taking a handgun course. And if that's the case, then there's also a good chance that you want to get the most out of that training. One way to do that is to take notes! In this article, we'll discuss why you should take notes during a handgun course, and how to go about doing it effectively. So, why take notes during a handgun course? There are a few reasons. First of all, it's a lot of information to take in. A good instructor is going to cover a lot of ground in a single class, and it can be tough to remember everything. Taking notes will help you keep track of what was covered, and will give you a resource to refer back to later. Another reason to take notes is that it allows you to process the information in a different way. When you're listening to an instructor and taking notes, you're forced to really think about what they're saying and how it applies to you. This can help you better understand and remember the material. Finally, taking notes gives you a record of what was covered in the class. This can be valuable for a number of reasons. Maybe you want to review the material before your next class, or maybe you want to refer back to something later on down the road. Whatever the case may be, having a written record of what was covered can be very helpful. So those are a few reasons why you should take notes during a handgun course. But how do you go about doing it effectively? Here are a few tips: First of all, bring a notebook and pen or pencil with you to class. This may seem like an obvious one, but it's worth mentioning. You'll want to have a dedicated notebook for taking class notes, so that you can easily find them later on. I recommend a Rite in the Rain notebook and pen so you do not have to worry about weather conditions. Second, make sure you can hear and see the instructor clearly. This will help you follow along and take accurate notes. If you're having trouble hearing or seeing the instructor, let them know so that they can adjust accordingly. Third, focus on key points and main ideas. Don't try to write down every single thing that the instructor says verbatim - chances are, you won't be able to keep up, and it's not necessary anyway. Just focus on writing down the main points so that you can refer back to them later. Fourth, don't be afraid to ask questions! I can't stress this one enough. If you're confused about something, or if you want clarification on a point, don't hesitate to raise your hand and ask. Not only will this help you understand the material better, but it will also show the instructor that you're engaged and interested in what they're saying. Finally, take your time. Don't feel like you have to rush through taking notes. If you need to pause for a minute to process what was just said, or to write down a particularly important point, that's perfectly fine. The goal is to understand the material and take accurate notes - so go at whatever pace works best for you so long as it doesn't hold up the class. Those are a few tips for taking effective notes during a handgun course. So next time you're in class, put them into practice and see how it goes! And if you have any other tips to share, be sure to leave them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
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