I have a confession to make - I am a semi-automatic snob. Always have been, and probably always will be. I have a working knowledge of revolvers and could use one to defend myself or others - if push came to shove. But with that said, I've never been a big fan of them. The limited ammo capacity has always been a put off - and like most younger guys - I've had most of my shooting experiences with polymer framed - striker fired pistols. Hell, I've carried one every single day for the last decade. Hey - plastic fantastic right?!!
But after a colleague here at Forged From Freedom, who happens to be a wheel gun guy, told me I wasn't getting the full shooting experience by avoiding revolvers- I had to seriously consider his words. Was I truly missing out? Do I need seriously need to take a harder look at something so steeped in antiquity? Well - truthfully - yes. As much as it pains me to admit - as a true believer in the second amendment - and a self pro-claimed "good guy" I feel it is my duty to be able to defend myself and those around me with WHATEVER firearm I can get my hands on - and do so as proficiently and efficiently as possible.
So - I'm fixin' to purchase a revolver and share my experiences with all of you. (Just don't tell my wife I'm buying a new gun.) Now after shooting and carrying it - will I change my mind and carry a revolver as my new EDC weapon? Probably not. But never one to shy away from a challenge - we will go down that rabbit hole together. I better start studying up.
Backup Guns. Some people won't leave their house without one - while other's think it's a waste of time. Here at Forged From Freedom - we feel that they are a great and necessary resource to your Everyday Carry. But it's more weight, more bulk, etc... Sure - it's not going to be as comfortable sometimes - but with the right belt and the right clothing options - it won't be that much out of your comfort zone. So what kind of pistol and where should you carry it? That's totally up to you. Here are a couple things to keep in mind:
Ankle Holsters and Shoulder Holsters: Great for truck drivers or people that are in vehicles a large part of the day. For those rest of us - they are slightly harder to use in an action setting.
Appendix carry: My preferred choice. I like to carry my backup weapon in strong side appendix carry - but I am to unholster it with my non-dominate hand. I often drill drawing both of my pistols with my non-dominate hand. You never know if your dominate hand will be injured - or if you will be in a position where you can't use your dominate hand.
So what type of weapon? That's up to you. A gun in the hand in better than 2 in the safe. While there are many choices of caliber - action (semi/ revolver) The choice is up to you. What are you most comfortable with? Personally I have always carried a sub-compact Glock that I can interchange mags with my main side arm. But after watching Reid Henrich's of Valor Ridge - I'm starting to rethink my strategy. Check it out!
Shooting a lock off with a single bullet. We've seen in it video games and countless movies. "The good guys rushes up to the locked door - shoots the padlock with one shot from his 9mm - and boom - the door swings open - good guys saves the day."
So is it possible to do in real life? Check out the video below as the guys from Demolition Ranch take you through their journey of trying to bust open a lock with various calibers. The results may surprise you.
