The double action revolver is not in any danger of dying out as a defensive firearm. It has many great attributes that I have previously written about. If it were a dying defensive system, then firms like Charter Arms, Ruger, Smith and Wesson and Taurus would not be continually introducing new models and styles to their lineup on a regular basis. However, I think that some of the "art" of using a defensive revolver is dying out due to the semi-automatic pistols pre-eminent role in armed self-defense, as well as the fact that most of the younger instructors out there learned to shoot semi-automatic handguns first and even primarily. Instructors from my generation, especially law enforcement instructors, started out learning to shoot the revolver first and almost exclusively.
While the semi-auto does have some ammunition capacity advantages over the revolver, it is not for everyone, and a lot of people who were steered towards automatic pistols over revolvers for concealed carry or home defense, may not feel totally comfortable with the gun they have and its operation. In order to provide some time proven tactics and techniques for those who have chosen the revolver as a defensive arm, I have put together a training course in Advanced Defensive Revolver Operation.
The class will be taught at the Vance Outdoors location in Obetz, from 1pm to 5pm, Sunday June 7, 2015. It is not designed for the person who is totally unfamiliar with firearms and firearms safety, rather for those folks who have already purchased or own a revolver for concealed carry or home defense. The instructors reserve the right to dismiss anyone deemed by them to not be familiar enough with firearms in general and firearms safety.
Course Requirements
- A .357 Magnum or .38 Special revolver in safe working condition and suitable for either concealed carry or home defense
- A strong side belt carry holster with thumb break or equivalent retention device and proper trouser belt (a paddle holster with retention device is also acceptable)
- A speed reloading device (the Safariland Comp II speedloader is preferred, HKS speedloaders or TUFF Products Tuff Strip or Safariland Speed Strip will also be acceptable)
- 50 rounds of standard velocity (non +P) .38 Special ammunition (regardless of whether your handgun is chambered in .357 Magnum or .38 Special) with either full metal jacketed or lead ROUNDNOSE bullets weighing between 130 to 158 grains in weight.
- A flashlight
- You may bring your own eye and ear protection. If you do not have any, it will be provided for you.
We will be covering common sense use of force, speed reloading techniques, the use of the flashlight in low level light conditions on the range, strong and weak hand shooting, shooting from kneeling/crouched position, the use of night sights and laser aiming systems, and selecting appropriate defensive loads with a focus on reducing chances of collateral damage, and layered self-defense. My co-instructor and I have a combined 70 years of law enforcement experience and defensive firearms instruction training in the law enforcement and civilian realm.
Cost of the class is $75 and is limited to 16 students. To register, you can sign up online or contact:
Ray Joseph | 614.489.5025 ext. 840 | rjoseph@vanceoutdoors.com
