Real “gunners” understand that knowledge and skill with a variety of small arms is mandatory. It should be understood that certain handguns and long guns should be second nature to those that must travel in harms way. Handgun wise the guns that you will be most likely to encounter require attention. These include first and for most the Glock. We live in a Glock world and once you leave CONUS it will be a 9X19mm Glock. The US service pistol, the Beretta M9/92 is a pistol that you should be able to run with ease. In the USA the 1911 remains the most popular selling handgun on the market today. Get to know in strengths and weaknesses and master it’s use. The ‘J’ frame S&W revolver is very proliferate, it is difficult to shoot well under stress, so give it serious attention when at the range. On America’s streets, the Hi Point pistol is found in great numbers as it is favored by the criminal element. While many ‘gunners’ disparage Hi Point firearms, if you have to pick one up and use it, you best know what you are doing. When you leave CONUS you will issued or given a sidearm that you may not be accustom to…do your homework and find out what type of small arms are common in the area you will be working or traveling. CZ 75, H&K USP/P2000/P30, Makarov, and TT33 Tokarev pistols are guns you should be competent with. In long guns, AR15 weapon system skills and use is mandatory and the AK platforms require hands on skill. In some places around the planet guns like the H&K 36, French FAMAS, and British SA80 may be something that you need to study up on. Know the guns that you may have to use in the area you live or travel….don’t always assume you will have the one you want or like.

Remember, guns don’t win fights…..the guy behind it does.

-Ken Hackathorn

Ken Hackathorn has served as a US Army Special Forces Small Arms Instructor, Gunsite Instructor, and NRA Police Firearms Instructor. He is currently an FBI Certified Firearms Instructor, Certified Deputy Sheriff with Washington County SO, Ohio, and a SRT member and Special Response Team trainer. Ken has trained US Military Special Operations forces, Marine FAST and SOTG units and is a contract small arms trainer to FBI SWAT and HRT.

Ken has provided training to Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies and been active in small arms training for the past 25 years. He has written firearms related material for Guns & Ammo, Combat Handguns, Soldier Of Fortune, and currently American Handgunner and contributed to at least six other gun/shooting journals. Ken was also a founding member of IPSC and IDPA.

To see Ken’s Training Class Schedule visit aliastraining.com.

Gunfighter Moment is a weekly feature brought to you by Alias Training & Security Services. Each week Alias brings us a different Trainer and in turn they offer SSD readers hard earned words of wisdom.

Tags: Alias Security and Training Services, Ken Hackathorn

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