Question: A unique/nuanced (??) teaching situation?

[rodralig]

The reason you're feeling "unqualified" is because your friend keeps coming around with off the wall ideas and (probably?) thinks he's "educated". Lots of misinformation and FUD out there, with a fair mix of good bad and awful plus a smidge of downright dangerous "information" tossed in. Thanks Internet.

You're trying to help him out, but it's a lot more work sorting through what he's "researched"... You want to offer "good advice", but have to navigate what he's coming to you with, and it's frustrating sorting out a mix of good, bad, and incorrect "information" - plus it's tough "disagreeing" with an accountant <wink>.

Whoa!?! You basically put into words what I was trying to say. Thank you for just understanding my case and providing a non-judgemental response...

Stick to the basics, and let him "research" - he will most likely make some "wrong" conclusions/decisions, but that's how most people learn! At some point he's got to put his "money where his mouth is", and buy something to call his own.

*nod* I have given him the basics in his first live fire range, and some materials to read and watch. The next step is basically up to him; but, I am concerned with ideas like "a revolver with the first four being dummy rounds," or "... I am worried about my kids accidentally picking it up, etc." Indeed, I spend more effort "discussing" on his notions rather than sticking to the basics. So, I guess, I sort of wanted it "delegated" to a professional instructor.

Revolver with 5 shots? No thanks (an accountant should be able to sort out that that would require nearly 100% accurate shooting vs. 4 adversaries intent on harming the family, and that math is no bueno!).

Personally, I find that revolvers are mostly reliable, easy to shoot, and malfunctions significantly way less than a semi-auto. My question revolves on how much effort he and his wife are willing to put in working through its weakness - limited capacity and reloading.

That said - it will be another long discussion if I mention the fact that LEOs' percentage hit rate is no more than 30% and what those implications are for us civilians... I wanted to say that having a firearm is NOT a magic wand, the proper thought and effort should be afforded to it...

You probably want to keep your advice simple = the criterion for a HD firearm is simple - must be rock solid reliable (goes "bang" every time), AND has to be comfortable to shoot reasonably accurately, for most or all family members. Let your friend sort out what that means for himself!

Yes, I did tell him that when he wanted to go for the "Porty Pive" (he did get to try my 1911) - "how is your wife willing to get comfortable in shooting this platform?" adding the suggestion that "you should get something that is simple is easy to use for BOTH himself and his wife." I offered either the Glocks or the XDs. As you said, once he understands his needs better, he can go ahead and start looking for what really works for him.

Again, thanks for the response!


_

[Awezze]

I have a mossberg spx930 he can buy
And I also have an XDS 9mm

[sl0re10]

I have always made my own so I don't know. But is there something in between bird and buck shot available? Might be good for high density home defense?

[Lonestargrizzly]

I have always made my own so I don't know. But is there something in between bird and buck shot available? Might be good for high density home defense?

Slugs.
Lol.
Have him try some dragons breath?

[Lonestargrizzly]

For home defense I trust my Scorpion with freedom week mags and a tlr 1.
Also have the vortex viper mounted.

[Tango_Down]

He should get this revolver in case he misses with the first 9 rounds.

[DB>]

Your buddy has some strange notions... If kids are young, the firearm MUST not be left laying around where it can "accidentally" be picked up.... I'm sure he doesn't leave sharp kitchen knives just sitting around, or let the little ones play with electrical plugs? These things are actual "common sense".

As soon as the kids are old enough to be interested, show them how to clean a firearm safely, get them up to speed on all the safety rules, and eventually take them to shoot.

Guns are tools, the OPERATOR is ultimately responsible for safety. My kids learned how to safely use basic hand tools while they were barely out of diapers, and now know how to work with lots of potentially dangerous things safely and confidently... Your friend is still learning, and admirably is concerned with safety - but he's forgetting that if someone is bashing his door down, the "safety" of the criminal is NOT the concern! The safety of the CRIMINAL should NEVER be the concern, but this is the society we live in.... where crooks have to be treated with "compassion" and "understanding".

If your semi-auto is not going bang reliably, it should be addressed. I've gotten fairly good at amateur "smithing", and diagnosing minor issues. Guns are mechanical devices, sometimes they need a little "tuning"! Of course having the occasional malfunction is inevitable, and the more ammo finicky guns are great for practicing "clearing"! I personally prefer to know that every firearm I have will cycle reliably, as long as I remember to take the manual safety off!

[Mustard]

YLike I have said, I just can't find the right words to describe it... But let me see - it's like he is half-hearted (not really serious, or maybe this is just in passing)... He "can't empty the cup," ie., I would like to explain in detail, but, I prefer not going into a lengthy discourse because of his preconceived notions. Or sometimes like the Kung Fu student, "... teach me your secrets Master," (short cuts?).

I already gave him the first step, and I truly believe that the next step would be to get qualified/professional instruction. ... which is NOT me.
_

Gotcha. Yeah, you can't really force someone into the "continual self improvement" mentality. They gotta get there themselves. Unfortunately that usually happens when someone dies; no greater motivator than pain of death.

Diving into police body cam/surveillance footage is the next best way to open eyes. Doesn't even need to be shooting related; mass/mob attacks, edged or blunt weapons... make him ask himself "how could I defend myself in this situation?"