Eric, your humility is so evident. It is clear that you are a genuinely good man. It's obvious seeing Christ in your character (even though the video isn't about that, but its obvious to viewers) and seeing your journey as an instructor is amazing. Thanks for making this video. I'll be signing up for a red dot pistol course tonight once i can square away the scheduling with my wife.
My pistol journey really began around 2008ish when I got my CPL and first carry gun, a Glock 23 in .40 S&W. Then I spent the next ten years constantly buying the newest coolest carry gun. For the past 5 years, I’ve basically come full circle back to the same size gun only in 9mm, the Glock 19. I have a bunch of full of dozens of holsters I’ve tried and discarded over the years. Similar to my competition/training/battle belt setup.
Started with a USP9, went to a Fusion 45ACP 1911, currently a Springfield MC Operator. Shot the USP a fair amount, but I've shot the 2 1911s far more consistently than i ever shot the USP. I enjoy shooting the 1911s far more than any other pistol I've ever shot and my pistol shooting has drastically improved because of it.
Do more stuff like this. Barrel and Hatchet has been crushing it. Keep up the good work continue to share the real stuff. Way too many people see gear solutions instead of mindset and training solutions. You guys get it and I really appreciate that.
Long story short on my pistol journey... Started with a RIA 1911. Shot maybe a mag through and sold it. Switched to XDs, bought like 5 of them in every caliber. Didn't shoot but maybe 250 rounds a year. Turned 21, CCW license. Bought a Glock 17. Fell in love. Went down the Glock rabbit hole of going smaller and smaller until I was carrying a glock 42. Realized I was a full size man, sold the tiny Glocks, and bought another 17. Still could not shoot pistol for shit. Discovered Lucas and was mesmerized. Joined the military hoping they would make me better. They didn't. Joined Law Enforcement to become a better shooter. Still didn't (but was still the best shooter in the academy unfortunately). Discovered USPSA and Ben Stoeger..... about a year into it from this point. Life changing. The end.
My 1st handgun was a G17 Gen 4 when I was 18. I, like most newbies, wasn’t very good with it, but I wanted to be. Largely in part to movies like John Wick and Man on Fire. 11 years later, it’s my duty gun but with an RMR now. And I won Top Gun on the SWAT Team with it.
I started with a 1911 because that's what Jeff Cooper said to do. After a while, I realized that all the people who actually shot other people for a living were carrying 9mm Glocks so I decided to check those out. I basically never looked back, but I've also tried the Beretta APX (kinda sucks, IMO, so I got rid of it), the SIG P320 (ok, better than Glock in a couple respects but worse or the same in others), and the Canik (which I'm really starting to like). The next big game-changer was red dots. I've got a couple but the 509T is what I'm using the most right now. Hopefully I don't have the same issues as you guys did.
My first pistol was an TIA 3.5” 1911 with Hogue grips. I got that pistol when I was like 21, and I thought “alright…this is the only pistol I’ll ever need. It’s perfect.” Haha I got rid of it a few months later
My story: grew up on a ranch shooting 22 revolver. I didn't shoot a semi auto until I was in my early 20s. First pistol was a sig 20 something in 40 cal. I wasn't any good. My first instructor almost didn't want to pass my in my concealed Qual. A couple of years went by and I met some dudes who started showing me a few things. I then went on TH-cam, warrior poet, and and everywhere else I could in a commitment to excel and study the top notch shooters. I took a couple other courses in there. I had an opportunity at that point to train with an ex navy spec ops guy who pulled everything I'd learned together and finally set me on the path to where I am now. Now I wouldn't consider myself a marksman, but I'm definitely proficient. I dry fire on a regular basis. A year ago I was getting out at least once a month running combat drills learning to work around other guys. A couple of months ago I took a combat pistol course and scored top of the class. Groups were consistent. Form was consistent. Most of the guys were putting rounds all over the targets. I was able to group them consistently where I wanted. Never done learning, but definitely on the right track.
My first carry weapon was a black powder colt single action army that my grandfather gave me and it was the only gun i had. And i carried it mexican style appendix with no holster. Then a year later i bought a glock 21
I definitely could of been better about shooting pistol on my own while I was in, but I will say one of the great things about more special jobs is the fire arm variety you can use and get good with. I feel like now that I’m out almost 3 years, I’m trying to get where I feel I should of been while I was in. Not just because it was my job but also because it’s fun and my responsibility, but because it’s humbling and eye opening.
First pistol was an Sig P226 W German in the 80’s. Then I was issued a Beretta 92F. I carried my own S&W 4516 .45 I’ve always come back to the P226. More recently I’ve grown to like the M&P line and want to acquire a Walther PDP.
Pistol red dots are extremely game changing, especially for new shooters. I have a pistol with irons and one with a dot. Took the wife shooting and she couldn't hit the broad side of a barn, then she tried the red dot and was getting first round shots on paper.
Myself, still trying to figure out what I like and keep a basic proficiency. Right now I'm trying to become proficient with a PDP F 4 inch. I really want to get out to more classes and courses but its hard to find the time.
2 things: 1) fancy gear won't make you a better shooter, but it makes it easier. 2) if it hasn't been mentioned before: give Ready Or Not (video game) a try. It's supposed to be less of a twitch reaction game and more controlled, "thinking (shooting)" game.
First hand gun ever exposed to was a Colt detective special .38spec my dad got my mom First autoloader Springfield XD .40 served me well till the XDM came out also served me well Then had to try a Glock and why not 9mm cheaper and I liked to shoot a lot, G17 G19 G26 Tried a 1911 .45 great shooting gun but did not replicate the Glock for general use Now have a decent collection of interesting, historic and iconic firearms Sig, Berreta, S&W, Colt, H&K Still Glock for most of training cary and competition
In the words of Lucas Botkin, if you suck, you suck. And in my mind, I suck. Always looking to improve. Always qualified expert with the A2, we rarely used the M92 so did what I had to do to qualify. Ran Glocks, struggled badly, went to a Springfield XDM and improved greatly, Glocks are great weapons, but I couldn't overcome the grip angle. Today running a SIG XVTAC with M1811 flared mag well, 7,10, 15 yards, I'm able to maintain a 3x5 index card head box at 1.75 second level 3 retention draw, I'm pushing to get this down to 1.25 or lower. Getting a shot timer has been a game changer, need to get dryfire mags for training at home.
I'm starting my journey soon with a Hipoint and a couple thousand rounds of 45acp. Later down the line i will cop a HK USP45 and Ruger Super redhawk 454casull two guns ive wanted for awhile.
Its crazy how people start off concealed carrying with crappy holsters, no gun belt, too much stuff on their gun, and then over the years switch to carrying a stock gun, a nice minimalist holster, and a kore essentials gun belt, and maybe 1 extra mag
I have both, and both ate great. I like the larger window of the SRO, but it isn't quite as easy to clean the lenses as on the RMR. Lint and dust can build up quickly.
Departments are switching to 9mm due to officers not being able to to control the recoil and shoot accurately. .40 cal is a better round if you can manage the recoil
@WilliamDell95 well sorry to break it to you, but it's better than 9mm. Also, get off the 10mm bandwagon it's not practical for police departments or most shooters. 9mm is big for departments because it cost less and the majority of officers can shoot it reasonably, OK?
@pugdad1248 I know exactly what I'm talking about, unlike you, but go on a head and buy into all the bs, but I get it. A guy said so on TH-cam so you believe it.
Man i am currently beginning my Pistol Journey. i went to an average joes range here in Texas and it has interested me allot since then. i will try and compete in some PCSL and USPSA matches this year. and hopefully dwell in some PRS.
My humble beginnings were from shooting guns with my Dad, with a shitty .22LR revolver. The front sight didn't work either 😂. I wasn't the best by all means. I went to the Triple Canopy Academy when I got hired on, holy fuck did I get a humble pie. I definitely learned how to shoot better. From then on I take classes to get even better. You definitely never stop learning.
Dude nd because he drew with a curved finger... Which means he didn't read the package when he bought it! I have had a serpa for more than 12 years... It has been through multiple Glocks (g22, and g34) I have over 100,000 draws from the same holster.... I have never, ever... Not even close to doing what y'all say will happen! If you draw correctly... Your finger will index on the frame 100% of the time!
WARNING: ⚠️ I say “AND UH” like a billion times 😅 enjoy
😂😂
Uh it wasn’t that bad.
What's the name of that pistol course company? Vigor training?
And uh, we don't care! Rock on and do your thing🤘
It's okay. Local news channel interviewed me about emergency vehicles. In 2 minutes I think I said "and uhm" 17 times...
Eric, your humility is so evident. It is clear that you are a genuinely good man. It's obvious seeing Christ in your character (even though the video isn't about that, but its obvious to viewers) and seeing your journey as an instructor is amazing. Thanks for making this video. I'll be signing up for a red dot pistol course tonight once i can square away the scheduling with my wife.
My pistol journey really began around 2008ish when I got my CPL and first carry gun, a Glock 23 in .40 S&W. Then I spent the next ten years constantly buying the newest coolest carry gun. For the past 5 years, I’ve basically come full circle back to the same size gun only in 9mm, the Glock 19. I have a bunch of full of dozens of holsters I’ve tried and discarded over the years.
Similar to my competition/training/battle belt setup.
Started with a USP9, went to a Fusion 45ACP 1911, currently a Springfield MC Operator. Shot the USP a fair amount, but I've shot the 2 1911s far more consistently than i ever shot the USP. I enjoy shooting the 1911s far more than any other pistol I've ever shot and my pistol shooting has drastically improved because of it.
Man, these types of videos, are great! One person talking, passing along knowledge and experience. Fantastic work, team. Thanks for the episode!
Do more stuff like this.
Barrel and Hatchet has been crushing it. Keep up the good work continue to share the real stuff.
Way too many people see gear solutions instead of mindset and training solutions. You guys get it and I really appreciate that.
Long story short on my pistol journey...
Started with a RIA 1911. Shot maybe a mag through and sold it. Switched to XDs, bought like 5 of them in every caliber. Didn't shoot but maybe 250 rounds a year.
Turned 21, CCW license. Bought a Glock 17. Fell in love. Went down the Glock rabbit hole of going smaller and smaller until I was carrying a glock 42. Realized I was a full size man, sold the tiny Glocks, and bought another 17.
Still could not shoot pistol for shit. Discovered Lucas and was mesmerized. Joined the military hoping they would make me better. They didn't. Joined Law Enforcement to become a better shooter. Still didn't (but was still the best shooter in the academy unfortunately).
Discovered USPSA and Ben Stoeger..... about a year into it from this point. Life changing.
The end.
My 1st handgun was a G17 Gen 4 when I was 18. I, like most newbies, wasn’t very good with it, but I wanted to be. Largely in part to movies like John Wick and Man on Fire. 11 years later, it’s my duty gun but with an RMR now. And I won Top Gun on the SWAT Team with it.
I started with a 1911 because that's what Jeff Cooper said to do. After a while, I realized that all the people who actually shot other people for a living were carrying 9mm Glocks so I decided to check those out. I basically never looked back, but I've also tried the Beretta APX (kinda sucks, IMO, so I got rid of it), the SIG P320 (ok, better than Glock in a couple respects but worse or the same in others), and the Canik (which I'm really starting to like). The next big game-changer was red dots. I've got a couple but the 509T is what I'm using the most right now. Hopefully I don't have the same issues as you guys did.
My first pistol was an TIA 3.5” 1911 with Hogue grips. I got that pistol when I was like 21, and I thought “alright…this is the only pistol I’ll ever need. It’s perfect.” Haha I got rid of it a few months later
My story: grew up on a ranch shooting 22 revolver. I didn't shoot a semi auto until I was in my early 20s. First pistol was a sig 20 something in 40 cal. I wasn't any good. My first instructor almost didn't want to pass my in my concealed Qual. A couple of years went by and I met some dudes who started showing me a few things. I then went on TH-cam, warrior poet, and and everywhere else I could in a commitment to excel and study the top notch shooters. I took a couple other courses in there. I had an opportunity at that point to train with an ex navy spec ops guy who pulled everything I'd learned together and finally set me on the path to where I am now. Now I wouldn't consider myself a marksman, but I'm definitely proficient. I dry fire on a regular basis. A year ago I was getting out at least once a month running combat drills learning to work around other guys. A couple of months ago I took a combat pistol course and scored top of the class. Groups were consistent. Form was consistent. Most of the guys were putting rounds all over the targets. I was able to group them consistently where I wanted. Never done learning, but definitely on the right track.
My first carry weapon was a black powder colt single action army that my grandfather gave me and it was the only gun i had. And i carried it mexican style appendix with no holster. Then a year later i bought a glock 21
I definitely could of been better about shooting pistol on my own while I was in, but I will say one of the great things about more special jobs is the fire arm variety you can use and get good with. I feel like now that I’m out almost 3 years, I’m trying to get where I feel I should of been while I was in. Not just because it was my job but also because it’s fun and my responsibility, but because it’s humbling and eye opening.
First pistol was an Sig P226 W German in the 80’s. Then I was issued a Beretta 92F. I carried my own S&W 4516 .45
I’ve always come back to the P226.
More recently I’ve grown to like the M&P line and want to acquire a Walther PDP.
Shared with my buddies plus the podcast 🤙🏽 keep pushing out the videos/podcast I’m enjoying it!
20 years with HK pistols. Tried a Colt Government model for a year, to see what i was missing; back w the USP Compact Match/LEM hybrid.
Pistol red dots are extremely game changing, especially for new shooters. I have a pistol with irons and one with a dot. Took the wife shooting and she couldn't hit the broad side of a barn, then she tried the red dot and was getting first round shots on paper.
Myself, still trying to figure out what I like and keep a basic proficiency. Right now I'm trying to become proficient with a PDP F 4 inch. I really want to get out to more classes and courses but its hard to find the time.
Excellent episode! Keep up the good work!
Thanks, will do!
I really appreciate this video and your channel. Top notch!
2 things:
1) fancy gear won't make you a better shooter, but it makes it easier.
2) if it hasn't been mentioned before: give Ready Or Not (video game) a try. It's supposed to be less of a twitch reaction game and more controlled, "thinking (shooting)" game.
First hand gun ever exposed to was a Colt detective special .38spec my dad got my mom
First autoloader Springfield XD .40 served me well till the XDM came out also served me well
Then had to try a Glock and why not 9mm cheaper and I liked to shoot a lot, G17 G19 G26
Tried a 1911 .45 great shooting gun but did not replicate the Glock for general use
Now have a decent collection of interesting, historic and iconic firearms Sig, Berreta, S&W, Colt, H&K
Still Glock for most of training cary and competition
In the words of Lucas Botkin, if you suck, you suck. And in my mind, I suck. Always looking to improve.
Always qualified expert with the A2, we rarely used the M92 so did what I had to do to qualify.
Ran Glocks, struggled badly, went to a Springfield XDM and improved greatly, Glocks are great weapons, but I couldn't overcome the grip angle.
Today running a SIG XVTAC with M1811 flared mag well, 7,10, 15 yards, I'm able to maintain a 3x5 index card head box at 1.75 second level 3 retention draw, I'm pushing to get this down to 1.25 or lower. Getting a shot timer has been a game changer, need to get dryfire mags for training at home.
My first handgun was a Glock compact in .40 S&W. Not exactly a great first choice for newbie. Thanks for the content brother.
Ya it was. If you can get good.with a Glock you will instantly be good at whatever firearm you move to.
Great video! What holster are you running with the metal M&P?
What Safariland holster are you running that fits the 4.25” metal with the threaded barrel?
Good work brother
I'm starting my journey soon with a Hipoint and a couple thousand rounds of 45acp. Later down the line i will cop a HK USP45 and Ruger Super redhawk 454casull two guns ive wanted for awhile.
You should just save your money and not get a hipoint
At least get a PSA Dagger. This would be the cheapest I would go starting out. Get rid of the hipoint
A used g17/19 and 500 rounds is worth the wait.
@@MattX113 I decided on a Rock Island Rock Standard FS 1911A1 to get started stocking 45acp for the USP.
What background music did you use in the opening it sounded halo esk sounds good
Quite a journey. So many rounds of 9mm 😂.
It has been great watching your channel grow. I love the focus on building community. Good stuff! 🤙
Excellent video. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Most of us start with 40 cal I think because the clearance deals are always 40 cal at big box stores 🤣 XD 40 for me.
How far are those steel targets at your range?
Its crazy how people start off concealed carrying with crappy holsters, no gun belt, too much stuff on their gun, and then over the years switch to carrying a stock gun, a nice minimalist holster, and a kore essentials gun belt, and maybe 1 extra mag
What is that pad you're using ?
do you prefer the SRO over the RMR for its larger window?
I have both, and both ate great. I like the larger window of the SRO, but it isn't quite as easy to clean the lenses as on the RMR. Lint and dust can build up quickly.
17years ago I started with a Glock 30 for edc…
There we go! Glock forever
Departments are switching to 9mm due to officers not being able to to control the recoil and shoot accurately. .40 cal is a better round if you can manage the recoil
Ew, no. It's anemic 10mm with neither the power of 10mm nor the ballistics of 9mm. It tried to be better than both and ended up worse than all
@WilliamDell95 well sorry to break it to you, but it's better than 9mm. Also, get off the 10mm bandwagon it's not practical for police departments or most shooters. 9mm is big for departments because it cost less and the majority of officers can shoot it reasonably, OK?
@pugdad1248 I know exactly what I'm talking about, unlike you, but go on a head and buy into all the bs, but I get it. A guy said so on TH-cam so you believe it.
What plate do you use with the M&P?
Man i am currently beginning my Pistol Journey. i went to an average joes range here in Texas and it has interested me allot since then. i will try and compete in some PCSL and USPSA matches this year. and hopefully dwell in some PRS.
My humble beginnings were from shooting guns with my Dad, with a shitty .22LR revolver. The front sight didn't work either 😂. I wasn't the best by all means. I went to the Triple Canopy Academy when I got hired on, holy fuck did I get a humble pie. I definitely learned how to shoot better. From then on I take classes to get even better. You definitely never stop learning.
Hahaha so true, thanks for sharing
Awsome Content And Um Yeah.....
GLOCK 45 GANG
Dude nd because he drew with a curved finger... Which means he didn't read the package when he bought it!
I have had a serpa for more than 12 years... It has been through multiple Glocks (g22, and g34) I have over 100,000 draws from the same holster....
I have never, ever... Not even close to doing what y'all say will happen!
If you draw correctly... Your finger will index on the frame 100% of the time!
M&P is miles ahead of a stock Glock.
We want less videos of you guys talking and more videos of you guys shooting different weapons and using different gears to see the pros and cons
Great video but you lost me at the M and P.
120th
😂