dcmdon
NES Member
I just want to add one semi-related point.
In the last 30 odd years I've taught many people to shoot. Some informally and some as a NRA Basic Pistol Instructor.
You've all heard me rail on about how useful a .22 can be early in your learning to avoid the dreaded flinch or push. Moving to centerfire too soon is the most common mistake I see.
But the SECOND most common mistake I see is buying a "compact" version of a duty sized gun. The P320 and G19 are extraordinarily versatile guns. The quintisential "gun to have if you could only have one gun".
But most of us aren't constrained that way. Most people who buy something like this end up carrying it less than they think they will. They also realize its not the ideal platform for range time.
I usually advise people to buy a duty gun or larger (X5 Legion or G34) as their second gun after a .22. This makes a great gun todefelop skills on and also makes a great home defense gun. Especially the Glock since you can buy legal pre-ban mags.
Then I suggest they buy something smaller than a P320 compact or G19. Since they are far more likely to carry it.
Some people go the G43/P365 route.
Some go the pocket .380 route.
The 380 is easier to carry. Harder to shoot, in most cases, at least if its a truly pocket sized gun. (Kahr P380/CW380, LCP, etc) 9mm sized 380s like the Shield EZ and Glock 42 are easier to shoot than just about any other centerfire gun. Especially if fitted with a mag extension that allows you to get your whole hand around the grip.
Either way, the bottom line is that a "compact" gun like a G19 or P320 Compact is often a less than ideal carry gun, since its usually larger than new shooters are comfortable with.
In the last 30 odd years I've taught many people to shoot. Some informally and some as a NRA Basic Pistol Instructor.
You've all heard me rail on about how useful a .22 can be early in your learning to avoid the dreaded flinch or push. Moving to centerfire too soon is the most common mistake I see.
But the SECOND most common mistake I see is buying a "compact" version of a duty sized gun. The P320 and G19 are extraordinarily versatile guns. The quintisential "gun to have if you could only have one gun".
But most of us aren't constrained that way. Most people who buy something like this end up carrying it less than they think they will. They also realize its not the ideal platform for range time.
I usually advise people to buy a duty gun or larger (X5 Legion or G34) as their second gun after a .22. This makes a great gun todefelop skills on and also makes a great home defense gun. Especially the Glock since you can buy legal pre-ban mags.
Then I suggest they buy something smaller than a P320 compact or G19. Since they are far more likely to carry it.
Some people go the G43/P365 route.
Some go the pocket .380 route.
The 380 is easier to carry. Harder to shoot, in most cases, at least if its a truly pocket sized gun. (Kahr P380/CW380, LCP, etc) 9mm sized 380s like the Shield EZ and Glock 42 are easier to shoot than just about any other centerfire gun. Especially if fitted with a mag extension that allows you to get your whole hand around the grip.
Either way, the bottom line is that a "compact" gun like a G19 or P320 Compact is often a less than ideal carry gun, since its usually larger than new shooters are comfortable with.