I used to train Law Enforcement Officers and I found that a large number of them never train with their handguns. Law Enforcement Officers receive many hours of instruction. However, once they finish the initial training, a large number of them never pick up their handgun to train unless it is a department mandated training day. They never take the initiative to train on their own.
The average gun owner is even worse. Why is it that you have the means to protect your life and the lives of your family, you won't take the time to train to properly use it? There are many trainers out there that are excited at the opportunity to work with you to make you better equipped to defend your family. Yes, they will cost a little bit of money. However, you likely spend more at Starbucks in a week than an hour or two with one of these trainers will cost you. Two hours per month (or even every other month) is not a lot of training. However, you will be surprised at what that two hours will help you accomplish. Additionally, for some of the training, you won't even need ammunition.
When is the last time you practiced drawing your handgun? Are you having to pull your shirt up and out of the way with one hand while grabbing where your handgun is supposed to be on your belt, in your waistband, or in your pocket? Ladies, when did you last draw your handgun from your purse (I don't like purse carry btw)? Your speed and accuracy are largely dictated by how fast and smoothly you can get your handgun into action.
When is the last time you practiced what to do if you hear a window break at 2:30AM or your door crash? I know the hardcore know it all will say "I'll just pull out my gun and shoot him".
There is actually more to it than that. Target recognition is one important aspect. The fact you're trying to engage someone in the dark with no idea who it is is dangerous in itself. How do you engage them in the dark in the hallway and make sure one of your kids hasn't snuck out of their room to see what's going on or how to engage them to ensure your rounds don't penetrate into a child's bedroom, while shooting it out with the suspect.
There are many reasons to train. There is only one reason to NOT train. That's the mistaken belief that it's just not important. If it's not important to you, then, continue what you do and just hopefully not find out the hard way why you should train. If it is important to you, just contact a trainer and begin working with them. Drink one less cup of that fancy coffee per week and go shoot once per month. Become proficient with your handgun.
"PRIDE THROUGH PROFICIENCY"
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