Dress the way you would dress to be outside...
...and then practice shooting that way

If you are going to walk around in the winter months without gloves, then by all means, shoot without gloves.
Consider buying yourself a set of thin gloves that will cover your bare skin and still give you enough grip to handle the weapon.

https://www.mackspw.com/Browning-Wom...iABEgI1ufD_BwE

http://www.reloaderaddict.com/best-c...loves-reviews/

http://www.cabelas.com/product/GIRLS...2.uts?slotId=5


good luck - be safe AND warm

Thanks Box :) I will try "winterizing" myself tonight, and do a little shooting practice. I do like the "thin glove" recommendations, I was unsure of my grip w/gloves but the thin ones may be doable. I may have to go out and get a pair before this weekend...thanks again, I really appreciate the feedback :o

Get some flight gloves, the smallest that you can get your hands in.

That's "Old School" but very good advice.

Concur

Not the warmest but an excellent trade off for dexterity.
For some reason most of my army matches took place with temp from 28 to 36F. After the firearms are exposed to the element for a few hours it's nice not to feel an icy trigger.
The issue flight glove served me well throughout. Still have dexterity for that perfect pull, mag release, mag chNge, sight adjustment, etc.
Won't work with touch screen though. I also don't do the hsld cut off the index section.

Flight gloves make no difference as far as speed and accuracy, I can attest. They enhance the grip much better than bare hands.

That said, I would not advise their use for civilian shooters unless in a competition. Why? Cause you're not going to be wearing them when the bad-man comes.

We wore them to enhance our bad-man hunting style. ;)

Ha, thanks guys for all the suggestions. I did buy a pair of women's shooting gloves (Browning Women's Trapper Creek) and they do fit like a second skin. I did some "dry shooting", and made sure they felt like I had good grip and was able to handle my weapon without any issues. So, just in case I do need a pair of gloves, I have them. But, because of the lousy winter weather, rain, sleet I was unable to shoot over the weekend. So just call me "Reschedule Rita".....because this is the 2nd time in a month and 1/2. Ha...always my luck recently..Really, thanks again for the advice....Still waiting to reschedule...LOL:lifter


LOL....Got Ya...:o

Camelback cold weather gloves are a good choice as well. good dexterity and much warmer than they should be given their lack of bulk. Theyre around $45 most places.

I have used golf gloves. Pick'm up at your local Fleezs Market, cheap. They are thin and the texture holds a grip when they soak from sweat.

For something more durable, I like the 1/2 finger sailing gloves. Again, the combination of split leather and nylon/rayon materials hold up well in damp conditions.

:munchin

For warmth: https://www.amazon.com/HotHands-Hand...s=hand+warmers

Just buy some hunters friends and put one in each pocket and when you have time between warm your hands.
https://www.amazon.com/HotHands-10-c...s=hand+warmers


Taking your gloves off and on will irritate you for all your shooting tasks because you are not used to loading with cold hands for example and the gloves will get in the way of that.

just my .02

lol JJ posted the hot hands while I was typing

LOL...I had 2 packs of hot hands I already put in my bag, I am 2 on you guys...HA:lifter:lifter

Rita,
Try the hot hands under your gloves, on top of your wrists. I use them this way waterfowling and on the skeet range. If really cold, one under your wool cap too.

I think I need one of those "hot hands" right about now, my little cubicle at work is freezing. I think that is why they put me in the back..LOL....

Thanks for the advice on the "hot hands", in weather like this I need my little nubby's warmed; still waiting for my instructor to reschedule my shooting lesson. So, if that is in January...well that's definitely not a nice weather month. :)

That was a good tip for Rita. Wrists = lots of vessels close to the surface. In terms of heat loss they leak worse than a congressional committee.

Hey, I want to thank you guys for all the advice on handguns, shooting and LOL…Gloves. I had another handgun class in December and learned to shot from behind wooden structures, shooting at multiple targets, shooting positions, running from one wooden structure to another to shoot at a target, and malfunctions. It was great, and I did pretty well. Last week I went to one of my husband’s hunting properties and shoot 100 rounds at these stupid “Midget Pygmy” targets which I taped targets too (you know, those political signs you can steal from people’s yards Ha) and I think I did a really great job hitting my targets, even if the targets were Midgets. My father-in-law (who is a retired full bird) shot with one hand, and he’s a damn decent shot; right near the bullseyes every time. :D

I do want to advance my skills with more training, but it looks like at this time my instructor “abandoned” me, and he has not been there for me to ask questions if I were to have issues when I am shooting on my own. So I will look for another instructor; story of my life LOL. I do have a friend that can help me obtain access to a property nearby so I can go out to practice my shooting skills more often. I am in the process of constructing “portable” targets to bring to that location. My own little outdoor shooting range. I think I will incorporate those steel targets as well, I love hearing the “ding” noise when you hit one of those bad boys. Well thanks again for all the help, suggestions and everything else. I will let you know how I improve my skills in the future. :lifter

OK, need some advice on shooting from a holster. As of right now I have not had training with an instructor for drawing from a holster. Should I buy a holster for my handgun and practice drawing? As of right now I need to find another instructor, like I stated before he kind of "abandoned" me, and I really would like additional training. So, my next step is to find another instructor. But in the meantime, any suggestions for someone who has never practiced or had instruction on drawing from a holster?

Thanks for any suggestions :p

Holsters are like everything else. They come in many different styles, colors and materials. Some have much security built into it and other little to none.

Find the one that right for you and designed for your weapon. Inside the waist band IWB or outside the waistband OWB. A simple thumb break snap over the hammer makes it at least a level 1 retention holster but other factors can come into play. Speed vs Security or location of carry. Don’t cheap out. There are very good holsters that will last a lifetime and holsters that will break in a year or two. Paddle holsters are convenient but actual belt loop attachment is more secure. And then there are all the shirts and undergarment holsters that simply keep it from falling down your outerwear. Roll around on the ground and they will fall out of the pocket.

Once you find the holster you like (know it won’t be the first or last) put it on and move it around until you find a comfortable position. Empty and clear your weapon and get ready to practice practice practice. With your firing hand open it like you are going to shake someone’s hand fingers together thumb extended. Reach straight down over the grip strap putting the web of your thumb up high under the dovetail while rolling your other fingers (not trigger finger) around the grip. If thumb break type release the snap and pull upwards. At this time your trigger finger should rest along the frame directly above the trigger housing and outside the trigger guard. As the muzzle clears the holster rotate the gun up and towards the target.

Pressing out and meeting your support hand. Your support hand should have been in waiting - about lower sternum/upper abdomen in the ‘Namaste’ position. As you punch out with your weapon the two hands should meet and as you continue to present your weapon you should have a preferred shooting grip short of full extension. From here you can hold at high ready or continue to press out to engage the target.

You can practice in front of a mirror or place a piece of tape or a target on the wall and practice a smooth and deliberate draw all the way through to a smooth trigger press (dry fire).

Practice every morning and every night until your muscles and sights align with the target. Add varying degrees of difficulty with concealment garments, jackets and gloves as the case may be.

When you can draw with one hand, your eyes closed and align the sights on that piece of tape consistently you should feel prepared and pretty good about yourself.

DON’T EVER FORGET TO CLEAR and MAKE SAFE and KEEP YOUR FINGER OUTSIDE THE TRIGGER GUARD UNTIL READY TO FIRE!

Good luck Rita!

Reholster in the reverse order and after making the weapon safe i.e., decock or safefy on. Practice doing this with one hand as best you can. With practice it will become natural.

As you add outerwear you have to learn to sweep shirts and jackets back and away and behind. You will also learn to use your dominant hand thumb as a hook to lift under shirts or jackets that are buttoned or zippered closed. ETA: when in the cold or wet and clothing is obstructing your draw is when your support hand becomes the clearing or tacking hand to press or move clothing away from your holster. No matter what goes wrong - your firing hand should always come down on your weapon with a firing grip from draw. Stupid happens when that doesn’t happen and bad grips lead to bad shooting or worse unintentional discharges.

Always remember to keep your trigger finger outside of the trigger guard while drawing and reholstering.

Sweet, thanks ODNT...I will print out your post so I can reference. I know, practice, practice, practice. I am going shooting over the weekend at the hunting property. I have new targets to try out, plus I have not been out to shoot since January. But I will try to find the best holster for me, and what works best for my handgun and practice my best draw. I know, safety first and always first.

My instructor said he bought me a holster/and magazine pouch but has yet to give them to me. Ha, I may never see that gift anytime soon :) That means I need to send back the Walker Electronic Ear Muffs I bought him...LOL...:D

Thanks for the advice, I will try my hand at it once I find the right holster that I feel comfortable with. Thanks a bunch :o

This gal has 17 videos on holsters for women: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDdd...AE334EDF19918B The list is to the right of the first video.

As I mentioned in post #21 above, my wife never carries on her body which drives me crazy, I have to keep an extra eye on her purse when we are out. She wears mostly jeans but never with a belt. You've got me as to why she won't just wear a belt for her holster. And she refuses to buy jeans a couple sizes larger for an IWB holster because of vanity. Again, you've got me. She only needs the extra inch or so for her gun.

Another problem women have that men don't is they wear different types of clothing as the girl in the above videos points out. So you will need more holsters than a man would.

Have fun!

Pat

Thanks Pat, yea women are like that, we like our jeans to fit so we don't walk around with a baggy butt...LOL. But I do wear a belt with a few of my jeans because well,I need one, Ha...I will take a look at the video, I have been looking for a holster to fit my weapon, and comparing them. I really would not put a handgun in my purse, I rather have quick access.

Thanks for the advice:o

This is a serious thought, perhaps you could come up with a stylish line of jeans for the self conscious concealed carry crowd.

LOL....Hummmmm...sounds like a great idea...I just need a name and logo...hummmmm, have to think...:p

Practicing in front of a mirror is always helpful but once you reach a level where you are comfortable with your holster, video your practice. You will see your actions more clearly and can make any corrections to smooth out your draw.
Also, get some snap caps and practice reloading.

Just a quick update on the performance of the sccy cpx-2; My friend/instructor that I shot with last year came down for a visit and mini-vaca at the lake.

During his stay we went to a local store called Blueline Weapons that I had been in contact with about the cpx-2. The proprietor/owner had ordered it for me at a very fair price, and it was great to support a 100% Veteran owned business. (Purchased some self-defense ammo from him as well and got a card for a CCW class.)

Went to Wal-Mart, picked up eye and ear pro, cleaning kit for 9mm, and additional ammo. Thank goodness my friend was with me, as it would have been quite amusing watching me attempt to put together items for a "range bag" by myself.
During our last shoot, my friend had an ammo loader called an "up-lula?" which speeds up the process of loading, but will have to purchase this item separately. But having now practiced with it, it is on the top of my list! Wow.:lifter

Over the weekend we went to an outdoor range in the middle of no-where, (must go with someone who is very adept in finding places no one else could,) and shot about 100 rounds. The biggest thing I noticed about the cpx-2 is that it wants to kick up. My friend and I discussed that it is not like the kick back of a revolver, but up like it wants to escape your grip. And believe me, it tried!

Also, the front sight of the weapon helped me, a beginner, try and hit the targets that were set up side by side. As the pic shows, there is no where to go but up from here. :o “Build muscle memory,” comes to mind.

The practice x 1000 has now commenced, as well as breaking the weapon down, cleaning, oiling, and reassembling, then repeat over and over. And since I put my friend back on a plane home, classes will commence with a local instructor.

That’s it for now. Thanks again for all the great posts in this thread, a lot of great information for a new shooter.


Holly

You are looking at the target and watching the bullets to see what you are hitting.

Pay attention to the front site ignore the target, except to place the front site on the black.

Front site.
Front site.
Front site.

Thank you for the reply, Joker. Will commit to memory right away.


Holly

Commit to memory by dry-firing!

Shooting is like any other performance activity - it takes practice to get good. Like the old saying goes, "the more I practice, the luckier I get." Practice also provides a better payoff when it is positive.

There is no shame in "starting close" when you are learning to shoot. Shooting at a three inch dot from three yards away sounds easy.
It is easy.
It's easy unless you can't keep all of your rounds well inside of the three inch dot. If you cant keep five rounds in a three inch dot at three yards, hitting the x-ring of a 25 yard slow-fire bull target will be damn near impossible.

Try "warming up" by shooting 5-10 well aimed shots at the 3-5 yard line. Shoot as SLOW as you need to shoot to put a shot group completely inside the black dot. Then move back to the 5-7 yard line and work on keeping a shot group in the black. Shooting at a little target is the best way to tighten your shot groups - "aim small, miss small"

The fundamentals are the same no matter WHAT range you are at. If you practice at a range that is overly taxing your command of the fundamentals, your shot group will look like it came from an old 10-gauge goose gun...
...and you will get frustrated and lose focus.

If your command of the fundamentals only reaches out to the 3 yard line then practice at the three yard line for awhile. Practicing at 15-20-25 yards away wont help much if you aren't hitting anything. A tight shot group at 3-5 yards will boost your confidence and keep you in a positive mood as you start moving back to greater distances.

Just don't fall into the trap of training "too close" - you still need to stretch it out or you will ever get any better than a 3-inch group at 5 yards.

Thanks so much for the reply. Very good points to apply!!!

Just checked with my friend, and it was only 7 yards.

(((shrug))):confused:

Will be reading, and re-reading all of the great advice in this thread...after all, ya'll QP's are the Best. And the goal is to only to get better and better, so if god forbid, that time comes when I have to defend myself, Sis, home etc..., I can...long road ahead!


Holly

OK, as you know, I am in the mist of purchasing a holster for my Glock 19 (Don't say it, Don't say it) Someone suggested a Safariland ALS (Single Thumb activated button), any thoughts? I am going to continue training with a NEW Instructor in April, and his course teaches drawing and shooting from a holster so I need to find one soon. I do have a guy in PA that makes holsters, so I may try him as well since he is local to me, and I am going to look at guns next week so I will look at holsters too.

So, any help is gladly appreciated. I may even buy you a pound of a nice, dark roast coffee, bottle of Wine, or Liquor (whatever you fancy Ha) if you are the winner of my selection. LOL

How do you plan on carrying that pistol?

A simple kydex paddle holster can cover a lot of different applications without having to give away a day or two worth of your paycheck.

Good leather is awesome, but it comes with a price and a break in period.

If it is an everyday concealment holster that you are going to wear inside the waistband, it will need to be sturdy enough that it doesn't collapse on itself after you draw the pistol.

If you are looking for a good holster setup that is mostly for range use, your choices will also need to change.

I personally don't like "buttons" for retention but if you have to have an ALS with a button, I'd look at one of these...
http://www.safariland.com/products/h...1.html#start=1
...I use one at work with the M17 Sig and I don't hate it.


If I am buying it with my own money, I prefer Galco over Safariland.

Again, how and where you want to carry the gun have a lot to do with what type of holster you should be looking for.

Box Man :)

I don't plan on carrying as a concealed weapon (State of MD sucks with that) Nor do I want to carry one like Wyatt Earp-LOL. Ah, the smell of Leather, I can look (and feel) at something like that. I just want it for Range training purposes only. Does that help? I was looking at Safariland. I will take a gander at Galco, I just wanted insight on what someone suggested to me.

Thanks for the information; I just think you want to "win" the bottle of liquor....LOL:p

guns, leather, and alcohol do not mix well - someone always gets injured

You may want to ask your new instructor what kind of holster he requires for the drawing from holster class. The classes I took required a OWB hip holster for safety purposes.
I have a variety of holsters for concealed and open carry. I use a OWB holster from Comp Tac for training classes. He has a few women's models as well:
http://comp-tac.com/holsters/womens-holsters/

Comp-Tac has some really great gear.

Their 'BeltFeed' ammo pouch is one of my next purchases....

Thanks, yes he did say something about training with a plastic molded holster like Safariland at first, and when I get more confident I can switch to another one if I wanted. Like that nice, smooth, Corinthian Leather one...LOL:D

I've begun purchasing leather holsters and mag carriers for my carry pistols. I have to admit I like how they look when I wearing them. Even if they don't match my shoes! :D

Kydex, sucks
 

Don't purchase a kydex holster........... so many reasons why.

Leather or nylon is your friend as far as holsters go.

And there's no such this as "womens" holsters....... as there are holsters for big guns and little guns. Sales gimmick.

Just say "no" to kydex holsters. ;)