Why Do You Carry A 45 ACP?

[Jcobb]

Originally Posted by IndyMatt

I was told by a relative that his department is not training two in the chest one in the head anymore. They are training two in the chest and one in the hip joint. Hitting them in the hip joint will make them virtually unable to walk. Coincidentally, the department issues .45 Sigs.

Im not sure about the hip joint, but our lead instructor lately has been advocating a shot to the pelvis. Shatter a hip, you may can still stand on the other leg. Break the pelvis, you will not stand. Mind you the entire head shot / hip shot / pelvis shot thinking is failure drill training. If COM hits are effective, there is no need to target anything else. BUT if the offender is wearing body armor, you need to consider other avenues.

[Alaskapopo]

Originally Posted by LMTD

While I agree chance favors the prepared mind, I am wondering if you are not thinking about it like a LEO instead of us civilians this time.

Awareness of the situation and a casual hand in the pocket can reduce that time a bit. The odds of you comming upon a situation where one draws on you instantly is far greater, though we share the same company a lot of times.

I will have to think on it a bit, it has merit, if it didn't I would not practice draw fire. I have the belt clip on it, but having to wear the shirt untucked is not usual for me.

Seriously considering a 1911 because the width of the XD makes IWB a pain at times.

Citizens have simular needs to LEO's in many areas. They may not need retention holsters because they are not openly carring but most everything else is the same. You need to realize LEO's carry handguns for the same reason citizens do. In case we are surprised with a lethal threat to ourselves of others. If we have foreknowledge we should have brought more than a pistol with us. The pistol is an oh S##t weapon. It needs to be immetiately available and as effective as possible for a handgun. You may not be able to see the threat comming and get your pocket gun out in time. And frankly if you see the threat as a citizen ahead of time you should beat feat unless someone else is the target and you feel you are willing to risk your life to intervein.
Pat