To use a pistol correctly and safely, how often/much should you use it in practice?

Glock 19

I have safe places to shoot in the country (safe background). I don't plan on ever using it in defense (who does) but I want to be where using it is embedded in my muscle memory (if that makes sense).

Also, when I go out of state and ride up into the mountains, would I be better off with the pistol or continue to do what I do now which is carry a rifle in a scabbard? I always go with dogs and I don't want to look like I'm paranoid, but if I'm riding by myself I feel like I should have some type of weapon and protection (though the dogs are good for the latter).

Your question is complex - good news there is a whole subindustry dedicated to the female shooter. You'll have the opportunity to go to all female training events, should you choose and there are entire lines of weapons targeted at the female shooter (but I would eschew these in favor of more mainstream options, unless you just have very small hands and even then...).

But, your broader question - as a rule of thumb, for a complete novice handgun shooter, I would say 750 to 1500 rounds during that initial period is probably about right. I know that isn't inexpensive, but it's one of those ground floor investments. I don't shoot as much as I should, primarily because of convenience and cost, but it's nothing to dump 200 to 300 rounds in a quick 60 to 90 minute session at the range. If you're loaded and prepared in advance, you can easily get through 500 or more rounds during that time.

Also, ideally, you shoot 200 or so rounds, every other month, just to maintain proficiency. At a minimum, I would say quarterly - play and calendar it - make it a hard appointment time.

You can enhance this by doing weekend courses on tactical shooting (again, I've seen all female options if that makes you more comfortable). You'll get real world shooting skills other than just standing at a table and putting holes in targets.

ETA: If money is no object, literally shoot as much as you can as often as you can. Practice off hand shooting. Practice low light shooting. Since you can never fully anticipate what real world situations are going to make you consider lethal force, be as prepared as you can for many of them.

Thanks!

I'm not scared and I ride good horses. But, I've seen a Mountain Lion recently while riding (and I've seen black bears). I've also seen hogs locally. I'm not scared of them, but if one became aggressive, I'd like to think I could handle it.

I probably need to go hog hunting again. I have only hunted with firearms a few times but I know there's a big difference between shooting a target and shooting something that moves and is wild.

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Also, when I go out of state and ride up into the mountains, would I be better off with the pistol or continue to do what I do now which is carry a rifle in a scabbard? I always go with dogs and I don't want to look like I'm paranoid, but if I'm riding by myself I feel like I should have some type of weapon and protection (though the dogs are good for the latter).

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I would think the things I would be afraid of while riding on a horse are really big things that aren't bothered by a little small arms fire from a pistol. I would continue to use a rifle from a scabbard on horseback. Doesn't hurt to have a pistol on a thigh holster though to compliment the rifle. But that's just me.

I do more pistol training at home than I do at the range. Lining up the sights and pulling the trigger is the easiest part of the process. Being able to quickly draw and safely present your weapon is the hard part that part can easily be done at home with an unloaded pistol. In fact it's much safer that way. Practice drawing from a variety of positions so you can do it safely with little to no thought.

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I don't plan on ever using it in defense (who does) but I want to be where using it is embedded in my muscle memory (if that makes sense).

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I'm surprised a lot of people glossed over this detail. But in terms of what you're asking and the other details pertaining to your question, I see it as having two separate parts.

1. Practicing with a semi automatic handgun in a safe, efficient, and practical way.

2. Carrying a handgun in the backwoods for large predators.

So I'll give my take on both.

As for #1, your statement confuses me because most people who train with their handguns for defensive purposes don't plan on ever using it defensively. But the fact that defensive handgun training is the fastest way to become proficient with a handgun, you knock out two birds with one stone - you become able to fight with your handgun while also becoming a proficient, accurate, instinctual shooter. So as far as handgun training, I wouldn't pigeon hole yourself into avoiding instruction that encompasses defensive handgun use. You'd be missing out on a lot of excellent instruction.

As for #2, most defensive semi automatic handguns chambered in the 3 main service cartridges (9mm Luger, 40 S&W, 45 ACP) are seen as insufficient against large predators. I don't live up in the mountains so can't give an expert opinion but it seems that most who do only trust their sidearm in the woods if it's a 357 magnum revolver at a minimum, with most favoring 44 magnum. I think it's smart to keep your rifle with you since the rifle will give you better accuracy and better muzzle energy in general. But there's nothing wrong with taking both.

What area do you live in? If you live in Louisiana, there are some excellent resources for defensive handgun training, and as Ace alluded to, there are some all-female courses if you'd prefer that.

As for training with a large revolver against predators, I'm unsure where you could seek out that kind of training in the south.

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I'm a little concerned when you talk about bigger pistols not being useful against large predators - I'm not very big and I probably can't use the bigger pistols (I admit I haven't tried one).

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Revolvers are heavy enough that they are pretty forgiving when it comes to recoil. They are just a bit more of a challenge to lug around the woods.

Here's an example that would be decent in the woods - a 6" Ruger GP100 in 357 Magnum



Also be sure to keep your thumbs behind the cylinder when you shoot a revolver. The small gap between the cylinder and the barrel is called the forcing cone and can let out a lot of pressure. Here's a good revolver grip:



Don't be afraid of magnum revolvers but definitely go to the range and try them out before you go into the woods with one. They are loud as sin and throw a big flame but are generally very fun to shoot.

EDIT: The most important thing - when you get your handgun get some good instruction from a skilled instructor. He/she can give you the ins and outs of using both a semi automatic and a revolver. But don't doubt your abilities on your small stature alone. There are some pretty impressive female shooters that barely surpass 5 feet in height.

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I think I want a semi automatic pistol rather than a revolver.

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A full sized 9mm would be the perfect starting point for you. That is what I start all of my students on in my concealed carry classes and have yet to find someone who can't handle some variation of full sized 9.

I mention height referring to those tiny women to illustrate that it's more about learning to absorb the recoil than it is not being able to handle it. As long as your grip is proper it will transfer the recoil impulse through your arms and into your shoulders. It's much easier to absorb recoil that way than taking it all in your wrists. A good instructor teaching you proper technique should do that job just fine and you'll find your recoil management improves on each range visit. You're simply building muscle memory just like any other activity.

I would definitely shoot a variety of handguns to know what fits you rather than dropping a few hundred bucks and finding out it's not the right gun for you.

Change subject, sorry, but what do you think about a double barrel 12 ga. for home protection?

I have dogs so I'm not going to wake up with an intruder in my bedroom so I assume I'll have time to get to the shotgun (which is near my bed).

A shotgun seems more "nervous proof" than a pistol.