More training? Shut up and carry your gun already!

[flechero]

I think the better question is why not seek out some formal training? Depending on your specific choice, it doesn't have to be expensive and these days is available in most areas (or within a reasonable drive) I'm about 15 yrs into daily carry and only after some formal training did I realize that I was probably ill prepared. I learned more in my 1st day of proper training than I did in a year of practice on my own. My mindset was good but I lacked the physical ability to shoot quickly and accurately under stress. There are reputable trainers and good classes around that don't cost a lot.

Fast forward to present day, and I Recently took some more training to learn to work around some injuries and a shoulder surgery. The cost: $160 plus a few boxes of ammo for the day... Dirt cheap for the tune up and help to stay physically able to use the gun if needed. The added benefit was that the training was fun and I met some great people there.

I won't argue that mindset is key, but I think all people will benefit from formal instruction or training, and should seek it out as time and funds permit.

[flowrie]

I think the better question is why not seek out some formal training? Depending on your specific choice, it doesn't have to be expensive and these days is available in most areas (or within a reasonable drive) I'm about 15 yrs into daily carry and only after some formal training did I realize that I was probably ill prepared. I learned more in my 1st day of proper training than I did in a year of practice on my own. My mindset was good but I lacked the physical ability to shoot quickly and accurately under stress. There are reputable trainers and good classes around that don't cost a lot.

Fast forward to present day, and I Recently took some more training to learn to work around some injuries and a shoulder surgery. The cost: $160 plus a few boxes of ammo for the day... Dirt cheap for the tune up and help to stay physically able to use the gun if needed. The added benefit was that the training was fun and I met some great people there.

I won't argue that mindset is key, but I think all people will benefit from formal instruction or training, and should seek it out as time and funds permit.

with above.
I carried for about a year before attending any training. Have now completed two training sessions, about 1 year apart, about $150 per session. Was time and money well spent. Plus, was fun! I highly recommend any good training you can get.
Sending the wife to her first training in a couple weeks, she has her LTC but has never really carried. This should build her confidence and skill. People are all different and need different things/training. She normally does not have the warrior mindset, unless it's about our 9 year old son, then mama bear shows up.
Will be interesting to see the results of her training.

[Abraham]

Yes, taking training classes is good, but if you take a training class and don't practice frequent shooting your skills diminish dramatically.

For a variety of reasons, I hadn't been to the range in 6 months or so.

Once there (a few days ago) I quickly learned how much I'd forgotten. Things like bullet strike with each rifle and pistol at a variety of distances, familiarity with controls, and the list of small, (but not really...) things added up to me being very rusty with each rifle or pistol I shot.

You must practice shooting often to stay skillful and that's what the OP is saying.

[flechero]

The other problem is they think "formal" training is going to offer them something that it just can't deliver, some 100% guaranteed survival or victory in stress situation. There is no magic talisman you can buy, amount of training, special gear or gadget to make that happen.

Nothing is guaranteed but your chances improve dramatically with training & instruction. Whether you gain a mental or technical aspect or just reinforcing correct practice and trigger time or just extra reps from the holster, impossible to say- but to argue that formal training won't improve your odds is wrong. No two people/trainers are alike so every trainer will see something different in you to help with. Here is one reputable instructor's record... Tom Givens, (at the time Fighting Smarter was written) has had 65 former students face violent encounters - the record 62-3 the 3 that were killed, we're not carrying at the time. Call me crazy but he's one instructor that I want to train with before he retires as he is clearly teaching techniques that work! My mindset alone doesn't instill that much confidence in the unknown.