Wheel guns vs. Semi-Auto

[stevenwright]

Being a throw-back, I have always preferred a revolver to a pistol. Probably because my dad shot one, same reason most of us will drive Ford or Chevy. I picked up a S&W 686 .357 that I intend on using in the CCW training process. Realizing that the FTA class involves shooting, reloading, and shooting again, I got a couple speedloaders since the 686 isn't cut for moon clips. I wonder if my choice may not make me appear as smooth as I actually am due to the clumsier reload compared to a semi-auto's smooth clip insertion. Does this factor in during training and is speed in reloading as important as safety and overall gun handling skill?

[NikNak]

Yo buddy, slow down and read all the info about what is required ..... for carry you have to list by serial number the three(or less) pieces you will carry. If for any reason you personally decide to make a change in your pieces, you must submit more paperwork and testing ...
FTA is not too stressful, wild and mad speed reloads are not required, just holes "in the paper" at the correct place.
Not sure the 686 is too preferred unless it is all you have. As for revolver vs semi-auto .. I have both on my list depending on the day, wardrobe, location, drive time, etc ....
Just buy more guns, learn them all and then choose what really works for you. As you can see from many of the postings "printing" is the biggest concern for getting "made" and potentially losing CCW to an overzealous civilian, or LEO.
Good luck, learn your pieces and have fun.

[1buba]

Originally Posted by stevenwright

Being a throw-back, I have always preferred a revolver to a pistol. Probably because my dad shot one, same reason most of us will drive Ford or Chevy. I picked up a S&W 686 .357 that I intend on using in the CCW training process. Realizing that the FTA class involves shooting, reloading, and shooting again, I got a couple speedloaders since the 686 isn't cut for moon clips. I wonder if my choice may not make me appear as smooth as I actually am due to the clumsier reload compared to a semi-auto's smooth clip insertion. Does this factor in during training and is speed in reloading as important as safety and overall gun handling skill?

Welcome.

You are one of my favorite comics...

NOTHING is as important as SAFETY and gun handling skills... I can't remember the specs on q'ing in OC, so i can't tell you how many rounds.

If you haven't signed up already, i would suggest you check out Firearms Training for your CCW instruction - you WILL NOT be sorry. Also, your chance at CCW will increase.

[THE Gimper]

Originally Posted by 1buba

I can't remember the specs on q'ing in OC, so i can't tell you how many rounds.

OC is 24 rounds ea. at 3, 5 and 7 yards for each gun. For the CA CCW qualification, speedloading is not a criteria. That said, you should get as much training as possible (beyond the required class for the CCW) with whatever guns you are going to carry.

[stevenwright]

Originally Posted by NikNak

Yo buddy, slow down and read all the info about what is required ..... for carry you have to list by serial number the three(or less) pieces you will carry. If for any reason you personally decide to make a change in your pieces, you must submit more paperwork and testing ...
FTA is not too stressful, wild and mad speed reloads are not required, just holes "in the paper" at the correct place.
Not sure the 686 is too preferred unless it is all you have. As for revolver vs semi-auto .. I have both on my list depending on the day, wardrobe, location, drive time, etc ....
Just buy more guns, learn them all and then choose what really works for you. As you can see from many of the postings "printing" is the biggest concern for getting "made" and potentially losing CCW to an overzealous civilian, or LEO.
Good luck, learn your pieces and have fun.

It is the only hangun I own, unless we count my wife's little Colt 22 semi-auto. I am in financial constraints at the current time that prevent me from purchasing an additional weapn. I have used my wheel gun for two years now and have shot probably 1900-2000 rounds through it, it feels good in my hand and the holster. I have tt FTA regarding training, it's in my immediate plans, again awaiting financing arrangements. They specify to bring 400 rounds to the class, don't know if we use that many in class or not.

Incidentally, thanks for all your informed replies, I appreciate it.

[BonoVox]

Originally Posted by The Gimper

OC is 24 rounds ea. at 3, 5 and 7 yards for each gun. For the CA CCW qualification, speedloading is not a criteria. That said, you should get as much training as possible (beyond the required class for the CCW) with whatever guns you are going to carry.

Exactly it is NOT timed.

[swdr]

If you can hit a 7 inch square at 7 yards with ~ 20 of your 24 shots, slow fire, you will have no problem passing the shooting part of an official OC CCW training class. As The Gimper said, for OC you'll shoot "24 rounds ea. at 3, 5 and 7 yards", 72 rounds total per gun -- that's the OCSD requirement. IIRC, the target is a TQ-16 and the "torso" area is a 7x8 inch rectangle. Again, there is no time requirement (other than finish before the instructors want to go home.) You could even put the gun down and stretch between reloads -- you don't need to use speed loaders at all. Once you get "approved for further processing", your packet will include a list of official OC CCW instructors to choose from.

The 400 rounds for the FTA class is not likely CCW, but rather more general self-defense training. Yes, you'll probably shoot all of the rounds. There's a lot of training you can take, depending on your finances and how much you want to shoot.

As for wheel vs autoloader, I prefer the latter because of the grip I was taught. I get better accuracy. YMMV.

[AZGrunt]

Originally Posted by stevenwright

It is the only hangun I own, unless we count my wife's little Colt 22 semi-auto. I am in financial constraints at the current time that prevent me from purchasing an additional weapn. I have used my wheel gun for two years now and have shot probably 1900-2000 rounds through it, it feels good in my hand and the holster. I have tt FTA regarding training, it's in my immediate plans, again awaiting financing arrangements. They specify to bring 400 rounds to the class, don't know if we use that many in class or not.

Incidentally, thanks for all your informed replies, I appreciate it.

A long time ago I read a column in some shooting magazine entitled something like: “Beware the Man Who Owns Only One Gun – He Probably Knows How to Shoot It”. Can’t remember who wrote the article, but there seemed to be a whole lot of truth to it.

[Bombard]

Originally Posted by stevenwright

It is the only hangun I own, unless we count my wife's little Colt 22 semi-auto. I am in financial constraints at the current time that prevent me from purchasing an additional weapn. I have used my wheel gun for two years now and have shot probably 1900-2000 rounds through it, it feels good in my hand and the holster. I have tt FTA regarding training, it's in my immediate plans, again awaiting financing arrangements. They specify to bring 400 rounds to the class, don't know if we use that many in class or not.

Incidentally, thanks for all your informed replies, I appreciate it.

Just to be sure I understand -

You're going to FTA's General Handgun class, NOT the CCW qualification class? Either way, you're not going to be graded on how fast you reload.

Personally, I have a lot of affection for my old S&W 66. I also have a mdl 25 that I shot in competition (back before the earth cooled) and I'm just as fast with a speedloader as with full moon clips. I'm a little faster with a 1911 magazine - but still, not that much.

[Spicy McHaggis]

Originally Posted by stevenwright

Being a throw-back, I have always preferred a revolver to a pistol. Probably because my dad shot one, same reason most of us will drive Ford or Chevy. I picked up a S&W 686 .357 that I intend on using in the CCW training process. Realizing that the FTA class involves shooting, reloading, and shooting again, I got a couple speedloaders since the 686 isn't cut for moon clips. I wonder if my choice may not make me appear as smooth as I actually am due to the clumsier reload compared to a semi-auto's smooth clip insertion. Does this factor in during training and is speed in reloading as important as safety and overall gun handling skill?

I learned on a wheel gun as well, but now only carry semi-autos. Just out of preference now and because I only own one wheel gun that is way too big to carry. Not sure what class you are going to be taking at FTA, but if it is the CCW class specifically for OC, don't take it until you are approved for processing. That means after you have applied, been interviewed, and received your letter saying you are approved for processing. Especially if you are tight for money. You don't want to waste your money taking that class and not getting approved.

If you were planning on taking that class to prepare you for your CCW application process, please read this post first - http://www.calccw.com/Forums/general...-read-now.html. Only take it AFTER you have been approved.

If this will be for another class, then most basic classes do not require you to speed load. However, once you get into the higher level classes you will be required to use the speed loaders. But most of the ones I have been to, you move at your own pace. There is no rushing.

[Glock32]

Originally Posted by stevenwright

It is the only hangun I own, unless we count my wife's little Colt 22 semi-auto. I am in financial constraints at the current time that prevent me from purchasing an additional weapn. I have used my wheel gun for two years now and have shot probably 1900-2000 rounds through it, it feels good in my hand and the holster. I have tt FTA regarding training, it's in my immediate plans, again awaiting financing arrangements. They specify to bring 400 rounds to the class, don't know if we use that many in class or not.

Incidentally, thanks for all your informed replies, I appreciate it.

FTA's CCW class is 8 hours of classroom time (day 1) and 8 hours of range time (day 2). You will go through the 400 rounds noted. The class goes well beyond state requirements for ccw. Speed is not important, safety is. Bring at least 4 speed loaders and pouches, a good holster and belt along with eye and ear protection.
Have fun!

[Bombard]

Originally Posted by Glock32

FTA's CCW class is 8 hours of classroom time (day 1) and 8 hours of range time (day 2). You will go through the 400 rounds noted. The class goes well beyond state requirements for ccw. Speed is not important, safety is. Bring at least 4 speed loaders and pouches, a good holster and belt along with eye and ear protection.
Have fun!

I agree it goes far beyond the training in the state mandated CCW class (which is really pretty minimal) but it doesn't count as the CCW class. If the OP gets approved for further processing he'll still have to take a CCW specific class, whether he takes this one or not.

FTA's general handgun class is worthwhile, it's not a waste of money. But if you're tight on money, it doesn't have to be done.

[OCRancher]

Originally Posted by Bombard

I agree it goes far beyond the training in the state mandated CCW class (which is really pretty minimal) but it doesn't count as the CCW class. If the OP gets approved for further processing he'll still have to take a CCW specific class, whether he takes this one or not.

FTA's general handgun class is worthwhile, it's not a waste of money. But if you're tight on money, it doesn't have to be done.

FTA MAKES you take the basic class in order to take the CCW class, regardless of any other prior classes you may have taken with other trainers. That is why I recommend Firearms Training as 1buba pasted in a link above. His CCW class is just that.

It sounds like you are well past a basic handgun course based upon your past experience. Why pay FTA to take theirs?

[Bombard]

Originally Posted by OCRancher

FTA MAKES you take the basic class in order to take the CCW class, regardless of any other prior classes you may have taken with other trainers. That is why I recommend Firearms Training as 1buba pasted in a link above. His CCW class is just that.

It sounds like you are well past a basic handgun course based upon your past experience. Why pay FTA to take theirs?

+1 on the Firearms Training class.

I was going off my experience with FTA, they may have changed. When my dad and I took the FTA CCW class we didn't have to take the general handgun class first. That was about '99.

[THE Gimper]

Originally Posted by OCRancher

FTA MAKES you take the basic class in order to take the CCW class, regardless of any other prior classes you may have taken with other trainers. That is why I recommend Firearms Training as 1buba pasted in a link above. His CCW class is just that.

It sounds like you are well past a basic handgun course based upon your past experience. Why pay FTA to take theirs?

We're confusing two different classes here.

FTA teaches a CCW class, and also the CA CCW class. The first one deals with the techniques and tactics of carrying concealed. This class does not satisfy the training requirement for the CA CCW (although this is good training to have if you are going to carry concealed). Since this class is a more advanced class, the General Handgun class is a prequisite.

The second class is the CA CCW class. This is the required training for a CCW once you are approved for further processing. This class does not have a prerequisite.