J D Lester - Suarez International Staff Instructor
Are you a minimalist?
I concur with keeping things simple and I am a minimalist, though some might consider me a maxi-minimalist. What is a maxi-minimalist?
From Wikipedia: “The term “minimalist” is often applied colloquially to designate anything which is sparse or stripped to its essentials.”
From FreeDictionary.com: “Minimalist; adjective sparse, simple, basic, plain, discreet, spartan, unadorned, unfussy.”
Some people consider having one type of handgun, rifle or shotgun being minimalist in order to simplify training, ammunition, etc.
Others consider themselves minimalists by owning only one gun: “This _______will do everything I need to do with a gun.”
Some refuse to step into the current time period and add optics to their guns: “I only have iron sights on my guns, because I don’t want to worry about batteries or stuff breaking.“
Some that take pride in having the latest and greatest concealed carry gun don’t see a need to carry a second magazine: “If I can’t do it with (insert # of rounds here) ……., it can’t be done.”
Some spend several hundred dollars on a pistol they are going to carry to defend themselves and their loved ones, and choose to carry it in a $14.99 holster with a plastic or metal clip to secure it to their belt or pants.
I think their logic is flawed. The gun, holster, belt, spare magazine and mag pouch are all part of a system that is only as strong as its weakest link.
I agree with the minimalist approach to filling a particular niche, but I choose the best system I can afford. Because of this, my everyday carry pistol is a Glock 17 with a Trijicon RMR red dot sight. Having 18 bullets on board that I can put anywhere I want to, repeatedly, at ranges that most concealed carry pistoleros consider impossible with a handgun is a very good thing. If my battery goes down, I am in no worse shape than without the RMR, thanks to the co-witnessed iron backup sights.
It is not carried in a cheap nylon holster that is uncomfortable, slow, likely to be deployed along with the gun, or cause the gun to self-deploy at an inopportune time. Instead, I chose high quality kydex holsters that are comfortable,fast to access, and last for years.
I also have an additional 17 round Glock magazine on my belt, and carry several additional Glock-made magazines holding from 17 to 21 rounds off body, along with some other nice to have support gear. I think this keeps things minimal yet maximizes the potential of my everyday carry gun. Ergo, maxi-minimalist.
We can see the same things when it comes to training. Sadly the firearms education for most people that carry a gun for personal defense ends after the CHP course.
Here are some quotes from some minimalist on training that I have personally heard:
“I got all my rounds on the target for the CHP shooting test. “
“Yeah I go to the range and shoot every now and then with a friend of mine….he’s a cop.“
“I was trained on the .45 / M9/ M16 etc and always shot expert when I was in the Military.”
“I shoot IPSC / IDPA matches to keep my skills up.”
Finally, my all time favorite:
“If I draw my gun that will end that situation right there…I won’t have to shoot them.”
Going to the firing range and shooting tiny little groups at a static target while standing stock still proves that, under ideal conditions, you can shoot tiny little groups in a controlled, static environment. Great for training for a bullseye match. Not great for training when the bullseye is on the spot you are occupying.
Taking every gun you own to the range 1 day every 3-4 months and shooting them all. What does this accomplish other than ensuring they function?
Some definitions of minimalist suggest only the minimum effort be made.
I think that at the minimum we should concern ourselves with maximizing our efforts to fight and win and minimizing the non-essential to the success of our mission.
Know the capabilities and limitations of the gun and your shooting skills. This includes static positions for taking long shots, drawing and shooting while getting off the X, moving to and using cover, using the sights and point shooting. Doing this in the cold, the heat, and the rain is probably a good idea as the conditions the fight occurs in are not ours for the choosing.
After attending an SI class and taking copious notes, you can practice those skills at your home range. Obviously, you can’t practice all of these in one practice session. Work on your weaknesses as well as your strengths.
Instead of throwing every pistol you own and several boxes of ammunition for each in your range bag, why not write down in a notebook what you want to work on with your carry gun and stick to that?
If you can’t shoot on the move or draw and fire at your range invest in an airsoft pistol and work the movement piece at home.
Having a training partner can benefit you, as they will see things that you can’t.
Having a training partner holding a video camera is even better.
Don’t forget about dry fire training. It yields great dividends and cost only your time.
Are you a minimalist?
Which type of minimalist are you?
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