Firearms Training? In the UK?!

So a question I get asked quite often is about us training with firearms in martial arts? Ninjas don't use guns right?

Well contrary to the stereotype they always have! Whether it was Teppo, Tanegashima or Tank there have always been firearms since the introduction of gunpowder.

A prime example being the Fire Lance (Huo Qiang) one of the earliest versions of firearm used by the Chinese when gunpowder was first used as a weapon.

Now I am not trying to make out I am an expert firearms instructor certified by a company such as Sig Sauer or the like (Although I do love Sigs) just a civilian who learnt a long time ago using firearms is essential long before I was an instructor. 

Now in the UK it's strange because unlike the USA you have three types of people, those who are scared of them, those who are aqainted and trained and those who just don't think firearms exist here. 

The fact is they do just not is such varied calibers as America and they are heavily restricted under licenses. This isn't a go buy a shotgun and register it then like the USA but you have to be vetted by the police extensively beforehand to ensure you are not a lunatic. 

We have a UKARA which is for air rifles and the like, anything spring, co2, PCP, etc. You can pretty much just walk in a shop and buy one as long as you are old enough.

Then we have Section 2 which is for Shotguns of various calibers but nothing automatic or semi auto. I think you can have some pump action Shotguns but mainly you see side by side and over and under 12 gauges used for clay pigeon shooting. 

You do have to apply for a section 2 and be vetted by the Police in Malvern to obtain a section 2 license to buy a shotgun and mainly it's for agricultural or sporting purposes. It is a serious crime to own a shotgun without a license which is punishable with several years in prison.

They also have to be stored in a gun safe with the ammunition kept and accounted for in a separate ammunition safe.

You then have Section 1 which is for .22LR and anything above. This tends to be for anything that looks real and shoots a live round but handguns in .22LR have to have a prop arm so they can't be concealed as without the prop arm they could still easily be used to kill people. A bullet it still a bullet and if you are a decent shot a .22LR will definitely do the job.

There are some expemtions for historical and antique firearms and flintlocks but generally they aren't relevant to what we do. 

Law enforcement tend to use Pepperspray, Tasers, Glocks, G36's, etc.

Anything else or anything fully automatic is strictly military application but yes in the UK you can't just pop to your local Walmart and buy a Glock 19. 

What we do at Tenchu Combat Concepts 天誅戦闘概念 is once a student is ready we take them through the basics, firearms anatomy, NSP's, Weapons Handling, WHT, Drills and then expanding knowledge of platforms and the law. 

What I mean about the law is much of what I previously mentioned but then also understanding the legal implications of discharging a weapon.

To provide and example there is the appropriate use of force arguement, so with a shotgun if I shoot an attacker to defend myself then that one shot is generally enough, the aim is to incapacitate not kill, so if they are no longer a threat and follow up with a second or third shot that then becomes murder. 

This is also why Shotguns in the UK are preferable because one is enough, when you start moving to section 1 or sidearms is multiple shots so multiple use of force decisions that you have to be able to justify legally to a court.

Generally it's a no go area but equally people who train with firearms are often the most likely to get shot out of hesitation to use the weapon. The rules of engagement are if they pose a threat to you and others around you then you have the right to use REASONABLE force to stop that threat. Not go John Wick and perform a couple de grace on them that's murder.

We don't have a stand your ground rule in the UK so that's a no go and if the attacker is fleeing they no longer pose a threat so again you shoot, then expect to be spending time behind bars.

From a academic training perspective anyone, even people in the UK should familiarise themselves with various firearms platforms, it's essential as one of my students at Tenchu Combat Concepts 天誅戦闘概念.

The key thing is to understand where the safety is, how to reload, how to fix a jam, understand single and double action and the benefits and disadvantages of each platform. The point is if you need to then it's better to know than not and being proficient with any firearm.

Now this will sound controversial but if you are a man, learn to shoot, above anyone else! This is not a sexist thing, Alex really knows her guns even down to the benefits and disadvantages of the Mauser, Enfield, Springfield rifles and stuff that frankly I have little interest in myself as it's not relevant to practical application in modern times.

However, If your a Dad or have a family it's you obligation to protect them and, like driving a car, please learn something! Even if it's plinking with an old BSA air rifle and learning to use a baton, you have to have some defence for your home and simply being a pacifist doesn't cut it.

I don't like violence, I'm forty and a father myself but you can be damn sure I would drop someone to protect my daughter. I wouldn't even question it as that's your job as "Dad" the protector.

You have to be the person that they need to protect them and sometimes being reasonable is impossible with someone unhinged. I make sure the people I care about all have proficiency in some way but they would never use it unless it was life or death and that's the right way to be.

Equally inaction is a form of action in itself and if the situation turns sour, you might regret not acting forever. I genuinely would rather take the hit for them and that's your job as a man, not from a toxic masculinity perspective but you should have some tools in your toolbox should you need them.

It's not about being "well ard!" either but about being smart, sometimes simply being observant and getting out of there is all you need, you don't need to be Rambo.

Now common platforms we suggest are:

Sig Sauer P226
Colt 1911 or M45 Variant
Beretta M9
Glock 17
Makarov
Walther PPQ

General semi auto double action handguns.

Then revolvers:

The Colt SAA
Schofield 
.357 SNR
6" .Colt Python 
Enfield No. 2 Mk1

Shotguns:

Over And Under 12 gauge
Side By Side 12 Guage
Pump Action 

Sub Machine Guns:

MP5
MP7
Uzi
Kriss Vector

Assault Rifles:

M4
AK47
SA80
Sig Sauer MCX
H&K 416
H&K G36

Rifles
Remington 700
.177 Air (Break, Co2, Bolt Action and PCP)
.22 Air (Break, Co2, Bolt Action and PCP)

For safe training use 6mm Airsoft variants or .177 Co2 with full blow back. It needs to be an RIF (Real Imitation Firearm) with the correct anatomy and weight.

This understand of various platforms is essential but the key ones to focus on are what you may encounter and standard issue NATO firearms as the rounds are made to be interchangeable between NATO members.

While we all love the Barrett .50 Cal Sniper Rifles, Magnum 500's and Beretta M9A3's and Glock 18c's they are collectors pieces not particularly relevant and often it's as simple as switching to full auto anyway, which is not a smart tactical move! 

Above all else safety is key, while we have various drills I am not going to outline them as it's not the point of the post and you need to be trained professionally to handle firearms proficiently. Safety always comes above all else as nobody wants a negligent discharge in their direction as that's a mistake you might only ever make once.

P.S: While reading this Alex mentioned an interesting point, how do you have a safety on a single action revolver so you don't have a misfire, leave the first chamber clear in the cylinder, it's a safety trick for a revolver as old as I can remember so if the hammer gets caught you don't shoot yourself.