Concealed Carry - Off Topic in Off Topic

I just got a notice that my post in "Thinking about picking up a Martial Arts Style" is "off topic". Not going to argue so I'm re-posting it here along with this question: Does using a weapon change a martial art to something else? I know of traditional martial arts that use blades because that was the most advanced weaponry at the time. I have trained with Philippine Fighting Sticks. The Tactical Defense Institute offers a class in Ground Fighting that includes the use of, and defense from, firearms. Does the use of a weapon disqualify some training as a martial art and not other training? Does it depend on the weapon used? I'm probably splitting hairs here but thought this might generate some discussion. Here is my original post:

I trained one-on-one with a pro boxer for a couple of years, did Tae Kwon Do for about fifteen along with a bit of a couple of other styles. Worked for a while as a bouncer kicking drunks out of a bar. I can take care of myself but I don't consider myself an expert by any means. At age 66 I'm too slow to run away and too old to take a beating. That is why I've been carrying for the last ten years or so. A firearm is not a magic talisman any more than a karate uniform will make you an expert at martial arts. You need to train on a regular basis. I still work out on the heavy bag. Also practice fast draw from concealment, shooting on the move, shooting moving targets, etc. The last thing I want is a "fair fight". My son is into Brazilian Ju Jitzu. I don't plan to take formal classes again but we are setting up a place to train in the basement and he is going to teach me some of the basics. Listening to him it sounds more practical than TKD. IMHO the best self defense technique is situational awareness which may allow you to avoid a fight.

 

I'd be happy to talk Glock or others. I use a Glock 35 and a Springfield XDm, both chambered in .40, for competition; a S&W snubbie .38 and a Taurus compact .45 for carry, and a S&W .44 mag (think Dirty Harry) for backpacking in griz country.

 

Interesting question. Every gun and every caliber has advantages and disadvantages. My .44 mag is great fun to shoot but the ammo is expensive. I have quite a bit invested in my competition guns including multiple holsters, magazines and magazine holders so for the near future I am staying with .40 cal. If I had to do it again I would go with 9 mm. The reason is this: In IDPA I compete in the Stock Service Pistol classification. Most folks in that division shoot 9 mm. The 9 mm ammo is less expensive and kicks less than .40, which puts me at a disadvantage for quick followup shots. I like .45 for concealed carry. IMHO it has more stopping power than either the 9mm or the .40 However, I'm considering getting a subcompact 9 mm for concealed carry, which would have more stopping power than my .38 but less kick than my .45. Another factor to consider is the number of rounds that a gun magazine holds.