FPrice,
Thanks ... and yep, you're right ... the thumb cocking of defensive revolvers issue isn't an easy one for which to provide a "right" answer ...
During most CCW qualification courses we often see people with revolvers taking the time to cock their weapons for each shot ... at 2 yards. Since we're only checking their "proficiency" as part of the required permit course process mandated by our state, and we don't "teach" shooting techniques or tactics to civilians, we don't try and change this. We do mention, however ... just for their consideration sometime ... that they ought to think about whether they might have the time to perform separate thumb-cocking actions for each shot in an immediate, deadly force confrontation at that distance. This doesn't even begin to consider whether they really want to extend their arms forward toward a deadly force attacker only a yard or so away ...
We get more than a few puzzled expressions in response.
Naturally, it's to their advantage to use the sights and cock their revolvers for precise shooting at farther distances, although the farthest we require they demonstrate their proficiency is about 12 yards. Not all that many self defense shootings out past 7 yards, anyway ...
Another thing that constantly happens is that people put their fingers on the trigger of the weapons before they're ready to actually shoot. This happens with both L/E & civilians. This is my most frequent range instruction ... finger off the trigger ... after someone has finished their course of fire, and they're covering the "threat area" while scanning for more "threats". It's just too easy for the trigger to be pressed with the occurrence of an involuntary sympathetic muscular contraction. A single action trigger is lighter than people under stress expect, especially if their finger is already on the trigger. People that own weapons for defensive purposes often just won't train enough to instill good safety & shooting habits, and make sure they develop their skills to the point that they're able to utilize them under stress. This probably hasn't changed since we had flintlocks, though ...
Don't get me wrong ... I practice using cocked weapons, both pistols and revolvers, to maintain my trigger control for "precision" shots. It's just that cocking a revolver or traditional DA/SA pistol does present a heightened potential for discharge if the lighter trigger is pressed ... especially unintentially ... accidently .... negligently ... or however else you want to call it. You can be sure a court will have no trouble determining a word for it, though ...
I also agree buying both S&W J frames is a good idea
I like my SP-101, 649 Bodyguard and my 642-1 ...
