After the shooting in Orlando, Florida I have been asked by few people many questions around the Active Shooter situation. In response to this, I have decided to write this to help people with a very traumatic and life altering situation. I want it to be made perfectly clear upfront, I offer this just as a perspective to stimulate the thought process. In no way does this substitute training, nor is it meant to be a decisive "guide", it is offered just as information and is just my humble opinion, it in no way reflects that of Federal, State or other Law Enforcement agencies. I base this on my life experience and/or education.
First, we must understand what is an Active Shooter. "An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and other populated area. In most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection or victims. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly." This definition is per the department of FEMA, of the United States of America. I want you to re-read the definition slowly and let it sink in.
We need to understand a few things right up front. One, active shooter situations have been around in the United States for a long time. If you are old enough or research you may remember a rash of "shootings" in the 70's and early 80's. From them a phrase was coined, "going postal". Many of these was that of disgruntled employees, returning to "give payback", they made news, but was happening in small amounts. It is true that we have not seen the increase of these situations, until these last years (of course in my opinion Media does not help it). So we know they have been around for a while, which leads to the next one. Two,active shooter's are not criminals! Yes, there very actions are criminal, but if you think about it, they are in a different class, of which I put them in Terrorist (yes, I said it). If you look at criminal's, typically they want something, and do not want to get caught and/or be punished. Active Shooter's have all but one goal, to inflict as much death, injury and terror upon innocent people as they can. They have no other objective, and no morale compass. This in itself, is something that people who live by ethics and laws do not comprehend, nor can we unless you have been exposed to the evil that people without humanity can do. Three, active shooters always will end with one result, you can research it if like. It comes down to the active shooter, either him/her (yes women do it too), being put down my effective fire from Law Enforcement, and on rare occasion trained armed citizens.
So, let us recap so far. Active shooters can be men or women, they will strike without any warning. When they do their intention is to cause death and mass injury to innocent unarmed people. It has been around for a while, but recently become more pronounced. The situation will always end with the shooter being put down.
It can happen anywhere and at anytime, yes even here! It does not happen just in big cities, there have been these very situations happen in central Illinois from time to time, it just did not have the over all appeal for the media. The first step, in surviving an active shooter situation consist of what I call a 3 step process. The first two are easiest. First, we must recognize right down to the core of our being, that it does exist in today's world and can/will happen here. Second, we must decide right now that we (family too) will not be a casualty of an active shooter situation (or statistic as agency's call it). This is deciding right now that you will take necessary steps, education and training. If you do not get your head out of the sand, and shake it from your eyes and ears, you and/or family will be a casualty. I will not sugar coat it, our government has done that enough. Being in an active shooter situation will lead to death or lifelong injury. If you do nothing else, but the first two, then you are at about 40% chance of survival. The last 60% is the commitment of training, preparing and awareness of surviving situation.
There is a lot to be done in the 60%, more than I have time to cover here. At same time, I will not put certain things in this article to be used to cause harm to others. There are many perspectives on what to do and how in this situation. I will let you decided to find an instructor or education that fits you. No matter what though, you need to understand that awareness of your environment is crucial. It is more involved than what is covered in a basic concealed carry class. As there is more that must be thought about and planned for in short, it will include the following and more:
Awareness of: Exits, obstacles, am I alone or with family, where do I go once out, what if injured or family is/ and much more.
Here I am just skimming the surface, but know this now. Unless you been in the military or Law Enforcement and been in a situation where bullets are flying at you, you have not comprehension of the chaos and stress that will be happening. This is why training is essential, it will never mimic the real life, but will prepare you for it.
In this situation, your life is in your hands. We live in a country that is blessed with top quality law enforcement people who are willing, trained to handle this situation. However, as good as they are they can not be in every place to stop it. Remember, it happens without notice. Your call to 911 will get them on scene, but then they must gather intelligence to safely and swiftly end the situation. This takes time, sometimes it can take up 10-30 minutes. What is the shooter doing in that amount of time?
If at all possible, your number one priority is to get out of the building. Do not stay, get to and exit and leave the facility, then call 911 and get help, try to keep others from going in. Getting out is the only guaranteed action to ensure that you will not become a victim. Everything else, can lead to you being injured or dead. If you can not get out, then find a secure place to hide. Barricade yourself in the room, shut off all ringer's or any other noise device. Block the door to keep the shooter from possibly coming in. If with other's then explain that all need to be silent. I strongly recommend arming yourself, with any option at hand. We pray we don't need it, but if the shooter does intend to come in, you then fight with what you have. If you are forced to fight, then you do so with all your might. No half measure, you will not quit as long as you can. If you are forced to fight, then do so as if your life depends on it, because it does.
We need to understand something that many people do not get. When Law Enforcement enter's an active shooter situation, there job is to ensure the safety of all that is there. Their main concern at that time is the shooter. This is the biggest threat, they will go to where the shots was last heard. They are not there initially to evacuate you or render aid, they must ensure the shooter is stopped. After the shooter is stopped, they will signal for recovery and EMS units to come in and render aid. Only after the scene is secure.
Once, you are evacuated out of the building you will either be rushed to hospital or kept in a contained area. The purpose of this is to account for everyone, and to gather information of the situation. The investigation has started and they need your cooperation. Do not leave this area, give them the facts. Try not to point, yell or scream, as this may distract resources that are needed elsewhere. Once Law Enforcement has gathered information, ensured your safety, and all identified you will no longer be detained.
Aftermath, surviving a active shooter situation will be very traumatic, even if you was not injured. You will suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. It is highly recommended to seek counseling and help. Never be ashamed to get quality help, this can be done through the local Police, Religious leaders and/or Veteran organizations such as VFW or American Legion.
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
New Pistol requires old habits!
This article is being wrote after a few conversation's with some new and old firearm owners, this last weekend. At a banquet I attended we discussed our favorite topic "firearms". This lead to us discussing some thing's to do after purchasing a firearm. We was having a nice conversation and I kept hearing them talk of having some issues. I finally asked them, "what did you do when you picked up the pistol?". They laughed and said they went and shot it. I then said, "no, from picking it up at the store, to shooting the first round, what did you do?". They had quizzical look's on their face, and looked at each other, then one of them said, "I read the owner's manual". I said that is good, and said "anyone or anything else?" There was silence, then they started asking me what I did and how. Which lead me to offering advice and they all said "I never thought of that" and it ended with a few saying I should write an article on it. Which now bring's us to the point we are at. I will keep this short as possible as much of it is common sense, but I want to share with you what I do and have done (and lessons I learned the hard way) for bringing a firearm home and before putting first round through it. In a later article I will likely describe what I do and found that is best on a defensive pistol being deemed confident reliable. But for now, lets look at some do's, that will save you issues.
You purchased your firearm and are picking it up and are excited (as well as you should be and we all are). You go back, they have it ready for you, some final paperwork and they walk you out the door with it (which is mandated by policy). You shake hands and off you go. Well, let me give you a huge tip, do not do that. You spend your valuable money and time on a firearm so why not savor it. A quality firearm store, will take the firearm you purchased and open it and show you the contents. Yes it is pretty and you are excited, but as much time as you took to pick the right one out, take a little time and inspect it. I will pick up the firearm and handle it (keep in mind, many times the one you have is not the "show" model), I want to make sure there is no issues with it, that it functions the same way. I actually picked up a firearm and handles it to notice that it did not have the safety I wanted (as some models come either way), I have picked one up and there was a burr under the slide which caused it to hang up. So you want to make sure it is the pistol you bought.
Next, I will go through all the contents. I will ensure that the magazines that it comes with are correct for the pistol (as many come in different calibers). I will insert the magazines into the firearm and ensure that they fit as they should and drop as they should (which let's me inspect the magazine release as well). I will also, inspect and check the follower of the magazine and the spring tension. There has been a few times, when the manufacturer shipped wrong magazine in the case. I will ensure that the firearm comes with all contents it should be with it. I will ensure that is has an owner's manual, which it should have. You want make sure you are getting what you are paying for. I even inspect the case, one time the case had a nice deep scratch on it, I complained and said wanted a refund, they upgraded me to a nice pelican case for free. Remember, like a car, until you take it off the lot, the transaction is not done.
Now that we have accepted the item, we take it home. Once at home, what do you do next? Your correct answer should be, READ THE OWNERS MANUAL. Yes, I know that they can be boring, but the information in there can give you important information, such as caliber, proper cleaning and field stripping technique. Not following the owner's manual, can void your warranty, so follow it. If you are new to a particular firearm, I strongly recommend reading it twice. The next thing it to ensure you keep it with the firearm, in case later on need a reference or assistance, do not just throw it away. I am quite confident in my ability with many firearms, but I still read through the owners manual. Since you are reading it, once done take an ink pen and write down on the manual the date you purchased it, I even keep the receipt with it. Since, you have the ink pen, why not fill out the warranty card, or go online and activate your warranty. You want to do this so the manufacturer knows when you purchased the model number in case of recall. Then they will contact you (usually email) if there is any issue. Once I have read and understand the owners manual, I do another function check, to ensure that it all works (understand that some do not recommend dry firing rimfire caliber, why I always us a dummy round snapcap). I will especially ensure that all the safeties work properly.
Now that you are done with that, you want to sit at a table, with a towel or cloth down and disassemble the firearm according to the owners manual. You want to become intimate with it. Think about this, it is brand new, you will likely be the only one to be able to see the condition it is in now. Why? Because later if an issue arises and an instructor or gunsmith will ask "was it like this before?" They hate hearing "I don't know". You want to inspect and/or look at each part and understand how it works. Again, you want to ensure you know and/or refer to the owners manual, because doing somethings in the state it is in at this point could damage it.
Now that we have it apart, Why not clean it? Many people think it is ready to go out of the box, this is so not true. Manufacturers do one of two things. They will either have storage lube on it (to prevent rust as they do not know how long it will sit), or they will have them dry (no lube). In either case, you want to sit down and clean it. There may be shipping residue as well. So, just clean the pistol as you was taught or according to the owners manual. Almost all firearms are shot before they leave the company, so there may be residue there too. During one of these inspection/cleanings, I found that the maker left a plastic "plug" in the barrel, that is a good find before any ammunition went down the pipe. Which of course you should have no ammunition around when cleaning. Once you are done inspecting/cleaning you want to do a function test again, one of the reason's I do not want ammunition around. For the function test, I want to make sure it works as it did, if not I want to identify the issue.
After I am done with this, I will then use my dummy rounds, and I will do some dryfire practice with the firearm. I want to again become very familiar with it and how it functions. I get to check the extractor and how it ejects. How it feeds and cycles, as well as, the trigger press. If I am going to use any accessory I will try it now, such as a holster. I will cycle not one but all the magazines (you did buy a spare right?). This allows me to become comfortable with the pistol and any issues before I but live ammunition in it.
At this point we should be confident in how the firearm works and functions. We now know, that it is lubricated properly and ready to go to the range for live fire (I will go over how I confident check a pistol in another article). Keep in mind that many firearm makers recommend at a minimum 200-500 rounds of proper ammunition to get it "broke in".
You purchased your firearm and are picking it up and are excited (as well as you should be and we all are). You go back, they have it ready for you, some final paperwork and they walk you out the door with it (which is mandated by policy). You shake hands and off you go. Well, let me give you a huge tip, do not do that. You spend your valuable money and time on a firearm so why not savor it. A quality firearm store, will take the firearm you purchased and open it and show you the contents. Yes it is pretty and you are excited, but as much time as you took to pick the right one out, take a little time and inspect it. I will pick up the firearm and handle it (keep in mind, many times the one you have is not the "show" model), I want to make sure there is no issues with it, that it functions the same way. I actually picked up a firearm and handles it to notice that it did not have the safety I wanted (as some models come either way), I have picked one up and there was a burr under the slide which caused it to hang up. So you want to make sure it is the pistol you bought.
Next, I will go through all the contents. I will ensure that the magazines that it comes with are correct for the pistol (as many come in different calibers). I will insert the magazines into the firearm and ensure that they fit as they should and drop as they should (which let's me inspect the magazine release as well). I will also, inspect and check the follower of the magazine and the spring tension. There has been a few times, when the manufacturer shipped wrong magazine in the case. I will ensure that the firearm comes with all contents it should be with it. I will ensure that is has an owner's manual, which it should have. You want make sure you are getting what you are paying for. I even inspect the case, one time the case had a nice deep scratch on it, I complained and said wanted a refund, they upgraded me to a nice pelican case for free. Remember, like a car, until you take it off the lot, the transaction is not done.
Now that we have accepted the item, we take it home. Once at home, what do you do next? Your correct answer should be, READ THE OWNERS MANUAL. Yes, I know that they can be boring, but the information in there can give you important information, such as caliber, proper cleaning and field stripping technique. Not following the owner's manual, can void your warranty, so follow it. If you are new to a particular firearm, I strongly recommend reading it twice. The next thing it to ensure you keep it with the firearm, in case later on need a reference or assistance, do not just throw it away. I am quite confident in my ability with many firearms, but I still read through the owners manual. Since you are reading it, once done take an ink pen and write down on the manual the date you purchased it, I even keep the receipt with it. Since, you have the ink pen, why not fill out the warranty card, or go online and activate your warranty. You want to do this so the manufacturer knows when you purchased the model number in case of recall. Then they will contact you (usually email) if there is any issue. Once I have read and understand the owners manual, I do another function check, to ensure that it all works (understand that some do not recommend dry firing rimfire caliber, why I always us a dummy round snapcap). I will especially ensure that all the safeties work properly.
Now that you are done with that, you want to sit at a table, with a towel or cloth down and disassemble the firearm according to the owners manual. You want to become intimate with it. Think about this, it is brand new, you will likely be the only one to be able to see the condition it is in now. Why? Because later if an issue arises and an instructor or gunsmith will ask "was it like this before?" They hate hearing "I don't know". You want to inspect and/or look at each part and understand how it works. Again, you want to ensure you know and/or refer to the owners manual, because doing somethings in the state it is in at this point could damage it.
Now that we have it apart, Why not clean it? Many people think it is ready to go out of the box, this is so not true. Manufacturers do one of two things. They will either have storage lube on it (to prevent rust as they do not know how long it will sit), or they will have them dry (no lube). In either case, you want to sit down and clean it. There may be shipping residue as well. So, just clean the pistol as you was taught or according to the owners manual. Almost all firearms are shot before they leave the company, so there may be residue there too. During one of these inspection/cleanings, I found that the maker left a plastic "plug" in the barrel, that is a good find before any ammunition went down the pipe. Which of course you should have no ammunition around when cleaning. Once you are done inspecting/cleaning you want to do a function test again, one of the reason's I do not want ammunition around. For the function test, I want to make sure it works as it did, if not I want to identify the issue.
After I am done with this, I will then use my dummy rounds, and I will do some dryfire practice with the firearm. I want to again become very familiar with it and how it functions. I get to check the extractor and how it ejects. How it feeds and cycles, as well as, the trigger press. If I am going to use any accessory I will try it now, such as a holster. I will cycle not one but all the magazines (you did buy a spare right?). This allows me to become comfortable with the pistol and any issues before I but live ammunition in it.
At this point we should be confident in how the firearm works and functions. We now know, that it is lubricated properly and ready to go to the range for live fire (I will go over how I confident check a pistol in another article). Keep in mind that many firearm makers recommend at a minimum 200-500 rounds of proper ammunition to get it "broke in".
Friday, March 18, 2016
Well Rounded Armed Citizen
No I am not talking about the citizen who has attended too many buffet (because I would fall into that category), lol. I am going to discuss about the well prepared armed citizen. I often get asked what training a person needs and/or where do I start. I am going to step out of an Instructor role in writing this article. I am going to put the training in perspective from the position of a law abiding citizen who is starting from scratch and/or a Veteran. I am going to discuss the training that in my view as an experienced conceal carrying citizen, whom has had the misfortune of being in some situations. This article will not be the end all, but give people a simple and reasonable guide to get them to be well prepared, for the lifestyle of an Armed citizen.
Where to Start?
First, do not go out and buy a pistol just yet!!!!! I see far too many people who do this, then come to realize that after they take training, they have selected and spent their hard earned money on a pistol that is not suited for them. Secondly, I strongly recommend to read first. There are some quality books out their for the Armed citizen, to read and begin to understand the lifestyle. By reading a few of the below listed books or articles, this will help you get the most out of the training you are going to take. The following is recommended:
The State- Concealed Carry Act, at a minimum go to "http://www.handgunlaw.us/", and get up to speed for you state.
Massad Ayoob books and articles. Mas (as he likes to be called by students) is the world expert in use of force. His books "In the gravest Extreme" and Deadly Force is a minimum read. Everything he writes, is a gem for the armed citizen.
Andrew Branca book "the laws of self defense" is another great read.
Tom Givens-book "fighting smarter" is a great overall encompassing book.
John Farnham- his book "the Farnham method of defensive handgunning" is a good read.
Col. Jeff Cooper- this gentleman is the Grandfather of the defensive pistol, his book "Principles of personal defense" is as good now as when it first came out.
By reading the state's Concealed Carry Act, and one of the other books or articles the person will gain more out of the training, and be able to ask the Certified Instructor the questions that will crop up later.
Training- I highly recommend that you research your potential instructor. You want to find the best one to fit your needs. Call or email the instructor and ask what their credentials are and any questions you many have. A quality Instructor has no issue telling you their credentials. Also, are they willing to answer questions now? Some of the questions will need to be addressed in training, but if an instructor will not take the time now, will they be there for you afterward.
If nothing else, the citizen will need some basic knowledge and training to begin down the correct path. This is also a great refresher for Veterans, as the craft of the defensive pistol, is not covered in detail as the rifle in military service.
Basic Pistol course- This course will give the person, all the necassary knowledge to understand the following:
Safety, parts of a pistol (semi-automatic and revolver), how ammunition works and handle issues, proper grip, proper stance, proper aiming technique. This course is a good foundation for the citizen and a great refresher for the veteran. You want to ask if this is a certified course, by what entity or organization? Will they be willing to rent or provide firearms and/or ammunition? What will you be able to do after completion of this class? What will it count for? What are they willing to offer or support after the class is over?
Once your basic class is completed, you want to go to a range and SHOOT! You want to begin to master the skills you learned. Shooting is a perishable skill, so go and shoot. Many instructors will take the time afterward to coach you. One other option, which should be covered in Basic pistol class, is dryfire practice at home.
Now that you have done some shooting and have a grasp of fundamentals of marksmanship, you are ready for next class.
NRA Personal Protection In the Home- this class is designed as the next building block for the citizen. This class is a good first personal protection class, that deals with defense. You will learn about situational awareness, defensive marksmanship, use of cover and concealment, as well as, shooting around obstacles. When you consider half are time is spent at home, good education.
Intermediate pistol course- either after the "in the home" course or in lieu of it. An intermediate pistol course (which many instructors offer), polishes up the fundamentals that you have learned. It will then ingrain in you, how to effectively clear malfunctions, teach you drills to perfect your shooting ability. Likely, the most important part of this type of course is the elimination of training scars that are developed. This is usually a great transition course between fundamental marksmanship and defensive marksmanship.
Concealed carry Class- At this point you should posses the skill's and knowledge need to properly defend yourself. This class usually last from 4-8 hours. This is usually mandated by the state to obtain your license to carry a loaded pistol in public. This class should cover all the applicable laws of the state, use of force, interaction with law enforcement, and how to draw from concealed (a quality course will not just teach you this, but provide practice time) This will give you the minimal information needed that is mandated by the state.
Okay, now you have some skill's, have some knowledge and have obtained a concealed carry license. The worst thing that you can do, is STOP, at this point. The old saying of "know enough to be dangerous" is very applicable here. You posses some basic life saving skills that in the right situation can save you life. As many of us know, situations are rarely right and ideal. So then what to do?
NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home- This course was specifically designed by the NRA to give conceal carry holders, exclusive training in drawing and firing from concealed. This course has a basic level-learning the fine art of drawing from concealed, the finer point's engagement, and awareness. To the Advanced level- which refines the drawing and shooting skills, from moving, obstacles, from a chair. Usually the Advanced part is half to 3/4 of the day on range drawing and shooting.
Low Light Course- When you consider that 80% of all engagements happen in low light conditions, having the skill set to defend in the situation is critical. In this course students will learn about and added asset tool, the defensive flashlight, and the proper techniques for using them. You just don't shine a light and shoot, there is certain ways to make it beneficial and keep you from being a target.
Advanced Course- This comes in all kinds of different levels and intensity, as well as, price. For the most part, the student will master how to shoot on the move. Shoot from laying positions and many scenario drills are used. You really need to research to find if the course is right for you. Many are military and/or Law Enforcement driven, which is fun, but lacks practical application for the armed citizen.
Criminal behavior- This course is few and far between anymore. We preach to use situation awareness, but do we teach people what to look for? In this 4-8 hour class, the instructor breaks down the criminal pattern's and behavior that is always present. This course is usually followed by with role playing and defensive shooting.
Where to Start?
First, do not go out and buy a pistol just yet!!!!! I see far too many people who do this, then come to realize that after they take training, they have selected and spent their hard earned money on a pistol that is not suited for them. Secondly, I strongly recommend to read first. There are some quality books out their for the Armed citizen, to read and begin to understand the lifestyle. By reading a few of the below listed books or articles, this will help you get the most out of the training you are going to take. The following is recommended:
The State- Concealed Carry Act, at a minimum go to "http://www.handgunlaw.us/", and get up to speed for you state.
Massad Ayoob books and articles. Mas (as he likes to be called by students) is the world expert in use of force. His books "In the gravest Extreme" and Deadly Force is a minimum read. Everything he writes, is a gem for the armed citizen.
Andrew Branca book "the laws of self defense" is another great read.
Tom Givens-book "fighting smarter" is a great overall encompassing book.
John Farnham- his book "the Farnham method of defensive handgunning" is a good read.
Col. Jeff Cooper- this gentleman is the Grandfather of the defensive pistol, his book "Principles of personal defense" is as good now as when it first came out.
By reading the state's Concealed Carry Act, and one of the other books or articles the person will gain more out of the training, and be able to ask the Certified Instructor the questions that will crop up later.
Training- I highly recommend that you research your potential instructor. You want to find the best one to fit your needs. Call or email the instructor and ask what their credentials are and any questions you many have. A quality Instructor has no issue telling you their credentials. Also, are they willing to answer questions now? Some of the questions will need to be addressed in training, but if an instructor will not take the time now, will they be there for you afterward.
If nothing else, the citizen will need some basic knowledge and training to begin down the correct path. This is also a great refresher for Veterans, as the craft of the defensive pistol, is not covered in detail as the rifle in military service.
Basic Pistol course- This course will give the person, all the necassary knowledge to understand the following:
Safety, parts of a pistol (semi-automatic and revolver), how ammunition works and handle issues, proper grip, proper stance, proper aiming technique. This course is a good foundation for the citizen and a great refresher for the veteran. You want to ask if this is a certified course, by what entity or organization? Will they be willing to rent or provide firearms and/or ammunition? What will you be able to do after completion of this class? What will it count for? What are they willing to offer or support after the class is over?
Once your basic class is completed, you want to go to a range and SHOOT! You want to begin to master the skills you learned. Shooting is a perishable skill, so go and shoot. Many instructors will take the time afterward to coach you. One other option, which should be covered in Basic pistol class, is dryfire practice at home.
Now that you have done some shooting and have a grasp of fundamentals of marksmanship, you are ready for next class.
NRA Personal Protection In the Home- this class is designed as the next building block for the citizen. This class is a good first personal protection class, that deals with defense. You will learn about situational awareness, defensive marksmanship, use of cover and concealment, as well as, shooting around obstacles. When you consider half are time is spent at home, good education.
Intermediate pistol course- either after the "in the home" course or in lieu of it. An intermediate pistol course (which many instructors offer), polishes up the fundamentals that you have learned. It will then ingrain in you, how to effectively clear malfunctions, teach you drills to perfect your shooting ability. Likely, the most important part of this type of course is the elimination of training scars that are developed. This is usually a great transition course between fundamental marksmanship and defensive marksmanship.
Concealed carry Class- At this point you should posses the skill's and knowledge need to properly defend yourself. This class usually last from 4-8 hours. This is usually mandated by the state to obtain your license to carry a loaded pistol in public. This class should cover all the applicable laws of the state, use of force, interaction with law enforcement, and how to draw from concealed (a quality course will not just teach you this, but provide practice time) This will give you the minimal information needed that is mandated by the state.
Okay, now you have some skill's, have some knowledge and have obtained a concealed carry license. The worst thing that you can do, is STOP, at this point. The old saying of "know enough to be dangerous" is very applicable here. You posses some basic life saving skills that in the right situation can save you life. As many of us know, situations are rarely right and ideal. So then what to do?
NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home- This course was specifically designed by the NRA to give conceal carry holders, exclusive training in drawing and firing from concealed. This course has a basic level-learning the fine art of drawing from concealed, the finer point's engagement, and awareness. To the Advanced level- which refines the drawing and shooting skills, from moving, obstacles, from a chair. Usually the Advanced part is half to 3/4 of the day on range drawing and shooting.
Low Light Course- When you consider that 80% of all engagements happen in low light conditions, having the skill set to defend in the situation is critical. In this course students will learn about and added asset tool, the defensive flashlight, and the proper techniques for using them. You just don't shine a light and shoot, there is certain ways to make it beneficial and keep you from being a target.
Advanced Course- This comes in all kinds of different levels and intensity, as well as, price. For the most part, the student will master how to shoot on the move. Shoot from laying positions and many scenario drills are used. You really need to research to find if the course is right for you. Many are military and/or Law Enforcement driven, which is fun, but lacks practical application for the armed citizen.
Criminal behavior- This course is few and far between anymore. We preach to use situation awareness, but do we teach people what to look for? In this 4-8 hour class, the instructor breaks down the criminal pattern's and behavior that is always present. This course is usually followed by with role playing and defensive shooting.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Greatest Defensive Tool- The Mind
A great many people have received training and/or got their concealed carry license, Kudos. I often am asked by CCL holder's, citizens seeking training and experienced people a few common questions, such as: "What is the best carry caliber?", "Which firearm is best to carry?", "Which ammunition if the best for defense?", "If this happens, what would you do?", "When should you do this?". There is so many more questions, the answer to many of these question's comes down to two things, One is take more training and become more educated on the topics that must be mastered for Concealed Carry citizen. The second revolves around the purpose of this article, mindset.
As I have addressed in a few previous articles there is a lot to concealed carry than just getting basic training (which overall training will be covered in another article) and getting license. A great many who have attended are classes are amazed at the vast amount of information, and this is just stepping into the threshold of the many rooms of the manor about the lifestyle. The most important aspect in my humble opinion on personal protection is without a doubt MINDSET. What is mindset, according to the dictionary, it is defined as "the ideas and attitudes with which a person approaches a situation, especially when these are seen as being difficult to alter". There is a vast difference in mindset's in our lives. The one I am addressing is what a Defensive Mindset.
A Defensive Mindset is made up of many small pockets of thought and processing. In essence looking at the world in a different light. One aspect, which I covered in previous article, is Situation Awareness. The other aspect's that come into the Defensive Mindset is broken down as such: Tactical planning, Tactical thought, Plan of action, Line of Action, Engagement Action, and Will of survival. You might hear or read these under different "light" but the essence is the same. A great many people often refer to what I am discussing as "Warrior Mindset". I am purposely avoiding this, as Warrior's of the military are trained both consciously and sub-consciously to perform the action they are trained to carry out when deployed. The rules of engagement and Laws are totally different for civilians, as well as, the time and lifestyle. Let's look at the pockets of thought.
Situation Awareness- as I have stated, this was covered in a previous article, so I will only say this, one must be living in "yellow" to have time and distance on their side.
Tactical Planning- This can be a general or detailed plan that is assembled by yourself for the place you are in. In essence you are aware of what "may" happen, and are starting to form a plan in case it does transpire. It can be as simple as if this happens, I will move to the exit or get under table. To more detail thought of sitting down at home and creating a detailed plan of defense if this happens or that, this usually involves a notebook and deep thought.
Tactical Thought- This differ's from planning, as it is the application of situation awareness and tactical planning. You have thought about it and now that the situation is developing you begin to evolve the plan to the situation which is transpiring. This is a continuous flexible process. Example would be, if this is going to happen I can do this and/or that. This is weighing the options you have at your disposal.
Plan of Action- This is the actual plan that you have decided upon for the situation, taking into account all the variables. If the person does this, I am going to get my family out, if the person does this I will have to shield my family are examples of how it changes. You in essence are coming up with solid plans. Notice it was plural, you want plan A-z if you can. The last resort is to get your firearm, however, depending on the dynamics of the situation that may be the action.
Line of Action- This is a very important part a great many people don't understand and/or instructors fail to teach. You must establish a "RED LINE" for each action taken for the situation. This is the cue to set you into the motion of your plan. Once this threshold is crossed this is the trigger that will commit the plan into action. Realize that once the plan goes into action, that it still evolves, until Engagement. In other's words just because you pull your pistol does not necessarily mean you have to shoot. Examples are: If that person moves through the door I do this ...., or if the person slips their hand inside jacket I am doing this ....
Engagement Action- This refer's more to the actual situation of going for and/or pulling the pistol or getting into the fight. This is the last result and you have used all the "tactics" you can to avoid this. Now the line of action has been crossed, you get to the point of going for pistol, the pistol has been brought out. This is the millisecond of decision, of actual shooting. A bullet can never be called back or sorry doesn't cut it. I believe and teach this, whenever you draw your pistol you have full intention and mindset to use it, but we still hope that it will not be necessary. You must understand that fighting is the final and last step in the negotiation process. Once this action is taken, it does not reverse until the situation has evolved into a safe situation for you or those under the mantel of your care. It could be the person fled, or you have reached a safe area among others.
Will of survival- This is far underestimated and sometimes overlooked. This is often refereed to the will to live. Once you are engaged in an actual fight for survival, you must commit and win, understanding when the fight has stopped so do you. But as long as you are in a life threatening situation, you fight with all your will and might. No matter what you have, even if you run out of ammunition, all you have is a water bottle, keep fighting. Remember it is not the tiger in the fight, but the fight in the tiger. This is a very powerful part of the mindset. This is what has saved human being's from prehistoric animals, combat, cancer and many other against all odds victories. You fight till it has ended or you win.
This mindset takes some time to get into the groove of. Like all things you need to start using it so it becomes natural. As will all things around the lifestyle of concealed carry, this needs to be understood and implemented. This article goes with the few others I wrote, which discusses situation awareness, preparing armed citizen mindset, check them out to understand it to the fullest. In the future, I will write and article that will deal with the last part of the mindset, Mind after engagement. The article will give some insight into a few people who has been in life threatening situations. It will go into what and how they had to deal with the rest of their lives.
Feel free to leave a comment or question.
Todd Mendenhall
As I have addressed in a few previous articles there is a lot to concealed carry than just getting basic training (which overall training will be covered in another article) and getting license. A great many who have attended are classes are amazed at the vast amount of information, and this is just stepping into the threshold of the many rooms of the manor about the lifestyle. The most important aspect in my humble opinion on personal protection is without a doubt MINDSET. What is mindset, according to the dictionary, it is defined as "the ideas and attitudes with which a person approaches a situation, especially when these are seen as being difficult to alter". There is a vast difference in mindset's in our lives. The one I am addressing is what a Defensive Mindset.
A Defensive Mindset is made up of many small pockets of thought and processing. In essence looking at the world in a different light. One aspect, which I covered in previous article, is Situation Awareness. The other aspect's that come into the Defensive Mindset is broken down as such: Tactical planning, Tactical thought, Plan of action, Line of Action, Engagement Action, and Will of survival. You might hear or read these under different "light" but the essence is the same. A great many people often refer to what I am discussing as "Warrior Mindset". I am purposely avoiding this, as Warrior's of the military are trained both consciously and sub-consciously to perform the action they are trained to carry out when deployed. The rules of engagement and Laws are totally different for civilians, as well as, the time and lifestyle. Let's look at the pockets of thought.
Situation Awareness- as I have stated, this was covered in a previous article, so I will only say this, one must be living in "yellow" to have time and distance on their side.
Tactical Planning- This can be a general or detailed plan that is assembled by yourself for the place you are in. In essence you are aware of what "may" happen, and are starting to form a plan in case it does transpire. It can be as simple as if this happens, I will move to the exit or get under table. To more detail thought of sitting down at home and creating a detailed plan of defense if this happens or that, this usually involves a notebook and deep thought.
Tactical Thought- This differ's from planning, as it is the application of situation awareness and tactical planning. You have thought about it and now that the situation is developing you begin to evolve the plan to the situation which is transpiring. This is a continuous flexible process. Example would be, if this is going to happen I can do this and/or that. This is weighing the options you have at your disposal.
Plan of Action- This is the actual plan that you have decided upon for the situation, taking into account all the variables. If the person does this, I am going to get my family out, if the person does this I will have to shield my family are examples of how it changes. You in essence are coming up with solid plans. Notice it was plural, you want plan A-z if you can. The last resort is to get your firearm, however, depending on the dynamics of the situation that may be the action.
Line of Action- This is a very important part a great many people don't understand and/or instructors fail to teach. You must establish a "RED LINE" for each action taken for the situation. This is the cue to set you into the motion of your plan. Once this threshold is crossed this is the trigger that will commit the plan into action. Realize that once the plan goes into action, that it still evolves, until Engagement. In other's words just because you pull your pistol does not necessarily mean you have to shoot. Examples are: If that person moves through the door I do this ...., or if the person slips their hand inside jacket I am doing this ....
Engagement Action- This refer's more to the actual situation of going for and/or pulling the pistol or getting into the fight. This is the last result and you have used all the "tactics" you can to avoid this. Now the line of action has been crossed, you get to the point of going for pistol, the pistol has been brought out. This is the millisecond of decision, of actual shooting. A bullet can never be called back or sorry doesn't cut it. I believe and teach this, whenever you draw your pistol you have full intention and mindset to use it, but we still hope that it will not be necessary. You must understand that fighting is the final and last step in the negotiation process. Once this action is taken, it does not reverse until the situation has evolved into a safe situation for you or those under the mantel of your care. It could be the person fled, or you have reached a safe area among others.
Will of survival- This is far underestimated and sometimes overlooked. This is often refereed to the will to live. Once you are engaged in an actual fight for survival, you must commit and win, understanding when the fight has stopped so do you. But as long as you are in a life threatening situation, you fight with all your will and might. No matter what you have, even if you run out of ammunition, all you have is a water bottle, keep fighting. Remember it is not the tiger in the fight, but the fight in the tiger. This is a very powerful part of the mindset. This is what has saved human being's from prehistoric animals, combat, cancer and many other against all odds victories. You fight till it has ended or you win.
This mindset takes some time to get into the groove of. Like all things you need to start using it so it becomes natural. As will all things around the lifestyle of concealed carry, this needs to be understood and implemented. This article goes with the few others I wrote, which discusses situation awareness, preparing armed citizen mindset, check them out to understand it to the fullest. In the future, I will write and article that will deal with the last part of the mindset, Mind after engagement. The article will give some insight into a few people who has been in life threatening situations. It will go into what and how they had to deal with the rest of their lives.
Feel free to leave a comment or question.
Todd Mendenhall
Thursday, February 18, 2016
R.S.O.- important Range Asset
How many times have you went to a range and seen a person with R.S.O. shirt and/or vest on? How many people know what "R.S.O." is?
R.S.O. are the shortened letters for a Range Safety Officer. This person is a very important part of a range running safe and fun. Many times this asset is misunderstood, misused and/or unappreciated within the firearm community. Let's look at what an R.S.O. is and history.
As long as there has been humans on a range of any type, there has always been a person there to oversee the safe actions of the use of ranges. The first recorded time is back to ancient china, when generals appointed people to watch over the safe use of the practice of arms. This predates the invention of gun powder. All civilized societies has had one form of this, mainly in the military sense. Though the military has had official schools for people to be qualified as Range Officers. It was not until, the National Rifle Association in the early 1990's created a Range Safety Officer program for civilians. So What is a R.S.O.? They are people certified to posses knowledge, skill and attitude to organize, conduct and supervise Safe shooting activities and Range operations, this is per the National Rifle Association.
The R.S.O. does not have to be a "seasoned" veteran of the shooting sports. But a person who is minimum of 21 years old, who has the right attitude and care enough to become certified to ensure people shoot safely. A great many new shooters find great enjoyment in being R.S.O.'s. Ladies and men find it very satisfying in assisting people on the range. With proper certification course the individual will posses all the skill's that are necessary to be and effective R.S.O. A R.S.O. is a person who steps back and ensure's that all the people on the line are doing everything safe. This allow's the shooters the piece of mind to just concentrate on the task of shooting, without worry of someone to the side doing something "wrong".
The R.S.O., is a very important person to club, organization and Instructors on ranges. For the club and organizations, this is a person whom can be there to ensure that all the safety rules are followed. A great many insurance companies give organizations discounts for every person who is a R.S.O., some require everyone to be. The more clubs have members as R.S.O.'s is beneficial as there is a higher chance that a person will be around. The most important thing about an R.S.O. is that they are and Ambassador for the shooting sports. They are helpful people who are there to ask questions and/or lend a hand. For firearm classes, the R.S.O. is extremely important, for many classes consist of either new shooters and/or moving techniques. The R.S.O. allows the instructor to just concentrate on teaching the students on the correct technique's and time is gained in more one on one instructing.
The R.S.O. being a good ambassador of the organization it represents, can answer many of the questions pertaining to the safety of the institution. They are trained in appropriate response to emergency situations and ensure that needs are taken care of. They are friendlier people than a door greeter at wal-mart. During shooting activities such as competitions and fun shoots, the R.S.O. really shines, as they allow the people to perform to there full potential, using an eagle eye for safety. Few things are stressful then having a person with a "live" firearm on the line and not know who to safely clear the problem. The R.S.O. is trained on how to safely take a "live" firearm from someone and make it safe. They are trained and perform the running of a "live" range, using good verbal commands. A R.S.O. should not be confused with a Range Officer. A Range Officer duty is to keep track and run and entire range establishment, you can see one on any military or civilian Rifle range or competition. The Range Safety Officer, just concentrate's on the safety of all shooting, none of the other activities.
Of all the interaction that I have had with firearm shooting and activities, being an R.S.O. was and is the most fun. You get to influence people in the shooting community in a positive light. Easy there mind, knowing that someone is there to help if needed. Look into the full filling adventure of being a certified Range Safety Officer. It is fun, helps the organization and the shooting sports stay safe and keep it in a glowing light. I know of no shooting place that would turn away a Range Safety Officer that is certified, to help in it's capacity.
R.S.O. are the shortened letters for a Range Safety Officer. This person is a very important part of a range running safe and fun. Many times this asset is misunderstood, misused and/or unappreciated within the firearm community. Let's look at what an R.S.O. is and history.
As long as there has been humans on a range of any type, there has always been a person there to oversee the safe actions of the use of ranges. The first recorded time is back to ancient china, when generals appointed people to watch over the safe use of the practice of arms. This predates the invention of gun powder. All civilized societies has had one form of this, mainly in the military sense. Though the military has had official schools for people to be qualified as Range Officers. It was not until, the National Rifle Association in the early 1990's created a Range Safety Officer program for civilians. So What is a R.S.O.? They are people certified to posses knowledge, skill and attitude to organize, conduct and supervise Safe shooting activities and Range operations, this is per the National Rifle Association.
The R.S.O. does not have to be a "seasoned" veteran of the shooting sports. But a person who is minimum of 21 years old, who has the right attitude and care enough to become certified to ensure people shoot safely. A great many new shooters find great enjoyment in being R.S.O.'s. Ladies and men find it very satisfying in assisting people on the range. With proper certification course the individual will posses all the skill's that are necessary to be and effective R.S.O. A R.S.O. is a person who steps back and ensure's that all the people on the line are doing everything safe. This allow's the shooters the piece of mind to just concentrate on the task of shooting, without worry of someone to the side doing something "wrong".
The R.S.O., is a very important person to club, organization and Instructors on ranges. For the club and organizations, this is a person whom can be there to ensure that all the safety rules are followed. A great many insurance companies give organizations discounts for every person who is a R.S.O., some require everyone to be. The more clubs have members as R.S.O.'s is beneficial as there is a higher chance that a person will be around. The most important thing about an R.S.O. is that they are and Ambassador for the shooting sports. They are helpful people who are there to ask questions and/or lend a hand. For firearm classes, the R.S.O. is extremely important, for many classes consist of either new shooters and/or moving techniques. The R.S.O. allows the instructor to just concentrate on teaching the students on the correct technique's and time is gained in more one on one instructing.
The R.S.O. being a good ambassador of the organization it represents, can answer many of the questions pertaining to the safety of the institution. They are trained in appropriate response to emergency situations and ensure that needs are taken care of. They are friendlier people than a door greeter at wal-mart. During shooting activities such as competitions and fun shoots, the R.S.O. really shines, as they allow the people to perform to there full potential, using an eagle eye for safety. Few things are stressful then having a person with a "live" firearm on the line and not know who to safely clear the problem. The R.S.O. is trained on how to safely take a "live" firearm from someone and make it safe. They are trained and perform the running of a "live" range, using good verbal commands. A R.S.O. should not be confused with a Range Officer. A Range Officer duty is to keep track and run and entire range establishment, you can see one on any military or civilian Rifle range or competition. The Range Safety Officer, just concentrate's on the safety of all shooting, none of the other activities.
Of all the interaction that I have had with firearm shooting and activities, being an R.S.O. was and is the most fun. You get to influence people in the shooting community in a positive light. Easy there mind, knowing that someone is there to help if needed. Look into the full filling adventure of being a certified Range Safety Officer. It is fun, helps the organization and the shooting sports stay safe and keep it in a glowing light. I know of no shooting place that would turn away a Range Safety Officer that is certified, to help in it's capacity.
Friday, January 29, 2016
Facts of Firearms and Children
The internet is a great tool, and some media make and effort in getting the stories right. However, a great many "facts" are not told with total disclosure of the information and/or how it was gathered or what was included. Just by making a slight tweak in the poll's or numbers changes the information dramatically. So, too is the use of words that should not be used in the proper context. Below I will attempt to try and clear up some of the smoke that has hazed over the information and point out some insight. All the numbers, statistics and facts are real, for sake of space and time, I have not included them, but can be found at "WWW.GunFacts.info". As well many can also be found by "digging" through the FBI and CDC archives, put on a pot of coffee. So let's delve into the adventure.
Myth- Since Sandy Hook shooting, there have been 96 school shootings.
The study included College campuses (47%), Suicides attempts (18%) and cases where no one was injured (27%). A great many of the information is unrelated to school activity or actually occurred near it. If you dig deeper into it, some of the case's occurred at facilities where "students" was at that was not school property, or was leased for use by school do to size or renovation, and the incident that took place had nothing to do with the "students".
Myth- Each day there are 13 children killed by firearms.
This statistic is skewed by using the word "children". A "child" is usually defined as birth till puberty. But a great many statistics figure in are actually teens and up to 24 year old's. When you do it that way the figures will go up a lot, just by realizing that a great many of the teen's are in Gangs or gang related shootings. Fact is that in 2012 411 children (14 and under), little over one per day, died from gunfire. This combined homicides, accidents and suicides. According to the CDC over half of all homicides of victims aged 15-19 are gang-related, but still accounted in the "child" stats.
Suicides, which are included, account for 26% of deaths. Keep in mind that 1,446 children per year die in transportation accidents. Abuse and neglect of children by parents account for 80% of all child deaths (1,274), which dwarfs firearm deaths.
Myth- More children die from firearms in U.S. than anything else.
Keep in mind that 411 children that die from firearms, that 1,917 children die from Malaria (a disease eradicated in U.S.) each day around the world.
Myth- The system works, citizens are the issue.
This is not heard as much as once was. Especially, when you realize that the system is broke. A great many criminals are out long before they should be, let alone break out. Everyday, 15 men, women and children are murdered by convicted felon's that are in supervised parole/probation programs, in U.S.
Myth- School shootings are an epidemic.
Well, the fire school shooting that took place in 97-98' year, took place only after the 1995 Gun Free School Zones law was enacted, which banned guns within 1,000 feet of a school. Wow, is that a shock? In an 8 year period, states that do not have "right to carry" laws had 15 school shootings. But, there was only one in states that allowed citizens to carry firearms. Light bulb? The best example is what happen in Pearl, Mississippi, after the 1995 1,000' law went into effect the vice-principal, a man who carried his firearm everyday, had to store it in his vehicle a quarter of a mile away. In, 1997 there was a shooting, he ran to his vehicle, retrieved his firearm, dismissed the school and held the assailant till law enforcement could get there. Two young students laid on the floor of his school. Would him having his firearm been the deterrent? Could he of saved one or both if it was on him?
Myth-Trigger locks are a good deterrent to keep children from firearm accidents.
I never have been a fan of trigger locks and now you may see a few of the reasons. Consumer Product Safety Commission found that of the 32 models they tested, that 31 could be opened with a paper clip, scissors or tweezers. There was a 12% increase of fatal accidents in California once they enacted the "trigger lock" law, in 1994. The State of Texas, which did not have one such law, saw a decrease of 28%, instead relying on education. A trigger lock can be picked and/or broke by a child 7 years old or younger. Before the law, there was 80 million people who owned firearms and only 44 child accidental deaths under the age of 10, or .00001%.
Myth- Youth violence in America sparked by firearms.
Non-firearm youth crime rate in the U.S. is twice that of 25 other modern western nations. Look's like a violence problem, not chosen tool problem.
Myth- 1,300 children commit suicide with firearms.
Again, as we already talked about the "children" ages is skewed. Worldwide, the suicide rate is static, and the U.S. is lower than many other countries where firearms are banned, period. There will always be suicide in society, no matter what the tool is. It is interesting to note that female's usually choose poison or other (71% are by hanging or suffocation) form as to not disturb "beauty", while male's usually seek more grotesque means. Suicide rates in states that have passed mandatory 'safe storage" of firearms are virtually unchanged from states who did not.
Myth- The Columbine massacre would of been prevented by stricter gun control laws.
The two boy's who did the shooting broke 20 firearm laws in getting the weapons of choice. Two of the shotguns and one rifle used was purchased by a girlfriend (who passed background check) and the TEC-9 was already banned. One has to ask themselves, would 21 broken law's of mattered?
Myth- Children should be kept away from "Guns" for there own safety.
This is a huge misunderstanding and lack of education only hinders the problem. Parents that educate there children and get them firearms demonstrate parental responsibility. "Children" who get firearms illegally are twice as likely to commit street crime (24%) than those given a firearm by their parents (14%). Interesting note, homicide rate in the 1950's was almost half of that in the 1980's among "children". When they played cops and robbers, toy firearms and BB rifle's and many before puberty had a small caliber hunting rifle. It seems that they had an understanding of what violent acts would do and detered from them.
Myth- Children are hurt by guns than any other means.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), children are 12 times more likely to die in an autombile accident than firearm related homicides. In 2001 there was 72 accidental firearm deaths for children under 15, as opposed to over the 2,100 who drowned. Children are 29 times more likely to die from drowning than by firearms. Teach you kid's to swim!! Want to keep your children from being criminals, CDC says, that boys who own legal firearms (trusted with responsibility) have much lower rate of delinquency and drug use.
Fatal firearm accidents for children declined by 83%, while number of handguns per capita increased over 41%. Homicides of children under the age of 13, 82% was done without a firearm.
Myth- If it saves the life of one child, it is worth it.
2.5 million times each year or 6,846 times a day, private citizen's use firearms to prevent crime, to include rapes, aggravated assault and kidnapping. How many children's lives was saved using them lawfully? I think the number of innocent children saved outweighs the few.
Well, there is some of the statistics. If you read them carefully and do some of your own research I think you will find what I have. The issue is not firearms. The issue is as follows:
1) Lack of education- young people are curious, so why not take away the curiosity and educate them.
2) Family time- Children who have proper upbringing by parents and family do not get involved in trouble or crime.
3) Violent exposure- Educating children and/or limiting them to violence does enhance the right/wrong mentality. Informing them that what they see in the movies and T.V. is not how it is in the world goes along way.
What better way to spend time with youth's than in the field after game, or on a proper firing range. Spending quality time together, educating and giving them memory's that will be cherished.
Keep the future of America safe, educate them and teach them of responsible firearm handling and marksmanship.
Myth- Since Sandy Hook shooting, there have been 96 school shootings.
The study included College campuses (47%), Suicides attempts (18%) and cases where no one was injured (27%). A great many of the information is unrelated to school activity or actually occurred near it. If you dig deeper into it, some of the case's occurred at facilities where "students" was at that was not school property, or was leased for use by school do to size or renovation, and the incident that took place had nothing to do with the "students".
Myth- Each day there are 13 children killed by firearms.
This statistic is skewed by using the word "children". A "child" is usually defined as birth till puberty. But a great many statistics figure in are actually teens and up to 24 year old's. When you do it that way the figures will go up a lot, just by realizing that a great many of the teen's are in Gangs or gang related shootings. Fact is that in 2012 411 children (14 and under), little over one per day, died from gunfire. This combined homicides, accidents and suicides. According to the CDC over half of all homicides of victims aged 15-19 are gang-related, but still accounted in the "child" stats.
Suicides, which are included, account for 26% of deaths. Keep in mind that 1,446 children per year die in transportation accidents. Abuse and neglect of children by parents account for 80% of all child deaths (1,274), which dwarfs firearm deaths.
Myth- More children die from firearms in U.S. than anything else.
Keep in mind that 411 children that die from firearms, that 1,917 children die from Malaria (a disease eradicated in U.S.) each day around the world.
Myth- The system works, citizens are the issue.
This is not heard as much as once was. Especially, when you realize that the system is broke. A great many criminals are out long before they should be, let alone break out. Everyday, 15 men, women and children are murdered by convicted felon's that are in supervised parole/probation programs, in U.S.
Myth- School shootings are an epidemic.
Well, the fire school shooting that took place in 97-98' year, took place only after the 1995 Gun Free School Zones law was enacted, which banned guns within 1,000 feet of a school. Wow, is that a shock? In an 8 year period, states that do not have "right to carry" laws had 15 school shootings. But, there was only one in states that allowed citizens to carry firearms. Light bulb? The best example is what happen in Pearl, Mississippi, after the 1995 1,000' law went into effect the vice-principal, a man who carried his firearm everyday, had to store it in his vehicle a quarter of a mile away. In, 1997 there was a shooting, he ran to his vehicle, retrieved his firearm, dismissed the school and held the assailant till law enforcement could get there. Two young students laid on the floor of his school. Would him having his firearm been the deterrent? Could he of saved one or both if it was on him?
Myth-Trigger locks are a good deterrent to keep children from firearm accidents.
I never have been a fan of trigger locks and now you may see a few of the reasons. Consumer Product Safety Commission found that of the 32 models they tested, that 31 could be opened with a paper clip, scissors or tweezers. There was a 12% increase of fatal accidents in California once they enacted the "trigger lock" law, in 1994. The State of Texas, which did not have one such law, saw a decrease of 28%, instead relying on education. A trigger lock can be picked and/or broke by a child 7 years old or younger. Before the law, there was 80 million people who owned firearms and only 44 child accidental deaths under the age of 10, or .00001%.
Myth- Youth violence in America sparked by firearms.
Non-firearm youth crime rate in the U.S. is twice that of 25 other modern western nations. Look's like a violence problem, not chosen tool problem.
Myth- 1,300 children commit suicide with firearms.
Again, as we already talked about the "children" ages is skewed. Worldwide, the suicide rate is static, and the U.S. is lower than many other countries where firearms are banned, period. There will always be suicide in society, no matter what the tool is. It is interesting to note that female's usually choose poison or other (71% are by hanging or suffocation) form as to not disturb "beauty", while male's usually seek more grotesque means. Suicide rates in states that have passed mandatory 'safe storage" of firearms are virtually unchanged from states who did not.
Myth- The Columbine massacre would of been prevented by stricter gun control laws.
The two boy's who did the shooting broke 20 firearm laws in getting the weapons of choice. Two of the shotguns and one rifle used was purchased by a girlfriend (who passed background check) and the TEC-9 was already banned. One has to ask themselves, would 21 broken law's of mattered?
Myth- Children should be kept away from "Guns" for there own safety.
This is a huge misunderstanding and lack of education only hinders the problem. Parents that educate there children and get them firearms demonstrate parental responsibility. "Children" who get firearms illegally are twice as likely to commit street crime (24%) than those given a firearm by their parents (14%). Interesting note, homicide rate in the 1950's was almost half of that in the 1980's among "children". When they played cops and robbers, toy firearms and BB rifle's and many before puberty had a small caliber hunting rifle. It seems that they had an understanding of what violent acts would do and detered from them.
Myth- Children are hurt by guns than any other means.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), children are 12 times more likely to die in an autombile accident than firearm related homicides. In 2001 there was 72 accidental firearm deaths for children under 15, as opposed to over the 2,100 who drowned. Children are 29 times more likely to die from drowning than by firearms. Teach you kid's to swim!! Want to keep your children from being criminals, CDC says, that boys who own legal firearms (trusted with responsibility) have much lower rate of delinquency and drug use.
Fatal firearm accidents for children declined by 83%, while number of handguns per capita increased over 41%. Homicides of children under the age of 13, 82% was done without a firearm.
Myth- If it saves the life of one child, it is worth it.
2.5 million times each year or 6,846 times a day, private citizen's use firearms to prevent crime, to include rapes, aggravated assault and kidnapping. How many children's lives was saved using them lawfully? I think the number of innocent children saved outweighs the few.
Well, there is some of the statistics. If you read them carefully and do some of your own research I think you will find what I have. The issue is not firearms. The issue is as follows:
1) Lack of education- young people are curious, so why not take away the curiosity and educate them.
2) Family time- Children who have proper upbringing by parents and family do not get involved in trouble or crime.
3) Violent exposure- Educating children and/or limiting them to violence does enhance the right/wrong mentality. Informing them that what they see in the movies and T.V. is not how it is in the world goes along way.
What better way to spend time with youth's than in the field after game, or on a proper firing range. Spending quality time together, educating and giving them memory's that will be cherished.
Keep the future of America safe, educate them and teach them of responsible firearm handling and marksmanship.
Friday, January 1, 2016
To Chamber or Not?
When it comes to Concealed Carry there is a lot to it, a few of them we have discussed in this blog and more to come. To a great many people this is new and have many concern's. This of which is good, as it show's that it is not being taken lightly, and nor should it or any facet of it. Every part of any rescue equipment should be scrutinized in detail, till the person is confident in it's capabilities and limitation's. One such thing of which is often asked during a CCW class or advanced training is "when I carry should I have a round in the chamber or not?". In all honesty, when a student asked me this, especially at an advanced level, I think "why would you not!". But, the rescue equipment you carry and/or use has to be your decision (only you can decided what is best for you). However, you must become educated on the matter. Keep in mind that all the information that I offer in this article is my opinion only, from experience. I would never recommend that a person do something they was not comfortable with and/or trained officially on.
Having a semi-automatic pistol with a cartridge (correct name) in the chamber is know and "locked and loaded", or slangly called "one in pipe". Following all 4 firearm safety rules (law's to me), we have inserted a magazine into the pistol, closed the slide, permitting a cartridge to chamber and go into battery. At this point the firearm is ready to be discharged and/or holstered for use. Some may ask, "why does this concern come up?" The reason is that people understand and respect that the firearm is in a position to cause harm. This is a healthy thing and show's great understanding and respect for that matter. The reason a great many people are "scared" or "skeptical"
comes down not to lack of comfort (which we should never be 100%), but confident and educated on how the firearm will "go off".
It often results from not having the proper information or being led astray. Firearm's manufactured today are far and above better than they where 10 years ago, let alone 30 years ago. They must meet a great many standards and test's. People often hear that the "pistol just went off" or "it fired on it's own". This is just not the case, keeping in mind that there is always a chance a manufactured item could have a bad run, of which they do constant recall's to wane on the side of caution. What we hear about are not accidents but negligent discharge's. Upon deeper investigation it is found that "something MADE the pistol fire". Usually, the finger "snake's" into the trigger, or some other item pressed the trigger. Either way there was a negligence on the part of the person using it. As, I have already stated manufacturer's put the firearm's through test. One such test a firearm must pass is what is known as the drop test. They purposely drop firearms, then measure if they would discharge or not. If it does then it is corrected before it can be allowed out the door. This test is done everyday on pistol randomly picked from the "lines" to ensure safety and quality control. But what keep's the semi-automatic from discharging without pressing the trigger?
A semi automatic pistol that goes off without pressing the trigger in known as an "inertia discharge". This basically means that the momentum of force caused the firing pin to move forward into the primer of the cartridge. As an extreme example of understanding, take a a retractable ink pen. Take apart and remove the spring then put back together. Now, as you tilt or move the pen back and forth, the momentum is transferred to the ink cartridge (firing pin) and it moves freely with no resistance. In essence, this is what happens with an inertia discharge, the firing pin is moved with enough force to strike the primer of the cartridge and the pistol discharges. So, we have a firing pin spring that does two things for us. One, it returns the firing pin to the previous setting for discharge again. Then two, it offers us some resistance to minimize the above. This is how "older" semi automatics was designed (circa pre-1930's). Modern semi automatic pistols have several different designs that keep the inertia discharge from happening. One is the insertion of a "positive inertia firing pin block", that must be disengaged to allow the firing pin to move forward. Another method which is used is to have a "light firing pin" with a "heavy firing pin spring", which will keep the inertia firing from happening. This is another reason to ensure that your firearm is maintained and/or have a check-up (we discussed in another article). There are other methods manufacturers use, but I will let you research what your's has. But, as you can see firearm makers engineer the pistol against the inertia discharge, so the only way it should go off is the pressing of the trigger. Which is why almost all have external safeties.
As I have already mentioned, almost all modern semi automatic pistols have an external safety of some sort. They come in many different forms, designs and few have multiple. A quick story, years ago a few friends and I was shooting. In between session's one of my friends (a huge shotgun nut) notice that my pistol was in my holster and the hammer was back (a 1911 design). He looked at me and said, "you know that your pistol is loaded and hammer is back" with big eyes. I smiled and said, 'yes I know and it is fine, it is the safest pistol in the world this way in my opinion". He looked at me with that look of doubt. The four of us then gathered around a table with clear and empty pistol's and had a detail discussion on the pistol's we had and how thing's worked (little more in detail than we are here). Afterward, they understood the capabilities and limitation of the pistol's they had and by end of day was confident in carrying. So why the story, because it leads back to external safety devices and I wanted to share with you. Let us look at three of the most popular external safeties that modern semi automatics have some come with multiple, some models are offered with and without:
Trigger- when it comes to the trigger of modern semi automatic pistols they can be broke down in roughly two categories, 1911 and GLOCK.
A 1911 design does not have a trigger safety which lends itself to be a more accurate trigger (in my opinion this design needs to have one or more of the other external safeties). The GLOCK design, named after the company who pioneered it, is used universal in the polymer pistol designs. When you look at the trigger, you see on the face, what looks like a smaller hinge sticking out. This is the "trigger safety", it must be depressed to allow the trigger to move rearward, to allow the striker to fire the pistol. One key thing is that "something" must depress this, for it to move. If it is not depressed the trigger in essence is "locked". You can try this with a safe firearm by trying to press the side of the trigger, without depressing it, it should not move.
Thumb- this safety is usually located on the left side of a semi automatic pistol (though many manufacturers are making them ambidextrous now). The thumb safety is designed to "block" the striker/hammer from moving to the firing pin. In the 1911 design it does this in two ways, one is that it keeps the hammer from falling, and two until the trigger is pressed keeps the sear from disengaging. At anytime your sight's are not on target/threat, the thumb safety should be in the "ON-SAFE" position. You will notice I did not say in the "up" position. The reason why is manufacturers have different designs, some work opposite. A careful reading of your owners manual will explain which you have, if don't have a manual, contact the maker and they will let you know and/or give you one. If nothing else contact a firearm instructor and he/she should be able to explain it to you.
Grip- originally, this design was distinctive to the 1911 design pistol but has recently being used on other design's as can be seen on a Springfield Armory XD design. On the back strap, you will see a piece of metal or plastic that stick's out a little. This grip safety works by the natural gripping of the pistol. It is done in a few ways, but in essence when the safety is not depressed, the trigger will not be allowed to move rearward. As with the trigger safety, care must be taken as to not allow "other" things to depress it.
The 1911 design pistol is equipped with both a thumb and grip safety for the reason when "locked and cocked", a round chambered and the hammer back the pistol is ready to fire. But, can only do so, with both the safeties being disengaged. It is of important note, that this design with round in chamber, hammer should not be let down manually. It was designed to be carried "locked and cocked".
Decocker- this is a safety that allows for a cartridge to be chambered, then by depressing allows action to be reset in safe mode. This as with is done in many different ways. This design can easily be seen on the M9 Berreta pistol and is adopted by many more. This design in almost always seen in a pistol that can be fired in Single action/double action mode. As when you first Load and make ready, the firearm is in single action. Then by pressing the decocker it is safely returned to double action mode. Which goes from the light 4-7 pound trigger pull to the double action 10-15 pound.
There are a few more but this cover's the vast majority. One key note must always be remembered, that a firearm that has all the internal and/or external safeties is a machine. Without proper care and maintenance can and will fail. For this reason we will never totally rely just on them and ALWAYS APPLY THE 4 FIREARM SAFETY LAWS!!!! This is also why you should never remove or tamper with a safety.
Okay, now we understand that a semi automatic pistol that is of quality manufacturer and maintained is inherently safe from having an Inertia Discharge. That truly the only way that one can go off from having a cartridge in the chamber is by having the trigger depressed. So, if you have a semi automatic in your possession and it goes up unintentionally, it would be because of negligence on your part. Either if it is because you have not maintained it and/or broke one of the laws. Around concealed carry, there is one thing that is not discussed much anymore but needs to be known, holster. Having a quality holster is critical and in my opinion look as part of your safety devices. A Quality holster will not only keep your trigger and trigger guard covered, but it should also do few other things:
Trigger- It should not only cover the trigger and trigger guard. It should be made to ensure that nothing can cause the trigger to be moved in the holster. With Kydex and quality leather holster this is never and issue. But with a thin material something could do that.
Fit- Your holster should fit your firearm and cradle it. When you move around the pistol should not move up or down, which could lead to the trigger being exposed.
Retention- You holster should hold the pistol securely! It should not easily come out of the holster. With a safe firearm, you should be able to hold your pistol upside down and shake it several times with out it coming out. If it does, then you need to adjust the tension and/or purchase another holster.
Design- If you have one of the above external safeties, the holster should not impair there function. An example was a friend bought a holster that he really liked for his pistol. He carried it for a few months, then attended a class I taught. As the class went on, I stopped him and showed him the issue. What had happen, was the holster design was disengaging the thumb safety with certain movement. This is not a good thing.
Okay, we now know that we can see that a semi automatic pistol can be carried in a proper holster in a safe manner from inertia discharge and/or us following the 4 safety laws. But, is it really necessary to have round in the chamber? Do you think that you will have time to load a cartridge in the chamber, when you are in a situation that merits it? Let's look at some quick real world state:
Time- the average person draws from concealed in 2 seconds. The average person can cover 21' in 1.5 seconds.
Distance- The average distance of a defensive situation is 3 to 10'.
Stress- Unless you have had extensive training and/or been in many situations in your life, the stress will be astronomical. Unless you practice the proper procedure at a minimum of 2000 repetitions (average person takes for muscle memory) you will not do it.
Think about this, there is a reason why law enforcement officer's carry their pistol in the "open carry", it is to gain access quicker.
Would you have a spare tire in your trunk and wait to inflate it with air, when you have a flat? Would you have a dull knife on you for everyday task's and wait to sharpen it when you need to cut something? This is the same way with having the rescue equipment on you in the form of a personal defensive pistol, it has to be ready when it is needed.
Okay, we understand all of the above and still you are not sure of having that cartridge in the chamber of a semi automatic pistol and feel uneasy. One thing many people look at and I hear them say is "I will just carry a revolver". To me that is great, a revolver has a great many positive attributes to it. It holds five or more cartridges, it is always ready, if is less likely to have malfunctions. The double action revolver has been around for well over 100 years and has and still does prove itself. But understand that a revolver has no external safeties, but you can get a semi automatic without them too, so mute point. There is only really two possible disadvantage to a revolver that I think many people forget about. One, is that the double action revolver has a heavier trigger pull (which is great for defensive situation) but lack's the accuracy without practice. Two, if an older model double action revolver (where the firing pin sticks out of the hammer) an impact to the hammer can cause a negligent discharge. Which this can be fixed by carrying on that chamber empty. There is no free lunch, everything has trade off's and why you must make the decision that is right for you and only you.
So, let me offer this advice and something that I do to ensure safety and confidence on a design that is new to me. Why not become educated (hope I helped) and prove it to yourself? Purchase some snap caps or dummy practice cartridges for your caliber pistol. Ensure that your pistol is clear and safe, then load the Dummy cartridges and chamber one. Around your home, wear the pistol and do your everyday activities. If you posses and only if you do, a concealed carry license, carry it legally this way for a while. In a safe place check once and while, to ensure that your external safeties are still engaged. Look to ensure you are maintaining retention and holster qualities. Beside gives you time to safely practice your drawing technique. I recommend you do this with any pistol you carry be it a semi automatic or revolver, but again as stated above only when you are trained and comfortable (legal too). I hope this has given you some information and enlightened you on a topic that often goes misunderstood and not discussed a lot. To many conceal carrying a defensive pistol is new. It should never be taken lightly and their is much that must be learned and mastered. Feel free to comment.
Train as if your life depends on it,
Todd R. Mendenhall
Having a semi-automatic pistol with a cartridge (correct name) in the chamber is know and "locked and loaded", or slangly called "one in pipe". Following all 4 firearm safety rules (law's to me), we have inserted a magazine into the pistol, closed the slide, permitting a cartridge to chamber and go into battery. At this point the firearm is ready to be discharged and/or holstered for use. Some may ask, "why does this concern come up?" The reason is that people understand and respect that the firearm is in a position to cause harm. This is a healthy thing and show's great understanding and respect for that matter. The reason a great many people are "scared" or "skeptical"
comes down not to lack of comfort (which we should never be 100%), but confident and educated on how the firearm will "go off".
It often results from not having the proper information or being led astray. Firearm's manufactured today are far and above better than they where 10 years ago, let alone 30 years ago. They must meet a great many standards and test's. People often hear that the "pistol just went off" or "it fired on it's own". This is just not the case, keeping in mind that there is always a chance a manufactured item could have a bad run, of which they do constant recall's to wane on the side of caution. What we hear about are not accidents but negligent discharge's. Upon deeper investigation it is found that "something MADE the pistol fire". Usually, the finger "snake's" into the trigger, or some other item pressed the trigger. Either way there was a negligence on the part of the person using it. As, I have already stated manufacturer's put the firearm's through test. One such test a firearm must pass is what is known as the drop test. They purposely drop firearms, then measure if they would discharge or not. If it does then it is corrected before it can be allowed out the door. This test is done everyday on pistol randomly picked from the "lines" to ensure safety and quality control. But what keep's the semi-automatic from discharging without pressing the trigger?
A semi automatic pistol that goes off without pressing the trigger in known as an "inertia discharge". This basically means that the momentum of force caused the firing pin to move forward into the primer of the cartridge. As an extreme example of understanding, take a a retractable ink pen. Take apart and remove the spring then put back together. Now, as you tilt or move the pen back and forth, the momentum is transferred to the ink cartridge (firing pin) and it moves freely with no resistance. In essence, this is what happens with an inertia discharge, the firing pin is moved with enough force to strike the primer of the cartridge and the pistol discharges. So, we have a firing pin spring that does two things for us. One, it returns the firing pin to the previous setting for discharge again. Then two, it offers us some resistance to minimize the above. This is how "older" semi automatics was designed (circa pre-1930's). Modern semi automatic pistols have several different designs that keep the inertia discharge from happening. One is the insertion of a "positive inertia firing pin block", that must be disengaged to allow the firing pin to move forward. Another method which is used is to have a "light firing pin" with a "heavy firing pin spring", which will keep the inertia firing from happening. This is another reason to ensure that your firearm is maintained and/or have a check-up (we discussed in another article). There are other methods manufacturers use, but I will let you research what your's has. But, as you can see firearm makers engineer the pistol against the inertia discharge, so the only way it should go off is the pressing of the trigger. Which is why almost all have external safeties.
As I have already mentioned, almost all modern semi automatic pistols have an external safety of some sort. They come in many different forms, designs and few have multiple. A quick story, years ago a few friends and I was shooting. In between session's one of my friends (a huge shotgun nut) notice that my pistol was in my holster and the hammer was back (a 1911 design). He looked at me and said, "you know that your pistol is loaded and hammer is back" with big eyes. I smiled and said, 'yes I know and it is fine, it is the safest pistol in the world this way in my opinion". He looked at me with that look of doubt. The four of us then gathered around a table with clear and empty pistol's and had a detail discussion on the pistol's we had and how thing's worked (little more in detail than we are here). Afterward, they understood the capabilities and limitation of the pistol's they had and by end of day was confident in carrying. So why the story, because it leads back to external safety devices and I wanted to share with you. Let us look at three of the most popular external safeties that modern semi automatics have some come with multiple, some models are offered with and without:
Trigger- when it comes to the trigger of modern semi automatic pistols they can be broke down in roughly two categories, 1911 and GLOCK.
A 1911 design does not have a trigger safety which lends itself to be a more accurate trigger (in my opinion this design needs to have one or more of the other external safeties). The GLOCK design, named after the company who pioneered it, is used universal in the polymer pistol designs. When you look at the trigger, you see on the face, what looks like a smaller hinge sticking out. This is the "trigger safety", it must be depressed to allow the trigger to move rearward, to allow the striker to fire the pistol. One key thing is that "something" must depress this, for it to move. If it is not depressed the trigger in essence is "locked". You can try this with a safe firearm by trying to press the side of the trigger, without depressing it, it should not move.
Thumb- this safety is usually located on the left side of a semi automatic pistol (though many manufacturers are making them ambidextrous now). The thumb safety is designed to "block" the striker/hammer from moving to the firing pin. In the 1911 design it does this in two ways, one is that it keeps the hammer from falling, and two until the trigger is pressed keeps the sear from disengaging. At anytime your sight's are not on target/threat, the thumb safety should be in the "ON-SAFE" position. You will notice I did not say in the "up" position. The reason why is manufacturers have different designs, some work opposite. A careful reading of your owners manual will explain which you have, if don't have a manual, contact the maker and they will let you know and/or give you one. If nothing else contact a firearm instructor and he/she should be able to explain it to you.
Grip- originally, this design was distinctive to the 1911 design pistol but has recently being used on other design's as can be seen on a Springfield Armory XD design. On the back strap, you will see a piece of metal or plastic that stick's out a little. This grip safety works by the natural gripping of the pistol. It is done in a few ways, but in essence when the safety is not depressed, the trigger will not be allowed to move rearward. As with the trigger safety, care must be taken as to not allow "other" things to depress it.
The 1911 design pistol is equipped with both a thumb and grip safety for the reason when "locked and cocked", a round chambered and the hammer back the pistol is ready to fire. But, can only do so, with both the safeties being disengaged. It is of important note, that this design with round in chamber, hammer should not be let down manually. It was designed to be carried "locked and cocked".
Decocker- this is a safety that allows for a cartridge to be chambered, then by depressing allows action to be reset in safe mode. This as with is done in many different ways. This design can easily be seen on the M9 Berreta pistol and is adopted by many more. This design in almost always seen in a pistol that can be fired in Single action/double action mode. As when you first Load and make ready, the firearm is in single action. Then by pressing the decocker it is safely returned to double action mode. Which goes from the light 4-7 pound trigger pull to the double action 10-15 pound.
There are a few more but this cover's the vast majority. One key note must always be remembered, that a firearm that has all the internal and/or external safeties is a machine. Without proper care and maintenance can and will fail. For this reason we will never totally rely just on them and ALWAYS APPLY THE 4 FIREARM SAFETY LAWS!!!! This is also why you should never remove or tamper with a safety.
Okay, now we understand that a semi automatic pistol that is of quality manufacturer and maintained is inherently safe from having an Inertia Discharge. That truly the only way that one can go off from having a cartridge in the chamber is by having the trigger depressed. So, if you have a semi automatic in your possession and it goes up unintentionally, it would be because of negligence on your part. Either if it is because you have not maintained it and/or broke one of the laws. Around concealed carry, there is one thing that is not discussed much anymore but needs to be known, holster. Having a quality holster is critical and in my opinion look as part of your safety devices. A Quality holster will not only keep your trigger and trigger guard covered, but it should also do few other things:
Trigger- It should not only cover the trigger and trigger guard. It should be made to ensure that nothing can cause the trigger to be moved in the holster. With Kydex and quality leather holster this is never and issue. But with a thin material something could do that.
Fit- Your holster should fit your firearm and cradle it. When you move around the pistol should not move up or down, which could lead to the trigger being exposed.
Retention- You holster should hold the pistol securely! It should not easily come out of the holster. With a safe firearm, you should be able to hold your pistol upside down and shake it several times with out it coming out. If it does, then you need to adjust the tension and/or purchase another holster.
Design- If you have one of the above external safeties, the holster should not impair there function. An example was a friend bought a holster that he really liked for his pistol. He carried it for a few months, then attended a class I taught. As the class went on, I stopped him and showed him the issue. What had happen, was the holster design was disengaging the thumb safety with certain movement. This is not a good thing.
Okay, we now know that we can see that a semi automatic pistol can be carried in a proper holster in a safe manner from inertia discharge and/or us following the 4 safety laws. But, is it really necessary to have round in the chamber? Do you think that you will have time to load a cartridge in the chamber, when you are in a situation that merits it? Let's look at some quick real world state:
Time- the average person draws from concealed in 2 seconds. The average person can cover 21' in 1.5 seconds.
Distance- The average distance of a defensive situation is 3 to 10'.
Stress- Unless you have had extensive training and/or been in many situations in your life, the stress will be astronomical. Unless you practice the proper procedure at a minimum of 2000 repetitions (average person takes for muscle memory) you will not do it.
Think about this, there is a reason why law enforcement officer's carry their pistol in the "open carry", it is to gain access quicker.
Would you have a spare tire in your trunk and wait to inflate it with air, when you have a flat? Would you have a dull knife on you for everyday task's and wait to sharpen it when you need to cut something? This is the same way with having the rescue equipment on you in the form of a personal defensive pistol, it has to be ready when it is needed.
Okay, we understand all of the above and still you are not sure of having that cartridge in the chamber of a semi automatic pistol and feel uneasy. One thing many people look at and I hear them say is "I will just carry a revolver". To me that is great, a revolver has a great many positive attributes to it. It holds five or more cartridges, it is always ready, if is less likely to have malfunctions. The double action revolver has been around for well over 100 years and has and still does prove itself. But understand that a revolver has no external safeties, but you can get a semi automatic without them too, so mute point. There is only really two possible disadvantage to a revolver that I think many people forget about. One, is that the double action revolver has a heavier trigger pull (which is great for defensive situation) but lack's the accuracy without practice. Two, if an older model double action revolver (where the firing pin sticks out of the hammer) an impact to the hammer can cause a negligent discharge. Which this can be fixed by carrying on that chamber empty. There is no free lunch, everything has trade off's and why you must make the decision that is right for you and only you.
So, let me offer this advice and something that I do to ensure safety and confidence on a design that is new to me. Why not become educated (hope I helped) and prove it to yourself? Purchase some snap caps or dummy practice cartridges for your caliber pistol. Ensure that your pistol is clear and safe, then load the Dummy cartridges and chamber one. Around your home, wear the pistol and do your everyday activities. If you posses and only if you do, a concealed carry license, carry it legally this way for a while. In a safe place check once and while, to ensure that your external safeties are still engaged. Look to ensure you are maintaining retention and holster qualities. Beside gives you time to safely practice your drawing technique. I recommend you do this with any pistol you carry be it a semi automatic or revolver, but again as stated above only when you are trained and comfortable (legal too). I hope this has given you some information and enlightened you on a topic that often goes misunderstood and not discussed a lot. To many conceal carrying a defensive pistol is new. It should never be taken lightly and their is much that must be learned and mastered. Feel free to comment.
Train as if your life depends on it,
Todd R. Mendenhall
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