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
Friday, January 1, 2016
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Responsible for Self-Defense
I want you to think of this for a minute, "A well regulated militia, being necessary of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." This of course are the words that our founding fathers ensured was cemented in ink on the paper of liberty as the 2nd amendment of the United States Constitution. Now I know there is a lot of political and personal opinion of what it means in the 21st century. But, why do we discuss just this Amendment as being the one that is "out dated" and not the others? That should be the question posed to everyone who says it, so that they should pause and understand the discussion isn't about arms nor weapons but the actual rights and liberties we have.
Now, I want you to think of the time when the founding fathers wrote document of liberty. Did they not understand the value of personal protection and having the ability to defend oneself? I believe they did, and with that wanted to cement the right to the people. We all know that with rights come responsibility. A great many people will try and define the meaning to you, such as, "keeping it locked up", "keep ammo separate" or "you can't carry here". Well, before we get into the overall responsibility, we have to think what has changed? The over all culture of the country has changed about firearms. This is nothing new, many civilized societies, have grown to forget or loose touch with the very tool that has created or assisted building the fabric of it.
When did it change? I am sure we could break it down into a gradual time period, but that is not what this post is for, as much as, what has changed. It was understood by everyone in that house hold that a firearm was a tool to provide life. It provided food, provided defensive protection, and built a tied that bound them. It required a respect, which also meant practice. It was never taken lightly, and always known, that once the projectile left, that the effect was forever. I am not just talking of the 1700's, I recall when I was a young man, I would go HUNTING with my elders and observe. It took patient's a demonstration of respect and maturity to even get to hold or carry the firearm, and one slight blemish of the rules they had was swiftly enforced with a slap and scolding. Did I think it was cruel at the time, yes I did. But, as I matured I understood that it needed to be strict and enforced, because a slight breach would mean a result that was not forgiven forever. This developed to a respect of the tool and understanding, as well as, some pretty great memories I will have forever. This is a big part of what is missing in our culture today, the time to be mentored and hunting was the classroom. So, we loose a great many things, and one is the very understanding and passion for the Constitution of our rights.
As I have said we know that with Rights come, Responsibilities, What are they? There are a few book's and article's that are good. But for the most part, they are not laid out in black and white for all to see and read. What I will try and do is high light the one's that are important and should be taken in:
Knowledge- Understand the right's (all of them) you have and what they mean, both on Federal and State level. Yes, you should have a good understanding of the law's that you will be held to. You should understand the Constitution (frame work of all our laws). You should have an understanding of how to legally and ethically own, posses and carry a firearm in your area. This takes sometime and effort, but what you learn will last your lifetime, along with the length and pleasure of it. Always use and carry legally!
Education- I am amazed at the number of people who put this last if not at all on the list. Take either a basic firearm class and/or a personal protection in the home class. This will give you the structured knowledge of the firearm that you will need. Before spending your hard earned money on a firearm, learn about them, to make and educated decision on which is right for you. I have a great many people who purchase a firearm that is not right for their physical make-up. Also a quality course should teach you not only the parts, and how to shoot, but also how to store and/or clean your firearm. This is why State's require people to take these classes to ensure that they are educated. Keep your certificate's, talk of this later.
Security- It is your responsibility to keep the firearm from unauthorized people! Before you purchase your firearm some thought should be taken in as too how you are going to accomplish this. Not just in your home, but on your person (if you choose to carry), and your vehicle (unless you are lucky enough to have a range on your property). You need to have a plan of how you will keep it safe. There is a great many options, that you can make it adjustable to lifestyle. It is Federal law that every firearm come with a locking device.
Control- It is your responsibility as a firearm owner to maintain control of that firearm. Be it on your property, your vehicle and/or your person, keeping the firearm under your control at all times.
Safety- It is your responsibility to ensure at all times that using the firearm is done in a safe manner. The firearm does not go off on it's own! If you do something that is not safe with the firearm it means you are negligent. This must be adhere to at all times, a slight lapse will be all it takes.
Usage- Once a firearm is in your hand's, you are the only one who can control it. It is up to you to understand how it works and/or use it. This is where a great many accidents happen, as people violate the safety rules, by trying to figure out how to unload a firearm. Always refer to reading the owners manual and/or ask someone how it works. Before using any firearm, I always recommend dry fire practice and/or mimic the actions, so understand them.
Documentation- "Why would I need this?", I get asked often. This is something I recommend people do, that I do myself. I have a list of the firearms I have with caliber, serial number, date of purchase and/or sell and any modifications done to it. No, I do not do this for the government, I do it for me. In the slight chance that one or all all stolen, I want my local law enforcement to have the information to get them back after I report them stolen. Which by the way is your responsibility to report if they are, so law enforcement can recover them and protect you in case used in an crime. I also do this in the rare chance if I have a fire, this way I can get them replaced. I also keep a running total of ammunition for each firearm, so I know when it needs to get checked out by gunsmith. What about training certificates? You want to have copies of these placed somewhere protected as well. Training is good for life, so later on you may want to demonstrate you have taken a certain course, for some reason. One of the big one's for my students of concealed carry is that the training is discover-able evidence!! Which will demonstrate to the jury and/or Judge, why you acted the way you did.
Ammunition- Many people loose sight of this part of the pie, because how good is a firearm with out ammunition. You have the responsibility to know what ammunition your firearm uses. You also should understand the law's around when and what ammunition to use. Is it okay to use buckshot in a firearm for personal protection or no? What about reloading and/or making your own ammunition, is there law's around it? You need to know about storing it in safe place from unauthorized people too. Is placing a material that explodes in a locked steel box the right way? Would a young child find a cartridge and with there friends and take it apart? Ammunition is part of firearms.
I hope that some of these helps you understand and prepare for you to act on your Right to firearms. I hope that it better assist you in accepting your responsibilities around them. No, one wants to look 5 minutes in the past and say "if only, I". Firearm's are great tool's for recreation, food provider and protection and should always be respected and treated with care they deserve.
Train as if your life depends on it,
Todd R. Mendenhall
Now, I want you to think of the time when the founding fathers wrote document of liberty. Did they not understand the value of personal protection and having the ability to defend oneself? I believe they did, and with that wanted to cement the right to the people. We all know that with rights come responsibility. A great many people will try and define the meaning to you, such as, "keeping it locked up", "keep ammo separate" or "you can't carry here". Well, before we get into the overall responsibility, we have to think what has changed? The over all culture of the country has changed about firearms. This is nothing new, many civilized societies, have grown to forget or loose touch with the very tool that has created or assisted building the fabric of it.
When did it change? I am sure we could break it down into a gradual time period, but that is not what this post is for, as much as, what has changed. It was understood by everyone in that house hold that a firearm was a tool to provide life. It provided food, provided defensive protection, and built a tied that bound them. It required a respect, which also meant practice. It was never taken lightly, and always known, that once the projectile left, that the effect was forever. I am not just talking of the 1700's, I recall when I was a young man, I would go HUNTING with my elders and observe. It took patient's a demonstration of respect and maturity to even get to hold or carry the firearm, and one slight blemish of the rules they had was swiftly enforced with a slap and scolding. Did I think it was cruel at the time, yes I did. But, as I matured I understood that it needed to be strict and enforced, because a slight breach would mean a result that was not forgiven forever. This developed to a respect of the tool and understanding, as well as, some pretty great memories I will have forever. This is a big part of what is missing in our culture today, the time to be mentored and hunting was the classroom. So, we loose a great many things, and one is the very understanding and passion for the Constitution of our rights.
As I have said we know that with Rights come, Responsibilities, What are they? There are a few book's and article's that are good. But for the most part, they are not laid out in black and white for all to see and read. What I will try and do is high light the one's that are important and should be taken in:
Knowledge- Understand the right's (all of them) you have and what they mean, both on Federal and State level. Yes, you should have a good understanding of the law's that you will be held to. You should understand the Constitution (frame work of all our laws). You should have an understanding of how to legally and ethically own, posses and carry a firearm in your area. This takes sometime and effort, but what you learn will last your lifetime, along with the length and pleasure of it. Always use and carry legally!
Education- I am amazed at the number of people who put this last if not at all on the list. Take either a basic firearm class and/or a personal protection in the home class. This will give you the structured knowledge of the firearm that you will need. Before spending your hard earned money on a firearm, learn about them, to make and educated decision on which is right for you. I have a great many people who purchase a firearm that is not right for their physical make-up. Also a quality course should teach you not only the parts, and how to shoot, but also how to store and/or clean your firearm. This is why State's require people to take these classes to ensure that they are educated. Keep your certificate's, talk of this later.
Security- It is your responsibility to keep the firearm from unauthorized people! Before you purchase your firearm some thought should be taken in as too how you are going to accomplish this. Not just in your home, but on your person (if you choose to carry), and your vehicle (unless you are lucky enough to have a range on your property). You need to have a plan of how you will keep it safe. There is a great many options, that you can make it adjustable to lifestyle. It is Federal law that every firearm come with a locking device.
Control- It is your responsibility as a firearm owner to maintain control of that firearm. Be it on your property, your vehicle and/or your person, keeping the firearm under your control at all times.
Safety- It is your responsibility to ensure at all times that using the firearm is done in a safe manner. The firearm does not go off on it's own! If you do something that is not safe with the firearm it means you are negligent. This must be adhere to at all times, a slight lapse will be all it takes.
Usage- Once a firearm is in your hand's, you are the only one who can control it. It is up to you to understand how it works and/or use it. This is where a great many accidents happen, as people violate the safety rules, by trying to figure out how to unload a firearm. Always refer to reading the owners manual and/or ask someone how it works. Before using any firearm, I always recommend dry fire practice and/or mimic the actions, so understand them.
Documentation- "Why would I need this?", I get asked often. This is something I recommend people do, that I do myself. I have a list of the firearms I have with caliber, serial number, date of purchase and/or sell and any modifications done to it. No, I do not do this for the government, I do it for me. In the slight chance that one or all all stolen, I want my local law enforcement to have the information to get them back after I report them stolen. Which by the way is your responsibility to report if they are, so law enforcement can recover them and protect you in case used in an crime. I also do this in the rare chance if I have a fire, this way I can get them replaced. I also keep a running total of ammunition for each firearm, so I know when it needs to get checked out by gunsmith. What about training certificates? You want to have copies of these placed somewhere protected as well. Training is good for life, so later on you may want to demonstrate you have taken a certain course, for some reason. One of the big one's for my students of concealed carry is that the training is discover-able evidence!! Which will demonstrate to the jury and/or Judge, why you acted the way you did.
Ammunition- Many people loose sight of this part of the pie, because how good is a firearm with out ammunition. You have the responsibility to know what ammunition your firearm uses. You also should understand the law's around when and what ammunition to use. Is it okay to use buckshot in a firearm for personal protection or no? What about reloading and/or making your own ammunition, is there law's around it? You need to know about storing it in safe place from unauthorized people too. Is placing a material that explodes in a locked steel box the right way? Would a young child find a cartridge and with there friends and take it apart? Ammunition is part of firearms.
I hope that some of these helps you understand and prepare for you to act on your Right to firearms. I hope that it better assist you in accepting your responsibilities around them. No, one wants to look 5 minutes in the past and say "if only, I". Firearm's are great tool's for recreation, food provider and protection and should always be respected and treated with care they deserve.
Train as if your life depends on it,
Todd R. Mendenhall
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Before your Concealed Carry Class
I have people ask me from time to time, "is there anything I can do before the class?" Actually there is a few things that a person who is going to take training can do. This is not to "take the load off the instructor", but to stimulate the thought process of the individual. This in turn will ensure they get more out of the training and also, to have question's that they can get answer's too then. As well as, save time having to break many things down to explain. The difference between a class that is prepared and one who is not sure of what they are getting into is night and day, and actually translates to 2-4 hours of quality training lost, due to having to slow down and break everything down. Let's look at what we could do before taking training for a concealed carry class.
Choice of firearm is one that comes up a lot, as what is right for me? This question, can be answered best by taking a Basic Pistol course. This way you are educated in the way to use a pistol, manipulate it, as well as, things that you need to understand. Grip, fit, trigger press and just the few you need to understand before spending your hard earned money on a pistol. A quality course, will have a few different pistols (semi-auto and revolver) for the student to try out so they can get and understanding. It is recommended that you take a Basic Pistol class few months before the Concealed Carry class, to give you time to purchase your pistol and by applying the information you learned, become proficient with it.
How are you going to carry the pistol for concealed carry? This is something that is individual based, as we are all built different. Many quality firearm instructor's offer intermediate classes to help the individual become educated in the differences. The main thing is you want to understand how your going to carry, before you take the course. Be aware that many Conceal Carry Instructor's will not allow a student to use an inside the waistband nor shoulder holster for the training. The reason is the real world fact of shooting your self and/or another person. These type holsters, as well as, appendix carry take special training and time.
Keeping the firearm from unauthorized people is your responsibility! How are you going to store your firearm safely in your home? This is something that needs to be thought of before actually purchasing the firearm, in my opinion. Each of us are different, if it is a home with children it will be stored differently than a home of just two adults. When you store a firearm in your home, will it also need to be readily accessible for home protection? Again a quality basic pistol class should address this, if not contact your a NRA Personal Protection in the Home or Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor.
Do yourself and your fellow students a huge favor and read up. No, I am not talking about the latest Clancy novel, but you want to have an understanding of the laws that will apply and you will learn in your course. I strongly recommend purchasing and reading either Massad Ayoob "In the Gravest Extreme" or "Use of Deadly Force". Another Author who brings real world experience to the table is Andrew Branca, "Law of Self-Defense". One of these book's will give you a basic understanding of the law's that your instructor will cover. Reading ahead of time will, allow you to prepare some questions to ask your instructor, as well as, optimize your training time.
You have Insurance on Home/Auto and medical right? Before your class, it is a good time to educate yourself on Self-Defense protection plans. We carry rescue equipment to save our lives or the lives of those under our mantle of care. Once we survive the incident, we will have to protect all the things we all have worked for all our lives, money and possessions. There are several plans out there, two in my humble opinion are worth looking at. One is Armed Citizens Defense Network, the other is called "Second Call". The first is the oldest and the one started by experts in real world incidents. The latter is backed by the NRA and has a pretty good repetition. Educate yourself on plans, then ask your instructor about them. Many people only learn of these plans or the concept of having "protection" during the class. Many never follow up or stride to learning more.
Start practicing Situation Awareness now. This is a skill set that should be or will be covered by your instructor. It is your first line of defense, to gain time and distance. Being Situation Aware, can lead to stopping an incident from even happening. It will also allow you to start employing tactics to have the outcome of an incident in your favor. This does not mean that you have to live in "panic". This means you are more adapt of what is happening around you. Professional Instructor's call it living in yellow. Which this color coding system should be expressed in your training.
If you take this advise, I strongly believe that you will enjoy and gain much more out of your course. When the I.S.C.A.P.E. team, instruct's a concealed carry class, we cram a lot of information into it, because we know that majority of people will stop learning there. Deciding to "Carry" is a lifestyle change and a commitment. Students are often over-whelmed and shocked at the amount of information that one needs to arm themselves with, to physically, mentally and financially survive an encounter. As we say through out the class, "this is just getting the lid off the paint can, there is a lot more to this". We stress to take more training and education, not for the benefit of instructor's or organization's but for the student. I want more concerned, prepared and educated Armed citizen's out there, for the simple reason that "you could be using my family as the backstop, you better be in the right".
I hope this prepares and helps people get more out of their course.
Stay Aware and Train like your want to live,
Todd R. Mendenhall
Choice of firearm is one that comes up a lot, as what is right for me? This question, can be answered best by taking a Basic Pistol course. This way you are educated in the way to use a pistol, manipulate it, as well as, things that you need to understand. Grip, fit, trigger press and just the few you need to understand before spending your hard earned money on a pistol. A quality course, will have a few different pistols (semi-auto and revolver) for the student to try out so they can get and understanding. It is recommended that you take a Basic Pistol class few months before the Concealed Carry class, to give you time to purchase your pistol and by applying the information you learned, become proficient with it.
How are you going to carry the pistol for concealed carry? This is something that is individual based, as we are all built different. Many quality firearm instructor's offer intermediate classes to help the individual become educated in the differences. The main thing is you want to understand how your going to carry, before you take the course. Be aware that many Conceal Carry Instructor's will not allow a student to use an inside the waistband nor shoulder holster for the training. The reason is the real world fact of shooting your self and/or another person. These type holsters, as well as, appendix carry take special training and time.
Keeping the firearm from unauthorized people is your responsibility! How are you going to store your firearm safely in your home? This is something that needs to be thought of before actually purchasing the firearm, in my opinion. Each of us are different, if it is a home with children it will be stored differently than a home of just two adults. When you store a firearm in your home, will it also need to be readily accessible for home protection? Again a quality basic pistol class should address this, if not contact your a NRA Personal Protection in the Home or Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor.
Do yourself and your fellow students a huge favor and read up. No, I am not talking about the latest Clancy novel, but you want to have an understanding of the laws that will apply and you will learn in your course. I strongly recommend purchasing and reading either Massad Ayoob "In the Gravest Extreme" or "Use of Deadly Force". Another Author who brings real world experience to the table is Andrew Branca, "Law of Self-Defense". One of these book's will give you a basic understanding of the law's that your instructor will cover. Reading ahead of time will, allow you to prepare some questions to ask your instructor, as well as, optimize your training time.
You have Insurance on Home/Auto and medical right? Before your class, it is a good time to educate yourself on Self-Defense protection plans. We carry rescue equipment to save our lives or the lives of those under our mantle of care. Once we survive the incident, we will have to protect all the things we all have worked for all our lives, money and possessions. There are several plans out there, two in my humble opinion are worth looking at. One is Armed Citizens Defense Network, the other is called "Second Call". The first is the oldest and the one started by experts in real world incidents. The latter is backed by the NRA and has a pretty good repetition. Educate yourself on plans, then ask your instructor about them. Many people only learn of these plans or the concept of having "protection" during the class. Many never follow up or stride to learning more.
Start practicing Situation Awareness now. This is a skill set that should be or will be covered by your instructor. It is your first line of defense, to gain time and distance. Being Situation Aware, can lead to stopping an incident from even happening. It will also allow you to start employing tactics to have the outcome of an incident in your favor. This does not mean that you have to live in "panic". This means you are more adapt of what is happening around you. Professional Instructor's call it living in yellow. Which this color coding system should be expressed in your training.
If you take this advise, I strongly believe that you will enjoy and gain much more out of your course. When the I.S.C.A.P.E. team, instruct's a concealed carry class, we cram a lot of information into it, because we know that majority of people will stop learning there. Deciding to "Carry" is a lifestyle change and a commitment. Students are often over-whelmed and shocked at the amount of information that one needs to arm themselves with, to physically, mentally and financially survive an encounter. As we say through out the class, "this is just getting the lid off the paint can, there is a lot more to this". We stress to take more training and education, not for the benefit of instructor's or organization's but for the student. I want more concerned, prepared and educated Armed citizen's out there, for the simple reason that "you could be using my family as the backstop, you better be in the right".
I hope this prepares and helps people get more out of their course.
Stay Aware and Train like your want to live,
Todd R. Mendenhall
Friday, September 18, 2015
life patrol
"What is the first rule of a firearm encounter?", if you have attended I.S.C.A.P.E. training then you know. When I pose this question at each class, there is several response's like: "have a firearm", "draw quick", "win". Though they are all good answer's when in the heat of the encounter, they do not address the "first rule of an encounter", which is DO NOT BE THERE!! When I bring this up there is a few chuckle's and people look at me like "no kidding", but if you think about it, this is the rule that will keep 98% of people from every being in the situation to have to even start the process of defending themselves. The other 2% are the situation that materialize with the person doing everything correct, but a determined terrorist/criminal makes the decision for them.
This is why I place "situation awareness" as number one on the list of priorities that a person has to develop, which I address in another article. We must have a questioning attitude as we move through the dynamic world of society. People, believe thanks to television and motion pictures that the thug/criminal scumbag will be dressed in dirty clothes and will stick out like a sore thumb in a crowd. But, what about when you are in a hall way or store and you hear screams or shots? You have to process this information and act, now!
We must understand that taking action, does not necessarily mean that we "access" our firearm, sweeping our garment out of the way and getting that good purchase on the pistol. We default ALWAYS to the "first rule of an encounter, do not be there". We take action by utilizing cover and concealment (knowing what it is) and get to an exit. We take action by implementing the plan we made for the area/building we are in, you did have a plan right?
Will the plan be affected by who we are with? Sure it will, it is easy to act alone, but through in the dynamic of your child or spouse and it change's a little. But, with a little training/education and a visual mindset, it can become natural. Let me see if I can give some insight on this with some relation to some lesson's from the military.
Infantry and special operation's do something called "going on patrol", which is "military tactic, which is a sub-unit or small tactical formation, sent out for the purpose of combat, reconnaissance or both". This small unit consist anywhere from 2-12 men. Each person in this patrol, has a specific job there perform, keeping in mind that all are cross trained on the others. The patrol moves through hostile terrain, to reach their objective, at which time there will perform their task, then the real key is returning back to base (home), safely. Starting to see a slight similarity? After all when we leave home to go to the store, in essence are we not doing same thing on a less dangerous level?
Now, long before the patrol even leaves the safety of the perimeter of the base, they have done certain things, because they know that "the devil is in the details". The figure out the safest route to the target and back. They communicate the duties of each member of the patrol, they ensure that each member has the equipment they need and in proper place (inspect), they then work out "the what if's", what are we going to do if this happens and than happens? Then they do what is called Immediate Action Drills (I.A.Drills), which is the patrol rehearse's the reaction to a certain situation, till it is done right and all problems worked out. They plan what to do if fired upon, if someone is injured, if they have to break contact (get away quickly), where and when to meet up if they get split up, and how they are getting back. This way everyone is on the same page, and no matter what happens, they can get "home" safely. There of course if more to this and it goes in more detail, but we can see where some of these thing's can translate to armed citizens using some of the tactics to there advantage. Let's look at a few of them.
Safest route- as we move through our usual routine in life, we pretty much know how to get to the store's, school's, work and various other venture's, like it is second nature. Now, think how you felt when you left your home to go to one of these place's and the road was block for some reason, you was actually stunned, upset and had to figure out another way around. I suggest take a few minutes on paper, smart phone or whatever and sit down and actually draw it out, then plan an alternate route. Along with that in today's world, where would be a good place to pull off and take a phone call or fix emergency issue's. What this will do for you is let you see your world in a new light, and get you start to do some planning. Which will begin the thinking process of being aware. This is extremly critical to do if you are planning to be in an area/city that you are not familiar with! When I am going to a city I am not familiar with, I literally sit down and draw out route from hotel to the places I am going to and have a minimum of one alternate route. In today's world it is quicker, because we have smart phones/computers and all the information we need, and with a "click" we can print it out. If you was going to a foreign town would it not make you more comfortable knowing the rounte, and let you focus on other threat's?
As you can see, this will obvious apply to safe route into and out of any building's as well. We can use the modern tool's actually see where stores are located, where to park and how to approach them. But, what about once we are in the facilities? You must learn to look for exit's when ever you walk into any shop or store! You do not have to, step in the store and goose neck around. As you come into the shop and browse, just casually look around for the exit's, other patrons and employee's. This takes but a few second's, after you get use to doing it.
I.A. drills- Though none of use have the time to spend an hour or two to practice immediate action drill's before we go out the door, can not deny the importance of it. Actually, there are some common problem's all patrol's face that they have S.O.P. (standard operating procedure) drill's for them, and only rehearse them once or twice to ensure that everyone is up to standard before they go out. This allows the patrol members to concentrate on more specific drill's for the patrol. One of those is what to do if "Ambushed", fired upon. Which would be good for us to have the same plan. Patrol, S.O.P., I.A. drills for this action if broken into "Near ambush" and "Far ambush".
Near ambush is taking fire within 150 yards (keep in mind in the military they use rifle's). If the patrol is in a close ambush, they will turn into the fire and begin returing more accurate fire (reason being, is that in an ambush this close, the best thing to do is make the other guy in fear of his life). Now, how would this translate to the armed citizen? First we use pistol's so range will be closer. Second, you will only do this as a patrol would when your life is in immediate danger of death and/or bodily harm (crippling injury). So, we could reasonably set our distance at 7 yards, due to the time lost in reaction, as is demonstrated by the "tueller drill". So, now we have as an example, set our "line of action" at 7 yards, which in turn will make our decision easier to at a minimum get to our pistol and/or get it out. Then we have to take in the circumstances to decide if a trigger press is needed. Keeping in mind, that in an armed citizen's world that the threat could of ceased do to the action you just did, so the thought process is ongoing.
Far ambush is taking fire from 150 yards and beyond. If the patrol is in a far ambush they will almost always "break contact", (disengage from the fight). They will do this by a tactic known as a "peel". One member will give cover, as the other moves to rear, then they will cover him as he moves (leap frog effect). What lesson can be learned for the armed citizen. Even with all the high tech. firearms, gadgets and highly trained warriors, will always get to safety if they can! This is where anything that is 8 yards or beyond, needs to beconsidered time to "break contact", we move toward cover & concealment, creating time and distance to our favor. Perhaps we take the time to work with our family unit, so we can move as one. You do not need to be a S.W.A.T. team, but some small prior planning/rehearsal (sound familiar)and discussing, if this happens, I want you to do this. If nothing else, the spouse, grab your belt and guide you to the exit, so you can concentrate on the threat, would be helpfull, right?
Injured person, this is something that very few armed citizen take into consideration, unless they have served in the military and been down range. The armed citizen need's to understand that the likely hood of having people injured in a situation is high. Also, that the chance's of them being injured is also extremely high. In my advanced class I bring this up, and you can see the look of shock on the experianced people face that they haven't thought of that, as I explain my technique for assesting. So, we can again take a lesson from the patroling tactics and start to create our own plan for dealing with injuries. The one thing I can not express enough is training/education in intermediate or critical first aid (not the basic boy scout or red cross class). Possesing the information is more valuable then having the winning lottery ticket, don't believe me? If you or your child was sitting against a wall with a hole in the side of the chest, would you pay millions to stop it or know how to? Of course, you would as would any reasonable person. So, why not plan ahead and take a course on using procedure to take care of injured people? The reason, it is most valuable, is you have the knowledge and can apply it, even when you don't have high speed medical gear, you can use field expediante stuff. Also, you will learn what you can do with one hand, which is valuable if you are the one injured and the one with the knowledge. Then you can form a more detailed plan, based on limitation if this happens or that happens, and have training reflect it?
The one thing that always makes a patrol successful or faulter is what they pay attention to. Doing patrol's are very taxing on a person, because you are constantly on alet for issues or intelligents. In the armed citizens world, you are constantly being situational aware, which is our determination of the facts. Take the time to sit down and draw our your route, draw out a situation in a store, then think through it. What would be the line? What is the right way to do it, realisticly. Visualising, and planning what to do will give any law abiding citizen a second in favor of life and happiness. I will give up 15 minutes to and hour, of planning to keep that last second of my life from being closer than needs to be.
This is why I place "situation awareness" as number one on the list of priorities that a person has to develop, which I address in another article. We must have a questioning attitude as we move through the dynamic world of society. People, believe thanks to television and motion pictures that the thug/criminal scumbag will be dressed in dirty clothes and will stick out like a sore thumb in a crowd. But, what about when you are in a hall way or store and you hear screams or shots? You have to process this information and act, now!
We must understand that taking action, does not necessarily mean that we "access" our firearm, sweeping our garment out of the way and getting that good purchase on the pistol. We default ALWAYS to the "first rule of an encounter, do not be there". We take action by utilizing cover and concealment (knowing what it is) and get to an exit. We take action by implementing the plan we made for the area/building we are in, you did have a plan right?
Will the plan be affected by who we are with? Sure it will, it is easy to act alone, but through in the dynamic of your child or spouse and it change's a little. But, with a little training/education and a visual mindset, it can become natural. Let me see if I can give some insight on this with some relation to some lesson's from the military.
Infantry and special operation's do something called "going on patrol", which is "military tactic, which is a sub-unit or small tactical formation, sent out for the purpose of combat, reconnaissance or both". This small unit consist anywhere from 2-12 men. Each person in this patrol, has a specific job there perform, keeping in mind that all are cross trained on the others. The patrol moves through hostile terrain, to reach their objective, at which time there will perform their task, then the real key is returning back to base (home), safely. Starting to see a slight similarity? After all when we leave home to go to the store, in essence are we not doing same thing on a less dangerous level?
Now, long before the patrol even leaves the safety of the perimeter of the base, they have done certain things, because they know that "the devil is in the details". The figure out the safest route to the target and back. They communicate the duties of each member of the patrol, they ensure that each member has the equipment they need and in proper place (inspect), they then work out "the what if's", what are we going to do if this happens and than happens? Then they do what is called Immediate Action Drills (I.A.Drills), which is the patrol rehearse's the reaction to a certain situation, till it is done right and all problems worked out. They plan what to do if fired upon, if someone is injured, if they have to break contact (get away quickly), where and when to meet up if they get split up, and how they are getting back. This way everyone is on the same page, and no matter what happens, they can get "home" safely. There of course if more to this and it goes in more detail, but we can see where some of these thing's can translate to armed citizens using some of the tactics to there advantage. Let's look at a few of them.
Safest route- as we move through our usual routine in life, we pretty much know how to get to the store's, school's, work and various other venture's, like it is second nature. Now, think how you felt when you left your home to go to one of these place's and the road was block for some reason, you was actually stunned, upset and had to figure out another way around. I suggest take a few minutes on paper, smart phone or whatever and sit down and actually draw it out, then plan an alternate route. Along with that in today's world, where would be a good place to pull off and take a phone call or fix emergency issue's. What this will do for you is let you see your world in a new light, and get you start to do some planning. Which will begin the thinking process of being aware. This is extremly critical to do if you are planning to be in an area/city that you are not familiar with! When I am going to a city I am not familiar with, I literally sit down and draw out route from hotel to the places I am going to and have a minimum of one alternate route. In today's world it is quicker, because we have smart phones/computers and all the information we need, and with a "click" we can print it out. If you was going to a foreign town would it not make you more comfortable knowing the rounte, and let you focus on other threat's?
As you can see, this will obvious apply to safe route into and out of any building's as well. We can use the modern tool's actually see where stores are located, where to park and how to approach them. But, what about once we are in the facilities? You must learn to look for exit's when ever you walk into any shop or store! You do not have to, step in the store and goose neck around. As you come into the shop and browse, just casually look around for the exit's, other patrons and employee's. This takes but a few second's, after you get use to doing it.
I.A. drills- Though none of use have the time to spend an hour or two to practice immediate action drill's before we go out the door, can not deny the importance of it. Actually, there are some common problem's all patrol's face that they have S.O.P. (standard operating procedure) drill's for them, and only rehearse them once or twice to ensure that everyone is up to standard before they go out. This allows the patrol members to concentrate on more specific drill's for the patrol. One of those is what to do if "Ambushed", fired upon. Which would be good for us to have the same plan. Patrol, S.O.P., I.A. drills for this action if broken into "Near ambush" and "Far ambush".
Near ambush is taking fire within 150 yards (keep in mind in the military they use rifle's). If the patrol is in a close ambush, they will turn into the fire and begin returing more accurate fire (reason being, is that in an ambush this close, the best thing to do is make the other guy in fear of his life). Now, how would this translate to the armed citizen? First we use pistol's so range will be closer. Second, you will only do this as a patrol would when your life is in immediate danger of death and/or bodily harm (crippling injury). So, we could reasonably set our distance at 7 yards, due to the time lost in reaction, as is demonstrated by the "tueller drill". So, now we have as an example, set our "line of action" at 7 yards, which in turn will make our decision easier to at a minimum get to our pistol and/or get it out. Then we have to take in the circumstances to decide if a trigger press is needed. Keeping in mind, that in an armed citizen's world that the threat could of ceased do to the action you just did, so the thought process is ongoing.
Far ambush is taking fire from 150 yards and beyond. If the patrol is in a far ambush they will almost always "break contact", (disengage from the fight). They will do this by a tactic known as a "peel". One member will give cover, as the other moves to rear, then they will cover him as he moves (leap frog effect). What lesson can be learned for the armed citizen. Even with all the high tech. firearms, gadgets and highly trained warriors, will always get to safety if they can! This is where anything that is 8 yards or beyond, needs to beconsidered time to "break contact", we move toward cover & concealment, creating time and distance to our favor. Perhaps we take the time to work with our family unit, so we can move as one. You do not need to be a S.W.A.T. team, but some small prior planning/rehearsal (sound familiar)and discussing, if this happens, I want you to do this. If nothing else, the spouse, grab your belt and guide you to the exit, so you can concentrate on the threat, would be helpfull, right?
Injured person, this is something that very few armed citizen take into consideration, unless they have served in the military and been down range. The armed citizen need's to understand that the likely hood of having people injured in a situation is high. Also, that the chance's of them being injured is also extremely high. In my advanced class I bring this up, and you can see the look of shock on the experianced people face that they haven't thought of that, as I explain my technique for assesting. So, we can again take a lesson from the patroling tactics and start to create our own plan for dealing with injuries. The one thing I can not express enough is training/education in intermediate or critical first aid (not the basic boy scout or red cross class). Possesing the information is more valuable then having the winning lottery ticket, don't believe me? If you or your child was sitting against a wall with a hole in the side of the chest, would you pay millions to stop it or know how to? Of course, you would as would any reasonable person. So, why not plan ahead and take a course on using procedure to take care of injured people? The reason, it is most valuable, is you have the knowledge and can apply it, even when you don't have high speed medical gear, you can use field expediante stuff. Also, you will learn what you can do with one hand, which is valuable if you are the one injured and the one with the knowledge. Then you can form a more detailed plan, based on limitation if this happens or that happens, and have training reflect it?
The one thing that always makes a patrol successful or faulter is what they pay attention to. Doing patrol's are very taxing on a person, because you are constantly on alet for issues or intelligents. In the armed citizens world, you are constantly being situational aware, which is our determination of the facts. Take the time to sit down and draw our your route, draw out a situation in a store, then think through it. What would be the line? What is the right way to do it, realisticly. Visualising, and planning what to do will give any law abiding citizen a second in favor of life and happiness. I will give up 15 minutes to and hour, of planning to keep that last second of my life from being closer than needs to be.
Friday, September 11, 2015
9/11 and the 2nd Amendment
First, please take a moment and remembe the brave men and women, we lost 14 years ago to the terrible terrorist attacks. Then Raise your head high and let your heart swell with pride at being an AMERICAN! A country where liberty and freedom will never become oppressed. Let us use this time to reflect at what and why 9/11 happen and how this country having the 2nd Amendment keeps us safer. I do not intend for this to be any kind of rant or political thesis, though there will be times I may address it.
The atrocious attack's that happen on September 11th, where terrorist siezed planes and in essence turned them into bombs/missles, happen how? Their was not one firearm involved with the attack, now remember this was the most lost of American life on our soil, only beaten out by the battle of Antietam (Civil War battle which was fought only by American's). The terrorist, scum, seized control of the plane with box cutters!! Yet to this date, there is no law, nor legislation that has been made to keep these horrific weapons from terrorist hands? Think of how that translates to all the law's and legislation that is pushed to do away with the 2nd Amendment?
Why did the terrorist use box cutter's and not firearms? Well first off, if they really wanted to they could of smuggled firearms onto the plane. It had nothing to do with the weapon used to take control, but more to do with accessibility and intent. You see, they would of had a "harder" time getting firearms with out raising suspicion with their visa's (and how did a few get in the country when they was on the "Terrorist Watch List"). They did not want to use firearms on the plane! First, a funny thing happens to an airplane at altitude, when a bullet punches a hole into the fuseflage of the plane, it has a tendancy to "suck" items out and cause grave damage. Remember, they wanted to the plane to use as a "missle" to strike an intended target. Which bring's up a point that seldom get's discussed a lot. During my time in the military I had the pleasure of meeting with and training with several "Air Marshal's". These men and women are top notch and true professionals. I can tell you, from training with them, if there would of been one on the plane it NEVER would of made it to the target. They are shooter's on pare with any special forces out there or competitor. So, what wasn't there one on any of the planes? It was long standing policy that they only flew on international flight's, up untill the 90's (after Desert Storm) and the terrorist threat's against the United States became more severe, then they was "charged" with being on "high profile threat domestic" flights. What else is seldom discussed is that when the two term Administration before 9/11 took office, they "CUT" deep the intelligents and "Air Marshal" service's to balance the budget. There was not that many, the one's we had was over tact's and was not at the standard they once was. Sorrowly it took the 9/11 attack to bring this into light and now they are back and better than before.
Secondly, there is the simple fact that one of the hostages, can and would of, taken the firearm from the terrorist and then eliminated the scum from the earth. We, American's have firearms,bred into our very fabric from the foundation of this country. Someone on those planes would know how to use the firearm effectively. This is well known through out the world! Because we have the 2nd Amendment right in the Constitution, this is the reason we have never been invaded since the war of 1812 (british burned Washington D.C.). The Japanese believed that American's have a firearm in every home and they know how to use it, "a rifle behind every blade of grass". The russian's believed up to the 90's that we mandated that our youth take part in organization's to learn not only how to shoot, but how to live off the land and fight (Boys and Girl Scouts of America).
Having the 2nd Amendment, is what keeps this Country from being invaded and lends itself to assist in the temptation of Terrorist organization from becoming more aggessive here. Though, you are starting to see more "domestic terrorist" incident's taking place (it is this author's opinion, that these are only called "domestic" in a political sense and being quelled for those reasons). These attack's are not accidents, they are purposely driven. They are "feeling out our defenses", same way a patrol does in time of battle. Take the time to become trained and educated on the use of firearms, this is our patriotic duty to this great country, besides what other right gives you the power, to stand up and say no, I will not be a victim. We will not tolerate people who want to oppress us.
The atrocious attack's that happen on September 11th, where terrorist siezed planes and in essence turned them into bombs/missles, happen how? Their was not one firearm involved with the attack, now remember this was the most lost of American life on our soil, only beaten out by the battle of Antietam (Civil War battle which was fought only by American's). The terrorist, scum, seized control of the plane with box cutters!! Yet to this date, there is no law, nor legislation that has been made to keep these horrific weapons from terrorist hands? Think of how that translates to all the law's and legislation that is pushed to do away with the 2nd Amendment?
Why did the terrorist use box cutter's and not firearms? Well first off, if they really wanted to they could of smuggled firearms onto the plane. It had nothing to do with the weapon used to take control, but more to do with accessibility and intent. You see, they would of had a "harder" time getting firearms with out raising suspicion with their visa's (and how did a few get in the country when they was on the "Terrorist Watch List"). They did not want to use firearms on the plane! First, a funny thing happens to an airplane at altitude, when a bullet punches a hole into the fuseflage of the plane, it has a tendancy to "suck" items out and cause grave damage. Remember, they wanted to the plane to use as a "missle" to strike an intended target. Which bring's up a point that seldom get's discussed a lot. During my time in the military I had the pleasure of meeting with and training with several "Air Marshal's". These men and women are top notch and true professionals. I can tell you, from training with them, if there would of been one on the plane it NEVER would of made it to the target. They are shooter's on pare with any special forces out there or competitor. So, what wasn't there one on any of the planes? It was long standing policy that they only flew on international flight's, up untill the 90's (after Desert Storm) and the terrorist threat's against the United States became more severe, then they was "charged" with being on "high profile threat domestic" flights. What else is seldom discussed is that when the two term Administration before 9/11 took office, they "CUT" deep the intelligents and "Air Marshal" service's to balance the budget. There was not that many, the one's we had was over tact's and was not at the standard they once was. Sorrowly it took the 9/11 attack to bring this into light and now they are back and better than before.
Secondly, there is the simple fact that one of the hostages, can and would of, taken the firearm from the terrorist and then eliminated the scum from the earth. We, American's have firearms,bred into our very fabric from the foundation of this country. Someone on those planes would know how to use the firearm effectively. This is well known through out the world! Because we have the 2nd Amendment right in the Constitution, this is the reason we have never been invaded since the war of 1812 (british burned Washington D.C.). The Japanese believed that American's have a firearm in every home and they know how to use it, "a rifle behind every blade of grass". The russian's believed up to the 90's that we mandated that our youth take part in organization's to learn not only how to shoot, but how to live off the land and fight (Boys and Girl Scouts of America).
Having the 2nd Amendment, is what keeps this Country from being invaded and lends itself to assist in the temptation of Terrorist organization from becoming more aggessive here. Though, you are starting to see more "domestic terrorist" incident's taking place (it is this author's opinion, that these are only called "domestic" in a political sense and being quelled for those reasons). These attack's are not accidents, they are purposely driven. They are "feeling out our defenses", same way a patrol does in time of battle. Take the time to become trained and educated on the use of firearms, this is our patriotic duty to this great country, besides what other right gives you the power, to stand up and say no, I will not be a victim. We will not tolerate people who want to oppress us.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Your position is key
The word "position" is used in the firearm community to describe the stance one takes when engaging in shooting activity. For the sake of this blog piece I will just talk about defensive handgun use. There are muliple shooting positions and ways to do them, but if you break them down it come down to three. The Isosceles, Weaver and the Chapman stances. One thing to keep in mind up front. Though there are fundamentals that need adheard to to be a more constistant shooter, we are all built differently and must adjust the position for ourselves. What may work for one person, may not work for another, could be do to body style, an old injury, or just not as comfortable. As with all things, there are pro's and con's to each. I will address them briefly and offer some tips that may help some who are struggling. One thing I will say now, seek some training from a qualified, "competent" instructor to help not just teach you, but break it down so you understand.
The Weaver and the Chapman are both named after the person who came up with and used the position. The Isosceles, is so named because of the shape the arms make which resemble the triangle. No matter the stance you take, we must remember that it all start's at ground level. I see a great many students seem to forget that the feet should be comfortable distance apart and that the weight should rest mainly on the ball of your feet. This will place you into the firearm and assist with recoil. You also should work on your natural point of aim. Basicly, you want to be lined up with your target, naturally. How do we do this? You can do this at home, with a safe backstop and an empty pistol. Take up your position, and aim the safe, empty pistol at a target. Now close your eyes, then open them. Did the pistol move? Resist temptation to move the pistol back on target with muscles, instead simple adjust your feet, in or out untill it comes back in line. Then close your eyes and open to check and see if lined up. Once you have your feet adjusted, to where you close your eyes and open them and remain on target you are good to go. If you will do this a few times a week, you will train your body/brain that when you pick up the pistol, and take a stance it will be natural. This in turn will help you be more accurate and more consistant. Okay, now we have our feet in correct place, now we want to bend are knee's naturally, this helps with recoil as well as blood flow. Now let's take a look at the stance's for our upper body.
The Weaver, was created by Jack Weaver a law enforcement officer back in the 60's. Up to this time, everyone was pretty much using the old standard of shooting one handed. Col. Jeff Cooper held a shoot at Big Bear, California every year. Mr. Weaver came and beat everyone with his new position. Col. Cooper then adopted and became the biggest promoter and Instructor for it and is the very foundation of GUNSITE school. Let's look at the stance. We get a good two handed grip (I wrote about in another Blog), extend your arms out. Now we take and bend our support elbow straight down, like we are resting it on our ribcage, at the same time we pull the pistol inward. Our strong arm is pressing outward, with a slight flex in the elbow. This gives us isometric support in controling recoil. To make this position work best, one foot needs to be placed forward (usually the support side) into more of a boxer stance. This will also "blade" our body more to the side of our target. This stance is often favored by people with strong chest and shoulders. The Pro's are it "blade's" us from target, is usually quicker and handle recoil better. The Con of this is it takes a lot of practice and there is a slight loss of mobility from the boxer type stance. but try it, I have taught many people it and they favor it, but be warned the isometrics will make your tired quicker.
The Chapman, was created by pistol champion Ray Chapman. Mr. Chapman won several regional, state and national titles using his method. In essence, Mr. Chapman used the weaver type stance, with one modification, he thrust his shooting arm straight out, making it more rigid. He also would lay his head more over onto his shoulder, in essence making his arm and shoulder a "rifle stock". This method works a little better for people with some shoulder injury than the weaver. The Pro's are that is it very consistent, strong position. The con's as with the weaver is lack of mobility, and does take a little while to become comfortable with it. If you are cross eyes dominate it take's a lot of practice with both to become comfortable with it.
The Isosceles, is named after the triangle our arms form. This is a more natural and basic way of shooting the pistol with both hands and why it is taught first to many new shooters. This position became popular in the 80's by competive shooters and was quickly adopted by the military. For this position we get a good two hand grip, then we press both arms out in front. One big mistake people make is they lock the elbows in this position, this will cause tendonitis in your elbow's (caller shooters elbow, like tennis elbow). We want are elbow's slightly bent to prevent this and assist with recoil. There is a more modern technique called the Modified Isosceles, this has the elbow's break outward slightly, which in turn makes are elbows shock absorbers. The other big differance with this stance is that is squares us up with our target. So natural point of is more natural. The Pro's is that this is the easiest and quickest to learn, and provides more mobility. The con is that it is usually harder for people to learn to master recoil control.
In all position's the head should still be head erect, to ensure that the eye is naturally centered, to focus on the front sight more clearly. The back should be straight, but the whole body should be leaned forward. The rule of thumb is that the chest should be past the belly button. Though this may feel slightly unnatural at first, you will find a big differance in managing recoil by doing this. In essence we are setting our body up to accept and handle the recoil of the pistol, rather than just holding it in front of us. This is what I call "getting into the pistol", you want to be aggressive, because let's face it, if you need to do it in a life/death encounter you will be more aggresive. You Do Not want to be standing straight up and down. The weight of your body will set on your heals and thus you are not balanced when the shot happens. Another thing you do not want to do is be "leaned backward", this is usually seen by someone who has not had any training and is scared of the pistol going off. If you see a person do this, be an ambassador and stop and nicely explain the problems and issues. Which are they will loose balance, do not have proper muzzle control, there grip will not be substantial to handle the pistol, and long period of doing this will cause back injury.
I hope this helps explain a few things and a few tips to help you out. Feel free to leave a comment.
Train as if your life is worth it!
In e
The Weaver and the Chapman are both named after the person who came up with and used the position. The Isosceles, is so named because of the shape the arms make which resemble the triangle. No matter the stance you take, we must remember that it all start's at ground level. I see a great many students seem to forget that the feet should be comfortable distance apart and that the weight should rest mainly on the ball of your feet. This will place you into the firearm and assist with recoil. You also should work on your natural point of aim. Basicly, you want to be lined up with your target, naturally. How do we do this? You can do this at home, with a safe backstop and an empty pistol. Take up your position, and aim the safe, empty pistol at a target. Now close your eyes, then open them. Did the pistol move? Resist temptation to move the pistol back on target with muscles, instead simple adjust your feet, in or out untill it comes back in line. Then close your eyes and open to check and see if lined up. Once you have your feet adjusted, to where you close your eyes and open them and remain on target you are good to go. If you will do this a few times a week, you will train your body/brain that when you pick up the pistol, and take a stance it will be natural. This in turn will help you be more accurate and more consistant. Okay, now we have our feet in correct place, now we want to bend are knee's naturally, this helps with recoil as well as blood flow. Now let's take a look at the stance's for our upper body.
The Weaver, was created by Jack Weaver a law enforcement officer back in the 60's. Up to this time, everyone was pretty much using the old standard of shooting one handed. Col. Jeff Cooper held a shoot at Big Bear, California every year. Mr. Weaver came and beat everyone with his new position. Col. Cooper then adopted and became the biggest promoter and Instructor for it and is the very foundation of GUNSITE school. Let's look at the stance. We get a good two handed grip (I wrote about in another Blog), extend your arms out. Now we take and bend our support elbow straight down, like we are resting it on our ribcage, at the same time we pull the pistol inward. Our strong arm is pressing outward, with a slight flex in the elbow. This gives us isometric support in controling recoil. To make this position work best, one foot needs to be placed forward (usually the support side) into more of a boxer stance. This will also "blade" our body more to the side of our target. This stance is often favored by people with strong chest and shoulders. The Pro's are it "blade's" us from target, is usually quicker and handle recoil better. The Con of this is it takes a lot of practice and there is a slight loss of mobility from the boxer type stance. but try it, I have taught many people it and they favor it, but be warned the isometrics will make your tired quicker.
The Chapman, was created by pistol champion Ray Chapman. Mr. Chapman won several regional, state and national titles using his method. In essence, Mr. Chapman used the weaver type stance, with one modification, he thrust his shooting arm straight out, making it more rigid. He also would lay his head more over onto his shoulder, in essence making his arm and shoulder a "rifle stock". This method works a little better for people with some shoulder injury than the weaver. The Pro's are that is it very consistent, strong position. The con's as with the weaver is lack of mobility, and does take a little while to become comfortable with it. If you are cross eyes dominate it take's a lot of practice with both to become comfortable with it.
The Isosceles, is named after the triangle our arms form. This is a more natural and basic way of shooting the pistol with both hands and why it is taught first to many new shooters. This position became popular in the 80's by competive shooters and was quickly adopted by the military. For this position we get a good two hand grip, then we press both arms out in front. One big mistake people make is they lock the elbows in this position, this will cause tendonitis in your elbow's (caller shooters elbow, like tennis elbow). We want are elbow's slightly bent to prevent this and assist with recoil. There is a more modern technique called the Modified Isosceles, this has the elbow's break outward slightly, which in turn makes are elbows shock absorbers. The other big differance with this stance is that is squares us up with our target. So natural point of is more natural. The Pro's is that this is the easiest and quickest to learn, and provides more mobility. The con is that it is usually harder for people to learn to master recoil control.
In all position's the head should still be head erect, to ensure that the eye is naturally centered, to focus on the front sight more clearly. The back should be straight, but the whole body should be leaned forward. The rule of thumb is that the chest should be past the belly button. Though this may feel slightly unnatural at first, you will find a big differance in managing recoil by doing this. In essence we are setting our body up to accept and handle the recoil of the pistol, rather than just holding it in front of us. This is what I call "getting into the pistol", you want to be aggressive, because let's face it, if you need to do it in a life/death encounter you will be more aggresive. You Do Not want to be standing straight up and down. The weight of your body will set on your heals and thus you are not balanced when the shot happens. Another thing you do not want to do is be "leaned backward", this is usually seen by someone who has not had any training and is scared of the pistol going off. If you see a person do this, be an ambassador and stop and nicely explain the problems and issues. Which are they will loose balance, do not have proper muzzle control, there grip will not be substantial to handle the pistol, and long period of doing this will cause back injury.
I hope this helps explain a few things and a few tips to help you out. Feel free to leave a comment.
Train as if your life is worth it!
In e
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Awareness Mindset training
Awareness as we all know is the key to surviving a personal protection encounter. This will give you the time and distance that you need to give your the precious time to react and/or set up any tactics you need. As an Instructor I take pains in providing quality, effective training to my clients. We all love going to the range and working on our skill set with the pistol, or the DoJo and working on our empty hands defenses. But, we really do not think about it but everyday we have the oppurtunity to strengthen our awarness/mindset. In this article I will give you some tips and drills to do to help make it better. What you will find is that though you are looking for the bad things, you will start to notice a lot more of the precious and beauty of our world.
When I Instruct I teach that Mindset and Awareness are actually two different things. Mindset is the decisive desicion you make to lead a active defensive lifestyle. This is the key to all the other skill set's you have. If you do not do this then the rest of all you do in this field is just going through motion with no purpose. Just as a martial artist practices a kata without applying the purpose of each application of move, it turns into a dance with no music. The Mindset will give you the melody you need to practice or live the lifestyle in a good tempo. Mindset includes but not limited to, visualization, planning, preparing.
Visualization- Instead of going to the range and looking at a target and shooting, visualize the situation (remember there are no numbers or bullseye on criminals).
Planning- This is the thought process as you go through your everyday life of thinking what will I do with what I have, if this happens. A plan has to be flexible, but having one will get you started if something does happen. It is easier to burst into a sprint from a job, than from a stagnat location.
Preparing- This is taking the above two and realizing that it could be reality, and taking the necessary precautions and having the rescue equipment you will need if the event happens. Would you go skydiving without a parachute?
Now that we discussed the mindset and you have committed to the lifestyle, we will need some tool's to help us become better. Just as going to the range and working on our marksmanship, we must apply some level of training to help us become more aware of things happening around us. Below are a few drill's that will help strengthen your memory and awareness. Keep in mind that these like all muscle memory take time to build, take it little bit at a time, then you will be doing automatic.
Guest appearance drill- Pick a day or an hour,everytime someone comes in a door, stop what your doing and take in who came in and what they are doing (may be your next best friend).
Doorway drill- Take a day or hour, everytime you enter a door, step in and go directly to one side or the other. Then take in who all are in the room and what they are doing.
Stop light drill- Whenever you are driving and come to a stop light, while you are waiting for the green, with ever car that passes in front count how many people are wearing seatbelts. You will be amazed how much more you will notice.
Fridge drill- Everytime you see someone open a refrigerator, notice what they look like and what they are taking out of it.
Desk drill- This is one that has worked well for a few of my friends. As you sit at your desk working on computer, use your peripheral vision and notice anytime someone passes or approaches. As you get it challenge yourself next to use peripheral vision to notice color's they have on.
Coffee Cup drill- Everytime you see a colleague pick up there "mug", count how long they sip it (1missippi, 2missippi, etc...), if you have a friend at work who is working on skills, then take turns, during and hour and everytime they take a sip, they place the "mug" in different location, then after an hour have them ask you how many you noticed, then recipicate.
K.I.M. (keep in memory) game- Place 10 random items on a table, look at them for a minute. Then cover it up, now on paper describe the items you seen.
There are many more that can be done, but these can get you started being aware of what is taking place around you. The common denominator is that we are seeing something, we then take it in, and notice what is in the person's HAND'S. If you do these drill's several time a week, in a short time you will be doing it on automatic. I hope that this has helped and creates as good of awareness skill set as your marksman ship.
Stay aware, train like you want to live.
Todd
When I Instruct I teach that Mindset and Awareness are actually two different things. Mindset is the decisive desicion you make to lead a active defensive lifestyle. This is the key to all the other skill set's you have. If you do not do this then the rest of all you do in this field is just going through motion with no purpose. Just as a martial artist practices a kata without applying the purpose of each application of move, it turns into a dance with no music. The Mindset will give you the melody you need to practice or live the lifestyle in a good tempo. Mindset includes but not limited to, visualization, planning, preparing.
Visualization- Instead of going to the range and looking at a target and shooting, visualize the situation (remember there are no numbers or bullseye on criminals).
Planning- This is the thought process as you go through your everyday life of thinking what will I do with what I have, if this happens. A plan has to be flexible, but having one will get you started if something does happen. It is easier to burst into a sprint from a job, than from a stagnat location.
Preparing- This is taking the above two and realizing that it could be reality, and taking the necessary precautions and having the rescue equipment you will need if the event happens. Would you go skydiving without a parachute?
Now that we discussed the mindset and you have committed to the lifestyle, we will need some tool's to help us become better. Just as going to the range and working on our marksmanship, we must apply some level of training to help us become more aware of things happening around us. Below are a few drill's that will help strengthen your memory and awareness. Keep in mind that these like all muscle memory take time to build, take it little bit at a time, then you will be doing automatic.
Guest appearance drill- Pick a day or an hour,everytime someone comes in a door, stop what your doing and take in who came in and what they are doing (may be your next best friend).
Doorway drill- Take a day or hour, everytime you enter a door, step in and go directly to one side or the other. Then take in who all are in the room and what they are doing.
Stop light drill- Whenever you are driving and come to a stop light, while you are waiting for the green, with ever car that passes in front count how many people are wearing seatbelts. You will be amazed how much more you will notice.
Fridge drill- Everytime you see someone open a refrigerator, notice what they look like and what they are taking out of it.
Desk drill- This is one that has worked well for a few of my friends. As you sit at your desk working on computer, use your peripheral vision and notice anytime someone passes or approaches. As you get it challenge yourself next to use peripheral vision to notice color's they have on.
Coffee Cup drill- Everytime you see a colleague pick up there "mug", count how long they sip it (1missippi, 2missippi, etc...), if you have a friend at work who is working on skills, then take turns, during and hour and everytime they take a sip, they place the "mug" in different location, then after an hour have them ask you how many you noticed, then recipicate.
K.I.M. (keep in memory) game- Place 10 random items on a table, look at them for a minute. Then cover it up, now on paper describe the items you seen.
There are many more that can be done, but these can get you started being aware of what is taking place around you. The common denominator is that we are seeing something, we then take it in, and notice what is in the person's HAND'S. If you do these drill's several time a week, in a short time you will be doing it on automatic. I hope that this has helped and creates as good of awareness skill set as your marksman ship.
Stay aware, train like you want to live.
Todd
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