Off Body carry

Off Body Carry By Todd R. Mendenhall At a local Mall, I sat sipping a cup of coffee, as my wife did some shopping. Being a student of human behavior, I enjoy watching people in there daily activities. Soon, an older lady sat down at a table in front of me and placed her bag on top of the table. We exchanged smiles and greetings and she checked her phone. I noticed that her bag had a special side zipper compartment, which to me screamed “conceal carry”. Soon, she took a sip of her beverage and realized she forgot something for it. She stood, walked 15 feet over to the condiment counter, and “dressed” her drink, which took a minute then on her way back stopped and talked with an acquaintance for about 8 minutes. The whole time between there laughs, I would glance back at the unattended bag. She finally, came back to the bag and her phone of which she proceeded to scroll through it. The birth of the article was started on Off-carry there. When I say “off-carry” what am I talking about? Off-Carry is the carrying of a concealed firearm in a place that is not directly on your person/body. It is usually associated with ladies carrying in a purse; however, it is often used by gentleman as well, in form of laptop bags, Note bags, briefcases and other forms. There may be times that off-carry is the only true option one has. As with all forms of “carry” there are things that must be adhered to. This article is not going to make you an “expert” nor will it substitute training from an instructor. Carrying off the body brings with it some special things to consider. Following are some things to think about. Safety- Is the “bag” your going to carry the firearm in, built for it? Just taking a firearm and throwing it in a “bag” for personal protection is an accident waiting to happen. Your conceal carry course should of included the need to carry in a holster. The “bag” is the same way. The firearm trigger housing should be secure to keep unwanted things from getting into that area. As well as, keeping the firearm oriented in a consistent place in the need for access. Access- The “bag” should be designed so you can quickly and effectively access the firearm if the need arises. It should be pointed out, that accessing an off-carry firearm takes longer than various on-carry options. So awareness should be higher, we will touch on that little later. As part of one of my instructor courses we was trained and had to “qualify” drawing and engaging with a conceal carry purse. Yes, there is a certain technique to use, so it can be done safely and quickly. On an off-carry bag, there is a need to secure it closed, do to the nature of carry. I see zippers as the biggest means of doing this. As explained in one of our courses, if an incident a rises, the human body looses the use of fine motor skills. So, one should train to minimize the use of these. For the zipper access, I suggest a “lanyard”, can be of Para cord or other material be attached to the clip of the zipper. This will give you more control and quicker access if your awareness warrants it. Awareness- As with any situation this is critical, as again is pointed out in one of our courses. You need to have time to gain access to your firearm in need arises. It will take longer to gain access to an off-carry firearm than it will one that is on your person. So you should be aware and have time on your side. Instead of just pulling a garment open or up, to access your firearm. You have to orient the “bag”, open the compartment, to gain access. This as will all things in self defense must be practiced. So, you can see, especially when carrying in this mode, you need to be able to actually use tactics to ensure a favorable outcome. Security- “You have a responsibility to keep firearms from unauthorized people”! Ever heard this before? This is YOUR responsibility if you carry! You must keep anyone from not only taking your firearm (bag), but keep others from gaining access to it. As I finish this article on 12-30-2014 there was an unfortunate example of this. As a lady was looking at some item in a big box store, her child accessed her pistol in her purse and shot her. This should drive home the responsibility you have in off-carry. Though the “bag” is on a table, floor, cart, passenger seat it is still your responsibility whatever happens. I have seen some “bags” with locks on them, to keep others from accessing them. This is a personal choice that must be weighed. It is my opinion that these are not a good option. One, if you are carrying a firearm for protection, you just limited your reaction time if the need arises, not good. Two, it clouds your sense of responsibility. What I mean by this, is you will start to believe it is okay to leave it in there alone, no one will get into it (like putting a loaded firearm on the top shelf thinking “kids” can’t get to it, we know better right). In my opinion, putting a lock on an off-carry bag is the same as having a trigger lock on an on-carry firearm. The only true way to ensure security, to maintain presence of access of the firearm at all times. Carry- “What is the best way to carry it?” There are a few differences of opinion on what the best way to carry is, let’s look at both options for a bag. Across the body- this gives more security of the bag and anything within it. If someone wants the bag, they will have to “rip” the strap (a good CCL bag will have a cable in the strap), and/or pull you to the ground. On the Shoulder- This is more comfortable carry which provides easier access to material inside however is “stripped” from the body easier, with less chance of being drug to the ground. You must decide for yourself what way will work for you. If you do carry over a shoulder, I do suggest you have a hand on the actual handbag at all times. I have come across a new design of conceal carry purse, that is innovative and helps eliminate some of the above which is displayed below by Warrior-Creek with there permission. They also have other options which might be worth looking at. Hopefully, you have gained some sense of awareness that comes with this form of carry. There is more to it than just throwing a firearm into a bag or purse and going on your business. I suggest doing what we teach with regular on-carry before going out the door and practice few times. There is a lot of information out there, some good, but don’t just take “you tube” video training or another persons word for it. Do some research, take a course that will address, as well as instruct you in the “how and why”. Be safe, keep training and always aware. Todd R. Mendenhall Instructor I.S.C.A.P.E.

Revolver: coming full circle

Standing on the firing line, some of the students was becoming impatient. They have had there semi-automatic pistols loaded and made ready for a full 20 seconds (to them and hour). I could see the anticipation of there breathing as they was awaiting the commands. Once the other student was ready, and the line was ready the shooting began. After all the string's of fire was complete and the range was clear and cold, the students began to gather their gear and go back to the classroom. As I passed one table, one student looked at the "slower" one and said, "you should really upgrade to the 21st century", half joking. The other student kind of smiled and kept at the task. I then decided and impromtu discussion should take place here, for the benefit of the students. I stopped them all and had them come into a school circle on the range. I then asked, "what is the most reliable pistol they have ever shot?". The class was made up of mainly younger men, and two ladies, one was closer to my age (that young). While they was stating a few "name brand" pistol's, I began to clear and lay out a few different models on the table. After they was done,I said "which one would you put in a new person hand and have them defend your life, of the ones on the table?" There was a look of confusion, then one asked "which would you?" I reached over and picked up the open cylinder revolver, raised it to my chest and said "this one". The looks of doubt was all about. I then began to fill the students in as to why this was my personal opinion of the choice. I pointed out a few key things for them to thing about; 1) For well over a hundred years, the double action revolver has in essence been unchanged. That is because it works! 2) The Double action revolver is the most reliable pistol, (you could see some defensive looks, almost feel some chest raise as they was ready to defend there brands). This is the only pistol that you can load, set in safe area, come back months or years, pick it up and it will fire! There is no spring of the magazine to get week, or lack of lubrication ont he slide to dry out. 3) I pointed out that with this design you can place it in "single action", to acquire a more precise shot on a small target. Instead of having just one set trigger. 4) The double action revovler has a fixed barrel. You don't have to be a gunsmith or designer, to grasp that a fixed barrel will be more accurate than one that moves. 5) The mechanics of the revolver are a whole lot simpler that those of a semi-automatic. 6) The manipulation of the pistol is far easier. All that is needed is to be able to open the cylinder, insert cartridges, close and shoot. 7) Being manipulation is simpler, those with small hands, or arthritis find it a joy. 8) A person will have better muzzle control,as there is no "fighting" of the slide to lock back. 9) There is no safety on the pistol, as well as, no doubt if loaded or not. Pop open cylinder and can see, at same time makes the pistol clear. 10) If you experiance a malfuction there is one simple immediate action drill, press the trigger again. After I was done, you could see the light bulbs burning bright on the new found information of the old "wheel gun". I told them I am just giving you information to think about. That there is no free lunch as that the revolver does have a few limitions. One being that if you experiance a "squib load" or if it does lock up, you now have a club. Many cite that the revolver is limited on capacity, and a great many of them agreed with that statement. I then said "what is quicker performing a reload on a semi-automatic or grabbing a "pre-loaded" pistol?" Majority said the reload was the quickest. I then gave them a demonstration of both since I normally carry a semi-automatic with spare magazine and a snub nose revolver. We did not run any timer, but I did a reload and then went to the other pistol 3 times. Afterward, they all said that giong to other pistol was quicker and they was stunned. We live in the golden age of personal protection pistols. A person has there choice of sights, trigger, magazine, grip designs made by hundreds of fine manufactures. You can buy a inexspensive pistol and it will for the most part be reliable, accurate and if maintained last to be handed down to your children. But in this age of "poly", do not overlook the revolver option (you can even get one of those in poly too). It served our military and law enforcement a long time and saved many of there lives. If someone is struggling with a semi-automatic, educate then on the Revolver option. Stay aware, train right

Training is good gear test?

Ever ask yourself, am I using the right gear or am I just using what I have? There is a world differance especially when it comes to conceal carry. When it comes to this one size does not fit all. This is the nice part of it, you can customize it to your physical ability and disadvantages. But a great many people do not. They settle for what they purchased or what a "friend" told them. You have to take that with a grain of salt, because we are unique in our own way. Size, Shape, clothing options, sex (men and ladies are built differently), all come into play. Then there is the simple fact of how can you effectively tell if the firearm and/or gear is correct for you. Yes, you can and should do safe drill's are home (applying the 4 firearms safety rules, you remember them?). You can go to the range and do drill's and training. But the question is this, are you training to the standard of your ability or the limitation of your gear? Taking training class is a great way to find all this out! I inform people who are very limited in firearm knowledge for conceal carry, take a class before you purchase a pistol. If is cheaper to take a $100.00 class and become educated, then spending $500.00 or more on a pistol that you find out is not right for you. I have had a lot of students who, say "I wish I would of known that before I bought the pistol". Besides the obvious education knowledge you will get, you get a chance to test gear and firearms. I always have time after the "official" class range time, so students can try other holsters, pistols and ammunition. It is amazing how friendly the community is, just about everyone is like "here, shoot it". You get a chance that firearm stores and ranges cannot offer, do to overhead and limitations. During training the instructor will ensure you are meeting the standard and skill set. You will find the flaw's of a certian firearm, or gear. Perhaps a simple change is all that is needed, or that you become educated why it will or will not work for you. Have had many cases in some classes where students thought they had the best holster for them, but when doing training, the holster came off the belt, or the belt broke. Far better to find it out now than when it really matters. Many times, people find that a slight adjustment in a certain technique was all that was needed (one's that somehow get missed in video learning). One occasion had a student that could not hit the target effectively, upon investigation, it was found that the ammunition that was being used was not as accurate as other ammunition (wonder how long and how much that would of cost on their own to find out?). One a few other occasions the students found out that their gear was great standing, but when put in common position, was the worst for it. The key is that an Instructor should not just tell you, but mentor you in training so you make the discovery yourself, which really drives it home. Taking training once a year can not only discover the weakness in your system of protection. But, it can also at the same time vindicate it. It will dust off the cobb webs and build your confidence on the things that are working great. If it is, don't change a thing, ask the Instructor what can I do to make the weakness stronger. You are paying a professional, they should and are more than happy to help and guide you to success. Stay aware, train properly and be viligant. Todd

Firearm safety is Education

Firearm Safety is Education Firearm Safety is Education The great President F.D.R. said on his first inauguration speech, “What do we have to fear, but fear itself”. This historical quote is a classic and is as valuable today as it was during that period in our nation’s history. This statement rings of education, that if we truly understand something, we in essence take away the power that the “fear” of it has, and our mind and eyes become more opened and we begin to tame the item we are scared of. Much of safety in any form is common sense, but unfortunately we live in a time where sense is not so common. We should never take anything for granted or grow to become complacent. There are two things’ which lead to firearm accidents; do you know what they are? Lack of knowledge (ignorance) and Complacency are the two. Ignorance or lack of knowledge if you like, is what we see in new people introduced to firearms without any form of structure training. We see them on the range or in a shop, they “sweep” the muzzle at things they should not, they handle the firearm in a manner that it should not be handled. They just do not know yet how to do it and respect it. This one is easy to fix, if we take the time to “train” them as to what and why of firearm safety fundamentals. One should never take a new person to the range and say, “Okay, it’s loaded, hold it like this and pull the trigger”. This in itself is an injury waiting to happen. Take the time either informally or formally and educate them, which will “take away the fear” and injury. Complacency is the lack of applying the knowledge that you posses to the task at hand. You have the knowledge and understanding, but you allowed your discipline in applying it become lacks. This is the harder of the two to fix, because many people feel that it will not happen to them or “I have done it this way for years”. It is a learned bad behavior or the laziness of applying safety discipline. Sometimes people just get caught up in the moment and do not notice they are doing it. Sometimes it is the repetition of things over that begin to cause us to become lazy. It takes focus and attention which is why frequent breaks are important. We must begin to “self-trigger” on this and stop for a few minutes. Luckily, we have the luxury of having structured formal training. There are a few of us whom learned firearm education the hard way. Either by our family member taking us out to the range or hunting, then when they feel we are mature enough allow us to handle the firearm, then when we make a mistake, we get “rapped” on the side of the head and scolded. The other is through the graces of the military,where the drill instructor is more than happen to point out our short comings in a manner we will remember. It does not matter if you have education through the hard school or a class in a controlled formal inviting environment, you have training. In 1871, an organization was formed for the primary purpose of training people in firearm safety and fundamental’s of marksmanship. That was the National Rifle Association (N.R.A.), though it is reconized today as our guardian angels of the right to keep and bear arms, keeping politicians at bay from the 2nd amendment. The primary focus of the Association was and always will be the training and education of people to firearms. It was the N.R.A. who developed the three main firearm safety rules, can you name them? 1. Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction. 2. Always keep the finger off the trigger, till sights are on target. 3. Always keep the firearm unloaded, untill you are ready to use it. These three fundamentals of firearm safety are pretty simple, yet people will often break at least one of them, why? One reason is people become involved with fixing ans issue and loose sight of where the muzzle should be. Another is that most firearms are designed to be egronomic and it takes a concious effort to keep the finger off the trigger. I can guarantee to you, if nothing else at a minimum you follow these three rules (laws), you will not have an injury from a firearm. Along with those three, there is actually three more for a total of six (yes I went to public school). The reason why the basic three is taught that way it human’s on average will remember three easier than a whole list, called the rule of 3. The next three as with the first, is common sense, but need’s to be understood, so they really sink in. 1) Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. 2) Never have ammunition around when cleaning or dry fire practicing. 3) Once dry fire practice is over, IT IS OVER! Warning, next picture is little graphic! Injury cause by assuming it was unloaded! Treat every firearm as if it is loaded- never assume (we know what that means) that it is. Anytime you pick a firearm up, check it! Ensure the chamber is empty and clear. Some say this is redundant, I say it is a great habit and every time you do are you not practicing and created a safe behavior and habit. If you do it every time, it will be second nature to you. Never have ammunition around when cleaning- If we applied the rules we learned so far with this one, how can we have any accidents when cleaning? Every year there are scores of people who have “accidents” because of this. There is no reason for it, period! When you’re going to clean your firearm, follow protocol, then take any ammunition you have and place it in another room or area. This is not only to keep a cartridge from jumping into the firearm, but help keep that curiosity of “what-if” down, and we know what happen to the cat. Also, it keeps your cleaning material from getting onto your ammunition and we know what happens then, right? Once dry fire practice is over, IT’S OVER! - Dry fire practice is often under rated by the vast majority of people. It is cheap, easily done when following safety rules and can be done almost any where. It develops muscle memory and good practices. Find a safe back stop area of your home, put up a post-it note. Follow the safety rules, the firearm unloaded and clear ammunition in another room. Then practice, where working on trigger press, sights picture, malfunction drills, or even drawing is gone over. When you are done put the firearm away. If you intend to load the firearm either for personal defense, think of doing the following; 1) After loading the firearm, tell yourself three times out loud, “this firearm is loaded” 2) Set it down and back away for few minutes. 3) Come back pick up the firearm and do a press check, to reconfirm loaded, then store either in safe or holster. Why? We all experience times when practice doesn’t go so well. Then after few minutes of thinking you figure it out and pick it back up, this is why I suggest doing what I said, to keep from having and accident. Telling yourself three time’s out loud it is loaded, let’s you and anyone else around know. Stepping away for few minutes allows it to sink in. Then you come back and confirm really drives it home, and reaffirms your defensive mindset. We live in an era of communication. More than ever we have to ability to research and become informed on just about anything at the tap of our fingers. There is a lot of good information out there, and as always some that is totally wrong. When it comes to firearm education, there is nothing that can substitute a good qualified instructor. He or She should be able to break down the information to your level so you can grasp it and know it. I urge any and even my students to take more training even after the basic level. It has nothing to do with me being an Instructor I even encourage students to take other people’s training to get a different perspective. Can a person learn on there own the firearm safety and marksmanship? Absolutely, however your journey will be slow, take up more time and harder learning. A good Instructor will mentor you, seeing your grow and become more proficient. Taking formal training at times brings freshness back into your firearm craft. It ensures your not developing bad habits and should introduce you to something different for your level of training, (yes, once a year I still seek out and take training, I have even been known to sit in a basic class too). The other big reason is judicious. If you are in the unfortunate situation of an accident or defensive incident, can you articulate why you did what you had done? Taking formal training is discoverable evidence that will demonstrate or back what you did and why. I hope you are never in the situation where you have to articulate why you had to take action in defense of yourself, but if you are would it not be nice to have a way to demonstrate it with certifications? Any good instructor that you take training from should be willing to explain the training you went through if the need comes. I have more than enough examples which may come at a future time. “What can you fear that you understand”, I have said on more than one occasion. Proper training, coupled with wisdom and discipline of responsibility will allow you to train, practice and foster the firearm both enjoyably and safely. I often tell people before you spend your hard earned money, research the instructor and the training. Is it right for you? Will it fill what you need? Is the instructor teaching what I need right now? Can I sit in on a class for a while? These are just a few things to think about. Stay Safe, Stay alert, and get trained. Todd R. Mendenhall N.R.A. Instructor Chief Instructor I.S.C.A.P.E. The great President F.D.R. said on his first inauguration speech, “What do we have to fear, but fear itself”. This historical quote is a classic and is as valuable today as it was during that period in our nation’s history. This statement rings of education, that if we truly understand something, we in essence take away the power that the “fear” of it has, and our mind and eyes become more opened and we begin to tame the item we are scared of. Much of safety in any form is common sense, but unfortunately we live in a time where sense is not so common. We should never take anything for granted or grow to become complacent. There are two things’ which lead to firearm accidents; do you know what they are? Lack of knowledge (ignorance) and Complacency are the two. Ignorance or lack of knowledge if you like, is what we see in new people introduced to firearms without any form of structure training. We see them on the range or in a shop, they “sweep” the muzzle at things they should not, they handle the firearm in a manner that it should not be handled. They just do not know yet how to do it and respect it. This one is easy to fix, if we take the time to “train” them as to what and why of firearm safety fundamentals. One should never take a new person to the range and say, “Okay, it’s loaded, hold it like this and pull the trigger”. This in itself is an injury waiting to happen. Take the time either informally or formally and educate them, which will “take away the fear” and injury. Complacency is the lack of applying the knowledge that you posses to the task at hand. You have the knowledge and understanding, but you allowed your discipline in applying it become lacks. This is the harder of the two to fix, because many people feel that it will not happen to them or “I have done it this way for years”. It is a learned bad behavior or the laziness of applying safety discipline. Sometimes people just get caught up in the moment and do not notice they are doing it. Sometimes it is the repetition of things over that begin to cause us to become lazy. It takes focus and attention which is why frequent breaks are important. We must begin to “self-trigger” on this and stop for a few minutes. Luckily, we have the luxury of having structured formal training. There are a few of us whom learned firearm education the hard way. Either by our family member taking us out to the range or hunting, then when they feel we are mature enough allow us to handle the firearm, then when we make a mistake, we get “rapped” on the side of the head and scolded. The other is through the graces of the military,where the drill instructor is more than happen to point out our short comings in a manner we will remember. It does not matter if you have education through the hard school or a class in a controlled formal inviting environment, you have training. In 1871, an organization was formed for the primary purpose of training people in firearm safety and fundamental’s of marksmanship. That was the National Rifle Association (N.R.A.), though it is reconized today as our guardian angels of the right to keep and bear arms, keeping politicians at bay from the 2nd amendment. The primary focus of the Association was and always will be the training and education of people to firearms. It was the N.R.A. who developed the three main firearm safety rules, can you name them? 1. Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction. 2. Always keep the finger off the trigger, till sights are on target. 3. Always keep the firearm unloaded, untill you are ready to use it. These three fundamentals of firearm safety are pretty simple, yet people will often break at least one of them, why? One reason is people become involved with fixing ans issue and loose sight of where the muzzle should be. Another is that most firearms are designed to be egronomic and it takes a concious effort to keep the finger off the trigger. I can guarantee to you, if nothing else at a minimum you follow these three rules (laws), you will not have an injury from a firearm. Along with those three, there is actually three more for a total of six (yes I went to public school). The reason why the basic three is taught that way it human’s on average will remember three easier than a whole list, called the rule of 3. The next three as with the first, is common sense, but need’s to be understood, so they really sink in. 1) Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. 2) Never have ammunition around when cleaning or dry fire practicing. 3) Once dry fire practice is over, IT IS OVER! Warning, next picture is little graphic! Injury cause by assuming it was unloaded! Treat every firearm as if it is loaded- never assume (we know what that means) that it is. Anytime you pick a firearm up, check it! Ensure the chamber is empty and clear. Some say this is redundant, I say it is a great habit and every time you do are you not practicing and created a safe behavior and habit. If you do it every time, it will be second nature to you. Never have ammunition around when cleaning- If we applied the rules we learned so far with this one, how can we have any accidents when cleaning? Every year there are scores of people who have “accidents” because of this. There is no reason for it, period! When you’re going to clean your firearm, follow protocol, then take any ammunition you have and place it in another room or area. This is not only to keep a cartridge from jumping into the firearm, but help keep that curiosity of “what-if” down, and we know what happen to the cat. Also, it keeps your cleaning material from getting onto your ammunition and we know what happens then, right? Once dry fire practice is over, IT’S OVER! - Dry fire practice is often under rated by the vast majority of people. It is cheap, easily done when following safety rules and can be done almost any where. It develops muscle memory and good practices. Find a safe back stop area of your home, put up a post-it note. Follow the safety rules, the firearm unloaded and clear ammunition in another room. Then practice, where working on trigger press, sights picture, malfunction drills, or even drawing is gone over. When you are done put the firearm away. If you intend to load the firearm either for personal defense, think of doing the following; 1) After loading the firearm, tell yourself three times out loud, “this firearm is loaded” 2) Set it down and back away for few minutes. 3) Come back pick up the firearm and do a press check, to reconfirm loaded, then store either in safe or holster. Why? We all experience times when practice doesn’t go so well. Then after few minutes of thinking you figure it out and pick it back up, this is why I suggest doing what I said, to keep from having and accident. Telling yourself three time’s out loud it is loaded, let’s you and anyone else around know. Stepping away for few minutes allows it to sink in. Then you come back and confirm really drives it home, and reaffirms your defensive mindset. We live in an era of communication. More than ever we have to ability to research and become informed on just about anything at the tap of our fingers. There is a lot of good information out there, and as always some that is totally wrong. When it comes to firearm education, there is nothing that can substitute a good qualified instructor. He or She should be able to break down the information to your level so you can grasp it and know it. I urge any and even my students to take more training even after the basic level. It has nothing to do with me being an Instructor I even encourage students to take other people’s training to get a different perspective. Can a person learn on there own the firearm safety and marksmanship? Absolutely, however your journey will be slow, take up more time and harder learning. A good Instructor will mentor you, seeing your grow and become more proficient. Taking formal training at times brings freshness back into your firearm craft. It ensures your not developing bad habits and should introduce you to something different for your level of training, (yes, once a year I still seek out and take training, I have even been known to sit in a basic class too). The other big reason is judicious. If you are in the unfortunate situation of an accident or defensive incident, can you articulate why you did what you had done? Taking formal training is discoverable evidence that will demonstrate or back what you did and why. I hope you are never in the situation where you have to articulate why you had to take action in defense of yourself, but if you are would it not be nice to have a way to demonstrate it with certifications? Any good instructor that you take training from should be willing to explain the training you went through if the need comes. I have more than enough examples which may come at a future time. “What can you fear that you understand”, I have said on more than one occasion. Proper training, coupled with wisdom and discipline of responsibility will allow you to train, practice and foster the firearm both enjoyably and safely. I often tell people before you spend your hard earned money, research the instructor and the training. Is it right for you? Will it fill what you need? Is the instructor teaching what I need right now? Can I sit in on a class for a while? These are just a few things to think about. Stay Safe, Stay alert, and get trained. Todd R. Mendenhall N.R.A. Instructor Chief Instructor I.S.C.A.P.E.

Winds of change for citizens

Last friday, around midnight in chicago around a square, there was something that took place, which will become a milestone in the State of Illinois. A 22 year old person of a certain a filiation was looking to cause injury to a group of another a filiation, without any care or concern for the inicent people between. However, a person whom was concerned, mature and responsible made a decision to not allow inicent people to become injured. A citizen whom has took the time to get trained and educated in conceal carry, acted! The Armed Citizen, using his situational awareness, seen the situation playing out and made a decision based on the information he gathered. The person engaged the threat and the application of fundamentals of marksmanship payed off. The 22 year old was wounded and charged with aggravated assault of unlawful weapon. The Armed Citizen as found to be well within his right, and no charges was filed against him. Okay, another shooting in Chiraq, what is the big deal. The big deal is it will be the first time a law abiding conceal carry citizen engaged a threat in the state of Illinois. This in itself is not "ground-breaking", the way of which the investigation and out look from authorities is! In years past, if this would of happen, they both would of been charged and to be sorted out through the justice system. To this author knowledge this will be the first time, in public, a citizen acted to defend others using his conceal carry training to save lives in the windy city, without any legal charges being brought agaist him/her. Could this be the "wind's of change" taking effect? Could it be that concerned, Armed citizens, finally be viewed as not a threat but an assest? I have stated, that with the passing of the Firearm Conceal Carry License will come change in the State of Illinois. The reason why, just like the 2nd amendment of the Constitution, this gives the responsible citizen the power back into there lives and faith back into the legislation. With the passing of the law, it mandated that citizens must complete 16 hours of training or be exempt for first eight hours. This in turn cause's a social change. Citizen's then begin to view other things differently, which effects certain views on other subjects. With the change comes more educated people along the lines we are discussing. There amount of firearm accidents from trained people will plumet, and will not these citizens be the ones among the pool for jury selection in trial in and/or around the use of firearms. Thus, effecting the legal system in a positive and good way, in turn will make the state more aware of the needs and wants of the people. The change for the better is happening not just in this state but the whole country. The people of this great nation are now in essence putting the criminal and coward predators on notice! Enough is enough, no longer will hard working men and women toil hard to allow there lives to be put in jeopardy or that of there families. No matter your background, religion, race, creed these people share one thing in common. They are resposible and armed.

Primal Right to Defense

Life on this planet share a lot of things in common everything eats, needs water, makes waste and defend's themselves. Think about it, if life on this planet did not posses at a minimal a way to defend itself, life would of ended a long time ago. The key thing is that life also has to work in harmony with everything around it or has a checks/balances put about it by nature. A civilized society use's the checks/balances by enacting laws that all members are expected to follow and adhere too. This is nothing new as those reading this have grown up with this respect of fellow people. But, what is unique in our time is that for the first time in civilized human history, there is a huge debate over people's perspective of defense, think about it. Look back at the standards of things that would of been exceptable even 30 years ago? Certain things have became not became more strict, but perception has changed and driven by certain groups within our society. At no time does the black letter of the law condone fighting. However, the law being wise and mature it does take into account that even in a civilized society fighting (which is the last form of negotiaion, to be discussed in another blog) will happen. When it does, the wisdom of the law accounts that it must be of equal terms and/or balanced. The justifiable defense within the scope of the law is a very narrow window. Many of my students ask me, "why that is?". If you think about it, very few of us will be involved in a situation where we would be put to the letter of the law. We see a situation start to devolp we do what we can to disconnect or disolve it as quickly as possible. Which in turn keeps the escalation getting to the point to where defense would occur. As we "Mature" we begin to realize it more. When young we are ready to engage at a drop of a hat. But as we get older, it becomes aparent that it is not as wise, why? We could end up in jail, we could be injured (which means hospital bills and missing work), we change our lifestyle as more things move into the realm of importance (job, family, hobbies). But, Do I not still have the right to protect myself and family? In my humble opinion, YES! However, we need to first remember a key thing about rights, they come with responsibility. Through the matrix of American's lives it seem's as we sometime forget that. You have a responsiblity to know the standard that you will be held to. You have the responsiblity to account for your actions and acticulate them. You have the responsibility to ensure that what you do is just and sound. Along with that it is my opinion that you have the responsibility to aquire the skill's that you need. We live in a country where we have Law Enforcement Officer's (who have a hard job and I respect), but they cannot be there every second that you need them. The rule is that one officer per 32 citizens in a city, much of our country is way below that, they are busy. You must realize that it is your primal right to protect yourself and your family from death or grave bodily harm on a daily basis. I am talking about from the criminal element, not terrorism (though it is becoming more and more our concern as well). Take the time and get some training, become educated to it. I have a saying I tell some new students, "What is there to fear if we understand it?". Get educated and develop a plan, pray you never need to use it, but if you do, then you are prepared. Would you sit inside a burning building and wait for firefighters to come and get you? Or would you get and extinquisher and use to make your way out as soon as possible? That is why we have them in our home as well as smoke detectors, we pray we don't need it, but if we do we are glad it was there. That is why you have it, because an equipped fireman doesn't live in your home. That is why, we should be educated in defense and personal protection, because we cann not carry an officer in our pocket. Many people wonder where to start, N.R.A. has a great first seminar for personal defense that is not about firearms, called "Refuse to be a Victim". It address's things that many people don't think about. For firearm training NRAInstructor.org is a referance, if in Illinois get a hold of me. Stay safe, seek training and enjoy life Todd