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
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Shooter's Log- "training date"
There is a lot of great training aid's out there for the Armed Citizen's. Some of them are designed for specific item's or task's, others offer general assistance for the shooter to practice. But of all the item's out there and have been around there is one that is used the least and add's the greatest value for a person to practice, and become more efficient. Rifle shooter's have used this method for long time but again for some reason I do not see a great many shooters utilizing this tool, which is odd because it is rather inexpensive but valuable for what you recieve from it.
I am talking about a shooter's log. This tool as I have already said, is invaluable once you use them. I was interduced to them when I went into the Marine Corps, and at first didn't see the real benefit, untill few months later I started going through it on a deployment, and seen pattern of my shooting and ways to improve it. Once I left the Marine Corps I stopped using it for a while, untill I took up traditional archery and brought this concept into my learning to master it, and it made a big differance. I started "coaching" shooter's off and on, and would suggest to them to use them and explain how (as I will here). After few years, I noticed a trend, those shooter's that took my advise and used the "log", performed far better than those that did not. This just cemented how valuable this tool was to both new shooters and experianced.
A "log" can be as eligant or simple as you want it to be. From a simple small spiral notebook from a "dollar" store, to a designed precise folder. What is important is the material that you have in the book. You have to look at it as a computer. The only information you will get out of it, is going to depend on the material that you put into it. Take the time and record the information, you will be suprised how a little note will jog your memory years later, but I will discuss more of this later. Let's look at what or how a "log" should be set up.
Training data- You want plenty of room for record information, as well as, keep it "clean" which will assit in remembering, I recommend a whole page (if using a small note book) or a select section for you designed.
Date- Ensure that you have the Date on the form, this will help give your brain a referance and keep you organized.
Range- you want the distance to the target you are shooting here. What most people start to see is at a certain distance they start to have more issues.
Target- log what target you was shooting at. Some see a trend to they shoot better on some than others.
Pistol- If you have more than one, record which one you are using.
Caliber- place the caliber you are using, I go even further and place what ammunition I am using for referance, as some ammunition shooter better out of certain pistol's.
Drill/Skill- This area I put what "detail" I am working on. This does few things for the shooter. One, it make you think of what you want to work on special for that segment. Two, it gives you structure during the training time you have (instead of just shooting 50 bullets). Three, it will give you feedback later of what you worked on.
Notes- I then have a huge section (box) for notes also there is a simple target with bulls eye. This is where the majority of information will be recorded. The things that felt good or bad, what I changed that seem to work, and/or possbile what to work on next time. On the target, is where I "plot" the shots as my training progress's (more on that in minute).
Okay, we now have our heading set up on the logbook let's look at how to do it. Once all headers are filled in and we settled on a drill/skill to work on (for this let's use "Todd's Trigger" drill). We have everything set up we are shooting at a regular paper with a 2" dot in the middle. We load our pistol with three rounds, we then come up on target, we purposely extend our trigger finger through the trigger more than normal, and press off 3 accurate shots then empty and make clear. Now, if all is done corretly we should have three tight holes low and left. I pick up my ink pen, I jot down a 1=through, then on the "target" in log, put a little "1" where the impacts are. I then paste the target. I come back, load up 3 rounds, then I pull my finger out to the right and press off three accurate rounds, empty and show clear. We should have three tight rounds to the right or low/right. I will then pick up my ink pen and record 2=out, then on "target" in log, put a little "2" where those impacts are. I am also noting any issues, like maybe grip slipping, or sights seem blured today, or note perhaps a cut I have on my finger which is changing how I press the trigger.
Once, I am done with the drill I am working on, I will move to the next and it will have it's own section/page. As you can see it is not hard, but will give you feedback. Once I am all done shooting for the day, I will make time to ponder the information. What felt good and what did not. The key is to find out the "why", then note it. Sometimes, this is done later that night or a few day's later, but the point is you want to make time to study your information, then this will help give and idea of what to work on for the next time. Let's face it ammunition is expensive, our time to train is never enough, and a good instructor/coach is ususally hard to find. This is something that can help you become better. Also, the next time you see a good instructor/coach, ask him/her to look over the "log". If it is done correctly, this will show them the information they need to help you, it is just as if they was right there. I hope this tip helps you and gives you another tool in the box to making you a better shooter.
Stay Alert, Articulate well and train smart,
Todd
Note: I tried uploading a copy of my log, but the brower didn't let me, leave a comment and I will send you a copy.
I am talking about a shooter's log. This tool as I have already said, is invaluable once you use them. I was interduced to them when I went into the Marine Corps, and at first didn't see the real benefit, untill few months later I started going through it on a deployment, and seen pattern of my shooting and ways to improve it. Once I left the Marine Corps I stopped using it for a while, untill I took up traditional archery and brought this concept into my learning to master it, and it made a big differance. I started "coaching" shooter's off and on, and would suggest to them to use them and explain how (as I will here). After few years, I noticed a trend, those shooter's that took my advise and used the "log", performed far better than those that did not. This just cemented how valuable this tool was to both new shooters and experianced.
A "log" can be as eligant or simple as you want it to be. From a simple small spiral notebook from a "dollar" store, to a designed precise folder. What is important is the material that you have in the book. You have to look at it as a computer. The only information you will get out of it, is going to depend on the material that you put into it. Take the time and record the information, you will be suprised how a little note will jog your memory years later, but I will discuss more of this later. Let's look at what or how a "log" should be set up.
Training data- You want plenty of room for record information, as well as, keep it "clean" which will assit in remembering, I recommend a whole page (if using a small note book) or a select section for you designed.
Date- Ensure that you have the Date on the form, this will help give your brain a referance and keep you organized.
Range- you want the distance to the target you are shooting here. What most people start to see is at a certain distance they start to have more issues.
Target- log what target you was shooting at. Some see a trend to they shoot better on some than others.
Pistol- If you have more than one, record which one you are using.
Caliber- place the caliber you are using, I go even further and place what ammunition I am using for referance, as some ammunition shooter better out of certain pistol's.
Drill/Skill- This area I put what "detail" I am working on. This does few things for the shooter. One, it make you think of what you want to work on special for that segment. Two, it gives you structure during the training time you have (instead of just shooting 50 bullets). Three, it will give you feedback later of what you worked on.
Notes- I then have a huge section (box) for notes also there is a simple target with bulls eye. This is where the majority of information will be recorded. The things that felt good or bad, what I changed that seem to work, and/or possbile what to work on next time. On the target, is where I "plot" the shots as my training progress's (more on that in minute).
Okay, we now have our heading set up on the logbook let's look at how to do it. Once all headers are filled in and we settled on a drill/skill to work on (for this let's use "Todd's Trigger" drill). We have everything set up we are shooting at a regular paper with a 2" dot in the middle. We load our pistol with three rounds, we then come up on target, we purposely extend our trigger finger through the trigger more than normal, and press off 3 accurate shots then empty and make clear. Now, if all is done corretly we should have three tight holes low and left. I pick up my ink pen, I jot down a 1=through, then on the "target" in log, put a little "1" where the impacts are. I then paste the target. I come back, load up 3 rounds, then I pull my finger out to the right and press off three accurate rounds, empty and show clear. We should have three tight rounds to the right or low/right. I will then pick up my ink pen and record 2=out, then on "target" in log, put a little "2" where those impacts are. I am also noting any issues, like maybe grip slipping, or sights seem blured today, or note perhaps a cut I have on my finger which is changing how I press the trigger.
Once, I am done with the drill I am working on, I will move to the next and it will have it's own section/page. As you can see it is not hard, but will give you feedback. Once I am all done shooting for the day, I will make time to ponder the information. What felt good and what did not. The key is to find out the "why", then note it. Sometimes, this is done later that night or a few day's later, but the point is you want to make time to study your information, then this will help give and idea of what to work on for the next time. Let's face it ammunition is expensive, our time to train is never enough, and a good instructor/coach is ususally hard to find. This is something that can help you become better. Also, the next time you see a good instructor/coach, ask him/her to look over the "log". If it is done correctly, this will show them the information they need to help you, it is just as if they was right there. I hope this tip helps you and gives you another tool in the box to making you a better shooter.
Stay Alert, Articulate well and train smart,
Todd
Note: I tried uploading a copy of my log, but the brower didn't let me, leave a comment and I will send you a copy.
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
A Paper that Changed the World
Think about what this day July 4th, means to us Citizens of the United States of America? Think of the courage of our ancestors during this trying time? We often do not stop and ponder this, the very lives they put on the line, for a dream, something better, a commitment to a document that would change the world and become a beacon for freedom for all. We at time's take the rights our founding fathers have engrained into a parchment for granted it seems to me. We have an obligation not just to ourselves but to our children. We must take time to not just read the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, but also understand the era and people who have had enough of being dominated.
We are a country of people who came from different walks of life, religion's, class's and creed's. We have always had different opinions and belief's. However, we also realize that we need to come together and bond over item's that are bigger and more important than what we as individuals want. We are a country of unity, compassion and compromise. At the same time we are a nation of people who are not afraid to stand and speak our mind on what is just and right. A nation who wants to resolve through diplomacy, and yet are willing to shed our blood for the sanctity of the preservation of liberty. We hold the pursuit of happiness as value more important than the security of need's.
Our founding fathers came together in time of tyranny. They did not just represent their own values but those of all of this nation. They came together, discussed intently the issues of the times and the actions of which to take. After many failed attempts to appeal and communicate with the injustice's of the time, they appointed a Sub-Committee to draft a document of declaration. The sub-committee came up with several draft's, then they submitted a final one, all of which was drawn up by Thomas Jefferson. This final draft was signed by the congress of the time and was sent off. This document would change the very world as we know it today.
This document with ink and parchment would declare that people have a right to be free, and was sealed in blood with that of patriots and free men. This is what gave us the fortitude to stand and unite. Think about it a small group of people standing up to the World Power of the time. Not only demonstrating the desire to be free, but to beat the power and gain means of a new nation, cemented with the common man's use of the firearm of the time (we are a nation of riflemen). As any great thing that last, this did not happen overnight and took trial and error. The adoption of the Articles of the Confederation would give us guidance through the Revalution. Though it did not provide all that would be needed for a nation to not only survive but thrive.
A new document would need to be born. A document that would become the most important document drafted by man for freedom. This would be the Constitution of the United States of America! With this the unalienable rights of free people would be cemented forever for this nation, and become the living/breathing bible of liberty. This paper gives us our rights, and show's the responsiblity that we as free men and women have to uphold it for those that will be here long after we have gone.
The 4th of July for all American's is a day that should consist of more than cook out's and gatherings. Take a few minutes of this day and refamiliarise yourself with it. Cherish the fabric of liberty that we have and pass the history and legacy on to those who shall come behind us. If we forget what it took to get here and do not take the time to ensure that are offspring share the same value as we have for it, it shall fade away into history. Along with that the very freedom's we have had shall not be enjoyed by our grandchildren.
We are a country of people who came from different walks of life, religion's, class's and creed's. We have always had different opinions and belief's. However, we also realize that we need to come together and bond over item's that are bigger and more important than what we as individuals want. We are a country of unity, compassion and compromise. At the same time we are a nation of people who are not afraid to stand and speak our mind on what is just and right. A nation who wants to resolve through diplomacy, and yet are willing to shed our blood for the sanctity of the preservation of liberty. We hold the pursuit of happiness as value more important than the security of need's.
Our founding fathers came together in time of tyranny. They did not just represent their own values but those of all of this nation. They came together, discussed intently the issues of the times and the actions of which to take. After many failed attempts to appeal and communicate with the injustice's of the time, they appointed a Sub-Committee to draft a document of declaration. The sub-committee came up with several draft's, then they submitted a final one, all of which was drawn up by Thomas Jefferson. This final draft was signed by the congress of the time and was sent off. This document would change the very world as we know it today.
This document with ink and parchment would declare that people have a right to be free, and was sealed in blood with that of patriots and free men. This is what gave us the fortitude to stand and unite. Think about it a small group of people standing up to the World Power of the time. Not only demonstrating the desire to be free, but to beat the power and gain means of a new nation, cemented with the common man's use of the firearm of the time (we are a nation of riflemen). As any great thing that last, this did not happen overnight and took trial and error. The adoption of the Articles of the Confederation would give us guidance through the Revalution. Though it did not provide all that would be needed for a nation to not only survive but thrive.
A new document would need to be born. A document that would become the most important document drafted by man for freedom. This would be the Constitution of the United States of America! With this the unalienable rights of free people would be cemented forever for this nation, and become the living/breathing bible of liberty. This paper gives us our rights, and show's the responsiblity that we as free men and women have to uphold it for those that will be here long after we have gone.
The 4th of July for all American's is a day that should consist of more than cook out's and gatherings. Take a few minutes of this day and refamiliarise yourself with it. Cherish the fabric of liberty that we have and pass the history and legacy on to those who shall come behind us. If we forget what it took to get here and do not take the time to ensure that are offspring share the same value as we have for it, it shall fade away into history. Along with that the very freedom's we have had shall not be enjoyed by our grandchildren.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Conceal Carry Commandment's
For many carrying a concealed firearm is new to them. If they are properly trained then they understand the great responsibility and standard of higher care that they are held to. They know that there is a lot to this, that goes rather deep and a whole lot to know. There is a great many things that one should know and do, below I offer these, I know not if they are carved in stone or not, but they should be carved into the brain. The following is based on my own experiances, as well as, from my mentor and living legend Massad Ayoob. Mr. Ayoob first wrote these back in 2009 and appeared as "Ten Commandments of Concealed Carry" in Harris publications. I had the honor and privedge of discussing these with Massad after I attended his MAG20 class (I strongly urge everyone who carry's legally to attend this class).
1- If you choose to carry, always carry, as much as possible. If the need comes you will have to defend yourself or those under your care, do you think it will be when you choose? Criminal's attack when the prey least expect it as do other vile critters. They have the luxury of picking and choosing their chosen prey and when to pounce. Could that "quick" run to the store be the time? Could just poping in for a quick burger with family be the time a disgrentled employee show's up? Is it possible that sitting with family enjoying a movie at a theater be the time a person who has no care for life decides to take it away? I am not trying to scare you, just reality of the world we live in, we must choose not to be a victim. Along with this, you want to carry as much as possible so you can "fine" tune and adjust it to your lifestyle. You will find that once you do, that you will feel "naked" without it. Imagine the first time you got a cell phone, at first it was a nuisance, in a short time, you stopped and looked till you found it before you left the home.
2- If your not prepared to use it, don't carry it. This is of course something that you must consider and decide long before you carry. There is nothing that you can put on to keep evil away, there is no magic, untill force field technology gets perfected. It doesn't matter if it is a knife, firearm, stun gun or hammer, you must have come to terms with the possible use of this rescue tool if the time comes. If properly trained, then you understand what will follow once you have to use the tool. Not just the legal aftermath, but the psychological and social as well. You must remember, criminal's do not fear the firearm or tool. They have their own and are familiar with them. What they truly fear is the potential prey who has come to terms with these issue's and have commited that if it comes, they will do what is necassary. We hope and pray we never have to be in the situation, but if it does come, we must have the decision of action already dealt with.
3- Do not allow the firearm to make you reckless. "with a hammer, every problem looks like a nail" is an old saying. Just because you have the firearm does not make you superman/superwoman. As already stated, those who carry legally are held to a higher standard of care". You are expected to know the law and the narrow scope of applying the rescue tool justifiably. This does not give you any special power, you are not a deputized law enforcement officer. Everything that you do will be measured by a magnifing glass, so make sure that you conduct yourself accordingly. Carrying a firearm is the last resort, and should be also the "brake" that should always be present in your mind before you go and get into the mix of a situation, it should always be present in the thought process.
4- Carry Legally. You are a lawabiding citizen, who has taken the time and responsiblity of seeking training and taking the time to obtain your license. You need to ask yourself this, "why did I find the need to get my conceal carry license and/or why do I feel the need to carry a firearm?". It will be different for everyone, but I would assume that you want the ability to protect yourself and those under your care if the need arised. Now, I want you to stop and think what you would do if a greater power took that away, forever! This is what will happen if you do not carry Legally, many times I have stated that we will be held to a higher standard of care and breaking the law is not what reasonable, prudent people do. The very law's of our great nation, give us the right to do this, unlike so many other countries. The law is not a serpent out slithering around looking and tempting you to become a felon. It is you who make the decision to give up this right by becoming a felon.
5- Know what you are doing. This applies just not with applying marksmanship skills, nor just carrying method. But goes along with understanding the law's that will be applied to you. You need to know the narrow scope of the law that you will be measured to if the situation ever transpires. There is all kinds of myth's out there that range from "just drag them inside" to "just say you was in fear of your life", it is not that simple. If someone tell's you this, are you willing to take their advice which will decide where you will sleep the next 20 years of your life? You have to know not only how to carry and use the rescue tool's, but you can justifiably use them. Would you give someone CPR who had a cut on their finger? Apply what is appropriate for the time. Having this knowledge and applying it comes with research and training. Study intently and understand why this person went to prison, yet this one did not. Your training should be not just in how to shoot, but when to shoot as well. FYI, I recommend first aid training as well, because you may have to render aid to yourself and/or your loved one. Having a guitar doesn't make you a rockstar, just as having a firearm doesn't make you prepared. Train!
6- Concealed means hidden from view. Remember just as you have a right to have the firearm, other citizens have the equal right not to see or be threatened by it. You want to keep it concealed for various reasons. Legally, most states have a "brandishing" or "threatening" laws, to protect all of us from such acts. So we want to ensure that someone doesn't feel this way and we become charged with breaking law (see #5 above). Tactically, we want to have the firearm concealed to keep this advantage in our favor. Picture if you will, you are in a convienant store, a criminal comes in to rob it, as you reach for something on top shelf they see your firearm. Who do you think they will eliminate first? We do not want anyone to know we are carrying. I also look at it as the first step in keeping it from unauthorized people. I do not want someon to be tempted to reach for it.
7- Be familiar with firearms. You have decided to carry a firearm for your protection and/or that of the ones you love. You want to know deeply how to manipulate it safely. If the time comes that you will need it, it will be within seconds. You want it to be second nature and extention of yourself. You want to know it intimately, how to load, unload, clear malfunction, how to fire it. I strongly urge that after you become familiar with your firearm, that you seek out being familiar with some different ones also. Have a working knowledge of single and double action revolvers, remember you may be in a situation to where you may have to pick one of those up too.
8- Study the fine points. Like signing a contract or buying something you need to read the fine print before you commit to something (see #5). Take sometime and understand the finer points of the laws in your area. Understanding them will help with other places that it is different. This will help you stay legal and comprehend what is just. The principle "ignorance of the law is no excuse", should be branded in your brain.
9- The firearm you carry should be adequate. The firearm/ammunition you carry should have a "track record" for stopping a threat. Remember, if you are ever in a situation to where you shoot a person, you will have to articulate why you did what you did, as well as, why you used what you did. If chosen carry method is not used by law enforcement then you might want to rethink it.
10- Make sure common sense is "Common". Use sound reasoning, logic and ethics as you would do at all times. Carrying a firearm you have the power of what? You literally have the power at your side of life and death. Why do you think that you have to get training and apply for a license to carry? Because this grave power belongs only in the hand of responsible people that understand the consequences of it. A person who values life and the safety of others. At all times use common sense.
I hope that this might give you some insight and guidance in carrying. Once again I want to thank Mr. Ayoob for putting this in an important article back in 2009, as well as, all his hard ground breaking work. My friend stay safe, train well and be aware.
1- If you choose to carry, always carry, as much as possible. If the need comes you will have to defend yourself or those under your care, do you think it will be when you choose? Criminal's attack when the prey least expect it as do other vile critters. They have the luxury of picking and choosing their chosen prey and when to pounce. Could that "quick" run to the store be the time? Could just poping in for a quick burger with family be the time a disgrentled employee show's up? Is it possible that sitting with family enjoying a movie at a theater be the time a person who has no care for life decides to take it away? I am not trying to scare you, just reality of the world we live in, we must choose not to be a victim. Along with this, you want to carry as much as possible so you can "fine" tune and adjust it to your lifestyle. You will find that once you do, that you will feel "naked" without it. Imagine the first time you got a cell phone, at first it was a nuisance, in a short time, you stopped and looked till you found it before you left the home.
2- If your not prepared to use it, don't carry it. This is of course something that you must consider and decide long before you carry. There is nothing that you can put on to keep evil away, there is no magic, untill force field technology gets perfected. It doesn't matter if it is a knife, firearm, stun gun or hammer, you must have come to terms with the possible use of this rescue tool if the time comes. If properly trained, then you understand what will follow once you have to use the tool. Not just the legal aftermath, but the psychological and social as well. You must remember, criminal's do not fear the firearm or tool. They have their own and are familiar with them. What they truly fear is the potential prey who has come to terms with these issue's and have commited that if it comes, they will do what is necassary. We hope and pray we never have to be in the situation, but if it does come, we must have the decision of action already dealt with.
3- Do not allow the firearm to make you reckless. "with a hammer, every problem looks like a nail" is an old saying. Just because you have the firearm does not make you superman/superwoman. As already stated, those who carry legally are held to a higher standard of care". You are expected to know the law and the narrow scope of applying the rescue tool justifiably. This does not give you any special power, you are not a deputized law enforcement officer. Everything that you do will be measured by a magnifing glass, so make sure that you conduct yourself accordingly. Carrying a firearm is the last resort, and should be also the "brake" that should always be present in your mind before you go and get into the mix of a situation, it should always be present in the thought process.
4- Carry Legally. You are a lawabiding citizen, who has taken the time and responsiblity of seeking training and taking the time to obtain your license. You need to ask yourself this, "why did I find the need to get my conceal carry license and/or why do I feel the need to carry a firearm?". It will be different for everyone, but I would assume that you want the ability to protect yourself and those under your care if the need arised. Now, I want you to stop and think what you would do if a greater power took that away, forever! This is what will happen if you do not carry Legally, many times I have stated that we will be held to a higher standard of care and breaking the law is not what reasonable, prudent people do. The very law's of our great nation, give us the right to do this, unlike so many other countries. The law is not a serpent out slithering around looking and tempting you to become a felon. It is you who make the decision to give up this right by becoming a felon.
5- Know what you are doing. This applies just not with applying marksmanship skills, nor just carrying method. But goes along with understanding the law's that will be applied to you. You need to know the narrow scope of the law that you will be measured to if the situation ever transpires. There is all kinds of myth's out there that range from "just drag them inside" to "just say you was in fear of your life", it is not that simple. If someone tell's you this, are you willing to take their advice which will decide where you will sleep the next 20 years of your life? You have to know not only how to carry and use the rescue tool's, but you can justifiably use them. Would you give someone CPR who had a cut on their finger? Apply what is appropriate for the time. Having this knowledge and applying it comes with research and training. Study intently and understand why this person went to prison, yet this one did not. Your training should be not just in how to shoot, but when to shoot as well. FYI, I recommend first aid training as well, because you may have to render aid to yourself and/or your loved one. Having a guitar doesn't make you a rockstar, just as having a firearm doesn't make you prepared. Train!
6- Concealed means hidden from view. Remember just as you have a right to have the firearm, other citizens have the equal right not to see or be threatened by it. You want to keep it concealed for various reasons. Legally, most states have a "brandishing" or "threatening" laws, to protect all of us from such acts. So we want to ensure that someone doesn't feel this way and we become charged with breaking law (see #5 above). Tactically, we want to have the firearm concealed to keep this advantage in our favor. Picture if you will, you are in a convienant store, a criminal comes in to rob it, as you reach for something on top shelf they see your firearm. Who do you think they will eliminate first? We do not want anyone to know we are carrying. I also look at it as the first step in keeping it from unauthorized people. I do not want someon to be tempted to reach for it.
7- Be familiar with firearms. You have decided to carry a firearm for your protection and/or that of the ones you love. You want to know deeply how to manipulate it safely. If the time comes that you will need it, it will be within seconds. You want it to be second nature and extention of yourself. You want to know it intimately, how to load, unload, clear malfunction, how to fire it. I strongly urge that after you become familiar with your firearm, that you seek out being familiar with some different ones also. Have a working knowledge of single and double action revolvers, remember you may be in a situation to where you may have to pick one of those up too.
8- Study the fine points. Like signing a contract or buying something you need to read the fine print before you commit to something (see #5). Take sometime and understand the finer points of the laws in your area. Understanding them will help with other places that it is different. This will help you stay legal and comprehend what is just. The principle "ignorance of the law is no excuse", should be branded in your brain.
9- The firearm you carry should be adequate. The firearm/ammunition you carry should have a "track record" for stopping a threat. Remember, if you are ever in a situation to where you shoot a person, you will have to articulate why you did what you did, as well as, why you used what you did. If chosen carry method is not used by law enforcement then you might want to rethink it.
10- Make sure common sense is "Common". Use sound reasoning, logic and ethics as you would do at all times. Carrying a firearm you have the power of what? You literally have the power at your side of life and death. Why do you think that you have to get training and apply for a license to carry? Because this grave power belongs only in the hand of responsible people that understand the consequences of it. A person who values life and the safety of others. At all times use common sense.
I hope that this might give you some insight and guidance in carrying. Once again I want to thank Mr. Ayoob for putting this in an important article back in 2009, as well as, all his hard ground breaking work. My friend stay safe, train well and be aware.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Grip- It's just not for hands anymore
The Grip is often overlooked when it comes to the presentation and shooting of the pistol. A great many people just grab and pick up the pistol, then apply the other hand and begin to shoot, then wonder often why the impacts are not getting better. I often state in my basic pistol classes, that the pistol is the hardest firearm to shoot well. There is a great many reason's for this and one of them is that unlike others, you are only connected to the pistol with your hands with no other support, (Hovering out in front of the body). So, the better we can make our grip on the pistol the more it will help with consistency, as well as, manage recoil for a follow up shot.
I will address shooting a semi-automatic in my view, because this is the most common pistol used today, (I will follow this up with picture's, once I get a new camera). Note, that understanding this is critical, especially for a new shooter, befor they spend there hard earned money on a pistol that is not correct for them. Just because it is easy to conceal does not mean it can be shot well. As, always the firearm rules will apply. First, with an uloaded firearm (only you know that it is unloaded after you check), point in safe direction, then feel your grip with the strong hand. Does it fit in the palm of your hand? Does your hand sit high against the "tang" of the pistol? Is there room for your support hand?
Now lift the pistol up with a one hand grip, and obtain good sight alignment, now look down at how the pistol sit's in your hand, is it in the "V" or off to one side? The rule of thumb is, that it should line up with the "V", for good support, the real trick is, how does it line up with the Ulna and Radius of the arm? In essence you want your wrist locked, and the bones supporting the pistol. Then you have good structure, which in turn will give your consitency. Now, this is the "perfect" way, however we are all built differently, with different hands and build, but we will disuss this in a second. I don't want you to change anything, I want you to feel how it fits in your hand now. Next, only after you of course ensure that it is unloaded. I want you to put your trigger finger on the trigger, and apply slight take up (tension), don't shoot it, just put tension on the trigger. As, you apply pressure, is there any added pressue on your front strap fingers? Look at your trigger finger on how it address's the frame of the pistol. Does it make contact with it? Do you really have to reach for the trigger? Do you have to "fight" to draw your finger into the trigger for the sweet spot? Does your overall strong hand stay in contact with the pistol front/back strap? Next, as long as can be done safely, dry fire the pistol. Nice and slow, press the trigger to the rear till it breaks, then hold it. How does it feel, is your finger "cramped to make it go off? Look at all the same, remember we want the shot to break with out changing anything and this is where it all begins, the grip. All the above is sizing, can you make any pistol shoot well, sure. But, with the correct pistol you will shoot great and appear easily, why struggle?
One of the biggest issue's I see people have, is when they grip the pistol, they "torque" on left grip panel, with the tips of there fingers (they shoot low/left). We want the pressure of our strong hand to press the front strap of the pistol back into the back strap into the palm of the hand, STRAIGHT back. You want the hand high, create a bubble of skin under the "tang". Now, take your thumb and point it up. This will open the void that needs filled. Take your support hand, where the ball of your thumb meets hand and lay that high on the grip, then point the thumb toward the target, along the slide. This will cause the support hand to cant foward, and lock the support wrist. Now the support hand fingers should wrap around the strong hand fingers, and grip more of a side to side. Apply tight grip, just as you would if swinging a hammer. I find that if you concentrate on applying more "pinky" pressure it helps tighten the grip. I do not advocate placing the support hand index finger on the trigger guard, the reason why, is because unless your get trained properly, you will be steering the pistol off target, then you are compensating for a problem that shouldn't be there anyway.
The hands can only do so much, so let us bring in some help. I find that if you press the pistol out all the way, you have more of a tendancy to "rock" in your grip. But, if your just slightly break it back toward your chest, your grip will tighten (try it with a piece of paper and have someone pull it out). This is called a chest press, and brings in the pectoral muscles and the deltoid muscles. Which gives us even more control, especially with recoil management. next time on the range, Shoot three rounds like normal. Then apply the chest press principles for 3 shot's. You will find that you will have more control over the pistol and shoot a tighter group.
The next thing to do to help with the grip, is improve your stance. What many people do not realize is that if you really want to focus on something, human being bend over a little, (watch people and you will see it is true). This increase's our focus. So, if we bend into the shot, get our chest just ahead of our belly button (push butt out), we are getting more of our body behind the pistol (mass weight), and we increase our focus which means better front sight control. This will assist you in managing recoil, as well as, increase balance, which in turn tightens your grip on the pistol.
Stay alert, articulate well, train often.
I will address shooting a semi-automatic in my view, because this is the most common pistol used today, (I will follow this up with picture's, once I get a new camera). Note, that understanding this is critical, especially for a new shooter, befor they spend there hard earned money on a pistol that is not correct for them. Just because it is easy to conceal does not mean it can be shot well. As, always the firearm rules will apply. First, with an uloaded firearm (only you know that it is unloaded after you check), point in safe direction, then feel your grip with the strong hand. Does it fit in the palm of your hand? Does your hand sit high against the "tang" of the pistol? Is there room for your support hand?
Now lift the pistol up with a one hand grip, and obtain good sight alignment, now look down at how the pistol sit's in your hand, is it in the "V" or off to one side? The rule of thumb is, that it should line up with the "V", for good support, the real trick is, how does it line up with the Ulna and Radius of the arm? In essence you want your wrist locked, and the bones supporting the pistol. Then you have good structure, which in turn will give your consitency. Now, this is the "perfect" way, however we are all built differently, with different hands and build, but we will disuss this in a second. I don't want you to change anything, I want you to feel how it fits in your hand now. Next, only after you of course ensure that it is unloaded. I want you to put your trigger finger on the trigger, and apply slight take up (tension), don't shoot it, just put tension on the trigger. As, you apply pressure, is there any added pressue on your front strap fingers? Look at your trigger finger on how it address's the frame of the pistol. Does it make contact with it? Do you really have to reach for the trigger? Do you have to "fight" to draw your finger into the trigger for the sweet spot? Does your overall strong hand stay in contact with the pistol front/back strap? Next, as long as can be done safely, dry fire the pistol. Nice and slow, press the trigger to the rear till it breaks, then hold it. How does it feel, is your finger "cramped to make it go off? Look at all the same, remember we want the shot to break with out changing anything and this is where it all begins, the grip. All the above is sizing, can you make any pistol shoot well, sure. But, with the correct pistol you will shoot great and appear easily, why struggle?
One of the biggest issue's I see people have, is when they grip the pistol, they "torque" on left grip panel, with the tips of there fingers (they shoot low/left). We want the pressure of our strong hand to press the front strap of the pistol back into the back strap into the palm of the hand, STRAIGHT back. You want the hand high, create a bubble of skin under the "tang". Now, take your thumb and point it up. This will open the void that needs filled. Take your support hand, where the ball of your thumb meets hand and lay that high on the grip, then point the thumb toward the target, along the slide. This will cause the support hand to cant foward, and lock the support wrist. Now the support hand fingers should wrap around the strong hand fingers, and grip more of a side to side. Apply tight grip, just as you would if swinging a hammer. I find that if you concentrate on applying more "pinky" pressure it helps tighten the grip. I do not advocate placing the support hand index finger on the trigger guard, the reason why, is because unless your get trained properly, you will be steering the pistol off target, then you are compensating for a problem that shouldn't be there anyway.
The hands can only do so much, so let us bring in some help. I find that if you press the pistol out all the way, you have more of a tendancy to "rock" in your grip. But, if your just slightly break it back toward your chest, your grip will tighten (try it with a piece of paper and have someone pull it out). This is called a chest press, and brings in the pectoral muscles and the deltoid muscles. Which gives us even more control, especially with recoil management. next time on the range, Shoot three rounds like normal. Then apply the chest press principles for 3 shot's. You will find that you will have more control over the pistol and shoot a tighter group.
The next thing to do to help with the grip, is improve your stance. What many people do not realize is that if you really want to focus on something, human being bend over a little, (watch people and you will see it is true). This increase's our focus. So, if we bend into the shot, get our chest just ahead of our belly button (push butt out), we are getting more of our body behind the pistol (mass weight), and we increase our focus which means better front sight control. This will assist you in managing recoil, as well as, increase balance, which in turn tightens your grip on the pistol.
Stay alert, articulate well, train often.
Monday, June 15, 2015
A.C.T. Mindset
Armed Citizen Tactical mindset (A.C.T. mindset) this is something I coined about a decade ago, I am sure I am not the only instructor who has stated something along these lines. This is the armed citizen using the training tool's that they should of learned and continually improving situation's to there advantage. As we have discussed in several articles the most important tool's that a person can have in their defensive arsenal are: Awareness, time and distance. With out these your chances of defending yourself and/or your family drop dramatically. As well as, the ability to increase your mantle of innocense, by articulating the actions you took to avoid the situation.
I hesitate to use the word "tactical", because in todays world it bring's up people in black duty gear charging into room's doing dynamic actions. But in reality everything that you do, to avoid a armed incident is a tactic. From using a shopping cart as a barricade, to changing the direction you are taking to a vehicle, when your awareness tell's you something is starting to fall into place. The key is to learn how to see things starting to happen and realize what item are around and to use them into your favor.
One aspect of this mindset that I try and get across to students, especially in advanced class's, is to use the greatest tool you have, your brain. The best defense is a strong offense. Unfortanately, this creates some legal issues. But that doesn't mean we can not take an offensive mindest and start to plan for a situation. Having a plan, which must always be flexible is crucial. When things start to materialize you have a basis to springboard off of. A good example that I relate in one training segment, is how would you handle a situation in a restraunt if you was sitting in a booth, verse's a chair? Think about it, this creates a little different tactic. Would you be better off leaning over and "springing" out from the side? What if you have company sitting next to you? How would you communicate this with the group/spouse you are with? As you can see this alone, hold's it own set of tactics that must be worked out ahead of time.
As many of you know the human brain does not act the same in times of duress as it does normally. A discussion on this alone could and does fill volume's of book's. What we need to understand is that we loose fine motor skill's and the a momentary pause of rationalizing. This happens because we must "switch on" from being passive to becomine reactive and aggresive. As an armed citizen you will be reacting to a situation, instead of having the time to act. This is where planning and training comes into play. You will expericance fear and panic. This is natural, and why we must do this. This is why professional's train till they fail or make a mistake, and amatuers train till they get it right. A professional know's that when it happen's time is against him/her and that having a plan and acting upon it, accepting and dealing with the stress and panic in training, is what will keep the field level.
What I advise is pick one thing you do in your everyday life and make a log. Then spend some time (a week) pondering and developing a good plan. Then seek training or advice and train on it. A classic example, besides, the ones above, that I get back from students is: You are sitting at a table in a restraunt with your family, a situation begin's to start, what will you do? Initially, you will come up with a quick plan and think it works. But, stop and look at it from all angles and you will find (while you have the time) you forgot about the backstop if the bullet over penetrates, what if you are holding your child on your strong holster side? There will always be a dynamic, and that is why you need to look at it now and get a idea worked out. I go as far as drawing diagrams for the situation. Most of this comes from my military background, but it is a very usefull tool, especially when everything in your life is at stake.
The A.C.T. mindset is as with all things conceal carry a lifestyle change. This will help you overcome some of the issues that comes with it. You can start by applying the following to a situation you pick-out:
1. What am I triggering on?
2. What is my immediate response of others under my care?
3. What will be my response of action?
4. Can I articulate why I took this action?
5. Where will my impact's go in I miss or over penetrate?
6. What tool's can become cover/concealment?
7. What obstacles can I use to buy time and distance?
Stay safe, plan right, train properly
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Learning, shouldn't be in the moment!
Waiting untill you need to do something is not the time to learn how to do it! Ever heard someone say "I will do it when I have too?" Well, as some people find out in life the hard (bad) way, when you need something you don't have time for trial and error. A good example is all the reality survival show's on TV. These people come to the show and do not know how to make FIRE! Now if you had an idea that you was going to be in a situation where you would have to make fire out of nothing, would you not take the time and learn how to do it NOW? I mean we are not talking about just for comfort, but for actually living! As I have said many times, we live in a great country, where we have so much that we don't have to worry about, but many take too much for granted. We live in a society now where people want things now. Without any thought of what it takes and or took to create and make it happen.
Personal Protection is not a game of chance, it is a reality of life and death. We need to learn how to survive if and/or when the situation takes place. Taking the time to not only be responsible and take training and initiative to train continually is a great start. But, there is more to it, the biggest aspect to me is the thought process that should go into tactics and training. Taking the time to train and take realistic training to put you within a controled environment so you can experiance the dynamics of what is going to happen, will go a long way.
In the next few blog's I am going to break things down that should help shed some light on things to ponder or implement. I am not going to make you an expert, that only comes with proper training and practice. Just as learning to read as a child, you didn't do it once, but over multitude of repetition's. Through perfect practice. I will post on this blog things that in my opinion have made it better for me and my students. Things like:
ACT mindset
Perfect Practice
In the Study
Me Log
Are just a few I will share with you, to hopefully give you some knowledge. I want everyone to be prepared, in the event something was to happen. Remember it can happen to anyone, if you accept that and plan accordingly then when it does, you will be prepared. You don't want to be in a situation where you or your family life is on the line and you are "now I have to do this to do.." RRRRRRRR, too late.
I want to share a example that has been with me since I read about it in Mr. Heston's Biography. It was during the Rodney King Riots in L.A., I don't have to remind you that this is a very anti-gun state. It was during this time, that many people was scared. Several wealthy people called Mr. Heston and asked "Hey Chuck it is getting crazy out there you have any extra guns we can borrow?" Mr. Heston then said, "Yes it is crazy out there, didn't you vote to keep the guns from peoples hands".
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