We train - a lot - for our physical self-defense. But how much training do we do for the situation surrounding the actual need to pull the trigger defensively?
“…you must think about your actions before they occur. You must also know the legal implications of those actions. My suggestion when it comes to such things is this: Know the laws. Be proficient with your defensive tools. Avoid every fight you can.”
The hard part is vigilance or consistency. I work hard at avoiding situations where I will be confronted with a threat. I am careful about the time of day I am out doing business. I look around me before getting out of my car. I check out the area before I park my car. I keep my card with the number for my USCCA insurance handy and I have to number in my phone. I also realize that none of that protects me 100 percent of the time. I might get lazy or distracted and end up being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I have been on vacation and ended up staying in a less that reputable part of town than I would normally pick because of having work done on my vehicle. I have been lucky and haven’t had to use maximum force yet but I have deployed Pepper gel once. Turned out to be a 5150 case but it was still uncomfortable. The only practice I have been able to do involves home defense though I have modified the drill a bit when I am at the range using the cell phone and pretending to dial 911.
The home drill has my wife and I retreating to the back bedroom. We pretend that someone has broken into the house and we are responded. I pretend to pull the mattress down off of the bed and have my wife hide behind it. I place the phone extension on the dresser as if I have already dialed the police or 911. I then get the shotgun with light attachment and rack an imaginary round. I also have a handgun. I say in a loud voice so any intruder can hear, I am armed and the police have been notified. Don’t make me shoot you. I keep this up till the invader leaves or I have to engage. At least in theory because it is a practice drill.
In reality besides the alarm system going off and a call from our security over the control panel the dog would be making an incessant noise and those two things may have expedited the fleeing or confrontation.
I will be installing motion detectors in my front driveway and backyard soon to complement my array of motion lights, also installed a heavy chain accost my storage shed doors as we have been having an uptick of attempted thefts in my area.
Crime seems to flow in a particular area around here. Early detection is important along with a good alarm system and monitoring station. One additional thing I do is keep my firearm safe wiped clean so if there is a burglary the police will be able to get finger prints. Of course if the turds don’t have a record it won’t help but as we know there are a lot of repeat turds around. I know that it almost takes a act of congress to
get the police to take prints. There response has been “ we have to many burglaries to take prints “ Hmmm what’s wrong with that picture, seems like they could nailed some turds by fingerprints. A while back there was a man hunt for a car thief running away thru back yards. By chance he was in my back yard ; I help him at Bay for a while and I let him run to another yard cause I didn’t want to kill someone for being in my yard. Moments latter the cops came thru the yard with a K-9 unit hot on his trail.
PS: Too long in the tooth but turds happen.
I’m in the suburbs so claymore mines would disturb my neighbors.
Stay sharp
When I go into stores, I am vigilant to see, where the exits are, and the doors to the back store room to facilitate exiting the premises. I take note on where departments are, like in Walmart, Target, department stores, that if needed, and I have to, I know where I can get something to defend myself, being sports, a in store phone with a cord, hardware, garden center etc. I do this because nowdays, anywhere you go, you have to be aware of your “exits”. fast food, sit down resturants, bars, outdoor malls, movie theaters, no matter where I go, I am watching and taking note. Just better to be cautious and aware than to take things for granted.
As for hand to hand, even common taekwondo can help with dodging, deflecting, and getting away. We always practiced self defense, quick things to be able to do to separate and get out of there. I know where the areas are that will slow a person down. the best practice is to avoid at all costs. its sad that society has come to this, but better to train, and be more prepared, than sit and have the deer int he headlights look at a situation. my 2 cents… I am here to protect my family.
