Less Violent

 I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  As a follower of Christ I have been confronted with my own self.  Because of my past, I am somewhat acquainted with violence.  That is not to say that I am violent, but I’m well acquainted with it.  This means that I don’t shy away from violence.  I don’t relish it, but I’m not afraid to use it as a tool to fight evil.  Evil can and will be defeated by good.  But unfortunately, when evil is at your door with violence you must use violence to defeat it.  If three dirt bags break down my living room door with the intent to plunder and hurt, I will react with hard and fast violence to quell that evil.  I’d like to talk my way out of a situation if I can, but in that scenario, talking and reason will not work.  The military exists to defend this nation against enemies foreign and domestic.  That defense consists of violence.  I was trained to defend that way.  In training others to use a firearm I have long advocated the ADD method before violence.  Avoidance, deterrence, and de-escalation. Life is just easier without getting into a firefight.  I’ve backed down from more than one situation that could have escalated into a real brouhaha. I’m not too concerned how I look.  If I’m perceived as a wimp then so be it. I’m secure enough in my life where image is not very important.  If you are not, you should work on that.  There is a quote from the original Star Trek series: “Spock, I’ve found that evil usually triumphs unless good is very, very careful.” (Dr. Leonard McCoy in “The Omega Glory,” Episode 23, Season 2, Star Trek) The point is, the old saying “Violence begats violence” is actually true.  Violence does not have to be the answer.  But as Chris Kyle was fond of saying, “Despite what your Momma told you, violence does solve problems.”  And when it is the answer, it needs to be precise and swift.  This is why we practice.  The more we practice, the more precise and swift we can be.  I’ve met several guys that are under the delusion that they need no practice.  They think when called upon to administer violence they can do it.  But it is not normal or comfortable for a human being to do things to another that may injure or be fatal to them.  Hesitation can kill you.  Practice mitigates hesitation as it gives some experience in shooting and not shooting.  There’s a big difference between hesitation and not shooting.  Not shooting is a choice, hesitation is a reaction.

I had a friend several years ago.  He was a Pararescueman in the Air Force and went on many missions.  It got to a point where he was forced to take leave by an Air Force phycologist.  He volunteered to go on many dangerous missions that almost always included a body count.  Finally, he was forcibly transferred to another team.  His present team did not trust him.  They claimed he gave up their position and presence when it was not necessary just to get another “kill”.  He was approached by several brothers about this problem.  He was also told that he was going to be facing a court martial and dishonorable discharge if he did not take care of his problem.  To his credit, he did take care of himself and quit the teams to finish his enlistment and honorably separate from the military.  He is one of the best instructors I ever took training from and he taught for several years as a civilian until he retired.  His story is a successful one, but there are others that don’t end well.  Killing can be addictive.  Violence is also addictive.  To combat this addictive attitude, being aware of, and in control of emotion and the intent of your mission is essential.  If the mission is to take out enemy combatants, such as search and destroy missions, then violence and killing may be in order.  No war being declared also blurs those lines as a military member.  In civilian life, violence, especially killing, is less common and less administered.  But when violence of action is required, fatal violence is on the table to stop the threat.  In many cases, when the presence of a gun is discovered, the threat usually withdraws.

Being a warrior but not being war-like is different than just being violent.  I’d like to stay a warrior so I feel I need to work on myself.   

Dr. Edward Tick has also worked with thousands of veterans and wrote a similarly valuable book about war and coming home titled “War and the Soul.” He says that a veteran of war does not become a “true warrior” merely for having been in combat. Instead, he says that a veteran does not become a warrior until they:

• Learn to carry their war skills in mature ways;
• Exercise restraint;
• Set right their life again;
• Discipline the violence within themselves;
• Prioritize protecting life over destroying it;
• Serve their nation in peace as well as in war making;
• Use force only when they have absolutely no other choice;
• Use their influence to dissuade their people from suffering the scourges of war unless absolutely necessary; and
• Use the fearlessness they have developed to help keep sanity, generosity, and order.

“The ideal warrior is,” Tick writes, “assertive, active, and energized. He or she is clear-minded, strategic, and alert. A warrior uses both body and mind in harmony and cooperation. A warrior is disciplined. A warrior assesses both his own resources and skills and those arrayed against him. A warrior is a servant of civilization and its future, guiding, protecting, and passing on information and wisdom. A warrior is devoted to causes he judges to be more important and greater than himself or any personal relationships or gain. Having confronted death, a warrior knows how precious and fragile life is and does not abuse or profane it.”

I agree with Dr. Tick.  Until we become a well rounded human being we will never be a true warrior.  In the process we curb our violent tendencies and control ourselves.

Dave Grossman, author of “On Killing” and physiologist wrote:

“Bruno Bettelheim, a survivor of the Nazi death camps, argues that the root of our failure to deal with violence lies in our refusal to face up to it. We deny our fascination with the “dark beauty of violence,” and we condemn aggression and repress it rather than look at it squarely and try to understand and control it.”
I believe violence is a necessary evil.  The problem is that our culture and society doesn’t understand the need for violence under any circumstances.  We accept that others can toy with violence.  Such as military and law enforcement.  The quote often attributed to George Orwell applies here:

“We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.”

This statement sums up the general publics attitude toward violence.  Dave Grossman also sums up the general populations attitude toward warriors.

“The sheep generally do not like the sheepdog. He looks a lot like the wolf. He has fangs and the capacity for violence. The difference, though, is that the sheepdog must not, cannot and will not ever harm the sheep. Any sheep dog who intentionally harms the lowliest little lamb will be punished and removed. The world cannot work any other way, at least not in a representative democracy or a republic such as ours.

Still, the sheepdog disturbs the sheep. He is a constant reminder that there are wolves in the land. They would prefer that he didn’t tell them where to go, or give them traffic tickets, or stand at the ready in our airports in camouflage fatigues holding an M-16. The sheep would much rather have the sheepdog cash in his fangs, spray paint himself white, and go, “Baa.”  Until the wolf shows up. Then the entire flock tries desperately to hide behind one lonely sheepdog.”

Most of the general public will never know the struggle that warriors have with violence.  Trying to be less violent is the constant problem we have in trying to be good and civilized.  Remember that when you see a tired looking law enforcement officer or military member.

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn

 

Traits of an Operator

 I am not an operator.  I know that sometimes I may talk like I am, but that is residual of training with them.  My original job in the military was a dangerous one.  I had no idea what the job was, but it sounded “cool”.  I don’t consider myself a wimp, but when I joined the military, I was married and had a child.  I was very aware that I needed to be here for my family.  I wanted a different job and as early as I was in my military career it was possible to change.  The jobs were limited, and I opted for a less dangerous one.  I thought about it for some time because once I found out what my original job entailed, I kinda wanted to do it.  I would have been gone a lot for training and deployment.  I wanted a big family and my priority was family.  God, family, country.  But in the process of my original job, I had to qualify physically and mentally for the training that accompanied that job.  There was also an extensive background and security clearance that I flew through.  Being a good Mormon boy I did not have some of the entanglements that others may have.  I was a perfect candidate.  Then I changed horses in the middle of the stream.  But as I was qualified (over-qualified I was told) for the training the military in its infinite wisdom thought they would train me anyway.  Use me as much as possible.  Much of the training crossed over into my new, less dangerous, job.  But that meant if I didn’t do well in some of the intense training, I would still have a job.  So, the pressure was off, and I could actually enjoy some of this crazy training.  I volunteered for training as it came up and thoroughly enjoyed what the military offered.  Some of the guys I was training with were under some extreme stress to do well.  Their jobs as operators depended on doing well and not washing out.  I was talking with a friend that I trained with SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape school) and jump school (parachute training) and we talked about the traits that operators must have to be successful SO (special operations) troops.  We came up with a list.  These are traits you may have, or you could cultivate to become better in the world of defense.

Extreme Competitiveness

Operators hate to lose. At anything. In any circumstance. Ever. For some reason, all of them see almost every event in life as a competition, or something to be defeated. They approach BUD/S (Navy Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training) the same way they approach tackling the Saturday morning garage clean-out, or the friendly jog with a buddy. They might start the training/clean-up/jog thinking they will just coast through it, and do enough to get the job done, but inevitably—pretty much every time—they end at a full sprint, giving it their all, trying to be honor man, and scraping the paint off the walls because they cleaned so hard. They only know one speed: full throttle. If you are going do it, do it better than everyone else. There is no such thing as a friendly race.

Self-criticism

While operators might always seem supremely self-confident, often to the point of arrogance, they are hyper self-critical, and always thinking of ways they could and should be better. That applies to all their endeavors. They always want to be better operators, and ridicule themselves for not being as good with a particular weapon as our buddy, or as fast a swimmer, or as strong a runner. They also, though, often find themselves lacking in normal life, too. They know they could be better fathers, better husbands, better siblings, and just better people. They are never satisfied with their performance, and they are always trying to improve. Unfortunately, this usually admirable quality can also manifest itself as criticism of others, as they often wonder why those around them are not as motivated as they are to improve. Once again, what makes them better operators can oftentimes bite them in the butt in normal society.

Stress resistant

The typical individual who succeeds in BUDS/S, Army Ranger school, or the Q-Course, (Army Special Forces Qualification Course) has a high resistance to stress. In fact, a man who can make it through such a trial has an almost inhuman ability to absorb a stressful situation and carry on through it, while suppressing whatever other emotions might be trying to bubble up during the stressful conditions. This can manifest itself in an often-limited emotional range in everyday social interactions, but in combat conditions, it is ideal. They enter a mental autopilot and shut out emotions that might keep them from continuing.

Self-Reliance

Operators hate asking for help. They believe they should be able to do anything that any other man can do, given time to figure out a task. Change out a toilet? No problem. Rewire the house? Sounds tricky, but he will give it a shot. Run an Iron Man triathlon? Okay, just let him stretch first. Build a thermonuclear device? He’s sure he can find a blueprint for that online. Operators are obstinate to a fault when it comes to independence.  They do not always like being told they are not doing something right, unless it is by someone, they know to be an expert. In other words, it is not OK for our wives to tell us we might not be qualified to rewire the house; but if a nuclear scientist has some input on the construction of our nuclear device, then they are willing to entertain their suggestions on a case-by-case basis.

Being Stoic

Finally, Seals learn in SEAL training to “suffer in silence.” It is a trait they try to carry with them throughout their lives. Operators just learn to deal with crap situations, and they revel in them over time, often to the point of finding humor in horrible circumstances. This gallows humor allows them to deal with seemingly insurmountable challenges, or to at least laugh at themselves when confronted with crap odds. It is their way of getting through situations that many would never want to face. They take pride in facing insurmountable odds and try to steel themselves through their stoicism. After all, if they cannot overcome a stressful situation, or handle it as well as their buddy, then he is a better operator than they are, and that is unacceptable, and they need to do a better job…the cycle goes on.

As we were discussing these “traits”, we came across some of our own strengths and weaknesses.  As you self-evaluate you will be able to relate to some, or all, of these points.  In our discussion we concluded that these powers don’t have to be bad but can be used for good instead of evil.  In other words, these traits, it developed right, can be positive.  They can make you a better warrior and defender. 

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn

Stop Runnin' Around With No Spare!

 One of my favorite Jimmy Buffet albums came out in January 1977, 48 years ago.  It is called

“Changes in Latitudes Changes in Attitudes”.  There’s a song on there called “Wonder Why We Never Go Home”  Second verse is as follows:

People are movin' so quickly
Humor's in need of repair
Same occupations and same obligations
They've really got nothing to share
Like drivin' around with no spare

I love Jimmy’s subtle humor.  “Drivin’ around with no spare” is a good example of that.  Why would you want to be in a situation without any type of back up? 

I was in a combat situation that would have been a disaster if I was in a patrol situation.  I ran out of ammo.  It was frustrating and scary and without those around me, the cover I was behind, and the fact that I could duck into a hardened shelter and grab more ammo, I would have been in trouble.  After that experience, I was never without about 20, 30 round magazines besides what I had on me.  I kept 10 mags on me in case I had to be mobile quick.

As civilians we have our own version of a “load out”.  It’s our EDC or everyday carry.  Usually it is a phone, keys, knife, wallet or purse/bag, and hopefully a gun.  I taught my children, “Never leave home without a knife or gun.”  Often a flashlight is part of that EDC.  A spare magazine should also be in your EDC.  Having been scared from seeing that bolt back and open because of my magazine running dry, I have vowed to never let it happen again.  I always have a spare mag.  Of course, this is only useful if you carry a semi-auto pistol. If you carry a revolver, speedstrips, speedloaders, and moon clips can provide similar benefits.

The most obvious reason for carrying a spare mag is for the extra ammo. Depending on the type of pistol you carry, this may be more or less of an incentive, but it is always advantageous. If you carry a mouse gun with around 6 rounds in the mag, this may be a requirement. If you carry a full-size, double-stack 9mm with upwards of 15+1 rounds on hand, you may feel like you’re already covered. Likely you are, but there are other reasons it’s good to carry a spare magazine. 

Having a spare magazine is also great should you suffer a firearm malfunction. General malfunctions such as a double-feed or failure to eject can be quickly and easily cleared by dropping your mag and racking the slide. Unless you work to hold and maintain the magazine while manipulating your pistol, which requires more time and coordination, this leaves your mag on the ground. It’s much faster to simply eject, clear, and reinsert a fresh magazine. However, I will say there is a lot of value in retaining your original mag (and rounds) in case you need it later. It’s up to you to train and determine your proficiency level. 

Also, your original magazine may incur some damage that causes it to no longer function. Whether it breaks while dropped or binds up with grit, this leaves you out of luck if you don’t carry a spare magazine. Remember the preparation phrase “Two is one, one is none.” 

As we add more and more to our EDC loadout, things get heavier and tend to get left at home. Single-stack magazines tend to be easier to carry than double-stack mags because they are slimmer and lighter.

The most simple method of carrying a spare mag is just dropping it in your bag or pocket. However, this does not provide you with rapid access in the event of an emergency. You’ll likely be fishing around trying to retrieve your spare. 

The solution is a magazine carrier. These are available in Kydex, leather, and synthetic materials with different clip and attachment options. One model features a sleeve with a pocket clip, similar to what’s found on many common folding knives. This is perfect for the pocket and keeps the magazine held in the same place for a repeatable draw. Other options ride on the belt, either inside or outside the waistband. These will feature a sturdier belt clip or belt loops to hold them in place. Paddle style holders slide under the belt and are held in place by tension. 

You can also select a holster with a built-in spare magazine carrier. This is common on appendix carry holsters and shoulder rigs. This makes it harder to forget and keeps everything contained into a single unit. Unfortunately, these tend to be a bit less discrete and may print more than other options, depending on your body type and wardrobe. 

The type of magazines you buy also matters. Not all mags are the same, so don’t cheap out when it comes to choosing your mags. Perhaps you could if the mags were reserved for range use/malfunction training. Even then, I stick mainly to quality OEM or reputable manufacturers. They’re just as good as most factory options, sometimes better when they have more capacity.

You may also choose to carry an extended mag as your backup. This will hold more ammunition but may be more cumbersome. If you can take the extra weight and bulk, this is a good option.

Magazines aren’t 100% disposable, but they are expendable. Especially when you use them. A good magazine is designed to be used, maintained, and eventually replaced. It is important to get yourself on a replacement schedule to prevent malfunctions. They’re not the most fun thing to buy, but it’s like getting batteries for your devices, it’s a necessity. 

There are differing thoughts around spring wear and what wears out magazines the most. From what I have seen and experienced, the most wear will come from the loading/unloading process while shooting. You may also get some wear when the magazine sits loaded with the spring compressed for a long period of time, but less so. 

Shooters should have multiple magazines for their firearm. When considering a new purchase or looking through your current inventory, consider which firearms use the same magazines. This can save you money and allows you to use your mags across a number of different firearms.

Whether you need it or not, carrying a spare mag is good insurance. In many ways, it echoes the reasons we carry a firearm in the first place. It is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

These are many viable reasons to carry a spare magazine.  But the one that is tattooed in my brain is a dry mag and someone shooting at you!

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn

Range Gun Conditions and Safety Rules

 Ever been to a range where the RSO (range safety officer) says “condition 1.  Put all weapons to condition 1” and you wondered what that meant then this post is for you.  There are commonly 5 positions, 1 through 4 including 0.

We never used this system when I was in the military, we just gave commands on what to do.  But some ranges have this system to simplify commands and streamline safety.  We’ll go over these conditions so you will be familiar if you ever see this system at a range.

These are associated with single-action/double-action and striker-fire pistols.  Not every pistol passes through every condition. 

Condition 0 — Magazine inserted, round in the chamber, safety off.

• For SA/DA — Hammer is back.

Condition 1 — Magazine inserted, round in the chamber, safety on.

• For SA/DA — Hammer is back.

Condition 2 — Applies to Single-Action/Double-Action primarily.  This is a magazine inserted, round in the chamber, hammer forward.  For revolvers, it would be rounds inserted into cylinder, cylinder locked into place, hammer forward.

Condition 3 — Magazine inserted, no round in the chamber.

• For SA/DA — Hammer is forward.

Condition 4 — No magazine inserted, no round in the chamber.

• For SA/DA — Hammer is forward.
• For SA/DA revolvers — Hammer is forward, cylinder is clear of all rounds.

Condition 4 is considered safe for transport in a range environment.  Some ranges have less stringent restrictions than others. But most have Condition 4 as always being a good idea until you are given permission by the range safety officer (or whatever governs the range) to proceed from Condition 4 to 1/0.

As you can see, Condition 0 and 1 are separated only by a manual safety.   The firearm is loaded, hammer to the rear, and a round is in the chamber.  This firearm should be handled with caution and treated with respect (at ALL conditions – but especially these two).

While condition readiness truly applies to little outside the range environment, it is something that we consider in our situational awareness.  For instance, many concealed carriers carry in Condition 3.  That’s because they don’t want to have a round in the chamber.

For those who carry 1911 variants or SA/DA pistols, Condition 2 is extremely common.

For striker-fire (Glock 19, etc.) carriers who feel confident in their carry abilities, Condition 0 is common.

It comes down to familiarity with the firearm, competency with its mechanics, and confidence that you can use it without doing harm to yourself or others unintentionally.

Condition readiness is a great way to communicate to other firearm operators where you are and where they need to be.  More importantly, it’s a way of communicating safety.

Next time you hear a range safety officer say, “go to Condition 1”, you know to make ready and be prepared to have a great day at the range.

I’ve included Jeff Cooper’s gun safety rules.  Jeff and his staff taught a large portion of my instructor’s course in the military.  I was privileged to meet this great man and be taught by him personally.  I’m grateful for the experience and training.

He said of these rules, 5 would be too much to remember, and 3 doesn’t cover the subject well enough.  That is why there are 4.

 

Jeff Cooper's Rules of Gun Safety

 RULE 1: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED

RULE 2: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY

RULE 3: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET

RULE 4: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET

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RULE 1: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED

There are no exceptions. Do not pretend that this is true. Some people and organizations take this rule and weaken it;e.g. "Treat all guns as if they were loaded." Unfortunately, the "as if" compromises the directness of the statement by implying that they are unloaded, but we will treat them as though they are loaded. No good! Safety rules must be worded forcefully so that they are never treated lightly or reduced to partial compliance.

All guns are always loaded - period!

This must be your mind-set. If someone hands you a firearm and says, "Don't worry, it's not loaded," you do not dare believe him. You need not be impolite, but check it yourself. Remember, there are no accidents, only negligent acts. Check it. Do not let yourself fall prey to a situation where you might feel compelled to squeal, "I didn't know it was loaded!"

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RULE 2: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY

Conspicuously and continuously violated, especially with pistols, Rule 2 applies whether you are involved in range practice, daily carry, or examination. If the weapon is assembled and in someone's hands, it is capable of being discharged. A firearm holstered properly, lying on a table, or placed in a scabbard is of no danger to anyone. Only when handled is there a need for concern. This rule applies to fighting as well as to daily handling. If you are not willing to take a human life, do not cover a person with the muzzle. This rule also applies to your own person. Do not allow the muzzle to cover your extremities, e.g. using both hands to reholster the pistol. This practice is unsound, both procedurally and tactically. You may need a free hand for something important. Proper holster design should provide for one-handed holstering, so avoid holsters which collapse after withdrawing the pistol. (Note: It is dangerous to push the muzzle against the inside edge of the holster nearest the body to "open" it since this results in your pointing the pistol at your midsection.) Dry-practice in the home is a worthwhile habit and it will result in more deeply programmed reflexes. Most of the reflexes involved in the Modern Technique do not require that a shot be fired. Particular procedures for dry-firing in the home will be covered later. Let it suffice for now that you do not dry-fire using a "target" that you wish not to see destroyed. (Recall RULE 1 as well.)

 

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Rule 3: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET

Rule III is violated most anytime the uneducated person handles a firearm. Whether on TV, in the theaters, or at the range, people seem fascinated with having their finger on the trigger. Never stand or walk around with your finger on the trigger. It is unprofessional, dangerous, and perhaps most damaging to the psyche, it is klutzy looking. Never fire a shot unless the sights are superimposed on the target and you have made a conscious decision to fire. Firing an unaligned pistol in a fight gains nothing. If you believe that the defensive pistol is only an intimidation tool - not something to be used - carry blanks, or better yet, reevaluate having one around. If you are going to launch a projectile, it had best be directed purposely. Danger abounds if you allow your finger to dawdle inside the trigger guard. As soon as the sights leave the target, the trigger-finger leaves the trigger and straightens alongside the frame. Since the hand normally prefers to work as a unit - as in grasping - separating the function of the trigger-finger from the rest of the hand takes effort. The five-finger grasp is a deeply programmed reflex. Under sufficient stress, and with the finger already placed on the trigger, an unexpected movement, misstep or surprise could result in a negligent discharge. Speed cannot be gained from such a premature placement of the trigger-finger. Bringing the sights to bear on the target, whether from the holster or the Guard Position, takes more time than that required for moving the trigger finger an inch or so to the trigger.

 

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RULE 4: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET

Know what it is, what is in line with it, and what is behind it. Never shoot at anything you have not positively identified. Be aware of your surroundings, whether on the range or in a fight. Do not assume anything. Know what you are doing.

 

SUMMARY:

Make these rules a part of your character. Never compromise them. Improper gun handling results from ignorance and improper role modeling, such as handling your gun like your favorite actor does. Education can cure this. You can make a difference by following these gun handling rules and insisting that those around you do the same. Set the example. Who knows what tragedies you, or someone you influence, may prevent?

Excerpted and paraphrased (Rules numbers changed from Roman to Arabic numerals)  from: “The Modern Technique of the Pistol,” by Greg Morrison, Gunsite Press, Paulden, Arizona

These conditions are connected to the safety rules.  Learn them all and be better at the range!

 

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn

10 Worst Things You Can Do If You Decide To Carry

There are several of these lists out there so I’d like to add my 2 cents. 

 The first is, you’ve gone to the trouble, expense, and time to become a concealed carrier and then you don’t carry!  If you go through all this, and have done all the things right, but then you don’t carry I wonder why you bothered?  It takes a bit of time, and money to become an experienced, responsible concealed carrier.  The cost of the gun, holster, belt, magazines, ammo, gun case, gun safe, and other accessories can reach into the thousands!  Not to mention the cost of training and licensing. All this takes time and money.  If you’ve made the decision to carry, carry! Carry always!

Second is carry a round in the chamber. I know this is a highly controversial, highly discussed subject.  Let me clear it up for you… carry with one in the chamber.  Keep the four rules of gun safety and make sure you keep number three, keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard until your sights are on your target.  I don’t understand anything else.  I’ve watched those who think they can charge the gun in time to shoot.  They take an extra .50 of a second and sometimes more.  It’s not worth it.  Even if your practice that way.  If you are careful and safe with your weapon, you will not have an accident. Believe me, I have carried a variety of guns over the last 40 years.  Everyone has had a round in the chamber.  I’ve only accidentally shot two people.  NOT!  I’m kidding, I’ve never had an accidental or negligent discharge.  Carry one in the chamber.

Three is being skeered. Being afraid that everyone knows you are carrying.  They don’t.  Most people don’t look at others that closely.  They are usually more concerned about themselves and how they look.  Don’t get me wrong, I can usually pick out concealed carriers within in a 98 percentile of being correct.  But I know what to look for.  So do most law enforcement.  But most people don’t even know what the word “printing” means.  As you carry more often, the novelty of knowing you’re armed will wear off.

Four is carrying too deep.  Your gun needs to be accessible.  If you can’t get to your weapon in 2.5 seconds then in an actual gunfight you will have to depend on your adversary missing their target.

I’ve seen guns so deep in a bag or a deep cover holster that getting your hand on the gun and pulling up and shooting, would be a 5 second ordeal.  If you have seen the studies, you know that “fishing” for your gun can get you killed.  Make sure your gun is secure, but not so deep that you must ask your attacker to wait a minute while you find your gun.  There are no “time outs” in a fight.  Make sure that not only is your gun secure, as in, won’t fall out of its holster, but not super concealed.  Experiment with several holsters (I know that can be expensive).  But it’s worth it to find one or two holsters that will retain your gun and give you easy access.

Five is buying the wrong gun.  I used to be a Glock guy.  I like Glocks and know that they are very good.  But because of their price, I’ll probably never own one again.  You get what you pay for, but you can pay less than a Glock.  I used to compete with a Glock.  But I no longer have one.  You must find the gun that is right for you.  I recommend a 9mm, but you need to find the right caliber for you. I’ve known someone who carried .40, .45, 9mm, .357, .38, and even .44mag.  I knew someone who had a backup gun that was .25.  I believe that any gun is better than no gun.  Do some research and ask those who carry and even those who carry for a living.  9mm is the most common for many reasons.  But the caliber that you can handle (cost, weight, recoil, guns available, etc.) is the one that will work for you.  There are many gunmakers that make a model specifically for concealed carry.  Just know that the smaller the gun, the more difficult it is to shoot it accurately.  It takes more control and more accuracy.   

In my gun room/shed/reloading room/workshop/man cave I have a 2-drawer filing cabinet.  The top drawer is full of various holsters.  I only use two holsters, but I went through several to come to that conclusion.  I’ve given some away and discarded some.  I need to go through that drawer again and purge.  The point is, to be an effective concealed carrier, not only have I found the right holster for me, but I occasionally switch holsters and try something else, or something new.  We never know as we change, as our body changes, and even as we change our carry gun, which holster may be needed. Making sure your holster will retain your weapon, be comfortable, and will last is number Six.

Seven is the right belt.  I am not such a proponent of a special, tactical, carry belt.  I also don’t normally carry my gun on my waist so that is understandable.  If you carry a particularly heavy gun, then this would be an issue.  Like holsters, belts need to be tested.  This is also like holsters in expense.  But I can see where a good belt would be needed if your everyday carry (EDC) added up to some weight.  Between a knife, gun, spare magazine, flashlight, tourniquet, and other gear it can add up to a heavy load.  A good, stout, belt will make all the difference.

Eight is inadequate training.  I have a hard time with this one in my own life.  I’ve been a small arms instructor since 1985.  I’ve been fortunate to train with many alphabet agencies.  I’ve also trained these same groups.  I’ve taught DEA, FBI, State Department, DOD, state and local SO and PD.  So when I think of taking a class from someone, I have a hard time getting over myself and actually thinking I can learn something from another instructor!  I know the reality is that I can never stop learning.  Sometimes as an instructor you can get into habits that are not bad, but a different point of view would shed some light on other avenues of learning.  For most people, they don’t have to struggle with this ego problem.  If you are going to carry a gun, get trained.  Make sure you have safety training first and foremost, so you know how to handle, transport, and store your weapon in a safe manner.  Then ensure that you know how to shoot.  Learning when not to shoot is as important as learning when to shoot.  Having the correct mindset is extremely important.  Being serious about your safety and shooting will make you a responsible carrier.

Nine is tacticool syndrome.  This is giving into every trend, fad, or new gun, gear, program that there is.  I have no problem with new stuff or ideas.  But they all need to be tested and tried before I change my life and give into the syndrome.  Save yourself and don’t give in.  Going down that rabbit hole is expensive and can actually put you in danger if you are not familiar with your gun.  If you bought a new gun because it’s the latest thing and you haven’t practiced with it or learned all the details of it you may lose time trying to manipulate it.  Time can be life or death in a gun fight.  So be very careful that you have all your ducks in a row if you change your current carry gear or technique.

Lastly number 10 is related to nine.  Aftermarket mania is getting the latest new gear because it was designed by a 100 time cool gun tournament winner.  I’m not knocking competitive shooting.  I’ve done it myself and enjoyed it.  There are some things that can cross over but most techniques and gear are only good in competition.  Defense is different from competition.

There you have it. 10 Mistakes in concealed carry.  Like it. Learn it. Live it!  Actually these are things to be aware of and to keep an eye on.  Hope it is helpful.

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn

We've Been Given a Reprieve

 I don’t always talk about politics on here but occasionally I dabble.  Let me say right here that I voted for Trump.  Is he the best President ever?  No.  But the alternative was quite disturbing.  I don’t want to go into a discussion about parties or politics.  But I feel we’ve been given a small gift.  I’m sure I won’t be happy with every Trump decision, but I think I can be happy with most, most of the time.  But I feel we’ve been given a reprieve.  Four years to breath a little easier.  But this is no time to rest on our laurels.  I think it’s a good time to review preparations and hunker down.

When I was in combat there would come a time in the fighting where it would stop.  It was usually the calm before the storm, and we’d get hit harder the next time.  But in that time we had a chance to take care of wounded. A chance to clean a weapon.  Restock magazines and make sure the mortar teams had all the rounds they needed.  We knew it wasn’t over, but we prepared for what was to come.  Thomas Jefferson said: “Peace is that brief, glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading,” That may be true.  I’m not saying there are no problems and that a Trump Presidency will save us, but I feel less oppression, albeit brief.

Preparedness is a funny thing.  You can work at it and work at it, but once you’ve met, or exceeded,  your goals you can almost feel let down.  Waiting and sometimes praying for a problem so you can “be ready”.  There is a danger in this.  Apathy and not being vigilant can set in.  Preparing for war or combat can be that way.  You almost want it to happen.  I do not want problems.  I do not want disaster.  I certainly don’t want war!  I’ve been in them all and I got the T-shirt, don’t want to ever be there again.

So, my advice would be to go through your preparations.  Check and inventory your food and water.  Then move on to medical supplies and medicines. Then check guns and ammo.  Tweak those things that have bothered you over the years, but you never had the chance to fix. Check the things that you need to rotate.  Water, outdated medicine and MRE’s.  Freeze dried food lasts a long time but not forever.  Canned goods should be rotated.  Batteries run down or go bad.  Make sure sleeping bags or tents have not been munched on by mice.  Start with the most essential and make a list.  After supplies and gear review your SOP (standard operating procedures).  Make sure your security is updated.  Check fuel whether it is gasoline/diesel storage or wood.  Make sure it is refreshed and stored properly.  All of this and more should be your focus.  Put things on a schedule so you won’t forget.  For instance, we usually rotate our water storage during Conference time so that we can be assured of fresh water every 6 months.  Pick a birthday or holiday that reoccurs in the interval you need for that particular preparation.

No one can predict the future.  But we can prepare for the future.  Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.  I do know that I can be better prepared in many ways.  If the upcoming political climate makes that an easier task then that is great.  Hopefully the bad times won’t come.  But if they do, we want to be ready.  If you believe in the second coming of Christ you know that things will get bad.  Trying to mitigate that time is what being prepared is all about.  Take this time of reprieve, take a breath, check your preps, and as old Tom Jefferson said, “…reload.”

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn