Creating Space

Recently I read a few articles talking about disarms of those who carry concealed or openly carry a firearm. It was only a matter of time before someone figured out how easy it might be to obtain a new gun for their own needs.

Talisman, batteries not included

First off, carrying a firearm is not some magical talisman that will ward off evil, it is an inanimate object that in the hands of a smart individual can be a life saving tool. I think some people may try to wade into the business of carrying a firearm for self defense with what might be called a half ass effort. You have got to realize that like any other tool you might have in your real tool it takes knowledge and understanding to employ. My hope is these incidents are a wake up call to those who are on the fence about the seriousness of carrying a firearm for self defense.

Be ninja-like

Carrying concealed is a serious business, I’m not just talking about the aspect that surrounds it, but the means in which you successfully accomplish the task. In our Concealed Carry Tactics class one of the first things we talk about is how your concealment garments act as a line of retention. The garment whether a t-shirt or jacket fulfills that mission simply by obscuring the firearm. If the firearm is not known to the suspect, then theoretically they will not necessarily consider a gun grab from the holster because they don’t know it is there. Take time to learn the importance of concealment, work at improving your ninja-like skills hiding your firearm on your body.

Keep your head on a swivel

Just because you draw your pistol doesn’t mean the threat to your life will dissipate or disappear. While this is NOT legal council, the means, intent and opportunity must be present to justify lethal force. Learn the law regarding lethal force and concealed carry, consult with subject matter experts so as to be knowledgeable of the situation. Part of the preparation for carrying concealed is situational awareness and looking for pre-incident indicators. These “PIN’s” are important because they help prepare you for the worse case scenario.

Hollywood half-ass

A worse case scenario could be drawing your firearm for the immediate defense of your life, but once you have drawn your firearm you must always be on the defense. Defense against a suspect who may try to do you great bodily harm or death, but also someone who may attempt to grab your gun. Gun grabs are probably the worse situation simply because if there wasn’t a gun involved before, maybe it was a bat or knife you were threatened by, there is now. Learning how to defend against a series of gun grabs is critically important and no, “shooting them off you” is not going to work.

Combatives, good for me & good for you

Take the time to learn a style of combatives that integrates combatives. My good friend and combatives instructor Tony Blauer and I have combined forces to create a must have class for the concealed carrying practitioner. It does not cover the aspect of drawing to shoot, it covers the aspect of having the time and space to draw. Or to engage the suspect from close contact and near contact distances. To prevent agains the gun grabs and to protect yourself from being distracted by the gun grab attempt then pummeled against the head and face to retrieve your firearm after your are unconscious.

Carrying concealed is serious business, preparing for close combat must be part of that endeavor. The only real talisman as far as I’m concerned is a t-shirt that says, “been there, done that.”