Qui Custodes

Weapons training

While I'm thinking about it, if you do decide to get a weapon for self-defense, get the proper training to use it.  And take a refresher course periodically.  And practice using the weapon safely.  I don't mean just practice shooting, although that is imperative.  (You have no idea how hard it is to hit something in the dark when it is moving and you have a massive adrenaline rush.)

What I'm talking about is practicing other things:  like where to point the weapon, how to decide "friend or foe", where your companions are/will be, etc. etc.  If you don't practice this stuff you will make a mistake--and it could be costly.  So practice, practice, practice.  And never forget to think!

Watch what you shoot at!

Today I read about VP Cheney's hunting trip.  Apparently he shot a companion in the head and chest with his shotgun.  Fortunately, the companion is expected to live.  But let's think about this a minute.  Our VP is surrounded by Secret Service men and women, all trained pistoleros, who are trusted to be with the VP 24/7.  Including while he's hunting.  I wonder who trained the VP?  The first rule of hunting is to *LOOK* at what you shoot and not to shoot if there is a problem.  From what I read, our VP shot on reflex--he heard the birds, spun and shot.  O Boy!  Not good.  You are supposed to know where your companions are at all times.  You are supposed to have in your head "no fire" directions so you *KNOW* that you cannot fire in certain directions because that's where your companions are placed.  OOPS!

But now let's talk about his hunting companion for a minute.  Apparently he was about 30 yards away.  That's getting close to a shotgun.  Me, I would be careful with my companions if I were approaching them & they had a loaded weapon in their hand.  I might make sure they knew where I was at all times.  I might do other things too, especially if I were with a person who shoots quickly. 

The moral:  doing dumb things can hurt other people when you have a firearm around.  Get the training I talked about earlier.  And don't forget it!  Ever.

Do you feel like a Sherpa?

If so, you are not alone.  Today's Washington Post Style Section has a big article about how much many of us carry around with us.  (Wish I could figure out how to past the link here.) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/07/AR2006020702030.html One woman is described this way:  "In her left hand she carries a black Lancome sack containing lots of file folders packed with papers, and, for some reason, an empty plastic bag. In her right hand: a pink Lancome sack holding more file folders, a notebook, a tennis ball, contact lens paraphernalia and a bag of Jolly Ranchers. Over her left shoulder, she carries a long-strapped purse that rests on her right hip. And also on her left shoulder, a Dunlop tennis racket in its black case that hangs by her left side."  Dear God In Heaven.  If she slips she'll be crushed to death.  And if something bad happens, she's a walking target.  I don't want to beat this subject to death, but readers might like to see my earlier posts and rants on this very subject. 

defense against a firearm

While I think about it, here is the magic secret to self defense when the other person has a firearm:  place a solid brick wall (or the equivalent) between you and the person and run like Hell!  There is no better way to stay alive.  And even then, some high powered rifles can actually shoot through a brick wall.  Not many, but some.

So, if I ever talk about "self defense" against a gun, realize that there is only 1 guaranteed way to survive the experience:  run like hell!  All  other ways may increase the odds but ...  This is NOT a movie and all other ways may be better than making a target of yourself but that's all.

Comment Response

Greg Broiles makes a very good comment in his response to my last post.  It is true that many people live where it is difficult or impossible to get a concealed carry permit.  My post was for people who *can* get the permit.  Many lawyers and others who face real, credible, threats can get the permit even if they live in states which are not "shall issue" states.  What I was trying to say is that, if you *can* get a permit, you *should* get it.

I would never advocate breaking the law, but I do understand the conflict people feel between carrying a handgun illegally and the urgent desire to protect yourself and your loved ones.  In the end, each person must decide for themselves how to resolve this conflict.  But, I would suggest, *telling* all and sundry what your decision is should be avoided.  No matter what you decide, revealing the answer publicly leads to too much trouble.

Get a Permit

It almost seems redundant but there are many people out there who buy firearms for defense and don't get a concealed carry permit.  This is silly.  I don't care what state you live in, or what the local state laws say:  if you are going go carry a weapon for self-defense get a permit.  If you do have one and have to use it, there is no problem (assuming you used it correctly, which is another whole article). 

But if you do not have a concealed weapons permit, then you have to explain why you were carrying it, explain that you were not violating the law, and generally get hassled by the local gendarmerie' who absolutely hate finding unlicensed people carrying weapons.  Easier to avoid the problem entirely.