ShootingClasses.com Blog

Women's Personal Safety: How to Avoid Violent Encounters

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:19:36 -0400

In a world where danger can strike at any moment, women’s personal safety has never been more important. A staggering 736 million women worldwide have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. That’s one in three women!

The good news is that with the proper mental and physical preparation, you can reduce your risk of facing violent encounters. The skills you develop today can make all the difference in protecting yourself tomorrow.

Whether you're a seasoned concealed carry permit holder or just starting to think about your safety strategy, now is the time to take proactive steps to sharpen both your awareness and response capabilities.

Defense calls. Are you ready? Get the personal safety advice you need to stay safe!

What Is Personal Safety?

Personal safety involves being aware of potential threats, knowing how to avoid them, and having the tools, skills, and mindset to act if necessary.

For many women, the challenge isn’t just recognizing a threat but feeling capable of defending themselves.

Types of personal safety encompass more than just physical protection. They also include mental preparation to react calmly in an unexpected situation. From situational awareness to self-defense techniques, a versatile arsenal of personal safety skills can empower you to navigate through a crisis or threat with confidence.

How to Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Did you know that one in two women and one in seven men feel unsafe walking home alone late at night? A well-prepared and proactive safety plan can significantly reduce common fears by equipping you with the knowledge, awareness, and skills to respond effectively to unexpected threats.

So, how do you prepare for the unexpected?

Here are some essential personal safety tips for women when faced with potentially dangerous situations:

Situational Awareness
The first line of defense is being aware of your surroundings at all times, particularly in unfamiliar or unsafe areas. Trust your instincts; if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Always take note of exits, people around you, and any possible threats. Our women’s personal safety training courses will help you cultivate soft skills to prevent dangerous situations before they escalate into real harm.
Women’s Personal Safety Devices
A personal safety device helps create a physical barrier between you and a potentially violent encounter. Consider options like concealed carry firearms or non-lethal alternatives such as pepper spray or a taser. These tools can give you a sense of security and the ability to defend yourself if needed.
Training and Practice
Simply owning a firearm isn't enough to guarantee your safety! Regularly practice and stay current on self-defense techniques to be ready at a moment’s notice. At Train2Protect, our concealed carry classes do more than just teach you how to shoot—you’ll develop a defensive mindset and rapid response capabilities for any dangerous situation.
Weapon Storage and Accessibility
Ensure your firearm is stored securely and still remains accessible for an emergency. The last thing you want is to be unable to access your weapon when you need it most. Stay informed about local laws and regulations on keeping your gun on hand if needed.

Train Today, Protect Tomorrow

Life is valuable, and so is your time. The right training now ensures you're ready for that one moment that matters most.

Personal safety for women is a top priority at Train2Protect, and we’re dedicated to equip you with everything you need to defend yourself when the unexpected arises.

Develop valuable soft and hard skills, so you feel prepared to act under any circumstance. Through our expert-led training classes, you’ll learn how to assess threats, stay calm under pressure, and make critical decisions when faced with danger.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your existing skills, our flexible training programs are designed to meet you where you are and empower you with the confidence you need to protect yourself.

Train for excellence. Defend with confidence. Strengthen your threat responses, so you can handle whatever life throws your way. The right personal safety training could make all the difference.

Interested in taking a firearms class near you? Trainers, register as a shooting instructor today.

Firearm Owner’s Legacy Letter of Instructions

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:09:24 -0400

Do you have highly trusted close relatives or friends who would know what to do with your firearms, ammunition, and assorted gear when you die?

Have a couple of them agreed to take on that responsibility?

Have you made sure that your executor and heirs know to go to them when that time comes?

What details should you put in a letter of instructions on how to dispose of your armory when you die?

You have a will, right? (Please say yes; be truthful!) You might have a revocable living trust, a gun trust, or both, too. (If you don’t know why these are great, ask a local estate attorney.) But if you do not have a separate gun trust, your executor and successor trustees will need details about what to do with your guns and gear. This reality hit us when my wife had to dispose of her recently deceased brother's safe full of guns (without the combination, of course).

Why Write an Instruction Letter?

Consider an instruction letter to supplement your will and trust documents. As estate laws are different in each state, it is essential to work with your lawyer in your state to link this letter properly into your will and trusts. Regrettably, heirs and other family members do fight over stuff. The way to deal with such fights is in the courts. Having your instruction letter recognized as enforceable under your will and trusts will make life much easier for your heirs.

I’m in my 70s, healthy, exercise three times a week, an active firearms instructor, and taking university classes to keep my mind agile. At the same time, I can tell my memory is not what it was even 10 years ago. With that context, my wife and I are working on a letter of instructions for her, my executor, and heirs on exactly what to do with my guns and gear when I die. In addition, should my family (particularly my wife) properly determine I am no longer mentally or physically safe to handle guns, they can act using this letter.

What Documents to Prepare

We are preparing three documents: a letter of instructions, an inventory, and instructions for the safes sealed in an envelope. We will give copies of the first two to a selection of trusted family and friends, and the last to a limited number within that broader group. If you follow this program, be sure to give copies of all three to any estate planning lawyer you hire to store with their copy of your will.

What should be in each of the documents?

Letter of instructions, Dated and SIGNED.

In order, who needs to act based on the letter, starting with the spouse or executor.
Specific instructions on who should and who should not be given access to any firearms.
Who has copies of the letter and inventory.
Who has copies of the letter, inventory, and safe instructions.
Who you designate to receive specific items in the inventory (guns, ammunition, gear, etc.) as gifts or bequests.
Guidance on how to dispose of the guns.
- How to match cases and holsters with the guns to prepare for transfer.
- Local gun shops that can take items on consignment. Personally, I prefer local gun shops, but many large sporting goods stores can handle this, also. Include a note that those shops cannot usually deal with your stored ammunition, but they may have advice on how to deal with the ammunition.
- Information on local estate sales companies that may be able to assist in the sales. Details will vary by state due to Federal and state laws.
- Information on local transfer procedures, reminder of no transfers across state lines, when and how to use a Federal Firearms Licensed dealer to handle the transfer, and especially if your state has a Universal Background Check law how to comply.
More general advice on disposing of the rest of the gear, especially ammunition. You may have local membership ranges or instructors that can help out.

Inventory, DATED and SIGNED.

List each firearm with make, model, description, caliber, serial number, location, and location of the bill of sale or receipt if you have it.
If the gun is registered with a local or state agency, details on the registration and how to properly transfer the registration to a new owner.
If you have any suppressors/silencers or guns licensed with ATF as Federal Firearm Act (FFA) items, give details. (And ask your lawyer about a gun trust!)
Summary of ammunition on hand with calibers, location, and approximate quantity.
Holsters, associated with specific guns, with locations.
Cases associated with specific guns, with locations.
Cleaning & maintenance gear and instructions, with locations.
Targets and practice gear like shotgun clays and flingers.
Reloading gear and supplies.

Safe information, sealed in a marked envelope.

Make, model, description, serial number, location, and location of each gun safe and lockable storage box.
Combination for each safe and location of keys.
Instructions for changing the combination on each safe.
Suggestions on whether to keep or dispose of each. (For example, we are recommending that the large safe convey with the house when sold.)

Finally, remember to update the inventory every time you get a gun or dispose of one, or your list of key people changes, and send the new copies to everyone on this action list. Your lawyer can tell you whether you have to incorporate the inventory and safe information into the will and trusts.

A special thanks to fellow ShootingClasses.com instructor and lawyer Deron Boring, 1791 Training for his contribution on this article.

Interested in taking a firearms class near you? Trainers, register as a shooting instructor today.

Mental Preparation for Firearm Use

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 13:23:46 -0500

Mental Preparation for Firearm Use: The Psychological Aspects of Self-Defense and Combat Shooting

Firearms training is not only about physical skills but also about mental preparedness. Popular topics include overcoming fear, building confidence, and the psychological aspects of self-defense and combat shooting.

Firearms training often focuses on physical skills like aiming, shooting, and reloading, but the mental aspect of using a firearm is just as crucial—if not more so. In the heat of a high-stress situation, your physical training may be rendered ineffective without the mental readiness to support it. For those involved in self-defense or combat shooting, the psychological component is paramount. This includes overcoming fear, building confidence, and understanding the psychological effects of using a firearm in life-threatening situations. Mental preparation can be the difference between a successful response to danger and a catastrophic failure.

Overcoming Fear

Fear is one of the most natural reactions to dangerous situations, and it can be both beneficial and detrimental. On one hand, fear activates the body’s "fight or flight" response, heightening awareness and preparing the individual to respond quickly to threats. On the other hand, overwhelming fear can cause indecision, paralysis, or erratic actions that can put you in greater danger. For a firearm owner or someone training for self-defense, the key is learning how to manage fear—not eliminate it.

Understanding Fear in High-Stress Situations

When you face a potential threat, fear can manifest in various ways, such as elevated heart rate, shallow breathing, trembling, and tunnel vision. These physiological responses are designed to prepare you for quick action, but they can cloud your judgment if not managed properly. The goal in firearms training is not to eliminate fear but to learn to control it. Fear is an emotional and physiological reaction that can overwhelm your senses, impair decision-making, and lead to hesitation or poor performance under stress.

Techniques for Overcoming Fear

One of the most effective ways to combat fear is through repetition and exposure. Just as athletes train their bodies through repetitive drills, shooters must practice in stressful scenarios to build mental toughness. Training with live-fire drills, simulations, or stress inoculation exercises helps prepare the mind for the intensity of a real-life situation.

Additionally, mental imagery or visualization is a powerful technique. By imagining high-pressure scenarios where you remain calm and focused, you can condition your mind to respond effectively when faced with danger. Visualization helps engrain the behaviors and thought processes needed in high-stress environments. It also aids in reducing the fear response over time, as the brain learns to associate the situation with a calm, controlled response.

Building Confidence

Confidence is another vital mental attribute in firearms training. A lack of confidence in your abilities can lead to hesitation or second-guessing during crucial moments. Whether you are carrying a firearm for self-defense, practicing at the range, or involved in competitive shooting, your confidence in your training and decision-making is essential.

Confidence Through Training

One of the most straightforward ways to build confidence is through consistent, deliberate practice. When you repeatedly train in a controlled environment, you gain familiarity with the firearm and its operation. Over time, this repetitive practice helps to reduce the "unknowns" of using a firearm and builds comfort. You will become more confident in your ability to manipulate the firearm, fire accurately, and react to various scenarios.

Confidence is also rooted in knowing you can handle situations that may arise. Firearms training that simulates real-world threats, such as reacting to a home intruder or dealing with hostile encounters, allows you to envision how you will perform under pressure. As you encounter different training scenarios, you will develop the belief that you can handle stressful situations effectively.

Building Self-Confidence After Fearful Experiences

For many people, especially those who have never been in a high-stress situation involving firearms, there is a level of fear and doubt that can arise after initial training experiences. In such cases, building confidence involves reframing negative experiences. If a person struggles with a specific skill, whether it’s clearing malfunctions, rapid target acquisition, or shooting on the move, focusing on gradual improvement and celebrating small victories will help to build confidence.

Positive reinforcement plays a role here. Recognizing progress—whether it's improving accuracy or maintaining composure during a stressful drill—boosts self-esteem and reinforces the belief that you are capable of defending yourself if necessary.

The Psychological Impact of Self-Defense and Combat Shooting

While overcoming fear and building confidence are vital components of mental preparation, it’s also crucial to address the deeper psychological aspects of firearms use, particularly when it comes to self-defense or combat shooting. The potential to take a life, even in a justified self-defense situation, can have profound emotional and psychological effects.

The Moral and Emotional Burden of Using Deadly Force

For many gun owners and those who engage in self-defense training, the notion of using deadly force is a heavy burden. Even in situations where using a firearm is legally justified, the emotional consequences of taking a life can be overwhelming. This "moral injury" can be compounded by questions of whether the threat was real enough to justify the use of force, guilt over the loss of life, or the psychological trauma from experiencing a violent encounter.

Training that includes discussions of the psychological aftermath of using a firearm can help prepare individuals to better handle these emotions should they ever face a life-or-death situation. This may involve stress management techniques, counseling, or even post-incident debriefing with law enforcement professionals or mental health counselors. Understanding the emotional toll of using force can make it easier to mentally cope with the aftermath.

Combat Stress and Adrenaline Dump

During a combat or self-defense situation, a phenomenon known as "adrenaline dump" occurs. This is the rapid release of adrenaline that prepares the body for action, often leading to an elevated heart rate, dry mouth, and increased alertness. In a gunfight, adrenaline can distort your perception of time, affect fine motor skills, and even cause temporary tunnel vision. Understanding this process and preparing for it mentally can help a shooter remain focused during stressful encounters.

To prepare for combat stress, firearms training should include stress inoculation drills. These drills simulate the high-stress environment of a real-life situation, allowing individuals to experience the effects of adrenaline and practice staying calm under pressure. The ability to stay focused on the task at hand—whether it’s aiming, reloading, or assessing the situation—is critical in ensuring an effective response.

The Role of Decision-Making Under Stress

The ability to make quick, effective decisions under stress is another psychological component that must be trained. In self-defense situations, hesitation can be deadly, and every action taken with a firearm must be deliberate. The mental challenge here lies in balancing the need to act quickly with the necessity to make the right decision.

Training that emphasizes decision-making under pressure is crucial. This includes recognizing when to draw a firearm, how to assess the threat, and when to de-escalate or retreat. Mental exercises that simulate real-life decision-making scenarios, such as determining whether to use deadly force, help prepare individuals for the high-stakes choices they may need to make.

Conclusion

Mental preparation for firearms use is just as important as physical training. Overcoming fear, building confidence, and understanding the psychological effects of combat shooting are crucial components of becoming a competent and responsible gun owner. Fear can be managed through exposure and mental conditioning, while confidence grows through consistent training and experience. Furthermore, understanding the emotional and psychological burdens of using deadly force helps to prepare individuals for the aftermath of a real-life self-defense encounter. Firearms training that incorporates mental preparedness, decision-making under pressure, and stress inoculation provides a comprehensive approach to gun ownership and self-defense, ensuring that individuals are ready both physically and mentally for any situation that may arise. The Michigan Pistol Academy is in Rochester Hills and Royal Oak, Michigan and provides comprehensive firearm training and education in the state of Michigan.

Interested in taking a firearms class near you? Trainers, register as a shooting instructor today.

Are You Training At The Right Distance: Education-Safety-Law

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 09:00:05 -0500

Am I Training at the Right Distance for Defensive Shooting?

When it comes to defensive shooting, one of the most critical factors to consider is the distance at which you train. Many real-world defensive encounters occur at close range, and your training should reflect the most likely scenarios you might face. However, incorporating various distances into your training can significantly improve your overall shooting skills, reaction time, and situational awareness.

Understanding the Importance of Distance in Defensive Shooting

In a defensive shooting scenario, you are not preparing for a controlled competition setting. Instead, you are preparing for unpredictable and high-stress situations where reaction time and accuracy under pressure are crucial. Studies of real-world shootings, such as law enforcement and civilian self-defense cases, show that most engagements occur within a very short distance. This knowledge should guide the way you structure your training sessions.

The Common Distances for Defensive Shooting

Defensive shooting distances typically fall within the following ranges:

0–3 Yards: Extreme Close-Quarters

This is the most dangerous and demanding range for defensive shooting. Many altercations begin at a distance where an assailant is within arm’s reach, meaning your ability to draw and fire quickly while possibly being in physical contact with the threat is critical.

At this range, your training should include:

Retention shooting: Keeping the firearm close to the body to prevent an assailant from grabbing it.

Point shooting: Engaging without using sights due to the extreme proximity.

Movement drills: Practicing sidestepping or creating space while drawing and firing.

One-handed shooting: Since your other hand may be used for blocking or striking.

Weapon retention techniques: To prevent an assailant from disarming you.

3–7 Yards: The Most Common Defensive Engagement Distance

The majority of self-defense shootings occur within this range. Training at 3–7 yards allows you to develop speed and accuracy under realistic conditions.

Key drills at this range include:

Draw and fire drills: Practicing rapid draws from concealment.

Controlled pairs and failure drills: Engaging the target with multiple shots to ensure effective stopping power.

Target transitions: Switching focus between multiple threats.

Use of cover: Learning how to engage threats while utilizing objects as cover.

Low-light shooting: Practicing with a flashlight or in reduced visibility conditions.

7–15 Yards: Increased Distance for Defensive Situations

While less common, engagements at this distance can still occur, particularly in home defense or outdoor scenarios. Training at 7–15 yards enhances your accuracy and ensures that you can effectively engage a threat that is not immediately upon you.

Training at this range should include:

Precision shooting: Focusing on shot placement rather than speed.

Movement while shooting: Practicing lateral movement while engaging the target.

Use of barricades and cover: Simulating real-world defensive scenarios.

Malfunction drills: Ensuring that you can quickly clear jams and continue engaging.

15+ Yards: The Outer Limits of Defensive Shooting

Beyond 15 yards, the likelihood of a defensive shooting scenario occurring decreases significantly. However, there are exceptions, such as active shooter situations or threats encountered in rural settings. Training at this distance is valuable for improving fundamental marksmanship skills.

Drills at this range should focus on:

Sight alignment and trigger control: Precision becomes more important.

Slow-fire accuracy drills: Ensuring shots land effectively on target.

Scenario-based training: Practicing for situations where a long-distance shot may be required, such as protecting others in a public space.

How to Determine the Right Distance for Your Training

To decide if you are training at the right distance, consider the following factors:

Your Daily Environment

If you primarily carry a firearm for self-defense in urban areas, your training should prioritize close-quarters engagements (0–7 yards). If you live in a more rural setting, longer-distance training may be more applicable.

Your Defensive Goals

Concealed Carry Holders: Should focus on 3–7 yards, as most threats will be within that range.

Home Defense: Should include training at 3–15 yards, reflecting common home layouts.

Security or Law Enforcement: May require training at a wider range of distances to prepare for various situations.

Realistic Scenario Training

If your training only includes static shooting at one distance, you may not be adequately prepared for a dynamic real-world encounter. Incorporate scenario-based training, movement drills, and stress-inducing conditions to simulate realistic threats.

The Role of Movement in Distance Training

Real-world defensive shooting is not static. Engaging a threat while moving, retreating, or seeking cover is a vital skill. Your training should include:

Shooting while stepping laterally.

Engaging while retreating or advancing.

Moving to cover before engaging.

Engaging from different shooting positions (kneeling, prone, behind barriers).

Incorporating Dry Fire Training

Not all defensive shooting training requires live fire. Dry fire practice can be highly beneficial in improving your accuracy and speed at various distances. Practicing drawing, aiming, and trigger control at home can make a significant difference in your live-fire performance.

The Importance of Shot Placement Over Distance

While distance is important, the ability to hit vital areas on a threat is even more critical. A well-placed shot at close range is more effective than multiple poorly placed shots at a longer distance. Train to ensure that each shot you fire is deliberate and effective, regardless of range.

Final Thoughts: Are You Training at the Right Distance?

If your training is only focused on one particular distance, you may be limiting your ability to react to real-world threats effectively. A well-rounded defensive shooter practices at varying distances, incorporates movement, and simulates realistic encounters.

Evaluate your current training routine:

Are you incorporating close-range retention shooting?

Are you practicing at the most statistically relevant distances?

Are you training for both speed and accuracy?

Are you including movement and real-world scenarios?

By addressing these questions and refining your training regimen, you can ensure that you are truly prepared for a defensive shooting situation, no matter the distance at which it occurs.

Interested in taking a firearms class near you? Trainers, register as a shooting instructor today.

What Does It Take to Be Prepared to Defend Yourself

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:32:03 -0500

When you make the decision to buy your first firearm for self-defense, there comes a great responsibility to get the proper training in order to be safe and stay on the right side of the law. Over the many years of training students of all levels of experience, I find most individuals want to do the right thing, but then there are others that buy a gun and never train. I tell my students up front in my beginner's class that owning a firearm without the proper training will give them a false sense of security. My recommendation is live fire training, or at the very least, dry fire when they are not able to get to the range as often as they should. It’s not necessary to fire 100+ rounds each time they get out, but they need to practice completely from the holster draw to placing the firearm back in the holster developing memory pathways so it becomes a natural process.

To be a good, prepared defender, it takes much more than learning the safety aspects and proper firearm handling. It takes constant practice to develop the skills to evaluate and make the right decisions in split seconds. Many students never train under some sort of stress and then react to the adrenaline in a negative manner when faced with a life-or-death situation. When practicing, there are natural instinctive moves and reactions that will take over the body and mind. Unless you practice and incorporate these movements and reactions into your regular training, you will fail at the speed and accuracy needed to prevail in the critical defense situation.

When we are faced with a critical defense situation and the adrenaline kicks in, we hesitate and fumble with the firearm, losing the ability to think clearly. Over the many years since police dash cams, great defensive training has emerged. Police were trained one way and when they were in a critical defense situation, they were at a disadvantage. They were always taught that you fight the way you train, but in reality, we should train the way we fight. By this I mean we need to incorporate the natural responses that our body goes through when startled.

One of the most ignored factors of being prepared to defend yourself is what kind of shape you are in. Being capable to endure a stressful situation, you must have the stamina to outlast your opponent. Many defensive situations begin with physical confrontation and using a firearm can and most likely will be secondary and not necessary. Being in good condition, taking the time to do strength training and cardio exercises, is essential to being prepared.

I teach and recommend to my students that learning effective hand-to-hand techniques will increase your odds of surviving an attack. Since many defensive situations begin with physical contact, as I previously stated, and might be sufficient to subdue your attacker without the use of deadly force, you must have the skills to get out of the grasp of the attacker so you can either get away or give you adequate time to get enough distance to access your defensive weapon if necessary. There are many instances where you might not have your firearm on your body due to state or federal laws, and you need to prepare how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

In my Unarmed Defensive Tactics Course, I teach 30 techniques on how to defend yourself against grabs, chokes, and weapons attacks. I teach around five techniques in each category, and I tell my students to choose two or three in each category that they feel most comfortable with and then practice them regularly, so they become second nature and build the necessary pathway of muscle memory. It needs to be an automated response to be most effective.

Interested in taking a firearms class near you? Trainers, register as a shooting instructor today.

Rotating and Culling Carry Ammunition

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 19:46:41 -0500

Recently, I've come across numerous social media posts discussing how often one should rotate their carry ammunition. Many suggest a specific timeframe, such as every six months. However, during a recent training class, I learned a method that I believe is more effective, based on real-world experiences. Additionally, I want to share some techniques I've used for several years to evaluate carry ammo against specific criteria before trusting my life to it. Let’s dive in.

Carry Ammo Preparation

I'm assuming you have already selected your brand of carry ammunition, so I won't spend much time on this subject, as there is a plethora of information available. Law enforcement agencies and ammunition manufacturers have invested significant resources in extensive testing of common types of carry ammunition. Use these tests to help guide your choices. Since 2007, I have exclusively carried Speer Gold Dot or Federal HST. There isn’t an appreciable advantage to one over the other, except for availability; sometimes, one is in stock when the other is not.

Always test your specific carry gun with the magazines you will carry, using the ammunition you intend to use. This evaluation not only verifies reliability but also checks the point of aim and point of impact if you are using iron sights. If you're using a pistol-mounted optic, take this opportunity to zero it with your carry ammunition. How much carry ammo should you fire to verify reliability? For me, that number is 200 rounds. If you can shoot more, that's even better.

I advise caution when selecting "specialty" ammunition with catchy names and projectiles designed to fragment or have petals that tear off into multiple pieces. It is best to choose something that is tried and true. For reasons that will become clearer later in this article, I purchase my carry ammo in cases of 1,000 rounds, and when stored correctly, it can last me a few years while remaining reliable. Now, let's get to the main points.

Rotating Ammunition

In addition to rotating your ammunition every six months or once a year, have you ever considered how many times a particular round has been chambered in your carry pistol and why this is important? Early in my law enforcement career, I had a co-worker who would unload his weapon at the end of his shift and reload it when returning to duty. One time, while at the range, he showed me a round that he had chambered and rechambered day after day. I was shocked to see how much the projectile was set back into the brass. Although I didn't have calipers to measure it, it was evident that the setback was significant enough to pose a danger. I cautioned him against firing it because it was a .40 S\&W high-pressure duty round. At that time, we only qualified with our carry ammunition once a year and issued fresh rounds for the following year. Consequently, he had cycled that particular round hundreds of times.

From then on, I decided if I noticed a setback in my primary round, I would discontinue using it. However, when I attended my first class with Tom Givens, he shared some information that I found very interesting. He cited a case involving a law enforcement officer who cycled the same round through his duty gun multiple times, much like my friend. This officer also unloaded his gun at the end of every shift and reloaded it before returning to duty.

During a use-of-force situation, the officer attempted to fire his weapon, but the round did not discharge. Fortunately, he was able to perform an immediate action drill and resolve the situation. Upon returning the inert round to the ammunition manufacturer for examination, they determined that repeated chambering had knocked the priming compound out of the primer. The compound then sifted through the flash hole in the primer pocket, rendering the round inoperative.

Since attending that class, I've adopted Tom's advice. Whenever I eject a round to dry fire or clean my carry gun, I mark the head of the case with a line using a Sharpie. If I eject the same round a second time, I add another mark, forming a cross to make it more distinctive. When a round has two lines on it, the next time I eject it, I load it into the bottom of my magazine. Once all the rounds in my primary magazine have two marks, I transfer them to my spare magazine. When I need to rotate in more ammunition because all the rounds have two marks, they are added to my training stash. Many instructors recommend using your carry rounds in low-light classes to observe the muzzle flash in the dark; I reserve these marked rounds for that purpose.

Culling Carry Ammo

Many assume that because defensive ammunition costs a premium, so it must undergo extra quality control measures and be flawless when it leaves the factory. However, after participating in extensive training courses that required duty ammunition, I have witnessed enough round failures to raise concerns.

When I first started at my previous agency, I heard the story of an officer who, during qualification a few months earlier, experienced a failure to fire with the duty ammo he was using. Instinctively, he performed an immediate action drill. When he pulled the trigger on the next round, the pistol was locked up. It was later determined that the first round had no powder in it. The primer had just enough force to push the bullet into the barrel, causing it to lodge there.

The subsequent live round firing pushed the projectile out when he performed the immediate action drill. However, the pressure generated from this action caused a swell in the barrel, which seized the slide and barrel together. As a result, his pistol was rendered useless until the officer returned the gun to the factory for repairs. It's important to note that while the ammunition manufacturer would cover the damages, the process would take several months to resolve. This situation is worth considering when deciding whether or not to carry a backup weapon.

Listening to the officer tell his story triggered my reloader instincts. I've been reloading my handgun ammunition since I was 14 and have developed quality control measures over the years. While many people use similar methods, I will discuss how you can adapt these techniques to carry ammunition.

At the police department, we ordered our ammunition for the year in January after receiving our new budget. We typically qualified in May or June, which meant the ammunition would arrive and sit in storage for a few months before we qualified with the previous year's ammo and issued the new supplies for duty. We didn't shoot only once a year; we conducted the state-mandated CPOST qualification course annually, while our monthly training used training ammunition.

During the interim period between the ammunition's arrival and qualification, I conducted two quality control checks on each round before issuing it to officers. These checks helped maximize their chances of functioning reliably.

Quality Control Checks

The first test is straightforward and doesn't require much equipment. I ran each round through a case gauge. I chose to use a case gauge instead of a plunk test in a barrel because the tolerances of a case gauge are made to SAAMI specifications. This check ensures that, as long as a chamber is within spec, the round of ammunition will fit. Testing rounds used in various pistols can be problematic since one chamber may have looser tolerances. Even if a round fits in one barrel, it may not fit in another that conforms to closer tolerances. Removing the barrel and performing a plunk test is acceptable for rounds intended for a single gun.

The next test is a bit more complex. I take one round from the new lot and use a collet puller in a single-stage reloading press to remove the projectile. I empty the powder from the case and then place the projectile and primed case on my reloading scale, zeroing the weight. After gauging the rounds, I weigh the loaded rounds on the scale. In theory, this gives me the weight of the powder charge in the case.

I say "in theory" because there are considerable tolerances when you factor in the weight of the projectile, brass, and primer. We're not testing for precision ammunition here; we need to ensure enough powder in the cartridge to guarantee reliable and relatively consistent performance. If a round weighs one grain less or more than the average, I'll set it aside as training ammo.

While these techniques aren't foolproof, they can significantly enhance your confidence in your self-defense system with only a minimal commitment of time and resources. By implementing these strategies, you can achieve greater peace of mind, knowing you have taken proactive steps toward reliability.

Interested in taking a firearms class near you? Trainers, register as a shooting instructor today.

Flying With Firearms

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 16:14:55 -0500

In the previous two posts, I’ve shared some basics of traveling with firearms and traveling while armed. Now in this third and final installment, I’m going to address flying within the United States with firearms. As always, this blog post is not legal advice. If you have any questions, you should contact a qualified lawyer for your specific situation.

Rules of Flying With Firearms

To be clear, without the appropriate law enforcement badge and clearance, you cannot fly armed. You can only fly with firearms in checked luggage, UNDERNEATH THE PLANE.

This post is about domestic flights only; traveling internationally with firearms becomes immensely more complicated and can change with every nation you may choose to fly to. While the basics of flying with a firearm are relatively simple, it’s something that must be done carefully with thoughtful planning.

The following are some basics to help you prepare, but you should also review the TSA website (https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition) and your particular airline for the most current regulations before you leave for the airport:

The firearm must be in your checked baggage, unloaded in a hard-sided container, and locked securely. You absolutely cannot carry a firearm, ammunition, or any firearm parts, such as firing pins, bolts, and magazines into the cabin. (Optics such as a rifle scope can be carried on, though.)
You must use a hard case with at least one lock that only you have the ability to unlock. While a TSA-approved lock is acceptable under TSA regulations, I’d suggest a lock that you must be present to unlock. If the case has a spot for two locks on both sides, you must do that. The box must be locked in a way that ensures it can’t be pried open from any side. If you use a pistol case that fits inside your suitcase, securing it to the rest of the suitcase with a bicycle chain or something similar is a wise extra precaution. I also suggest that you put an Airtag, Tile, Chipolo, or other electronic tracking device inside your locked gun case.
Your gun must be unloaded, and the ammunition should be removed from the magazine and placed in a separate box designed to carry ammo. I usually suggest that it be carried in the factory box or something like an MTM plastic box. (https://mtmcase-gard.com/products/ammo-box-50-round-flip-top-9mm-380-acp) (It’s worth noting that most airlines limit the total amount of ammunition you can carry in your luggage to 11 pounds.)
Once you arrive at the airport, you will need to go to your airline’s counter to check your firearm with the rest of your luggage. At the counter, calmly tell the agent that you have a firearm you need to check. (I’d advise you to word it more carefully than just, “I have a gun!”) The clerk will ask you to fill out a declaration form; politely follow all of the counter clerk’s directions. It would be smart to carry printed TSA regulations and your airline’s regulations on traveling with a firearm to have handy in case the clerk is unsure what to do. Before it is checked and your baggage is on its way, be sure the key to access your gun case is on your person. Do not make the mistake of leaving the keys inside your checked luggage!
When you arrive at your destination, follow the airline’s policy on retrieving your luggage with your firearm. Some airlines will just put your luggage on the carousel like usual while others will require you to go to an office to show your ID and retrieve your luggage. Be sure to ask the clerk when you check your luggage what the policy is for your airline.

The firearm that you take with you must be legal to possess at your destination. As I say repeatedly, ignorance of the law is no excuse. Choose wisely when deciding what to carry on your travels. I recently heard famed trainer Darryl Bolke say in a podcast interview, “It’s like traveling with golf clubs,” when it comes to traveling with a small revolver that may garner less attention than a large semi-automatic pistol. His point was simple: travel with something more commonly accepted under city or state laws (and possibly a jury) whenever possible.

If you end up diverted or stuck in an airport where you didn’t intend, DO NOT take possession of your luggage if it has a firearm in it that is not legal in that locale. Make sure it goes on to your final destination, though. This means you need to be aware of the laws of where your layover is. Personally, I’ve always been careful to choose layovers that are not as “dangerous” if I am traveling with a gun. For instance, I’m hesitant to fly through Chicago Midway or O’Hare in the dead of winter when I may get stuck if the weather isn’t cooperative. A layover in Atlanta or Charlotte may be wiser. I realize this may sound extreme, but I’d rather be considered overly cautious than a convicted felon. My position on this was reinforced by hearing Bolke, in the same interview, say, “You have no idea where that plane is going to land...You might be going from one gun-friendly state to another gun-friendly state, and something happens, and you land…in a place that hates semi-automatic anything, that has magazine bans, that has ammunition restrictions…” He’s 100% right!

When looking at your choices for travel, pay attention to your method of travel to your final destination. Gun writer and pro-shooter Kenzie Fitzpatrick recounted a story to me that she once thought she had a connecting flight, and once she arrived at her layover, her next “flight” ended up being a connecting bus that forbade firearms even in checked luggage. The “connecting bus” is more common than many of us would think, especially when transiting from larger airports to smaller airports in close proximity (an hour or so drive). Instead of her connection, she ended up having to scramble for a rental car to avoid a nightmare of more delays.

Lastly, when traveling, it is imperative that you be sure of what is in your luggage and on your person at all times. A client of mine accidentally left her carry gun in her purse as she attempted to get through a TSA checkpoint to her flight. Not only did she miss her flight, but she ended up spending the remainder of the evening in jail and authorities ceased her firearm permanently as a part of the penalty. An empty brass casing left in a coat pocket, in the bottom of a duffel bag, or worse yet, live rounds, magazines, or a gun in a bag could lead to significant legal trouble before departure. For this reason, I suggest keeping range attire and a range bag separate from what you would usually travel with. Range bags are cheap, separate carry-on luggage is cheap; forfeiting your gun permanently, attorneys, fines, and TSA civil penalties are not cheap.

Conclusion

I realize some of my advice may sound extreme to seasoned travelers, and I’m okay with that judgment. Traveling with firearms is simple but, as with anything firearm-related, there is little room for error. Your error here may not take a life or limb; it could destroy your life with a felony at worst or be an expensive and annoying consequence of losing or having your firearm stolen at best. An ounce of educated prevention here is worth a pound of cure!

Interested in taking a firearms class near you? Trainers, register as a shooting instructor today.

Maximize Your Personal Safety with Proven Executive Protection Strategies

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 18:20:13 -0500

You might look at the title of this article and wonder, “What do I have in common with those who safeguard dignitaries or high-profile celebrities?” The truth is, not all executive protection agents operate in teams; many rely heavily on their instincts individually to ensure the safety of their clients and themselves.

Qualified executive protection practitioners possess two types of skills: soft skills and hard skills. Hard skills are what most people typically associate with this profession, such as shooting, defensive tactics, physical fitness, medical training, and driving skills. However, true professionals in the industry take pride in their soft skills.

In my early 20s, I was drawn to the allure of this profession, shaped by my misconceptions about the job from movies. However, after enrolling in several courses and conducting extensive research, I discovered that a career in law enforcement, particularly within a tactical unit, aligned better with my skills and passions at that time.

Interestingly, the very elements of executive protection that initially deterred me ultimately became invaluable in my training of future clients. I learned that if an agent must physically confront a threat or draw a weapon, it signifies a failure in their duties. It would make sense that a person concerned for their own security and that of their family would prefer to recognize the signs of a potential threat before it escalates, thus avoiding confrontation altogether, just like the executive protection agent.

This article will focus on the soft skills necessary for translating executive protection techniques into personal security measures. Please don't misunderstand me: I'm not suggesting you stop going to the range or the gym. Even the best in the business can miss signs at times, and agents need to be ready to intervene with physical and, when necessary, deadly force. These skills must be maintained so you can use them decisively and instinctively when required. Let’s begin.

Threat Assessment/Risk Mitigation 

A threat assessment is the first step when an executive protection practitioner takes on a new client. It helps the agent gauge the potential threats the client may face and establish a plan to mitigate those risks. In your case, the assessment may not take as long since you should already have a good understanding of the threats facing you and your family.

However, you can spend some time on the mitigation aspect. When considering your home, how effective is your security system? Do you have exterior cameras that allow you to monitor any suspicious activity around your house while you’re away? Are there motion-activated lights that could deter someone thinking of casing your home? What about a dog that will alert you if someone is around who shouldn’t be there? Have you secured entrances with high-quality locks and reinforced mounting hardware?

What are some ways to mitigate your risk? If you need to visit a store in a high-crime area, try to schedule your visit during the day when you can be more aware of your surroundings and the likelihood of a threat is lower.

Situational Awareness

At the core of executive protection lies situational awareness. This concept is often mentioned, yet its importance cannot be overstated. Being acutely aware of our surroundings is essential, particularly in crowded public spaces or areas known for risks. Jeff Cooper is credited with being the first firearms instructor to integrate situational awareness into his training through his Color Codes of Awareness.

A significant barrier to situational awareness is people's reliance on electronic devices, especially smartphones. While these devices are crucial in our lives, we can manage our usage effectively. Focusing on our phones makes it difficult to pay attention to our surroundings.

Consider using the 5 and 25 scanning method whenever you're about to exit a vehicle or a building. First, scan the area within 5 yards of you; once that area is clear, extend your scan to 25 yards to ensure there aren’t any threats or hazards further away. It’s also important to remember that after scanning your surroundings, it’s not an excuse to pull out your phone and ignore your environment for the rest of your trip. You must remain vigilant.

Threat Recognition Through Body Language 

As we progress, it’s crucial to examine what we should be observing within crowds and among individuals. Our goal is to identify potentially hazardous behaviors by recognizing key behavioral indicators. In fact, an entire article could be devoted to the nuances of human behavior that can signal someone’s intention to engage in nefarious activities. Furthermore, understanding when someone is preparing to act inappropriately is essential for effective personal security.

Observe the body language, demeanor, and clothing choices of those around you. Notice if someone is overly focused on something that seems to go unnoticed by others. Are they dressed in a way that feels inappropriate for the season, as if they are making a significant effort to hide something that they’re trying to conceal.

Cover and Evacuation

If you find yourself in a situation where you must leave quickly, it’s crucial to do so as discreetly as possible. Drawing attention to yourself while evacuating can put you and your family in even greater danger, as it will draw the focus to you. Your primary responsibility is to ensure their safety, and then consider your own. Once you are safe, it’s vital to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.

In my law enforcement career, I experienced situations where confrontations arose with individuals I had previously arrested. One distressing encounter happened during a grocery store visit, and it made me realize the importance of having a plan in place for my family. To avoid similar situations in the future, we established a clear signal.

From that moment forward, if I spotted someone who posed a threat, and I needed my family to leave immediately. I informed my wife that if I ever called her "Lauren" and mentioned I just received a message indicating we had to go, it was imperative that we drop everything and exit calmly. The significance of using the name "Lauren"—even though it’s not hers—was that it prevented any instinctual questions like “Why?” and allowed us to leave promptly and safely, knowing I would explain when I had the opportunity.

Conclusion

This article provides a glimpse into the various aspects of executive protection that can also apply to personal safety for individuals. Other topics you could research include counter-surveillance, evasive driving, and medical training. Medical training should not only focus on traumatic injuries but also cover the use of AEDs and CPR. If you have the chance to take a class in executive protection, I highly recommend participating, regardless of whether you plan to pursue a career in the industry.

Interested in taking a firearms class near you? Trainers, register as a shooting instructor today.

Threat Recognition Through Body Language

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:29:03 -0500

In my previous article, "Maximize Your Personal Safety with Proven Executive Protection Strategies," I mentioned "Threat Recognition Through Body Language." I also mentioned that an entire article could be written on that aspect alone; it would have been more accurate to say that a whole book could be written.

I've put together some basic introductory skills that can help you take control of your environment. Let's explore these techniques that will sharpen your observational skills and help you identify potentially dangerous human behavior more effectively. In this article, I'm going to focus on scanning crowds and/or individuals from afar so we can predict a dangerous encounter, to evacuate you and/or your family before a situation fully develops into a critical incident.

Crowd Scanning

These days, we spend a lot of time around crowds of people, whether at a store, a concert, or another venue. If you're in a location with a crowd of people, it can be difficult to pick up on specific threats. Begin by scanning the crowd from left to right. Move your gaze gradually across the area, stopping every few degrees to take in different groups and individuals. This method allows you to gather a broader context of the environment.

Individual Focus

After scanning the crowd, concentrate on specific individuals within the crowd. Shift your attention to their behavior and actions to gain deeper insights into unusual patterns or interactions. Pay particular attention to anyone who is not reacting as the rest of the crowd is. A specific example of this are photos taken immediately before the assassination attempt of President Ronald Regan. While most of the crowd was smiling and taking in the moment of being in the presence of the President of the United States, John Hinkley had an almost expressionless look on his face. He was laser-focused on bringing the plan he had in his head to fruition.

Instincts and Relaxation

It's essential to stay relaxed while observing. Trust your instincts about the situation; often, your intuition can pick up on subtle cues that your conscious mind might overlook. "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin de Becker is an excellent resource for paying attention to your inner voice. Even though a whole section is dedicated to how bad firearms are, the sound information in the book far outweighs the diatribe.

Utilizing Peripheral Vision

Avoid becoming overly focused on just one element or individual. Allow your peripheral vision to remain active, enabling you to notice additional details and movements that might otherwise go unnoticed.

What Are We Looking For? 

When observing or having contact with unknown people, we look at the key indicators. For our purposes, pay particular attention to the hands and faces of those you observe. These areas are often the most expressive and can reveal much about a person's emotional state, intentions, or reactions to their surroundings. Facial expressions are key. It's often said the eyes are the windows into a person's soul; however, facial expressions frequently show involuntary reactions, even more so than the eyes.

In my early years of law enforcement, an experienced officer told me to always keep my eyes on the hands of people I encountered. Not only could the hands be used as personal weapons but also carry more serious deadly weapons, and the hands had to facilitate an assault. It made a lot of sense, and I always kept this in mind when dealing with unknown contacts. The hands were consistently observed, even if they were in my peripheral vision.

Now that we've introduced you to the art of observation and covered the key indicators of the face and hands, let's dive into our next mission: identifying any inconsistencies or disruptions in the flow of events around us. In my career, I have dealt with several emotionally charged people. Sometimes, they make it very clear they're having an issue, whether a mental health episode, a domestic dispute, or substance abuse are causing it. In most cases I worked, I could predict that I would have to go hands-on with a suspect. These indicators are apparent: clenched and bared teeth, tightening fists, being extremely loud verbally, etc.

If you encounter a person like this, you'll know it well in advance. Keep in mind that you're acting as the protective agent for your family and yourself. The best thing you can do is to avoid this situation. Even if a situation like this is blocking the only exit to the store you're in, turn around, spend a little bit more time inside, and wait for the scene to clear before exiting. Make sure your family stays close to you in case things escalate and get really crazy; then, you can evacuate together instead of having to locate a family member while trying to negotiate a volatile situation.

What about those situations when you're dealing with a criminal who isn't emotionally charged, has been in his game for a few years, and is more secretive about their intentions? This kind of person can sometimes be dissuaded by presence alone. However, you may have to engage with this kind of person. I've experienced most of these cases during vacations in larger cities like New Orleans. My then-wife and I were looking at a street map on a sidewalk.  A man passed us, and I watched him in the reflection of the map's plexiglass covering. After he made it a few steps past us, he turned around and returned toward us. I turned around, stepped between him and my wife, created distance, and asked if there was anything I could do to help him. He then mumbled some excuse and turned back around and went in the other direction. I’m lucky this worked I suppose, but I knew if it didn’t I had already made my plan to respond to a physical attack, or even a knife or a gun.

Suppose you want a PHD in dealing with unknown contacts. In that case, I highly recommend taking the Shiworks Extreme Close Quarters Combat class. The Friday evening before the weekend kicks off is Craig Douglas' Managing Unknown Contacts class, and it's worth its weight in gold. To this date, the three-day class is one of the most beneficial training experiences I've ever had. I've used the techniques taught to me by Craig on several occasions, and I can attest to their real-world effectiveness.

By paying attention to these engaging verbal and nonverbal elements, we can deepen our understanding of the dynamics at play in any situation. Our observant and analytical nature fosters a safer environment for ourselves and others. It enhances our ability to navigate complex social interactions with confidence.

Making Yourself a More Difficult Target

One of the most advantageous practices you can adopt regarding body language and enhancing personal safety is to pay close attention to how you carry yourself. To begin with, maintaining good posture is essential; stand straight with your shoulders back and your spine aligned, as this conveys confidence and makes you appear more assertive.

As you walk, do so purposefully and confidently; take measured strides rather than shuffling along. This purposeful movement can significantly impact how others perceive you. Furthermore, keep your head held high and your gaze slightly ahead, which helps you stay aware of your surroundings and projects self-assurance.

Staying alert is critical—be mindful of the people and environment around you. Demonstrating that you are observant and engaged sends a clear message to potential threats: you are not an easy target. This awareness can also help you react appropriately to any unforeseen situations.

It's essential to recognize that, much like predators in the animal kingdom, criminals often select targets that exhibit signs of vulnerability or distraction. By presenting yourself as confident and aware, you significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim, as you give off the impression that you are prepared to handle any challenges that may arise.

In Closing

By mastering these observation skills and understanding the subtleties of body language, you're positioning yourself to recognize danger before it becomes imminent. Remember, safety is not just about reacting to threats but proactively creating a secure environment for yourself and those around you.

As you practice these techniques, remain patient and allow your skills to develop over time. Each encounter offers a learning opportunity, enhancing your instincts and observational abilities. Stay vigilant, trust your intuition, and continuously strive for awareness in your surroundings. With these tools at your disposal, you will navigate environments with greater confidence and poise, ultimately maximizing your personal safety.

Interested in taking a firearms class near you? Trainers, register as a shooting instructor today.

How to Prepare for a Range Session: A Student's Point of View

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 11:42:46 -0500

For many of us, whether industry professionals, trainers, law enforcement, or just other gun enthusiasts, we normally have an idea of what to bring to a range day or shooting class.

Many times, when we take classes ourselves, we probably exceed the instructor's requirements with equipment and that sort of thing. But, I wanted to approach this blog article from the student's point of view.

First Timer Feelings

I’ve been training law enforcement and civilians alike since 2004, and the one thing I have found is that many students are new to the "gun game," and some may be apprehensive or, at the very least, a little bit nervous before they come to a live fire event.

The student likely feels the optimism of learning something new but yes, also has some stress about what it will be like.

Stress can be from the unknown, coming into an environment that they normally don’t experience like a grocery store, or even taking a night class at a local college. Who’s going to be there? How will they be dressed? How will they act? Are these guys going to be super serious? What equipment am I going to need? And the list of questions and anticipation goes on and on.

There certainly are trainers out there with more experience than I have, and maybe there are more factors, but I broke this blog down into two considerations as your students get ready to take an event with you.

Expectations & Preparation

If your student enrolled via ShootingClasses.com, they hopefully will have read the equipment and outcomes sections of your listing. Use clear, non-jargon language like "perfect for beginners" or "our most popular class" as examples.

Clearly establish prerequisites or other benchmarking that the student would need to have before they take your class. If it’s a beginner class, make sure you outline that with language that supports the fact that they may have never fired a handgun before. If it’s an advanced pistol class, enumerate all the skill sets that the student should already have been exposed to and maybe change the language to "this course will challenge you."

Equipment Requirements

Not unlike expectations, we list our equipment needs on our class listing. But what good does that do for us if we use jargon or technical terms?

I’m sure many instructors have conducted an advanced pistol class only to have someone show up with only one magazine or an inappropriate holster. If you plan on shooting close to 300 rounds, make sure that you tell the student to bring more than that.

If you have low enrollments for that class, maybe having extra rounds will allow you to do more drills with the existing students. Giving your students more drills and more exposure is never a bad thing.

Be specific when it comes to equipment requirements. If you’re doing an advanced rifle class, maybe a full kit is in order, and spell that out. If you’re going to require specific equipment, consider putting links on your personal website with photos. Don’t be afraid to have a student contact you directly through email or text message for issues of clarification. A well-equipped student saves you time and saves them stress.

Help Your Students Help You

In closing, put yourself in the shoes of an adult going back to college. What would you like to know before that first night class? Giving students clear direction prior to class drops their stress levels and allows them to focus on learning.

Is Combat Shooting a Martial Art?

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:01:54 -0400

The question of whether shooting qualifies as a martial art has sparked considerable debate among practitioners and scholars of both disciplines. Traditional martial arts, often characterized by their ancient origins, codified techniques, and philosophical underpinnings, seem worlds apart from the modern practice of combat shooting, which is typically associated with law enforcement, military training, and self-defense. Though seemingly disparate disciplines, combat shooting, and traditional martial arts, upon closer examination, reveal they share a multitude of commonalities that link them together as will be discussed here.

By examining the historical context, philosophical foundations, training methodologies, physical and technical aspects, and the ethical dimensions of both practices, we can better understand how shooting and traditional martial arts are intertwined. This article delves into these shared elements and explores the commonalities and differences between combat shooting and traditional martial arts, ultimately arguing that combat shooting can indeed be considered a martial art, particularly when viewed through the lens of its historical, philosophical, and practical components.

Historical Context - Evolution and Cultural Significance

Traditional martial arts have a rich history that spans centuries and many cultures and are deeply rooted in the history of human civilization. From the disciplined samurai of Japan practicing Kendo and Kyudo (the way of the bow) to the Shaolin monks of China mastering Chuan-Fa, these arts were initially developed as systems of combat but later, along with Japanese Karate, and Korean Taekwondo, they evolved as pathways to personal and spiritual growth. They encompass a wide range of practices, including striking, grappling, and the use of various weapons. Similarly, shooting has a long history - initially developed for hunting and later refined for military purposes. Firearms training became essential for soldiers, law enforcement, and armed civilians, evolving into a structured discipline that emphasized precision and control.

Shooting as a Martial Discipline - Integration of Weaponry

During the 17th century, commoners were banned from carrying weapons, so they improvised with farming tools to always have a weapon at their disposal. Some of the most popular weapons that began as farming equipment include the nunchaku, sai, and the bo. Each was a farming instrument that was adapted, out of need and necessity and transformed into a weapon. For example, the modern use of the bo is believed to have evolved from the long stick which was used by commoners to balance buckets, or baskets, across the middle of the back at the shoulders, to carry harvested crops, buckets of water, or fish.

Both combat shooting and martial arts have incorporated weapons as integral components in their training. Traditional martial arts often include weapon forms, such as the Japanese Kenjutsu (swordsmanship), Bojutsu (staff fighting), and Kyudo (archery). These practices emphasize the seamless integration of weapon techniques with unarmed combat skills. Similarly, combat shooting involves the mastery of various firearms, each requiring specific techniques and a complete understanding of their mechanics. The historical integration of weaponry in both fields underscores the importance of versatility and adaptability in combat.

Combat shooting has a long history, rooted in the need for protection and self-defense. The use of projectile weapons like bows and arrows dates to prehistoric times, while firearms became prominent during the Renaissance and late Middle Ages (1300-1500). In many cultures, the use of firearms was integrated into the existing martial traditions. For instance, the samurai of Japan adapted to the introduction of matchlock guns in the mid-1500s, and European knights incorporated muskets into their arsenals between 1420-1430. The development of marksmanship skills has always required rigorous training, discipline, and a strategic mindset, paralleling the qualities found in traditional martial arts.

Other examples of “weapons of war” being relegated to competition venues are the Olympic Games. Consider the discus, shotput, and javelin as examples of man-propelled projectiles. Look to Scotland and the Highland Games as here too, the hammer and other man-propelled weapons of war found their way into the competition setting. The martial origin of these “games”, in various societies, cultures, and places around the world, used these competitions as preparation and conditioning for battle, war, and self-defense.

Mental Discipline & Focus - Philosophical Foundations

Combat shooting and traditional martial arts both emphasize the importance of mental discipline and focus. In shooting, achieving precision requires the shooter to maintain a calm and concentrated mind, controlling their breathing, and, at times, even their heartbeat. During firearms training, many instructors teach students to perform what is generally called “scan and assess”. This ensures the student scans the area to their immediate front and periphery and then assesses the area behind them for additional threats or assistance. In addition, this movement helps in breaking up ‘tunnel vision’ and allows for a chance for the individual to focus on their environmental awareness. This mental clarity is akin to the focus required in martial arts, where practitioners must remain aware of their surroundings and anticipate their opponent’s moves. This is the concept of "zanshin" (‘remaining mind’) and denotes a state of awareness or relaxed alertness, which is equally applicable to combat shooting.

Another concept in traditional martial arts is "mushin" or "no mind," where the practitioner acts instinctively without conscious thought. This mental state is crucial for executing techniques with precision and timing. Similarly, combat shooting requires a high degree of mental focus and clarity. Shooters must maintain a calm and concentrated mind to achieve accuracy, particularly in high-stress situations. The ability to perform certain skills (i.e., reloading) without conscious thought can be crucial. Motor learning (i.e., muscle memory) will be discussed in another section.

Discipline and Personal Development

These two disciplines place a strong emphasis on discipline and personal development. Martial artists follow a structured training regimen that cultivates physical strength, agility, and mental resilience. This disciplined approach extends beyond the dojo, influencing the practitioner's daily life and interactions. Combat shooting also demands rigorous discipline, with practitioners dedicating significant time to perfecting their fundamentals and decision-making skills. The discipline acquired through regular practice in both fields fosters qualities such as patience, perseverance, and self-control.

Both combat shooting and martial arts can also be viewed as paths to personal development. Traditional martial arts aim to cultivate qualities such as perseverance, humility, and self-control. Practitioners strive to improve not just their physical skills but their overall character. Combat shooting, particularly in a disciplined and structured environment, fosters similar qualities. The patience required to improve marksmanship skills, the responsibility of handling a firearm, and the mental fortitude developed through practice all contribute to personal growth.

Training & Methodologies - Repetition and Motor Learning

A fundamental aspect of both combat shooting and traditional martial arts is the repetitive practice of techniques to build motor learning or, more commonly, muscle memory. In martial arts, students perform katas (pre-arranged sequences of movements) and drills to internalize techniques until they become second nature. Similarly, shooters engage in dry-fire practice and live-fire drills to develop consistency, speed, and accuracy. This emphasis on repetition not only hones physical skills but also cultivates discipline and patience. There has been some work done by firearms trainer Gabe Suarez in developing ‘katas’ specifically for handguns, which incorporate footwork and weapon manipulation skill development. Suarez also studies traditional martial arts, so this seemed like a natural progression. By repeatedly practicing the fundamentals and other weapon-handling skills, the shooter's ability to perform under pressure is enhanced.

The Instructor - Student Relationship

The relationship between instructor and student is another commonality and is pivotal in both disciplines. In martial arts, the sensei (teacher) plays a crucial role in guiding the student's development, correcting mistakes, and imparting wisdom. This mentorship is based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to mastering the art. In combat shooting, trainers fulfill a similar role, offering feedback, and fostering a disciplined approach to practice. The mentor-student dynamic in both fields highlights the importance of experienced guidance and the continuous pursuit of improvement.

Physical Aspects - Position and Breathing

Proper position and correct, controlled breathing are essential in both combat shooting and martial arts. In shooting, the stability of the stance can impact shot accuracy, and controlled breathing can help calm the shooter. In martial arts, a stable, balanced, and mobile stance is essential for executing techniques with power and precision. Techniques such as deep breathing and the use of "ki" (internal energy) are employed to maintain focus and enhance performance. Similarly, in combat shooting, a stable, balanced position, and correct breathing can be crucial for accuracy. In some cases, shooters may have to control their breathing to steady themselves and reduce the impact of body movement on the firearm. The emphasis on position and breathing in both fields underscores the importance of physical control and stability.

In many karate systems, (i.e., Goju Ryu, Uechi Ryu) proper breathing, balance, and muscle control is ‘tested’ during the performance of kata. In Goju, for example, Seisan Kata is generally considered a basic kata. It is done slowly, controlling the breath and muscle. Oftentimes, instructors will strike, push, etc., a student during the Kata to challenge a student’s concentration and balance. All this is to develop a strong position, breathing, and balance.

Precision & Control

Precision and control are fundamental to the effectiveness of both shooting and martial arts techniques. A martial artist must execute techniques - whether striking, blocking, or grappling - with accuracy and timing to be effective. The ability to control one's movements and apply the appropriate amount of force is essential for success. Similarly, a combat shooter must demonstrate precise control over their weapon - from grip to trigger pull - to strike their target with combat-effective hits. Both practices also require a thorough understanding of body mechanics and the ability to make subtle adjustments to improve performance.

Integration in Modern Practices - Tactical Training

In contemporary settings, the integration of martial arts principles into combat firearms training is increasingly common, especially in tactical and self-defense contexts. Law enforcement and military personnel often train in both hand-to-hand combat, or combatives, and firearms skills, recognizing the complementary nature of these disciplines. Techniques from martial arts can enhance close-quarters combat effectiveness while shooting skills provide a critical range advantage. This integration highlights the practical benefits of combining the physical and mental aspects of both disciplines.

Ethical and Philosophical Dimensions - Code of Conduct

Traditional martial arts are often governed by a code of conduct, such as the Bushido code, which emphasizes virtues like honor, courage, and respect. These ethical guidelines shape the practitioner’s character and behavior both in and out of the dojo. Shooting disciplines, especially those with a military or law enforcement background, also adhere to strict ethical standards. The responsible use of firearms, respect for life, and adherence to laws and safety protocols reflect a similar commitment to ethical conduct. Both fields emphasize the importance of integrity and responsibility. These standards are also shared with legally armed civilians who choose to go armed for self-protection.

Sport and Competition – The Good and the Bad

Like it or not, shooting and martial arts – both fighting arts – have evolved into competitive sports. I came up during the ‘Blood and Guts’ era of competitive karate and believe it was more beneficial to me in the long term than the competition events seen today. So too with shooting. Each discipline has established rules and governing bodies but, as soon as rules are implemented, the overall realism, and in most cases, effectiveness is diminished. High-tier shooting events (i.e., Olympics) and high-level martial arts competitions showcase the high degree of athletic skill and dedication required in each field. While the competitive aspect reinforces the discipline and precision needed to excel, it blurs the lines between gamesmanship and realistic training. However, competitions in both realms do provide a platform for practitioners to test their skills, learn from others, and continue their personal development.

Is Combat Shooting a Martial Art?

In conclusion, while combat shooting and traditional martial arts may appear distinct on the surface, they share numerous commonalities that justify calling combat shooting a martial art. Both disciplines emphasize discipline, precision, mental focus, and ethical conduct. The historical evolution of shooting, its integration with philosophical practices like Zen Buddhism, and its structured training regimens all align with the core principles of traditional martial arts. By recognizing these shared elements, we can appreciate combat shooting as not just a technical skill but a holistic practice that fosters personal and spiritual development. This broader perspective enriches our understanding of both fields and highlights the universal values that underpin all martial endeavors.

References

Herrigel, E. (1999). Zen in the Art of Archery. Vintage Books.
Funakoshi, G. (1975). Karate-Do: My Way of Life. Kodansha International.
Smith, J. (2018). “The Mindset of a Marksman: Parallels between Shooting and Martial Arts.” Journal of Sports Psychology, 45(2), 123-135.
Johnson, R. (2020). “Discipline and Focus: A Comparative Study of Traditional Martial Arts and Shooting Sports.” International Journal of Sports Science, 29(4), 234-250.
International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) - issf-sports.org
World Karate Federation (WKF) - wkf.net

Pistol Malfunctions Due to Weak Magazine Springs

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:08:47 -0400

Malfunctions are completely avoidable with correct inspection and replacement of worn parts. Inspection is done while cleaning your pistol. Cleaning is done after field stripping your pistol. You, the user, should only be field stripping your pistol. Leave the disassembly of your pistol to a competent gunsmith. Otherwise, you may lose small springs and other parts. In a worst-case scenario, you will incorrectly assemble your pistol, causing the pistol not to function as designed. If you lose a small spring that is part of a safety mechanism, you probably won’t be able to buy a replacement spring. The manufacturer will require you to ship the pistol back to them so they can install the replacement spring. How would I know that?

Type 1 pistol malfunction

A Type 1 pistol malfunction is a failure to fire, which occurs when pressing the trigger makes a click instead of a bang. The solution is immediate action, which means:

Tap the magazine base plate at the bottom of the grip to ensure the magazine is locked into the pistol.
Rack the slide to chamber the next cartridge from the magazine.
Assess the situation. If you were taught Tap-Rack-Bang, that’s just wrong! Never let shooting the pistol become an automatic part of any procedure. The shooting must always be a separate intellectual decision. Otherwise, you will shoot faster than you can think, which always leads to tragic consequences. Shooting on every presentation from your holster to the target is a training scar that will get you into trouble. If you testify at trial that that was how you were trained, it’s not going to go well for you. Because that is obsolete training.

Type 2 pistol malfunction

A Type 2 pistol malfunction is a failure to feed (a cartridge into the chamber), which occurs when pressing the trigger does not cause a click (dead trigger). Immediate action will clear this malfunction. Do not analyze the symptoms to decide what to do. If the pistol does not fire, immediately execute immediate action. If the immediate action does not work, as will be obvious because the slide does not operate properly, you will immediately execute a type 3 malfunction clearing or a reload. A type 3 malfunction clearing will automatically fix an empty magazine problem. So, training yourself to automatically do a type 3 malfunction clearing will cost you a little more time than an emergency (reactive as opposed to a proactive) reload. Training to immediately execute an action is much faster than stopping to analyze. Because conscious thought is much slower than automatic motor programs.

type 3 malfunction

A type 3 malfunction is a failure to extract the spent case from the chamber. The symptom is a dead trigger, as with a type 2 malfunction.

This is not a double feed. Modern semi-auto pistols will not double feed as some semi-auto rifles will. Double feed means that two cartridges have come out of the magazine and the bolt or slide is attempting to insert both into the chamber at once.

A type 3 malfunction is where the extractor claw has not grabbed the rim of the spent case or slipped off the rim of the case, and the slide has moved backward without pulling the case out of the chamber. So, when the slide moves forward under the force of the recoil spring, it attempts to insert a new cartridge into the chamber, but the chamber is already occupied by the previous cartridge’s case.

The solution is:

Lock the slide to the rear. (If you can rip the magazine out of the magazine well without locking the slide to the rear, you don’t have to do this step.)
Eject the magazine. (Discard the magazine, as it may be the problem.)
Rack the slide until the chamber is clear.
Load the pistol.

The following photos are of a Springfield Armory XD in 45 ACP with a 4" barrel. The photos display type 2 malfunctions due to a weak magazine spring.

The cartridge is being driven down into the magazine rather than up into the chamber. Because the magazine spring had not pushed the cartridge up into the correct position against the magazine lips before the slide came forward and started pushing the cartridge forward.

The slide moved forward under the force of the recoil spring but caught the side of the case instead of the rear of the case. The slide was then locked back so you could see what happened. This occurred because the spring had not pushed the cartridge all the way up against the lips of the magazine before the slide came forward. So instead of catching the rear of the shell casing, it caught the side of the shell casing.

Old Springfield Armory spring on left of photo. New Wolff spring on right of photo.

So, why did the magazines work flawlessly in an XD Tactical with a 5" barrel and fail completely in an XD with a 4" barrel?

The longer barrel has a longer slide, which has more mass, and has a single 18.5-pound spring. The shorter barrel has a shorter slide, which is less massive, and has a much stiffer double spring (one spring wound clockwise around another spring wound counterclockwise).

So, the shorter-barreled pistol cycles much faster. The weak magazine springs could not push the cartridge up into the correct position for chambering the cartridge before the slide started moving forward.

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Part 2: Traveling Across, Through, and in "Anti-Gun States"

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 09:36:18 -0400

This is the second part of a multi-part series that examines the ins and outs of traveling with a concealed firearm for self-protection. The first part covered travel in states that are not your residence and are gun-friendly. This post will cover travel in anti-gun states; the third part will cover travel via commercial airlines. As always, I begin with my disclaimer that if you have any specific questions, you should consult competent legal counsel licensed in the appropriate state and that this blog entry is not legal advice. I recently heard an incredibly wise firearms trainer and attorney say, "I am an attorney, but I am not your attorney."

I write this avoiding the temptation to rant about the unconstitutionality of firearms laws or the clear lack of Full Faith and Credit for out-of-state concealed carry permits in unfriendly states. (Note: Gun Owners of America filed a suit in February 2024 against the State of New York for failing to honor other states' permits in the same manner that they honor other out-of-state licenses, such as driver's licenses. Constitutional rights don't stop at state lines, but I digress.)

The examples I am using for the purpose of this blog assume you have an Ohio Concealed Handgun License, but the same would be true for your home state's permit and the states that would honor or not honor your state's permit.

The states in red in Fig 1 are the usual anti-gun states that don't recognize an Ohio permit and likely few, or no, other states' permits. Nor do they recognize permitless carry, so it is not legal to carry a firearm in those states without that state's permit.

Before you prepare to travel, it is worth researching the laws of every state that you plan on traveling through. Websites such as www.handgunlaw.us or the most current edition of attorney J. Scott Kappas' book, The Traveler's Guide to the Firearms Laws of the Fifty States, are comprehensive and trustworthy. I suggest reading both sources prior to leaving your home state for a thorough and current examination of the laws ahead of you.

Firearms Owners Protection Act of 1986 ("FOPA")

Federal law, via the Firearms Owners Protection Act of 1986 ("FOPA"), allows you to transport a firearm across state lines through any state, including an anti-gun state, so long as that firearm is legal in both your home state and your destination state.

To be clear, FOPA does not allow concealed or open carry; all it does is give some right to "safe passage," meaning that you’re traveling through a state with no intent to stay for any period of time. To further ensure your safe passage, you MUST unload the firearm, secure it (locked) where it cannot be reached from the passenger compartment, and secure the ammunition in a separate location from the firearm.

The interesting question here is: what exactly qualifies as "passing through a state" under FOPA?

This grows complicated in unfriendly states because the definition of "what is considered traveling through the state" can be interpreted in many different ways. Stopping for food, gas, or a restroom is likely safe. If stopped or involved in any incident where law enforcement may find out that you have a firearm in your vehicle, all bets may be off. An aggressive prosecutor or law enforcement officer may take something legal under FOPA and make your life incredibly miserable. To me, staying overnight at a hotel or a family member's house while passing through is questionably on the line of FOPA protections.

Before Crossing State Lines into Anti-Gun States

My advice to clients and students when driving across an unfriendly state may seem excessive, I know, but hear me out. It's easier to be proactive and avoid the massive problems you may face if you run into an unfriendly law enforcement official. My suggestions are simple: plan ahead before you hit the state line by fueling up, using the restroom, obtaining any food/beverage desired, unloading, separating your firearm and ammo, making both inaccessible from the passenger compartment, and considering making the gun inoperable by disassembling the slide. All should be done before you hit the state line. Do that with the intent of passing through as quickly as possible, with as few stops as possible.

Again, I know I sound paranoid, but I would rather take every step possible to avoid trouble. Several years ago, my wife and I traveled through Pennsylvania to Virginia, requiring a 2-mile jaunt through Maryland. The temptation to just keep traveling with my "friend" on my side was considerable, knowing we'd be in enemy territory for under three minutes but knowing that all it would take would be a traffic accident or a blown tire to end up with a very uncomfortable interaction with the Maryland State Police. Rather than risking fumbling to lock up a gun under time constraints and stress, or worse yet, answering questions about what was on my person, it was just easier to separate and lock it up at a truck stop well north of Maryland.

When traveling across anti-gun states, you must also know those states' laws regarding magazine capacity limits, ammunition restrictions, restrictions on suppressors, and more. For example, when driving through New Jersey, you should beware that the state limits magazines to a maximum 10-round limit. So unless you are transporting hollow point bullets while traveling to or from the range or a hunting trip with a valid permit, it is illegal to possess them. In other words, what may have been legal 50 feet ago in Pennsylvania became a crime the moment you crossed into New Jersey.

Again, my suggestions may sound extreme. I would rather err on the side of taking a few extra minutes, despite my constitutional bullheadedness, to be a law-abiding citizen and not end up in handcuffs. Intent matters, as does perception, and doing everything you can to honor the state's laws while passing through, with FOPA's protections, may go a long way.

Fig. 2 – Photo credit to handgunlaw.us

Dominate Eye and Pistol Shooting: Mastering Precision and Control

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 13:30:32 -0400

Pistol shooting is a blend of skill, precision, and mental discipline. To dominate the art of eye and pistol shooting, you need a strategic approach that integrates both physical and psychological techniques. This guide will walk you through the essential aspects to enhance your shooting performance and consistency.

Understanding the Basics

Safety First

Before delving into techniques, ensure that you follow all safety protocols. Always treat firearms as if they are loaded; never point your firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy; keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot; and be aware of your target and what lies beyond it.

Grip and Stance

A solid grip and stance are foundational to accurate shooting.

Grip: Hold the pistol firmly with both hands. The dominant hand should grip the pistol high on the backstrap, while the support hand wraps around and applies pressure. This minimizes recoil and aids in maintaining control.
Stance: Adopt a balanced stance, such as the isosceles or Weaver stance. In the isosceles stance, your feet are shoulder-width apart and your body is squared to the target. In the weaver stance, think of a fighter stance; your body is angled slightly with your non-dominant foot forward.

Eye dominance and alignment

Determining Eye Dominance

Eye dominance is crucial for aiming accurately.

Test for dominance: Extend your arms and create a small triangle by overlapping your hands. Focus on a distant object through this triangle. Close one eye at a time. The eye with which the object remains in view is your dominant eye.

Sight Alignment and Picture

Proper sight alignment and picture are vital.

Sight Alignment: Align the front sight with the rear sights so that the top of the front sight is level with the top of the rear sights and centered within the rear notch.
Sight Picture: Once aligned, focus on the front sight while keeping the target in your peripheral vision. This ensures that the sight is sharp and the target is slightly blurred, allowing for better focus on the front sight.

Aiming and Trigger Control

Aiming Techniques

Use the right aiming technique to ensure precision.

Front Sight Focus: Concentrate on the front sight rather than the target. The rear sight and the target will naturally fall into place.
Sight Correction: Adjust your sight picture to correct for any misalignment. If your shots are consistently off, it may be necessary to adjust your sights or technique.
Natural Point of Aim: Basically, natural point of aim is where your handgun wants to point while in your relaxed stance. The natural point of aim (NPOA) for a handgun refers to the position where the handgun naturally points when the shooter is in a comfortable and relaxed stance. Visit our blog on how to find and use the natural point of aim.

Trigger Control

Mastering trigger control is essential for accurate shooting.

Trigger Finger Placement: Place the pad of your trigger finger on the trigger, not the joint or the tip. This allows for a smoother pull.
Smooth Pull: Apply steady, gradual pressure on the trigger until the shot breaks. Avoid jerking or slapping the trigger, as this can cause the pistol to move off target.

Breathing and follow-through

Breathing Control

Proper breathing is crucial for maintaining stability.

Breath Control: Inhale deeply, then exhale partially, and hold your breath briefly as you take the shot. This minimizes movement and helps with precision.

Follow-Through

Follow-through ensures that your shot remains on target.

Maintain Focus: Keep your focus on the front sight even after the shot is fired.
Recoil Management: Allow the pistol to recoil naturally and be prepared to reset your sights quickly for follow-up shots.
Trigger Reset: The Key to Faster and More Accurate Shooting. Trigger reset is the point in the firing cycle where the shooter releases the trigger just enough to reset the firing mechanism but does not let it return all the way to the starting position. This allows the shooter to pull the trigger again more quickly and efficiently for subsequent shots.

Practice and Drills

Dry Fire Practice

Dry firing (practicing without live ammunition) helps improve trigger control and sight alignment.

Drill: Practice your draw, aiming, and trigger control in a controlled environment. Ensure the firearm is unloaded and practice repeatedly to build muscle memory.

Live Fire Practice

Live fire practice allows you to apply techniques in real-world conditions:

Drill Variety: Incorporate drills that simulate different shooting scenarios, such as target transitions, movement, and shooting from various positions.
Consistent Evaluation: Regularly evaluate your performance, focusing on areas that need improvement. Have a training goal. Track your progress and adjust your practice accordingly.

Mental discipline and focus

Mental Preparation

The mental aspect of shooting cannot be underestimated.

Visualization: Use mental imagery to visualize successful shooting scenarios and practice mental rehearsal techniques.
Concentration: Develop the ability to concentrate fully on the task at hand, blocking out distractions, and focusing on the fundamentals of shooting.

Stress Management

Managing stress and pressure is key to maintaining performance.

Relaxation Techniques: Employ relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation to stay calm under pressure.

Advanced Techniques

Speed and Accuracy

As you progress, focus on balancing speed and accuracy.

Speed Drills: Practice drills that emphasize rapid target acquisition and shooting while maintaining accuracy.
Controlled Practice: Increase your speed gradually, ensuring that accuracy does not suffer.

Competition and Real-World Application

Participate in shooting competitions or practical shooting events to apply your skills in dynamic environments.

Competitive Experience: Competing in events can help you adapt to different scenarios and improve your overall performance.

Conclusion

Dominating eye and pistol shooting requires a comprehensive approach that includes understanding the basics, mastering sight alignment and trigger control, and incorporating regular practice. By focusing on both physical techniques and mental discipline, you can significantly enhance your shooting skills and achieve greater accuracy and consistency. Whether you are a competitive shooter or someone interested in self-defense, these principles will help you become more proficient with your pistol.

The Michigan Pistol Academy is located in Rochester Hills and Royal Oak, Michigan, and is dedicated to providing comprehensive firearm training and education in the state of Michigan.

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Do I need a class to renew my Michigan Concealed Pistol License?

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 20:30:11 -0400

In Michigan, the renewal process for a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) typically does not require you to take a new class, but there are various steps and considerations involved that are important to understand. This process ensures that you remain compliant with state laws and maintain your eligibility to carry a concealed pistol.

Understanding Michigan’s CPL Renewal Process

1. Basic Requirements for Renewal

To renew your CPL in Michigan, you must first meet a few basic requirements. These include:

Current CPL Status: Your existing CPL must be valid or have been expired for no more than one year at the time of renewal. If it has been expired for more than one year, you will need to apply as a new applicant, which involves additional steps, including fingerprinting and a new class.
Residency: You must be a resident of Michigan or maintain a valid address within the state. Proof of residency is required, typically demonstrated through documents like a driver's license.

2. Application Process

The renewal application process involves several key steps:

Submit an Application: You need to complete a CPL renewal application form. This form can be obtained from the Michigan State Police (MSP) website or your local county clerk's office. The form requires personal information, including your name, address, and details about your previous CPL.
To file Online: If you haven't moved since you last obtained your license, you will receive a renewal notice approximately 6 months prior to your expiration. Never count on this, but, for the most part, the system works. If you have moved, you will not receive this notice. You will need to call your county clerk who issued your last CPL and ask them to send you a PIN to your new address. You then can do the renewal online here.
Provide Identification: You must present valid identification to verify your identity and residency. This typically includes a Michigan driver's license or state ID. If filing online, you will need your PIN number.
Pay the Renewal Fee: The renewal process requires a fee of $115. Payment can usually be made by check or money order.

3. Renewal Without a New Class

Unlike the initial application process, which requires a comprehensive background check, fingerprinting, and a class on firearm safety and use, the renewal process is streamlined. The key distinction here is:

No Mandatory Training Class: You are not required to take a new training class specifically for the renewal of your CPL. The state of Michigan does not mandate additional training for renewals, although continuing education is recommended to stay updated on changes in laws and best practices.
Updating Knowledge: While not required, many CPL holders choose to take refresher courses to stay current with firearm safety, legal changes, and handling techniques. These classes can be beneficial and may provide updates on any new laws or changes in the legal landscape related to concealed carry. At Michigan Pistol Academy in conjunction with Professional Defense Advisors we offer a comprehensive online video course which meets this requirement.
Video Online course: An easy, self-paced course is available to meet these requirements. This course is just $25 with our discount code MPA25. You get instruction from our law enforcement Professional Defense Advisor on firearm safety and considerations if you carry a concealed firearm. In addition, you get all the Michigan documents and a CPL Training Manual eBook as a free download.

4. Additional Considerations

Although a new class is not required, there are several reasons you might want to consider additional training:

Legal Updates: Firearm laws and regulations can change. Taking a refresher course can help you stay informed about any new legislation or changes in legal requirements related to concealed carry.
Skill Maintenance: Regular practice and training ensure that your shooting skills remain sharp. Even if not required, periodic training helps maintain proficiency and safety in handling a firearm.
Insurance Benefits: Some insurance policies and legal defense plans offer benefits or discounts for individuals who complete additional training or education courses, online or in person. While not a requirement, it could be advantageous from a self-defense insurance standpoint.

5. Important Updates and Changes

It is important to regularly check for any changes in state law or requirements. Occasionally, legislative changes might alter the renewal process or introduce new requirements. Always refer to the most recent information from the Michigan State Police or consult with your local county clerk’s office to ensure you have the latest details..

6. Potential Issues and Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues during the renewal process, such as changes in your criminal background or difficulties in meeting residency requirements, it is crucial to address these issues promptly. Contacting your county clerk’s office or a legal advisor can help you navigate any complications that may arise.

7. Conclusion

In summary, while Michigan does not require you to take a new class to renew your Concealed Pistol License, staying informed and engaged with ongoing education is beneficial. The renewal process is designed to be straightforward, focusing primarily on verifying your identity, confirming your eligibility, and updating any necessary background information. Regular training and education, though not mandatory, can enhance your skills and ensure you are up-to-date with the latest legal and safety standards. Remember, if you don’t take an in-person class or take an online course, you MUST sign the application under oath certifying that you meet this requirement. Always refer to official sources for the most accurate and current information regarding your CPL renewal.

The Michigan Pistol Academy is located in Rochester Hills and Royal Oak, Michigan and is dedicated to providing comprehensive firearm training and education in the state of Michigan.

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Are Firing Warning Shots a Good Idea?

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:26:18 -0400

Risks and Safety Concerns

Firing warning shots is generally not recommended as a safe or effective practice. Firing a warning shot poses several risks and can have serious consequences. Here are some reasons why warning shots may not be a good idea:

Discharging a firearm, even into the air, poses many safety concerns by creating a risk to bystanders. The trajectory of the bullet is unpredictable, and it can come down at a considerable distance from where it was fired. This creates the potential for injury or property damage.

Official Stance on Warning Shots

The Fraternal Order of Police Chiefs determined by consensus that “the warning shot must not pose a substantial risk of injury or death to the officer or others.” Essentially, the intent of the Consensus Policy was to provide officers with an alternative to deadly force in the very limited situations where these conditions are met.

However, warning shots are not meant to be a requirement prior to the use of deadly force. Although the firing of a warning shot is not necessarily legally forbidden, one should be aware that if they fire a warning shot, it is highly likely that their conduct will be judged under the legal standard that they have used deadly force and not just mere force.

Legal Implications of Warning Shots

There are many legal consequences to firing a warning shot. In many jurisdictions, firing a warning shot is considered the use of deadly force. This could lead to legal consequences, as the discharge of a firearm may be subject to more strict regulations. In some cases, it might be treated as a criminal offense, especially if it endangers others.

Michigan gun laws on warning shots are not defined. The term “warning shot” is not in the Michigan Penal Code and not in the Self-Defense Act. Most likely, courts will determine the action of firing a warning shot to be the use of the deadly force standard. The only hope would be to be charged with negligent discharge of a firearm, or a simple assault. Don West, criminal defense attorney and National Trial Counsel for CCW Safe, agrees with Gary Eastridge. “If you fire a gun, as Gary pointed out, you have then employed deadly force.

Potential for Escalation

Warning shots may escalate violence in a situation rather than defusing it. If someone perceives the discharge of a firearm as a direct threat, they may respond accordingly, leading to an escalation of violence. The situation may trigger events perceived by the individual as a serious threat to themselves. Fear-inducing events give the person the perception they are under threat or about to lose something of value. The person’s body and mind prepare for a fight. They may respond physically or taunt the perceived threat if it is a person and explode into violent acts against the threat.

There are generally safer and more effective ways to de-escalate a potential threat, such as using verbal communication, seeking cover, or calling for help from law enforcement.

Required Skills and Responsibilities

Firing a warning shot requires skill and training to do so safely. In a stressful situation, accuracy may be compromised, increasing the likelihood of unintended harm. You, as a civilian, should never fire a warning shot. As a responsibly armed citizen, you are responsible for every round you fire downrange. If your warning shot kills someone, YOU'RE RESPONSIBLE.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you find yourself in a situation where you feel threatened, it's essential to prioritize the safety of yourself and others. Seek to de-escalate the situation through communication and, if necessary, retreat to a safe location. It's advisable to rely on proper authorities to handle potentially dangerous situations involving firearms. Warning shots can rightfully be considered deadly force, and you must act reasonably in the use of deadly force. Prepare yourself, know your rights, know the law, and seek legal counsel from a qualified firearms law attorney when needed.

The Michigan Pistol Academy is located in Rochester Hills and Royal Oak, Michigan, and is dedicated to providing comprehensive firearm training and education in the state of Michigan.

Firearms for Self-Protection While Traveling Outside Your State: Part 1

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 15:19:15 -0400

This multi-part series looks at the ins and outs of traveling with a concealed firearm for self-protection. The first part will cover travel in states that are not your residence that are gun-friendly. The second part will cover travel in states that are anti-gun, and the third part will cover travel via commercial airlines. As always, I begin with my disclaimer: if you have any specific questions, you should consult competent legal counsel licensed in the appropriate state. This blog entry is not legal advice. I recently heard an incredibly wise firearms trainer and attorney say, "I am an attorney, but I am not your attorney."

Before you travel, you need to know that you may only carry a loaded firearm in another state if you do so in full compliance with that state’s laws. Some states will require a concealed weapons permit, while others allow for permitless ("Constitutional") carry. Some states may also grant additional rights, including a wider array of places where you can carry with a permit versus those that do not.

Traveling across, through, and to “Gun-Friendly States”

Reminder: even a gun-friendly state’s laws are likely very different than the laws you know well in your home state!

In a state that recognizes permitless carry, you may carry there without any issue if you follow those state’s specific laws. (For a map of states with permitless carry, see Fig. 1.)

In any state that does not recognize permitless carry, you may carry there as long as you either 1) have a permit issued by that state or 2) are traveling in a state that recognizes the permit that you have from your home state or another state. When another state recognizes your permit, that is referred to as reciprocity.

Reciprocity is one of the best reasons to get a permit, even if you live in a permitless carry state. As an Ohio permit holder, even though our state is permitless, I have access to an additional ten states where my permit is recognized versus permitless carry. Take a look at the map below (Fig 2.). My Ohio concealed carry permit is also accepted by any state in purple or beige, regardless of that state allowing permitless carry. This means I can drive to Florida from Ohio, passing through West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia without running afoul of the law regardless of permitted or permitless carry. On the other hand, if I were to drive to Missouri through Illinois, that would present some issues.

If you’re preparing to travel to another state, it is your total and complete responsibility to know the laws of that state. As I tell my students frequently, “Officer, I didn’t know the law” won’t help you. Looking at a judge and a jury and saying that you didn’t know the law will not help you.

In some states, you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol (like Chili’s); in other states, you cannot. In some states, you can carry into a state park; in others, you cannot. In some states, the “no weapons allowed” signs have the force of law, and you can be charged with a crime if you ignore them. In other states, the signs are a mere suggestion where you may be asked to leave if you ignore them. In some states, you must disclose that you’re carrying immediately upon coming in contact with a law enforcement officer; in other states, you only need to disclose if asked. (However, I always tell my students it is common courtesy to tell an officer as soon as possible, regardless of what the law requires, but that’s just my personal opinion.)

State-by-State Firearm Carry Guides & Resources

The Traveler's Guide to the Firearms Laws of the Fifty States, a book by attorney J. Scott Kappas¹, is my first purchase every calendar year. This book is a concise and easy-to-understand guide in plain English to familiarize you with the laws of individual states. The website handgunlaw.us² is the most up-to-date resource that I also find myself looking at before every trip out of state. This website produces a PDF booklet for each state with a comprehensive explanation of every facet of firearms and self-defense law.

Other helpful guides, such as the NRA-ILA's website or concealedcarry.com’s book, Legal Boundaries by State, are available in print and in a continually updated PDF format.

Regardless of the resources you use, you need to remember that laws change frequently and can change without your chosen publication being updated fast enough to help you. Also, some questions are just too complex for books to answer. In that event, I highly suggest that you seek out the counsel of a 2A-friendly lawyer in your destination state to guide you before you get into trouble.

Don’t let this pre-travel research scare you out of carrying when you travel. Honestly, traveling armed to a gun-friendly state is easy as long as you pay attention to the laws and continue to use good judgment. By spending a few minutes familiarizing yourself with the laws of the states you’ll travel to or through, you can easily add this layer of protection for your family so you can still enjoy the ride.

Graphics:

Fig. 1 – Photo credit to USCCA.com

Fig. 2 – Photo credit to handgunlaw.us

When Hollywood Get It Wrong… Installment 4

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 18:25:07 -0400

This series comprises 4 individual blogs addressing the central theme that Hollywood is grossly inaccurate in its portrayal of armed confrontations. Understanding that Hollywood Gets It Wrong… may save your life!

The Unbelievable

1. “Don’t kill the hero when you have the chance!”

I just completed watching another film where the hero has killed multiple bad guys, and now our hero has been overpowered by multiple bad guys, and he is essentially helpless to defend himself. He could have been easily dispatched by any one of a number of bad guys with guns. But for some reason, the bad guys did not kill him. Of course, our hero escapes, is nursed back to health, and he returns to take revenge on the evildoers. This is so common that it has become a cliché.

Problems: In real life, bad guys are not that stupid! If someone has killed their friends, then they tend to kill their adversary by whatever means are immediately available. They do not dream up complicated schemes, as in James Bond movies, or let someone go free so that they can be haunted by their memories. I have seen cases where the bad guys mistakenly thought that the adversary was dead, and I have seen sadistic perpetrators who tortured their victims. But I have never seen murderers plan some complicated scenario when all they had to do was shoot the victim.

2. “Unbelievable Tactics/Storylines”

Hollywood constantly seeks new ways to entertain the public, and audiences consistently pay top dollar to watch violence. However, the audience will get bored watching the same old scenarios, so the violence has become more graphic and more disturbing over time. Clearly, some of the films/shows are not bound by reality. Their purpose is to entertain and to earn money.

This week, I watched a western show with multiple "robbers" riding their horses and shooting at one man who was driving a wagon. The men were shooting their pistols, repeatedly, at the driver. The driver eventually shot and killed two of the robbers with a double-barrel shotgun. The driver then stopped his wagon, got down from the wagon, and retrieved a rifle that was in a case. The driver then ran out into a grass field and took the rifle, with a scope, out of the case. The robbers then rode their horses toward the driver, and he shot them with his rifle.

Problems: In the original pursuit, the robbers were shooting at the driver of the wagon, but the wagon had a large cover on the rear that prevented the robbers from being able to see the driver. I doubt the robbers would have wasted so much ammunition if they were unable to see their target/driver. And of course, they shot many rounds, and magically, none of the bullets hit their target. It is also worth noting that once the driver had fired two rounds, the shotgun was basically empty, and the driver would have been an easy target if the bad guys had simply ridden up and shot him.

There is no explanation as to why the robbers allowed the driver to pull over and stop the wagon, and then exit the wagon, and take firearms into a grass field nearby. It would seem to me that when the driver pulled over, the robbers would have shot him full of holes. But for some reason, they did not confront the driver, and they allowed him to stop, arm himself, and move to another location where he was partially obscured by the high grass. Once the driver had his rifle and scope out, the robbers decided to ride at him where he was able to shoot them one at a time. Just because they are bad guys does not mean they are idiots.

3. Ricochets

In Hollywood, apparently bullets behave like billiard balls when they hit a hard surface, or the bullets simply disintegrate into dust. I have watched numerous films and shows where bad guys are shooting at the hero, and the hero drops to the ground, often sliding under a door, to avoid getting shot. Bullets are hitting the ground in front of our hero, but the bullets do not strike him!

Problem: Bullets are not billiard balls. When a bullet strikes a hard object at an angle, the bullet tends to ricochet and continue in the same general direction but at a flatter trajectory. In the scenario above, the bullets would travel along the floor and strike our hero.

Overall Summary: Hollywood is not a training ground for armed encounters, and they must show our heroes overcoming insurmountable odds to emerge victorious and/or exact revenge. Many people enjoy a good revenge movie! I understand that the Hollywood mission is to entertain and make a lot of money in the process. To be successful, they take artistic license with their actors and special effects to make movies and television shows that appeal to the viewing public. Their mission is not to represent reality or even common sense.

When people with no actual training or experience in armed encounters watch situations and scenarios played out repeatedly with successful results, they are prone to start believing that it bears some semblance to reality. As a result, when faced with "real-life" situations, they may apply some of these Hollywood tactics and strategies in an attempt to survive and overcome an armed threat. The results could be disastrous.

If you have a genuine interest in learning about armed encounters, then you need to find a course/instructor that covers basic firearms safety, legal issues relative to the use of force to defend yourself and/or others, and some basic strategies relative to surviving armed encounters. This may significantly reduce your enjoyment of movies and television but understanding that Hollywood is not real may save your life!

When Hollywood Gets it Wrong… Installment 3

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 15:39:41 -0400

This series is comprised of 4 individual blogs addressing the central theme that Hollywood is grossly inaccurate in their portrayal of armed confrontations. Understanding that Hollywood Gets It Wrong… may save your life!

Human Beings

1. “Our heroes are shot and/or stabbed, yet they continue on without any apparent impairment."

I am often reminded of the Monty Python movie with a knight declaring, "It's just a flesh wound!" Time and time again, I see our heroes shot in the arm, leg, abdomen, or shoulder, and they basically ignore it, and it seems to go away. They don’t go into shock, they don’t stop walking, running, and fighting… they just ignore it. Most recently, I saw a young woman on a show who had been impaled with an arrow. The arrow struck her about mid-abdomen and penetrated out of her back. However, despite a wound that would not only be painful but would have likely damaged her spinal column and done immense internal damage, she walked around shooting people with her pistol as though the arrow did not exist. I also recently saw a film where the hero was shot in the right shoulder with a rifle bullet, and 5 minutes later he was shooting a bow and arrow with pinpoint accuracy. Apparently, a bullet wound to the shoulder does not reduce one’s ability to shoot a bow and arrow.

Problems: There are times when adrenaline and emotional focus can overcome pain and injury for a short time. There are many cases where someone who was mortally wounded managed to kill others before succumbing to their injuries. However, in real life, it is painful and sometimes debilitating to get shot! Getting shot can shatter bones, sever arteries, veins, and nerves, and send the victim into shock. Nerve damage prevents arms and legs from working, and the body's response to injury and pain in the abdomen can stop a person in their tracks. A stab wound, especially to the abdomen or chest area, can also result in critical injury and death. I have worked several murder cases that were "just stab wounds" to the chest where the knife blade severed an artery. However, in Hollywood, getting shot or stabbed does not have immediate or long-term consequences.

2. “Broken Glass”

We have all seen Hollywood movies, especially westerns, where someone strikes another person on the head with a bottle, and the bottle breaks on impact. The person is usually stunned but does not suffer any serious injury. However, in real life, most people have never tried to break a bottle over someone else’s head. It is not as easy as it looks on film.

Problems: Most liquor bottles are well made, and they do not break easily. I have seen a number of incidents when people were trying to christen new boats with bottles of champagne, and they could not get the bottle to break. I have also seen people hit on the head with liquor bottles, and it was devastating. In some cases, the bottle did not break, but the human skull caved in. In other cases, the bottle broke, cutting skin and scalp and resulting in blood everywhere. Just using a fist to break out a window pane can cause excessive damage to the hand, wrist, and arm.

Breaking and jumping through windows and glass doors apparently does not hurt people in Hollywood. But I have seen people run through glass doors and windows, and some bled to death before they could get medical help. It looks really cool on film, but in real life, diving through a window or glass door can be fatal.

3. “Tasers and Stun Guns”

In many films, I have seen individuals reduced to writhing, quivering masses incapable of moving or speaking after being shot with a Taser or zapped with a stun gun. The stun gun is typically placed around the neck area, and when activated, emits an electric crackling sound. The victim becomes completely immobilized, and the effects last for about ten minutes or more. With a Taser or similar device, the results are the same, but it can be deployed at short distances. As a result, people watching such films have very high expectations relative to the power and impact of electronic control devices.

Problems: The portrayal of these devices and their effects is Hollywood fabrication. I first tested stun guns more than 40 years ago. The newer ones have more power, but the effects are still very similar. They cause a great deal of pain and override the electric impulses between the brain and the voluntary muscle structure. They are particularly effective if a stun gun is applied to the lower back area while holding the subject so that he or she cannot get away. As long as the electric impulses are being administered, they affect the nerves. Once the electric impulses are no longer being applied, the person regains full mental and physical control almost immediately.

This principle is also similar to electronic control devices that fire out probes. These typically apply a charge to the subject for a 5-second period. Once the device stops applying the charge, the subject regains full mental and physical control immediately. Of course, the person controlling the electronic control device can administer another 5-second charge, but the overall impact is the same. As soon as the charge stops, the person regains their abilities immediately.

Note: I have personal experience being shocked with a stun gun multiple times and being shot with a Taser (the longest 5 seconds of my life), and I can attest that recovery is immediate when the electric charge is no longer being administered. I was also a Taser instructor in my past life and have seen it administered to numerous police officers and a few news reporters.

4. “Hitmen on Motorcycles!”

Over the past few years, we have seen the advent of a new phenomenon: hitmen on motorcycles. In several high-profile movies, we have seen multiple hitmen riding motorcycles to carry out their murderous schemes. They typically ride their street bikes at high speeds, dodging numerous obstacles while also carrying, aiming, and shooting automatic weapons. These are not the James Bond motorcycles with mounted rocket launchers. These are simply bad guys riding motorcycles while trying to carry out a hit on a target.

Problems: In addition to my law enforcement and academic background, I have been a motorcycle rider/enthusiast for many years. Riding a motorcycle, especially at high speeds around various obstacles, requires the use of both hands. The left hand is the clutch, and it is required for shifting gears—speeding up and slowing down. The right hand is the throttle (accelerator in non-motorcycle terms), and changing speeds requires manually engaging the throttle. As a result, both hands of the motorcyclist are engaged in driving the motorcycle. Even though some motorcycles have cruise control, it is extremely cumbersome and unlikely that a professional hitman would choose a motorcycle as a platform to shoot automatic weapons.

See Installment 4 of "When Hollywood Gets It Wrong…"

When Hollywood Gets It Wrong… Installment 2

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 14:44:06 -0400

This series is comprised of 4 individual blogs addressing the central theme When Hollywood Gets It Wrong…. Hollywood is grossly inaccurate in their portrayal of armed confrontations. Understanding that Hollywood gets it wrong may save your life!

Ballistics

1. “Bullets stop when they make contact with…”  

I have seen Hollywood action movies and crime dramas portray gunfights where virtually every object, including pillows, mattresses, tables, sofas, windows, doors, interior walls, car doors, windshields, and even human beings are depicted as bulletproof barriers that can stop bullets. In the exaggerated world of Hollywood, it seems that everything stops bullets.

A particular action-packed movie that I have enjoyed, showed our hero and his “date” being pursued by a professional sharpshooter who was driving a vehicle and relentlessly shooting at our protagonists in their vehicle. At one thrilling point, our hero maneuvers his vehicle, a stolen police cruiser, into a spin and daringly steps out of his car while it is still spinning, leaving his date in the moving car. Our hero then starts shooting, with impeccable aim and rapid fire, into the windshield and window of the shooter’s car. Positioned behind the steering wheel, a universal driver's position, the shooter appears invulnerable. After emptying one magazine, our relentless hero reloads and discharges another magazine into the assailant’s vehicle. Despite the windshield being shredded to pieces, the shooter astonishingly manages to back up and escape, emerging unscathed.

Problems: The concept of our hero stepping out of a spinning vehicle raises multiple logistical issues, including the improbable avoidance of being overrun by the spinning vehicle itself. The attention-grabbing special effects might be visually captivating, but they lean heavily into the realm of cinematic fantasy rather than practical reality.

In the real world of forensic science and ballistics analysis, bullets tend to penetrate most objects they come into contact with. Through my experience in law enforcement and crime scene investigation, I recall incidents where a bullet has tragically passed through the body of one victim and struck another person standing behind. Variables such as bullet caliber, firing distance, clothing, body type, and targeted body parts all influence whether a bullet may pass through a person and continue its deadly trajectory. In a chilling case, I observed a bullet that traveled through a person’s head, perforated a residential wall, crossed a room, and lodged into another wall. Contrary to Hollywood's portrayal, human bodies offer minimal ballistic protection.

One of the most pervasive myths in Hollywood's action and thriller genres is the notion that bullets ricochet off of windshields, that car doors and windows provide bullet-stopping defense, and that the rear of a vehicle is impenetrable to gunfire aimed at the driver. This fallacy is so regularly exhibited in movies and TV shows that audiences might be misled to believe it reflects reality. However, my professional testing with various vehicle models under different simulated gunfire scenarios, as well as my involvement in vehicular homicide cases, revealed alarming findings.

Cars, to the disappointment of Hollywood's narrative, serve as very poor shields against gunshots, regardless of the angle of attack—frontal, lateral, or rear. Through direct ballistics testing, I found that bullets effortlessly penetrated car windshields, windows, and doors, maintaining lethal speed and trajectory. Car doors failed to offer any substantial resistance to bullets unless by sheer chance they hit a steel support structure within the door. In a systematic test firing at a car door, a significant majority of approximately 80+% of rounds, including commonly available "street" rounds like .38 specials, 9mm, .40 caliber pistols, and various rifle ammunition, including standard military and high-powered rounds, penetrated through to the passenger cabin.

Note: When someone is driving a vehicle, their predictable position behind the steering wheel is well-known to all, including potential attackers. If conventional wisdom and cinematic portrayals suggest that windshields and doors can shield drivers from bullets, the frequent survival of drivers in high-stakes cinematic shootouts begs disbelief. It is a flight of fancy to depict multiple, skilled gunmen unleashing a barrage of gunfire into the driver's side of a vehicle without inflicting harm on the driver.

With regards to construction materials such as doors and interior walls, their inability to stop bullets is notable. Efforts by the construction industry to minimize costs have inadvertently compromised the structural integrity and, consequently, the protective capacity of these elements against ballistics. My observations from investigating shootings have consistently shown that bullets typically penetrate doors and walls with ease. While there are exceptions, such as concrete walls and steel-reinforced doors, these are rare and not the standard in most residential and commercial buildings.

2. "He's Got a Bulletproof Vest… He is Unstoppable!"

We have observed numerous movies where the protagonist, often portrayed as an invincible action hero, is wearing a bulletproof vest, and despite being shot repeatedly, the wearer miraculously survives and appears unstoppable. Despite facing gunfire from various types of firearms, our hero perseveres!

Problems: Soft body armor is not invulnerable, and certain types of bullets, particularly high-caliber ammunition, can penetrate most vests. Unless fitted with ceramic or steel ballistic plates for enhanced protection, most rifle bullets—including military-grade ammunition and high-powered projectiles—will penetrate the standard soft body armor. Even if a bullet is stopped by the vest, the force can cause blunt force trauma, leading to potential serious injuries such as fractured bones and internal damage.

Even with theoretically indestructible body armor, tactical experts and law enforcement professionals understand that if targeting the body is ineffective, then aiming for an unprotected area like the head is the next tactical choice. This method, known as the "two in the body, one in the head" principle, is a drill practiced by many police tactical teams and highlights that bulletproof vests alone do not render an individual invulnerable.

3. "Someone Racks a Bullet in the Chamber!"

A pivotal scene unfolds as either a protagonist or antagonist gears up for an imminent gunfight. In a dramatic moment, the character ostensibly readies their weapon by racking a round into the chamber of the pistol they wield.

Problems: This moment, designed to escalate tension, overlooks a critical detail familiar to firearms enthusiasts and professionals alike regarding the operation of semiautomatic pistols. The necessity to chamber a round at such a crucial juncture implies that the individual has been moving with a firearm that was previously not ready to fire—a scenario unlikely for experienced gun handlers like law enforcement officers, secret agents, or even seasoned criminals, who typically would carry their firearms with a round chambered and ready for immediate action.

See Installment 3 of "When Hollywood Gets It Wrong…"

When Hollywood Gets It Wrong…

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 18:44:05 -0400

As I have grown older and perhaps a little wiser, I have found it more and more difficult to enjoy the endless stream of movies and television shows featuring gunfights and armed encounters. In their endless attempts to create interesting and emotionally charged storylines, Hollywood inaccuracies in gunfights have elevated armed encounters to a level of stupidity and absurdity that destroys the credibility of the film/show for all reasonably informed and intelligent audience members. As you might imagine, my wife does not find me to be good company when watching such films/shows.

If uninformed people watch these scenarios and believe that they have any relevance to reality, then these individuals may engage in some dangerous behaviors in the real world. I do not expect the everyday citizen to truly understand the nature of an armed conflict. However, when citizens are constantly exposed to misrepresentations of gun safety and usage, they may start believing in tactics and practices that could have deadly consequences.

The purpose of this blog is to simply point out some of the most common mistakes and to explain why they are problematic. Without identifying every film and television show, I am sure that the reader will recognize many, if not all, of the scenarios discussed and explained.

This series is comprised of 4 individual blogs addressing the central theme that Hollywood's portrayal of gunfights is grossly inaccurate. Understanding What Hollywood Gets Wrong… may save your life!

Tactics

1. Hostage Negotiation Tactics: “Put your gun down, or I will shoot her/him!”

I am sure that you recognize this line from numerous high-tension hostage scenes where the antagonist threatens to shoot an impromptu hostage unless the protagonist lays his weapon down. And of course, the good guy acquiesces to the demand and lays his weapon down. Now, the antagonist is the only one with a gun. For some unknown reason, the protagonist somehow gets out of the situation alive.

Problem: The problem is obvious. Now, the antagonist can kill everyone, including the protagonist that put his gun down. There are lots of other options other than putting the gun down. In the film “Taken” (Caution: spoiler alert), the father character, played by Liam Neeson, demonstrates how to handle such an encounter effectively. If you are in the same room with the antagonist, regardless of the hostage, you should be able to incapacitate the antagonist by putting a bullet through his head. If he can see you, then you have a direct line of sight with his eye. If you lack the skill and will to do this, then another option would be to back out and find some cover and call for backup. Giving up a firearm under such critical circumstances would be the last thing anyone would want to do.

2. Gunfight Dynamics: “Standoffs”

The term ‘Mexican standoff’ is commonly used to describe an encounter when two or more people are simultaneously pointing guns at one another, but no one shoots. And typically, the adversaries are standing out in the open with no concealment or cover. It is as if each one is thinking, “If you shoot me, then I will shoot you.”

Problems: In reality, gunfights start and end quickly. The first one to hit their target typically wins, and the one who hesitates or doesn’t fire is either injured and/or dead. In more than 37 years of policing, I never witnessed or even heard of a standoff between adversaries. The reality is typically “I have to kill you before you kill me.” There is no negotiating or hesitation.

One reality of armed encounters is that action is faster than reaction. This means for anyone to react to another person, they must see what is happening, assess it, determine how to respond, and respond to it. Even if one knows what is going to happen and they already have their mind made up how to respond, there is still a delay in their response time.

The typical bullet travels a minimum of 1,000 feet per second (many with much higher velocities). However, the point is that when one person shoots at another person, the bullet is going to strike the target in a small fraction of a second. The idea that “if you shoot me, then I will shoot you” is ludicrous. By the time you would be able to react, a bullet will have torn through your body/head at such a speed and impact that your ability to make a decision and to carry out that decision would be impaired or gone. In an encounter where two people are pointing guns at one another, the one who shoots first and accurately wins. One who waits on the other to shoot first loses/dies.

3. "I've got the drop on you!"

We frequently see one individual who is armed with a firearm, often depicted in action films or crime dramas. He or she points the gun at someone else who is also armed. We are led to believe that the person with his gun aimed at his opponent has “the drop on” him, implying a strategic advantage. The one who is facing his foe with their firearm oriented upwards or downwards seems to be at a disadvantage. Typically, the one with the firearm aimed less threateningly capitulates and complies with the demands made by the other.

Problems: Action is faster than reaction. Over the years, through experiments conducted on both civilians and law enforcement officers, it has become clear that the suspect, even with hands raised holding a pistol, can almost invariably shoot his adversary first if he possesses sufficient shooting accuracy.

Someone holding a handgun pointed up in the air or towards the ground can execute a quicker action (swiftly aim the pistol at the opposition and fire) before the latter can respond. This holds true even in anticipated scenarios where it's known that the suspect intends to fire at his or her adversary. The action/reaction timeframe consistently benefits the individual who opts to shoot first.

4. "Hero steps into the doorway and picks off the bad guys."

This scenario is a staple in action movies and thrillers, where our hero faces numerous trained adversaries, often described as ruthless killers with automatic weapons at their disposal. The hero then daringly steps into the doorway and begins to eliminate all the antagonists. Such scenes are prevalent, making it difficult to recall an action film where this does not happen.

Problems: The practicality of this situation has been tested with various participants, including professionals, novices, and first-time shooters, using 'nerf' guns to simulate the gunfight. In every instance, the hero falls. Replacing the simulated weapons with real firearms and assuming the presence of genuinely skilled professionals would inevitably yield identical outcomes. Police training institutions refer to the doorway as the "Fatal Funnel," a term highlighting the extreme risk involved. If an individual is aiming a firearm at a doorway or window in anticipation of a target, identifying and hitting the target takes merely a fraction of a second. Conversely, our hero, upon making an appearance, is tasked with identifying and engaging several assailants individually. Contrary to movie portrayals where antagonists seemingly pause to gauge the hero's next move, in reality, the hero would be swiftly neutralized.

See Installment 2 of When Hollywood Gets It Wrong…

Active Threat Events: Part 1

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 14:04:04 -0400

I am not an expert. I am just a firearms instructor, and a student of self-defense with firearms. I am retired military, with some civilian and military law enforcement experience. I have no “real job” anymore; some of my free time is shared between researching, participating in professional development for being a firearms instructor, and training gun owners in practical application and CCW. Almost everything I say I did not come up with myself; it is gleaned and aggregated from the many books, training courses, experiences, and from the musings of uniquely qualified people I respect and consider mentors. Nothing is “new”, most is not politically correct because my “purpose” is that you stay alive and out of prison, NOT that snowflakes embrace you as the new messiah. Further, you should have knowledge of the laws in YOUR area.

My motto is –

“Your survival takes precedence over any law, everything can be explained IF you are still alive.”

-Jeff Sanders, Legacy Defense, Blanket Texas

"The active shooter has already given you license to do anything you wish,

based on HIS own initiative."

-Gabe Suarez, from his book Killing the Active Shooter.

The Primacy of Survival

First, before delving into this subject, you need to get your mind right. I assume that you are reading this because you are aware of the reality of the times we live in, and don’t want you or your family to die. I will speak to you within that framework. Your survival takes precedence over any law! Everything can be explained if you are still alive. While digesting the following quote, substitute “Predator Mindset”, for “Survival mindset”, and “Combat hunter mindset”, survival is not enough, YOU must WIN. The references to condition colors can be learned from my CCW classes, online searches may or may not resemble what I would teach.

"A person that has stood a post against evil (be it the police officer, soldier, or parent defending their home) and was forced to take a life is acting within the will of GOD!  Therefore, they don’t need to be forgiven by some pompous, intellectually challenged, politically squeamish windbag. "

 – Gabe Suarez, from his book The Combative Perspective

Embracing the Survival Mindset

The FBI suggests that one way to survive workplace violence is having a “survival mindset.” This means being aware, prepared, and having rehearsed the actions you will take during a workplace violence incident. Those who prepare and train themselves for the possibility of violence will react differently than those who do not. Those who are not prepared will likely panic and will ultimately become helpless (Condition Black). Those who are prepared will still experience anxiety but will be more likely to maintain awareness and act effectively in a stressful situation (possibly going as far as Condition Red). Rather than a “survival mindset,” we recommend that you have a “combat hunter” mindset. The first element of this mindset is maintaining a Condition Yellow awareness level. It means maintaining your situational awareness.

Van Horne, Patrick; Riley, Jason. Left of Bang: How the Marine Corps' Combat Hunter Program Can Save Your Life (p. 189). Black Irish Entertainment LLC. Kindle Edition.

Self Defense or Murder? 

Murder = “Their job” – Willful, non-negligent killing of one human being by another. 

Self Defense = “Your job” – Stopping the threat is the ONLY thing justifying shooting another human being and removes it from the realm of murder.  If I do not act, will someone die or be seriously injured?  If the answer is yes, STOP the threat. 

Active threat events are attempted mass murder events, the purpose is killing as many people as possible in the shortest amount of time. 

37% Last less than 5 minutes

43% of the time it is over before the police arrive

Locations of Attacks: 

Around 51% in the workplace

Around 17% in a school

Around 17% in a public place

Around 6% in a religious establishment

John Nicolette, PhD 2012 

"As of now, when active shootings in progress have been stopped by police intervention, 70% of the events have been halted by a single officer (person)”.  Dr. Mike Clumpner – Force science Institute 

The Shooter (Killer): 

No Profile, may be misguided teens or a member of a terrorist group, or both…

Violent crime is committed by males and females of all age groups, races, religions, and occupations.

Avenger Mindset: They think they are right

Usually have mental issues and are unpredictable

Some shooters broadcast what they plan on doing: like they make videos about it, post it on social media and so on.

9 out of 10 are suicidal, THIS is their end and they know it, they don’t have an exit strategy, high probability they will take their own life when faced with any SERIOUS resistance.

- Contain and negotiate tactics DON’T WORK, tactical intervention is REQUIRED 

Shooter Connections: 

55% of the time, the shooter has a connection to the place where he does his crime. 

Number of deaths: 

The “goal” is mass casualties, not confrontation. 

It depends on how quickly the police arrive to the scene, (or better yet, someone ON scene acts) target availability, etc.  The average response time nationwide is 10 minutes from when the 1st call goes out.   

In rural areas…  I have had a student involved in a home invasion where the deputies (through no fault of their own) took over 2 hours to arrive!  TAG, YOU ARE IT!  You are the “tip of the spear”, YOU are the “first responder”… 

A much better solution is a properly trained individual, already there, with the correct mindset that quickly and safely eliminates the threat.   

Look for Active Threat Events part 2 … 

5 Vitally Important Skills Often Overlooked By CCWers

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 17:36:03 -0400

If you’re a concealed carry weapon (CCW) holder like me, you love going to the range and burning through a few boxes of ammo while keeping your accuracy, reloading, and clearing malfunction skills sharp.

However, we often emphasize these shooting fundamentals while ignoring many other lifesaving skills.

It can be overwhelming for new CCW permit holders to attempt to instantly learn everything we must know, so if you’re new to firearms and concealed carrying, I recommend focusing on becoming more situationally aware. Developing this skill will allow you to see threats coming and avoid them.

For the rest of us, focus on one of the following self-defense skills at a time. Once it’s become second nature, begin developing a new one.

Remember, concealed carrying is a lifestyle, so enjoy the journey of learning. Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor were highly skilled CCW practitioners.

Situational Awareness

I’m always amazed at how many people stare at their phones, completely unaware of their surroundings in public.

I’ve waved like a maniac at lifelong friends who never saw me because they were preoccupied with their phones or simply not paying attention to what’s happening around them. I’ve also watched people nearly walk into the street in front of cars because they're so distracted.

I’m not bashing using your phone; I’m on mine more than I like to admit, but being aware of my surroundings was a lesson pounded into my head from my first concealed carry class.

To avoid being a victim, don’t look like an easy target. Keep your head on a swivel, looking for things that seem out of place, whether it’s the car that’s been following you for several turns or the creepy individual that seems to pop up around every corner.

The best way to practice this skill is to get out of your car and take a few seconds to look around and see what’s going on around you, or instead of staring at your phone while standing in line, casually glance around at everything happening. As you practice becoming more situationally aware, it will become second nature.

One-Handed Firearm Manipulation

Proper shooting form dictates that shooters use two hands to control the firearm. However, what happens when you’re injured and only one hand is operational?

As I recently discovered, learning to manipulate your firearm with one hand is a skill worth its weight in gold. I hurt one of my hands while working a few weeks ago, and I couldn’t correctly grip my pistol with my pinky while at the shooting range.

Luckily, it didn’t affect my shooting abilities much that day, but it made me realize that I needed to practice doing everything one-handed. Reloading, racking the slide, clearing a malfunction, and pulling the trigger are all things I’ve practiced with two hands but rarely attempted with one hand.

I was uncertain that I could do all of them one-handed in a high-pressure situation, so I decided to work on this skill for the foreseeable future. I started with the firearm and magazines empty, learning how to insert the magazine and rack the slide with one hand. Once I know I can safely do this, I’ll practice loading dummy rounds into the magazine, loading it, racking the slide, pulling the trigger, and clearing the (intentional) malfunction with one hand.

To help further develop this skill, I’m picking up tips and tricks from former military and law enforcement officers and signing up for advanced firearms training classes. I strongly encourage you to take gun classes on this topic.

Weak Hand Shooting

It was while at the range with an injured hand that it dawned on me that I needed to learn how to shoot with my non-dominant hand.

My dominant hand was injured; thankfully, it was just a broken pinky, and I was able to work around it. However, what if my strong hand wasn’t functioning, and I had to shoot with my weak hand?

I know I wouldn’t be nearly as accurate shooting left-handed, so each time I head to the range, I shoot a few mags with my weak hand and non-dominant eye. It’s been like relearning to shoot all over again.

I watched a movie recently in which the cartel was chasing this guy. As far as we, the viewers, are concerned, he has no shooting experience except for one scene where he grabs a gun for the first time and drops two cartel members without missing a shot while lying on the ground. Watching this scene unfold, I immediately thought how unrealistic it was. I consider myself well-versed in firearms and a decent shot, and I don’t think I could have made those shots without missing them.

I say that to remind you that it’s improbable that you’ll be able to grab a gun and immediately be accurate with it, especially when shooting with your non-dominant hand.

Practice firing your handgun with both your right and left hand.

Hand-To-Hand Fighting

I wrestled in high school. I spent countless hours sweating in a hot wrestling room, getting my butt kicked by the bigger and older competitors. Eventually, those grueling sessions paid off, and my senior year, I made it to the state wrestling championship, where I got throttled by the top athletes in my weight class.

So, while I was decent, I was by no means a champion wrestler. However, at various times while attending college, I had a few larger, inexperienced opponents who had never trained in competitive wrestling challenge me to a match. Eager to prove my skills, I tossed them around, put them on their backs, and contorted them into very uncomfortable positions until they begged for mercy.

Learning to wrestle gave me the confidence to handle individuals much larger than myself. However, wrestling isn’t the most effective way to train for self-defense unless you’re using it to maintain peak physical condition.

When you’re forced to defend yourself, and you don’t have time to draw your concealed weapon, or God forbid you lose control of your 380 ACP CCW, you need robust self-defense skills to handle an armed attacker, whether they have a knife or a gun.

This is when specialized self-defense training becomes critical. Learning advanced hand-to-hand combat techniques will help you disarm the assailant safely and effectively, ensuring personal safety and protecting your family.

Martial arts training is an excellent starting point, particularly disciplines that focus on practical self-defense techniques to safeguard yourself and others.

First Aid

I saved the one that I believe to be the most overlooked for last. While talking with a former Army Combat Medic, he mentioned that the one skill civilians should prioritize is knowing how to use their first aid kit's contents effectively. Many people carry an emergency first aid kit in their car or bag, but most don’t know how to utilize the items inside properly.

Simply carrying a first aid kit isn’t enough!

Learning critical emergency response skills, such as how to assess the situation and determine who requires immediate medical assistance and who can wait until professional help arrives, is life-saving knowledge. Basic CPR certification is great, and my Army Combat Medic buddy strongly recommends mastering how to treat trauma injuries, specifically gunshot and knife wounds, as these are most prevalent in self-defense scenarios.

Parting Shots: Vitally Important CCW Skills

I’ve been involved in several emergency situations, and I’ve always found that maintaining composure is critical to preventing the situation from worsening. Mastering conflict resolution and knowing how to de-escalate a potentially dangerous situation is one of the best skills you can acquire to ensure everyone's safety.

Additionally, the skills mentioned above will significantly contribute to keeping you and your loved ones secure while navigating through this unpredictable world.

Stay safe and stay alert!

Understanding the Tueller Drill and the Reactionary Gap

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 18:34:30 -0400

The Tueller Drill, or the concept of a "Reactionary Gap," is a game-changer in both self-defense and law enforcement training. This principle empowers us with the knowledge that mere distance doesn't equate to safety. It's essential for every shooting enthusiast, whether you're a seasoned instructor, a dedicated student, or a range owner committed to safety and efficiency. Let's break down this critical drill, keeping true to our passion for shooting and dedication to the ShootingClasses.com mission.

The Origin and Importance

Dennis Tuellar, a former firearms instructor with the Salt Lake City Police Department, revolutionized self-defense training with his insightful article, "How Close is Too Close?" Published in 1983 in SWAT magazine, Tueller's work shed light on a critical concept: an attacker with an edged weapon can cover the ground and inflict harm within a dangerously short timeframe. This drill isn’t just a training exercise; it’s a lifesaver, emphasizing the need to maintain a safe distance from potential threats, enhancing your reaction time and situational awareness.

Our self-defense classes are crafted around principles like these, ensuring that you're not just trained, but truly prepared.

Executing the Tueller Drill

The drill kicks off with an "attacker" positioned 21 feet away from the "defender."
Upon the signal, the attacker advances toward the defender with a mock weapon.
It’s a race against time for the defender to draw their firearm and neutralize the threat before the gap is closed.

This drill vividly demonstrates why the "21-Foot Rule," though not explicitly named by Tueller himself, became a coined term to indicate the danger zone where an attacker can be lethal. It underlines the value of quick decision-making, precise movement, and efficient use of a firearm — skills we emphasize in our courses at ShootingClasses.com.

Beyond the Drill: The Reactionary Gap in Real Life

Understanding and training the Tueller Drill goes beyond executing actions in a controlled environment. It’s about honing rapid decision-making, recognizing the importance of situational awareness, and maintaining a reactionary gap in everyday scenarios. These are vital skills for personal safety, reinforcing the need for constant vigilance and readiness to respond effectively to threats.

Our law enforcement training courses incorporate drills like these to prepare officers for real-world situations, ensuring they’re always a step ahead in the face of danger.

Physical and Mental Readiness

Dennis Tueller's groundbreaking concept has become a cornerstone in self-defense and firearms training. It’s a critical reminder that readiness, both mental and physical, isn't just about skill — it's about survival. At ShootingClasses.com, we’re passionate about shooting, steadfast in our commitment to practical, low-cost support for instructors, and dedicated to connecting with the shooting community.
Together, let’s continue to prioritize efficiency, safety, and camaraderie. Stay prepared, stay aware, and keep training smarter.

The Michigan Pistol Academy is located in Rochester Hills and Royal Oak, Michigan and is dedicated to providing comprehensive firearm training and education in the state of Michigan. 

A Guide to Safety on Today's College Campuses

Wed, 15 May 2024 18:00:53 -0400

There is currently chaos on campuses across the United States as students protest the current flavor of the month. Protests are nothing new to college campuses; they've been happening since the 1960's. However, when protests turn violent, when students attack other students, when buildings are invaded and taken over when classes are canceled; these are no longer protests. It becomes a dangerous situation. How can students, faculty, and staff remain safe during the chaos on campus? That's a complex subject with multiple answers that we need to discuss.

First, let me say that this subject is near and dear to me. My firstborn will be attending her first year of college next year. As a firearm and safety instructor, these are the topics that keep the hamster wheel in my head turning. As a father of a college-bound student, you can imagine that the topic has taken top priority in my thoughts. I'll share ideas and methods for remaining safe on campus so that you or your loved one can remain safe as well.

The Hidden Danger on College Grounds

Now, we must address that college campuses aren't "Safe spaces". Even if we were to subtract the riots and takeovers from the equation, college campuses are secretly very violent places. According to RAINN, 13% of all students experience rape or sexual assault. And, among undergraduate students, 26.4% of females and 6.8% of males experience rape or sexual assault. These numbers are insane! So, we mustn't let our guard down or become complacent about our safety, just because nobody's rioting now. You're still vulnerable.

Five Tips of Personal Safety on Campus

There are 5 tips I'll share to stay safe while at college, whether you are a student, faculty or staff. Indeed, these safety tips will apply to everyone everywhere. These tips are Awareness, Avoidance, De-escalation, Less-Lethal Self Defense, and Lethal Self Defense. Let's dig into each one of these topics and understand what they mean and how you can apply them to your life.

Awareness: Your First Line of Defense

Awareness means to pay attention to the world around you. Put down your phone. Take out one of the two earbuds. Look at people and read their body language. Trust your 6th sense telling you something isn't right.

Thwarting Violence Through Presence and Anticipation

The late great Dr. William April was famous for saying that there are no random acts of violence. While the violent act may seem random to the victim, the victim is very often chosen specifically. Indeed, there have been numerous studies on the subject. It boils down to this, if you do not look like a victim and don't conduct yourself like a victim, the likelihood that you'll be chosen as a victim shall diminish greatly. Criminals usually want an easy target. Don't be one.

Avoidance: The Power of Steering Clear

Awareness gives us a gift, and that gift is avoidance. One cannot avoid a violent confrontation if one doesn't see it coming. This is why paying attention to the world around us is so vitally important to our own safety. If you see a large crowd starting to gather, avoid it. If you see behavior begin to turn violent, avoid it. If you see a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, turn another way. Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it isn't right. Ignoring this sixth sense will lead to trouble.

And don't be afraid to offend someone by crossing the street or avoiding them. One chooses to be offended. That's their choice, not yours. If someone is offended because you misinterpreted their behavior, you can live with that. But can you live if you choose to ignore your instinct? Maybe not.

De-escalation: Reducing Conflict Intensity

De-escalation means to reduce the intensity of an encounter, and this is often done through your words. However, it's incredibly unlikely to talk sense into an angry mob. You likely won't be able to have an adult conversation and rationally explain your position or that you have no position to a violent group during the commotion. Instead, if you find that you cannot avoid or flee a situation, convince the mob that you're on their side, if you can. Perhaps saying things like "I'm with you!" "I agree!" etc... will allow you to fly under the radar and escape. While it's better to avoid a violent situation, if you find yourself caught up in one, using your words may prevent you from having to use some form of force.

Less-Lethal Self Defense: Preparing for the Unlikely

Perhaps you've heard terms such as "Non-Lethal" or "Less than Lethal". This typically refers to forms of self-defense that are unlikely to cause death or great bodily harm to the attacker. This could be a kick, a punch, a push, a shove, or a slap. This could also include less lethal tools such as Pepper Spray or even a good flashlight. The legality of such tools could be questionable, so be sure to do your research before arming yourself with such tools.

When it comes to less lethal self-defense, what's important is that we begin to plan accordingly now. It's unlikely you'll learn new skills in a fight. As a defender, you've got to plan now and be mentally and physically prepared. Part of mental preparedness is knowing you can use these tools. Another part of mental preparedness is thinking ahead to stage these tools to be readily accessible. It's not a good time to find your pepper spray deep in a purse or backpack while being kicked and punched by a mob. Instead, have that tool available in advance.

Lethal Self Defense: The Last Resort

Lethal self-defense is a means of last resort and truly not something you'd want to do unless you were left with no other choice. I consider lethal self-defense to be an option only when I'm convinced that if I don't use lethal force, I'll die or someone I love will die. Lethal self-defense, or lethal force, could be a gun or a knife, for example. It is force that is likely to cause death or great bodily harm. Shooting or stabbing someone is certain to cause, at the very least, great bodily harm.

In the words of Massad Ayoob, a renowned self-defense instructor, and expert witness, "When you're violently attacked, when someone you love is violently attacked by someone who has the obvious will and intent to kill or cripple, nothing less than the gun will answer for it." Having said that, as with the less lethal tools, I'm sure you're aware that possession of guns and knives on campus is something that will be heavily regulated. You've got to know if it is legal where you live because it isn't legal here in Illinois where I live. An excellent resource is to check www.handgunlaw.us and also to read your campus policies.

Embracing Self Defense: Overcoming Mental Hurdles

I would be remiss if I didn't spend a little more time on the topic of mental preparedness. There is nothing wrong with self-defense. Many parents do a disservice to their children by saying, "Don't hit. Never hit someone." I think those parents have got it wrong. When my kids were young their instructions were to never hit first, but if someone starts a fight, you end it. For some people getting over the programming of "Never hit anyone" is a tremendous challenge. So, let me say again, there is nothing wrong with defending yourself.

If you don't believe that you could blast someone in the face with pepper spray, I'd advise you don't carry it. If you aren't positive that you can point a firearm at another human being and press the trigger, I'd advise you not to carry a gun. If you cannot take a life to save a life then lethal tools are not for you, because that gun or knife will be taken from you and used against you.

Awareness: Your Ultimate Safety Tool

My 5 tips for campus safety started with awareness, and I wish to also finish there. Because paying attention to your surroundings is so important, it's worth repeating. If you are aware, if you are paying attention, if you conduct yourself with strength, and if your body language says, "I'm not a victim", then the likelihood that you'll need to de-escalate or defend yourself is reduced greatly.

ShootingClasses.com Blog

Women's Personal Safety: How to Avoid Violent Encounters

What Is Personal Safety?

How to Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Situational Awareness

Women’s Personal Safety Devices

Training and Practice

Weapon Storage and Accessibility

Train Today, Protect Tomorrow

Firearm Owner’s Legacy Letter of Instructions

Why Write an Instruction Letter?

What Documents to Prepare

Letter of instructions, Dated and SIGNED.

Inventory, DATED and SIGNED.

Safe information, sealed in a marked envelope.

Mental Preparation for Firearm Use

Mental Preparation for Firearm Use: The Psychological Aspects of Self-Defense and Combat Shooting

Overcoming Fear

Understanding Fear in High-Stress Situations

Techniques for Overcoming Fear

Building Confidence

Confidence Through Training

Building Self-Confidence After Fearful Experiences

The Psychological Impact of Self-Defense and Combat Shooting

The Moral and Emotional Burden of Using Deadly Force

Combat Stress and Adrenaline Dump

The Role of Decision-Making Under Stress

Conclusion

Are You Training At The Right Distance: Education-Safety-Law

Am I Training at the Right Distance for Defensive Shooting?

Understanding the Importance of Distance in Defensive Shooting

The Common Distances for Defensive Shooting

0–3 Yards: Extreme Close-Quarters

3–7 Yards: The Most Common Defensive Engagement Distance

7–15 Yards: Increased Distance for Defensive Situations

15+ Yards: The Outer Limits of Defensive Shooting

How to Determine the Right Distance for Your Training

Your Daily Environment

Realistic Scenario Training

The Role of Movement in Distance Training

Incorporating Dry Fire Training

The Importance of Shot Placement Over Distance

Final Thoughts: Are You Training at the Right Distance?

What Does It Take to Be Prepared to Defend Yourself

Rotating and Culling Carry Ammunition

Carry Ammo Preparation

Rotating Ammunition

Culling Carry Ammo

Quality Control Checks

Flying With Firearms

Rules of Flying With Firearms

Conclusion

Maximize Your Personal Safety with Proven Executive Protection Strategies

Threat Assessment/Risk Mitigation

Situational Awareness

Threat Recognition Through Body Language

Cover and Evacuation

Conclusion

Threat Recognition Through Body Language

Crowd Scanning

Individual Focus

Instincts and Relaxation

Utilizing Peripheral Vision

What Are We Looking For?

Making Yourself a More Difficult Target

In Closing

How to Prepare for a Range Session: A Student's Point of View

First Timer Feelings

Expectations & Preparation

Equipment Requirements

Help Your Students Help You

Is Combat Shooting a Martial Art?

Historical Context - Evolution and Cultural Significance

Shooting as a Martial Discipline - Integration of Weaponry

Mental Discipline & Focus - Philosophical Foundations

Discipline and Personal Development

Training & Methodologies - Repetition and Motor Learning

The Instructor - Student Relationship

Physical Aspects - Position and Breathing

Precision & Control

Threat Assessment/Risk Mitigation 

Threat Recognition Through Body Language 

What Are We Looking For? 

1. “Bullets stop when they make contact with…”  