Mandated Training

Bottom line up front I am for "constitutional carry" and against any kind of mandated government training protocol being required to exercise your right of self defense. Besides the obvious argument that you cannot regulate a natural right, I also believe that mandated training gives gun owners a false sense of security. Many will go to the required concealed carry training every 5 years (which they may or may not have done on the internet) and call it good. It is painfully obvious who those folks are. These  are the folks that show up for a reclassification shoot with a compact 1911 that they cannot manipulate under even mild stress. These are folks that have supposedly been carrying a firearm for self defense on a daily basis for at least 5 years.

I am however a huge advocate of training. It is incumbent that responsible concealed carriers seek out training. There are 5 different areas where this training should be focused.

1. Defensive Handgun Training: This is a no brainer. However the key word here is "defensive." Target shooting is fun, competition shooting is fun however they do not necessarily prepare the concealed carrier to react appropriately in the context of a self defense shooting scenario. The responsible concealed carrier should seek out realistic training from  reputable instructor.

2. Hands on skills or Defensive Tactics: Although the most common distance at which self defense shootings happen are 9-12 feet they don't always start out that way. Often the concealed carrier may need to disengage or get untangled from an aggressor before they can employ their firearm. This training should also include weapon retention training. I am not necessarily talking about martial arts per se but I am talking about training to help you defend yourself when a gun may not be available or may not be a viable option. Concealed carriers need to seek out these classes and participate to the best of their ability.

3. Medical Training: I have long been an advocate of medical training for the lay community. It is the single most important self defense skill one can possess. Even more important than using your firearm properly. Medical training can be used in almost every facet of your life. It can be used in the context of your family life, at a car accident or on the range. The more members of the general public that possess basic life saving skills the better odds there are that my family will be safe should I not be in the area.

4. Legal Aspects: Concealed carriers need to learn what happens in the legal aftermath of a self defense shooting scenario. Training on applicable laws, how to interact with law enforcement, and how to deal with the various legal scenarios that may result. It is imperative that concealed carriers understand the awesome responsibility that is incumbent upon them when they choose to carry a firearm in public.

5. Avoidance: Managing unknown contacts and how to avoid compromising situations is also very important. Get training on recognizing pre assault indicators. Learn how to react to strangers if you may be stuck in an environment that supports violent criminal activity.

Training does not always have to be formal training in front of an instructor. Reading books and articles on these subjects, listening to podcasts or even just visualizing how we would react to certain situations are all viable training models.

Mandated training will not prepare you to react to a dynamic critical incident, but you can be prepared should you choose to be.

CVO Gun Talk Episode 001

Our first episode. 3 guys talk about traning and guns. Subscribe at this link http://www.tpspproductions.com/cvo-gun-talk-1/ or on itunes

Manual Safety On Self Defense Firearms

We do not recommend any external safeties on self defense firearms that are not activated by the inherent act of firing the gun. Here is why

http://www.personaldefensenetwork.com/video/manual-safety-on-a-self-defense-handgun-010332/?utm_content=buffer662c9&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Medical Training: You need it

Many people in the self defense world  look to the gun as the end all be all of the personal defense scenario. As if it is a special talisman that will ward of evil. In truth the gun is a very effective tool for use in a unlikely and very narrow set of circumstances. What is way more likely is the use of some sort of medical skill. How often have you been in a situation where you needed to dress a wound or react to a medical emergency? Quite a bit more often than you have participated in a gunfight I would imagine.

I emphasize with my students the need to train on the skills needed when the threat is outside the context of a shooting solution. Medical skills are paramount and essential. .

Fundamentals of Combat Focus Shooting 1.3.16

Good day of training at QC Shooting Sports. Thanks Jeff Mullenmeister of MN Firearms Training Academy for coming down to teach with me.

Fundamentals Of Home Defense

The reality of the world we live in is that you are more likely to attacked in your own home than you are in a public environment. Because of this it is incumbent on the well prepared home owner to have at least a basic plan for home defense.

There are many things a home owner can do to mitigate an invasion before they happen. There are the obvious things such as locks, closed circuit television cameras and access controls systems. Another thing that can be done is to implement Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles. Things like planting of thorny shrubs under windows to discourage intruders or trimming trees to afford betters fields of view from inside the residence. However the context of this article will be some of the basic consideration in using handguns for home defense.

The individual domestic situation in each home and local laws will determine the method of storage for the handgun used for home defense.

Storage options must satisfy these three criteria

1.   Secure the handgun from unauthorized access
2. The handgun must be accessible
3. The handgun must be in the proper condition when it is needed.

Your handgun can be stored in several configurations.

1. Unsecured- The handgun is stored openly such as on a nightstand or counter
2. Hidden and Unsecured- The handgun can be hidden in a drawer, book or some other unlocked but hidden storage area.
3. Secured- The handgun is stored in a quick access safe. This method is the most efficient and recommended.

The handgun can be stored in a variety of conditions

1. Unloaded- A loaded magazine is available but not inserted into the handgun. This condition is the safest but is the least efficient due to the complex motor skills needed to load the weapon during a home invasion.
2. Loaded- A loaded magazine is inserted into the handgun but no round is in the chamber. The negligent discharge risk is lower in this condition but the need to chamber a round will effect efficiency.
3. Chambered-A loaded magazine is inserted into the handgun and a round is chambered. This is the most efficient however the risk for a negligent discharge while reaching into the quick access safe is present. This risk can be mitigated by storing the handgun in a holster inside the safe.

Due to the propensity for the grasp reflex to be triggered while under stress and the subsequent possibility of a negligent discharge while reaching for the handgun the recommended condition to store your home defense handgun is in the loaded condition or chambered and holstered in a quick access safe.

When formulating a home defense plan you should apply these Five Fundamental Principles in the context of your individual circumstances.

1. Evade or Escape-Individuals should create distance and minimize exposure to the threat. This fundamental includes marshalling family members or moving to rally/barricade points. Empowering family members to evade individually is important.
2. Arm- Arm yourself as early as possible. Individuals should have the tools to defend themselves or their family as early as possible if needed.
3. Barricade- Your preplanned barricade point should be the safest place possible. Your barricade point should be 90 degrees off any point of entry. You should be greater than two arm’s length from the point of entry in a position that will allow you to shoot from full extension if needed. If it is necessary to move, move with a purpose without exposing your handgun.
4. Contact- Call 911. When calling 911 stay on the line. Give your location. Give your location within the structure. Tell what is going on. Tell who is involved. ID yourself and any family members (give a description) and that you are armed. ID the assailant (give a description if possible).
5. Counter- Respond a necessary to a lethal threat.

       The aftermath of a home invasion will be chaotic. Initially you may be detained or even arrested. It is important that you communicate to investigating officers the evidence of a threat, any evidence of injuries, damage to the home and any prior relationship with the assailant. Be the victim.

       Finally practice your plan and make sure all members of the household are fully involved. Recognition is the tool of the expert. You can only recognize something if you have been previously exposed to it. Through frequent and realistic training you can use the power of recognition to respond more efficiently during a home invasion.

Concepts and principles in this article courtesy of I.C.E Training Company, Rob Pincus, and the Defensive Firearms Coaches Course.

Home storage options

Those that choose to keep a firearm in their home for self defense also need to properly secure the firearm from unauthorized access. Most states require this and may even have laws mandating secured storage for those with underage members of the household. I will briefly give some recommendations for firearm storage specifically handgun storage.

Storage options need to satisfy three conditions:

1. The firearm should be secured from unauthorized access.
2. The firearm needs to be accessible.
3. The firearm  needs to be in the proper condition when needed.

Depending on members of the household individuals may store firearms in a variety of ways and conditions. Storage options include:

Unsecured- If you live alone and you do not have underage visitors you may choose to store your firearm in an unsecured location. Example of this would be a counter or nightstand. This allows quick access but has the obvious drawbacks of allowing easy unauthorized access.

Hidden/Unsecured- Examples of this method include hiding the firearm in a drawer or book. This method can also be used when the risk of unauthorized access is low. However ease of access is affected.

Secured- This is the preferred method and the most efficient. It is recommended that the firearm be stored in a quick access safe. These safes allow easy access via biometric or keypad access.


Storage conditions include :

Unloaded- This condition is defined when the magazine or ammunition is outside the firearm. This condition affords the highest level of safety during storage but the possibility of leaving the magazine or ammunition behind during a dynamic critical incident or home invasion is high.

Chambered- This condition is defined as the firearm having a magazine or ammunition in place and a round is in the chamber. The conditions allows the fastest degree of access and employment but the chance for a negligent discharge is high, should the homeowner touch the trigger inadvertently as they remove the firearm from storage.

Loaded- This condition is defined as having a magazine in the firearm but no round in the chamber. The risk for a negligent discharge is lower in this configuration but the need to chamber a round slows the speed of firearm employment somewhat. This is the preferred storage condition in the home.

Other things to be considered is the placing of a flashlight in the quick access safe in conjunction with the firearm. As well as a device to cover the trigger guard to mitigate negligent discharges due to inadvertent trigger manipulation during access attempts.

So the preferred home storage method for your home defense firearm is: Stored in a quick access safe in a loaded condition. It is also recommended to have a quality flashlight available and something covering the trigger guard.

Choosing a Handgun and Ammunition for Home Defense or Concealed Carry

People that know my experience and training have asked me on more than one occasion what the best handgun for home defense or concealed carry might be? This then gets in to ammunition as well. I am not here to get wrapped up in a debate or cater to preferences. What I hope to briefly show is the logical and most reliable choices based upon my training and experience.

The two most important criteria when choosing any handgun are reliability and efficiency. A reliable handgun is one that is simple to use with a consistent moderate trigger press. A handgun that is efficient accomplishes its goal with a minimum of time,effort and energy. Based on these criteria different handgun operating systems can be categorized.

Acceptable - Double Action Only ( example SIG P250). These handguns have a higher bore access,higher felt recoil and a heavier trigger press. This heavier trigger press can affect your ability to stay on target ( deviation control.)

Mediocore--Double Action/Single Action (example Beretta 92 FS). These handguns have a different and inconsistent trigger press depending on if they are in single action or double action mode. They have the most complicated of operating systems.

Poor- Single Action Only (example 1911). These handguns have a complicated operating system that requires an external safety. They also have a lower cartridge capacity than other operating systems.

*DAO Revolvers are in the acceptable to mediocre catagory

Preferred- Modern Striker Fired Pistol (example Glock, M&P Series, or XD Series) They are simple, reliable and consistent. They have no additional external controls and they have a lower bore axis which aids in recoil control.

When choosing a MSF Pistol for home defense you should choose a full size handgun. When choosing one for concealed carry you should decide based on the handguns reliability and concealability. Choose the largest handgun you can effectively conceal.

You should also look at the fit, feel and cost of your handgun. Fit means your handgun allows you to manipulate all the controls with one hand while not breaking your firing grip. How does the handgun feel to you? If it meets all criteria but feels uncomfortable in your hand ( I am looking at you Kahr CW40) then you won't practice. Finally what is the cost? You need to get the best handgun you can afford.

Ammunition can also be categorized.

Ball ammunition is used for training and practice.

 Hollow point ammunition is used for self defense.

Your self defense ammunition should be a bonded hollow point bullet heavy for that caliber.

Acceptable defensive calibers are - .380- 10mm

Viable defensive calibers are - .38-.45 (. 38, 9mm, .40, .45). Wound characteristics between viable calibers is negligible.

Preferred- 9mm. The benefits of 9mm are cost. 9mm is generally less expensive than other calibers so theoretically individuals can afford to practice more often. Handguns chambered in 9mm have higher magazine capacity than those chambered in other calibers. 9mm has less recoil than some of the other calibers so affords the opportunity for more efficient recoil management. This translates to more efficient deviation control. These three benefits translate into a higher wounding capacity for the 9mm caliber.

So to sum up an individual should choose a Modern Striker Fired semi automatic handgun chambered in 9mm. Utilizing a bonded hollow point with a bullet heavy for caliber.