BASIC TACTICS
The below is a wonderful article and video about carrying a semi-automatic with a round in the chamber.
Before we talk about that I would like to talk in more detail about other topics the author briefly hits on.
Situational awareness: We speak of this often but it is critical. The more aware we are of our surroundings and environment, the earlier we can spot trouble. Situational awareness is key. Situational awareness is defined as a state of general awareness that allows you to take the element of surprise away from a threat to your personal security.
The bad guy needs to get close to you to attack you, situational awareness is paramount and will allow you to maintain distance. Guns are standoff tools and if someone can get close to you, you have probably lost.
With Situational Awareness you will be able to spot other cues of an eminent attack.
Cues on an eminent attack.
A potential attack will probably will start with the interview. This is the time to stop the attack. The best attack is the one that didn’t take place! It may now be time to bring out “Mr. Ugly”. Remember…VERY IMPORTANT; if you carry a gun you must reconcile with yourself that under the right circumstance, you would be willing to fire on another human being. This is not a natural act for us, law abiding citizens, and it must be front, center and predetermined.
During the interview you may see other signs.
Target Glancing.
Weight shift.
Blading.
Hands through the hair or rubbing the face or mouth.
Looking at his nine or three o’clock.
Tugging at cover garment.
Movement to the waist band.
Continuing to approach.
Watch the attached video. What you’re seeing is called the interview. The best fight is the one you are not in. You should already be at a heightened sense of awareness as the bad guy is trespassing and suspiciously looking at your truck. You will notice when the bad guy first turns, he tugs at his garment. This is a HUGE telltale and one we speak of during our concealed weapons course…that said, it is now time to react as it is probable that the bad guy is carrying a weapon!
Both Jeff and David are twice as fast as I am getting to their guns. David carries appendix at between 10 and 11 o’clock; David is left-handed. Jeff carries at 3 o’clock; Jeff is right handed. Both ways to carry are fast to draw. I carried at 7 o’clock…I am left handed. I carry here because I find it very comfortable and most concealable; but it also makes me much slower in presentation. From the time of threat to the first shot fired both Jeff and David have fired in under one second. It takes me almost 2 seconds. That said I would lose in a fair fight…but we should not be in a fair fight! In the incident regarding the video, when he first tugged on his shirt, it is time to act. Put your hand on your gun. By doing this you have done several things; you have upped the possibility that you are going to be in a gunfight but you have also made it clear you are armed and you are not going to be a victim, by leaving the gun in the holster, you have also not brandished your weapon and pointed you deadly weapon at another person…BUT, you have shaved two seconds off the time it takes the average concealed carrier to get to their gun!
Remember, most bad guys are not heroes and don’t want to be in a gunfight; they are looking for a victim. You have made it clear you are not going to be a victim. You will also notice when he goes to his firearm it takes him about two seconds to get the gun out. With your hand already on your weapon you should be able to get your first shot off in under one second, well ahead of his draw. Remember, it is hard to out draw a drawn gun and if you are practiced, more than likely this bad guy will lose…if you are mentally prepared and act!
Now what you’ve done is threatening and when the crisis is over you will call the police. You will tell them what happened and why you did what you did. Watch the video several times.
We do not want to be attacked or injured and sadly, the threat of force may be what is needed. But that threat may keep you from shooting someone or more importantly, being shot! If needed, act with aggression. DO NOT BE PASSIVE!
Now, to the empty chamber.
I carry my firearm hot, ready to fire. If you know any policeman, I know many, ask them how they carry their weapon; it is hot ready to fire. IF it is good enough for our LEO’s it is definitely good enough for me! Now it may take time to build up to this point but when you’re ready, carry weapon ready to fire.
I had bought two semi-automatic pistols for my mother. She would not carry them hot nor would she let me teach her how to clear jams. I bought her revolver, which solved both problems, which she loves. The cylinder is full and the gun is hot ready to fire. Nothing has changed except her minds idea. It is all in our mind. Guns cannot go off by themselves excluding pre 1986 manufactured guns. The gun in a holster is a very safe place as a trigger is 100% protected, if you have a quality holster. Finger discipline is very important and must be learned.
Statistically if you need your weapon, it will be up close. Learn to draw your gun using your strong hand only. Curl your fingers and scoop; use your fingers and your thumb. Statistically you will need your weak hand to push off the threat. Do not practice by reaching across to pull up your garment with your weak hand. With a little practice you can draw very quickly.
The author talks about force on force events. We have one coming in October and it is a must! I have been involved in many Force on Force events and what the author said I agree with; you will never use two hands, you will not use your sights, you will shoot from the hip, half hip and sometime shoulder point. The gunfight will be over in less than three seconds. And you will move!
We teach practical shooting every other Saturday. We will learn to shoot from the hip, half hip and shoulder point, you will practice drawing from concealment, moving and using cover. You will learn to thread focus shoot; point shoot. It is very fast, all can do it. You will be able to shoot on the move and if you can see the threat you can hit threat.
Enjoy the article and watch the video…twice!
See you at the range.
Remember, we are not talking about fear but responsibility. We are parents and our wives and children need us.
Nehemiah 4:14…read it!
Franklin
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