wacolivin wrote:Good stuff Annoyed Man. I really do appreciate everyone's insight and thoughts about being a CHL owner. The professionalism of this boards members and the discussions around being "responsible" are truly remarkable. I'm glad I found this!
Where's that darn "Like" button?
Anyway, I completely agree and greatly appreciate your comment above. The replies so far have been superb, which is par for the course around here.
My 3 things:
1. PRACTICE
"We don’t rise to the occasion. We fall back to our level of training."
Know your carry gun inside and out, know how to make it run even when it jams, know how to shoot it quickly and accurately with either hand and from any conceivable position. Know your holster rig and other equipment. Be able to draw from any holster wearing any cover garment you use in real life and put accurate rounds on target in under 3 seconds (minimum - many do this much faster).
2. PRACTICE
"Shooting a person is an unnatural act. You must train yourself to perform an unnatural act."
Be mentally and emotionally prepared. Be situationally aware and always scanning for threats (and 30.06/51% signs). Know the law, know when you can and when you can't, know what to do if IT happens, know where is your nearest escape, cover, concealment at all times. Awareness is your first defense, avoidance your first tactic. Roleplay "what if" games with yourself - what would I do if that guy over there pulled out a gun, pointed it at the clerk, and demanded money? What would I do if that guy who just passed me turned around and started following me?
3. PRACTICE
"Just because you can, does not mean you should."
"You cannot carry a gun and an ego."
Self control, de-escalation, retreat, and avoidance are all tools on our belt just as important as our firearm. Remain in the "adult" ego state. Be ready, willing, and able to be embarassed, talked down to, and made to "look a fool" without regret, remorse, retaliation. Rise above any non-lethal, non-physical slight. Be a better person, save a life, DO NOT EVER pull your gun unless it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. The only fight ever one is the fight that never takes place.
All of the above items must be practiced constantly to maintain the necessary skills and be able to execute the appropriate and necessary action.
And never forget the all-important fourth thing ...
4. EXECUTE
"Carrying a weapon is like prayer. It's a way of life, not an emergency detour."
"Carry 24/7 ... or guess right."