“The instant we start thinking about the outcome, we lose focus on the process.
Focus on the process, each step in correct sequence, always in the present tense.
The outcome will take care of itself.”
Jamie Gray
When we make the hard decision to shoot a violent criminal as an act of legitimate self-defense, we are not doing so with the intent of ending a life.
We are merely administering the final, logical, unavoidable step in a series of events that were irreversibly initiated by the VCA himself!
We need to keep the foregoing in mind as we train for “The use of Guns for Serious Purposes”
When we go to the Range in order to participate in this “Gun-Training for Serious Circumstances,” we typically spend too much time practicing only what we’re already good at!
Consistent presentation of the pistol (also rifle and shotgun) to eye-level, stance, sight(s), and trigger manipulation for single and multiple shots are all basic skills and thus important, and (with any luck) we have logged many repetitions.
All good, but what about correct gun-handling/storage (both on and off the Range), concealed-carry options and lifestyle, threat recognition, aggressive disengagement, de-escalation, movement, proxemics, discretionary shooting, reloading, stoppage-reduction, transition to back-up pistol, close-range shooting, use of cover, verbal commands/challenges, multiple-threats, tactical treatment of gunshot wounds, summoning emergency services, interacting with arriving police officers, post-shooting procedures and challenges, et al?
All of the foregoing are important, indeed critical, too. And, each needs to be incorporated into our training, and exercised, as soon as it can be.
Unfortunately, abstracted “gun-games” (mostly in sterile recreational/competitive environments) is where much current “training” begins, and ends!
Adequately preparing our students (and ourselves) to live-through a desperate lethal-force encounter (both near and long-term), that may at any moment be thrust upon us (despite our best avoidance efforts), is a critical and continuous project.
Let us not neglect all these ancillary skills and knowledge, enumerated above.
It’s all important!
/John
PS: A good “first-step” for those just getting into this is to join ACLDN (Armed Citizens’ Legal Defense Network). ACLDN’s series of training videos, that you receive when you become a member, will get you well on your way to getting a grip on this crucial body of knowledge.
Then, you’ll be well prepared to join us, or other competent instructors, on the Range for live-fire exercises.
Web Page is:
You can’t start too soon!
