22 May 12

“To every man, there comes in his lifetime that special moment when he is tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing; unique, and fitted to his talents . . . What a tragedy, if that moment finds him unprepared and unqualified for the work that would be his finest hour.”

Churchill

These relevant comments from an Instructor:

“I managed to tear muscle in my right quadriceps at the end of our recent Defensive Handgun Course.

Drawing my G26 from an ankle holster typically involves going into a kneeling position. The Operator can immediately engage from this position when necessary, or quickly ‘kick-off,’ with a lateral displacement, in order to get back onto his feet. This is where my injury occurred, not upon crouching, but upon kicking-off.

Kicking-off from a fully-compressed, deep knee-bend puts much strain on muscles. As I drew my pistol and began to kick-off laterally, I was surprised to hear a loud popping/ripping sound (through hearing protection!) from my leg.

At first, I couldn’t even stand, let along walk. I was subsequently unable to walk without a serious limp for more than a week.

The important lesson would be missed if we focused on a single piece of gear, like ankle holsters.  Quickly collecting a pistol lying on the ground represents a similar challenge, as does using a vehicle’s wheel for cover.

The point is: we all need to be stretching, especially those of us who work at desks. I have practiced this draw-stroke countless times without trouble. I train regularly, crouching low and popping back to my feet, with a lateral shift. But, it took this one time, at the conclusion of a long, hot two days, for this lesson to present itself. I had not adequately stretched my quads, and, when the time came that I asked these muscles to really push, I was rewarded with this great lesson. I have adjusted my routine accordingly.

I am honored to have been the one selected to demonstrate that for everyone!”

Comment:

I am far from an expert on these matters, but my friend makes an important point. An injury like the foregoing can easily be fatal when it occurs during a real fight. “Being prepared” embraces many aspects of our lives, not just our carry-gear!

“Know’st thou when Fate
thy measure takes, or when she’ll say to thee,
‘I find thee worthy
Do this deed for me!’”

Lowell

/John