The importance of carrying a gun 100% of the time..........

This is the title of an article written by Mark Walters as The Ordinary Guy columnist for Concealed Carry magazine.  The link is long and if it doesn't take you to the article a Google search should get you to the column as well.  After reading the article I was taken back to this time last year when a wannabe Grinch showed up in my driveway as a car jacker.  Some of you that have shared a class room with me have heard this story.  For others here are the details and "The Importance of Carrying a Gun 100% of the Time".  

It was a very cold Missouri December night during the week between Christmas and New Years, 2009.  I had picked up my then 15 year old daughter from a church activity at 9:30pm and we were  1/2 block from home.  As I slowed to turn into our driveway I noticed a homeless type fellow walking on the side walk. Not entirely unusual as there is a large church based food bank about six blocks north of us.  I observed him to be wearing a long tan cowboy type duster on a slender 6'2" frame.  His shoulder length graying hair spilled out from under a flat brim black Wyatt Earp type western hat.  His collar was turned up against the cold, his outer cover buttoned up to his chin and his hands shoved deep in his pockets.

As I pulled into our driveway (70' long going to a detached garage) I scanned my rear view and side view mirrors to watch the fellow walk past our house.  Instead I saw him turn down our driveway.  Only this time his coat was open and his right hand was under his coat about arm pit level.  I gunned the engine and made a quick u-turn across the drive way so the head lights on our van now illuminated the intruder walking towards us.  As Ayoob would say the intruder was "chin over chest" and advancing in an aggressive body posture.  He stopped about 20' feet in front of us, confused since he was now "in the spotlight".  I exited the vehicle and stood behind the driver’s door.  I drew my Glock 19 and yelled at the fellow to stop where he was at and take his hand slowly out from his coat.  

I could see the expression on his face change to one of confusion and his body posture change to a defensive manner.  I yelled at him a second time to take his hand out of his coat and show me his palms.  He did so and I asked him (in a firm voice) what he wanted.  He asked, "Is this the food bank".  My reply was obviously not and to keep walking another six blocks north.  He simply said, "OK" then turned and left the property.  I called the police department with a description of the fellow but didn't hear back from them concerning any further contact with the intruder.  

From the moment I did the drive way u-turn to when the fellow was walking quickly off the property the way he came in; the incident probably lasted two minutes or less.  When I got back in the vehicle my daughter was sitting there with wide eyes and a big grin on her face.  She looked at me and said, "Dad was that your police voice?"  I replied I guess it was and her comment was, "That was cool!"   I didn't think so and the adrenaline rush didn't quit till well after this old man's bed time!  

There are two points I want to make with this post.  First you will react to a dangerous situation how you train and rehearse for it.  I've been retired from law enforcement almost as long as I was in it.  After all the years of not being used all the alert and  reaction skills came back in a split second  in response to a perceived threat. Secondly, be armed when ever and where ever you can legally be so.   

God’s Blessing to you all during this Christmas Season!

Stress Training improves Safety Skills

Last night I enjoyed an evening with the USPSA group at our local Pioneer Gun club.  As a trainer, and many of you are in the same situation, I watch a lot of people shoot each month but I don't get myself behind the trigger as much as I used to.  I didn't know anyone there (which was probably a good thing) nor did I share with any one my back ground.  I just went in as "Joe Citizen" shooter looking to be a better shooter.  My feeling is if a person brags going into a friendly competition they will be eating crow going out.  After my rusty performance last night I barely out shot the "crow".

One of the stellar performers last night was an 11 year old boy.  He was shooting an old  Ruger .22 semi auto in a Uncle Mike type of holster (he's my kind of budget shooter).  He has been shooting with his Dad in the USPSA practices for several months, went through the drills quickly, had all the right safety moves, and seemed to be right on with his shooting.  It was great to watch a Dad working with his son.

I ran through the evening's drill in a little over 90 seconds; most every one else got through in about 60 seconds.  The "kid" was zipping around like Peter Pan.  The course involved firing 26 rounds,  around two different barricades, two reloads, and firing around hostage targets to hit what ever center of mass the card board assailant target had exposed.  Points were made by where the rounds landed on the assailant and big point deductions for hitting a hostage.  The shooter moves as quickly as safety and personal dexterity allows.

Two modern day experts whose opinion I trust; Massab Ayoob and Jim Cirillo, both emphasize the value of competition shooting towards self defense.  Competition shooting (what ever program you want to get involved in; even bowling pin shoots at the local public range) gives us two big advantages.  First you will be a better shooter going through the stress of a self defense situation and secondly the stress of competition ingrains safety into your subconscious.  I was called once for putting my hand in front of the muzzle and sweeping the ceiling (old Police habits die hard).  And of course the third reason for getting involved is the fun of  shooting with people from all sorts of back grounds.

Competition shooting, involving even mild mental or physical stress, will prepare you for the stress of a self defense shooting and hone your range safety skills during your range time with students.  Get involved and stay active!

I had so much fun I think I'll go back next month!