Defense Mentality

The Law of Self Defense

Posted by Adam Markesbery on January 13, 2016
Posted in: Carrying a deadly weapon, Defense Mentality, Self Defense, Training, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , . Leave a Comment

Shooting guns is fun! The amount of time and money we spend at the range proves that. Who does not like going to the range for a day and blowing through a few hundred rounds of ammo? Improving our ability with our weapon systems is critical to success. But, is that where we should focus the majority of our efforts?

To say the topic of defense is vast, is an understatement. Marksmanship, however critical, is a minute fraction of what one wishing to become proficient in self defense must learn. (We will discuss in another article about ways to improve marksmanship without going to the range.) There are a great many avenues and facets that we must learn and become at least aware of. One of the weightiest of these facets is: The Law

This topic has the farthest reaching implications. Not only can we face civil and criminal charges, years of imprisonment, and huge financial strain; an incident can effect our families lives.

Operating withing the confines of the law is critical to self defense. If we stray from legality, in the eyes of the law; you, the victim, become the criminal. There are federal laws pertaining to self defense, and each state has its own laws. For example, Kentucky has a stand your ground law that allows one to defend themselves in a public place that they have a right to be. In Ohio, just across the river, you have a duty to retreat; flee is possible and safe to do so. A Kentuckian crossing to Ohio can land in some seriously hot water if they are unaware of these laws.

There are a great deal of resources to use when trying to identify and learn the laws. We recommend going straight to the Concealed Carry Licensing issues agency. In Kentucky, the issuing agency is Kentucky State police, in Florida that agency is the Department of Agriculture. Each state’s issuing agency should be able to supply you with the laws concerning self defense.

Trust me, committing the law to memory is not an easy thing to do. You probably have already mumbled that to yourself as you read this. It takes to things: Patience and time. Read the law, then read it again, and again, and again. Refresh yourself on this often. Not every day, but, once you get a good handle on it, you can go over it every so often, as you feel necessary.

This is certainly not the glamorous facet of self defense. It is dry, boring, dull, and too often convoluted and confusing. Certainly far from being attractive, the law is tiresome. I get it. I don’t enjoy it, but as the old saying goes: “gotta take a little bitter with the sweet”. By all means, spend time perfecting the dual art/science of shooting, it is both fun and important. More importantly, do not allow the less glamorous aspects of self defense go by the wayside, especially just because they are not as fun. Take the legal aspects seriously now, you most certainly will sitting in the courtroom…

What can we learn:

Learn the Law

You can get burned big time here, bother to learn it

Each state has different laws

 

– Stay Sharp

Adam

 

A Warrior Faith? Part 2

Posted by Adam Markesbery on January 4, 2016
Posted in: Carrying a deadly weapon, Defense Mentality, Self Defense, Uncategorized. Leave a Comment

Now we break into the New testament. I could write a book, and others have, on the warrior we know as Jesus Christ, our savior. I get so stinking sick and tired, fed-up, annoyed (you get the point), of Jesus being portrayed as some effeminate sissy.

Let me tell you something, he was a carpenter by trade, and 30 when he started his ministry, at his physical peak. As a woodworker, I enjoy using traditional tools. However, there is a great deal of effort involved with this process. He would have had to go cut down the trees, mill them into lumber, clean them up for usable surface, and construct them all without electricity. Let me tell you what, until you have done this, you have no idea the strength needed. Jesus, was a beast!

There are numerous times through the Gospels we see him as a warrior, my personal favorite is, you guessed it, John 2:15: “And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables.” Jesus sat out side the temple, making a whip, to go in and drive out those who defiled His house. A whip, a tool, a weapon!

But Adam! What about Matthew 5:39? “But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” This is an excerpt from the sermon on the mount. He is talking to the general populous here. The topical context of this verse is revenge. I refer you back to Part 1 for revenge. Suffice it to say, I know no Christian sheepdog that uses revenge as a motivator.

Ok, fine Adam. But what about John 18:10 & 11? Jesus rebuked Peter for striking out, Ha!

Sacred Bovine! Was Peter carrying concealed!? What? Why yes he was. Jesus told him to put it up, and that those who live by the sword, die by the sword. It is an inevitability, not a threat. He did not, however, say get rid of that thing, you should not have it. On the contrary, he tells his disciples to sell their cloak (outer-layer) and buy a sword (Luke 22:36)! He rebuked Peter because this is why He came to earth. Peter should not stand in the way of His primary mission.

Matthew 10:36: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Context here is about becoming primary in all lives. He basically is saying that he is going to start battles by requiring He be first in everyone’s lives. Regardless, He said he did not come with the intent of peace, but war! You know what? Just read all of Matthew 10, it’s worth the 3 minutes to do it.

Revelation 19. I will not quote particulars here, as it is really worthy of reading the entire passage. In part it says that when Jesus returns, he will be wearing a blood stained robe… This passage does not paint a pleasant picture. It is quite violent and graphic (Yet another reason I loathe pictures of Jesus as womanized Anglo-saxon…). The context of the passage is the second coming of Christ, and a battle ensues.

You see, all throughout Scripture we see this reoccurring image and scenario of battles being waged by warriors. Granted, war and self defense are different, but, allow me to marry the two ideas as briefly as I can.

War has been a tradition, a way of life among man for millennia. Only recently have we become “too sophisticated and civilized for such a thing” (baloney!) That lie does have a hint of truth. The evil of this world is no longer a specific people group or in a specific geographical location. Additionally, we are no longer required to purge the land of such a thing. God will take care of this in his own time.

War has transitioned to a more 1 on 1 kind of thing. The evil in this world now mixes with the Lord’s people. This has presented a unique dichotomy withing history. Rape, assault, murder, etc takes place all over the world, indiscriminate to God’s people. So, how can we combat this pervasive evil? Carry a gun. Read other articles here and you will see, guns are just a tool. The sword of Jesus’ is the Handgun of our day. Tools change, hearts of man do not.

Do not take my word for any of this. You need to come to your own conclusions here. You are welcome to share mine of course, but, I strongly suggest that you Christians do your own homework here. I assure you, we are barely scratching the surface on warriorship in the bible. Take some time, do some reading. It truly is a fascinating subject for the sheepdog.

I love my family and those around me far too much to not prepare myself to end a threat to their well being. John 15:13: ” Greater love has no man than this. That he should lay down his life for his friends.” I take that very seriously. I am insulted that a sheep should say to a sheepdog that his motives are anything less than pure and in love! Do not discount my calling. Yes, I said calling. Just as you may be called to be a teacher of the Word, I am called to be a warrior.

I carry a gun professionally, I train others to carry a gun for protection through Strategic Defense, I have honed my mind for this type of work over a very long time. I assure you, I do this for love of my neighbor, you cannot possibly understand why I do what I do, without understanding a warrior. Unless you are part of this brotherhood you cannot, nor do I expect you to, understand the love we have for those around us…

I pray that I was able to offer some insight into the mind of a warrior. If you have questions, or would like to discuss this further, please comment below. Please share this with all the sheep and sheepdogs you know. It is important that everyone knows what we sheepdogs are about, particularly the wolf.

Stay Sharp,

Adam

 

 

A warrior faith?

Posted by Adam Markesbery on December 30, 2015
Posted in: Carrying a deadly weapon, Defense Mentality, Self Defense, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , . 1 comment

I have seen a good many articles, blogs, thoughts, debates, and arguments floating around as of late discussing the topic of self-defense and the Christian faith. This is a huge topic to undertake in this venue. I will do my best, but it will be two parts, and still long. I promise, it is worth it. This is my two cents.

Before we get into this there are a few of points of clarity I would like to address.

First point of clarity: There are three mindsets when discussing this topic, Sheep, Sheepdog, and Wolf. As you would expect, the sheep are the majority of people. Sheep go about their lives and business happy as a lark until there is a problem, then, they are the “victim”. When we say sheep here, we mean in this context, not the Shepard/Flock relationship we have in the Church.

Sheepdogs stand between the wolf and the sheep. They are always on the lookout, and they are few and far between. Sheepdogs are born, not taught, this mindset is instinctive.

Wolves. These are the “bad guys”. On the hunt for sheep, and always wary of a sheepdog. The ones who operate outside of the rule of law and society. They are few, but they are dangerous.

Second point of clarity: Most of the theological points made and discussed that I have seen on this topic are from the view and stance of a sheep. With all love; you cannot understand what drives a sheepdog, unless you are one… That is ok, to a point. You cannot accurately discuss a topic in which you do not understand. As a sheep, I do not expect you to understand the mindset of a sheepdog, a warrior. I will do my best here, but I do not expect to change minds. The purpose of this writing to explain how us warriors think, and justify who we are Biblically.

Final point of clarity: I am not going to address and debate the points made by many articles I have seen. I am simply going to Scripturally support my warrior sheepdog mentality.

Ok, moving on the point. There is no way to write a reasonably short article and address ALL the points of scripture for this. If you would like to expand the discussion, please comment below.

No where in scripture, that I have been able to find, is there explicit direction on the topic of self defense. There are some instances that we can look at, and a vast amount of topical text and context.

I believe I can support the stance that the three most discussed topics in the bible are: Money, Love, and War. You cannot discuss war without warriors. That, is where we start our conversation. I believe we must start at the beginning to get a clear look at this topic.

The first look we have of a warrior and warrior is Jesus is Genesis 3:15. ” he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” The context is the Lord cursing the serpent in the garden of Eden after the Fall. He is telling the serpent that his day will come, and he will die at the hand of Jesus.

Next we move to Exodus 15:3: “The Lord is a man of war; the Lord is his name.” The context here is Moses and the people singing praises to the Lord for bringing them out of Egypt and defeating the Pharaoh and his army. The Hebrew word for war here is: “milhama”, meaning: fighting a particular battle or engagement, or as an ongoing event.

The Lord here, is being characterized as a warrior. This is no small thing. For something to characterize someone, it cannot be based on a single action, or event. It has been an integral part of who they are and what they do for a long time. The Lord is indeed a warrior.

Moving forward, we see a huge amount of warriors. Arguably some of the best in history. To name just a few: Abraham, Joshua, Caleb, Sampson, Gideon, David, David’s mighty men ( about 30 of them), the list goes on and on… If you are unfamiliar with the warrior actions of those I have listed, please, read up on them, each one is a warriors warrior. What’s more? Each of them had a personal relationship with God, often speaking directly with Him, or angels. David was called a man after God’s own heart, BY GOD! The only man in history to claim such an honor.

These men we legends in their day, and still in our ours, for their warriorship. There is no telling how many men each one of these men killed; but I am comfortable saying that most of them surpass a thousand each. And yet, God blessed their actions. There was no way that they could have done what they did without the direct help of God. Some of their accounts are truly unbelievable without the hand of God front and center.

Time and time again we see the Lord using war and warriors to accomplish his task. Yes, justice is the Lord’s to enact and he often uses us, his servants, to do this.

How does this relate to self defense? Killing. Killing is the point here. I have seen references to justice and revenge, and how they belong to the Lord. Again, I think this a a sheep’s view. I do not know of one single Christian who prepares for defense whose purpose is revenge, or even justice. Self defense is just that, self defense. I am looking to protect the precious life of my baby girl, and wife, and mine too of course. How is this revenge or justice. I am a sheepdog removing the threat of a wolf from my flock.

In the 10 Commandments we indeed see the Lord command not to “Murder” which is different from killing (a whole other topic). God sanctions and commands killing, nay, genocide, on more than one occasion.

Additionally, there are several laws in the Old Testament that discuss justice, of violent crime in particular. So, how can we reconcile scripture? God tells us to love our enemy, and yet, we are to punish him for a crime. How can God love us all enough send his son to die for us, and yet still have hell?… Love and justice are a complicated mix of cohesion and mutual exclusivity. When someone breaks into our home and steals things; we can forgive him, however, he still receives his punishment.

In the realm of self defense: You or those you love may be killed without action. I am a firm believer in God’s sovereignty. I am also a believer in man’s responsibility. My dad always said: “God can’t steer a parked car.” God can only use our actions, not our inaction. How can God guide a situation with no action? He can’t.

The Church is the bride of Christ, he cares for his church, guides and protects her. Given our earthly marriage is a direct design from this concept, I am to protect and guide my family. How can I do that if one of us are killed? I do not turn every corner expecting to kill or be killed, again God’s sovereignty. I am however, prepared just in case there is a threat.  I make no apology for this. Given God’s support of His physical warriors       (those who spilled blood) I firmly believe that he supports my stance on this topic.

Wow, this was too much to undertake in this venue… I apologize, There is no way I can cover half of what I would like here; even with a second part coming later. Maybe I will write a book… We will continue this discussion in the second part of this topic, starting in the New Testament. We will look at Jesus, Peter, and Jesus again.

 

Stay Sharp,

Adam

All Scripture quotes come from the ESV unless otherwise noted.

Hands up or hands out?

Posted by Adam Markesbery on December 15, 2015
Posted in: Defense Mentality, Hand to Hand, Intermediate Weapons, No-Gun Defense, Self Defense, Uncategorized. Leave a Comment

When we are faced with a self defense situation, often times we want to stick our hands up. The movies and TV have ingrained that immediate response into us. But, we have another option! We can react effectively with our hands by quickly reaching out, not up.

We have discussed using everyday tools as weapons, the one set of tools we did not discuss is, our hands. The tools we use most, and are required for almost all other tools, cannot be left out.

Our hands are one three most valuable assets when it comes to self defense. The others being your mind, and your words. Without our hands, we cannot handle a firearm, intermediate weapons, or even a door knob.

Now, let me insert a brief disclaimer here. There are a great deal of effective techniques and processes that can be done without using your hands. Feet, elbows, knees, head, along with other body parts can be used with profound impact when employed properly. But, this week is all about the hands.

Turning our hands into weapons is simple and instinctive. To turn them into effective weapons takes some work, and to become proficient take a great deal of time and effort. We believe that anyone can become effective with a little bit of time and effort, then, like anything else we must train to keep up with our effectiveness.

There are a great deal of programs and techniques that offer basic defense education. I recommend plugging into a good one. You will know pretty quickly if the education is good. Hand to hand defense is instinctive and a good program will feel natural in many ways.

A good program will teach basic, specific techniques for common strikes. For example, being pushed, a hay-maker, straight punch, being grabbed from behind, head locks, so on and so on have specifics techniques that can be taught and learned easily. Hours of repetition will burn it into your head so that when the moment comes, there is no thinking, just reacting.

Beyond basic techniques you can learn from the internet, you will learn principles and concepts. These will cover a great deal of possibilities. There is no way you could train for every kind of attack specifically. However, it is entirely reasonable to learn a handful of specific common defenses, and cover the rest with theory.

This entails vital points, critical points, counter-attacks, use of force, etc. Knowing there is a pressure point in a given area and connecting with a palm or fist could mean lights out, regardless of technique. Knowing areas that can shut the body down temporarily and permanently is important for use of force application. Applying too much can get you in trouble, applying too little can get you killed.

Our hands are great tools and they should not go to waste. We train to use our hands to employ other tools, but can get so caught up in that process that we forget (or ignore) the invaluable resource that lies at the end of our arms. Learn to use your hands in their full capacity, don’t allow them to go to waste or under utilized…

What we can learn:

Our hands can be very effective weapons when properly employed

To use them is instinct; to use them effectively takes some training; to use them proficiently takes a great deal of time and effort.

There are innumerable training programs that teach hand to hand techniques and application. When you are considering a program, do a little research and ensure it is a good one with a good track record.

Use of force applies to our hands too. Apply the proper amount of force for the situation.

Don’t let one of your only non-removable tools/weapons go to waste.

 

Stay sharp,

Adam

 

Everyday weapons

Posted by Adam Markesbery on December 9, 2015
Posted in: Defense Mentality, Hand to Hand, Intermediate Weapons, No-Gun Defense, Self Defense, Uncategorized. 1 comment

Websters dictionary defines a tool as: A handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task. I would be willing to expand that to devices beyond what we can hold in our hand; have you ever tried to hold a bulldozer? A weapon is defined as being: a means of contending against another. At Strategic Defense Group we believe that all “weapons” are just tools. When proper application is applied to tools, they become weapons.

We live our lives surrounded by tools, poised, prepared to become a weapon at any moment, IF, you know how to look. It is not hard to take a tool and turn it into a weapon. The conversion is simply a mental process called perception.

Here is a very limited list of tools ready to become weapons with proper application we interact with countless times a day:

  • Pen/Pencil
  • Keys
  • Knives
  • Belt
  • Computer mouse
  • Magazines/books
  • Cell phone
  • Chair
  • Clothes hanger

Do not be afraid to modify and build tools and turn them into weapons. Do not limit yourself to obvious choices.

Several of the tools listed above are what we at Strategic Defense Group refer to as “Intermediate weapons” which are a commonplace tool or device with a designed function other than application of force; employed as a weapon. These intermediate weapons are not made to be a weapon, but can become one and employed effectively if need be. Pens are my go to for this. A common, everyday object that can provide pressure point control, nervous system damage, muscle damage, bleeding, loss of sight, the list is as long as you are creative. A pen is in no way designed to kill, however, it can be used as an intermediate weapon with great effectiveness.

Beyond learning how to identify intermediate weapons, we must learn to employ them effectively. Seeing a pen as a weapon is far different from knowing where control/pressure points, or major arteries lie. Knowing that a hanger can be applied as a weapon does not mean you are ready to defend yourself with such a device.

Just like using a gun, knife, or any other tool designed for application as a weapon, it takes training and practice. In martial arts we learn certain forms called Kata, and specific techniques for combat. We repeat these techniques and Kata thousands of times until we no longer think about it. Now, it is unreasonable to ask and expect you to train extensively with every possible intermediate weapon.

However, there are basic general practices and principles you may become proficient in that carry over to a multitude of applications. Knowing that if a bad guy can’t see or breathe, he is out of the fight. So, making the eyes and throat a standard target simplifies things greatly! Keys, pens, books, fingers, eye liner, etc. can all be used with great effectiveness to this target. Spending time and effort in learning human anatomy as well as the anatomy of a fight will allow you to use intermediate weapons with great efficiency and effectiveness.

What can we learn?

  • Definition of Intermediate weapon: A commonplace tool or device with a designed function other than application of force; employed as a weapon
  • Right now, as you read this, stop. Look around, and identify 3 tools that can be used as an intermediate weapon. Now is the time to determine what tools you will reach for in an emergency.
  • Make a habit of identifying and recognizing potential intermediate weapons and how they may be employed effectively.
  • Learn key points of the anatomy of a fight and the human body. Knowing and identifying a few vital and critical points on the body will help you become effective with most any intermediate weapons.

 

Stay sharp

Adam

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Impromptu Defense

Posted by Adam Markesbery on December 2, 2015
Posted in: Defense Mentality, Hand to Hand, Intermediate Weapons, No-Gun Defense, Self Defense, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , . Leave a Comment

Let’s face reality, we do not always have a gun on us. There are situation in which carrying a gun is not an option. There are many specific settings, but just use your imagination for this discussion.

You are out in public without your trusty holstered companion, you are suddenly forced to defend yourself. Stop, time out! This is not the time to decide what you are going to do. You should already have a game plan. You have already decided to always carry something that can be used as a weapon. A good metal shaft pen, a solid pocket knife, keys, get creative. You have thought about and practiced using that item as a weapon.

Ok, time in: Now you are left with two choices: Fight or Flight. If you fight you may be going up against a superior weapon, so be aware of your disadvantage here. Fleeing may be the best option, only you will be able to make that decision in the moment.

Without an even match, how can you possibly defend yourself. Well, there are several options here, two of which are instinctive. Run and Hide are always an option and it is a natural response. Now, there are ways to run and hide that are most effective.

Running: A moving target is statistically 4 times more difficult to hit, try it sometime in a safe training environment. So, the simple act of running decreases your chance of falling victim by 75%! But, now you have to know where to run to! The movies will get you killed. I am at an absolute loss as to why people always run up the to roof, or up the stairs etc in movies when they are fleeing, I mean they cannot possibly have a game plan, I digress. Part of being aware of your surroundings means knowing where the exits are. In the mall, stores have a back delivery door, restaurants have a back kitchen door. There are many ways to escape effectively, you just have to know where and how to look.

Hiding: There is a good way and a bad way to hide. Bad way – collapsing where you are, not taking adequate shelter,making too much noise, etc. Good way – finding secure cover that you can lock down and maintain control of the area. (Quick note: Cover = Bulletproof, Concealment = Not visible but not safe from fire. A good example of cover is a nice thick concrete wall; concealment would be an average wall in your home. ) If you plan to hide and wait the event out, you need to know how to secure and lock down an area the best way possible. Find a small controllable space, Lock and/or barricade the entrance, be quiet, prepare for war and arm yourself and anything you can.

When outmatched with rifles v car keys, I recommend running, however there are times when that is not possible. That is why you learn how to identify weapons in everyday objects and then learn how to employ such items effectively. It is not always a rifle v car keys, sometimes it is just hand to hand. Some basic training, simple techniques, and strategy, can go a long way in hand to hand when practiced and perfected. More on that later.

What can we learn:

There are times in which we cannot employ a firearm for defense

Learn to use the world around you to your advantage. Take cover, hide, create weapons

Train hard

It is ok to run. “He who runs away, lives to fight another day” – Maverick, Mel Gibson

I will leave you with my favorite Bruce Lee Quote: – “If a man comes at you with a sword run; Kung Fu does not always work.” Simply put, there is a time for fighting, and a time for running, learn the difference now, not when your life depends on it

Stay Sharp

Adam

 

Mental Simulations and the “What if game”

Posted by Adam Markesbery on October 15, 2015
Posted in: Carrying a deadly weapon, Defense Mentality, Self Defense. Tagged: , . 1 comment

We all worry. It is part of the human condition. Regardless of whether we are in control of a given situation or not, we worry about it. We worry about money and our well being probably more than any other two topics. Now, money is not what we do here, so, that leaves us with well being. This week we will discuss worry and our well being as it pertains to personal safety and protection.

When do we worry about our personal safety? When we feel in danger of course. We may get into driving in bad weather at some point, but, for this discussion lets use the example of walking down a big city street at night.

You are walking down the street and you worry about that guy loitering, smoking a cigarette, looking right at you, at the door of an obviously closed shop. What are worried about? That he will mug you, he is the lookout for an active burglary? Our imagination has a tendency to run away and go worst case instantly. He might be waiting for the bus, or a friend. The point is, we don’t know, this is why we worry.

As you approach a situation that causes the hair on your neck to stand up, and you begin to worry what is your plan? What if ____(fill in the blank) happens? What am I going to do, who is with me, what are obvious danger signs, etc.

A big part of training and mental preparedness is playing the “what if” game and going through mental simulations. Going back to our example, as you approach this suspicious individual what is going through your head? Do you begin to pray, panic, looking for possible help nearby, or: do you begin to analyze and assess the possible threat? Which of these is most prudent? Ok, that was kinda a trick question, you should throw up a quick “flare prayer” and then begin to assess the threat.

What am I going to do if he starts walking towards me? What if he asks you for change? What if, what if, what if… Let’s begin to break this down. If you find yourself in this position you already want to have played what if, making critical decisions in an adrenaline filled moment, you may get yourself in trouble.

Even in mundane, and known safe situations, run through a what if. At the grocery store, the gas pump, the stop light, etc. Ask yourself, what is that guy pulled a gun or a knife; what if he tried robbing the place; or, what if he started beating his girlfriend? You need to know the laws and your capabilities and apply them accordingly you simulations. Combine that knowledge and play the what if game all the time.

I’ll leave you with this quote from Marine General James Mattis (Ret): “Be polite, be professional, and have a plan to kill everyone you meet.” Chew on this and prepare yourself mentally.

What can we learn:

Play what if regularly and appropriately.

Don’t go overboard. If a bank is being robbed by a 5 man team with automatic rifles, and you are across the street. Be a good witness and call the police. Do not interject yourself into this situation.

Be realistic and mentally prepared for anything!

Stay sharp,

Adam

Am I truly ready to carry a gun for protection?

Posted by Adam Markesbery on October 5, 2015
Posted in: Carrying a deadly weapon, Defense Mentality, Self Defense. Tagged: . Leave a Comment

There are many specific reasons someone decides to carry a firearm. After sifting through all the specifics, it comes down to protection of your self and those you care about.

Do not be fooled by its simplicity. The physical act of strapping on a handgun is simple and takes a few seconds. However, there are two major, life altering, components to carrying a gun that you need to be aware of: Liability, and Mindset.

If you, God forbid, ever have to discharge your firearm in self defense you are liable for every pull of the trigger. This amount of liability is no small thing, you may be taking another human’s life. We will talk more in depth about liability in another post. Suffice it to say, even if every thing was to the letter of the law on your part, and it was a “good shoot” you may be sued civilly. If you are prepared to place your safety, and the safety of those around you, above yourself then you’re good to go; otherwise, leave the gun at home.

As for Mindset, you have to have a sincere conversation with yourself, and maybe with someone else regarding your mental preparedness to potentially defend yourself, or loved ones, with lethal force. This is not a time for ego, or dishonesty. You, and only you, can determine weather or not you are willing and prepared to do this. Should you find yourself unsure of you capability to defend yourself with lethal force, should the situation arise, leave the gun at home. If you hesitate you are more likely to have your own gun used against you than you are to defend yourself effectively.

Along with this, is the long lasting psychological effects. You will relive an event, dream about it, people will react and act different around you, and so on. Your life will forever be different; the benefit is, you will be here with your family to cope with it…

What can we learn?

If you can avoid conflict, then do so, do everything you can to avoid it, however, this is not always possible. Sometimes you have to react violently to save yourself or others.

Am I ready to face the potential liability that comes with defending myself?

Am I mentally prepared to defend myself and those I love with lethal force?

A catastrophic event is not the time to answer these questions; ask these questions now, so you don’t have to when every second counts. You need to train mentally and thoughtfully just as much if not more than at the range

Stay Sharp, Don’t get cut;

Adam