The time to really look into and improve shooting skills to defend ourselves and our families and loved ones is upon us now that society is breaking down in so many parts of America. There’s no need to say who, what, when or why the breakdown is here at this stage and could be on our doorsteps sooner rather than later.
There are so many new owners of weapons that self-defense firearms are flying off the shelf and many shops can’t stock ammunition for these guns. But the attitude that I’m talking about here is for everyone.
There is only one solution with this recognition and witnessing the lamentation of the victims of violence coupled with the unwillingness of certain government agencies to defund their police departments; we must learn to protect ourselves.
We do have to be mindful that these roving bands could very well turn up in any part of the nation at any moment, with the understanding that not all cities and states have this breakdown. Being prepared is the only option.
Related: The 5 Best Pocket Handguns For Self-Defense
The Most Important Step
Handling and learning your particular firearm is very important. It doesn’t matter what you are carrying or own for self and home protection, but it does matter that you know how to use it.
It is very important to handle and learn your unique weapon. Not only that, but it does not matter what you bring or possess for the safety of yourself and your home, but it does matter that you know how to use it.
Yes, the first step to learning proper shooting techniques is to go to the shooting range.
But you won’t be behind a nice shooting stand with a quiet atmosphere when you need to use it, and you won’t be able to get into a good Weaver stance, or have a range master, nor will you have eye or ear protection.
The emergency will quickly leap on you and it will demand an urgent response. So, what’s your best surviving weapon? Your brain is your biggest tool by far. If you can, stay out of troubled places. Avoid conditions that could cause problems. You don’t walk into a biker bar or cowboy bar at 2am and become a nuisance. Don’t ask for trouble and, where possible, avoid it. Yes, sometimes, it’s not possible.
Your heart pounding, your breath coming in gasps and potentially so many thoughts going through your mind in these emergency situations that it can take those vital moments when you need to be composed away from you.
There is no video game, no official range of time or other preparation to prepare you for those few moments in the balance of your life or the life of a loved one. It’s time to act in self-defense as bullets fly past you, or a gang beats you or your loved one is not the time to learn.
Related: Emergency Care For Gunshot Wounds
Another Essential Aspect of Gun Ownership
The time to really learn how to fire your gun is now. A significant part of gun ownership is bringing an autoloading weapon down for cleaning. Keep your weapon clean.
Know how to do it with both your dominant and non-dominant hand.e Learn how to reload it one handed with either hand.
This can involve some odd contortions, but if you ever need to do that, it’s a valuable exercise. This can very well save your life if injured or in a fight. Learn how to clear a jam, either with a handgun or rifle, of course. (For a reason, they placed a forward assist on AR style rifles.)
The Right Mind-Set
Place yourself in the mind-set of a hunter or soldier. After running uphill, they continuously face tough terrain where they have to shoot until they get to a good location to shoot, dealing with trees, brush or other challenges before they can get a good shot.
Run to get your heart racing quickly and get used to discovering the cross-hairs of the front sight or scope and keep still to get an accurate shot.
Shoot from your kneeling position, as though you’ve been struck and knocked down.
Shoot with a rifle or pistol from the hill, then turn over and shoot from your back and over your head at the target.
Moving and shooting and moving again; this may be a survival key.
Look for items that could be used as a shield or a place to cover yourself when you walk through town or the grocery store or wherever you are, if danger occurs. And, when you get an opportunity to practice shooting, put yourself in that position. Remember to be mindful of your surroundings at all times. I can’t emphasize this enough. In the event that you need to call for assistance, make sure that you know where you are.
Imagine an intruder or several of them smashing into your home. What furniture would you use to cover yourself or as a barrier? How can you get to a weapon in seconds and carry it to bear? Have you been dreaming of using a mattress to conceal yourself from a violence-bent intruder? Will it help or hamper the mattress? What kind of security do your house’s walls provide?
Related: Best Household Self-Defense Items You Probably Have In Your Home Right Now
Shooting From A Moving Vehicle
Learn to shoot from a moving vehicle if necessary. Soldiers need this skill all the time, and it seems that we will also need this ability as well. Shoot at a target at various ranges under a vehicle, as vehicles can be your best or only concealment. I know so many things to think about. But, one element at a time, understand.
Learn to dry-fire in your residence if you cannot find an open place to shoot in odd positions. Run in place to pick a target and close your eyes to bring the front sight into line with that target before opening your eyes to see how well you did. It isn’t easy, but the difference between living and not, might be in these little exercises.
Dry firing is an excellent way to learn, but when you intend to practice, be careful not to have a loaded weapon around.
Many police cadets just unintentionally put a bullet into a cabinet, a refrigerator or the TV while learning to shoot. Don’t be that way. Be ultra-safe.
Never get cocky with a weapon. Don’t let movie actors be your model. They are not given real weapons and real bullets, except in rare instances, and they are there to entertain and tell a story. Please don’t think you’re smart enough to carry a gun sideways. Don’t ever be stupid. Your life and those you love hang in the balance.
A Few Other Thoughts
- Obey the law if your state bans such firearms. There are many fine weapons that are not illegal and will more than serve you well. For example, old school lever action “deer” rifles are very well suited to serve and old-time cops used to use semi-auto deer hunting rifles with 10 round after market magazines in some serious calibers like: 308 Win, 30-06, 243 Win, etc. in the performance of their duties with excellent effect.
- Be mindful that it has some significant emotional and legal implications to shoot and/or kill another human being. When you are involved in a shooting, some insurance and legal advice may be needed. The costs of defending ourselves in our legal system, even if found not-guilty, are outrageous. In this sort of case, certain private lawyers specialize and provide protection for just such instances. It can be traumatic to deal with the effects of a shooting and would certainly make you a changed person.
- For some real-life tests for particular guns and situations, I can highly recommend Paul Harrell on YouTube. Some of his old videos are the most revealing, and his experiments are very well performed. In a different time, his older videos were made, and the challenges facing us today may not be exactly what he is testing, but it will give you some great ideas on how to practice.
