Opinion
“Be prepared to be unprepared.” ~ JV Jones.
Incidents of OISs (Officer-Involved Shootings) are spiking right now, particularly in our metro areas.
With our contentious election year in full swing, deadly violence (some political, some “regular”) will continue to increase exponentially.
Owing to our open borders, new “911 Events” are likely!
Normal-capacity magazines on modern pistols and rifles feature substantial capacity. Thus, OISs today involve many more rounds being fired (by both LEOs and suspects, some carefully aimed; some not so much) than was ever the case back in the “Revolver Days.”
This translates to a parallel increase in “collateral damage,” including fratricide.
Advice to Operators:
1) Don’t be there!
- Yes, “Avoidance” always tops the list when I give advice on maintaining good health during perilous times.
- While there are no “safe places,” some places and times are far more perilous than others.
2) When police start arriving, shut up and go the other way!
- Don’t stick around for “the rest of the show.” Do you really want a part in it?
- Don’t dither! Get to hard cover immediately, and then depart the area as quickly, quietly, and unobtrusively as you can.
- This is not a good time to ask questions or make a video with your cell phone!
3) “Concealment clothing” (including handbags, fanny-packs, etc.) needs to be well thought-out, invisible, and well-rehearsed, always allowing for the smooth presentation of your (otherwise discreetly concealed) pistol when necessary.
- Your “concealment ensemble” needs to be viewed in the same light as “motorcycle clothing.” Serious motorcyclists always dress for the occasion. Operators need to do the same!
Live Inventory Price Checker
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Jessie & James Waimea Conceal Carry Fanny Pack - Black - Black | Sportsman's Warehouse | $ 49.99 |
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Elite Survival Systems Marathon Large Concealed Carry Fanny Pack | GunMag Warehouse | $ 67.99 |
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Bulldog Cases BDT Tactical Concealed Carry Sling Pack, Small, Black - BDT408B | Palmetto State Armory | $ 69.99 $ 49.99 |
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Bulldog Small Concealed Carry Sling Pack Tan | GrabAGun | $ 50.69 |
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4) “Students of the Gun” also need to be “Students of Individual Tactics.”
- As in the game of poker, “tells” will often alert you to violent but hidden agendas. The sooner you perceive danger, the more time you’ll have to disengage and exit, or prepare to fight for your life, when it comes to that.
- When bullets start flying, cover is your lifesaver. Knowing where it is and how to use it to your greatest advantage are critical skills that need to be practiced regularly.
We can never be “completely prepared” for what fate may throw at us, but we surely don’t need to naively blunder about- unaware, unalert, clueless, and unready.
It’s no longer the “Ozzie and Harriet World” (Revolver Days), to which so many desperately wish we could return!
/John
About John Farnam & Defense Training International, Inc
As a defensive weapons and tactics instructor, John Farnam will urge you, based on your beliefs, to make up your mind about what you would do when faced with an imminent lethal threat. You should, of course, also decide what preparations you should make in advance if any. Defense Training International wants to ensure that its students fully understand the physical, legal, psychological, and societal consequences of their actions or in-actions.
It is our duty to make you aware of certain unpleasant physical realities intrinsic to Planet Earth. Mr. Farnam is happy to be your counselor and advisor. Visit: www.defense-training.com
Next crisis, pay close attention to who requires assistance. It’s always the same individuals who need it every day anyway.
“It isn’t always being fast or even accurate that counts… It’s being willing. And I found out early most men, regardless of cause or need aren’t willing, they blink an eye or draw a breath before they pull the trigger. I won’t.” John Wayne in ‘The Shootist’ (1976)
It’s a movie.
Yes, and the point is still the same. Being fast and accurate on the range don’t matter if you when you get into a touchy situation and you really NEED that gun, and you panic, and can’t hit your target… Target being two or four legged.
So, what’s the difference between a Glock 17 with a 17 round mag and a six shot .38 snubby if you panic in a gunfight? Both tools are worthless if you panic and can’t use them.
We’re all contestants in the Evil Dispensing Violence Lottery. One increases their chances of being selected when one chooses to go where Evil is more prevalent…or one chooses to be oblivious to anomalies in one’s environment…..choices have consequences. Avoiding evil and/or being prepared to deal decisively with it is enhanced by observing and acting upon anomalies in one’s environment. The Marines developed a three pronged Hunter Killer technique to enhance survival by observing and acting upon anomalies in one’s environment. If it’s a surprise when bullets start flying, you’re already way behind the violence curve. The goal is to stay… Read more »
That gut feeling is God talking to you. If your gut says something’s wrong, listen to it.
Motorcycle riders “Dress for the Crash, Not for the Ride”. I guess we all need to be wearing Body Armor. I’m not looking forward to wearing plate carriers while fishing, but I better upgrade my PFDs.
The motorcycle riders I see, nine times out of ten wear t shirts and jeans and cheap sunglasses and drive like maniacs. Then blame the guy in the actual vehicle who’s following the rules of the road for their crash.
Body armor
Body armor is not always practical (or concealable) depending on occasion, especially in warmer climates. It’s even illegal in certain jurisdictions. This is why I’ve become far less critical of “man bags”, and use one frequently. It’s a good way to conceal a ballistic plate, as well as bring along other useful items that would otherwise be too bulky for EDC. Of course, just like a fanny pack, it can make you stand out too much in some locations. It’s all a balancing act.