Opinion
“The instant we start thinking about the outcome, we lose focus on the process. Focus on the process, each step in the correct sequence, always in the present tense. The outcome will take care of itself.” ~ Jamie Gray.
When we make the hard decision to shoot a violent criminal as an act of legitimate self-defense, we are not doing so with the intent of ending a life. We are merely administering the final, logical, unavoidable step in a series of events that were irreversibly initiated by the VCA (violent criminal actor) himself!
We need to keep the foregoing in mind as we train for “The Use of Guns for Serious Purposes.”
When we go to the Range in order to participate in this “Gun-Training for Serious Circumstances,” we typically spend too much time practicing only what we’re already good at!
Consistent presentation of the pistol (also rifle and shotgun) to eye level, stance, sight(s), and trigger manipulation for single and multiple shots are all basic skills and thus important, and (with any luck) we have logged many repetitions.
All good, but what about correct gun handling/storage (both on and off the Range), concealed-carry options and lifestyle, threat recognition, aggressive disengagement, de-escalation, movement, proxemics, discretionary shooting, reloading, stoppage-reduction, transition to a backup pistol, close-range shooting, use of cover, verbal commands/challenges, multiple-threats, tactical treatment of gunshot wounds, summoning emergency services, interacting with arriving police officers, post-shooting procedures and challenges, et al.?
All of the foregoing are important, indeed critical, too. Each needs to be incorporated into our training and exercised as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, abstracted “gun games” (mostly in sterile recreational/competitive environments) are where much current “firearms training” begins and ends!
Adequately preparing our students (and ourselves) to endure a desperate lethal force encounter (both near and long-term) that may at any moment be thrust upon us (despite our best avoidance efforts) is a critical and continuous project.
Let us not neglect all these ancillary skills and knowledge enumerated above.
It’s all important!
/John`
PS: My series of videos on “Tactical Treatment of Gunshot Wounds” is now accessible from the DTI Web Page (along with all of my other videos/interviews) at our DTI Web Page:
Go to Videos, then Archive. There is no charge Quips, dating from 1998, are also all available. DTI online Course registration is also available. We’ll be in UT, MI, NJ, et al. Our web page has improved significantly with our new hosting service!
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
“…but what about correct gun handling/storage (both on and off the Range), concealed-carry options and lifestyle, threat recognition, aggressive disengagement, de-escalation, movement, proxemics, discretionary shooting, reloading, stoppage-reduction, transition to a backup pistol, close-range shooting, use of cover, verbal commands/challenges, multiple-threats, tactical treatment of gunshot wounds, summoning emergency services, interacting with arriving police officers, post-shooting procedures and challenges, et al.?” At what gun range will any of this be allowed? I know in my area the ONLY action allowed is standing in an “enclosed” lane & “slow” firing at a static target. I would LOVE you do more “dynamic” training! Hell, I’d… Read more »
I’ve never been fully prepared for any type of fight I’ve been in regardless of the amount of training. That why continuing training of different types is so important. Things evolve and change and therefore so must we
absolutely “YES”. Good article.
Hmm, the short answer is, yes.