Archive for Self-Defense Issues
Stress in Combat
Posted by: | CommentsFighting for your life is likely the most stressful event any person can experience. That stress affects your performance: some of it good, some of it bad. This is the first in a series of articles that will explore what this stress is, and what it does to your body.
Survival Stress
Survival stress is caused by a perception of an imminent threat of harm. The seriousness of the perceived threat causes a proportionate amount of stress on the body. Additionally, if the individual is surprised, or has very little time to react, the amount of stress increases.
For example, willingly entering a MMA competition will likely cause a moderate amount of stress, whereas being attacked suddenly in the parking lot by a knife-wielding thug will probably cause an extreme amount of survival stress.
Survival stress is also referred to as “body alarm response” (BAR) in some of the literature. Regardless on what you call it, it causes some pretty predictable reactions in the body.
The Value of Human Life
Posted by: | CommentsIs all human life equally invaluable? Recently on the Gun Dudes podcast, James, a guest from the UK, stated (I’m paraphrasing) that shooting someone who was attacking your family was still wrong because all life is equally precious. Is it?
I firmly believe that all innocent life is equally priceless. However, a criminal who decides to attack someone else has knowingly decided to gamble with his own life. The criminal placed a bet, using his own life as the currency, that you will not be able to defend your family from his violent assault. If he loses that bet, he already knows his life is forfeit.
By placing this bet, the criminal has willingly placed a value upon the worth of his own life, a value far less than that of the priceless innocent life. By the criminal’s foolish gamble, he has demonstrated his life is worth a mere fraction of the law abiding citizen.
There is no moral higher ground associated with submitting to violence, and allowing criminals to harm you or your family. But to assert that all human life is equally valuable is a fallacy. By the criminal’s very act of gambling his life, he has assigned a very low value to his own existence.
The value of a criminal’s life is far less than that of my wife, children, and neighbors. I’m sure the equation works out the same at your home too.
(Ed. note: The Gun Dudes are strongly in favor of using any reasonable force, including firearms, to defend the innocent from the criminals. And switching their shoes in the aftermath.)
Quality Used Guns on Market
Posted by: | CommentsRecently I talked about finding a self-defense gun that fits you. One of the things I pointed out was to buy good quality firearms, not cheaply made firearms. Used guns are often a great value, as you can often get a high-quality, “low mileage” firearm for much cheaper than new.
Right now, J&G Sales has a stock of used Beretta 92F and 92FS pistols for sale at very reasonable prices. Conditions range from good to very good and prices range from only $299 to $339 depending on model, condition, and quantity ordered. There is no doubt that these are used pistols. But for less than $350, you can have a very good quality pistol for your home defense needs.
Some Thoughts on Choosing a Defensive Handgun
Posted by: | CommentsWhen it comes to choosing the right defensive handgun, there are many “right” answers and a few wrong ones. The best defensive handgun for you will likely be different than my choices. But the criteria in picking a handgun for self defense is fairly universal.
Let’s take a look at some of the things you should consider when buying a handgun for personal protection.
Caliber selection is important, but not that important…
When picking the right handgun, many people obsess about what caliber to choose. Generally speaking, handguns are poor choices for stopping a violent attacker. Handguns launch a fairly small projectile at relatively low velocities, and bullet wounds to areas other than the central nervous system (CNS) generally take time to work.
New .380 ACP Ammo for Self Defense from Winchester
Posted by: | Comments
Expanding the Supreme Elite Bonded PDX1 line of ammunition, Winchester added a .380 ACP load for 2010. Due in February of 2010, the new .380 load features a bonded 95 grain JHP. Hopefully, Winchester will make enough of this ammo to meet demand in 2010!
Stoeger Introduces New Home Defense Shotgun
Posted by: | CommentsThe Shooting Wire is reporting that Stoeger is introducing a new home defense shotgun at the NRA convention today. Read More→
More on the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network
Posted by: | CommentsRegular readers of GunsHolstersAndGear may recall an article about the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network. In this week’s podcast, Michael Bane has a brief interview with Marty Hays, the founder of the Network.
If you are not familiar with the organization, the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network “…exists to aid, educate and support lawfully armed citizens who are forced to defend against criminal attack.” Read More→
Intruder Response Training from Strategos International
Posted by: | CommentsVirginia Tech, Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, Kirkwood City Hall, and Columbine, are just a few names of the churches, schools and workplaces that should be places of refuge, comfort, and learning, but instead are associated with violent acts. Two million Americans face violence in their workplace annually with 1,000 losing their lives. Extremist behavior, hate crimes, and violence associated with big cities are now within the boundaries of small towns and neighborhoods we call home. Over 50% of Active Shooting incidents occur in cities with populations of less than 10,000. In response to the demands of church officials, school administrations, and workplace management, Strategos International, LLC, has developed Intruder Response Training programs specific for each vulnerable environment. Read More→
Bi-Partisan Push for Concealed Carry in Illinois
Posted by: | CommentsIllinois is one of only two states that prohibits all manner of concealed carry of firearms by citizens. But there is legislation moving through the Illinois General Assembly to change that.
House Bills 245 and 462 would allow Illinois residents to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm outside of their home. HB 245 would have the Illinois State Police issue the permits, while HB 462 would place the task with the county sheriff.
Both bills were approved 11-1 in committee and sent to the floor of the General Assembly. Both bills had the support of Democrats and Republicans alike in committee. Rep. Julie Hamos, a Democrat, was the lone voice against self-defense and personal liberty.
Illinois is notorious for its anti-gun laws, but most of that comes from the politically powerful in Chicago. Outside of Chicago, most folks in Illinois are pretty sane. In fact, a lot of people would like to see concealed carry be legalized. Don’t believe me? Steve Chapman wrote a opinion piece for the Chicago Tribune encouraging the state to legalize concealed carry. The Illinois Sheriff’s Association is on-board too.
If you live in Illinois, please contact your representatives in the General Assembly. Let them know that these bills are important to you, and that you will be watching how they vote.
Also, consider joining the Illinois State Rifle Association. The ISRA is your state-wide voice on Second Amendment issues.
Gun Gifts: Christmas Shopping Ideas For The Firearms Enthusiast In Your Life
Posted by: | CommentsTrying to figure out what to buy the gun-guy or -gal in your life for Christmas? Here are a few ideas:
Less Than $20
In the Gravest Extreme
Most ammunition can be purchased for less than $20/box. For a single box, your local dealer is probably the best vendor. For a larger quantity or for harder to find calibers, an online vendor like Natchez Shooters Supply, AmmoMan, or Midway USA is the best bet.
Speaking of ammunition, quality AR-15 magazines can still be had for less than $20. My favorites are the Bownells with the Magpul anti-tilt followers, but I also like the Magpul PMAG polymer magazines. Brownells is shipping as quickly as they come in, so if you order ASAP, they will likely be shipped before Christmas.
Bore brushes, cleaning patches, solvents, and oils are always needed and a good idea as a stocking stuffer.
Less Than $50
A NRA membership is perhaps the most important gun-related gift anyone can give this year. $25 includes a magazine of your choice plus all of the standard benefits such as firearms insurance, life insurance, legislative updates, and much more.
Handgun magazines are a useful gift. (The metal/poymer kind, not the paper mailed to you monthly kind.) With the run on all-things-gun, certain magazines, such as the Glock, have gotten more expensive ($25-30 tyically), but almost all common hangun magazines can be had for $35 or less.
More Than $50
A high intensity flashlight such as the inexpensive SureFire G2 Defender or the ultra-compact SureFire E1E are excellent choices for tactical lighting.
If your someone special owns a J-frame Smith and Wesson revolver, the Crimson Trace LG-405 Overmold Grips
While an AR-15 is certainly more sexy, the ubiquitous .22 rimfire rifle is a fun rifle to shoot plus it is inexpensive to purchase and keep fed with rimfire ammo. Nearly every rifle maker has at least one .22 rimfire in their line. Ruger’s 10-22 is pretty much the gold standard, but I really like the inexpensive, tube fed Marlin 60, which can be had for less than $150 at your local dealer or even WalMart.
Price Is No Object
If price is not a consideration, a trip to Gunsite or Lethal Force Institute is one of the best Christmas gifts you can give. Nothing beats professional training, and these schools are the best at what they do.
The NFL’s Anti-Gun Stance: You Better Not Want to Defend Yourself If You Are a Player
Posted by: | CommentsBy now everyone knows that NFL player Plaxico Burress accidentally shot himself and was subsequently arrested for carrying a firearm into a New York City bar. As I don’t have all of the details surrounding the case, I’ll skip commenting about the incident other than (1) always remember and implement the four rules of firearms safety, and (2) all free citizens of the United States should be allowed to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense.
What I found to be interesting about the whole case is the National Football League’s stance on the lawful ownership of firearms. The NFL does not allow players to possess a firearm on any property used or owned by the NFL or team, even locked up in a personal vehicle. Additionally, the NFL discourages players from exercising their Second Amendment right away from the job.
From the NFL policy manual:
“In some circumstances, such as for sport or protection, you may legally possess a firearm or other weapon. However, we strongly recommend that you not do so.”
So, the NFL strongly opposes your right to own, possess, and use a firearm for self-defense and every other legally acceptable reason. Curious.
Something to consider… NFL players are high profile sports celebrities. They make a lot of money and seen every week on television. It would seem to me that NFL players stand a better chance to be the victim of a home invasion or of stalking than the average citizen. We’ve seen celebrities killed by a crazy fan and in common robberies. Yet, the NFL strongly suggests players not own a firearm.
As a side note, I wonder how Florida’s new self-defense law that allows gun owners to keep their firearm locked in their vehicle while at work will apply to thise NFL rule.
The Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network, LLC is a group of armed citizens who have networked together to provide legal assistance for innocent citizens who used deadly force to defend themselves. Some rather impressive people are associated with the Network, including Massad Ayoob, John Farnam, Tom Givens, and Dennis Tueller. Read More→
