Anyone who has spent much time with me knows that when it comes to interpersonal violence, I find knife attacks and threats the most frightening to deal with, and I spend a lot of time looking to avoid them. But if avoidance is not an option, there are a few things I believe everyone should know -- about the weapon, the user, and the defensive response.
Almost half of the people who own guns own them for defensive purposes, specifically for home defense. Numerous options exist for that role: rifles, shotguns, handguns, and of course, pistol-caliber carbines (PCCs).
Many people believe the first step to self-protection is purchasing a firearm. While it is important, buying a gun is a singular action and not the whole sum of personal protection. One of the most important steps you can take is learning about situational awareness and how to properly apply it.
Seconds after he was born, I held my son Augie, who was still covered in slime and goo. I looked into his eyes … and this was my prayer. I knew he was the best of his Mother and me, and I had and still have a responsibility to prepare him to be a strong, kind, patient, and loving American man, and someday his own family first responder.
Guns, knives, and pepper spray are typically what people think of when discussing important defensive tools, but I see it differently. Let me tell you a story.
What does drumming have to do with defensive use of a pistol? That is a good question, and on its surface, the answer is perhaps nothing. However, I made a connection one day while playing drums in the studio. I acknowledged the muscle power in my drumstick grip, and why. This realization in turn helped me to recognize the biomechanical lock and bone support in my shooting grip and what it does for my ability to apply skill in context.
