Quite simply, at these dire moments, you are likely to be on your own.
To ensure the safe and effective use of this defensive you, training and knowledge are absolute musts.
In reality, there can indeed be forces at work that we have absolutely no control over.
Having a high-quality EDC gun like this Hellcat Pro withSMSc red dotis only one part of the self-defense equation. Stress-tested skills and awareness are additional components of successful personal protection.
But in the high-stakes reality of personal defense, it is your responsibility to be prepared and capable.
While I consider this to be a great resource, its not a substitute for a qualified instructor.
There are a great many individuals hanging a shingle out there claiming to be firearms instructors.
Quality self-defense instruction including firearms skills is an essential part of being able to defend yourself.
But, like many things in life, there is a huge disparity in quality.
There are of course a number of big-name schools, such asGunsite, that offer world-class instruction.
However, not everyone can travel for this key in of training.
Learning how to shoot in a self-defense situation should include realistic conditions such as one-handed shooting.
Do an internet search, check out their background, and ask around.
A good instructor will be critical in their teaching, but not overbearing.
These individuals will spot deficiencies before they become bad habits and put you on the right path.
Initial live fire at close ranges can help build shooter confidence. As skills improve, both speed and distance can be increased.
A small investment in time and money will pay dividends in getting your skills up to speed.
Seek out a professional, and they will be able to move you along much faster.
In both instances, live fire is preceded by some classroom instruction.
By focusing on marksmanship fundamentals, this first-time shooter achieved excellent results.
Mastering these basic skills will probably see you through 90 percent of any problems you might face.
As students progress and become more confident in their abilities, we can push a little harder.
Get yourself a box of inert dummy rounds to practice reloading and clearing stoppages.
Operational skills such as reloading and safe gun handling are every bit as important as marksmanship.
Handguns and ammunition from reputable manufacturers are extremely reliable, but we should get very comfortable with clearing stoppages.
Unfortunately, a great many public ranges do not allow their clients to draw and shoot.
Again, off-range practice can make up for this deficit.
Having a quality gun is important — but so is having full set of defensive tools as well as the skills to back them all up.
confirm your gun is empty and unloaded before doing this.
Unlike the police, armed citizens have the option of attempting to evade and escape the threat.
However, in some situations that may not be possible.
Practice should include drawing the handgun from concealment. Here, a Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 3.8″ Compact OSP 10mm is carried in an inside-the-waistband holster.
Clearly, not all attacks and street confrontations will justify using or evenbrandishing a firearm.
[Want to know more about this?
ReadKubotan: The Ultimate Unarmed Self-Defense Tool?]
History tells us that a great many violent confrontations occur under poor lighting conditions and in very close quarters.
The trick is protecting your head, neck and upper chest while maintaining control of your pistol.
Extending your pistol where your attacker can deflect or grab it will get you in a very dire predicament.
But I would be remiss if I suggested skill is all that matters.
Could I potentially take a life to save my own?
Many have had guns pointed at them before and perhaps have even been shot or cut.
Hardcore criminals will read you like a book and might continue to press their attack.
It will not be pretty, and it will be a life-changing experience.
But, you will still be here.
And remember, the best fight is the one you could avoid.
