October 5th, 2023
7minute read
Today, personal safety is just about on everyones mind.
The lighting conditions are often poor, distances are short, and things tend to unravel very fast.
Consider a crowded city street or the checkout counter at the convenience store.
Do you have a plan — and the training and preparation — to defend yourself against an attacker? Image: Adobe Stock/Straight8Stock
Body jot down, clothing worn and social parameters you will find yourself in all play into the equation.
You, however, may have different needs.
I would strongly urge you to pay particular attention to holster selection.
You have a gun and you’ve trained with it. But have you chosen the proper cover garments and clothing to access it quickly enough?
Inside-the-waistband (IWB) and appendix inside-the-waistband holsters (AIWB) are discreet and reasonably fast to draw from.
On the downside, the comfort level for inside the pants rigs makes them unsuitable for many users.
A possible solution may be a shoulder holster.
Appendix-Inside-the-Waistband (AIWB) holsters are fast from which to draw and are very discreet.
Do you spend most of your day seated in a chair or driving?
In those instances, a crossdraw holster may have something to offer.
Do you practice the drawstroke with the key in of clothing you usually wear?
Drawing a pistol to defend yourself is an important self-defense skill. Practice safely with the clothing and equipment you typically use.
If not, you are selling yourself short.
Drawing is a skill we can work on when off the range and regular practice will pay dividends.
Bear in mind thatdrawing from a closed front garmentis very different than an open front garment.
Combination pouches that hold a spare magazine or two plus a flashlight are a great idea. Having vital gear where you can get to it quickly beats the pants off of digging in a pocket.
My informal wardrobe includes multiple examples of each style, so I practice accordingly.
A realistic goal to strive for is two seconds from the stimulus to shot break.
At least one complete reload for whatever throw in of gun you are carrying remains the bottom line.
Selecting the right gear and training with it is a must. Sure, you might have the right gun. But, do you have the right holster and mag pouch?
And, like your pistol, spare ammunition needs to be accessible.
Again, the key is the ability to get to those magazines quickly.
Almost fits doesnt make it here and remains a recipe for lost magazines.
Does your carry set-up allow for all the gear — beyond just your gun — you might need?
When time is of the essence, fishing around in a pocket for an extra magazine remains a liability.
Do you carry a knife?
Is it strictly a utility tool or might it be used for personal defense?
If its a utility tool, it really doesnt matter where you place it.
There is just too much that can go wrong in quickly getting a folder into action.
If you go that route, be absolutely sure you are in compliance with the law.
Conclusion
So team, stay switched on and be aware of your surroundings.
Ready access to life-saving equipment may very well tip the odds back in your favor.
