Tips for Someone Just Starting to CC?

Double-O-Dave said:
Definitely. Before getting cataract surgery on my left (non-dominant) eye, I was legally blind without my glasses (I couldn't clearly see the "E" at the top of the eye chart), as well as being horribly near-sighted. My wife one time asked how far could I shoot a handgun without glasses, so I experimented the next time I went to the range. At the range, I found I could put shots into the kill zone of a standard B-27 target at up to 20 yards without glasses. That was plenty enough for me. Since my cataract surgery, my left eye is 20/20 (I wear a contact lens in my right eye). I also hope the cataract in my right eye matures soon so that I can have corrective surgery in that eye and have 20/20 vision in both eyes.

Best of luck,

Dave
Click to expand...

I have a cataract in my left eye but surgery would not help in my case. I was born with it and it has caused my eye to develop poorly, I have been told the eye itself doesn't not have sight even if the cataract was removed. I am 27 and starting to get glaucoma. :/
 
Double-O-Dave said:
And your advice would be...?
Click to expand...

Since you asked...

1. Make your home as much of a hard target as you can. How much depends on the nature of your home (apartment, small house, big house, multi-floor, etc.) and your budget. Solid-core exterior doors with good quality, deep deadbolts, hinges and locks secured with longer-than-standard screws; exterior lighting, including motion detection if possible; clear shrubs and trees from blocking the view of doors and windows (gives thieves the ability to break in without being seen); make sure windows and doors are locked; place wooden dowels in window/sliding glass door tracks to keep them from being opened from the outside; install a security system; etc. For more budget-restricted options you can get inexpensive braces that wedge between the inside of the door and the floor to make it more difficult for intruders to break in. Additional options are available if you want to seek them out. These things can make thieves/intruders decide to seek easier targets elsewhere (CPTED: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design). If intruders do decide to invade your home, these measures can slow them down and alert you of danger, possibly with enough time to put your glasses on before investigating/responding, as appropriate.

2. Come up with a plan. Without your gun, go through your home and determine potential lines of fire, especially in relation to your kids' rooms. You may be able to arrange your furniture to mitigate the risk of wall pass-throughs, but also be aware that you won't likely be able completely eliminate that risk. You may even be able to arrange your furniture such that it would make it difficult for intruders to make their way through your home without making any noise. Work out how you plan to get to your kids and possibly bring them back to your designated "safe room" (this can be your master bedroom with extra reinforcement on the door, or possibly even one of your kids' rooms). Do this process with your home well lit, in the dark, with your glasses, and without your glasses. You may identify issues that might not have occurred to you otherwise, such as placing night lights in strategic places. Give some forethought as to what you'll do if an intruder gives up (Do you hold them at gun point? Call police? Tell them to get out?); this will depend on the laws in your state. Very important: Know the laws regarding self defense and use of force in your state. Also, develop contingency plans in case your primary plan doesn't work (i.e., if your plan is in response to someone coming through your front door, have a plan in place in case someone comes in through the kitchen window). Do try to keep the plans simple and consistent; that will help make them workable under stress. Note: You can also apply this to other emergencies, such as fires.

3. Keep your gun, a fully-charged cell phone, a flashlight, and your glasses close by. If you want the option of a less-lethal tool like pepper spray (that's specifically designed for self defense), keep that handy, too. Don't rely on landlines, as clever thieves have cut phone lines before breaking in. The flashlight is necessary to help identify intruders, as well as make them visible if you need to shoot.

4. Rehearse your plan(s). Physically do whatever it is you've planned, ideally multiple times. This will help reinforce it as well as help to identify potential issues. Incorporate your tools from #3 in your rehearsals (a triple-checked unloaded gun can be used, or for improved safety you can get a plastic blue gun, toy gun, or just use your finger...*pew pew pew* ;) ). I've put my cell phone in airplane mode and practiced dialing 911. "People don't rise to the occasion, they sink to their lowest level of training." Depending on the age of your kids, you can make it into a game to help prepare them without freaking them out. You also don't need to make a big production out of it. Spend a few minutes running through everything, maybe a couple times a week. And don't be afraid to revise something if things change, i.e. the kids get older, other changes in your life, etc.

5. Don't follow advice based on bogus internet myths. It will literally take you seconds to find out how bad an idea it is to use wasp spray for self defense. Feel free to research my advice, or any advice you get. You don't need to accept advice on face value. You may get advice that may be generally good, but may not be applicable or appropriate for your situation.

6. Don't stop learning. This applies to life in general as well as self defense.
 
ContinentalOp:

Thank you for your enhanced answer. I did not realize that wasp/hornet spray had been made safer - I just looked at a can and see that it is now water based. In previous form, it was petroleum based, and I've seen plastic sunglass lenses melted by it. I have edited my earlier post to eliminate this erroneous and bad advice. Thank you for pointing this out, and my apologies for any confusion for my bad information.

Regards,

Dave
 
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ContinentalOp said:
Since you asked...

1. Make your home as much of a hard target as you can. How much depends on the nature of your home (apartment, small house, big house, multi-floor, etc.) and your budget. Solid-core exterior doors with good quality, deep deadbolts, hinges and locks secured with longer-than-standard screws; exterior lighting, including motion detection if possible; clear shrubs and trees from blocking the view of doors and windows (gives thieves the ability to break in without being seen); make sure windows and doors are locked; place wooden dowels in window/sliding glass door tracks to keep them from being opened from the outside; install a security system; etc. For more budget-restricted options you can get inexpensive braces that wedge between the inside of the door and the floor to make it more difficult for intruders to break in. Additional options are available if you want to seek them out. These things can make thieves/intruders decide to seek easier targets elsewhere (CPTED: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design). If intruders do decide to invade your home, these measures can slow them down and alert you of danger, possibly with enough time to put your glasses on before investigating/responding, as appropriate.

2. Come up with a plan. Without your gun, go through your home and determine potential lines of fire, especially in relation to your kids' rooms. You may be able to arrange your furniture to mitigate the risk of wall pass-throughs, but also be aware that you won't likely be able completely eliminate that risk. You may even be able to arrange your furniture such that it would make it difficult for intruders to make their way through your home without making any noise. Work out how you plan to get to your kids and possibly bring them back to your designated "safe room" (this can be your master bedroom with extra reinforcement on the door, or possibly even one of your kids' rooms). Do this process with your home well lit, in the dark, with your glasses, and without your glasses. You may identify issues that might not have occurred to you otherwise, such as placing night lights in strategic places. Give some forethought as to what you'll do if an intruder gives up (Do you hold them at gun point? Call police? Tell them to get out?); this will depend on the laws in your state. Very important: Know the laws regarding self defense and use of force in your state. Also, develop contingency plans in case your primary plan doesn't work (i.e., if your plan is in response to someone coming through your front door, have a plan in place in case someone comes in through the kitchen window). Do try to keep the plans simple and consistent; that will help make them workable under stress. Note: You can also apply this to other emergencies, such as fires.

3. Keep your gun, a fully-charged cell phone, a flashlight, and your glasses close by. If you want the option of a less-lethal tool like pepper spray (that's specifically designed for self defense), keep that handy, too. Don't rely on landlines, as clever thieves have cut phone lines before breaking in. The flashlight is necessary to help identify intruders, as well as make them visible if you need to shoot.

4. Rehearse your plan(s). Physically do whatever it is you've planned, ideally multiple times. This will help reinforce it as well as help to identify potential issues. Incorporate your tools from #3 in your rehearsals (a triple-checked unloaded gun can be used, or for improved safety you can get a plastic blue gun, toy gun, or just use your finger...*pew pew pew* ;) ). I've put my cell phone in airplane mode and practiced dialing 911. "People don't rise to the occasion, they sink to their lowest level of training." Depending on the age of your kids, you can make it into a game to help prepare them without freaking them out. You also don't need to make a big production out of it. Spend a few minutes running through everything, maybe a couple times a week. And don't be afraid to revise something if things change, i.e. the kids get older, other changes in your life, etc.

5. Don't follow advice based on bogus internet myths. It will literally take you seconds to find out how bad an idea it is to use wasp spray for self defense. Feel free to research my advice, or any advice you get. You don't need to accept advice on face value. You may get advice that may be generally good, but may not be applicable or appropriate for your situation.

6. Don't stop learning. This applies to life in general as well as self defense.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the advice, I have done a few of the little things already (like having a night light in every room), I also have a habit of rechecking locks before I go to sleep. I already have wedges in the windows and sliding glass door too. One of the nice things about my house is all the bedrooms are in a hallway that, if I stand at the end of the hallway, I will block an intruder from getting to any family members.
 
Trial, and error what works for one may not work for you. I would suggest buying a training gun to safely get accustomed to your choice of carry. You will have to keep in mind deployment of your firearm when needed. Certain types of carry have distinct advantages, but also disadvantages. You have to try out, and find what works best for you. A firearm you cannot get to without going through gymnastics is like having no firearm at all.
 
I gave my wife as many options as possible. She always open carries when possible, that solves a lot of problems with access. She bought a CC purse for her BUG, but she got tired of the constant vigilance that entails. Smaller bug, and pocket holster has replaced purse carry. I also bought her a kydex neck holster for the Black Widow, and she likes that also. But she went through a lot of guns, and holsters to find what she likes.

Pocket carry, and purse carry have the same distinct advantage. A person can have their hand on their gun without raising alarm, making draw much faster. The purse carry demands constant attention to the security of the purse though. Pocket carry is a problem for certain clothes on a lady, with some guns there will be a bulge.

IWB, and appendix while more comfortable, it takes more to deploy than pocket, or purse. It could result in charges if the gun is accessed before an incident takes place. Pull your shirt up, and grab your gun will probably result in a police detention if you are not justified to shoot. Most unarmed women put their hands in their pocket, or purse, and nobody thinks anything of it. So a woman can walk through the parking lot, where a lot of attacks happen, with her hand on her gun.
 
I think women do have some advantages as far as concealment goes. Of course for men, wearing one size larger is generally not a problem. Try suggesting that to a women might be dangerous. [emoji57]
 
To the OP - if you are an NRA member or have access to the current American Rifleman magazine, there is an article about a small sample of women and handguns. However, nothing about carry methods, but it sounds as though the project is an ongoing matter.
 
murphydog said:
To the OP - if you are an NRA member or have access to the current American Rifleman magazine, there is an article about a small sample of women and handguns. However, nothing about carry methods, but it sounds as though the project is an ongoing matter.
Click to expand...

That article was...well, very poor. Even at a glance, it had all the bias of a a gunrag splayed out. They only brought two revolvers to try, and when it came time to rank the handguns from best to worst, the biggest advertisers came first!
 
The best thing you can do is attend defensive training. This should be your first priority. Attend NRA Basic Pistol for safety and background info. Attend Mas Ayoob's MAG-20 Classroom ASAP (20 hours of lecture only) or MAG-40 (lecture plus range time). Attend any two day defensive pistol class that covers mindset, manipulation and tactics if you do not take MAG-40. After that, attend Craig Douglas/shivworks.com ECQC. At this point, you have been exposed to all major skills that you need to handle a criminal encounter. Look at going to Roger's Shooting School for some serious range time. Repeat as frequently as possible. A good knifing course is always a good idea.

Second, buy a gun belt. It should have a steel core. I tried one with a kydex core but it broke down too fast. I really like Bigfoot Gun Belts 14 ounce thickness belts. The belt will save your back.
 
tomrkba said:
The best thing you can do is attend defensive training. This should be your first priority. Attend NRA Basic Pistol for safety and background info. Attend Mas Ayoob's MAG-20 Classroom ASAP (20 hours of lecture only) or MAG-40 (lecture plus range time). Attend any two day defensive pistol class that covers mindset, manipulation and tactics if you do not take MAG-40. After that, attend Craig Douglas/shivworks.com ECQC. At this point, you have been exposed to all major skills that you need to handle a criminal encounter. Look at going to Roger's Shooting School for some serious range time. Repeat as frequently as possible. A good knifing course is always a good idea.

Second, buy a gun belt. It should have a steel core. I tried one with a kydex core but it broke down too fast. I really like Bigfoot Gun Belts 14 ounce thickness belts. The belt will save your back.
Click to expand...

While we're on the subject of training, I'd also suggest taking a trauma course, one geared for the needs of gun carriers. Dark Angel Medical offers a highly recommended course, and they travel to different places so you may be able to find a course near you. I carry one of their mini-pocket kits in an ankle holster.

I disagree on the need for a steel-core gun belt. A good gun belt is the best choice, but for most people/guns, a good double-layer leather gun belt is more than sufficient. I have a 1.5" bullhide belt from Beltman and it worked very well when carrying my 3" 65, which is not a lightweight gun. Some people like the nylon-type belts, such as the Wilderness Instructor belts and those work well for them. Personally, I prefer the leather belts. But if you want the extra reinforcement, that's fine, and some people may benefit from it depending on the gun carried and/or their body type; just don't think it's a necessity.
 
tomrkba said:
The best thing you can do is attend defensive training. This should be your first priority. Attend NRA Basic Pistol for safety and background info. Attend Mas Ayoob's MAG-20 Classroom ASAP (20 hours of lecture only) or MAG-40 (lecture plus range time). Attend any two day defensive pistol class that covers mindset, manipulation and tactics if you do not take MAG-40. After that, attend Craig Douglas/shivworks.com ECQC. At this point, you have been exposed to all major skills that you need to handle a criminal encounter. Look at going to Roger's Shooting School for some serious range time. Repeat as frequently as possible. A good knifing course is always a good idea.
Click to expand...

That's a lot of expensive training for a mother with two young kids to undertake and I don't view it as a necessity. And ECQC is pretty physically intense and I don't recall ever seeing a woman involved and can't imagine any except a select few having an interest in it.
 
Mister X said:
That's a lot of expensive training for a mother with two young kids to undertake and I don't view it as a necessity. And ECQC is pretty physically intense and I don't recall ever seeing a woman involved and can't imagine any except a select few having an interest in it.
Click to expand...

That's a good point. While I think training of the kind mentioned, as well as the medical training I posted about, is a good thing to pursue, not everyone has the resources to do that. One has to do the best they can with the resources they have, even if it's limited to library books, online resources, and/or YouTube videos from good sources (which, admittedly, can be difficult to determine at times).
 
Mister X said:
That's a lot of expensive training for a mother with two young kids to undertake and I don't view it as a necessity. And ECQC is pretty physically intense and I don't recall ever seeing a woman involved and can't imagine any except a select few having an interest in it.
Click to expand...

I've read quite a few of your posts over the last couple years, here and on a couple other forums. I think you have some interesting ideas when it comes to armed self defense, but I'm not picking up your drift when it comes to civilian chp holders.

My paraphrase would be - ECQC is a critical SD skill, but maybe not. A concealed hammer revolver is the best choice choice for most civilians, but maybe not. I think I saw somewhere you recommended Krav Maga Level 1 as a necessary skill along with FoF training. I think I saw Shivworks Managing Unknown Contacts in there somewhere too.

Trying to consolidate this into one spot if you wouldn't mind. What skills do you think would be the minimum skills for a run of the mill chp holder to be successful defending themselves in a violent attack?
 
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Ziggy2525 said:
I've read quite a few of your posts over the last couple years, here and on a couple other forums. I think you have some interesting ideas when it comes to armed self defense, but I'm not picking up your drift when it comes to civilian chp holders.

My paraphrase would be - ECQC is a critical SD skill, but maybe not. A concealed hammer revolver is the best choice choice for most civilians, but maybe not. I think I saw somewhere you recommended Krav Maga Level 1 as a necessary skill along with FoF training. I think I saw Shivworks Managing Unknown Contacts in there somewhere too.

Trying to consolidate this into one spot if you wouldn't mind. What skills do you think would be the minimum skills for a run of the mill chp holder to be successful defending themselves in a violent attack?
Click to expand...


Considering how common it is for people with absolutely no training to successfully defend themselves, I see no benefit in trying to quantify minimum requirements...The Training Industry's Dirty Little Secret

Beyond that for people who want to be as prepared as they can be, I truly don't think there is a one size fits all answer for every person or for every type of defense scenario.

Civilians who conceal carry are a very diverse group often living in very different circumstances. Training must be tailored to the individual and effective responses will be dictated by the specific details of the situation at hand. Since there are so many variables, there are no absolutes.

In the context of integrated, comprehensive self-defense, an elderly woman will want and require a much different overall approach to self-defense training and actual response than a young, strong man. Just the legal aspects alone have a significant impact on appropriate responses since an elderly individual can resort to using lethal force much more freely due to disparity of force issues.

A gun is not always or even often the solution to the wide array of personal defense scenarios an armed civilian is likely to encounter, but for some severly physically limited individuals, it actually might be the only option. There are many nuances to consider, so the focus of training will vary between different individuals. I have referred to certain skills or training as vital, crucial or mandatory on occasion, but more in the sense of using hyperbole to draw attention to an area of self-defense I feel may be ignored or overlooked. To give specific recommendations for someone, I would need more specific details about that individual.
 
Mister X said:
Considering how common it is for people with absolutely no training to successfully defend themselves, I see no benefit in trying to quantify minimum requirements...The Training Industry's Dirty Little Secret

Beyond that for people who want to be as prepared as they can be, I truly don't think there is a one size fits all answer for every person or for every type of defense scenario.

Civilians who conceal carry are a very diverse group often living in very different circumstances. Training must be tailored to the individual and effective responses will be dictated by the specific details of the situation at hand. Since there are so many variables, there are no absolutes.

In the context of integrated, comprehensive self-defense, an elderly woman will want and require a much different overall approach to self-defense training and actual response than a young, strong man. Just the legal aspects alone have a significant impact on appropriate responses since an elderly individual can resort to using lethal force much more freely due to disparity of force issues.

A gun is not always or even often the solution to the wide array of personal defense scenarios an armed civilian is likely to encounter, but for some severly physically limited individuals, it actually might be the only option. There are many nuances to consider, so the focus of training will vary between different individuals. I have referred to certain skills or training as vital, crucial or mandatory on occasion, but more in the sense of using hyperbole to draw attention to an area of self-defense I feel may be ignored or overlooked. To give specific recommendations for someone, I would need more specific details about that individual.
Click to expand...

Great article. Thx.
 
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