Don't Get Trapped by Myths

by
posted on February 14, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
sheriff-jim-5-28-15.jpg (3)

I suppose it is just human nature that we imagine episodes and events that make us look good. Further, we often see and hear things that sound really cool and repeating them makes us sound like we are really experienced in this business of personal defense.

One of my favorite myths is, “I use my handgun to fight my way to my rifle.” Now I am sure that that has been successfully accomplished, but I submit to you that those times are very rare. Researching actual gunfights indicate those fights are usually over, one way or another, long before someone could run to get a rifle. And my question would be, “If you are going to run and get your rifle, why didn’t you just keep running and get away from the threat?”

Another one is, “One is none and two is one.” Defensive enthusiasts are all about carrying a backup gun, a knife, a flashlight or two, a tourniquet—oh, and lots of ammo. In the real world, we instructors are just concerned with getting people to carry their gun all the time and practicing with it enough to actually be proficient. In the real world, getting good enough to make a fast, first shot stop trumps toting all sorts of gear every time.

A favorite of mine deals with the number of people who choose to carry their primary defense gun in an ankle holster. Some of those folks will assure you that they are so into awareness that they will have plenty of time to get that gun out. Well, years ago, I carried in an ankle holster while off duty. One bright, sunny afternoon on our little town square, I rounded a corner and came nose to nose with an armed felon. That little gun on my ankle might as well have been in New York City. I had to go to Plan B, and in an almighty hurry. Thanks to a patrolman who happened by, we got him disarmed and arrested. My main take-away from that experience was that there wasn’t anything wrong with my heart.

Instead of imagining events that make us the winner and hero, the defensive shooter is far better off to imagine scenarios when everything has gone wrong. It helps us to evaluate our tactics, our guns, our carry methods and our abilityor lack of the same. And it helps us to take a realistic look at our personal-defense plan.

I have hunted buffalo in Africa and Australia, and bison in this country. The one thing that I got from the professional hunters is that they don’t plan for when everything works rightthey plan for when everything goes wrong. And, just like the smart defensive shooter, it effects their choice of guns, gear and tactics. And that, I submit, is a good way to stay alive.

Latest

CMMG Zeroed suppressors
CMMG Zeroed suppressors

First Look: CMMG Zeroed Suppressors

CMMG extends the Zeroed line of accessories into the world of suppressors.

First Look: 6.8 SPC II Uppers From Bear Creek Arsenal

BCA brings back a classic AR-15 round.

Concealed Carry Is A Lifestyle

Confidence breeds serenity. 

Review: Galco Masterbilt Thunderclap Holster

What happens when a polymer holster user meets up with a premium leather rig?

First Look: Lapua TRX Ammunition And Bullets

Designed for long range accuracy and terminal performance.

Wilson Family of Companies Expands with Performance Engineering Acquisition

The Hillsboro, MO, manufacturer will fall under Lehigh Defense.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.