Personal-Defense Plan: Turn It On & Turn It Off

by
posted on February 21, 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 (4)

One of the reasons that it is so important to have a personal-defense plan is that in a violent encounter we may have to deal with several emotional levels. Of course, first, we have to be able to control our natural fear of being attacked and injured—“They told me this could happen and I know just what to do about it.” And, what is difficult is that we will probably have to turn on and turn off these emotions as the situation progresses.

In the initial encounter, we should be trying to find a way to avoid trouble if that is possible. Sometimes the best move is to play the nice guy—“Look, nobody wants any trouble here. Let’s just go our separate ways.” Other times one may have to use a stronger approach to stop things from escalating. Knowing which approach to use is the real challenge because the wrong approach may just force the fight that we are trying to avoid. And all the time, you must be mentally preparing to fight.

Once the fight is inevitable, we should fight as aggressively as we possibly can. Make it seem like the worst mistake the crook has ever made. Use every bit of training that you ever got to ruin his day. Make it so fierce that Mr. Crook can’t get away from you fast enough. As country folks say, “It’s time to cloud up and rain on him.”

But, then, the moment that he is down or has given up and is no longer a threat, we have to turn the aggression off. The same is true if he turns to run. Once he is no longer a threat, we have to stop taking the fight to him. Our society requires this of us. Making a mistake here is where many armed citizens turn what the police call “A Good Shooting” into a nightmare.

At this point, if your attacker is down and injured you may even give him first aid until EMTs arrive. However, I would discuss this with an attorney before making it part of my personal-defense plan. The attorney will have a good idea of what civil liabilities you may have in this regard. I would certainly not rely on the advice you might get on an internet video or discussion forum.

So, you see, in a matter of a few seconds, we may go from role playing to aggressive defensive action and then abruptly turning that anger and aggression off. These things are simply not easy to do, especially when your blood pressure is about to go through the roof. Therefore it is imperative that such emotional changes be given prior thought and a whole lot of planning.

Latest

Streamlight
Streamlight

First Look: Streamlight Sidewinder Compact III

A multi-fuel flashlight with 185-degree tilting head, different mounting options and a user-configurable LED.

First Look: Bushmaster Bravo Zulu Pistols

Available in either .223 Rem/5.56 NATO or .300 BLK.

IMNHO: We Ain't Gonna Make It

Some things sure have changed, and not necessarily for the better.

Review: Kimber 2K11 9mm Pistol

Kimber’s new entry into the 2011 market is sure to garner attention.

First Look: Galco RevSolution Belt Holster

Created as part of Galco's Masterbilt line, it's designed for the great outdoors.

Skills Check: Posture Patrol Drill

Find the stance that's right for you.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.