Today I’m going to share with you one of the simplest ways you can protect yourself and your family from a home invasion. It’s so simple that I hope you won’t take it too lightly and that you’ll pass along this information to your loved ones.
So what is it? It’s to never, ever answer your door unless you know the person who is knocking. You see, one of the oldest scams in the book is having the young, pretty, distressed female knocking on the door saying she needs to use your phone because her car broke down, or she needs help because someone just tried to rob her, or any number of reasons.
As soon as the homeowner answers the door, usually two accomplices pop out and force their way inside to rob the homeowner and potentially do a lot worse. You might think this sounds so obvious or that you’d never be foolish enough to let it happen to you, but it happens all the time.
For example…
Yesterday, I was surfing the Internet and I came across this article: “About 8:45 p.m., three teenage males knocked on the door of a home in the 3300 block of Raines Street, Pensacola Police Department officials said. When resident Jack Crawford, 72, answered the door, one of the teens hit him in the head with an aluminum bat and tried to force his way into the home.”
Luckily, the homeowner had a gun and he ended up shooting the teenagers and stopping them from killing him. In fact, this type of crime happens so often, that when I started training my fiancée on personal protection skills, this is one of the first things I emphasized.
However, the problem that most people have with this is they don’t want to seem “mean” or not to help someone. In other words, they’ve let society brainwash them into believing they must answer the door for anyone who knocks and this is exactly what criminals hope for.
So what should you do if you get a strange knock at the door?
Well, you can always ignore it. But what if it is someone in distress? Tell them you’ll call 911 for them. Throw something out the window if you feel so inclined. However, most of the time if you’re speaking through the door to them and offer to call 911, the criminal will often move on, but not always.
Put simply, use common sense and try to help the person, but do not put yourself in danger and don’t let them talk you into opening the door, no matter what. However, if you feel the need to open the door (against my advice) here’s what I would do if I were you.
I would answer the door with a revolver in my pocket and my hand in my pocket, prepared to quickly draw the revolver if I had to. What type of revolver would I use? I like the Smith and Wesson model 642.
Again, I wouldn’t answer the door, but if I did, I would definitely make sure I was armed. I realize that today’s message was simple, but if you ignore it, it could lead to a home invasion, which could have easily been prevented.
So make sure that your wife, kids, husband, whomever, know not to answer the door – even for the FedEx deliveryman. (Because those uniforms could never get stolen, right?)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
How to Deal With Multiple Attackers
You never know who’s going to attack you. The person could be young or old, tall or short and there could be one attacker or many. However, since dirt bags often travel in packs, it’s good to know how to handle the situation if you ever encounter multiple adversaries.
And the exact situation I want to cover today, is when you have multiple people standing side by side. First off, there is no magic secret that you should shoot right to left or start shooting from left to right. What you want to do is take care of the most dangerous person first. For example, if there are three people who are threatening you and one has a gun and the other two have baseball bats, you obviously shoot the person with the gun first – no matter where he is standing in the line of three.
As soon as you isolate the most dangerous threat…
Then you move to the second most dangerous threat and so on. Also, it’s very important that you initially shoot each threat with a single shot and then move on to the next person. Since seconds count in a life and death situation, you don’t have time to take multiple shots on the first threat, then multiple shots on the second threat, because taking multiple shots may cost you your life when the other threats get to you. However, once you’re done with all the threats, then you can go back to whoever is standing and shoot more if you have too.
Take your time with each threat too. Don’t “spray and pray” and simply shoot while moving your pistol from side to side, hoping that you’ll hit each person. After the first threat has been taken care of, then move to the second one, and the third taking your time. Remember, if you shoot fast, but not accurately, then you might as well not carry a gun at all, since hits on target are all that counts.
So how you can practice dealing with multiple threats?
Well… you can set up three different targets in your house for dry fire practice. Set them up about 2 feet apart and practice shooting each one. However, don’t always go in the same order such as left to right. Shoot the middle one first, then the right, then the left and switch it around.
Once you’re comfortable, you can go do the range and set up two regular 8½ by 11 sheets of paper side by side and practice shooting them. Or, if you’re lucky enough to shoot on a farm, you can set up multiple targets on bails of hay and practice that way. (Just make sure you’re always aware of your backstop.)
Of course, I pray that you never find yourself in a deadly force situation, and that if you do, hopefully it’s just one person. But you never know in life, so it’s always better to be prepared and know how to handle multiple attackers if you should ever find yourself in that position.
And the exact situation I want to cover today, is when you have multiple people standing side by side. First off, there is no magic secret that you should shoot right to left or start shooting from left to right. What you want to do is take care of the most dangerous person first. For example, if there are three people who are threatening you and one has a gun and the other two have baseball bats, you obviously shoot the person with the gun first – no matter where he is standing in the line of three.
As soon as you isolate the most dangerous threat…
Then you move to the second most dangerous threat and so on. Also, it’s very important that you initially shoot each threat with a single shot and then move on to the next person. Since seconds count in a life and death situation, you don’t have time to take multiple shots on the first threat, then multiple shots on the second threat, because taking multiple shots may cost you your life when the other threats get to you. However, once you’re done with all the threats, then you can go back to whoever is standing and shoot more if you have too.
Take your time with each threat too. Don’t “spray and pray” and simply shoot while moving your pistol from side to side, hoping that you’ll hit each person. After the first threat has been taken care of, then move to the second one, and the third taking your time. Remember, if you shoot fast, but not accurately, then you might as well not carry a gun at all, since hits on target are all that counts.
So how you can practice dealing with multiple threats?
Well… you can set up three different targets in your house for dry fire practice. Set them up about 2 feet apart and practice shooting each one. However, don’t always go in the same order such as left to right. Shoot the middle one first, then the right, then the left and switch it around.
Once you’re comfortable, you can go do the range and set up two regular 8½ by 11 sheets of paper side by side and practice shooting them. Or, if you’re lucky enough to shoot on a farm, you can set up multiple targets on bails of hay and practice that way. (Just make sure you’re always aware of your backstop.)
Of course, I pray that you never find yourself in a deadly force situation, and that if you do, hopefully it’s just one person. But you never know in life, so it’s always better to be prepared and know how to handle multiple attackers if you should ever find yourself in that position.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The 4 Requirements of a Quality Holster
Oftentimes, people will spend weeks looking for the perfect concealed carry gun. They’ll rent guns at the range, they’ll try out their friend’s guns and they’ll search every gun blog and forum on the planet for other people’s opinion.
However, when it comes to buying a holster, they’ll buy the first thing they see online or the first holster they see at the gun store. Without a doubt, buying the correct holster is just as important as purchasing the right gun and the purchase of a holster should be just as in-depth as the purchase of your gun.
After all, if you can’t get your gun out of the holster, and if your holster fails you, then it could cost you your life. Therefore, let me quickly cover the 4 major requirements of a holster. First off, it should keep the gun in place. In other words, if it’s a cheap holster that slides up and down on your gun belt, and the gun is twisting and turning, then do not buy it. I recommend holsters that fit on 1¾ gun belts, because they’re not going anywhere. (And yes, that means you need to buy a quality, rigid, gun belt.)
Secondly, the holster must securely hold the gun in place.
If you’re walking to your car, or jogging while wearing your gun, and it falls out, then you’ve got a big problem (especially depending on who’s around when it falls out.) The ‘trick’ you can use to see if you’ve got a quality holster is to put your gun in the holster and then turn it upside down. You should be able to lightly shake the gun without it falling out. If as soon as you turn the gun upside down, it falls out of the holster, then keep searching for a better one.
Thirdly, the holster must provide quick and easy access to the gun. Remember, should you ever need your gun, you’ll most likely need it very quickly. That’s why I recommend wearing an inside the waistband holster – and not an ankle holster (unless it’s for a backup gun) or a shoulder holster or a number of other carry methods.
If you have some cute ‘gimmicky’ holster that you bought at this year’s gun show…
Yet it takes you 5 minutes to draw the gun, then it’s obviously a pointless holster. You need to practice often drawing from the holster and if you can’t get out quickly, then you need to keep looking for a better one.
Lastly, the holster must cover the trigger guard of the gun and provide safety from accidental discharges. I know there are a ton of holsters out there these days, but if you buy one that doesn’t cover the trigger guard, you’re just asking for trouble, and quite frankly, I’d say you’re crazy for doing it.
I cannot emphasize this enough. Please take your time when searching for a holster. And do not be cheap. A good holster costs anywhere from $70-$100. But once you buy one, it’s going to last a very long time. Plus, think of it this way: Should the time ever come when you have to use your firearm to defend your life, or the life of a family member, you’ll be very thankful you’ve invested your time and money on a reliable holster that would allow you to get a firm firing grip, and would allow you to quickly present the gun to the threat.
So, if after reading this article, you realize you have a ‘dud’ of a holster right now, then as soon as you can, start searching for a quality holster that you’d be willing to bet your life on- because, it just might come down to that one day.
However, when it comes to buying a holster, they’ll buy the first thing they see online or the first holster they see at the gun store. Without a doubt, buying the correct holster is just as important as purchasing the right gun and the purchase of a holster should be just as in-depth as the purchase of your gun.
After all, if you can’t get your gun out of the holster, and if your holster fails you, then it could cost you your life. Therefore, let me quickly cover the 4 major requirements of a holster. First off, it should keep the gun in place. In other words, if it’s a cheap holster that slides up and down on your gun belt, and the gun is twisting and turning, then do not buy it. I recommend holsters that fit on 1¾ gun belts, because they’re not going anywhere. (And yes, that means you need to buy a quality, rigid, gun belt.)
Secondly, the holster must securely hold the gun in place.
If you’re walking to your car, or jogging while wearing your gun, and it falls out, then you’ve got a big problem (especially depending on who’s around when it falls out.) The ‘trick’ you can use to see if you’ve got a quality holster is to put your gun in the holster and then turn it upside down. You should be able to lightly shake the gun without it falling out. If as soon as you turn the gun upside down, it falls out of the holster, then keep searching for a better one.
Thirdly, the holster must provide quick and easy access to the gun. Remember, should you ever need your gun, you’ll most likely need it very quickly. That’s why I recommend wearing an inside the waistband holster – and not an ankle holster (unless it’s for a backup gun) or a shoulder holster or a number of other carry methods.
If you have some cute ‘gimmicky’ holster that you bought at this year’s gun show…
Yet it takes you 5 minutes to draw the gun, then it’s obviously a pointless holster. You need to practice often drawing from the holster and if you can’t get out quickly, then you need to keep looking for a better one.
Lastly, the holster must cover the trigger guard of the gun and provide safety from accidental discharges. I know there are a ton of holsters out there these days, but if you buy one that doesn’t cover the trigger guard, you’re just asking for trouble, and quite frankly, I’d say you’re crazy for doing it.
I cannot emphasize this enough. Please take your time when searching for a holster. And do not be cheap. A good holster costs anywhere from $70-$100. But once you buy one, it’s going to last a very long time. Plus, think of it this way: Should the time ever come when you have to use your firearm to defend your life, or the life of a family member, you’ll be very thankful you’ve invested your time and money on a reliable holster that would allow you to get a firm firing grip, and would allow you to quickly present the gun to the threat.
So, if after reading this article, you realize you have a ‘dud’ of a holster right now, then as soon as you can, start searching for a quality holster that you’d be willing to bet your life on- because, it just might come down to that one day.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
How to choose the 'perfect' concealed carry gun
I’ve decided to join the 21st century and write a blog. (Yes, I realize I’m a little bit behind the rest of the world, but that’s OK.) I’ve never been a huge fan of technology. In fact, I’ve never sent a text message in my life and they’re even blocked on my cell phone so I can’t accept them.
So why in the world am I now writing this blog? Well, to answer many of the questions I get from training students and to keep you updated about what’s going on in the world of firearms and personal protection. And today, I want to answer the #1 question I get from people after they’ve taken one of our courses. It’s the million dollar question, which is, “Jason, what’s the best gun to buy for concealed carry?”
Ahhh the question that can never truly be answered.
You see, each one of us is (obviously) designed differently. Some of us are shorter, taller, and have large hands or small hands. Which is why, there is no perfect concealed carry gun for everyone. Personally, my favorite choices are the Glock 19 in a semi-automatic and a Smith and Wesson 642 snub-nosed revolver.
But again, those are my personal choices. Just because they work for me, they might not work for you. The smartest thing you can do (which will also save you a lot of money) is to go to your local firing range and rent all of the guns you’re interested in buying. I’d try the Glock, Sig, and Springfield XD, to name a few.
You might have your heart set on the Glock, but when you shoot it you might hate the grip, or the recoil or a number of other things. On the other hand, when you shoot the XD you might love the way it feels in your hand and decide it’s the gun for you.
Whatever you do, make sure that you purchase a gun that you’re comfortable with and that you like enough that you’ll actually carry. Don’t purchase a gun just because your best friend loves it, or because the guy behind the counter at the gun store tells you it’s the gun that everyone buys.
Also, when it comes to a gun, don’t be cheap.
Don’t buy some Russian 9mm from a shady character in the back of a van just because you can get it for $100. You have to remember that you’re literally betting your life on this tool, which is why I mentioned the quality companies above. The last thing you want to happen is that you get into a life or death situation and then when you try and use your gun all you hear is “click” (the loudest sound in the world.)
Of course, if you see me at one of our training events, you can tell me which guns you’re thinking of buying and I’ll give you my opinion on them. But then I’ll tell you to try them out and get the one you’re most comfortable with and most likely to carry all the time.
Because as everyone knows, the #1 rule of a gun fight is ALWAYS HAVE A GUN. And if you buy a gun you can’t stand, then you’ll never want to carry it, and it will sit in your safe collecting dust, which won’t do you any good.
By the way, next week I’ll probably cover the difference between revolvers and semi-autos, or send me a question you’d like answered and I’ll try and make it happen. And if you haven’t attended on of our classes yet, check out www.ConcealedCarryAcademy.com.
So why in the world am I now writing this blog? Well, to answer many of the questions I get from training students and to keep you updated about what’s going on in the world of firearms and personal protection. And today, I want to answer the #1 question I get from people after they’ve taken one of our courses. It’s the million dollar question, which is, “Jason, what’s the best gun to buy for concealed carry?”
Ahhh the question that can never truly be answered.
You see, each one of us is (obviously) designed differently. Some of us are shorter, taller, and have large hands or small hands. Which is why, there is no perfect concealed carry gun for everyone. Personally, my favorite choices are the Glock 19 in a semi-automatic and a Smith and Wesson 642 snub-nosed revolver.
But again, those are my personal choices. Just because they work for me, they might not work for you. The smartest thing you can do (which will also save you a lot of money) is to go to your local firing range and rent all of the guns you’re interested in buying. I’d try the Glock, Sig, and Springfield XD, to name a few.
You might have your heart set on the Glock, but when you shoot it you might hate the grip, or the recoil or a number of other things. On the other hand, when you shoot the XD you might love the way it feels in your hand and decide it’s the gun for you.
Whatever you do, make sure that you purchase a gun that you’re comfortable with and that you like enough that you’ll actually carry. Don’t purchase a gun just because your best friend loves it, or because the guy behind the counter at the gun store tells you it’s the gun that everyone buys.
Also, when it comes to a gun, don’t be cheap.
Don’t buy some Russian 9mm from a shady character in the back of a van just because you can get it for $100. You have to remember that you’re literally betting your life on this tool, which is why I mentioned the quality companies above. The last thing you want to happen is that you get into a life or death situation and then when you try and use your gun all you hear is “click” (the loudest sound in the world.)
Of course, if you see me at one of our training events, you can tell me which guns you’re thinking of buying and I’ll give you my opinion on them. But then I’ll tell you to try them out and get the one you’re most comfortable with and most likely to carry all the time.
Because as everyone knows, the #1 rule of a gun fight is ALWAYS HAVE A GUN. And if you buy a gun you can’t stand, then you’ll never want to carry it, and it will sit in your safe collecting dust, which won’t do you any good.
By the way, next week I’ll probably cover the difference between revolvers and semi-autos, or send me a question you’d like answered and I’ll try and make it happen. And if you haven’t attended on of our classes yet, check out www.ConcealedCarryAcademy.com.
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