Into Hiding

After a long but understandable wait from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), Abby and I recently received our handgun licenses. Once referred to as “concealed carry” permit, Oklahoma now allows citizens to carry firearms openly if properly licensed, thus the name change. I am not a proponent of open carry.

I can connect with steel pretty well, but I'm still a long way from being skilled in self-defense situations.
I can connect with steel pretty well, but I’m still a long way from being skilled in self-defense situations.

I have actually carried a time or two since getting my license, and comfort and concealment weren’t a problem. The only problem I see now is that I lack training. I know how to shoot straight and I am familiar and comfortable with my firearms, but I have little experience is self-defense tactics. (The required class Abby and I took in February was completely worthless on every level.)

Here is a list of self-defense truisms…

  • Amateurs train until they get it right. Professionals train until they can’t get it wrong.
  • Only hits count. It’s not the first shot that counts, it’s the first hit that counts.
  • People shot with handguns tend to run away. People shot with long guns tend to DRT (die right there).
  • Don’t kill someone over a VCR.
  • Forget overpressure rounds like 10mm, .357 Sig, or 45 GAP. If 9mm or .45 won’t kill it, you really need a rifle.
  • MOVE – Motionless Operators Ventilate Easily. “Get off the X”; move, get to cover, move, move, move. If your shooting stance is good, you’re probably not moving enough or getting to cover correctly.
  • Not being shot is more important than shooting the bad guy.
  • You must decide to be aggressive enough quickly enough.
  • Nearly every gunfight will have more people you don’t want to shoot than people you do want to shoot.
  • Someday someone may kill you with your own gun, but should have to beat you to death with it because it’s empty.
  • Your number one option for personal security is avoidance, deterrence, and de-escalation.
  • “Your responsibility to be ready for the fight never ends.”

Abby carried years ago, but allowed it to expire, so when it came time for me to get the license, we got ours together. Company policies prohibit both of us from carrying on company property or, in my case, any time I am working, but there are many occasions in which I can imagine carrying, like when we are on the road.

As far as training goes, I will weigh my options.

The capable .380 Auto is my caliber for carry. Abby carries .32 Auto.
The capable .380 Auto is my caliber for carry. Abby carries .32 Auto.

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