Posted by
Dave in Nevada on Friday, December 05, 2008 9:44:10 AM
During the last couple of years I have read some good
articles in various magazines on topics concerning self-defense, concealed
carry, firearms choice, tactics, etc.
However, I noticed what I consider to be points missed that
should be considered.
As a former cop, here are my two cents.
Belts
I recently read two excellent articles concerning holster
choices but no mention was made of the belt that carries the holster and
firearm.
No matter how small and light the handgun or how good the
holster is, if your belt is not of good quality, you will have trouble with
both.
To that end I purchased a wide, stiff, nylon Bianchi belt
with hook and loop closure. This belt is as wide as the loops on my Levi’s and
my Galco holster. When I draw my full size Colt auto the holster stays in place
preventing the gun from binding. As good as the holster is if the belt were
narrow and flimsy, I would not be able to affect a smooth draw.
Further, the wide, stiff belt supports and evenly distributes the weight of the
large frame auto (in addition to my knife) well enough that I hardly notice its
presence. In my opinion, a wide, sturdy belt also helps to distribute the
weight of a large frame auto better than a narrow belt. I found this to be true
from my time in law enforcement and that experience carries off nicely to
civilian life. Additionally, I have found that the stiff belt actually helps
support my aging lower back.
Gun Choices
I like big guns. I like the feel of a large gun in my hand.
I also like to know that if it is needed in a serious social encounter the gun
and caliber I choose will be more than adequate.
Yes, I know, it is better to have a smaller gun that you
will carry rather than the large gun you don’t but I think that the larger the
caliber the better. I submit that a larger caliber handgun is always better
than a small caliber. If I do find it necessary to shoot a bad guy I don’t want
him shooting back.
Car Guns
When I drive I always wear a seat belt.
Wearing a seat belt in a car renders my carry gun
ineffective as the belt crosses over the gun therefore I also carry a car gun.
My car gun is a 2 ½” S&W M-686. I keep the Smith on the
passenger seat where it is easily accessible if needed.
I also carry a Colt Officer’s Model as a back-up. I carry
extra magazines for both Colt’s as well as speed loaders for the Smith in my
bag.
Occasionally, I find it necessary to leave my car gun
unattended in the car. I don’t prefer to do this but sometime it is
unavoidable. When leaving the gun in the car I secure it in the trunk. By the
way, I don’t leave it in the car overnight.
My car gun also doubles as my desk drawer gun at work and
night table gun at home. While many people can’t carry a gun at work, I am
lucky enough to work for a company that employs a number of other firearms
aficionados who don’t particularly mind that I, and several other employees are
armed during the course of the work day.
I carry at least three guns. My theory is I would prefer to
switch guns rather than reload if possible.
Away from the Car
When I go into a convenience store I take a few seconds to
size up the situation, or rather determine if there is a situation that I would
rather not have to deal with but may have to confront anyway.
I would like to say first that I DO NOT advise you to
confront a bad situation unless it is absolutely your last resort.
If I have walk into a bad situation I would rather not be
surprised. Since I make an effort to frequent familiar establishments I am
recognized by the clerks as a regular. I make eye contact with the clerk to
determine if he/she appears to be nervous. I then check other shopper’s
locations and their appearance/demeanor in the large convex security mirrors.
Further, while I rarely use a cell phone, I always keep mine
with me so that I can call 911. If at all possible, I would rather call the
police and be a good witness instead of having to be interviewed by the cops as
the person who shot and or killed a suspected robber. While I have made up my mind
that I will not be a victim of a thug and I will shoot if necessary, I would
rather not if it can be avoided.
Further, after dark, I chose to park my vehicle farther from
the entrance, away from other cars. I figure that if my car is parked away from
other cars, anyone loitering near my car is someone who may be intent on
breaking into my car or doing me harm.
Concealed Carry
Although the next point has been covered I think it deserves
mentioning again.
Most people who chose to carry a firearm don’t want to have
to shoot someone however when you decide to carry a firearm you should always
remember that you may have to use the gun.
Even if you don’t fire the gun, simply displaying it can
have consequences.
If you do find it necessary to shoot someone you better be
in the right. Even if you are in the right you will probably have prove it.
So, my last bit of advice is to have an attorney on retainer
to represent you in the event you do find it necessary to use your firearm.
Remember, don’t be evasive with the police but it is not
necessary to speak to them without an attorney present.