Concealed Carry

Steve Wolf has been a CHL instructor since 1994, and has taught shooting skills for clients ranging from movie stars to SWAT Team members. In addition to more than two decades of experience as a movie stunt and special effects coordinator, Steve’s education, training, and experience include:

• NRA Range Development School
• NRA Firearms Instructor Development School
• State-Certified Handgun Instructor
• Former State-Certified Handgun Instructor
• Youth Firearms Safety Training Instructor, NRA
• Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor, NRA
• Anti-Crime Driver Training Instructor
• Work w/ Navy Special Warfare Department
• Work w/ Secret Service
• Single Action Pistol Training
• Advanced Tactical Pistol Training
• Explosives Entry Techniques
• Explosives Instructor, Special FX International
• Subject of dozens of articles on personal defense training
• Host of nationally syndicated radio show, "Crime Talk"
• IDPA Custom Defensive Pistol Division Ranked Shooter
• Certified Expert Witness on firearms use
• Licensed Private Investigator
• EMT, First Aid & CPR Instructor
• Licensed Scuba Instructor
• Licensed Explosive Manufacturer
• Licensed Pyrotechnician

Reader Goals

By the end of this book, you will be able to recite the principles of gun safety; recite the conditions under which deadly force is justified; recognize the components of safe firearm handling; and recite the principles of awareness and alertness.

Personal Responsibility

A concealed handgun is a tool that instantly and literally gives you the power of life and death over others. Think about the implications of this capacity, and the enormous responsibility that comes with "going armed." If you lack the maturity, knowledge, and skill to wield this power safely, do not carry a gun.

Because they work. Handguns enable you to solve specific life threatening problems at a distance, minimizing your chance of injury. Physical contact with an attacker is more likely to end badly for you.

Guns level the field with regard to size, age, weight and strength.

It’s easier and more effective to learn to protect yourself with a handgun than with any other method.

By definition, then, the police arrive AFTER an incident. In many cases they function simply as armed stenographers.

Many kidnappers, rapists, robbers and murderers lack the courtesy to excuse you to make a phone call, and then wait patiently until the police arrive to arrest them.

It is physically impossible for the police to protect you. At any given time there are just a handful of police on duty, working in areas of thousands of acres. Do the math...

Guns & Fire extinguishers have a lot in common.

You must have them before you need them. You must have immediate access to them. You must know how to use them at once. If you don’t use them quickly, they’re not much use. There are not very good substitutes for them.

The next time someone asks you “Why do you need a gun, why don’t you just call the police,”

ask them, “Why do you need a fire extinguisher, why don’t you just call the Fire Department?”

Question:

• “Why do you carry a gun, you think someone’s gonna attack to you?”
• Answer:
• “Why do you own a fire extinguisher, you think you house is gonna burn down?”

When the results of being unprepared include death, err on the side of preparedness.

The lazy pigs said their prepared brother was paranoid… until the wolf came and ate them.

Paranoia pa·ra·noi·a /ˌperəˈnoiə/ — a psychotic disorder characterized by persistent unfounded delusions of persecution.

The FBI reported approximately 1.22 million violent crimes in the United States in 2024 — rape, robbery, murder, and aggravated assault. On average a violent crime occurred every 25.9 seconds.

If you are afraid that concerns about safety are unfounded, you need to look up “delusional.”

The most honest answer to the question, “Why do you carry a gun” is also the least satisfying answer.

The truest answer is, “I don’t know; It’s a tool that prepares me to survive circumstances that I don’t yet know about, and cannot foresee or avoid.”

“The feeling of security and the reality of security don't always match. We can feel secure when we aren’t, and we can be secure but not feel it.”

Bruce Schneider — Having a gun may make you “feel” secure, but more realistic security comes only with skill and awareness. Even then, you are not bullet-proof.

Owning a handgun does not make you qualified to defend yourself any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician. It’s training, skill and practice that gives you these capabilities.

Stay out of trouble...

Using Alertness and Awareness, you can AVOID many situations in which a gun may be needed.

AVOIDING danger is the very best strategy.

Maintain “situational awareness.”

Let your imagination prepare you for what might happen. Mentally rehearse your actions when possible.

Earliest humans took advantage of our remarkable ability to imagine and prepare for violent encounters.

Situational Awareness

Being appropriately alert so you can identify and respond to threats in your surroundings.

Knowing who is around you, and why they are there.

Anything that is out-of-place and unexplained is suspicious, and therefore warrants your attention.

Examples of Suspicious Phenomena

A clean license plate on a dirty car. A broken window on home. A light out in a parking lot. Movement behind bushes or cars. An exterior door left open. Loiterers in parking lots.

How we take in the world

90% visual, 10% other senses.* 90% of what we know of the world comes through our eyes. *Boston Foundation for Sight

Of the data our eyes "see"

Our brains NOTICE less than 10%.* *“Perception” by Kathleen Aikins

When your eyes see something dangerous that your conscious brain does not notice, your subconscious tries to get your gut to help you pay attention by giving you a FUNNY FEELING...

Get a clue

A funny feeling is most likely not ESP, but rather a case in which your eyes have seen a clue that something is wrong, but your brain has yet to process that information.

Listen your gut

Many crimes happen not because the victim was unaware that danger was emerging, but because they ignore their gut instincts.

When you get a funny feeling, stop and figure out what is wrong before you press on.

Countless crime narratives begin with the words, ‘I had a funny feeling…’

I had a funny feeling as I was leaving the store...

I had a funny feeling as I was walking to my car… I had a funny feeling when I pulled up to my house...

YOU are the weakest link - (it’s not your fault)

Because you are a nice, civilized person, you have a distaste for violence.

You were taught ‘if you want something, work for it.’ Your adversary was taught ‘if you want something, take it.’

You were taught ‘violence is no way to solve a problem.’ Your adversary was taught ‘violence is the only to solve a problem.’

Based on these beliefs, who will be more successful in a violent encounter?

Who will win?

What about now...?

Overcoming your bias against violence

In order for you to prevail in a violent encounter, we have to reduce your mental barriers against the use of violence.

You must understand that sometimes violence not just a tool you can use to save a life, sometimes it is the only tool that will save a life.

One way to lower your mental barrier against using violence is to step up your level of alertness in response to stimuli in your environment.

Colonel Jeff Cooper developed a system for simultaneously raising our alertness and lowering our hesitation to act, expressed as a simple series of color codes. Its value is that it gives you a vocabulary for where your head is at any given moment — and, just as important, a deliberate way to move yourself up a level before a threat forces the decision for you. Awareness is not a switch you flip in an emergency; it is a setting you choose to live in.

WHITE

Unaware & unprepared. Completely oblivious to your surroundings.

YELLOW

Relaxed alert. Eyes and ears open; paying attention to your environment.

ORANGE

Specific alert. A potential threat has been identified; you are orienting on it.

RED

Action. Your mental trigger is set; you are ready to follow through on your plan.

BLACK

Engaged. Your mental trigger has tripped; you are actively fighting or fleeing.

"In White you are unprepared and unready to take lethal action. If you are attacked in White you will probably die unless your adversary is totally inept.

In Yellow you bring yourself to the understanding that your life may be in danger and that you may have to do something about it.

In Orange you have identified a specific adversary and are prepared to take action which may result in his death, but you are not in a lethal mode.

In Red you are in a lethal mode and will shoot if circumstances warrant."

White — Completely oblivious to your surroundings.

Your gun, ammo and all the preparation in the world will not help you if you have no awareness of your surroundings.

Most people are in condition white at home.

Yellow — Relaxed state of general alertness.

Eyes and ears open and paying attention to your surroundings.

Condition yellow allows your subconscious to detect indicators of potential threats.

Orange — Heightened state of alertness with a specific focal point.

You have identified a potential threat and you are orienting yourself towards it.

Avoid fixating on one problem. Scan for other threats.

Red — You are preparing yourself to fight. You’ve set a mental trigger that will initiate fighting. Remember to scan for additional threats.

Black — Your mental trigger has tripped. You are actively fighting or fleeing. You are likely to get tunnel vision. Be sure to scan for additional threats.

If you leave the house in WHITE, you will be in trouble.

Proper Defensive Mindset

Remain in condition yellow when out in public, so you can recognize threats before they occur, and avoid them.

Being in condition white leads to parking lot accidents at 5mph, jogging into traffic, and stepping off loading docks.

If you want to see the effects of living in condition white, your nearest emergency room is rich with examples.

For the most part, crime is a business. Business owners seek to maximize gain and minimize risk.

If you have something of value, and it can be taken easily with little danger, you are a good target.

Risk is lowest when the target is not paying attention.

Criminals Interview You

You may be interviewed by observation. You may be interviewed by a home visit. You may be interviewed in person, to “test the water” and see if you are someone who will allow a stranger to enter your personal space unchallenged. If you fail to respond defensively, attack will likely ensue immediately.

Personal Space

“Personal Space” varies from culture to culture. Personal Space is the area around you, which, when entered inappropriately, makes you uncomfortable.

In the U.S., strangers typically maintain 4 to 12 feet between them in open spaces. Social Acquaintances - Arms Length. Intimate friends 0 - 18 inches. Married couples 3 - 10 miles.

Sample “Interviews”

Common interview techniques — a stranger asks you: For the time. To read a map to them. To take them to buy gas. NEVER GET NEAR A STRANGER’S CAR. NEVER ALLOW A STRANGER IN YOUR CAR.

Criminals do what works

If surprising a victim, displaying a weapon, and asking for valuables has worked in the past, they will use that method again.

They are unlikely to have a backup plan.

Why muggers ask for money

Because it works.

If criminals did not think that asking for your valuables would be effective, they would not ask. They would simply attack you and take your stuff.

Action vs. Reaction

They implement their plan because they were able to surprise you. You are now reacting, and reacting is slower than acting.

To prevail, you must now take an unexpected action, and make them react.

False Expectations

Because every other mugging victim has reacted to an armed request for money by handing over a wallet, the criminal has the expectation that you will do the same.

Bearing in mind that you win only when you are the one creating the surprise...

Disappointment

Do the unexpected.

If you disappoint a criminal who is expecting your money, by producing and discharging a firearm, you are now the one creating the surprise.

Result: you live.

(of course all of the criteria for the use of deadly force must be met)

Easy, Fast, and Low Risk

Don’t just be alert, LOOK ALERT. Don't display valuables.

Make things difficult and criminals will likely to skip you. Remember, they want the most gain with the least hassle.

If they wanted to work hard, they would have a job, just like you do.

Flavors of criminal behavior

• Opportunist
• Ambusher
• Predator

Opportunistic Criminals Look For:

Unlocked car doors, unattended valuables. People that are not paying attention.

Ambush Criminals...

Seek hiding places from which to surprise victims. Use props to create ambushes.

May stage fake accidents or even involve you in a car accident in order to gain access to you and your valuables. Look for ways to sneak up on you.

Predators

Predators also rely on techniques that catch people off-guard.

They’re not deciding whether to attack you, they’re deciding how and when.

They may believe that violent action is the easiest method to achieve results.

Signs of Weakness

Criminals observe body language, speech patterns, and other traits.

Comport yourself with confidence.

If you look like food, you'll be eaten.  Look like an Alpha "meat eater" and criminals will likely avoid you.

Maintain a low profile, be discreet.

For every deadly force used against you, you must be able to answer with an unequal and opposite force. A fair fight is the last thing you want. If an attacker has committed to taking your life, meeting him with merely equal force leaves the outcome to chance; your aim is to end the threat decisively, not to trade blows. The force continuum that follows is simply a way of matching your response to the danger you actually face — no less, and no more.

Force Continuum

There are several degrees of Force:

Use of Force

You may use any type or degree of force necessary to stop an imminent deadly threat.

Your use of force must be “reasonable”

“Reasonable”

Reasonable, for practical purposes, means that when a jury of your peers hears your story, they nod in agreement that they would have done the same thing, were they in your place.

Lethal force considerations

• Number of assailants(3 of them, 1 of you…)
• Physical disparity between you and assailants(270# man, 80# woman)
• Weapons - visible or implied

Examples of Force

• Handgun
• Stun Gun
• Yelling
• Taser
• Shoving
• Pepper Spray
• Edged Weapons
• Blunt Weapons
• Punch
• Kick

Presence as Force

Simply be “on scene” is a degree of force.

(The kids are acting up with mom, dad merely steps into the room, the kids straighten up…)

Verbal Force

Saying anything is a degree of force.

The person who speaks first usually gains a psychological advantage.

Physical Force

Any physical contact that does not involve a weapon is considered “Physical Force.”

A punch can be Physical Force, or Deadly Force, depending on who is punching and who is being punched.

Less-than-lethal Force

Weapons that are designed to stop, rather than to kill, are called “less that lethal” weapons.

Their use can still result in death.

Deadly Force

Deadly Force is any type or degree of force that is likely to result in death or serious bodily injury.

Serious Bodily Injury

Injuries that cause death. Serious permanent disfigurement. Long-term loss, or impairment of the function of any body part.

Any type or degree of force that is likely to result in death or serious bodily injury.

Regarding Deadly Force

Every city, county, and state has its own laws, and you are responsible for knowing and complying with the law in every jurisdiction in which you travel. Keeping all of it straight is not always practical.

The principles in this book are built on the federal guidelines on which the deadly-force laws of most states are founded. Even so, you should consult an attorney for the specifics that apply where you live and carry.

Imminent fear of death

Intent

You reasonably believe that the assailant, through his words or actions, intends to cause death or serious bodily injury.

Ability

The assailant has the ability, by whatever means, to cause death or serious bodily injury, and you, or an innocent 3rd party, are within the physical range of their method.

Imminent fear of death

You reasonably believe that death or serious bodily injury is imminent.

Preclusion

You have no reasonable alternative to the use of deadly force.

Deadly Force is justified and likely necessary

When these four conditions exist...

Violence

There are times when violence is necessary to save a life.

When someone is actively trying to kill you, attempting to “talk it out,” may result in your imminent death.

Some problems require ACTION.

Effective self-defense rests on five principles that work together; no single one is sufficient on its own. Keep them in mind as you read the chapters that follow.

Resolve!

Acknowledge this every morning:

The bullet in the chamber of my gun may be used to take a life today.

I may have to take a life today because an assailant is trying to kill me.

Don't feel bad about defending your life. You may not have a choice. Get okay with this now, so you can put all your focus on implementing the tactical skills necessary to save a life when the need arises.

Self Talk

Attitude affects Outcome — I will beat this opponent and survive this encounter. If injured, I will fight with everything I have, and stop him.

I surprise this attacker with speed, force and decisive action.

I am shutting him down now, before this goes any further. I attack powerfully, creating serious injuries.

I continue to attack until I feel it is safe to turn my back on him.

The Sights

Front Sight

Rear Sight

Sig Parts

• Muzzle
• Front Sight
• Trigger Guard
• Trigger
• Take-down lever
• Magazine Release
• De-cocking Lever
• Slide Release
• Hammer
• Rear Sight
• SLIDE
• Ejection Port
• BARREL
• GRIP

Muzzle

• Front Sight
• Trigger Guard
• Trigger
• Magazine Release
• Thumb Safety
• Slide Release
• Hammer
• Rear Sight
• SLIDE
• Grip Safety
• GRIP
• 1911 Style Single-Action Parts

Revolver Parts

• Muzzle
• Front Sight
• Trigger Guard
• Trigger
• Hammer
• Rear Sight
• CYLINDER
• Ejector Rod
• Cylinder Release
• GRIP
• BARREL

Snub Nose Revolver Parts

• Muzzle
• Front Sight
• Trigger Guard
• Trigger
• Internal Hammer
• Rear Sight
• CYLINDER
• Ejector Rod
• GRIP
• BARREL

Handgun Fundamentals

Firearms Safety — No matter what the equipment, YOU ARE THE SAFETY.

The most common causes of firearms accidents are:

Ignorance & Carelessness

You will not be ignorant or careless

4 Commandments of Gun Safety

Learn these rules. Make them a part of your personality. These rules apply at ALL times… even in a gunfight.

All guns are always loaded

Never allow a gun to point at anything you don't want to destroy. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target. Always be sure of your target AND what's beyond it.

4 Commandments of Gun Safety

Any gun that you have not personally cleared must be considered loaded, and treated or responded to accordingly. In your hands, that gun is presumed deadly to others... in another’s hands, presume that gun is deadly to you.

Always chamber check and clear firearms before handling.

A cleared gun only retains “cleared” status while it remains in your hands and under your control.

The status of a gun that leaves your hands for even an instant reverts to “loaded.”

Clear and Verify

Pick up the gun in your shooting hand. Keep your finger off the trigger. Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction REVOLVER:

Slide the Cylinder Release.

Press the cylinder sideways. Hang the gun on your two center fingers.

Pick up the gun in your shooting hand. Keep your finger off the trigger. Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction AUTOMATIC:

Press the magazine release. Remove magazine and capture it in your shooting hand pinky. Cup non-gun hand over ejection port. Press the slide all the way to the rear. Catch any round that may be in the chamber. Look in the chamber.

Clearing an automatic

Know the status of your firearm at ALL times.

Even when you have confirmed that a firearm is unloaded, all the rules still apply.

Never allow a firearm to point at anything you don’t intend to destroy

A firearm is a directional device. It typically creates damage only in the direction in which it is pointed.

If you don’t want to see a hole in something, don’t ever point a gun at it, intentionally or carelessly, for even an instant.

Don't build dangerous habits. Don’t wave guns around. Don’t sweep your gun across non-targets. Don’t point guns in the air.

Breaking these rules for a single moment could end a life. Possibly yours...

If you point a gun at someone they may reasonably conclude you intend to cause them death or serious bodily injury, and respond accordingly.

If you shoot me by accident I’m just as dead as if you shot me intentionally. I may respond with whatever degree of force is necessary to protect my life, or that of an innocent third party.

Holstered or otherwise “in service”

At the ready (just in front of the target’s feet)

In maintenance or instructional use, there are 5 acceptable positions for handguns. Any other position may be considered “reckless.”

Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target

Trigger finger is indexed on the gun’s frame when not actually shooting. This requires diligent, frequent, and recent training. (More than many police officers undertake.)

Hand muscles often respond simultaneously. Clenching the non-hand can cause the gun hand to clench, which can result in a shot being fired if the trigger finger is on the trigger.

Sympathetic muscle response = Negligent Discharge = You are in deep trouble. “I shot him because I sneezed” is not going to cut it.

Always be sure of your target and what is beyond it

Positively identify the target and be able to articulate a reason for firing at it.

Know who you endanger with each shot. Do NOT shoot at shadows, noises, or muzzle flash.

Imagine that you’ve heard that a gang was operating in your area… that night you hear something in your back yard… several people… there is yelling… you look out in time to see the muzzle flash of a gun behind a bush… You’re not waiting till they come in… You shoot toward the gun shot!

When you come out, what do you see? An officer lies bleeding on your lawn. He was chasing criminals. They turned at him with a gun. He fired in self-defense. That’s when you saw the gunshot. But you didn’t know all that. And now you’ve shot a police officer.

Google “accidentally shoots” “son” or “daughter”and you’ll see dozens of stories like this

Unless your are personally involved in the situation, you are likely to mis-interpret what you see. This can easily lead to you wrongfully taking a life.

You are not a police officer, and are under no “duty to act.”

If you are not willing to stake your life, freedom and assets on your understanding of a situation, call the police and be a good witness.

Bullets travel great distances and can be lethal beyond a mile.

Bullets can penetrate car doors, windshields, windows, people, animals. This may be necessary.

Bottom line, THINK (not PONDER) before you shoot.

Gun Types

• Junk Guns
• Target Guns
• Competition Guns
• Pocket Guns
• Combat Guns
• Concealable Sidearms

Reliable

Your gun must be 100% reliable.

Powerful

Your gun must be capable of immediately stopping several fully grown men, hopped up on drugs, wearing heavy clothing.

Carryable

It doesn’t matter how amazing your gun is if you can’t carry it with you all the time.

Balance

When looking for a gun to carry, you can’t find one small enough. When you need a gun, you can’t find one big enough. You have to find a balance between convenience and power.

Caliber

Police and military carry 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP They also have back-up… You don’t have back-up… so you need at least as much gun.

Carry the largest caliber that you can control quickly and accurately.

User Friendly

You should be able to reach the trigger and operate all controls with minimal effort.

You will have to work the gun under the influence of 220 volts of adrenaline.

Under stress, you will lose all fine motor control. Choose a gun with LARGE, SIMPLE CONTROLS.

Weight (and the price you pay in recoil)

Lighter guns are easier to carry, but have more violent recoil.

If your gun is uncomfortable to shoot, you won’t want to practice and your proficiency will suffer.

Rifling

There are spiral grooves in the barrel of a gun that cause the bullet to rotate in flight, which helps it fly straighter.

What is Caliber?

Caliber is the distance between the lands. Caliber is expressed in hundredths of an inch, or millimeters.

Caliber

Carry no less than .38 Special in a Revolver. Use no less than 9mm in a semi-automatic, although .40 and .45 may be more effective.

Ammo Types

Select the right kind of ammo for your use. For defensive use, use defensive ammo, also called “Duty Ammo” or “Carry Ammo.”

Cartridges

• Primer
• Powder
• Casing
• Bullet

Select Ammo That

Is large and powerful. Can go through walls, doors, heavy clothing, and still penetrate 11 inches of bone and muscle. Expands to maximize energy transfer, minimize over-penetration. Is made by a reputable manufacturer. Jacketed Hollow Point Factory Ammo is the standard of reasonableness.

A Wound Passage is the damage your bullet makes in a body.

Think of it as a tunnel through which you escape death. Remember this when selecting a handgun cartridge.

Comparative Effect

Rapid Incapacitation

You will hear about fatalities caused by most any round. The issue is not how many people have been killed with xyz bullet.

The question is “how long did it take to incapacitate the attacker?”

THINK “man with a machete 8 feet in front of you.” You don’t have time for them to die of infection… you must stop them immediately, or you die.

“Best if used by…”

Ammo you carry daily must be replaced every six months. You should shoot it at the range to get more experience with your “carry load.”

Ammo kept at home in your closet will last indefinitely.

If in doubt, use it up at the range. The ammo in your gun is the ammo you’re trusting to save your life.

71 year old grandma shooting her .45

Big Bullets Make Big Holes!

.45 ACP.  We’re rediscovering in Afghanistan what our grandfathers knew in World War II. A .45 stops ‘em best.

.40 S&W is the next best choice and in most handguns allows more magazine capacity than the .45ACP.

.44 Special, .357 Magnum, .357 Sig, and 9mm Plus P share third place.

.38 Special and 9mm are in distant fourth place. You should plan on delivering a head- shot when two chests shots fail.

.380, .32, .25, and .22 -- Don’t bother shooting someone in the chest with these.

“Stay away from fragmenting bullets. Those bullets are designed to prevent over-penetration, and will get you killed. You WANT penetration.”

You want the greatest amount of linear tissue damage possible for the best chance of incapacitation (immediately dropping your opponent).  You want penetration.”

From “Front Sight”

There is more to a gun than meets the eye.

You can’t see atoms… but there are important microscopic metallurgical differences between guns.

Many guns look “cool” but can fall apart or malfunction under real-life conditions.

There are six brands that I recommend because they are extremely well made: Sig Sauer, Kimber, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, Glock, and H&K.

Not every model made by these manufacturers meets our other criteria for a defensive sidearm.

Some are too large, too complicated, or simply too new to have proven themselves.

Most of the models I recommend have more than 20 years of experience under their belts.

If I had to choose one gun to get me through the Zombie Apocalypse, with no opportunity for service, it would undoubtedly be a SIG.

SIG 229, .40 Cal

SIG 220, .45 Cal

Recommended Guns List

For my current Recommended Guns List, email Wolf.Steve@gmail.com.

If you do not have fear, there is something wrong with you.

Fear is an essential component of alertness. Like all assets, it must be managed.

Too much fear is debilitating.

When fear arises, acknowledge it, then refocus those emotions into Anger.

ANGER IS A BETTER EMOTION FOR FIGHTING THAN FEAR — But remember that breaking someone like a piece of furniture does not require any emotion. Ultimately, these conflicts are physics problems. Where do I break the thing that is threatening me, and what’s the fastest way for me to safely do that? Answer that, and you’ve solved the problem.

Most of all, FOCUS on DOING what you have to do to STOP an attacker.

Where Physics and Physiology Collide

Simple Physics

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction...

The amount of energy carried forward by a bullet is EXACTLY EQUAL to the amount of energy pushing the gun back.

If the recoil of the gun does not knock you down, the energy of the bullet will not knock the assailant down.

There is no substance to the concept of “Knock Down Power” where handguns are concerned.

Bullets just make holes.

Think of a gun as a long range drill.

While having a hole drilled in you may be unpleasant, unless the hole is in the right place, it’s simplypainful, not debilitating. You can fight on.

And the same goes for your attacker!

Shot placement must be accurate and deliberate

Don’t play bullet roulette.

The only difference between experiencing the energy of the tip of the bullet and experiencing the energy at the back of your gun is SURFACE AREA.

• Bullet Tip
• Back of gun
• Equal FORCE

The tip of your bullet is about 1/4 square inch.

Force divided by area equals pressure.

The surface area of the back of your gun is around 3.5 square inches.

1/4 square inch goes into 3.5 square inches 50 times.

So, the pressure exerted by the tip of your bullet on your target is 50 times greater than the pressure that your gun exerts on your hand!

When it comes to guns, it’s better to receive than to give…

Try not to get this wrong:

But when it comes to bullets, it’s better to give than to receive.

People run on 2 systems

The plumbing is the vascular system that carries blood to every cell in your body.

The electrical is the nervous system that carries signals to muscles.

To shut a person down, the hole you make must cause major damage to one or both of these systems.

Getting blood to all your cells requires a lot of pressure.

That’s called your Blood Pressure. And while too much of it is a bad thing...

A large hole in the heart or major blood vessels causes a leak in the plumbing, which causes blood pressure to drop fast, resulting in unconsciousness.

It’s the human equivalent of a water main break.

Severing nerves interrupts the electrical impulses that allow an attacker to move.

Spinal damage can cut off movement in entire sections of the body.

A hole in the brain can stop nerve impulses where they originate.

Bonus Irony Points

The word PLUMBING comes from root Plumbum, which means lead.

A well placed shot from a powerful gun with the right ammunition will penetrate the sternum, open the heart or aorta, and pass into the spine.

RESULT: You may re-direct your attention to the next threat.

Placement, Power & Penetration.

An attack is not a “fight”

The predator does not get hurt.

The victim does not get a turn.

Objective 1

Cause Serious Injury NOW

Damage brain, spine and nerves.

Objective 2

Cause MORE Serious Injury — Gun, Hands, Feet... Whatever you have, just get in and get it done! You don’t have time to waste.

YOU are the weapon!

Your gun is just a tool.

Sorry, but…

The physics of violence are not changed by good people, good thoughts or good actions.

Injury to Innocents

You are responsible for all damage done by your bullet, regardless of the circumstances under which you fired your weapon.

If you cannot safely park a bullet within the body of an attacker, don’t fire it.

If you are being attacked by six zombies with chainsaws and you shoot to save your life, if even one bullet misses it’s target and injures an innocent person, you will be charged with that person’s injuries, just as if you had walked up and shot them yourself.

Costs Due to Negligence

If your actions are not deemed to be justified, reasonable and prudent, you will be sued and prosecuted. (In fact, you’ll likely be sued all the same.)

After an Incident

You are not required to remain at the scene of an incident, if you believe remaining on site is dangerous.

Once you no longer need it, put your gun out of sight. Get to safety. Call the police. Request an ambulance if anyone is hurt.

When the police arrive:

Comply with all commands

Identify yourself. Offer only information needed for officer safety. Expect to be arrested. Talk with your attorney before making a statement.

Remember that the police have no idea who you are, or what has happened. Their priority is and must be their own safety.

Listen closely to what they say, and do EXACTLY what you are told. There is no point in defeating an attacker, only to be shot by the police.

“I recommend against giving a statement with any non-emergency information immediately after the incident. Your emotional and physiological state will likely cause you to give information you believe is accurate but that later turns out to be factually incorrect. These innocent errors may later be interpreted as lies by people who do not understand the psychological effects of extreme stress. Certainly tell the police if there are suspects at large, loose weapons, or other dangerous conditions they must know about to protect life and property. But wait to give your full statement until you and your attorney have had a chance to confer.”

— David Jankowski, Attorney at Law

Remember: Talk with your attorney FIRST…

The attorney who did the closing on your house or wrote your will is NOT the “go-to” guy for this matter...

You need an attorney that specializes in defending the justifiable use of deadly force.

Do you have an attorney like that? YOU DO NOW.

How to shoot a gun, in 12 easy steps.

NOTE: Shooting doesn’t make you good. Dry practice makes you good. Shooting merely validates your dry practice.

Perfect Practice Makes Perfect

When learning to shoot, do it slowly as perfectly as you can.

Go only as fast as you can practice correctly. Everyone makes mistakes, commit to perfection.

Repetition Builds Muscle Memory

300-500 reps for short term memory. 3,000-5,000 reps for long term memory. Remember the 3 P's. Practice perfectly so you build good muscle memory.

Don’t build dangerous habits with poor practice.

Muscle Memory Builds Subconscious Competence

Subconscious Competence allows you to perform well without thinking about it. Like tying your shoes.

Build muscle memory, and it will become second nature.

Don’t talk while working your gun.

You talk and shoot from two different parts of your brain, and they don’t work well at the same time.

“Well I can’t shoot while you’re talking!” I can’t talk while you’re shooting! Can I finish what I was saying? Sure, keep talking and you’ll get us both killed!

“When You Have To Shoot, Shoot. Don't Talk."

The Good, The Bad & the Ugly.

"

If the gun is a revolver, insert cartridges into every chamber, and close the cylinder.

Load cartridges into the magazine

Insert the magazine into the pistol. Tap the magazine to ensure it's properly installed.

Hold the slide firmly in your dominant hand, finger off the trigger.

Grasp the slide, and hold it still.

Press the gun forward, until the slide is all the way back. Let go of the slide, it will slam forward.

De-cock the gun if necessary.

If the gun is an automatic:

Your finger on the bullet tip helps your hands find the right place

Inserting the magazine

Tapping the magazine

If the slide is not back, pull it back and release it.

If the slide was already back, release it

Work from the ground, up.

Place your feet shoulder width apart. Point the toes of your non-dominant foot at the target. Slide your strong-side foot back 1/2 a foot-length, and point that foot 45 degrees off target.

Build a solid foundation.

Center your hips comfortably over your feet. Center your shoulders over your hips.

Check where your chest is facing.

Your body should face halfway between where your toes are pointed, about 22 degrees off target.

Obtain a proper grip on your gun

Grasp the grip firmly in your dominant hand. Hold the grip as high up as possible.

How you grasp the gun is critical, and you get one chance to do it right.

If you are working from your holster

Grasp the grip firmly in your dominant hand. Hold the grip as high up as possible.

How you grasp the gun is critical, and you get one chance to do it right.

Primary Hand Grip

The gun should be in line with the center of your forearm.

Prepare your hands to work together

Rock the gun up, bending at your elbow. WHILE YOU...

Bring your support hand to your sternum.

Begin to move the gun towards the target, as you

Join your hands, support hand around the strong hand.

Your support wrist is pointed down until locked. The thumb side of your palm touches the grip where it is exposed.

High five

All fingers are as high on the grip as possible.

A finger from each hand touches the trigger guard.

Push - Pull

Push the gun toward the target until your gun-hand is straight, but not locked.

Provide slight resistance with your support hand, while pointing it's elbow to the ground.

Your trigger finger is still pointed alongside the gun, outside the trigger-guard.

Handgun presentation in slow motion

Handgun presentation in real-time.

While the gun is moving...

Notice the position of the front sight. Bring your focus to the front sight.

Finish aiming the gun

Follow the directions in the next series of slides.

Sight Alignment

Reveals where the gun is pointed.

Align the top of front sight with the top of rear sights.

Precisely equal space on both sides of front sight. Create equal space on both sides of the front sight.

Aligned Sights on Target

• Rear Sights
• Front
• Sight
• Sight Picture

Shift your focus from the TARGET to the FRONT SIGHT

Focus on the Top of the Front Sight

• Front
• Sight
• Sight Picture
• Rear Sights

Because your eyes can only focus

On one thing at a time, the target and rear sight will be slightly blurry.

Finger to Trigger

When the sites are aligned and you have a proper sight picture, move your trigger finger on to the trigger.

Trigger Finger Placement

Automatic

Revolver

Firing the Gun

Trigger Press — Smoothly press the trigger straight back in your hand, disturbing the sight alignment as little as possible.

Continue to perfect your sight picture during the entire trigger press.

The gun should go off “by surprise” when the trigger is fully pressed.

WORDS MATTER

Different words activate different muscle groups.

Do not SQUEEZE the trigger. When your brain thinks SQUEEZE, all fingers are activated, and your gun points down & left.

Do not PULL the trigger. When your brain thinks PULL, back and triceps muscles are activated, and your gun points high-right.

PRESS the trigger

PRESS sends a command to the index finger only, as in “PRESS the ENTER key” or “PRESS the UP button.”

The other fingers remain fixed in place, resulting in perfect shot placement.

Follow Through

Immediately get your sights back on target & and partially release the trigger so it re-sets to fire again.

This beginner is demonstrating Follow Through for the first time. She would be faster if she leaned forward slightly.

Your handgun skills are perishable

If you don't keep them up, you lose them. Practice dry fire weekly. Practice at the range monthly. Take fresh instruction yearly.

Strong side, outside the pants, high hip, forward canted carry is the most effective carry method.

(Don’t waste too much of either of our time telling me why this is inconvenient for you, the facts are still the facts)

Some of the alternative methods don’t work well, and others are outright dangerous.

Alternative Carry Methods

• Shoulder Rig
• Ankle
• Inside Waist Band
• Small of Back
• Belly Band
• Purse / holster

Alternative Methods Drawbacks

Shoulder Rig

Ankle

Inside Waist Band

Small of Back

Belly Band

Purse / holster — When backed up to a wall, slight pressure against your wrist is all that is needed to prevent you from removing your gun.

Attempting to raise your pants while you balance on one leg or squat to the ground is difficult, awkward and slow.

This method tends to be very uncomfortable, because the hard gun presses against your bone, so people who carry this way often prefer not to carry.

If you fall backward while wearing a gun against your spine, you are likely to suffer a spinal fracture.

Belly bands are not very secure, and require clothing to be removed to access the gun.

When the perp snatches your purse, he ends up with your gun, your keys, your driver’s license and your address.

Concealment Garments

Your holster, belt and magazine carrier and flashlight are essential parts of your weapons system.

A Holster must:

Be secure enough to retain the gun when you are running or being shaken upside down. Keep the gun in the same position on your body all the time. Be comfortable so you can wear it all the time. Be fast so you can gain instant access. Be reliable for years of service. Snugly fit your specific gun.

A gun belt is not just any belt

It works with your specific holster. It holds the holster securely in place. It distributes weight over a large area. It is contoured to sit on your hips, rather than dig into them. It does not bend or flop. It’s a key part of your weapons system. It holds your flashlight, your magazine carrier and your phone… in addition to your pants.

Social and Asocial Violence

There are two main types of violence:

Social Violence is intended to maintain or upset a pecking order or ego. Social violence is rich in ‘talk’: “You looked at my girlfriend, I’m gonna kick your ass,” or “You think you’re so tuff, why don’t you step outside and we’ll see what you’re made of.” SV involves posturing, is conducted in public, and seldom has death as its goal.

Social Violence can often be defused by capitulation: “I’m sorry, you’re right, I was wrong, I had no business saying that, I’ll leave now, and again, I’m really really sorry.”

Asocial Violence

Asocial violence, on the other hand, cannot be de-escalated with words. The person simply wants to kill you. They may be mentally ill or criminally insane, but they have selected you and are going to maim, mutilate, violate and dismember you.

You cannot talk your way out of asocial violence. Conditions will likely warrant the immediate use of deadly force. (more on this later)

Talking squanders time you should be using to align your sights, resulting in you dying before you stop the attacker.

Chasing up the wrong tree

Lawmakers currently believe that CHL holders, statistically the most law abiding, conscientious, level headed and responsible citizens, end up in gunfights because we don’t communicate effectively, and intend to remedy this by mandating the following lesson on conflict resolution skills that deal with “social violence” which is seldom lethal.

These are excellent and important skills, but are unconnected to CHL-involved shootings.

The Communication Process

Under stress, we tend to focus on our anger and make accusations and assumptions.

When this happens, the possibility of meaningful communication is lost.

Frustration and violence can erupt, causing emotional and physical injury.

As a society, we have ways to exchange information  in order to express what we want, what we need, how we feel, etc.

“What we’ve got here, is Failure to Communicate”

Communicating well requires that we:

Look at each other when speaking. Listen to what is being said.

Respond with appropriate words that confirm the message was received correctly.

Factors in a Conversation

• Verbal
• Non-verbal
• Barriers

Verbal Interactions

When people talk to each other, there are actually six different interactions taking place.  There are six chances for a message to be lost or misunderstood.

1. What the speaker intended to say. 2. What the speaker actually said. 3. What the receiver heard. 4. What the receiver thinks was heard. 5. The FEEDBACK the receiver gives back to the speaker. 6. What the speaker thinks was said by the receiver. Of these, FEEDBACK is the most important component.

• Example:
• What you meant to say:
• “Honey, can you pass the potatoes?

What you actually said:

“I can’t believe your mother is coming back so soon!”

What is heard:

“You don’t like my mother?!”

Non-verbal Interactions

While talking, not only are words exchanged, but also signs, signals and behaviors that send messages, sometimes contradicting what’s being said.

Sometimes “body language” causes messages to be received incorrectly.  Non-verbal signs can sabotage well intended words. The messages have to match.

• Information is communicated non-verbally through:
• Facial Expressions
• Body Position
• Degree of Eye Contact
• Appearance
• Touch
• Voice Tone
• Hand Gestures

Background of People

Customs, accents, language usage or the inability to understand the language can interfere with good communication.

Assumptions

If you make assumptions before you hear a person out, you won’t hear what they are saying, and you’ll create more opportunity for conflict.

Poor Listening

Some people are not good listeners.  They only hear and voice their own interior monologue, and don’t take in what others say.

These people create their own barriers to communication by failing to put their issues aside. They cannot focus on what’s being said.

Example:

You: My car died today.

REPLYING: Oh, yeah, I had a car that was always in the shop, blah blah blah… RESPONDING: I can imagine that must have been frustrating for you… what did you do?

This leaves you open to share your feelings or tell more about the story.

Previous Interactions

If people have had problems with each other in the past, there is greater potential for conflict from “old business.”

For communication to be effective, previous disagreements must not be part of the interaction.

If you bring old issues to the table, you miss the chance for clean new communication.

Behavioral awareness

• Body language
• Emotional status
• Verbal language
• Aggression level

Body language warnings

What is the expression on their face? Are their arms open and receptive, or crossed?

Are they motioning rapidly and using aggressive hand movements?

Are they in your personal space? What is their stance?

Emotional status warnings

Do they seem distressed or upset?

When someone is angry, their perception of your actions is heavily skewed.

Has the tone of the conversation taken extreme turns?

Verbal language

Direct your concerns at behavior, not character: “You are a slob” vs. “I need you to clean up your room.”

Minimize your use of profanity. Maintain civility.

Choose a friendly tone that invites people to open up to you.

Do not mock or mimic.

FEEDBACK is the KEY

One of our strongest desires is to feel heard and understood.

You can provide this by repeating back, as closely as possible, what you think you were told, and then asking the person if you have it right.

Stay with it until they confirm that you have it right.

How NOT to do it...

I don’t like how you left the room. Well you’re a bit of a slob too.

Well if you don’t care about how this place looks, why should I? I’m tired of picking up after you.

And I’m tired of you bitching at me.

Yelling and fighting ensue… (you’ve been there.)

How to do it RIGHT

I don’t like how you left the room. Are you saying you don’t like how I left it messy?

No, I meant that I didn’t like how you left without saying “Goodbye.”

Oh, so you are saying, you didn’t like how I left without saying goodbye? Do I have that right?

The Right Way, cont’d

Yes, when you left without saying anything, I felt ignored.

Oh, when I left without saying anything you felt ignored! Is there more?

No, that’s it.

EXAMPLE, contd.

Well that makes sense. I know what it’s like to feel ignored. I can see how me leaving without saying anything could make you feel that way.

Thanks for taking time to listen. Thanks for sharing your feelings. Feelings heard & understood, no fight!

Aware & Adapting

Look at the person with whom you’re conversing.

Note facial expressions, body language, look for confusion, disinterest, anger, fear, hurt...

Be aware of what is going on and make adjustments to what you are saying and how you are saying it.

Conflict Situations:

Parent-Adult-Child Ego States. In his book “Games People Play,” Eric Berne asserts that we are each composed of three separate “selves”: Parent, Adult, Child. At any moment we are enmeshed in one of these ego states, and we can shift (or be shifted) from one state to another.

Parent Ego State

You are in the same state of mind as you perceived your parents to be; You are responding as they did, with the same posture, gestures, vocabulary and feelings.

In “Parent Mode” we say things like:

"You shouldn't do that." or "You should know better."

Child Ego State

Your reaction is the same as it was when you were a child.  We say things like:

"I'll do it if I feel like it." "I don't have to." "You can't make me."

Adult Ego State

You have made an objective appraisal of the situation and are using the thought processes, or the problems you perceive, or the conclusions you have come to, in a non-prejudicial manner.

Adults use pronouns such as "we", "us" and "our" “How can we help you feel better?”

“What can we do to make this work well for both of us?”

Possessive Speech

During conflict, our parent and child selves become dominant.  We become self-consumed and are concerned with "I, Me, and My".

Possessive pronouns cut out adult perspectives.

Can we handle this like “Grown-Ups”?

According to Dr. Berne, the best way to resolve conflict is to speak in an adult - to - adult mode.

This defuses conflict by not putting a person on the defensive and allowing them to maintain self-respect.

Non-violent Communication

There are 3 common mistakes that provide a breeding ground for anger, resentment and frustration.  These cause communication to be less effective.

Judgement: You always forget my birthday because your selfish.

Comparison: My first husband NEVER forgot my birthday.

Denial: It’s not my fault that I forgot, I have a lot on my mind. And you getting old isn’t something I want to be reminded of.

None of these statements will lead to a pleasant day.

Summary Quiz

Based on what you’ve just learned about communication, and the Parent, Adult and Child “voices”...

What voice would you use?

B) Two to the body, one to the head.

A) “What can WE do to help you feel better about putting down that axe?”

There is no RIGHT answer, but one choice leaves you alive… it’s all about Tactical Choices.

Our Gang Sign

If you’re answer was “2 to the body, 1 to the head” you’re on the right track.

LAWS

You’ve elected politicians to make laws against rape, robbery, murder, assault, kidnapping, arson, burglary, etc.

“How’s that working out for you?”

Laws do not protect you from violence; They simply define the penalty for the perpetrator.

If the perpetrator is arrested and sent to jail, does that un-rape you, un-kill you, or un-maim you?

Laws don’t undo the effects of violence. Consider protecting yourself in the first place.

There are several crimes that justify your use of deadly force:

Rape (Sexual Assault is the new term)

The law sometimes puts the word “aggravated” in front of these acts. This is not a degree of how annoying these things can be… it’s an indication of the level of force used, if that matters to you.

It doesn’t really matter what the crime is, or what you call it. Concerning self defense, it always comes down to this:

Imminent fear of death

Penal Code

You are responsible for knowing and observing the law. Please make sure you read these laws and are familiar with them.

A summary of key points follows.

Definitions

"Deadly force" is any type or degree of force that is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.

Confinement as Justifiable Force

If you are justified in using force against someone, you are justified in “confining” them.

Unless they are being arrested for an offense, don’t forget to let them go.

Threats as Justifiable Force

The threat of force is justified when the use of force is justified.

A threat to cause death or serious bodily injury by showing a weapon or other means, as long as your purpose is limited to communicating that you will use deadly force if necessary, does not constitute the use of deadly force.

Reckless Injury to an Innocent Third Person

Even when you are justified in using deadly force, if you accidentally injure or kill an innocent third party, you are not justified in causing such injuries. You’ll likely be charged with causing those injuries just as if you had caused them intentionally.

Shoot only if you are sure you can safely park a bullet inside a bad-guy.

Necessity

Your use of Deadly Force is justified when:

(1) You reasonably believe the perp INTENDS to cause you death or serious bodily injury. (2) The perp has the ABILITY to cause you death or serious bodily injury. (3) You believe your life is in IMMEDIATE DANGER. (4) You have no acceptable alternative to using deadly force.

Justifying the use of force

You are justified in using force to the degree you reasonably believe it is immediately necessary to protect yourself against someone who’s actions will likely cause you death or serious bodily.

There are three main factors when determining if your immediate use of force was reasonable.

(1) If the perpetrator:

was entering, or trying to enter your occupied habitation, vehicle, or place of business with force;

was stealing or was attempting to steal from your habitation, vehicle, or workplace with force; or was committing or attempting to commit aggravated kidnapping, murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, or aggravated robbery;

(3) If you were not otherwise engaged in criminal activity, other than a Class C misdemeanor or traffic violation at the time the force was used.

Invalid justifications for the use of force

The use of force against another is not justified:

(1) in response to verbal provocation alone;

(2) to resist an arrest or search that you know is being made by a peace officer, even though the arrest or search is unlawful, unless the resistance is justified under Subsection (c);

Invalid justifications for the use of force (3) if you consented to the exact force used or;

(4) if you provoked the other's use of unlawful force, unless you abandon the altercation and clearly communicate your intent to abandon the encounter; and the other nevertheless continues or attempts to use unlawful force against you.

(5) if you initiated discussion with the other person concerning your differences while you were carrying, possessing or transporting a weapon unlawfully

Self-Defense

The reasonable use of force to resist an arrest or search is justified if, before you offer any resistance, the peace officer uses or attempts to use greater force than necessary to make an arrest and search.

You are only justified in using a degree of force necessary to protect yourself from the use of excessive force.

Self-Defense: “Castle Doctrine”

A person who has a right to be where they are, when threatened with force, is not required to retreat before using force in self defense.

It may not be used against you in court that you did not retreat.

Be grateful you don’t live in New York.

The Luby’s Cafeteria Massacre

On October 16, 1991, in Killeen, George Hennard drove his truck into a Luby’s Cafeteria, drew a handgun, and systematically killed 23 people and wounded 20 more before turning the gun on himself after being wounded by police.

Suzanna Hupp and her parents were eating at the restaurant. Her father tried to subdue the shooter and was killed. Suzanna and her mother attempted to flee; her mother was also shot and killed.

This shooting and Hupp’s later testimony were a driving force behind the expansion of concealed-carry laws across the country.

Suzanna had a handgun legally stowed in her vehicle. Had she been able to lawfully carry it inside, she might have saved dozens of lives.

Luby's Day Massacre

What we learned from this:

1) ALWAYS carry your handgun. 2) See #1. 3) When seconds count, the police are just minutes away.

Maintain awareness, be alert, be prepared to act… not just willing to act, but prepared.

Your will to defend yourself and your loved ones means nothing if you are not prepared to act immediately.

Your will is meaningless if you don’t have your loaded gun ON YOUR BODY, and possess the knowledge and skill to use it at once, and without warning.

Defense of Third Person

You are justified in using force or deadly force to protect a third person if:

(1) under the same circumstances, you would be justified in using force or deadly force to protect yourself, and (2) you believe that your intervention is immediately necessary to protect that person.

Protection of Life or Health

You are justified in using force, but not deadly force, against another when and to the degree you reasonably believe the force is immediately necessary to prevent another from committing suicide or inflicting serious bodily injury on himself.

Technically you can shoot a gun out of someone’s hand to keep them from killing themselves. Don’t miss. The police do not recommend this method, though police snipers have used it successfully.

You are justified in using both force and deadly force against another when and to the degree you reasonably believe such force is immediately necessary to preserve the other's life in an emergency.

If you cut off this driver’s trapped foot to pull him from his burning car, you are using deadly force, but for the purpose of saving his life.

And… Right! He will probably sue you!

Protection of Property

Is it worth it...

There are conditions under which deadly force may be used to protect property.

If you shoot someone, for ANY reason, you can reasonably expect to be investigated, and sued civilly. Even if you are cleared and prevail in court, you will likely sustain enormous legal fees, substantial media attention, and emotional stress beyond your expectations.

Moral Issues Aside...

From a simple financial perspective, shooting someone over property worth less than $30,000 is a bad bet.

Protection of One's Own Property

If you are in lawful possession of land or tangible, movable property you are justified in using force against another when and to the degree you reasonably believe force is immediately necessary to prevent or terminate the other's trespass on your land or unlawful interference with the property.

If unlawfully dispossessed of land or tangible, movable property, you are justified in using force when and to the degree you reasonably believe force is immediately necessary to reenter your land or recover your property if you use force immediately or in fresh pursuit after the dispossession, AND:

(1) you reasonably believe the person had no claim of right when he dispossessed you; or (2) the dispossession was done using force, threat, or fraud against you.

Deadly Force to Protect Property

You are justified in using deadly force against another to protect land or tangible, movable property:

When and to the degree you reasonably believe deadly force is immediately necessary:

To prevent the imminent commission of arson, burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery, theft during the nighttime, or criminal mischief during the nighttime; or To prevent fleeing immediately after committing burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery, or theft during the nighttime from escaping with the property; and You reasonably believe that:

The land or property cannot be protected or recovered by any other means; or The use of force other than deadly force to protect or recover the land or property would expose you or someone else to a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury.

Protection of Third Person's Property

You are justified in using force or deadly force to protect someone else’s land or tangible, movable property, under the same conditions that would justify using force or deadly force to protect your own land or property and:

(1) you believe the unlawful interference constitutes attempted or consummated theft of or criminal mischief to the property; or (2) you reasonably believe that:

(A) the third person has requested his protection of the land or property;

(B) he has a legal duty to protect the third person's land or property; or (C) the third person whose land or property he uses force or deadly force to protect is the actor's spouse, parent, or child, resides with the actor, or is under the actor's care.

The law says you can, but you’re needlessly looking for trouble if you use force to protect someone else’s property.

Austin Downtown Shooting

Paul Saustrup, a CHL holder, and his girlfriend were approaching their vehicle late at night in downtown Austin when they noticed a man sitting inside and broken glass on the ground. Saustrup drew his weapon and confronted the man, whom upon seeing the weapon, fled. Saustrup testified that the man pointed to a gang tattoo and declared "See this... this means you're dead." Saustrup also testified that the man said he knew where him and his girlfriend lived.

Saustrup pursued the man for several blocks until the man turned and "reached for something in his pants." Saustrup then fired two shots, striking him in the back and killing the man.

Saustrup is put on trial for murder. After a period of years, a deadlocked jury acquits him of the charges.

What we can learn from this:

1) Do not follow criminals and get yourself into a gun fight.

2) This shooting cost approx. $100,000 in legal fees and 2 years of defense.

3) Are you willing to risk life in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars for any physical item you own?

Unlawful Carrying of Handgun by License Holder

You may not carry your gun after consuming ANY amount of alcohol.

A security guard license is only valid while on duty.

Penalty if Offense Committed Within Weapon-Free Zone

You may pick up and drop off your kids while wearing your gun. You may not bring your gun into a school building. You are required to make sure that only criminals have guns in the building.

Disorderly Conduct

(a) You commit an offense if you intentionally or knowingly:

(8) display a firearm or other deadly weapon in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm;

If your gun is accidentally and briefly exposed while you are reaching for a gas can on the top shelf at the hardware store, you are not committing the offense of Disorderly Conduct.

This doesn’t mean you aren’t “Disturbing The Peace.” Be careful, exercise good judgement.

Rights of Employers

Employers have the right to prohibit the carrying of handguns by license holders on, or in, company property, including company vehicles. This does NOT include company parking lots.

Notice is effectively given in company policy handbooks or by verbal statement to employees.

Review your employer's policy regarding licensed handgun possession. If your employer doesn’t think you should be able to protect yourself from a violent criminal, what does that tell you about your value to them?

Requirement to Display License

Upon request by law enforcement or magistrate the license holder must provide his or her driver's license or state issued identification card and his or her concealed handgun license.

There is no punishment for a failure to display.

You only have to comply if you are carrying a handgun at the time of the request.

Seizure of Handgun and License

Upon being arrested, law enforcement will seize your handgun and license.

(surprise!)

Authority of Peace Officer to Disarm

A peace officer may disarm a license holder if they reasonably believe it is necessary for the protection of any person.

The peace officer shall return your handgun to you before releasing you from the scene if the officer determines that you are not a threat to the officer, yourself, or anyone else, and if you have not committed any other violation that results in your arrest.

Law enforcement facilities may disarm you, but must provide a secured gun locker and return you handgun to you upon you departure from the secured, nonpublic portion of the facility.

Civil Immunity

If you are found to have been justified using force you are immune from civil liability - you might still be sued, but this is a defense.

Child Safety

Child Safety

If you fail to secure your firearm, and a child gains access to it, you may be charged with a Class C Misdemeanor.

If injury or death results, you may be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor.

Making a Firearm Accessible to a Child

If you fail to secure your firearm, and a child gains access to it, please forget we met.

Proper Firearm Storage Methods

Firearms must be stored such only the people who are supposed to access can get them.

This means they must be LOCKED UP, not just HIDDEN.

Get a gun safe

In addition to your guns, you’ll find all kinds of things you’ll want to keep in your safe. It’s very comforting to know that when your home is ransacked, some of your stuff is safe. You can get a big strong safe for around $500.

A vehicle is not secure storage

Leaving your gun in a locked car does not constitute proper storage. An eighth of an inch of tempered glass and a flimsy glovebox lock will keep no one from your gun.

On average, one firearm is stolen from a car in the United States every nine minutes (FBI NIBRS data; over half of all gun thefts now originate from vehicles). The gun you leave to be stolen may be used to kill an innocent person.

If you must leave a gun in a vehicle, lock it in proper gun safe that is attached to the frame of the car.

If you are pulled over

There is the law, and your rights… and then there is the smart thing to do.

“Smart” Car Stop

Pull over as soon as you spot a place where both you and the officer will be safe from traffic.

Roll down all the windows, if practical At night, turn on the dome light Do not rummage through your car or make furtive gestures that look like you’re reaching for a weapon Place both hands on the steering wheel, with ID in hand Say, “Officer, I am a CHL holder, what would you like me to do?”

Be polite and respectful, comply with any lawful request.

Think how you would feel in the officer’s position, knowing nothing about the person you’ve stopped… When you tell the officer you are a CHL holder, he can infer you are not a dangerous wanted felon.

Of all of the ways for an officer to discover you are armed, telling him is the safest way for both of you.

Again, keep your hands on the wheel while you are talking, unless you are asked to do something else.

You may bring your gun with you on a trip. It will be in your checked luggage. It must be unloaded, in a locked, hard-sided case. Ammunition must also be in a hard sided case. You must DECLARE that you are transporting a firearm. You will have to sign an Unloaded Firearm Declaration.

DO NOT joke about your gun or your feelings about the TSA, no matter how witty or accurate your perceptions regarding gross incompetence, theft and sexual misconduct.

You will be searched without cause, and denied freedom of speech.

Flying entails giving up your 1st, 2nd and 4th amendment rights.

Your joke will land you in jail. Save it for later, or share it with me here.

You will have to check your luggage inside, not curbside.

DO NOT walk up to the agent, and say “I have a gun.” This will earn you unwanted attention from airport police.

DO say, “I need an Unloaded Declaration Form.” Using their superior inferential reasoning, they will ask you, “Oh, do you have a gun?” Acknowledge their brilliance.

Expect a myriad of confused and varied responses. Some agents think they are supposed to examine your gun, some refer you to the TSA screener. There IS a policy, but few people know what it is.

If the agent asks to see your gun, request that TSA or the airport police be present before you take out your gun, so that no-one misinterprets the sight of you holding a gun at a ticket counter.

You will likely be asked to take your bag to the TSA screening desk. Your gun case will be swab tested for explosive residue. Wait while your gun is given clearance, and watch that it’s properly returned to your luggage in a locked case, with the Declaration Form inside the case.

See that the TSA agent places your bag back on the conveyor belt to be loaded on the plane.

Neither the Airline nor the TSA cares if you may possess your gun at your Destination city. That is your business and your problem.

If you bring your gun to a city that does not support your right to possess a firearm, you may have a difficult time when you try to bring it back home.

Enjoy your flight.

Keep your gun in perfect working condition Clean and lubricate it after every use Have it checked by a gunsmith annually Ask about my secret gun sauce...

CHL/CCW: A Learner's Permit

Real-world encounters require a variety of perfected skills in order to survive. These skills are beyond the scope of this introductory text.

Constantly seek additional knowledge, training, and practice.

Highly Recommended Skills

Seek out qualified instruction in these essential skills:

Working from a holster. Shooting from a concealment garment. Shooting in dim light. Use of cover and concealment. Shooting with a flashlight. Shooting on the move. Shooting against a knife attack. Shooting at close and long range.

When the fan is hit...

You will not shoot better on a day that you need to shoot to save a life. The stress will severely diminish your skills.

To be successful under stress, you must have terrific skills at rest.

TRAIN, PRACTICE & MAINTAIN your skills.

You must be fast

2 shots on each of 3 targets in 2.56 seconds.

And shoot from concealment

2 shots on each of 3 targets in 2.66 seconds, plus headshots.

Basic pivot

180 degree pivots

Moving forward and firing

Moving backwards and firing

Firing while sidestepping

Slicing the pie

A Closing Word

Thank you for the time you have invested in this material. Carrying a firearm responsibly is a serious undertaking, and the fact that you have studied carefully is itself a credit to you.

If you found this book useful, please recommend it to friends and loved ones who may also benefit from this information.

Stay alert. Stay safe.

This self-test reviews the core material in this book. Work through it without referring back to the chapters. When you are finished, compare your answers to the Answer Key in Appendix B. If you miss a question, return to the relevant chapter and re-read the material. Mastery of this content is a matter of life and limb; do not be satisfied with “close enough.”

1. Q1.Four components that justify your use of deadly force include: 1. Through words or actions, the perpetrator displayed _________________ to cause death or serious bodily injury.
2. Q2.The perpetrator, by whatever means, had the _________________ to cause death or serious bodily injury.
3. Q3.You reasonably experienced an ____________ ________ ___ _________.
4. Q4.You had no acceptable _________________.
5. Q5.If you are pulled over by police, you should: Pull over in a place that is safe for both yourself and the _________________.
6. Q6.Roll down all _________________.
7. Q7.Turn on the ______ ___________.
8. Q8.Place both hands on the _________ ________.
9. Q9.Tell the officer that you are _________________.
10. Q10.Be prepared to show your __________ __________ and your ______.
11. Q11.The use of deadly force is justified only to: Stop Neutralize Injure Scare
12. Q12.The word that describes correct activation of the trigger is: Squeeze Pull Press
13. Q13.All guns are always _________________.
14. Q14.Never allow a gun to point at anything you don't intend to _________________.
15. Q15.Keep your finger off the trigger until your _________________ are on the _________________.
16. Q16.Always be sure of your target and what's _________________.
17. Q17.A guns status remains “___________” until you have personally ___________ it.
18. Q18.A cleared gun’s status remains “Unloaded” only while it is in your possession and under your _________.
19. Q19.As soon as a gun leaves your hands its status reverts to ___________.
20. Q20.Hiding a gun is just as effective a way to secure it as locking it up.
21. Q21.You don't have to worry about your bullets traveling too far and injuring innocent people.
22. Q22.The safety, or any other mechanical part of your firearm, is subject to fail. You are what makes your firearm safe.
23. Q23.Leaving your gun in your car is a great way to have it stolen and used by criminals.
24. Q24.The police may temporarily disarm you during a traffic stop. If the officer believes that no danger is created by returning your firearm, you'll get it back after the stop.
25. Q25.If, while defending yourself, you accidentally injure an innocent person, it's not your responsibility.
26. Q26.A 9mm bullet is as effective as .45 caliber bullet.
27. Q27.The primary objective in shooting someone is to stop them immediately.
28. Q28.You don't need a firearm or to be able to protect yourself, that's what the police are for.
29. Q29.When using deadly force to defend an innocent third-party, there is a substantial likelihood you will misinterpret the situation and kill or injure an innocent person.
30. Q30.You’ll know in advance which days you’ll need your gun, so you only have to carry it on those days.
31. Q31.You carry a spare magazine so you can make sure criminals are extra dead.
32. Q32.After being involved in the shooting, you will be absolutely clear about what happened, calm, cool, and relaxed, and may therefore give an accurate statement of the events.
33. Q33.The vast majority of shootings take place at distances of 9 feet or less.
34. Q34.Inaccuracies in your statement may be interpreted as lies, which will be used against you. You should therefore consult with your attorney before making any statement.
35. Q35.You do not need to have a concealed handgun license in order to keep a firearm in your home, your car, your place of business or your personal watercraft.
36. Q36.A bullet from a powerful defensive handgun will knock down an assailant.
37. Q37.A handgun can effectively be thought of as a long range drill.
38. Q38.The force of the bullet coming out of a gun is equal to the force of the recoil of the pistol.
39. Q39.Humans effectively run on two systems: Plumbing, known medically as the vascular system, and Electrical, known as the neurological system. A shot person is incapacitated only when a bullet substantially damages one or both of these systems.
40. Q40.Your concealed handgun license may be suspended for 30 days if you fail to notify your state’s licensing authority of a change of address.
41. Q41.When you move, you’ll notify your state’s licensing authority of your new address, and upon receiving your new CHL, you’ll be required to return your old CHL card or face suspension.
42. Q42.You may intentionally expose your pistol in order to scare people.
43. Q43.If you fail to notify your state’s licensing authority of a change of address more than twice, you're CHL may be revoked.
44. Q44.Leaning slightly forward while shooting while allows you to maintain your balance better between shots.
45. Q45.Before using deadly force to protect property, even when legally justified, you should ask yourself if the property is worth the financial and emotional cost of taking a life.
46. Q46.You may carry your gun after drinking alcohol, as long as you remain under .08 BAC.
47. Q47.Consuming any amount of alcohol while carrying your gun is dangerous and illegal.
48. Q48.You may wear your concealed firearm while in your automobile in the parking lot of a school while picking up or dropping off a student.
49. Q49.If you present your firearm, but do not use it, you increase the chances of it being used against you.
50. Q50.The end of the barrel from which bullets emerge is called the chamber.
51. Q51.In communication, the most important component is feedback.
52. Q52.You may bring your firearm to a parent-teacher conference in school.
53. Q53.You may not bring your firearm into any establishment that derives more than 51% of its revenue from the on site service of alcoholic beverages.
54. Q54.Possessing a CHL imbues you with special skills, capabilities and resistance to injury.
55. Q55.You are responsible for knowing the law in every jurisdiction through which you pass.
56. Q56.A CHL is a legal document, not a force field.
57. Q57.You can quickly and easily be killed by a criminal with a knife from thirty or more feet away from you.
58. Q58.When forming a sight picture, focus on the rear sight.
59. Q59.An employer may ban the possession of firearms in the workplace by several means of notification, including verbal statements and company manuals.
60. Q60.An employer may ban you from leaving your gun properly secured in your car.
61. Q61.You may bring your gun to a sporting event.
62. Q62.“Double Action” or “Single Action” refer to the number of functions performed by the trigger.
63. Q63.When flying with your gun, approach the ticket agent and say, "I have a gun!"
64. Q64.Checking with the airport is a good way to find out how to legally transport your gun.
65. Q65.Tempered glass windows and glove-box locks are sufficient for keeping your gun safe from thieves.
66. Q66.Your “will” to survive will get you through any attack, even if you possess no skills or defensive equipment.
67. Q67.Laws prevent people from committing crimes, so you have nothing to worry about.
68. Q68.Only you should know when you are carrying a concealed firearm.
69. Q69.Gun-Free Zones provide impervious protection from criminals.
70. Q70.The essential elements of effective defense include mindset, surprise, speed, power and completion.
71. Q71.In the color codes of awareness, Yellow is a relaxed state of general awareness with no particular focus, in which you are alert to potential threats.
72. Q72.The question should never be, "Am I allowed to shoot if..." but rather, "Do I have to shoot to save a life?"
73. Q73.One way to maintain personal space when approached by a suspicious stranger is to firmly state, “Let me see your hands!”
74. Q74.Real violence is one sided, and the person who uses violence first almost always wins.
75. Q75.Awareness, Alertness and Avoidance are excellent tools for minimizing your likelihood of being a crime victim.
76. Q76.Even without my gun, or good training and frequent practice, I'll do just fine against a gang of experienced violent criminals. I have a CHL card.
77. Q77.At the scene of an incident, the police will know when they get there who the good guy is.
78. Q78.If you get a funny feeling as you approach your car, just ignore it, it's probably just your mind playing tricks on you.
79. Q79.As soon as I think I'm in danger, I'll have immediate access to my phone, and police officers will instantly arrive to protect me.
80. Q80.Over 1.2 million people were robbed, raped, stabbed or murdered last year in the U.S.
81. Q81.If you fail to renew your CHL within a year following it’s expiration, you will have to start the entire application process again.
82. Q82.A CHL class is little more than a good introduction to learning about protecting yourself.
83. Q83.An effective means of communication is to act as your parents did.
84. Q84.You'll make people more agreeable by blaming them, judging them, and comparing them to others.
85. Q85.Repeating back to someone what you think they said is a good way to see if you heard them correctly.
86. Q86.It's safe to point a gun at a non-target, if it's just for a moment.
87. Q87.If you are eligible to purchase a firearm from a federally licensed dealer, you are likely to be eligible for a CHL.
88. Q88.When you are justified in using deadly force, you are justified in threatening to use deadly force.
89. Q89.As a CHL holder, you are required to respond to any emergency, just as if you were a police officer.
90. Q90.As a CHL holder, you have the same powers of arrest as a police officer.
91. Q91.If you are shot once, and you receive prompt medical care, your chances of survival are very good.
92. Q92.When fighting for your life, anger can help you overcome fear.
93. Q93.You may use deadly force against someone who says nasty things about your mother.
94. Q94.Your concealed handgun is a secret piece of life saving equipment.
95. Q95.The state licensing authority’s website is a good place to check for changes in the law, and a current list of reciprocal states.
96. Q96.Shooting someone twice in the chest will always stop them.
97. Q97.Carrying a gun requires a high level of maturity, responsibility and discipline.

If you missed any question, return to the relevant chapter and re-read the material. Concealed-carry law varies from state to state and changes over time; where an answer notes “verify the statute in your jurisdiction,” you are responsible for confirming the current rules in every state in which you carry.