The average career criminal averages practicing with their gun 8 – 12 times a year. The average Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) holder may practice once a year. Of the several hundred students I have had over the past 20 years, I would venture to say that the vast majority of the Basic students have taken the Basic Pistol class, obtained their CHP and seldom, if ever pick up the gun to live-practice, or even dry-practice. They have the mistaken idea that they have taken one class, have their CHP and they are ready for anything.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. There are two important aspects of training to protect yourself and your loved ones. The first and most obvious one is the actual firearms training and practice. Using a handgun or rifle is a perishable skill. Continued practice, at least once per month at the range is a minimum. Interspersed with range training, at least a couple of hours per week of dry-practice should be accomplished. The 18” dry-practice drill is an outstanding way to maintain the proper trigger-press.

Note on dry-practice. When you prepare to dry-practice at home there are a few steps that are essential for safety:

1. Double check that the gun is empty.
2. Sweep the entire room to ensure that there is no ammunition anywhere in the area.
3. Turn off the television and radio.
4. Make sure you are the only one in the room – no distractions!
5. Sweep the entire room a second time to ensure that there is no ammunition in the area.
6. Do not dry-practice more than 20 minutes at a time.
7. When through with dry-practice, remove the dry-practice target from the wall.

If the CHP holder carries on a daily basis, he should seek extended holster training and range practice, as well as dry-practice. A couple of excellent courses to begin your journey to “unconscious competence” are NRA CCW, and the Defensive Pistol classes. Both of these delve deeply into holster carry. When choosing your preferred carry method, you need to consider a number of aspects of carrying; size of the gun, caliber, where to carry, and how to dress are just a few. These considerations are addressed in the NRA CCW class. The Defensive Pistol class extends your training to developing your holster work, concentrating on the threat, and developing your “unconscious competence.”

In a personal defense situation, everything must be pure muscle memory. If you have to stop to think about what you are doing, you will be too late.

The second important aspect of training is the mental component. Before you start carrying on a regular basis, do some introspection. Ask yourself: “What would my family/extended family say if I have to use my gun to defend myself, or them?” “What would my church family say?” “What would my friends say?” These are questions you must ask yourself now, not when the threat presents itself! Perhaps the most important question you should ask yourself is “Can I use a gun to defend myself and/or my family knowing that it may cause another person to die?” Answers to these are questions must be settled in your mind.

If you carry on a daily basis, you should plan your day and travels. Are the places you plan to go “gun-free?” Will you have to lock your gun in your car? Remember, Colorado now has a locked container law. If you leave your gun in your car, you must put it in a locked container that is attached to the car and out of sight.

If you are involved in a defensive situation, how do you respond to law enforcement? What do you say? Do you have a legal protection plan? If you are involved in a defensive situation, you could be looking at $100,000 just in legal fees. Falcon Personal Security has partnered with Right To Bear to cover those legal fees and more. This is a “peace of mind cushion.”

One last thought; “The best fight to get in, is the one that never happens.” If you get into a defensive action, your life is changed. Make sure you are ready for it.

You are welcome to contact me with any questions you may have.