Why Should I Get Defensive Firearms Training?

 

A lot of people think like this:

  • I know how to shoot. I grew up with firearms and was in the military.  I know what I’m doing.  I don’t need training.
  • I bought a gun and took a class that qualified me for a concealed carry permit in multiple states. I don’t need to spend any more money on preparing for something that will probably never happen.
  • I am an experienced shooter, have a concealed carry permit and carry my pistol whenever I go someplace that might be dangerous. I can raise to the occasion if I have to defend myself.
  • I have a gun in the house. Nobody would dare kick in my door.
  • If I have a problem, I’ll just call 911. That’s what the police are for.

So, the question is: Why do you need defensive firearms training?  The answer is that obtaining training and then diligently practicing is the path to competency.  In an emergency situation, the best any of us can hope for is to respond at the level of their highest training.   If you’re serious about being able to defend yourself or your family with a firearm, you need to be competent.  Thankfully, most of us will never need to use such skills.  But a quick glance at the news can show you why we all should be ready to defend ourselves.  There is a huge difference between the shooting skills involved in such things as hunting, plinking, target practice at a range and the defensive use of a firearm.  They are all separate skill sets. Essentially, defensive firearms training is preparation for the worst day of your life. The defensive use of a firearm involves a crisis where life is on the line.  Training helps people become better at operating their firearms, operating under stress, teaches tactics, informs about self-defense law, prepares people to handle a life-threating crisis and how to deal with the aftermath of a violent encounter involving a firearm.  Training prepares you to be your own first responder.  As the saying goes, “When seconds count, the police are only minutes away.”

If you have a firearm for defense it comes with the responsibilities to learn how to use it safely and effectively.  There’s no easy way to become proficient.  It requires work.  Watching videos and reading relevant books and articles can help, but just as you can’t learn to drive by simply watching videos and reading, you need instruction to acquire defensive firearms skills[1].   Even Tom Brady has a coach.  If you want to become competent, get training and then practice the skills you learned.

Stay safe.  Train well.

[1] www.criticaledge.us  (717-601-6831)  Firearms and personal security instruction.