Saturday, September 6, 2008

Civilians & concealed carry


Pictured here is a modified gameboy advance sp system with a gps cartridge module, PTD(Personal tracking device) also an mp3 & video player w/ 1.2mp camera, and lastly my favorite firearm for personal concealed carry, the Sig Sauer P228.
Being retired now, I never show, or let anyone see or even a hint when I carry my other half(P228) with me. Reason for these, is simply to prevent unecessary events or attract hostilities etc al. What is important when you have an encounter is the element of surprise. Difference with a law enforcer is, officers try to assess if there is immediate threat before shooting but with weapon ready and already pointed to a suspected culprit and asked to surrender. While with civilians, its always important that the unsuspecting threat don't know you have a weapon, and its vital that you've practice the quick drawing of your weapon and shoot. For example; in a situation where there is immediate threat, as a civilian, we've already assessed there is eminent danger in our life, possession, or love ones, so when the culprit tries and make just a mere action of retrieving or using a weapon, we quickdraw our weapon and shoot! No more negotiations unlike with law enforcers, because we've analyzed the situation is uncontrollable and there is immediate threat. Now remember, distance is our friend, whenever we draw our weapon, don't just stand in your current position, sidestep then shoot. Why? This buys you time and puts you out of his direct line of sight(aiming position) while he's adjusting, you've already got him. So its very important to practice, practice, practice. Try to acquire tactical training videos and practice them. Being accurate and a fast drawer is worthless if you don't have the necessary techniques. Time and distance is the key to survival, they will be your valuable friends if you use them wisely. Always train to achieve confidence & the movements will be instinctively embedded in you.
As for safety in your house, try to teach every member of your family where its hidden, it's operation, and dangers if not used properly. Knowledge deficiency is dangerous, so teach them how it operates and not to play with with. Remember, what you learn from gun clubs, never point the gun/rifle on something you don't want destroyed! Take note of the word used, DESTROY!

How to conceal your firearm? Do your own research, depends on what you wear on that particular day, and where you feel confident. But never put them on your pants waist garter or pocket slots with other items. Also the size of your firearm is one factor on how you could conceal it, small revolvers can be concealed on you leg if you're wearing long pants but takes time to draw it. If you like carrying around backpacks or belt-bags, modify them to suit your needs. For me, belt-bags are the best, you could have it custom made to have a hidden but easy to access section for quick drawing your weapon.

But for me, I like using a belt-bag, mine is custom made and have two way direction holsters so whether I put my belt-bag on the back or front, I could easily make the draw. Also, one thing I like with my P228 is, I don't turn on the safety, I'm very confident of it's safety mechanism. And its an SA/DA firearm, but i prefer it cocked and ready to fire, because for me, I would only draw my weapon when there is immediate threat, and consequently fire whenever I draw my weapon. Never show your weapon, kaduwagan lng yun at mainit pa sa mga mata. It sometimes even attracts kaguluhan kaya tago nyo lang yan. Guns are for protection only and not for scaring or showing off, or trying to intimidate people, wag ninyo gamitin yang panakot, nagpapakita ka lang na natatakot ka kaya ka naglalabas ng ganyan. If you don't need to carry your gun, just leave it in your house, besides, magastos din ang permit to carry. Unless you've applied for military intelligence or nbi confidential agents. Its important that you have the necessary LEGAL papers for carrying around your gun. Remember practice is the key, dry firing a gun doesn't do any damage to a firearm, so always practice. Join gun clubs, and always go to a firing range for practicing accuracy, speed & to build confidence. Lastly, be a responsible gun owner.