Tips on Being a More Responsible and Aware Carrier

[Cherokee]

There seems to be a lot of talk about how we as carriers can obviously not simply strap a gun to our belt and go outside to be a vigilante. For most of us we know what constitutes our responsibility in carrying a weapon. I bring this thread idea in hopes we can collectively come up with great tips and ideas to make a better, more responsible CCer out of everyone. Throw out whatever tips you can that you practice daily and as an example I'll throw some out:

- Never position your back to an ingress point at places like restaurant if you can help it.
- Be aware of your surroundings, dont be a mindless zombie floating around on your phone all times when you're out.
- Learn to read people. Working retail for a long time has helped me significantly with this, but many people can be understood simply by their body language.
- Use common sense in sketchy areas I.e. Don't go down that dark alley.
- Know your gun and know it WELL. Practice with it, practice drawing with it, know how to clear jams and other possible issues, know that thing as good as your tallywacker...or lack thereof.


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[Fallschirmjäger]

USACARRY.com is six and a half years old. I can't believe I've never heard this sage advice before.

Is this the person we've waited our whole lives to join and share his wisdom?

 

[Cherokee]

That's amazing.

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[NavyLCDR]

USACARRY.com is six and a half years old. I can't believe I've never heard this sage advice before.

Is this the person we've waited our whole lives to join and share his wisdom?

I think there must be a new giveaway contest running or something....

 

[Bikenut]

I must confess to being an OFOGF (Old Fart Of Gun Forums) and having been around for quite a while. Sometimes it seems annoying when someone comes along and posts something I learned long ago and have seen posted at least 5,000 times before .... but then... I remind myself that there was a time (granted it was back before the dinosaurs roamed the earth) when I was a "newbie" and needed to learn everything I possibly could.

So guys... perhaps some new folks can profit from discussing stuff that us forum veterans have seen posted so many times before.

 

[Peggy Reist]

I've just been here a little over a year, and I admit I've heard this a few times. However, if there's one thing I definitely need practice on, it's being more aware of my surroundings. My home is in a very low crime area, but I frequent areas that are not so low crime. So I become complacent when I'm at home and less aware than I should be when I go out.

So a reminder really doesn't hurt anyone.

 

[cds0699]

Dont be with stupid people, going stupid places, and doing stupid things.

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[Bikenut]

Always carry the same way in the same place so you will always reach for that same place.. and the gun will be there.

 

[Eidolon]

Don't get your gun handling advice from the internet

 

[chilipeppernorm]

There seems to be a lot of talk about how we as carriers can obviously not simply strap a gun to our belt and go outside to be a vigilante. For most of us we know what constitutes our responsibility in carrying a weapon. I bring this thread idea in hopes we can collectively come up with great tips and ideas to make a better, more responsible CCer out of everyone. Throw out whatever tips you can that you practice daily and as an example I'll throw some out:

- Never position your back to an ingress point at places like restaurant if you can help it.
- Be aware of your surroundings, dont be a mindless zombie floating around on your phone all times when you're out.
- Learn to read people. Working retail for a long time has helped me significantly with this, but many people can be understood simply by their body language.
- Use common sense in sketchy areas I.e. Don't go down that dark alley.
- Know your gun and know it WELL. Practice with it, practice drawing with it, know how to clear jams and other possible issues, know that thing as good as your tallywacker...or lack thereof.


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I see no harm in a repost or review of basic skills, tactics, and practices. The people I've known who were at the pinnacle of their career or profession, be it civilian or military, frequently reviewed and practiced core skills. A great many professions and professional organizations require an individual to re-certify on an interval basis in basic knowledge and skills of certain aspects of that profession to retain licensure. If one is so gifted and superbly trained they reap no benefit of this, then they can simply scroll on past and let other individuals benefit and enjoy without criticism or scorn.

 

[Coyote Blue]

Tallywacker was worth the whole post! Seriously ,some excellent advice was given and there are always people new to the game that can use all the sound information they can get.

To me, the most important aspect of carrying a gun (or not) is to never allow yourself to drift into condition white.(Being a total oblivion). Bad things happen fast, that front door breaks in right quick and the mugger is in your pocket or has a gun or knife in your face in an instant.

Condition yellow is as low as I ever go and orange is somewhere in the scheme almost every single day. Of course, I live in Miami, where, although not Detroit or New Orleans, bad things happen everyday. If you live in Pierre,South Dakota or El Paso,Texas, your comfort level is going to be much higher.

However, no matter where you are,watch your back, don't drift towards those electronic devices and get distracted, and treat every approaching person as a possible assailant. It could save your life, or at the very least, a lot of agony,grief and money.

 

[NavyLCDR]

Don't get your gun handling advice from the internet

or from CCW instructors, police officers or gun shop employees....

 

[telpinaro]

Tallywacker was worth the whole post! Seriously ,some excellent advice was given and there are always people new to the game that can use all the sound information they can get.

To me, the most important aspect of carrying a gun (or not) is to never allow yourself to drift into condition white.(Being a total oblivion). Bad things happen fast, that front door breaks in right quick and the mugger is in your pocket or has a gun or knife in your face in an instant.

Condition yellow is as low as I ever go and orange is somewhere in the scheme almost every single day. Of course, I live in Miami, where, although not Detroit or New Orleans, bad things happen everyday. If you live in Pierre,South Dakota or El Paso,Texas, your comfort level is going to be much higher.

However, no matter where you are,watch your back, don't drift towards those electronic devices and get distracted, and treat every approaching person as a possible assailant. It could save your life, or at the very least, a lot of agony,grief and money.

I know someone who likes to walk around town with headphones on... drives his girlfriend crazy.

I try to be aware everywhere I go, even in safe places. Even if I'm technically safe, it's always good practice. :smile:

 

[vernsimpson]

In pro sports, such as Golf, Baseball Football and others, when the pros want to get better they go back to the basics. Because over time they pick up some "bad" habits and going back to the basics can get rid of them!

The same can be said for those of us that carry. We say we KNOW the rules and such but we should keep them in mind and a reminder could not hurt every so often! The same can be said for going for training every chance we are able with different instructors.

 

[NCIC105]

Don't be a 180 degree guy!

 

[MamaLiberty]

I've just been here a little over a year, and I admit I've heard this a few times. However, if there's one thing I definitely need practice on, it's being more aware of my surroundings. My home is in a very low crime area, but I frequent areas that are not so low crime. So I become complacent when I'm at home and less aware than I should be when I go out.

So a reminder really doesn't hurt anyone.

A reminder is great. Practice, each and every time you leave the house for any reason... that's what will be of real benefit.

Situational Awareness
By Susan Callaway
Certified NRA Instructor for firearms, self defense

[From the book, "I Am NOT A Victim" available free to those who request it.] The Man I Might Have Killed | The Price of Liberty

The best gun skills in the world wouldn’t do you a bit of good in a violent attack unless you had the time and mental preparation to bring your gun into action – or take other evasive, defensive steps. Being aware of your surroundings at all times, and paying attention to your gut feelings and instincts, is just as important as the ability to hit what you shoot at – and maybe more.

 

[standingbear]

Good advice all around.