Indefensible? Not Necessarily…

I’ve not seen the new Batman movie yet, and have to admit I’m in no big rush anymore. Even my boys aren’t in as big of a yank as they used to be, though being young boys, they’re certain to feel differently soon enough. Doesn’t make sense if you really think about it anyway – I’d say the chance of a similar event happening anytime soon is approaching zero.

Nevertheless, here are some tips on how to protect yourself from an Aurora-type mass shooting attack, from former SEAL Brandon Webb.

I’m certainly not prepared to debate this man’s advice despite my previous statement, namely that “the best defense against a gun is another gun.”

All things being equal, I’m sure he’d agree with me. But as his post illustrates, all things are typically not equal. In particular, there’s one aspect of concealed carry I’d not thought about: how likely are you to get hosed by the legal system? This will depend on where you live, of course (and assuming you didn’t do anything stupid):

Think seriously about whether it’s worth a Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) permit  in states where you’re likely to get screwed by a jury if you use it.  Example: I can get a CCW in CA but I’m likely screwed if I shoot somebody.

Certainly true, that. Like it or not, every bullet you send downrange has a lawyer attached to it. I had the displeasure of witnessing a shooting in our neighborhood grocery store, in the middle of the afternoon on a dull winter day. In other words, absolutely the last thing I expected to encounter. Now, I’m quite comfortable around firearms and consider myself a good shot (thanks USMC), but this was a real wake-up call.

Sudden, unexpected violence tends to send your nervous system into all kinds of weirdness. That’s why Mr. Webb has the advantage of the world’s best training and actual use of said training in combat.

So if I’d been carrying, could I have done any good or would it have just made matters worse?

No way to know the answer to that. But hitting an unpredictable target 20 feet away, who happens to be in close proximity to a half-dozen potential victims, while you’re fighting an adrenaline spike, sounds like an express ticket to court with an unknowable outcome.

Not to say it’s better to end up dead than in prison (who knows – it might be), but the above calculus changes considerably if you’re the one directly threatened and it’s close quarters.

The best action in a violent encounter is to get out of Dodge, if you have the option. And that’s what his post is all about: creating options, such as a) not making yourself a target, b) useful weapons that don’t include the word “gun”, and c) avoiding such situations in the first place. For example, here’s something I’d never thought of: carrying a high-lumen tactical flashlight instead of a firearm:

In Aurora, the shooter was severely weighted down with armor and his helmet would have also limited his vision. You can use all this to your advantage.

Flashlight anyone? I have one for daily carry and take it everywhere with me.  It’s become another extension of me and has diffused at least two potentially violent confrontations in a non-lethal way. I recommend the Surefire P2X Fury Dual Output LED.

How to use it in this situation?

I would have pulled my high lumens pocket flashlight and blinded this guy. The high powered beam would have taken away his vision for 3-4 seconds, which is an eternity and enough time to flight or fight. There’s also no shame in surviving and getting you and your loved ones out of harm – especially little ones. Be a Hero to your kids and family for surviving, nobody can expect more of you than that.

Not to mention that with a little training and practice, a sturdy piece of metal in your hand can be an incredibly effective weapon.

Our nation has owed an awful lot to the Special Ops community over the last decade. It’s nice to get some pointers we can use here at home from the people who’ve Been There and Done That.

Finally, support their movement to out and shame the losers who falsely claim to be SOF vets. Just because the Supreme Court says it’s legal doesn’t make it right.