Do gun owners need to learn self defense?
Why would I need to learn self-defense if I have a concealed carry license?
This is a question that has come up recently, and I think it is a legitimate one to ask. Here are three things I would encourage you to consider if you are someone who carries a firearm for self-defense.
1. What will your life be like after you pull the trigger? Consider what happens after you use deadly force. Is it possible that you could be made the victim in the legal system, even if you believe your actions were justified? Sometimes, using your gun isn’t appropriate in a self-defense situation. Imagine you’re at a family gather, maybe a wedding, and uncle “Bob” gets violently belligerent. Do you think it would be appropriate to defend yourself or someone else with a firearm in that situation?
2. Do you think you will be able to successfully draw your weapon 100% of the time under all circumstances? It is very possible that you could find yourself in a position where you do not have the time, or space to draw your weapon for self-defense. You could be pinned. There could be other people behind the aggressor who could be killed or injured if you fire your weapon.
3. Do you go anywhere where firearms are not allowed? Do you fly? Do you ever travel to other countries? There are many places that you likely visit during the course of daily life that are illegal to carry a weapon, or that do not allow firearms on the premises. Just because you don’t have your weapon on you, it doesn’t mean your need for self-protection magically disappears. It is my belief that if I were naked in a desert, I would still want to be capable of protecting myself.
What about you?
Is learning unarmed self-defense worth your time? You be the judge.