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Choosing a self-defense system is very personal, and
making this choice takes considerable thought and
planning. Here are some guidelines to consider, but
remember, the ultimate choice is yours.
Only
your life depends on it.
WEAPON SYSTEM
Which gun? Actually the answer is pretty simple. The
one you will have with you when you need it. Choose the
biggest caliber you can comfortable carry and more
importantly, will carry. Having an 88 magnum at home is
a poor choice when you are having the poop kicked out of
you in the parking lot of the local "Stop + Rob". In a
crisis, any reliable gun that you have trained with, is
better than no gun at all.
RELIABILITY
No matter which gun you choose, it is imperative that
you fire it on a regular basis. Most guns need some sort
of work on them to make them reliable and user friendly.
Have this work done by a competent gunsmith. Do only
what needs to be done. Keep the system simple and
reliable. Remember, only your life depends on it.
RETENTION SYSTEM
Carrying a gun should become part of your daily life
and also your wardrobe. You may very well need more than
one retention device to suit all your needs. You may
wear an inside the pants holster during your workday and
have to switch to a fanny pack to go with your jeans and
T-shirt in the evening. Keep an open mind and find the
system that works for you. The system should hold the
gun securely in place especially if you are manhandled.
It should only require one hand to get a firing grip,
and deploy as your other hand may be occupied in fending
your assailant off.
TRAINING
Without proper training and the mind set that comes
with it, your gun can be a liability rather than an
asset. We know that under stress we will do one of two
things:
1. Freeze: the old familiar "I can't
believe this is happening to me" or,
2. Reflexively
revert to that which we have trained to
do.
Training not only gives you the
physical skills necessary to respond to a sudden attack
but more importantly, the mind set to defend yourself.
The fight is won or lost in your head, way before the
real potential fight ever takes place. Go to a
recognized training institution and get an education.
Remember, only your life depends on it.
The ONLY reason to fight is to WIN.
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