Self-Defense

Today's societal norms have many by-products that we are forced to deal with. One of these effects is the rapid increase in crime that was begun in large cities and is slowly working its way towards the smaller, more peaceful towns in the U.S.

It is my strongly held conviction that we must not rely on Law Enforcement Officers alone to protect us from the lowest common denominator. It is the responsibility nay, the duty, of the individual to ensure the safety of his or herself and their loved ones. What is the best thing you could use to prevent yourself from becoming a statistic, a victim? The mind. Remain aware of your surroundings, always work to maintain your level of alertness at its peak. Take the time to think how best to avoid getting into a bad situation before you walk into one.

Sometimes though, you just don't see it coming and you don't have the time to avoid a confrontation. If your life or the life of your family is in immediate danger and you have to resort to deadly force then, a firearm is the way to go. Depending on your state laws you can apply for and receive a Concealed Weapon Permit (CWP). It the State of Montana you can apply for one of these once you have reached the age of 18 after you have presented either a hunter's ed certificate or verification of having taken a Concealed Carry Class. Once you have received your permit you can carry a concealed firearm (of course) and you can fill out a 4473 (form filled out with purchase of firearm) without a NICS FBI call having to be performed.

Next, you need to find a holster system to use for your gun. I personally use a Sidearmor kydex holster but before long I will make the transition to running a Raven Concealment holster.

http://www.sidearmor.com/

http://www.ravenconcealment.com/

Before you even think of holsters however, you need to get a gun and quality self-defense ammunition. I won't even begin to cover ammo selection as there are many calibers available to the ordinary citizen and an even wider array of bullets to choose from within that caliber. However, whatever you choose to shoot in your gun, for whatever reason, make sure it works! It's fine to practice with plain old ball ammo but purchase enough of your defensive ammunition to ensure that it runs smoothly through your weapon's system without as much as a hiccup.

Remember, things in the gun industry are always changing and evolving. You can carry a firearm for 20 years and still learn more. So, take some time to learn all that you can about your gun and concealed carry. Best of all, be adaptable. Be willing to throw any bad habits that you may have away and adopt something that is more efficient and effective.

Don't take chances, don't be another statistic. Take the necessary actions now to safe guard the safety of yourself and those around you. Carrying concealed is a life style, not just an action.