When it comes to protecting our families from harm in our home, many of us in the gun community think in terms of buying a house in a safe neighborhood, home security systems, sturdy locks, outdoor lighting and yes, firearms, as a last line of defense should the unthinkable occur.
Depending on which survey you read, there are anywhere between 100,000 and 3.6 million defensive gun uses per year in the United States. One thing that almost everyone who studies such things agrees on is that, in a large number of the defensive gun uses that take place each year, no shot is ever fired. So, what separates displaying a firearm lawfully—or even justifiably pointing a firearm at another person—from a criminal charge of “brandishing,” or the unlawful display of a firearm?
Concealed carry is the practice of carrying a firearm (typically a handgun) on one’s physical person while taking steps to ensure that the presence of the firearm is undetectable to casual (or trained) observers. Concealed carry is often accomplished by securing the firearm in a holster specifically designed to aid concealment underneath everyday clothing.
March has been celebrated as Women’s History Month since 1987, when it was created through an act of Congress and is designated each year through presidential proclamation. The focus of this celebration is to recognize and honor the contributions and achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields. Often overlooked are the achievements of women with firearms, so here’s a brief look at some “badass” ladies with guns.
Whether it’s a private citizen defending their life from an attack or law enforcement apprehending a criminal, in today’s world there are many questions surrounding use of force. Although the term means different things when used with a civilian versus a government agent, everyone has questions about what level of force is warranted for a given situation. Police officers need to be aware of “excessive force” and civilians need to be wary of escalating a situation by using “disproportional force” in a self-defense incident. We all struggle to balance the value of human life against the need to respond, sometimes with deadly force, to an imminent threat.
There are many firearm safety tips, rules, and best practices. While many of the commonly taught firearm safety rules help prevent or minimize negative outcomes, there isn’t always a good explanation as to why the rules are in place. If you’re new to firearms, you might not know that quite a few of them either directly or indirectly address one issue: the accidental discharge (AD) of a firearm.
Home defense is an important topic for gun owners, not only because it tends to be the primary reason many people own firearms but also due to its many nuances. When trying to make a home defense plan for your place of residence, you might be wondering what gun to use, how to store or stage it, and what laws might pertain to you when protecting yourself from a violent home invasion. Before planning practical home defense strategies, it’s a good idea to have a general understanding of what it means to defend your place of residence.
It may not be immediately obvious how lessons from the self-defense world might help you have a drama-free holiday dinner, but there are many similarities between how you’d handle a potential violent encounter and drama brewing at the in-laws’ during dinner.
If you’ve ever listened to anyone talk about gun control, you’ve probably heard the term “Red Flag law” more times than you can count. But what actually are these laws? What do they accomplish that existing regulations don’t? Most importantly, how do Red Flag laws affect law-abiding people like you?
In a world where firearms play a significant role, responsible gun ownership is of paramount importance. Being a responsible firearm owner entails more than just possessing a firearm; it involves thorough weapon training, understanding the importance of firearm safety, and abiding by gun laws to prevent accidents (including when accidental discharges) and reduce gun violence.
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