A Disabled American Veteran's Perspective on Firearm Ownership and Training

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As a disabled American veteran, I've seen firsthand the importance of being prepared for any situation. Owning and carrying a weapon is only 50% of the equation. Training is the other 50%. Shooting a paper target is essential for learning the fundamentals of shooting, such as grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control. However, the necessity of learning beyond paper is even more important. Life changes drastically when bullets are coming your direction. It's not the weapon that gets you through a firefight just like a fire extinguisher can't put out the fire if not used properly. It's not the caliber that dictates the winner. The winner is the person who puts rounds on target fastest.

The Importance of Realistic Training

Many people think that owning a firearm is enough to keep them safe. However, without proper training, a firearm can be more of a liability than an asset. In a high-stress situation, your body will revert to its training. Muscle memory is an amazing thing, but it needs to be developed through realistic and consistent training.

One of the most important aspects of firearm training is learning to hit a moving target. In most cases, your target isn't going to just stand there and let you shoot them. This is where realistic training comes into play. We use airsoft and sim rounds to practice attacker/victim scenarios. This type of training helps to build muscle memory and prepares you for the reality of a self-defense situation.

Being a Hunter vs. Being Ready for a Split-Second Altercation

Being a hunter can provide some valuable skills, such as marksmanship and patience. However, it may not fully prepare you for a split-second altercation. Hunting typically involves a calm, controlled environment where you have time to line up your shot. In a self-defense situation, you may have mere seconds to react, and your target will likely be moving and potentially returning fire.

The adrenaline rush and stress of a life-threatening situation are vastly different from the calm of a hunting trip. While hunting can improve your shooting skills, it does not replicate the high-stress, rapid decision-making required in a self-defense scenario. This is why realistic training is crucial.

Using Airsoft for Realistic Training

Airsoft guns are excellent tools for realistic training. They allow you to practice in a safe and controlled environment without the risk of serious injury. Here's how to use airsoft properly for realistic training:

  1. Safety First: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when using airsoft guns. This includes eye protection, face masks, and gloves.
  2. Realistic Scenarios: Set up scenarios that mimic real-world self-defense situations. This can include home invasions, carjackings, and other high-stress scenarios.
  3. Movement and Cover: Practice moving and using cover effectively. In a real altercation, you won't be standing still. Learn to shoot while moving and using available cover.
  4. Communication: If you're training with a partner, practice communicating effectively. Good communication can be the difference between life and death in a real altercation.
  5. Stress Training: Incorporate stress training into your airsoft practice. This can include physical activity before shooting, such as running or doing push-ups, to simulate the adrenaline rush of a real altercation.

Using Sim Rounds for Realistic Training

Sim rounds, or simulation rounds, are non-lethal training ammunition designed to mimic the feel and function of live ammunition. They are typically used in force-on-force training scenarios to provide a more realistic experience. Here's how to use sim rounds properly for realistic training:

  1. Safety First: Always wear appropriate PPE when using sim rounds. This includes eye protection, face masks, gloves, and protective clothing.
  2. Realistic Scenarios: Set up scenarios that mimic real-world self-defense situations. Sim rounds allow for a higher level of realism, as they can be used in force-on-force training with role-players.
  3. Force-on-Force Training: Use sim rounds to practice force-on-force scenarios, where you engage with live role-players acting as attackers. This type of training helps to build muscle memory and prepares you for the reality of a self-defense situation.
  4. Stress Inoculation: Incorporate stress inoculation into your sim round training. This involves gradually exposing yourself to higher levels of stress in a controlled environment, allowing you to build resilience and maintain performance under pressure.

The Importance of PPE

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial when using airsoft guns and sim rounds for training. Here are the types of PPE you should use:

  1. Eye Protection: Always wear ANSI-rated safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from airsoft BBs and sim round impacts.
  2. Face Masks: Full-face masks or half-face masks with lower face protection are recommended to protect your face and teeth.
  3. Gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from BB and sim round impacts.
  4. Long Sleeves and Pants: Wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from BB and sim round impacts.
  5. Neck Protection: Consider wearing a neck protector to guard against BB and sim round impacts to the neck.
  6. Groin Protection: Wear a groin protector to guard against BB and sim round impacts to the groin area.
  7. Chest Protection: Consider wearing a chest protector to guard against BB and sim round impacts to the chest.

Stress Training

In addition to realistic training, it's important to incorporate stress training into your firearm practice. Stress training helps to control the cortisol dump that occurs in a high-stress situation. This can help you to remain calm and focused during and after a self-defense situation.

One example of stress training is the "3-Second Rule" exercise. In this exercise, you have three seconds to draw your weapon, acquire your target, and fire. This exercise helps to build speed and accuracy under pressure. Another example is the "Shoot/No-Shoot" exercise. In this exercise, you are presented with a series of targets and must quickly decide whether to shoot or not shoot based on the threat level. This exercise helps to build decision-making skills under pressure.

After the Shooting Stops

It's important to remember that once the shooting stops, there is still a lot to deal with. You may need to render first aid, call the police, and deal with the legal and emotional aftermath of a self-defense situation. Being prepared for these eventualities is just as important as being prepared for the initial threat.

Preparation is Key

I often tell folks that my gun is just like the fire extinguisher in my kitchen. You may never need it, but in those three minutes that you do, you are extremely glad you had it. The same goes for firearm training. You may never need to use your firearm in self-defense, but if you do, you'll be glad you invested the time and effort into proper training.

Examples and Exercises

Here are some examples and exercises to help you develop your firearm skills:

  1. Moving Target Practice: Set up a moving target at the range and practice hitting it from various distances and angles. Start slow and gradually increase the speed of the target as your skills improve.
  2. Attacker/Victim Scenarios: Use airsoft or sim rounds to practice realistic attacker/victim scenarios. This can include home invasions, carjackings, and other self-defense situations.
  3. 3-Second Rule Exercise: Set up a timer and practice drawing your weapon, acquiring your target, and firing within three seconds. This exercise helps to build speed and accuracy under pressure.
  4. Shoot/No-Shoot Exercise: Set up a series of targets with varying threat levels. Practice quickly deciding whether to shoot or not shoot based on the threat level. This exercise helps to build decision-making skills under pressure.
  5. Stress Shooting: Incorporate physical activity into your shooting practice to simulate the stress of a real-world self-defense situation. This can include running, jumping jacks, or other physical activities before shooting.

Citations and Resources

Here are some resources to help you develop your firearm skills and knowledge:

Conclusion

Owning and carrying a firearm is a serious responsibility. It's not enough to simply own a weapon; you must also invest the time and effort into proper training. Realistic training, stress training, and preparation for the aftermath of a self-defense situation are all crucial components of responsible firearm ownership. I pray that you never need to use your firearm in self-defense, but if you do, you'll be glad you were prepared.

Stay safe, stay vigilant, and always be prepared.

Sincerely,

A Disabled American Veteran

Disclaimer: The information and exercises provided in this journal entry and training guide are for educational and informational purposes only. Always follow safe firearm handling practices and seek professional instruction from a certified firearm instructor before attempting any new training or exercises. The author and publisher of this journal entry and training guide assume no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or damages resulting from the use of this information.

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