 Cajun Arms Low Light Defensive Pistol We teach private citizens, law enforcement, and military. Rarely all three in the same class. There is quite a bit of overlap but they are three separate and distinct disciplines. We explain this in class but it gets blurred at times, often by the YouTube ninjas.
The three objectives of the categories are quite different. The soldier is bound by the specific rules of engagement for their situation. If permitted to engage, they close distance and destroy the enemy. Law Enforcement tracks down and apprehends suspects, hopefully without firing a shot. The armed citizen has an obligation to prevent bad guys from victimizing them. Yes, there is a strong chance that a life or death encounter may occur at night. However, there is rarely an encounter that will happen in total pitch-black darkness. Bad guys can’t find you in complete darkness. In most areas these days, there is no such thing as complete darkness. We think you should carry a compact flashlight. There are times a light is the only defense you can legally carry; such as on a plane, etc. You can strike with it and you can potentially scare someone away by “lighting him up”. If you use it while crossing a dim parking lot you may unknowingly prevent an attack from occurring. Weapon mounted lights (WML) are extraneous for most citizens. Armed citizens are not out clearing houses and such in complete darkness. They are not for clearing houses anyway. The average gun owner does not have the training and discipline to search with a WML. If I’m pointing my gun at something I already decided it potentially needs shooting. If the light does not automatically come on with a shooting grip, most folks won’t have the ability to turn it on under stress. The last criticism I have with WML’s is that the guns they ride on need special and often expensive holsters. They add bulk and are often uncomfortable. The next thing that happens is the gun isn’t carried. Weapon mounted lasers have the same set of rules as above unless they are grip activated. You should know how to hit a target without the use of a laser anyway. If you are concerned about “giving away your position”, the big question du jour is, “How are you being attacked if the bad guy didn’t know your position in the first place?” Keep training. Take one of our Low Light classes. See you at the range.  In our defensive firearms classes, we cover many topics in addition to the mechanics of running a gun. We discuss, mindset, avoidance, legalities, gear, and verbal commands. We also teach that we do not defend our “stuff”. If a burglar is leaving your house with a bagful of your possessions, let him leave! We are not seeking a fight. We simply want to be safe. Let him leave.
This brings us to what to say and not say to a potential burglar or thug. Think before you speak. If you round a corner and are suddenly confronted with an armed assailant it is not the time to start issuing forceful verbal commands. Acting submissive and showing your hands is a better response to try to diffuse the situation or plan a counter-attack if needed. Ask the assailant questions such as, “What do you want?”, etc. This will make most people pause. It is also difficult for most people to shoot and speak. (Keep this in mind for yourself if you are armed and issuing verbal commands.) Ensure your body language matches your verbal language. If feigning submission keep your chin tucked in, your hands up at the level of the assailant’s gun, palms facing him. When is the right time to issue strong verbal commands? If you see someone trying to pry open your window would be a good time. Especially if you are behind cover. Never get close enough to allow the thug to potentially grab you or your gun. How about a hostage situation? It’s going to depend. You certainly do not want to make a seriously tense situation worse. Remember that you may not want to give away your position if he doesn’t see you. The element of surprise is an advantage you may not want to relinquish. Think about what you would say if a bad guy dropped his gun and started complying to you. Imagine being very clear and concise and that your body language matches your commands. Thinking about theses skills ahead of time can keep you from freezing or losing the upper hand in an altercation. Remember that yelling and screaming commands may not be the answer. In certain situations, it may be prudent to speak softly or not at all. Think before you speak! |
AuthorJim Benoit's thoughts on guns, gear, & training Archives
July 2019
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