There are a lot of people out there buying personal defense weapons, lethal and less-than-lethal. I think
Pepper spray, kubatons, extendable batons, tazers, and/or guns, among other defense weapons, can all be great personal defense weapons when used properly. However, after buying their defense weapon, most people will stash it somewhere and won't think about it again until it is time to use it.
I support your right to defend yourself, but, in my opinion, not doing any extended training with your weapon sets you up for a worse situation than you would have been if you just didn't defend yourself. Recently I have run into several people who were not comfortable with their weapon and didn't know how to get comfortable, or even that they could become comfortable with a weapon. A few had the idea that, while they didn't like their weapon or didn't really feel comfortable using it now, as soon as the first sign of trouble arose they would become efficient and even eager to use that same weapon. Some just assumed that everyone was, to some degree or another, uncomfortable with their personal defense weapon and always would be. There were a few who bought a weapon for the sole purpose of using it as an intimidation factor and never planned on using it. None of these theories are very wise. I'm going to address each of these, one at a time.
First, to those who believe that they will become efficient with their weapon/s when the time comes to use them; Our experiences have taught us that what you train is what will come out during a confrontation, only in worse form. Unless you spend time training you will never handle yourself well in a bad situation. If I have not trained and used a particular weapon, my draw is likely to be clumsy and uncoordinated and I will have to fumble around to figure out what to do with the weapon. Even with hours in training you may not respond as you hoped you would, but you will most definitely respond better than you would without any training at all.
Next, those who assume that everyone is, to one degree or another, uncomfortable with their weapon; I can't speak for everyone, but I will not carry a weapon, be it pepper spray, a baton, a gun, or anything else, with intentions to use it unless I am totally comfortable with carrying, drawing and using that particular weapon. A very common reason for this problem, especially with women, is that someone else has pressured this person into buying a particular self defense weapon. Just because a baton or a .45 caliber 1911 is a good choice for your boyfriend does not mean it is an ideal choice for you. Find something that you feel comfortable using. Get a professional help to find something if you have to. Do NOT just take a personal defense weapon because someone else likes it. Find what fits you, what you are comfortable using, and get training on how to effectively use it. Practice, Practice, Practice.
To those who carry a weapon for intimidation only. You are asking to be harmed with your own weapon. The only reason you should pull a weapon is because someone is threatening your physical safety and well being. If someone is threatening your safety they are most likely also willing to use a weapon to harm you. If you present a weapon with no intention of using it, or no idea how to use it, you run a high risk of being disarmed and having your own weapon used against you. You would be safer to carry your cell phone and be prepared to call 911 if an emergency arose.
There is no substitute for getting hands on training, with your own weapon in particular.The risk of being disarmed and harmed with your own weapon is high for anyone with lack of training or anyone uncomfortable with the thought of using their weapon. The only way to get comfortable with your weapon it to handle it and practice with it. If you are uncomfortable training by yourself, get a professional's help or ask someone you know to help you. There will always be someone willing to give you an opinion or help you out. If you are going to carry it, be prepared to use it. TRAIN
C. Bertin
I support your right to defend yourself, but, in my opinion, not doing any extended training with your weapon sets you up for a worse situation than you would have been if you just didn't defend yourself. Recently I have run into several people who were not comfortable with their weapon and didn't know how to get comfortable, or even that they could become comfortable with a weapon. A few had the idea that, while they didn't like their weapon or didn't really feel comfortable using it now, as soon as the first sign of trouble arose they would become efficient and even eager to use that same weapon. Some just assumed that everyone was, to some degree or another, uncomfortable with their personal defense weapon and always would be. There were a few who bought a weapon for the sole purpose of using it as an intimidation factor and never planned on using it. None of these theories are very wise. I'm going to address each of these, one at a time.
First, to those who believe that they will become efficient with their weapon/s when the time comes to use them; Our experiences have taught us that what you train is what will come out during a confrontation, only in worse form. Unless you spend time training you will never handle yourself well in a bad situation. If I have not trained and used a particular weapon, my draw is likely to be clumsy and uncoordinated and I will have to fumble around to figure out what to do with the weapon. Even with hours in training you may not respond as you hoped you would, but you will most definitely respond better than you would without any training at all.
Next, those who assume that everyone is, to one degree or another, uncomfortable with their weapon; I can't speak for everyone, but I will not carry a weapon, be it pepper spray, a baton, a gun, or anything else, with intentions to use it unless I am totally comfortable with carrying, drawing and using that particular weapon. A very common reason for this problem, especially with women, is that someone else has pressured this person into buying a particular self defense weapon. Just because a baton or a .45 caliber 1911 is a good choice for your boyfriend does not mean it is an ideal choice for you. Find something that you feel comfortable using. Get a professional help to find something if you have to. Do NOT just take a personal defense weapon because someone else likes it. Find what fits you, what you are comfortable using, and get training on how to effectively use it. Practice, Practice, Practice.
To those who carry a weapon for intimidation only. You are asking to be harmed with your own weapon. The only reason you should pull a weapon is because someone is threatening your physical safety and well being. If someone is threatening your safety they are most likely also willing to use a weapon to harm you. If you present a weapon with no intention of using it, or no idea how to use it, you run a high risk of being disarmed and having your own weapon used against you. You would be safer to carry your cell phone and be prepared to call 911 if an emergency arose.
There is no substitute for getting hands on training, with your own weapon in particular.The risk of being disarmed and harmed with your own weapon is high for anyone with lack of training or anyone uncomfortable with the thought of using their weapon. The only way to get comfortable with your weapon it to handle it and practice with it. If you are uncomfortable training by yourself, get a professional's help or ask someone you know to help you. There will always be someone willing to give you an opinion or help you out. If you are going to carry it, be prepared to use it. TRAIN
C. Bertin
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