The Constitution safeguards the right of all citizens to have and to bear arms. Nowhere does it specify that any level of training is required. Indeed, it is not. Is training a Jim-dandy idea? Sure! But to require run-and-gun ability in order for a little old lady to have even a chance to save her own life is simply wrong. Having the right to have a firearm doesn't mean you will prevail against an attack. Having the firearm itself doesn't ensure you will prevail, nor does advanced tactical training. But all people are insured of the right to have an opportunity to defend themselves, even with a firearm.
Some people manage to sever their foot while operating a lawnmower, but this doesn't mean that the government should require advanced training in lawncare and power equipment for everyone who would like to do yard work.
I am aware of what can be termed the "pucker factor" in a fight-or-flight encounter. Motor skills degrade. In spite of this I was able to acquit myself very well in just such an encounter many years before I received any training. The training helps.
Why is it that so many people think that an armed citizen is automatically going to fail and can't possibly prevail, ever. These same folks always think that any thug (who has the benefit of absolutely no training) with a gun will reign surpreme, wreaking mayem and murder, only stopped when the Government shows up.
Man! The air up here is really thin; I better climb back down now.

 

It is BS, and you and I both know that it is. But aside from that, you did not understand the question I posed. It wasn't about what you would do, it was what you would want the legally armed citizen to do in your absence.

If necessary, I can re-quote the question for you.

 

I'd rather have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. But here are my 0.02... If you carry a weapon, be prepared to use it. If you're not sure to be able to do so, just leave the iron at home.

 

As a certified firearms instructor this is the training I give my wife and kids:

When to shoot: Only when you're in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury.

How to shoot: Point gun at center mass and pull trigger. Repeat as needed.

Call 911 and ask for a highly trained police officer to respond and take the report.


___________________
2008 Heritage Classic: His
2008 Deluxe: Hers

 

HOGLAW: Some good advice.

I kept my ASP Baton after turning in my commission card (now I'm a desk driver)...I'd like to hear your thoughts on guys carrying an ASP instead of handguns? It may not be the best, but it sure beats not having anything (and you run less risk of getting in trouble with local LEO's)

 

I went across this country with my fiance from NJ south through Tennessee, Texas,Nevada up through California then hit Oregon and headed home. I never once thought I would need some type of weapon.

 

Batons are one of those strange items...legalwise. A lot like knives. Okay in some places, illegal in others. I always liked mine, although I left police work before the ASP. We carried a short baton in a small pocket on the right rear thigh, and a long baton in a ring on the left side of the gun belt.

If properly trained, a baton is a formidable weapon. If not trained the inclination is to take a head shot and that only causes lots of blood.

I don't know if HR 218 allows for batons, or only firearms, but doubt any real cop would care if a retired LEO carried an ASP.

For the purposes of the original question I don't think a baton is a good self defense weapon for the average person. You really need to know how to use it for it to be effective, and a lot of people today have enough trouble figuring out how to dial 9-1-1 (old joke about the blond who couldn't call 911 because her phone didn't have an eleven).

 

I see we have a number of LEO's here. What would the consequences be for a citizen hero who shoots and injures another commiting a crime? What if the one who is shot dies ?

 

More or less.

You have the same problem I do infortunately

I was a military rangemaster. The issue is that if I draw I'm more then likely going to shoot, and at that point someone is going to be in a bad way.

So now I'm a trained killer in court and it doesn't matter that someone broke into my home. Better to be judged by 12 then carried by 6 I guess.


I also tell people that if they are going to hesitate about shooting someone, not to buy a firearm. People get shot by thier own guns because they think it is like the movies.

 

I agree with most of the posts get a CCW permit in your home state... then check the reciprocate laws in the states you will travel through and don't forget some states have open carry laws, you can wear it right on your side...