Sometimes it seems like the potential for a confrontation, or even an all-out brawl, has worsened in recent years. Maybe it's just the prevalence of cell phones and social media use, but we're seeing an ever-increasing number of assaults and fights happening across the country. It's wise to avoid a confrontation whenever possible, but sometimes you can't. We have a few tips and suggestions for surviving a confrontation, should you find yourself facing an assailant (that includes the guy with road rage because he feels you stole his parking space).
But First, a Word on Luck
You've probably seen the viral Waffle House footage showing a holiday fight at the popular restaurant. In one frame, a customer heaves a chair at a young woman behind the counter. And in what can only be described as incredible luck, the woman snatches the chair out of midair right before it hits her face, and tosses it aside. Is it possible for you, too, to survive a confrontation with blind luck? Sure, but it's not likely.
A great way to avoid confrontations entirely is to avoid going stupid places with stupid people and doing stupid things. It's the rule of stupid originally coined by firearms instructor John Farnham, and it's accurate. Although it's not always possible to avoid higher-risk areas, it frequently is, so when you can simply not go somewhere, don't go. If you have no choice but to go to a place where there's a greater likelihood of trouble, don't act like a fool, and don't participate in potentially dangerous behavior.
1. The Power of Avoidance
Any fight you walk away from is a fight won. It isn't cowardly or otherwise an insult to your masculinity or femininity to walk away. Many confrontations could be avoided if people simply left the area. You might want to defend your honor, whether verbally or physically, but it's more important to end your day in one piece and not in jail.
There are a few ways to manage this. One is to carry what gun guy Jack Clemons refers to as the “my bad 20.” This is literally a $20 bill you keep on your person to de-escalate a situation. Maybe you bumped into somebody and they spilled their drink. Well, a $20 will replace it, and then some. And if it's a parking spot scenario, maybe offer the $20 so the person can buy themselves lunch (or whatever).
An offering of what is, realistically, a small amount of money to get you out of what could easily evolve into a life-threatening scenario? Worth it. Other options include immediately apologizing for the perceived slight or, again, walking away. Please note this doesn't mean it's a great plan to turn your back on a threat, only that if you can leave, leave.
2. Know the Law
This isn't the most exciting survival tip, but it's key. It's your responsibility to understand the self-defense laws where you are. Claiming ignorance is never a viable legal defense, and checking out the laws in the aftermath won't do you any good. Understanding whether your state has Stand Your Ground or Castle Doctrine laws in place, and what that entails, is a must. Then there are the myriad laws about self-defense weapons and their use.
Overwhelmed? There are a lot of great sources that can help you educate yourself. Just do your homework and make sure it's a reliable, legit source, not some random dude on the internet.
3. Understand When To Use Your Carry Gun
Guns are not de-escalation tools and they're not objects that should be used to win a fight (thou shalt not brandish). Using your daily carry to defend your life is done specifically to defend your life, not to defend yourself against an insult. Similarly, drawing your gun in self-defense is something done when you have no other choice. You don't leave the scene of an assault, go get your gun, and return. It doesn't work that way. This goes back to knowing the law.
Take a class from a respected, knowledgeable source such as Massad Ayoob to learn the nuances of defensive gun use (and to get some structured live fire time in).
4. Carry a Secondary Self-Defense Tool
Have something on hand as a step you can take that's a level down from a firearm. The best option is pepper spray, which can be used for self-defense purposes and could end a confrontation without deploying lethal force. That means always having your pepper spray on hand. There are holster/sheath options, keychain versions, and, of course, the ability to just drop it in your pocket. Take the time to train with pepper spray, don't just assume you're good to go. Yes, there are classes for pepper spray, and they can make a significant difference in its effective use.
Some people like to carry a small knife as a backup or secondary tool. If you're going to carry an edged weapon for defensive purposes, make sure you know how to use it. Like pepper spray, a knife might seem straightforward, but in reality, there are a lot of nuances to knife use. And again, we cannot stress this enough: learn the laws regarding knives in your area, and in any area you intend to travel to or through. Blade length, blade deployment method—there are details you need to check before carrying a knife.
5. Learn Solid Handgun Retention Skills
In addition to using a holster designed to provide some level of retention, you should consider taking a class on handgun retention. The last thing you want is for your defensive firearm to be taken from you, right? Don't worry, there are classes for that. In those classes, you can learn the techniques necessary to keep your gun as your gun, not “our” gun or “their” gun.
Something else that belongs under this heading is force-on-force skills. Sometimes it seems as though the art of a fistfight has fallen by the wayside. A confrontation that escalates into a physical fight is going to involve close quarters and punches thrown. It's never a bad idea to have some decent force-on-force skills. Don't just assume you're going to get lucky like the young woman at the Texas Waffle House who managed to catch a flying chair in one hand and toss it away. Stack the deck in your favor with some training.
Read the original article in its entirety at gunmagwarehouse.com.
