Every time we read of one of these psycho-shooters, we hear CCW-holders claim the panacea that “…if a CCW had been there…”. For fact, we can point to instances in history where a CCWer did stop a crime. But, in reality, how well-prepared are most CCW-holders?
How many CCW-holders practice on weekly basis? Monthly? Quarterly basis? For fact, some simply re-qualify every 3 to 5 years. I actually saw that happen. The gentleman failed the CCW-renewal-shooting-test...at 7 yards, he could not hit a 12" paper plate. Equally important, I ponder at what distance do most CCW-holders practice for engagement? Do they practice Tactical Shooting? Can they scoot-while-they-shoot? Can they shoot over, under, around cover? Can "cover" and move an unarmed person to safety, and not lose body contact...oh yes...and while they do this, they must hit the target 17 of 17 shots? That is Advanced Tactical Shooting, my friends.
It seems to me that we assume that all CCW-holders can, could, would be able to do this. But can they? Can you? Have you taken and passed a Tactical Shooting course? Have you taken and passed an Advanced Tactical Shooting course?
Some additional points that I believe we should ponder include, what if a shooting breaks out at 75 yards, and you have no cover available at a closer range? Are you sufficiently accomplished to engage this bad-guy who has a carbine? I think there is more to consider than simply we should be allowed to carry whenever, and wherever. Does our current practice have us prepared for extended-distance engagements?
The very sad fact is, we do not know what outcomes might have changed if CCWs had been allowed in the most recent mall shooting. I'm just thinking out-loud. I know my answers to all of these. I don't know your answers, and I will not assume. Please keep the conversation THR. There is room to disagree to be certain.
Doc2005
How many CCW-holders practice on weekly basis? Monthly? Quarterly basis? For fact, some simply re-qualify every 3 to 5 years. I actually saw that happen. The gentleman failed the CCW-renewal-shooting-test...at 7 yards, he could not hit a 12" paper plate. Equally important, I ponder at what distance do most CCW-holders practice for engagement? Do they practice Tactical Shooting? Can they scoot-while-they-shoot? Can they shoot over, under, around cover? Can "cover" and move an unarmed person to safety, and not lose body contact...oh yes...and while they do this, they must hit the target 17 of 17 shots? That is Advanced Tactical Shooting, my friends.
It seems to me that we assume that all CCW-holders can, could, would be able to do this. But can they? Can you? Have you taken and passed a Tactical Shooting course? Have you taken and passed an Advanced Tactical Shooting course?
Some additional points that I believe we should ponder include, what if a shooting breaks out at 75 yards, and you have no cover available at a closer range? Are you sufficiently accomplished to engage this bad-guy who has a carbine? I think there is more to consider than simply we should be allowed to carry whenever, and wherever. Does our current practice have us prepared for extended-distance engagements?
The very sad fact is, we do not know what outcomes might have changed if CCWs had been allowed in the most recent mall shooting. I'm just thinking out-loud. I know my answers to all of these. I don't know your answers, and I will not assume. Please keep the conversation THR. There is room to disagree to be certain.
Doc2005