Mindset, skillset, toolset
I know it seems that all I am doing is presenting stories in lieu of data, but I do think it is valid to draw from real life stories and try to learn any applicability to the present or future.
So, if you will indulge me, I would like to share one example, as I think it pertains. I do not know the veracity, but the lady concerned is trustworthy in my view, so I trust her recollection of events is accurate. At one point, near the "safe" and "good" little town of Troy, Idaho, said young woman was in one of the fields, near the road, tending the livestock when a vehicle containing three migrant workers passed by, then turned around and passed by slowly, then again, quite slowly, to come to a stop on the side of the road by the fence, about 10 yards from the lone woman. Naturally her alarm bells were ringing, she listened to them... the 3 males exited the car, asked questions regarding the presence of family, other laborers, etc. After 2 had crossed over onto the property (over a ditch), she felt it might be better to have clear access to her single action revolver and adjusted her coat accordingly. At this movement, all 3 males backed away, got into the car and left.
Now, in discussing this case with her, she stated her belief that she was being "interviewed" until they saw the weapon. I argue that they were continuing the victim selection process until they left, as they attempted to ascertain her mindset, skillset, and not her sidearm. In her body language, friendly but firm tone, physical motions, she exhibited a resolution to act, demonstrated skills that showed some skill, and they became aware of a tool.
It is common to become perhaps too concerned with the tool, and not concerned enough with determination or the ability to use a tool to the best that we can.
I want to tie the above with a couple of completely unscientific notes. Using the great example above of assailants coming around the truck at breakneck speed and reinforcing what JohnKSa and sidheshooter are writing. From timing my old, short pudgy self, I can walk halfway around the vehicle in apx. 6 seconds, trot in apx 3 seconds. Breakneck speed for sporting gym rat 17 y.o. youths are likely about 2, not longer than 3, conceivably about 1 second. Assuming 2 attackers have assessed the defender as their victim, the defender's likelihood of an unscathed victory are not what most of us would like.
In such a dire situation, we may agree with bsms (and others) that at least we will hurt the adversary in return, and not just be an "easy victim". This attitude itself, I suggest, is the mindset that will keep us from having to use the toolset.
On a side note, I was under the impression that sideplate screws were supposed to tightly down, and, unless one is a gunsmith or such, we ought not to remove it as a usual thing?
I digress.. the lady in the case above is illustrative both of mindset and of the use of barriers, the best time where I think the "high" capacity can be helpful, as the attack, or, attackers, are slowed/ blocked/ canalized etc and so are not strangling me in about a second.
Thanks
I know it seems that all I am doing is presenting stories in lieu of data, but I do think it is valid to draw from real life stories and try to learn any applicability to the present or future.
So, if you will indulge me, I would like to share one example, as I think it pertains. I do not know the veracity, but the lady concerned is trustworthy in my view, so I trust her recollection of events is accurate. At one point, near the "safe" and "good" little town of Troy, Idaho, said young woman was in one of the fields, near the road, tending the livestock when a vehicle containing three migrant workers passed by, then turned around and passed by slowly, then again, quite slowly, to come to a stop on the side of the road by the fence, about 10 yards from the lone woman. Naturally her alarm bells were ringing, she listened to them... the 3 males exited the car, asked questions regarding the presence of family, other laborers, etc. After 2 had crossed over onto the property (over a ditch), she felt it might be better to have clear access to her single action revolver and adjusted her coat accordingly. At this movement, all 3 males backed away, got into the car and left.
Now, in discussing this case with her, she stated her belief that she was being "interviewed" until they saw the weapon. I argue that they were continuing the victim selection process until they left, as they attempted to ascertain her mindset, skillset, and not her sidearm. In her body language, friendly but firm tone, physical motions, she exhibited a resolution to act, demonstrated skills that showed some skill, and they became aware of a tool.
It is common to become perhaps too concerned with the tool, and not concerned enough with determination or the ability to use a tool to the best that we can.
I want to tie the above with a couple of completely unscientific notes. Using the great example above of assailants coming around the truck at breakneck speed and reinforcing what JohnKSa and sidheshooter are writing. From timing my old, short pudgy self, I can walk halfway around the vehicle in apx. 6 seconds, trot in apx 3 seconds. Breakneck speed for sporting gym rat 17 y.o. youths are likely about 2, not longer than 3, conceivably about 1 second. Assuming 2 attackers have assessed the defender as their victim, the defender's likelihood of an unscathed victory are not what most of us would like.
In such a dire situation, we may agree with bsms (and others) that at least we will hurt the adversary in return, and not just be an "easy victim". This attitude itself, I suggest, is the mindset that will keep us from having to use the toolset.
On a side note, I was under the impression that sideplate screws were supposed to tightly down, and, unless one is a gunsmith or such, we ought not to remove it as a usual thing?
I digress.. the lady in the case above is illustrative both of mindset and of the use of barriers, the best time where I think the "high" capacity can be helpful, as the attack, or, attackers, are slowed/ blocked/ canalized etc and so are not strangling me in about a second.
Thanks
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