Reply #85: You have an interesting post. One that I'd like to remark on in my real life experience. [View All]

[Hoopla Phil]

Back in 95 when Texas got it's concealed carry law I took several "personal protection" classes. Some dealt with hand to hand and some dealt with using firearms. In one firearms class I came upon a very personal educational experience.

You see, I had been a competitor in USPSA/IPSC for a number of years when the Texas CHL law went into affect and I wanted to be prepared and educated for when/if I should ever have to use my tool of last resort. So, in this class we were faced with an array of opponents down rang (targets). When the instructor's buzzer went off we were supposed to draw and go to the "low ready" position. With all my IPSC (USPSA) participation I was unable to do this. EVERY time the buzzer went off I instinctively drew my .45, aimed at center mass, and pulled the trigger - I just couldn't help myself no matter. It actually became quite comical as every time the buzzer went off there was that unmistakable "click" of my "fireing" my .45 officers ACP.

In the end I learned much more from that class than what was advertised. I simply do not have the option of drawing my firearm in an effort to intimidate or scare my advisory, because if I should draw my firearm in a life or death situation it WILL go "bang".

I'm glad I took that class. If for no other reason, I learned that I MUST leave my firearm holstered until the last possible moment.