It has been said that some people change because they see the light and others change because they feel the heat. Regarding that latter group, some people only get serious about their personal defense after they have been the victim of a criminal attack.
Obviously, that is assuming that they survive that criminal attack. The smart thing to do is to realize that it can be very dangerous out there and do something about it before becoming an unprepared victim. Here are my thoughts on being
prepared.
Buy the Best You Can Afford
Buy the best quality gear that you can possibly afford. There is an old country saying, “Buy once, cry once" that applies. Good gear will require less repair, less maintenance, and less replacement. One might buy a cheap gun but then you have to add to that the cost of upgraded parts, trips to the gunsmith for repair and tuning, and the cost of early replacement.
In the long run, a better quality firearm generally costs less and gives better service over the long haul. The same is true with holsters, ammo, and other defensive shooting accessories. Get the good stuff; your life is worth it.
Sign Up for Professional Training
Over and over, we hear people say that they have been shooting since they were a kid. Even assuming that one has become a good shot, that is only one part of personal defense. Shooting a gun well is far different from being able to fight with a gun. It is certainly true that a week at a good school will cost as much as a week’s vacation; good instruction is not cheap. But good instruction will teach a person so many shortcuts that it is ultimately worth it in terms of time and financial expense.
Budget Time & Money for Ammo and Regular Practice
What can be learned at a good school is of little value unless the student goes home and practices what has been taught. And, that practice should be on a regular basis because those defensive skills are quickly diminishing skills. A person simply has to stay tuned up if they expect to be able to function successfully when faced with the reality of a criminal attack.
A person’s commitment to personal defense is a commitment to a different lifestyle. It is definitely an expensive endeavor, but one should keep in mind that it is an expense that may well save one’s life. How do you put a dollar value on your own life or that of a family member? Personal defense is not about how much fun it is to shoot guns at the public range; it is about staying alive and protecting yourself and loved ones. Sometimes we forget that.
