Funny thing – with how busy I’ve been, my herbal oil is just sitting in a pot and waiting to be turned into ointment.

I’m sure you all know what it’s like to have an over-flowing to-do list . . . well, to be honest, there are chores I avoid when I really ought to get them done . . . instead, I read a book or eat a piece of chocolate. But you probably know what that’s like, too. 🙂

So, I’ll try and finish my ointment later today and regale you with pictures next Friday.

So today, here’s the third in my weapons series:

Pros and Cons: Carrying a gun for self-defense.

This is a huge topic and also an emotional one for many, so hopefully I can discuss it in a logical, law-abiding manner.

Pros:

• Sense of safety that you are carrying a force-equalizing weapon that could save your life: ie. a small woman can hold off a large man or multiple attackers with a gun and distance.
• They come in many sizes and shapes for easy of carry and concealment. (In most of the U.S., a concealed carry permit is required whenever the gun can’t be seen by others, ie. in a purse, backpack or a car.)
• Significant visual deterrent – may be possible to stop an attack when the attacker sees the gun, without the need to fire it. (You still need to be mentally prepared to shoot to kill if you draw the gun.)
• Can be used at a distance. In fact, maintaining distance is crucial to prevent the gun being taken from you.

Cons:

• It takes a significant commitment of money, practice time and emotional maturity to regularly carry a concealed gun.
• Expensive – the initial purchase and ammo to keep skills up to date.
• Requires significant practice to effectively draw under pressure and shoot accurately.
• You may face increased scrutiny in situations where you are armed.
• As with all weapons, it can be used against you.
• More fatal than other methods of self-defense. You need to be mentally prepared to kill someone if you feel your life is threatened.
• Can hurt or kill innocents in the line of fire.
• Can cause tragedies if children or those with depression get access to the gun.

So what should you do if you decide to carry a gun?

First, read and study the laws where you live to know exactly what is required. In most of the United States, you’ll need to take a concealed carry class followed by registering for the concealed carry permit. States differ on needing a permit to purchase a gun, but licensed sellers will do a background check to make sure you meet the legal requirements to buy a gun.

Then you’ll need to decide what type and size of gun fits your needs.

My brother gave me a good tip. He suggested going to a firing range and paying a minimal fee to shoot a variety of guns to help find one that works well for you.

You might also try and find a friend with gun experience to be a mentor during this process, which is another way to try out different guns before buying one.

Next, decide how you’re going to carry it. This needs to be somewhere with fast access where others can’t easily tell you’re carrying a gun. Most will use a version of a waist holster, though there are also waist packs made to hold a small gun against the body. Some may use an ankle holster, but this significantly increases the time it takes to access your weapon.

Finally, determine how you are going to keep your gun secured when not in your possession. Choose a gun safe that will still allow you access during the night if needed. Take the time to educate family members to minimize chances of accidents.

And now that you legally own a gun with a way to secure and carry it, it’s time for the #1 rule about carrying weapons.

Practice, practice, practice!

You’ll want to work hard at becoming accurate in the situation you’re most likely to use your gun.

The rule of threes gives you an estimate of what to expect in a gun altercation: 3 yards from the attacker, 3 rounds shot, 3 seconds duration.

Crazy, isn’t it?

So much preparation and lives altered in such a short time.

But it emphasizes how you should prepare:

• Set up your practice target 3 to 5 yards away (increase the distance as your skill improves).
• Give yourself a mental scenario to visualize. Remember mental practice can be almost as effective as the real thing.
• Practice until you gain confidence that you can respond correctly when your adrenaline is rushing and your hands shaking.
• Some firing ranges require the gun be on the table and not pulled from a holster for safety reasons. In this case, an outdoor range or property with legal shooting would be a good choice for you to practice the complete encounter, from start to finish.
• Set up a regular practice schedule to keep skills fresh.

Example visualization:

• Look down the firing range
• Imagine a dark ally and see three gang members turn and notice you.
• The biggest one comes toward you aggressively.
• You look for a safe exit to run away and don’t have one. (avoiding a confrontation should always be your first response)
• You decide you may need to kill to defend yourself.
• Commit
• Pull your gun out from your holster in one smooth motion (practice this at home with an unloaded weapon until it’s second nature)
• Aim directly at the attacker and yell a verbal warning. “Stop or I’ll shoot!”, “Back off, now!”, etc.
• Imagine he laughs and attacks – either charges you or pulls out his own knife or gun.
• Shoot three bullets into your firing range target.
• Repeat this using various scenarios until you feel confident and prepared.

I’m not an expert by any means, so if I made mistakes or missed anything, please let me know, so I can correct them.

And if any of you conceal carry on a regular basis, I’d love to hear your opinions on the subject and any stories of needing to defend yourself with your weapon.

Stay safe out there!

Misty’s Writing Update:

Steph and I are wrapping up book 1 in our storm series this week and are trying to decide what type of bonus content to offer.

What do you think?

Which would interest you the most to come sign up for our newsletter?

A prequel (our ideas):

• About the two main characters’ mothers as they experience the storms. The mothers are only mentioned in Book 1 in the memories of the two MCs.
• Direct prequel explaining events just before the book starts: How the old mentor figure and his teenage nephew make it to the shelter where our first MC finds them at the beginning of the book. How the second MC finds herself in her scary situation at the start of the book.

Or bonus chapters:

• Two extra chapters, showing the part of the final battles that the MCs didn’t witness. Told from the point of view of the side characters.

I know it’s a bit hard to say, having not read the books. But we want to give the readers what they enjoy the most, so which idea catches your interest the most?

Happy reading this week,

— Misty 🙂