SELF-DEFENSE COMBAT SHOOTING - PART 3

SELF-DEFENSE COMBAT SHOOTING – PART 3

By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP
Copyright 2022 - All rights reserved

Veteran US Army – Vietnam War
Veteran Drug Enforcement Agent
Veteran Law Enforcement Professional
Journalist and Freelance Author

June 17, 2022

CONCEALED CARRY (CCW) LICENSE

A CONCEALED CARRY (CCW) license authorizes an owner to carry a concealed firearm for personal protection and may be obtained from any State in the United States allowing a concealed weapon to be carried for self-defense. The requirements vary, from state-to-state. Normally, states issuing a (CCW) license requires the applicant to complete a mandatory background check, pay the required licensing fees, and complete the required (CCW) handgun safety course and shooting class. Pursuant to the submission of the application, payment of required fees, and completion of the required shooting class mandatory requirements it’s up to the issuing state agency to determine whether or not a (CCW) license is issued to you.

Further, some states are now requiring the (CCW) license holder to purchase liability insurance in order to carry a concealed firearm in public. Notwithstanding, it’s up to each states legislature to determine: 1) the legal requirements necessary to obtain a (CCW), 2) the definition of a concealed handgun, 3) whether-or-not mandatory (CCW) liability insurance is required to carry concealed in public, and 4) if so, the exact amount of (CCW) liability insurance coverage necessary to carry a concealed firearm in a public venue..

BODY LOCATIONS AND POSITIONS WHILE CARRYING CONCEALED

The number 1 body location and position I DON’T RECOMMEND TO CARRY A CONCEALED CARRY FIREARM IS: “THE APPENDIX CARRY.” Bar none, this is the most dangerous location and position an individual can carry a loaded firearm. More specifically, the “Appendix Carry” is a new term and can be defined as: The “Appendix Carry” is a newer term for this same carrying style, referring to the way your holster rests against your abdomen, around the general location of your appendix. Typically, the placement of the firearm in this style of carry is often about half way between the pants pocket and the waistband button (belly button).

CONS: The most serious disadvantage of appendix carry occurs when one has a negligent discharge (ND) while drawing or re-holstering the firearm. When a gun is carried on the hip, or behind the hip, an (ND) usually only results in a relatively minor wound to the buttocks or back of the thigh. On the other hand, if an (ND) occurs while exercising the “Appendix Carry” position the fired weapon can cause catastrophic damage to the individuals pelvic area including, but not limited to, the genital area, stomachs, pelvic area and thigh. As painful as each one will be, perhaps the most dangerous is the thigh which carries the femoral artery – the main artery of the leg. Without immediate medical treatment, the injury may cause rapid death to the injured party. To illustrate an accidental discharge while carrying a firearm please review the following:

EXAMPLES OF ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE:

Number 1: A realistic example of an accidental discharge occurring while carrying concealed inside a waist band can be illustrated of an accidental discharge with a Drug Enforcement Agent. Special Agent Robert Fouquet was assisting in stopping a vehicle whose occupants and the vehicle were the subject of search warrants for illegal drugs. Special Agent Fouquet always carried a cocked and locked Colt 45 caliber 1911 semi-auto pistol behind his back and in an inside the waist band holster.

After re-holstering, the weapon accidentally discharged, by itself, while inside his pants without Special Agent Fouquet hand on it. The event was witnessed by several Agents standing by, myself included. The fired projectile traversed his buttocks, from top to bottom, and exited onto the side of the interstate. Upon inspection, the firearm was still in the cocked and locked position with the safety on.

Number 2: Recently, SIG SAUER is having their share of accidental discharges with their Sig P 320. Even though Sig has claimed no liability or responsibility for the discharges, non-the-less, owners are sustaining injures, claiming the firearms are discharging by themselves, and law suits are being filed over the matter.

This is why I never recommend carrying a concealed firearm in the ‘Appendix Position.” An inspection of the firearm, by the armory, revealed the weapon malfunctioned because of mechanical issues unforeseen by Special Agent Fouquet. “Appendix Carry” may look good on You Tube, but in practicality there are much safer ways to carry a firearm while exercising lawful concealed carry.

Today, firearms are designed to be safe with multiple safety stop gaps to prevent an accidental discharge being designed into them. However, no matter how safe their made accidental discharges can and still do happen. Case in point – the two previous examples. This analogy clearly illustrates that a firearm is subject to a catastrophic failure, at any time, no matter who manufactures the firearm or how careful the user handles it.

FIREARM PRINTING WHILE CARRYING CONCEALED

Firearm printing is another relatively new term and describes how easily the firearm is detected by the general public when it is being concealed. More specifically, if an individual can see the outline of the concealed firearm, then, the firearm isn’t really concealed. The largest part of the firearm which prints the most is the butt area. The barrel slide and frame are usually in a holster, either inside the pants, or secured outside the pants by a belt and covered by a large shirt or jacket. Today, concealed carry folks opt for smaller and thinner firearms to eliminate the printing problem. However, the smaller the firearm, the more powerful the cartridge fired, the more recoil the shooter experiences. There are several options to satisfy the printing issue, example:

CONCEALED CARRY HOLSTERS

As with a myriad different versions of firearms on the market today, there are a myriad different holster styles and shapes. Therefore, lets limit the concealed carrying capability to four concealed carry holstering styles: 1) the basic holster whether its intended for concealed carry outside or inside the waist band, 2) the shoulder holster which fits under the arm pit, 3) the belly wrap holster, or 4) the ankle holster.

Some of these holsters conceal parts of the firearm while others conceal the entire firearm, such as the belly wrap holster. Which ever one you choose, make sure it fits your lifestyle, meets your concealment requirements, eliminates the printing dilemma, and is easily assessable in case you need it. Remember, carry concealed for self-defense. But do so in a manner as not to alarm the general public.

“Until Next Time, Keep Em Between The Bridle!”