
When it comes to safety, we can’t know everything ourselves. We also must consider the opinions and arguments of experts.
These experts collect the wisdom of others, the distilled experience from thousands of lives. That said, we don’t have to be uncritical. We can try to distinguish solid expertise from purchased advocacy. I’ve read what the experts say about self-defense and gun free zones.
Here is a short summary of what I’ve learned. You can weigh the issues for yourself.
From the Self-Defense Instructor:
These instructors teach basic firearms safety and self-defense. They see students every day. They see the benefits and dangers of having a gun. They say we should each decide for ourselves whether or not we should own a gun or carry a concealed firearm. They also say that unarmed individuals are killed by armed criminals with monotonous regularity. Of course, the choice is ours, but there is a silent argument in the debate whether to go armed or not.
What’s the bottom line, look at what instructors tell their spouses and their children. They want them to have a gun.

From the Police:
We call the police after we’re attacked. Then, in addition, the police need time to arrive. The police need time to evaluate the situation and stop the threat. Usually, the threat is long gone by the time police arrive. It is up to ordinary citizens like us to protect ourselves until the police get there. Most cops on the street are tired of getting there too late and seeing victims. Police officers tell their own families to go armed for their protection. The police know that there are guns inside most “gun-free” zones.

From Firearms Instructors for Special Teams:
These instructors train the trainers. They look for trends as they pour over field reports. They have learned that time is critical when we’re threatened. They know that time is critical when a school, church or hospital is attacked.
Murderers will kill until they meet armed opposition. The faster the murderer is stopped, the faster we can get help to the injured and save lives.
From Academics studying violent crimes:
Violence is an unfortunate fact of life. We know that spree killers hunger for notoriety. These murderers look for large crowds and soft targets. Try as we might, we can’t afford to give everyone an armed bodyguard. The most efficient formula for saving lives is a mixture of first responders. Some are who are armed, and some are not. Armed security moves across the campus. Armed staff have a regular office where they work. Armed security and and some staff move toward the threat. Some armed staff shelters in place. Other staff members are trained as medical first responders to immediately treat the wounded once the murderer is killed, or kills himself, which is a common reaction to the sight of an armed responder.
I’ve met some of these experts, and I’m awed. It takes a strong heart to study violence and not despair. The issue is not academic for these experts. They argue passionately that we should protect ourselves. We are the only first responders who can limit the damage caused by the next violent criminal. And gun free zones limit those armed first responders from legally being where they can save the most lives.
Some idealists say we shouldn’t have to defend ourselves. They want to disarm innocent people. But this isn’t reality. Violence exists. The experts say time is critical. They say we are the only solution until help arrives.
Who do you believe?
~_~_
Rob Morse: Rob writes about gun rights at Ammoland, at Clash Daily and on his SlowFacts blog. He hosts the Self Defense Gun Stories Podcast and co-hosts the Polite Society Podcast. Rob is an NRA pistol instructor and combat handgun competitor.
All gil has to do if he is ever in an active shooter situation is find the safe place and get out the crayons and play-do.
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Well…he’s done it again. He’s managed to shift the focus of the article to him. Just ignore this idiotic mo-fo & don’t even mention his name…he gets off ftom it! He will go away once he sees he’s not the highlight anymore. Maybe he’ll move to the maxi-pad forum.
Bottom line is that it comes down to a personal decision on whether or not to be armed and be able to protect yourself, your family or others. The choice you make is yours and yours alone. I choose to be armed and I don’t feel any particular need to explain myself or my reasons to others. This type of debate will always be there. Again…it’s a personal choice and I’ve made mine.
Gil doesn’t understand that the LAST thing a “Gunfighter” as he calls them, wants to do is be forced to clear leather. Nor does he realize that if an NRA member was EVER involved in a bad shoot Nancy Pelosi, Schmucky Schumer and Dianne Feinstein (sp) would be bashing down the doors at our headquarters. NRA members and every day carry folks are the most safety conscious people who hold human life in the highest regard. We have NO desire to make anyone dead, it’s just we don’t want to get dead if we can do something about it. Just… Read more »
Gil, actually a gun fighter expert if there are any, will carry a gun for self defense and if possible
avoid a gun fight, as your life will change forever. Taking life or losing your life should be avoid,
unfortunately bad guys have other views.