how to prepare for the moment of truth?

[TScottO]

Hello Folks,

We get the chance to read a lot on what gun to choose, what type of ammo, what method of carry etc… but we seldom see discussions on how to practice, what sort of drills people do, mental preparation or discussions on defensive combat philosophy.

So here’s everyone’s chance to discuss the seldom mentioned topics:

Please tell me how you adress the above mentioned things.

Take Care and Be Safe,
Scott

[Savage]

"Mindset", It's an inner thing. It's like a religion, or the martial arts. This coupled with training to instill the proper muscle memory, reactions is what must transpire. All doubt must be removed from the mind, lest the body hesitate. Good professional training is almost a must for most of us.
Savage
Good question, TscottO! It's one we all need to ask ourselves.

[Redhawk1]

No matter how much you train you will not know how you will act in a situation until it happens. I have see the big tough guys crumble.  Myself I have had 7 years of Martial Arts and I have been put in the situation that I have defended myself. But that was empty handed. I have never been in the situation that my handgun was needed. I hope with the confidence I display with my Martial Arts that if the need arise I have the same if a firearm was needed. I also shoot a lot and know my abilities with my firearms.

[Savage]

Correct Redhawk. However, if you fail to train as realistically as possible, your reactions are very predictable in a stress situation. Force on force training is an eyeopener. Works as well as sparing in the martial arts.
Of the times in my job and private life that I have had to draw my weapon, there is no doubt in my mind what the outcome would have been if the situtation gone the other way.

Stay Safe,
Savage

[Nuttinbutchunks]

I agree with Redhawk1. Having fired a wapon in self defense, and ending a life it's hard to pull the trigger on a HUMAN BEING!

And at the time the thought passed through my mind, what if I spend time in prison. I decided I would rather do that than any harm come to my then future ex-wife.

When it was all over, the shooting was justified, and all I had to do was answer a barage of questions on the scene and in a detective's office. I even got the gun returned to me a month later.

But you never know what you will do when it happens. That's why the state of mind is important. Always be thinking, "What would I do if something happened right now".

[Cottonwood]

I can say that after you go through the real deal, its a big mental FUBAR for a while.

Train.. if you can get into IDPA, TSA, GSSF or IPSC do it.  You have to mentally prepare.

[redial]

Savage bullseye'd it - mindset as a state of mind.

Your brain must recognize, interpret, evaluate, and issue the command before ANY of the weapons skills or tactical applications can begin.

Most people (often including cops) don't realize they're engaged in a fight until it's well along because it develops so fast and they're in a reactive mode.

In the proper mindset, you're already halfway there, ready and prepared when the indicators appear.

I went to a domestic call once where the drunk husband rushed me from about 15 feet, across the kitchen. He was off balance and missed with the carving knife and I shoved him through the drywall (big drunk!) BECAUSE I FORGOT I WAS CARRYING A GUN. I was behind the evaluative curve.

Mindset.

Sorry for the length!

Redial
10-7

[Dusty Miller]

Know what values you live buy and stick with'm.