Name:   MAJ USA RET - Subject:   Ten Seconds Date:   3/22/2019 3:59:49 PM

Most persons carrying a concealed weapon will have a (paralyzing) problem with the first few CRITICAL seconds of an active shooter event.  That person will likely not have the courage to put his or her weapon into operation. I know of several CC persons in my congregation who carry, but do not do so with intent.  That is to say that they regard their personal weapon as a last resort, self defense option… an act of desperation… IF they can put it into operation.

Those of us who have served in a combat zone, KNOW that feeling.  You have to will yourself into those “10 seconds of courage.”  In a true pistol fire-fight, you get about 7 extra seconds from that. 

ANY person who supposes that they will effectively engage at any distance beyond 8 yards with a pistol is WAY overestimating their ability in a chaotic situation.  To do even that… requires practice.  The weapon MUST be controlled.  In the first three seconds (or less) the weapon must be deployed and a correct sight alignment acquired. Then, the trigger must be sqeezed (not pulled) when the center of mass is on the front post.  No “head shots” or “knee shots” or… whatever. Oh… and your target is not standing still. 

YOU own the bullets that come out of your weapon. 

And YOU might take a bullet for your effort.

This skill is NOT acquired at a table on a pistol range.  It is acquired in a training environment to establish skills through repetitive motor training.  Your body must KNOW what to do while you are dealing with “fight-or-flight.”   

If you have not experienced a fire-fight… you DO NOT KNOW what you will do.

So… in your congregation… there are law enforcement officers, active and retired… and retired veterans (who had to train and qualify on their weapon year-after-year).  Some (few) have found their 10 seconds in their lifetime.  It is these folks who will rise… and respond correctly… to an active shooter.  Everyone else needs to get down on the floor, and… if you have one, lie on top of your CC… finger OFF the trigger… get your 10 seconds… and wait. 

It should be about over in those 10 seconds… if your responsible shooters have planned and trained for the event.

In a public setting… DON’T unless you can and/or you have no choice.  Any pistol shot more than 8 yards… is reckless endangerment.  I do not intend to shoot more than the length of my SUV.  If you can’t get into position… don’t start spraying bullets.  If the “bad guy” has an AK-47 or AR-15 (or any other long arm) or a shotgun… you are likely not gonna survive showing him your long shot skills.

The reality is MUCH more complicated that my few words.

- LMF Curmudgeon