ojibweindian
Member
My lessons:
1. Be nice
2. Be aware
3. Be prepared
1. Be nice
2. Be aware
3. Be prepared
YOUR "lessons from the streets"
- Thread starter TheProf
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Lord Teapot
Member
use your ears/eyes. i've learned in my choice few encounters that a good sense of hearing is better than anything else. when you hear an approaching threat, put your hand in your pocket and make ready to draw. use your eyes as well, if you see an area along your planned route where an ambush is possible, put your hand in your pocket and make ready to draw. when i was a teenager, these basic ideas saved me a few times, although i was using fox labs mace and not firearms.
Don't leave flavored coffee on your camp table in bear country.
Lots of "gut" stuff...
For me, it's the hair on the back of my neck. It stands up and it's never lied. I also break routines a lot so I don't become complacent, driving the same old drive, not seeing the stuff I go by, etc. I don't usually think about it but I do "scan" quickly when I walk into a gathering place. Sometimes things just don't look right. And I don't care to find out what that's about. Same thing on the street. Feels funny? Something's off? Someone's face doesn't match their body language, I'm out. If in a pickle, words can help. Drop the tone, pull a drawl outta my back pocket, slow things down, massage them out the door. That's more for an irate person than Joe BG on the street.
For me, it's the hair on the back of my neck. It stands up and it's never lied. I also break routines a lot so I don't become complacent, driving the same old drive, not seeing the stuff I go by, etc. I don't usually think about it but I do "scan" quickly when I walk into a gathering place. Sometimes things just don't look right. And I don't care to find out what that's about. Same thing on the street. Feels funny? Something's off? Someone's face doesn't match their body language, I'm out. If in a pickle, words can help. Drop the tone, pull a drawl outta my back pocket, slow things down, massage them out the door. That's more for an irate person than Joe BG on the street.
Uteridge
Member
Dr. Rob,
This one rates a story
The only useful lesson I learned was that hot crazy chicks like to have men fight. Imagine how you would feel if a random hot chick walks up and says she was just beat up / robbed by her ex, and asked for your help? That's exactly how that big dumb brute that she lied felt as he was coming up behind me.
My other lessons are true but not generally applicable: falling on concrete hurts the back of the head a lot, I can't see if my blood is in my eyes, big dogs are life savers, brothers are life savers.
I recommend this guy's blog: http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/knifelies.html
My other lessons are true but not generally applicable: falling on concrete hurts the back of the head a lot, I can't see if my blood is in my eyes, big dogs are life savers, brothers are life savers.
I recommend this guy's blog: http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/knifelies.html
Sheepdog1968
Member
There was a song I remember from the 80's with the refrain being "the freaks come out at night." Kinda sums it up for me.
When I was in my early 20's I'd often go grocery shopping near midnight (and often get stuck waiting as the registers changed over for the business day). Yes, there were freaks there. As I carried this tune in my head it seemed like darkness equaled more problems.
When I was in my early 20's I'd often go grocery shopping near midnight (and often get stuck waiting as the registers changed over for the business day). Yes, there were freaks there. As I carried this tune in my head it seemed like darkness equaled more problems.
Kids: No kids where there should be many is a bad sign of imminent threat.
Checkpoints: Watch for opponent weapon status (flap holsters?, no magazines in weapons?, AK safeties on/off?, crew served gunner asleep at the wheel?, amateurs or pros?, etc.)
Mass shooters: Look very calm and move deliberately; victims look panicked and move out like track stars; the old and out of shape slip, fall, or have coronaries attempting to escape the scene.
First reports are almost always B.S.
Charging Off-Leash Dobermans: Counter charge right back at 'em; be aggressive, big, and loud. It screws up their plan. Three times so far.
If you stare intensely at the back of a sentry's head he will turn around and look for you.
Visible fresh blood and broken things should bring you instantly to high alert.
Most panhandlers holding "Will Work" signs... Won't.
People ignore car alarms in broad daylight.
Eye witnesses are often wildly wrong.
Stolen wallets, pocketbooks, etc. are usually recovered close to the scene (in a trash can, dumpster, over a fence, or behind bushes). After being ransacked for cash or cards.
Two people in a knife duel will be encircled by their buddies in an ever-shrinking cordon of flesh...allowing neither an avenue of escape.
Never let your child go into a public restroom alone. There are truly creepy people afoot.
Don't chase tornadoes when intoxicated. You will find one (and become instantly sober...possibly even religious).
If you find yourself in an area where the local police are only found in groups of five or more...you are in a really bad part of town.
Explosions in the movies look like cool fireworks (with fireballs). Real ones look like an abattoir on fire (coated in grey dust, blood, body parts, offal, broken glass, and ripped metal).
If a mountain lion stares at the back of your head long enough, you will turn around and look for him.
When a suicide vest wearer detonates, their head usually launches into the air and travels for several dozen yards like a soccer ball.
Always wear shoes in which you can run across broken terrain.
When dealing with LEO, politeness and respect counts. Where law enforcement is an entrepreneurial endeavor, cash counts more (most of the rest of the world).
Bad things mostly happen to stupid people doing stupid things in places where other stupid people congregate. Avoid those folks and those places.
Always have a knife, a lighter, and a small compass.
Never get in the middle of a mob or drive towards one. Never get between troops/police and the mob or protest crowd that is the object of their desire.
Better to personally know the police than not.
Everyone is right in their own eyes.
There are two sides to the story with the truth somewhere in between.
Most gunny folks who claim to have never had an AD are either lying or simply waiting in the future AD line.
Watch their hands.
A few simple props and a an actor's attitude will carry you through improbable scenarios. People will tend to believe you are who you say you are...if you can carry it off with assurance and aplomb.
If you run towards armed people with a gun in your hands, they will usually shoot first. Especially at night.
Most people, upon hearing but not seeing gunfire, will completely ignore the possibility of danger and fail to seek cover.
Police Brutality is not even a legal construct in most parts of the world. Ditto for the concept of Individual Civil Rights. Once you leave the US...you aren't in Kansas anymore Toto. Smile, do exactly as the officer says, pay the money...or be ready to fight.
Checkpoints: Watch for opponent weapon status (flap holsters?, no magazines in weapons?, AK safeties on/off?, crew served gunner asleep at the wheel?, amateurs or pros?, etc.)
Mass shooters: Look very calm and move deliberately; victims look panicked and move out like track stars; the old and out of shape slip, fall, or have coronaries attempting to escape the scene.
First reports are almost always B.S.
Charging Off-Leash Dobermans: Counter charge right back at 'em; be aggressive, big, and loud. It screws up their plan. Three times so far.
If you stare intensely at the back of a sentry's head he will turn around and look for you.
Visible fresh blood and broken things should bring you instantly to high alert.
Most panhandlers holding "Will Work" signs... Won't.
People ignore car alarms in broad daylight.
Eye witnesses are often wildly wrong.
Stolen wallets, pocketbooks, etc. are usually recovered close to the scene (in a trash can, dumpster, over a fence, or behind bushes). After being ransacked for cash or cards.
Two people in a knife duel will be encircled by their buddies in an ever-shrinking cordon of flesh...allowing neither an avenue of escape.
Never let your child go into a public restroom alone. There are truly creepy people afoot.
Don't chase tornadoes when intoxicated. You will find one (and become instantly sober...possibly even religious).
If you find yourself in an area where the local police are only found in groups of five or more...you are in a really bad part of town.
Explosions in the movies look like cool fireworks (with fireballs). Real ones look like an abattoir on fire (coated in grey dust, blood, body parts, offal, broken glass, and ripped metal).
If a mountain lion stares at the back of your head long enough, you will turn around and look for him.
When a suicide vest wearer detonates, their head usually launches into the air and travels for several dozen yards like a soccer ball.
Always wear shoes in which you can run across broken terrain.
When dealing with LEO, politeness and respect counts. Where law enforcement is an entrepreneurial endeavor, cash counts more (most of the rest of the world).
Bad things mostly happen to stupid people doing stupid things in places where other stupid people congregate. Avoid those folks and those places.
Always have a knife, a lighter, and a small compass.
Never get in the middle of a mob or drive towards one. Never get between troops/police and the mob or protest crowd that is the object of their desire.
Better to personally know the police than not.
Everyone is right in their own eyes.
There are two sides to the story with the truth somewhere in between.
Most gunny folks who claim to have never had an AD are either lying or simply waiting in the future AD line.
Watch their hands.
A few simple props and a an actor's attitude will carry you through improbable scenarios. People will tend to believe you are who you say you are...if you can carry it off with assurance and aplomb.
If you run towards armed people with a gun in your hands, they will usually shoot first. Especially at night.
Most people, upon hearing but not seeing gunfire, will completely ignore the possibility of danger and fail to seek cover.
Police Brutality is not even a legal construct in most parts of the world. Ditto for the concept of Individual Civil Rights. Once you leave the US...you aren't in Kansas anymore Toto. Smile, do exactly as the officer says, pay the money...or be ready to fight.
Learned this a couple nights ago: Sitting on my front porch talking on the phone and saw a couple of teenagers baggy clothes, local gang colors walking around in the neighborhood. It's a small neighborhood, I know the neighbors. These kids didn't belong. They were walking and pointing at houses. When one of them saw me something was said and they looked straight ahead and walked past my house.
I said, "Hey guys" and they didn't respond and kept walking. I asked if they needed help finding someone's house... no response. I asked them a couple more questions with no response and one of the kids makes a phone call and I see them getting picked up about 3minutes later.
Maybe I spooked them, maybe they weren't doing anything wrong. I have a feeling they were looking for an empty house to break into and just letting them know I saw them turned them around...
Be proactive, be friendly, and be present.
I said, "Hey guys" and they didn't respond and kept walking. I asked if they needed help finding someone's house... no response. I asked them a couple more questions with no response and one of the kids makes a phone call and I see them getting picked up about 3minutes later.
Maybe I spooked them, maybe they weren't doing anything wrong. I have a feeling they were looking for an empty house to break into and just letting them know I saw them turned them around...
Be proactive, be friendly, and be present.
RimfireChris
Member
No random stranger has your best interest in mind.
A gun is good, but have other options. Some people aren't afraid to die, but they might back down if it looks like it's gonna hurt. If it's an option, it's much easier to explain why you had to tase/OC someone then shoot them
The first cops on the scene don't know what side you're on.
Good shoes are worth their weight in gold.
Stay away from panhandlers. Even if they're not a threat, BGs know nice people stop and fumble with their wallet to give them money.
Professionals are predictable, but the world is full of amateurs.
It's a sick world, compassion CAN get you killed.
Finally, DON"T let your kids run around the mall, big box store, etc by themselves. I work in retail, and everyday I see kids, some as young as 5, wandering the aisles by themselves. One of my previous jobs involved working with sex offenders, every one of them had a file we had to read. Wanna guess where their favorite place to find their victims is?
A gun is good, but have other options. Some people aren't afraid to die, but they might back down if it looks like it's gonna hurt. If it's an option, it's much easier to explain why you had to tase/OC someone then shoot them
The first cops on the scene don't know what side you're on.
Good shoes are worth their weight in gold.
Stay away from panhandlers. Even if they're not a threat, BGs know nice people stop and fumble with their wallet to give them money.
Professionals are predictable, but the world is full of amateurs.
It's a sick world, compassion CAN get you killed.
Finally, DON"T let your kids run around the mall, big box store, etc by themselves. I work in retail, and everyday I see kids, some as young as 5, wandering the aisles by themselves. One of my previous jobs involved working with sex offenders, every one of them had a file we had to read. Wanna guess where their favorite place to find their victims is?
gathert
Member
+1 on that charging the dogs back thing. It has worked for me twice so far. It will buy you enough time to find a way out.
Averageman
Member
Dont leave your Garage door open all day on Saturday as you cut the grass. Lots of Bad Folks on the prowl will slowly drive down a residental street taking inventory.
Have a Motorcycle/Roll Away Toolbox/GunSafe in the garage? Cover them with old white sheets. The sheets fade in to the wall background and it keeps the dust off stuff.
Have a Motorcycle/Roll Away Toolbox/GunSafe in the garage? Cover them with old white sheets. The sheets fade in to the wall background and it keeps the dust off stuff.
RimfireChris
Member
^^Now that's a good idea!
sm
member
Read post 58 again.
Lot of other good stuff, previously posted already, to which I will add:
Don't go where trouble is, leave if trouble shows up, and have the mindset, skill sets, to use whatever tool sets to deal with trouble, if need be.
Note, I did not say to default to gun.
I have used a antenna off a car, a clipboard,a broom...
... and even the beer pitcher, and glasses, and table, and chairs...to leave a joint when trouble showed up.
Yes, me and my lady friend were armed, it was best to evade, which we did. Granted we were doing some serious tossing in getting to and out the exit.
Lot of other good stuff, previously posted already, to which I will add:
Don't go where trouble is, leave if trouble shows up, and have the mindset, skill sets, to use whatever tool sets to deal with trouble, if need be.
Note, I did not say to default to gun.
I have used a antenna off a car, a clipboard,a broom...
... and even the beer pitcher, and glasses, and table, and chairs...to leave a joint when trouble showed up.
Yes, me and my lady friend were armed, it was best to evade, which we did. Granted we were doing some serious tossing in getting to and out the exit.
gathert
Member
A long time ago in a neighborhood I was in everyone was home one night and some unfriendly types were roaming around. This is a pretty open, large, kinda secluded neighborhood. At a house across the street the two men lifted the garage door and sat down to smoke, examine the goods, etc and have supper in the garage. The owners didnt know they were there until they went to get something from the garage at which point it got awkward fast and the strangers took off.
Even though you may feel perfectly safe in your own home, sometimes you arent.
Also had some people drive around there sometimes and offer to give us rides back to our house, but these were old ladys who were concerned about kids playing in the street.
ErikO
Member
When you move into a new neighborhood, get to know your new neighbors, especillay the ones that live directly adjacent to your property. Likewise, when you see new folks moving in go greet them as well.
If you have to take mass transit in a metro area, be sure to keep your wits about you when you're getting off the bus. My closest stop to home is several blocks away over streets that have no streetlights and no sidewalks. While I was not 'packing' at that time, I was armed with several defensive tools; keys, large screwdriver, etc.
If you have to take mass transit in a metro area, be sure to keep your wits about you when you're getting off the bus. My closest stop to home is several blocks away over streets that have no streetlights and no sidewalks. While I was not 'packing' at that time, I was armed with several defensive tools; keys, large screwdriver, etc.
Stevie-Ray
Member
I'll buy that!
LT89
Member
Although I agree with most of the advice given in this threat on how to handle situations that might possibly go sour by getting out of their before anything really happens, or if it's too late to get out, how to at least raise your chances of getting out unscathed and without any bruises.
It is definately true that the subconscious mind picks up (and also gives off) a lot our conscious mind doesn't, but the majority of people don't know how to tune in to those subconscious signals. Often when people got into a bad situation like a mugging, beating or robbery, they felt something was off before the incident happened but they didn't know quite what it was untill afterwards when it was too late. Incidently, some people also get the "gut" feeling when they are around a psychopath even when it never turned into an unpleasant encounter. Since psychopaths don't feel any emotions their body signals often don't properly translate to what they're saying, something our subconscious often picks up but our conscious virtually never picks up untill it's too late. People who spend a lot of time on the streets in rough parts of town or among shady crouds, including the shady people themselves can pick it up when you're scared or even uncomfortable. Their survival depends on knowing how to read their environment and the people in it and they learn to size up the situation based on whether the risk outweighs the benefits or vice-versa. There are ways to make it harder or impossible for these people to size you and the situation up, and if they can't get an accurate picture of you or your seem to be more risk than benefit to rob/mug/beat up or rape, they'll move on to a weaker target. Many of the tips given in this thread are really useful to prevent you, with the most important one being to leave the situation or get to/stay in a safer spot when you don't feel at ease and your gut senses something is out of place. When it is already too late to get out of an escalating situation, stay on the background, don't pull any attention on you. If someone is directly after you, stay calm and friendly, do no get within 2-3 meters of his space but don't run away either, try to calmly and slowly leave the area. If trying to slowly leave the area only makes the aggressor more aggitated, try to ask what is wrong and what can be done to help out, maybe the person just lost his job or girlfriend that day and is emotionally unstable because of it, in which case comforting talk can calm the person down. If the person is out for materialistic items like cash, ipod or phone, hand them over if you have to, your life is worth more than that stuff.
However I did notice some people in this thread seem more paranoid than is healthy, for example even viewing toddlers and senior citizens as potential killers, which seems quite far fetched to me. Shure, they could potentially kill someone, but the chances of that happening are 1 in a 1.000.000+. A healthy amount of paranoia is, well, healthy. But constantly keeping every in view, from the mom strolling around with a baby, the business man in three piece suite or grandma, that's unhealthy. And so is expecting some one can come out with a gun from anywhere at any time is unhealthy too. The definition of paranoia is an unhealthy amount of suspicioun controlling your everyday life, such crazy expectations definately fall under paranoia, don't let it control your life. I know that the news makes it seem like WOIII is happening right outside your doorstep, and no one is safe outside their home or even in them, especially if you see what the news channels are like in the US, where I guess most people here are from. But the majority of the evenening news is just sensationalist crap, if you actually look at the facts instead of fiction, and avoid the really obvious rough spots, it isn't anywhere near as bad as tv makes it seem.
It is definately true that the subconscious mind picks up (and also gives off) a lot our conscious mind doesn't, but the majority of people don't know how to tune in to those subconscious signals. Often when people got into a bad situation like a mugging, beating or robbery, they felt something was off before the incident happened but they didn't know quite what it was untill afterwards when it was too late. Incidently, some people also get the "gut" feeling when they are around a psychopath even when it never turned into an unpleasant encounter. Since psychopaths don't feel any emotions their body signals often don't properly translate to what they're saying, something our subconscious often picks up but our conscious virtually never picks up untill it's too late. People who spend a lot of time on the streets in rough parts of town or among shady crouds, including the shady people themselves can pick it up when you're scared or even uncomfortable. Their survival depends on knowing how to read their environment and the people in it and they learn to size up the situation based on whether the risk outweighs the benefits or vice-versa. There are ways to make it harder or impossible for these people to size you and the situation up, and if they can't get an accurate picture of you or your seem to be more risk than benefit to rob/mug/beat up or rape, they'll move on to a weaker target. Many of the tips given in this thread are really useful to prevent you, with the most important one being to leave the situation or get to/stay in a safer spot when you don't feel at ease and your gut senses something is out of place. When it is already too late to get out of an escalating situation, stay on the background, don't pull any attention on you. If someone is directly after you, stay calm and friendly, do no get within 2-3 meters of his space but don't run away either, try to calmly and slowly leave the area. If trying to slowly leave the area only makes the aggressor more aggitated, try to ask what is wrong and what can be done to help out, maybe the person just lost his job or girlfriend that day and is emotionally unstable because of it, in which case comforting talk can calm the person down. If the person is out for materialistic items like cash, ipod or phone, hand them over if you have to, your life is worth more than that stuff.
However I did notice some people in this thread seem more paranoid than is healthy, for example even viewing toddlers and senior citizens as potential killers, which seems quite far fetched to me. Shure, they could potentially kill someone, but the chances of that happening are 1 in a 1.000.000+. A healthy amount of paranoia is, well, healthy. But constantly keeping every in view, from the mom strolling around with a baby, the business man in three piece suite or grandma, that's unhealthy. And so is expecting some one can come out with a gun from anywhere at any time is unhealthy too. The definition of paranoia is an unhealthy amount of suspicioun controlling your everyday life, such crazy expectations definately fall under paranoia, don't let it control your life. I know that the news makes it seem like WOIII is happening right outside your doorstep, and no one is safe outside their home or even in them, especially if you see what the news channels are like in the US, where I guess most people here are from. But the majority of the evenening news is just sensationalist crap, if you actually look at the facts instead of fiction, and avoid the really obvious rough spots, it isn't anywhere near as bad as tv makes it seem.
sixgunner455
Member
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2006
- Messages
- 3,052
"Stay alert, stay alive." Had that shouted at me a lot, once up on a time.
It worked, too.
Once came out of the local grocery store with wife, baby, and cart of food. We started across the parking lot and I noticed a panhandler who'd been in the area for a few weeks angling toward me. I got a weird feeling about it, and "cleared my coat" (flipped the right side to make sure it wasn't snagged on my gun butt - no exposure, no hand on the gun, just 'adjusting my jacket'). He immediately peeled off and headed directly away from us.
That was when I actually saw his partner, who was approaching from the opposite side (my view was blocked by my wife) peeling away, too.
Stay alert.
It worked, too.
Once came out of the local grocery store with wife, baby, and cart of food. We started across the parking lot and I noticed a panhandler who'd been in the area for a few weeks angling toward me. I got a weird feeling about it, and "cleared my coat" (flipped the right side to make sure it wasn't snagged on my gun butt - no exposure, no hand on the gun, just 'adjusting my jacket'). He immediately peeled off and headed directly away from us.
That was when I actually saw his partner, who was approaching from the opposite side (my view was blocked by my wife) peeling away, too.
Stay alert.
RimfireChris
Member
Here's one I just thought of. If at all possible, run flat tires are a good option for your car. Not only will they help if you need to get out of a bad situation, but they can keep you from getting into one, as you won't have to stop along some lonely road or seedy gas station to change your tire.
evan price
Member
What I've learned:
If something feels wrong assume it is. It doesn't matter how important what you are doing is right now, getting out alive is more important.
Being alert is good. Being too alert makes you look scared. It's better to be smooth and alert than it is to be a rubbernecker.
Smile. People who are smiling and happy (but alert) confuse people who are looking for introverts. Victims stare at the ground, walk in a straight line, huddle their arms close to the body, keep a hand over a pocket with a valuable item inside. Don't be an arrogant jerk, just be confident, smile (even if it is a smile that exists only in the lips) and walk confidently.
Watch the hands... and watch the eyes. If he's talking to you, why does he keep looking up and down your body?
Watch for invasions of your personal space. Common tactic is to come closer while disarming with conversation of innocent origin- like bumming a cigarette, getting a light, asking for bus fare, asking the time. Then they get closer....
Watch out for odd, spontaneous compliments. "Hey, I like your car, man." If said in passing, probably innocent. But if said, and randomly, and said while trying to get closer to you, and they keep trying to go on and find things to talk about- "Yeah, it's nice man... what did those wheels cost? They are wicked. I bet this thing is fast. You ever drive it on the race track? I had one like it once and it was fast. What do the seats look like?" Watch out! People are conditioned to listen to praise or compliments, it's disarming because you think you are in a power position but you really are NOT, and you are inclined to keep talking to get more compliments.
Never go into somewhere without knowing how to get OUT of that somewhere.
If something feels wrong assume it is. It doesn't matter how important what you are doing is right now, getting out alive is more important.
Being alert is good. Being too alert makes you look scared. It's better to be smooth and alert than it is to be a rubbernecker.
Smile. People who are smiling and happy (but alert) confuse people who are looking for introverts. Victims stare at the ground, walk in a straight line, huddle their arms close to the body, keep a hand over a pocket with a valuable item inside. Don't be an arrogant jerk, just be confident, smile (even if it is a smile that exists only in the lips) and walk confidently.
Watch the hands... and watch the eyes. If he's talking to you, why does he keep looking up and down your body?
Watch for invasions of your personal space. Common tactic is to come closer while disarming with conversation of innocent origin- like bumming a cigarette, getting a light, asking for bus fare, asking the time. Then they get closer....
Watch out for odd, spontaneous compliments. "Hey, I like your car, man." If said in passing, probably innocent. But if said, and randomly, and said while trying to get closer to you, and they keep trying to go on and find things to talk about- "Yeah, it's nice man... what did those wheels cost? They are wicked. I bet this thing is fast. You ever drive it on the race track? I had one like it once and it was fast. What do the seats look like?" Watch out! People are conditioned to listen to praise or compliments, it's disarming because you think you are in a power position but you really are NOT, and you are inclined to keep talking to get more compliments.
Never go into somewhere without knowing how to get OUT of that somewhere.
AJumbo
Member
A lot of excellent philosophy here, thanks to all. Let me show off some of my scars...
If the threat wants to talk to you, DON"T TALK TO HIM, outside of telling him to clear off, NOW. He may be the distraction, and the real threat is depending upon your lack of awareness.
Just because the threat went away, it doesn't necessarily follow that he stayed away. If he goes away, don't follow him.
Avoid a fight. If the fight is unavoidable, put it all on the table.
Have a way out.
Who's with you? It is your duty to keep them safe, and that duty supersedes your safety.
If you carry a weapon for self defense, you have already chosen to defend yourself.
No speeches. Be abrupt, rude, confident and loud when you tell the bad guy to go away.
As often cited above, your gut is right. If your gut says there's problem this time and there is none, that's OK; but don't discount the gut's input next time. I have had to draw (and thank God, not fire) three times, and my gut warned me of aproblem each time.
Consider the place you're in, the actual geographical location of your corporeal self; is it a good place to be? Is it a bad neighborhood? Sometimes we have to enter the bad neighborhoods in the course of daily activities, but if you don't have any business there, then you don't have any business there.
Finally, from my Texas cowboy godfather-
1) Just 'cause you ain't huntin' trouble, it don't mean trouble ain't huntin' YOU.
2) Don't be too eager to get into self-defense fight. Plenty of fellers in prison are there for "self defense," just ask 'em.
If the threat wants to talk to you, DON"T TALK TO HIM, outside of telling him to clear off, NOW. He may be the distraction, and the real threat is depending upon your lack of awareness.
Just because the threat went away, it doesn't necessarily follow that he stayed away. If he goes away, don't follow him.
Avoid a fight. If the fight is unavoidable, put it all on the table.
Have a way out.
Who's with you? It is your duty to keep them safe, and that duty supersedes your safety.
If you carry a weapon for self defense, you have already chosen to defend yourself.
No speeches. Be abrupt, rude, confident and loud when you tell the bad guy to go away.
As often cited above, your gut is right. If your gut says there's problem this time and there is none, that's OK; but don't discount the gut's input next time. I have had to draw (and thank God, not fire) three times, and my gut warned me of aproblem each time.
Consider the place you're in, the actual geographical location of your corporeal self; is it a good place to be? Is it a bad neighborhood? Sometimes we have to enter the bad neighborhoods in the course of daily activities, but if you don't have any business there, then you don't have any business there.
Finally, from my Texas cowboy godfather-
1) Just 'cause you ain't huntin' trouble, it don't mean trouble ain't huntin' YOU.
2) Don't be too eager to get into self-defense fight. Plenty of fellers in prison are there for "self defense," just ask 'em.
tangomike706
Member
Be aware . You have 2 eyes, 2 ears and only one mouth . use them proportionally.
armoredman
Member
Working inside the wire for 10 years, AND in armored trucking for 8.5 years, I have developed my own, "don't mess with me" look. Confidence is one thing, overconfidence can red flag to a bull, especially if you mad dog stare down a gang member with friends. Don't look like a victim, small and helpless. The meek may inherit the earth, but the criminals will pound them flat first. Walk upright, watching surroundings, NOT YOUR FEET. If you constantly look at your feet while you walk, you will lose. Only way to survive that is a ragged overcoat with pockets full of garbage and mutter obscenities to yourself.
Walking through double doors - open the door opposite your strong hand/weapon side. Using a public restroom? Don't. If you HAVE to, don't use the urinal, guys, grab a stall, and keep everything ON you, gun in your lap on some paper towels, whatever.
Public drinking fountains, bad juju, bent over and unawares. Buy a soda in the Food Court.
Condition White generators - IPOD, Blackberry, even the TV sets in the Walmart checkout lanes, all devices designed to capture your attention, whether or not you need it elsewhere. Ignore them until in a relatively safe area. Answer texts later - tell loved ones/friends people to actually call you for emergencies. Check your immediate area before you answer the phone - is it relatively safe to talk here? if not, "Hey, I can't talk right now, I'll call you back later", and CLICK.
Gun/weapon hand FREE. If you overload yourself so you have no access to gun.keys/phone/etc., you may pay for that, in coin you can ill afford to spend. Shopping carts are here for a reason, no need to prove your manliness by hand carrying fifteen bags out to your car. Also makes an impromptu barricade, if need be. But keep your strong hand clear.
I agree with the SO comments - I have worked more than one sex offender yard, and they can be some scary freaky people. As a parent myself, I do NOT let my son roam free anywhere. The times when the young kids could cruise up and down the block at night without fear are gone.
Some gangbangers feel direct eye contact is a threat. I make it long enough to let them know I see them, then break off, and go, but keep an eye in that direction.
I also agree, no time for long speeches, no Dirty Harry dialogue, simple, forceful, and loud, "GET BACK!" If that doesn't work it may be time for direct action.
I hope that gives at least ONE nugget of useful information.
Walking through double doors - open the door opposite your strong hand/weapon side. Using a public restroom? Don't. If you HAVE to, don't use the urinal, guys, grab a stall, and keep everything ON you, gun in your lap on some paper towels, whatever.
Public drinking fountains, bad juju, bent over and unawares. Buy a soda in the Food Court.
Condition White generators - IPOD, Blackberry, even the TV sets in the Walmart checkout lanes, all devices designed to capture your attention, whether or not you need it elsewhere. Ignore them until in a relatively safe area. Answer texts later - tell loved ones/friends people to actually call you for emergencies. Check your immediate area before you answer the phone - is it relatively safe to talk here? if not, "Hey, I can't talk right now, I'll call you back later", and CLICK.
Gun/weapon hand FREE. If you overload yourself so you have no access to gun.keys/phone/etc., you may pay for that, in coin you can ill afford to spend. Shopping carts are here for a reason, no need to prove your manliness by hand carrying fifteen bags out to your car. Also makes an impromptu barricade, if need be. But keep your strong hand clear.
I agree with the SO comments - I have worked more than one sex offender yard, and they can be some scary freaky people. As a parent myself, I do NOT let my son roam free anywhere. The times when the young kids could cruise up and down the block at night without fear are gone.
Some gangbangers feel direct eye contact is a threat. I make it long enough to let them know I see them, then break off, and go, but keep an eye in that direction.
I also agree, no time for long speeches, no Dirty Harry dialogue, simple, forceful, and loud, "GET BACK!" If that doesn't work it may be time for direct action.
I hope that gives at least ONE nugget of useful information.
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