I love firearms, tactical training, and the peace of mind it gives you knowing you would not be at a complete loss of brain function in a shit hit your pants scenario (hopefully).
But when we see videos, read stories, watch the news every now and again, we see successful 'self-defense in action' scenarios where the vast majority of victims involved seem largely untrained and unskilled. Convenience store robberies, home invasions thwarted by an old man with a wingmaster (NO NIGHT SIGHTS!!), guy getting stabbed with a samurai sword by a college student, and the like.
Now, I spend thousands of dollars a year on quality training from reputable instructors, the ammo for it, travel, giving up weekends with family etc. because frankly even with formal military and even better privately attained training I feel that "I'm not good enough." There's always some one faster and/or more accurate.
But truth be told unless you're a professional door-kicker, assaulter, or carry a firearm everyday as part of your workday attire, I don't think attaining the level of mastery of an IDPA Masterclass shooter or JSOC operator is necessary.
I'm writing this as I am cleaning a pistol in preparation to attend a tactical course taught by SFODA legend Bob Keller. A guy with a 1000 confirmed career hits, 14 combat deployments, and 21 years as a Delta operator/Ranger Bat dude...but I could have just gone to the Bahamas instead....
So really are we overdoing it?
But when we see videos, read stories, watch the news every now and again, we see successful 'self-defense in action' scenarios where the vast majority of victims involved seem largely untrained and unskilled. Convenience store robberies, home invasions thwarted by an old man with a wingmaster (NO NIGHT SIGHTS!!), guy getting stabbed with a samurai sword by a college student, and the like.
Now, I spend thousands of dollars a year on quality training from reputable instructors, the ammo for it, travel, giving up weekends with family etc. because frankly even with formal military and even better privately attained training I feel that "I'm not good enough." There's always some one faster and/or more accurate.
But truth be told unless you're a professional door-kicker, assaulter, or carry a firearm everyday as part of your workday attire, I don't think attaining the level of mastery of an IDPA Masterclass shooter or JSOC operator is necessary.
I'm writing this as I am cleaning a pistol in preparation to attend a tactical course taught by SFODA legend Bob Keller. A guy with a 1000 confirmed career hits, 14 combat deployments, and 21 years as a Delta operator/Ranger Bat dude...but I could have just gone to the Bahamas instead....
So really are we overdoing it?