Kevin Davis has authored an impressive manual for citizen gun owners. Citizen’s Guide To Armed Defense has a plethora of information that, quite frankly, even cops will want to read. With a surge in gun ownership the past couple of years, there’s a need for quality instruction together with associated reading for people to maintain as a reference.
Inasmuch as no national or state standards exist for permitting concealed or open carry, books like Kevin’s are necessary to educate and inform those wanting to arm themselves. Some states require both classroom and range, while others only have applicants attend instruction in a classroom or online. Regardless, one day of instruction is hardly adequate to train someone to properly carry and discharge a firearm. Moreover, not requiring range time as part of the permit process is questionable at best.
Citizen’s Guide enumerates responsibilities armed citizens have, vis-a-vis the 2nd Amendment. Most importantly, the author emphasizes that citizens must know the law, be slow to anger, and conservative in their willingness to display or threaten with firearms, be prepared for police response, be educated about legal rights and the criminal justice process - particularly, liabilities, financially, politically, and more.
The author discusses, “The Reasonable Person Doctrine,” which essentially asks the question, “Would a reasonable person under the same circumstances, knowing what you knew at the time, likely have used deadly force in self defense?” And of course the bottom line is convincing each member of the jury that they each would have taken the same action. Davis reinforces his teaching points with case studies and law, as well as quotes from eminent trainers such as Mas Ayoob.
Chapter Four is an invaluable section dealing with the most common situations armed citizens find themselves confronting, e.g., a stranger firing at you, a family member, or someone else; a stranger attacking you with a knife or edged weapon; and incidents such as burglary. Kevin explains each scenario and defines courses of action within the law. This section also looks at stand your ground laws, which are recognized by 33 states.
Another chapter in this valuable book is dedicated to tactics. The author discusses things such as ambushes, particularly, clerks working alone in late night convenience stores. Davis references Gavin DeBecker’s book, The Gift of Fear, which reminds us to pay attention to “gut feelings.” Of course tactics mean nothing without the proper firearm, and Davis devotes time to this important topic the average citizen is most often confused about. He discusses semi-autos vs. revolvers, caliber and ammunition, and some myths about stopping power of certain rounds.
Cover and concealment are terms often misunderstood by the public. That said, the author gives a detailed explanation of both, and provides photos demonstrating each position. He also delves into shooting from and into vehicles, and the efficacy of handgun and rifle rounds - something cops should probably read.
Perhaps the most important part of Chapter Five: Tactics, is the dynamic of movement and how it affects shooting accuracy. Most CCW classes that include range time cover familiarization only. There is a static firing line (understandably) as well as static targets. However, as cops know, the real world is far from static. Bad guys are moving and so are we. Therefore, that perfect stance, grip, breathing, sight alignment and sight picture, and trigger squeeze are hardly perfect when the sh** hits the fan. Citizens need to know how to best operate their weapon when movement is involved. Kevin does a good job of explaining and providing case studies as examples.
Another important chapter in Citizen’s Guide is, “The Armed Citizen’s Response To The Active Killer.” This section lists a number of active shooter tragedies from past years, and perhaps how the outcomes may have differed if an armed citizen had intervened. The author points out that, “. . . when pressed by an armed response the killer often took his own life, thus ending his continued killing.” He then provides case studies proving the assertion and fact.
Cited in the book is a 2013 study by Texas State University which researched active shooter incidents from 2000-20013. Some of their findings:
- There were 84 active shooter events
- Business locations (37%), followed by schools (34%) were favored targets
- Pistols were used in 60% of cases, followed by rifles, 27%
- Attackers carried multiple weapons in 41% of attacks
- Attacks ended before police arrived 49% of the time
Davis points out that the armed citizen is not expected to hunt down active shooters, however, being armed and trained puts them at a distinct advantage over those unarmed. He advises some tactics when confronted by an active killer:
- Understand the killer wants nothing but a high body count
- The killer wants to go out in a blaze of gory
- They don’t want a fight
- The killer(s) are counting on their victims being compliant
- You must act aggressively and decisively
- Be aware of the possibility of multiple suspects
The above are but a few of the points Davis offers, and I might add that police officers should be aware of these points as well.
Citizens Guide To Armed Defense is a well thought out, well researched, and expertly written book for those willing to shoulder the responsibility of exercising their 2nd Amendment right. It’s a great reference book that should be on any armed individual’s bookshelf. Violence in our society is becoming ubiquitous and commonplace. The police, more often than not, will not arrive in time to prevent someone from robbing or assaulting you - it’s up to you to defend yourself.
If you don’t believe you can make a difference by arming yourself, consider what Detroit Police Chief James Craig said about armed citizens in his city: “Criminals are getting the message that good Detroiters are armed and will use that weapon. I don’t want to take from the good work our investigators are doing but . . . criminals are thinking twice that citizens could be armed.” Case in point - robberies, break-ins, and carjacking all declined in Detroit as a result of an armed citizenry.
Links:
Massad Ayoob Group: http://massadayoobgroup.com/
The Gift of Fear: http://www.amazon.com/Other-Survival-Signals-Protect-Violence/dp/0440508835/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1429790524&sr=1-1&keywords=the+gift+of+fear
