Cover is any object that protects you from gunfire. Concealment is an object that hides you from an aggressor. Question: if you were in the Stop ‘N Rob in the video above, where is cover or concealment? Concealment would be the shelves in the middle of the store. Cover? Nope. There probably isn’t any. Three things about that . . .
Very few objects provide cover
In your home, walls and doors are highly unlikely to stop a bullet. Your refrigerator is about the only object capable of stopping a bullet and that’s not a sure thing (try getting behind yours in an emergency). If you’re attacked in your home, you need to find cover, stop the assault – by counterattacking – or leave.
Out in the real world, thick cement walls work as cover. Your car’s engine block can stop all but the largest bullets (your car door almost surely won’t). Trees are excellent cover, depending on their thickness and position.
Look down. Dirt — hills, gullies, berms — are also viable options. If you’re getting the impression that there aren’t many good cover options available in a gunfight, you’re right.
Concealment is everywhere
There are plenty of objects behind which you can hide: walls, doors, store shelves full of chips and candy, tables, counters, cars, trees, etc. If a bad guy or guys can’t see you, chances are they won’t shoot/stab/bludgeon you. Chances are.
Remember that bad guys can shoot through concealment. And so can you. That’s something no one in the video above realized.
Escape is your best option
You are not a cop. You don’t have to stop a bad guy (or guys). If you’re in a dangerous situation and you’ve decided that you’re not going to defend innocent life leave as quickly as possible. Run.
It’s best to have an escape route in mind when you enter a new environment. Look around. Keep in mind that you can go out the back of a store or restaurant if things go sideways.
In any case, don’t rely on cover or concealment. If it’s compromised — if your assailant figures out how to get to you — your proverbial goose may be cooked. Unless you move.
Your end goal: get out and survive. Carry a gun whenever possible while understanding the difference between cover and concealment…for you and a potential attacker.
