Before publishing Why The Rabbi Carries Three Guns, And I Carry One, I sent the copy to the rabbi for his comments. He added the following:
Having spoken to Robert of the subject of being a child of a holocaust survivor a few times, I both agree and disagree with Robert’s assessment and how it relates to my defensive readiness. Basically, I agree with most of his conclusions. We disagree as to the extent of its manifestation within my lifestyle. Robert believes that it is of greater influence than I. Honestly, I don’t know who’s right. Either way, the reason that I carry three guns is based on practicality, not psychology. I don’t consider myself an optimist, nor a pessimist, I consider myself a realist . . .
Realistically, most people, even TTAG readers, don’t truly comprehend the amount of violent crime in this country. As a police officer and police trainer, I have more exposure to it and a better comprehension of the veracity of the problem. FBI Stats show that are approximately three million violence crimes annually in this country. That means that Americans face a 1 in a 100 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
It is true that living right – don’t do stupid things with studio people in stupid places – will reduce your likelihood of being a victim. But crime happens everywhere, at all times of the day. Yes, Robert is right, my mindset is that I expect to be attacked and I prepare for it, just as I expect and prepare for a fire.
To the meat of the question, why three guns . . .
It is an issue of practicality. They say that the more you know about gun fighting, the less you want to be in one. I would add that the more you know about gun fighting, the more you know what techniques and equipment work, and what doesn’t. I follow the teachings of the great American philosopher, Clint Eastwood: “A man has to know his limitations.” In training, you learn the limitations of your physical abilities and that of your equipment.
I carry a back-up pistol, accessible to my support hand because I know through study of both real and simulated gun fights, there is a strong probability of getting shot in the dominant hand/arm. In fights, adversaries focus on the threat and in gunfights, that’s the gun hand. With the eyes focused on the gun, the body and thus the aim point focuses there as well.
As a demonstration, take 10 shooters and have them shoot a cardboard target. Then have them shoot a photo-real target picturing an attacker pointing a gun at them. You will see the groups drift towards the gun. Happens even more intensely in a real fight. Secondly, most shooters hold their gun right in front of their center of mass, which coincidently, is the place that most people aim.
One reason a back-up may be needed: the primary gun may be disabled by being hit by a bullet, see above, or can jam for a multitude of reasons, such as being rolled around in the dirt during a fight, or simply a worn magazine spring. Additionally, guns, like all mechanical devices break, just because.
A back-up gun is also important if your primary gun gets taken in a gun grab. Many altercations start as a physical fight. If the gun is inadvertently discovered during the tussle, it may be grabbed from you. Likewise, it may be taken from you if deployed at the wrong time.
Running out of ammo is a good possibility as well, especially when faced with multiple attackers. The FBI states that nearly half of all violent crimes are perpetrated by multiple attackers and that percentage is increasing. Some folk prefer a NY Reload (changing guns) rather than reloading their primary weapon. For them, it is faster and presents a lower chance of fumbling and screwing up. Don’t forget the possibility of drugged up thugs, which are becoming more common. These attackers feel no pain and usually require numerous rounds on target to stop the body’s locomotion.
My third gun is on my ankle for two reasons. Through training, I know that accessing a belt-borne firearm, can be very difficult, if not impossible, if the fight goes to the ground–again a good likelihood. There are a few techniques that allow a draw from an ankle holster when your belt holsters are not able to be reached. Ankle holsters are also very good for use in the car since they are not encumbered by a seat-belt. Just like one type of gun, or one style of holster may not be perfect for all occasions, one carry location may not suit all needs either.
Lastly, having three guns allows me to give one to someone else (who is mistakenly, not carrying) in a emergency and still have a back-up.
Much of Robert’s comments are right. One thing is for sure, I am a stubborn bastard and I will not yield. If I go down, I will go down fighting. My choice of equipment, techniques, tactics and training are based on experience, others and my own—all chosen for specific, well, thought-out reasons. I live what I teach and I teach what I live.