Tactics for Personal Defense and Crime Survival: Making a Difference When It Matters Most

DR GARY K ROBERTS BEST CHOICES FOR SELF DEFENSE AMMO

2012-01-29T21:28:00.000-08:00

Vital information if you plan to carry a firearm for personal defense. I live by the rule that if it is not on this list I don't carry it. My 3 favorite bullets are Speer Gold Dot, Winchester Ranger T and Federal HST.

http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm

How to Use a Kubotan

2012-01-12T21:32:00.001-08:00

In Aug 2010 I spoke with a police equipment distributor in Dallas who informed me that a nurse leaving a hospital in Downtown Dallas used her Kubotan to stop an attacker. The woman was smart and struck the man in the eye so hard that it put his eye out. The suspect was apprehended by police.

A # 2 Wrist Lock is a very painful and effective control technique used to remove an attacker during a frontal grab.

The Kubotan can be used to deliver a devastating blow to an assailants eyes or other sensitive areas.

This woman is demonstrating a destructive Key Flail technique with a Kubotan. The Key Flail feature creates distance and can do some serious damage to an assailants eyes.

The Kubotan is one of the most versatile self defense tool that can be easily carried on its own key ring. Made of aluminum or polycarbonate, the Kubtoan is a street tested proven personal defense device that is readily available at all times.

Impact Tool

The Kubotan can be used to strike an attacker in sensitive and vulnerable areas such as the eyes, face, throat, solar plexus, groin, ribs, metacarpals on top of the hand or any other available area on the assailants body. The Kubotan increases the strength of a blow.. In Aug 2010 I spoke with a police equipment distributor in Dallas who informed me that a nurse leaving a hospital in Downtown Dallas used her Kubotan to stop an attacker. The woman was smart and struck the attacker in the eye so hard that it put his eye out. The suspect was apprehended by police.

Key Flail; A quick and Destructive Technique

The Key Chain feature on the Kubotan provides two benefits. First, because the device is attached to your keys you will always have the device in your hand when leaving your home and while walking to and from your car or office. This places an effective means of defense in your hand. Second, the keys on your Kubtotan can be used as a weapon. By grabbing the end of the baton and flailing the keys violently at the attackers eyes and face you will most definitely cause damage. This is probably the easiest tactic you can use with your Kubtoan.

Leverage Techniques

The Kubotan can be used to escape a frontal grab, choke hold, bear hug or clothing grab.

If an assailant places you in a choke hold drive the end of the baton into the elbow area to force the attacker to release his grip.

If the attacker places you in a bear hug drive the end of the baton with both hands violently into the metacarpals on top of the hand.

THE # 2 WRIST LOCK

If an attacker grabs your clothing or arm, wrap the baton around the radial nerve on top of the wrist. You will want to make sure both of your thumbs are located under the wrist to lock the Defender in place. The defenders other hand, in the same position comes in on the other side of the attackers wrist. With all fingers on top of the Kubotan and both thumbs under the wrist you rotate your hands forward and take a step back. This is the most painful and effective wrist lock.

Symbol of Vigilence

Carrying a Kubotan on your key chain serves as a reminder to stay alert and to be aware of your surroundings. Many students report feeling empowered and more aware when carrying a Kubotan on their key chain.

Deterrent Effect

Simply carrying the Kubotan openly with keys attached can provide a strong visual deterrent to anyone who may be targeting you. Many police officers carry Kubotans and a suspect may have seen this device in the possession of an officer during an arrest. World renowned firearms trainer Paxton Quigley reported a situation in an elevator where a man noticed her Kubtoan. He said " You a Cop!" Paxton said " I'm not a cop! But I have been trained by the police." The man did not say anything else after that.

The purpose of this article is to inform you of some of the additional close quarter benefits the Kubotan provides. You really need to take a training class to get the full benefit of using this device. A typical Kubotan class lasts approximently 4 hours and can be taught by an instructor.

Monadnock Persuader Kubotans

http://www.defensedevices.com/pemo.html

Choosing an Effective OC Pepper Spray

2012-01-12T19:36:00.000-08:00

By far the fastest acting and most effective product I have tested is Fox Labs 5.3 Pepper Spray. These professional units are the recommended model for every day personal defense. Fox Labs contains 2% OC solution of 5,300,000 SHU with .7% Major Capsaicinoids. Fox labs is used by thousands of police officers and consumers. I believe it's the best OC option available.

Oleoresin Capsicum spray is an effective less lethal option that has an important role in the law abiding citizens personal defense strategy. Unfortunately, there are 100's of cheap and inferior pepper spray products that are sold in gun stores, online and even carried by some police departments that are slower acting, not strong enough, too small and not dependable enough. You really need to make sure you are carrying one of the best OC options available for personal defense. Today I want to talk about what you want to look for in an effective, fast acting and dependable OC aerosol projector.

What most manufacturers don't tell consumers is there is a lot more to the effectiveness of OC spray than how much Capsaicinoids or heat is in the formula. The carriers and delivery system are also very important. The reason why other product's don't work as well is because they are using up to 15% Oleoresin (Oil of the pepper) and they use less pure lower grade resins. Pepper Sprays that are greater than 6% Oleoresin Capsicum concentration don't atomize very well and they are slower acting and less effective. Another persistent problem with most brands is slower acting carriers. What good is your 10% OC Spray @ 1.33% major Capsaicinoids going to be if it is mixed with 60% water and other inert ingredients that actually slow down how fast the formula can work? The most important factor of an OC spray is how quickly it stops the threat. Fox works so well because it has a low concentration of Oil (less dirt and waxes inactive ingredients), a higher grade/higher refined resin, and a powerful carrier that strips the oils off the skins surface exposing the nerve endings on contact. I have tested a lot of different brands and formulas. If my life was in danger and all I had was an OC spray I would want it to be a 2,3, or 4 ounce Fox 5.3 Flip Top Cone spray. If more retailers would do their own testing and ignore a lot of the marketing hype by other companies, every store would sell Fox 5.3. It works that well! I know. I am OC certified and have been contaminated with numerous formulas and this stuff is the most effective but more importantly the fastest acting. Also most of the mass produced consumer manufacturers sell less effective models to consumers.

Just the Basics Without The Marketing Hype

Blended sprays with OC and CS or CN don’t appear to offer any advantages over OC only formulations and they may even have more disadvantages. Both CN and CS are slower acting and only mildly irritation when used in handheld aerosols. OC only solutions appear to offer the best results. U.S Federal Law Enforcement Testing shows Oleoresin Capsicum Pepper Spray is far more effective than Tear Gases.

The brand that I prefer is Fox Labs because it's been used by police departments for years and is very fast acting.

Choose an OC Aerosol that contains 2%-5% concentration of Oleoresin Capsicum. Sometimes concentrations greater than 5 % don’t atomize as well making them slower acting and less effective. MORE INACTIVE OLEORESIN INGREDIENTS = SLOWER ACTING AND LESS ATOMIZATION! MORE INACTIVE OLEORESIN INGREDIENTS = MORE INACTIVE DIRT WAXES AND IMPURITIES!

As far as pungency goes, stick with an OC spray that contains 0.7%-1.33% Major Capsaicinoids derived from hot peppers rated at 2-5.3 Million Scoville Heat Units. You honestly don't have to carry a spray with 1.45% Capsaicinoid to be effective. The sprays that contain around .7% are fully effective.

OC sprays are available in Fog, Cone, Stream and Foam delivery systems. The first two patterns are going to be the best choice as they evaporate rapidly and simultaneously affect both breathing and vision. The high pressured cloud of OC billows out of the canister and is impossible to keep out of the eyes, nose mouth, respiratory system and skin. Stream sprays are very difficult to deliver to the face of the subject during a fast moving assault. The exception is the Fox Labs 5.3 Stream which sprays a wider shotgun pattern. Foam sprays are not recommended as they are slower acting and can be thrown back on the user.

Most key chain units are too small and contain too few number of bursts for most instructor/trainers to recommend them. That being said, if the choice is a keychain unit or no unit at all the former is always the better. However, I STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU CARRY AN OC SPRAY WITH AT LEAST 1.5 OUNCE OF SOLUTION! The 2 -4 ounce canisters also contain a much higher nozzle flow rate in order to saturate the attackers face quickly. Key Chain units simply don't perform well and are difficult to use under stress.

Get a unit with a flip top cap and STAY AWAY FROM ANY TWIST TOP UNITS! The Flip Top Cap makes certain the nozzle is always pointed away from you. The Flip Top cover is spring loaded and is always on safe unless you purposefully slip your thumb under the unit. You can't spray yourself with this actuator and it is the most durable top.

The carriers contained in the OC solution are just as important as the quality and grade of the resin used. What good is your super hot spray with 1.3% Major Capsaicinoids if it has 10% OC (more inactive Oleoresin ingredients mean slower acting and less intense formula) and is mixed with carriers that actually reduce evaporation and slow down how fast the product drops through the carrier? Fox Labs contains a solvent system that works very well.

Atomization is also a very important factor when it comes to OC effectiveness. How well does your spray atomize? Is it a thick heavy liquid solution that falls harmlessly to the ground? Or does your OC spray produce a fine dry cloud of atomized particulate matter? The finer the particulate matter the greater the inflammatory effects on the respiratory system.

The purpose of this article is to give you the basics when it comes to selecting a dependable and quality OC aerosol defense device. As you know I recommend Fox Labs as the # 1 choice for self defense sprays. Select a good duty grade OC aerosol that is street tested with a proven track record. Its a small price to pay for the defense it provides. To sum it all up:

1. Choose the medium sized professional model Flip Top Sprays from Fox Labs. The little key ring units just don't perform as well under stress.

2. Stick with OC only formulations that contain a proven formulation.

3. The Cone fog type spray is recommended over cone. However, a Fox Labs stream is acceptable.

4. Test fire your OC spray when you first purchase it and every 6 months after. It is recommended you replace the unit every 2 years.

Recommend Oleoresin Capsicum Spray

Fox Labs International (Fox Labs 5.3 OC Spray)

1-800- FOX LABS

http://foxlabs.com/products.shtml

http://www.defensedevices.com/worhotpepspr.html

How Fast Acting is Your Pepper Spray?

2011-12-25T09:57:00.000-08:00

Fox Labs 5.3 Pepper Spray is one of the fastest acting and most intense OC Spray I have tested. You have to use the product that works best in field use and ignore a lot of the manufacturers advertising, Do your own testing and see which one is more effective. Watch the YouTube videos of Fox Labs 5.3 and compare the instant on contact reaction to the other pepper sprays.

I have carried OC pepper spray since 1994 and I have carried just about every type model, brand and formulation. I have received a direct contamination from an OC/CS spray, OC/CN Spray, an OC spray with 0.18% Major Capsaicin Content 500,000 SHU and a spray with 1.33% 2,000,000 SHU OC Spray. I have also received a secondary exposure from just about every product and some were so inferior I couldn't even get a secondary effect if I shot it in my face below my eyes (hardly seems adequate for self defense to me). I have tested so many different brands I have lost count and I can tell you from experience OC sprays vary greatly in effectiveness based on how hot the resin is, what type of carriers are used, and delivery system used. Just because a brand is sold in several gun stores or even carried by a police department does not mean its the best for personal defense. Law enforcement officers have different objectives for using OC spray than civilians. Police officers are worried about decontamination time and Taser compatibility which is why a lot of departments choose water based OC sprays that are in fact slower acting and less effective. Police Departments also have to worry about liability. It's a lot easier for a department to say "Our spray is 100% Food Grade" when it comes to using pepper spray. For civilians you don't have these concerns. You need an OC spray that stops the threat FAST and hits hard! You need a street tested OC option that is used by police departments who choose their OC sprays based on how well they instantly stop a person from attacking.

The fact of the matter is there are a lot of brands being sold over the counter and even carried by police departments that truly are slower acting and inferior. There are brands bragging about having 1.33% Major Capsaicin Content and being used by popular police departments. Think about it, how clever is it to market a product based on the fact that the LAPD or NYPD uses the formula? A 10% OC spray that uses a less pure lower grade resin with 1.33% Major Capsaicin Content and 60% water is not going to be as effective as a 2%-5% OC spray with a highly refined resin with a good alcohol or solvent base.

The fact is HOW FAST YOUR OC SPRAY WORKS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN HOW MUCH CAPSAICIN OR HEAT IS IN THE FORMULA! What good is your OC spray if it takes several seconds or minutes to fully kick in? Many popular law enforcement brands can take from 10 seconds to several minutes to fully kick in. This is an eternity when you are being attacked.

The problem is many manufacturers use higher concentrations of less pure lower grade resins with slower acting carriers to try to make their products sound impressive. What they don't tell you is the fact that 10% OC sprays don't atomize very well making them slower acting and less effective. The higher the percentage of OC the more dirt, waxes, sugars and junk you are adding to the formulation. This truly slows down how fast the OC can work. Couple this with brands that use water as the primary ingredient and you have a major problem on your hand when you are trying to stop an attacker hell bent on harming you.

Out of all the brands I have tested I can tell you with complete confidence that FOX LABS 5.3 OC SPRAY is one of the fastest acting and most intense OC sprays I have ever been exposed to. Just breathing in the particulate matter from a Fox Labs 2 ounce cone spray made me feel as if I had received a direct level 1 contamination. The reason the Fox 5.3 solution works so well is because of the following:

Fox Labs uses the purest resins. Fox Labs pays 10 times more for their resins than other manufacturers.

Fox Labs works so well because they use a low concentration of Oil. This allows the spray to atomize into a super fine spray and less oil allows the Capsaicin to burn hotter and take effect faster.

Fox also uses a unique purification process that removes all of the inactive dirt, waxes and sugars in the formula. This is why when you spray Fox Labs into a jar it is a translucent red liquid instead of a dirty opaque liquid like the other brands.

Fox Labs also uses the highest quality OC resin with 5.3 Million SHU and 35.0% Major Capsaicinoids in the base resin.

Fox Labs carrier acts as an irritant in itself. The strong carrier strips the oils off the skins surface and exposes the nerve endings on contact. The carrier evaporates extremely fast and helps the OC dry on contact causing an instant and overwhelming panic effect.

Fox Labs also has no problems selling this superior formulation to law abiding citizens, unlike a lot of companies that reserve duty grade formulations and flip top models for police only. The Fox 5.3 formula has also been tested by CRT Less Lethal and is Taser Safe.

The purpose of this article is to help you better understand the very important factors to look for in a quality OC spray. You need to look beyond the package and find out how much of what is in your solution and how refined the product is. A quick Google search on Fox Labs will revel the following testimonials from police officers and civilians who carry the 5.3 formulation:

Punch II, First Defense, and Phase IV don't bother me much. However this stuff makes me look like a baby when it hits me. The burn is instant and lasts. My entire department carries this stuff now. Just a drop of this will do the job.

I was involved in an altercation with a paranoid schizophrenic who made it clear he was not going without a fight. Following the Continuum of Force, I used this spray to subdue the subject. Its effect was outstanding. Instant compliance. I definitely recommend this spray.

Using this product has renewed my faith in OC products. This product will actually stop more subjects than conventional sprays and has saved my officers and myself on several occasions. Great buy for the money!!

I sprayed this product to demonstrate its power and from 20 feet away a couple of folks started sneezing and coughing. The folks I was demonstrating it for immediately starting coughing and holding their face. This stuff ROCKS! I carried another brand before but this spray takes the cake! I wouldn't carry anything else.

Our urban department has recently switched to Fox. The difference is incredible. Other than a TASER, this is the next best thing to take the fight out of a suspect without using deadly force. I have sprayed several combative suspects and it knocks the fight right out of them. Fought a guy last night 6'2"/185 lbs. and as soon as he was sprayed he became super cooperative, saying "yes sir" and "no sir".

I volunteer in a small Dept. of only five officers. I was attacked by a suspect under the influence of meth. With no time to fully deploy and shake, this spray stopped the offender in his tracks! I have never had a spray perform this well without a vigorous shaking!!!! Highly recommend this product!!!!

Out of the many brands and types out there I was honestly surprised how well this product worked. Two words, "buy it".

I highly recommend you research the Fox Labs 5.3 OC Spray and read what police officers have to say about this formulation. I don't work for Fox I just believe in their product so much that I want other people to be aware of this phenomenal product that's available. If you want to order Fox I have made it easy by including the link to Defense Devices on the right side of this screen. Defense Devices is a master Fox Labs dealer and they also supply Fox to Florida Department of Corrections. I am not saying you have to order it from Defense Devices because there are thousands of retailers who sell Fox. I just prefer them because of their excellent customer service and same day shipping on orders received before 1PM.

If you have any questions about Fox Labs 5.3 OC spray feel free to shoot me an email and I will be glad to help anyway I can.

Safety While Shopping

2011-12-22T17:20:00.000-08:00

Robberies are up in the metro area. It's a good time to review your personal safety strategy. This strategy should consist of what if, where you would go and what you would do should a dangerous situation occur.

One of the best things you can do to protect yourself is to ALWAYS BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU! Criminals are looking for someone who looks vulnerable and who is not aware of their surroundings. THE TOUGH TARGET DOESN'T GET PICKED!

No matter how secure you believe your vehicle is, don't leave packages unattended or in your vehicle.

Carry yourself with confidence when out in public. Walk purposefully with your head up. Look others in the eye when you pass them. One of the worst things you can do is look down.

LEAVE YOUR CELL PHONE AND IPOD IN YOUR POCKET OR PURSE! Walking through the mall parking lot is not the time to text someone. Wait until you are in your locked vehicle or inside of the shopping center.

Carry your Fox Labs Pepper Spray or Kubotan Key Chain unit in your hand and have it ready for use when entering parking lots or any potentially dangerous situation. If someone moves into your personal space shout STOP! GET BACK! If that person continues forward advanced movement and you have reason to fear for your safety deploy your OC Spray or Kubotan.

If you are getting ready to leave a shopping mall and you don't feel right ask a security officer or police officer to escort you to your car. Its also a good idea to shop with a friend during the daytime.

Trust your instincts! If something doesn't feel right it probably isn't right. Research shows a large percentage of people had a feeling something was wrong just before being attacked.

IF someone wants your wallet or purse GIVE IT TO THEM! Don't turn a property crime into a violent crime. One suggestion is to throw the wallet or purse one way while you flee the other way.

Pay attention to subjects who may be loitering around store entrances and parking areas, If you don't feel safe drive off.

YOUR SAFETY FIRST THEIR FEELINGS SECOND! Don't be afraid to offend someone. If you are getting ready to get in an elevator and someone makes you feel uneasy don't get on.

Lets say you have two people walking side by side. One person is talking on their cell phone or texting. They have their head down and seem distracted. The second person is walking purposefully with confidence and with Pepper Spray in hand ready to go. Which one is the criminal element more likely to pick?

By following some simple guidelines and having a plan in place of what if, where you would go and what you would do can significantly reduce the chances of being a victim of violent crime. Criminals are looking for an easy target and someone who is not aware of their surroundings. Remember, the tough target does not get picked.

Stay Safe and Merry Christmas!

Brent

Why Right to Carry Works

2011-09-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

For revolver users the S&W 640 and 642 feature an internal hammer to prevent snagging when drawing from a purse or pocket. Revolvers are one of the most popular and dependable firearms for concealed carry.

The M&P is an excellent handgun for personal defense and home defense. The M&P is available in several popular calibers. I prefer the full size 9MM with no external safeties.

Paxton Quigley has a no nonsense approach when it comes to lawful gun ownership. The former pacifist helped John Glenn found the National Committee for Handgun Control. A former fierce handgun control advocate, Paxton changed her views on gun ownership after a close friend was followed home, attacked and viciously raped by an intruder. After the event, Paxton asked her friend if she had a gun would it have made a difference and would she have used a firearm to prevent the horrific assault. Her friend confided in Paxton and said YES. Yes she would have used a Handgun if she had one. She admitted that she in fact had several opportunities to defend herself that evening if only shed had a weapon. However she had nothing, no Pepper Spray, no Taser device and no firearm. After witnessing her friend survive this traumatic event, Paxton made up her mind and decided she would never let this happen to her. She enrolled in some of the most prestigious handgun training courses in the United States and enrolled in several self defense classes. However for Paxton that wasn't enough. She also wanted to make an impact in the lives of women who wanted to empower themselves. Paxton began teaching personal defense and firearms classes in the 90's. Paxton became a spokesperson for Smith and Wesson and covered all aspects of personal protection in her courses. From home security, physical security, lethal and non lethal, everything you need to know about developing a personal defense plan is covered in her seminars. Paxton has written four books including her bestselling title "Armed and Female". There is absolutely no question about it, Paxton Quigley has made a difference in the lives of millions of women.

Dr. Suzanna Graita Hupp was having lunch with her parents on Wednesday October 16th 1991 at the Luby's Cafeteria in Killeen Texas. She had left her gun in her vehicle that day to comply with Texas law which at the time forbid the carrying of a concealed handgun. Suzanna admitted that she had carried an airweight .38 revolver in her purse but was worried about loosing her license to practice as a Chiropractor. October 16th was bosses day and the cafeteria was packed with people who had taken their bosses out for lunch. Suddenly a Ford Ranger pickup truck came crashing through the front window of the cafeteria. At first people thought it was just an accident. However, it was no accident and nobody could have predicted what would take place that day. An emotionally disturbed man named George Hennard got out of his truck and began methodically shooting people. In an attempt to protect themselves from the shooter, Suzanna and her parents quickly hid behind a turned over table Hennard was about 12 feet away from Hupp when she said to her self "I've got him!" She instinctively reached for her purse where she had kept her revolver. She had a perfect place to prop her arm and the guy was only about 12 feet away. I know what some of you are thinking. "She could have gotten herself hurt or hit an innocent bystander." That is a typical response to some people who are what I call sheep and have no personal defense strategy in place. You see, Suzanna had hit much smaller targets at much greater distances. Suzanna then realized that she had made what she calls the stupidest decision of her life. Her gun was sitting several hundred feet away in her vehicle. Suzanna's dad said he couldn't take it any more and rushed at the gunman in an attempt to stop him but the suspect shot her father before he even had a chance. Sometime during the ordeal a patron had broken out a glass window and people began to flee outside into the parking lot. Suzanna grabbed her mother by the shirt and told her they had to get out of the cafeteria. Suzanna says her feet grew wings and she was out the window. It wasn't until she made it outside that she noticed her mother was not behind her. She later learned from a police officer that Hennard had executed her mother as she was cradling her husband. Her parents had just celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary and her mother wasn't going anywhere without her husband. Suzanna says that she wasn't mad at the man that committed the violent act. He was obviously mentally disturbed and needed help. Suzanna says she is mad at her legislators for legislating her out of the right to protect herself and her family. The guns did not just walk themselves in the cafeteria and start firing.

Suzanna went on to fight vigorously for right to carry laws across the United States. In fact her testimony has convinced many states to pass shall issue right to carry legislation. In the 1990's Right to Carry began to spread like wildfire from coast to coast. Today 37 states have shall issue right to carry, 4 have unrestricted carry and 8 states have discretionary issue. Only the state of Illinois forbids the carrying of concealed firearms. To give you an idea of how far we have come in 1986 only 8 states had shall issue right to carry. What may surprise you is there is no more greater crime in states with right to carry laws than states that do not allow the carrying of concealed weapons. When Washington DC passed it's recently defeated Handgun Ban homicide rates in DC skyrocketed. The same has happened in states that have strict gun control restrictions. In fact professor John R Lott Jr., aurthor of "More Guns Less Crime, Understanding Crime Control and Gun Control Laws" conducted the most comprehensive study on firearms laws and crime rates. John found that VIOLENT CRIMES WERE 81% HIGHER IN STATES WITHOUT SHALL ISSUE RIGHT TO CARRY. STATES THAT BAN CONCEALED CARRY HAVE MURDER RATES 127 PERCENT HIGHER THAN STATES WITH THE MOST LIBERAL CONCEALED CARRY LAWS.

The fact of the mater is, criminals don't give a damn about weapon restrictions and felons carry their firearms regardless of what jurisdictional law says. How many times have we heard the Cease Fire adds on the radio that warn if a felon is caught with a gun they are facing 10 years in prison. Did that keep felons from carrying firearms and ammunition? Didn't think so! It is a constitutional injustice that a criminal in Chicago will walk down the street with their illegally carried gun while the law abiding Chicagoan is left defenseless. Concealed carry laws work because it gives the good people the legal right to carry a firearm to protect themselves from violent criminals who already carry firearms. Concealed carry keeps criminals guessing! In fact Paxton Quigley went to the San Quinton Correctional Facility in California and interviewed violent felons who were serving time for some of the most horrific acts of violence. The felons confessed that they feared law abiding citizens armed with firearms more than they feared the police. The truth is the Firearm is the only tool that places an older, disabled, smaller person on the same level as a large, goal oriented violent attacker. As a law abiding tax paying citizen you have the absolute right to protect yourself with a firearm. The United States Supreme Court ruled in DC V Heller that the Second Amendment protects an individuals right to possess a firearm in Federal enclaves. In McDonald V Chicago the Supreme Court ruled that an individuals right to keep and bear arms is protected by the Second Amendment and applies to the states. The law abiding citizens who takes the time to go through a firearm safety course, concealed carry course that costs $60, pay the OSBI $100 for background check, $25 to the Sheriff for fingerprinting, and wait 90 days for a permit is not the person to be concerned with. Law abiding citizens with concealed carry licenses have stopped numerous violent crimes and have even helped police officers who were being violently assaulted. In many of the incidents in which CCW permit holders have drawn their firearms for defensive purposes a shot isn't even fired. This is proof that the proper presentation of a firearm is a tremendous visual crime deterrent.

Who should not own a firearm?

Anyone who for religious or personal reasons would not be able to take another life to preserve their own.
Anyone who suffers from depression or lives with someone who has a history of depression or has contemplated suicide.
Anyone who has a short fuse and is quick to get angry.
Anyone who makes the statement "I just want a gun so I can scare away an attacker". The attacker will be able to tell if you are willing to shoot. You must have decided before hand that you are able to use deadly force and which situations justify the use of deadly force.
Anyone who lives with a felon or adjudicated juvenile delinquent.
Anyone who refuses to get proper training and learn proper gun safety.
Anyone addicted to alcohol, narcotics, including illegal and or prescription drugs.

YOU LOAD IT YOUR RESPONSIBLE FOR IT! Understand the universal gun safety rules:

All guns are loaded
Never point a gun at anything you don't intend to destroy
Keep your finger off the trigger until you have identified a threat and are ready to fire.
Know who and what is beyond your target.
Store your firearms responsibly.

I truly hope this article will give you a positive perspective on firearms for self defense. The Firearm is a tremendously effective self defense tool but you must also understand its limitations. A person who goes to the range and shoots 50 round of practice ammo and thinks they are ready for a gun fight is kidding themselves. I highly recommend you enroll in defensive handgun training courses at H&H Gun Range. Will Andrews is an awesome instructor and he teaches the Pistol Skills series. As Will once said to me "If you look like food you will get eaten." Folks this is all about making yourself a tough target. The tough target does not get picked! It starts with situation awareness and developing a safety strategy. A firearm, Taser, self defense spray and Kubtoan are emergency tools to help you and give you the best chance at escaping a violent situation. Just as I wear a seat belt in case of an accident, have a weather radio in case of a Tornado, and fire extinguisher in case of a fire; I also have several proven personal defense tools that can help me fight off an attack. I encourage you to go to YouTube and click on the Armed Citizen channel to see countless stories where civilians have used firearms to stop violent crime. Firearms are used 2 million times a year for personal protection. It is also estimated that 2,191 Americans use guns in self defense every day. The gun is not the complete plan for protecting yourself but its a very important part of it!

BE AWARE! BE EMPOWERED! FIGHT BACK! STAY SAFE!

Child and Campus Safety Tips

2011-08-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

A personal alarm can be an excellent safety tool for small children. Write your child's name, your name and contact information on the back of the alarm. If your child is ever in trouble they can drop the alarm or have emergency contact information readily available. This may also provide a lead for police if your child is ever abducted.

Children need to be taught common ruses that strangers use to lure children.

Know where all of the emergency blue lights are on your college campus. Don't hesitate to call for help if you are being followed or feel threatened.

Back to school time is already upon us. It's been a very long and hot summer and with students heading back to classes there may be times when children and young adults are on their own. Younger children will be waiting at the bus stop, walking home from school, or even staying at home alone. College students will also be heading back to universities and for many this will be the first year being away from home. All of these conditions may cause parents or guardians to worry and have a higher level of stress. However, there are some things students can do to keep themselves safe from crime.

Protecting Our Children

When children get to be the age when they are allowed to commute on their own to and from school there is a new found sense of freedom children experience. With this freedom there may also be some risks and it's important that we sit down and talk to our children about stranger danger and personal safety without scaring them. There is a right way to go about it and a wrong way. Children are often fast learners and they see this talk as a way to help mom and dad as well as to assure their parent's that they are capable of taking care of themselves. Sit down with your children and go over the following personal safety tips.

Teach Your Children to be Aware

Being aware of one's surroundings is just as important for children as it is adults. Children need to be taught to be aware and how to respond if someone they don't know approaches them. Children should be reminded to stay in a public place and to avoid shortcuts and secluded less traveled paths. Stick to public streets with lots of people and discuss SAFE PLACES your child may go if they need help when out on their own. These places can include department stores, fast food places, populated gas stations, banks, fire stations and post offices. Pretty much any populated business that's open to the public can be a good place for a child to go if they need help.

A cell phone is also a great investment for children. There are special cell phones on the market that only call a few pre programmed numbers including emergency services. Make sure your child keeps this phone on their person at all times. Leaving a cell phone in a backpack or jacket is not helpful because the child may become detached from these items.

Teach your children how to dial 911 for help. How to dial 911 is a skill children can be taught at a very young age. In fact, children as young as 2 have dialed 911 for help and saved a life. Your children must also know how to reach you and where you work.

Your children should also be taught how to use your alarm system and how to lock your doors. You must emphasize that these safety devices must be used at all times and they are NEVER TO OPEN THE DOOR TO A STRANGER! EVER!

When your children reach a mature age and you feel comfortable doing so, you may wish to provide them with a Fox Labs Pepper Spray for home protection. Make sure you reiterate that Fox Labs is not a toy and they cause tremendous pain.

Teach your children that they are never to go into any person's home that you don't know. Children must also be taught to never allow anyone to touch them in areas that are covered by a bathing suit. You need to also advise your children that it's ok to tell someone no when they do something that makes them feel uncomfortable.

You must also tell your children that they can talk to you about anything that is bothering them and reiterate that you are always open to any discussions with them.

ANY AND ALL FIREARMS MUST BE UNLOADED AND SECURED IN YOUR HOME! NO EXCEPTIONS! There are special bio metric gun safes such as The Gun Vault that can secure your gun and only allow you access to your firearms. NEVER LEAVE A LOADED GUN UNATTENDED! NEVER!| It is your responsibility to keep firearms and dangerous items out of the reach and secured from children and irresponsible adults.

Children must be taught that they must never get into a vehicle with anyone. ABSOLUTELY UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MAY YOUR CHILD GET INTO THE CAR OF SOMEONE EXCEPT YOU OR AUTHORIZED CLOSE FAMILY MEMBERS. Children must always be taught about the ploys that predators often use to try and lure children. Child predators will often use the following ploys:

A request to find a lost puppy or kitten.
The use of candy, toys and other gifts.
Offering a ride home, to a store or to a fun place such as a park.
Offering to take the child to a movie or game store.
They may offer a child to play with an animal such as a kitten or puppy that is out of view such as in the backseat of a car.
Stating that the child's mother or father has sent them to pick up the child.
Stating that the child's mother or family members have been involved in an accident and they are there to take them to the hospital to see their parents.
Stating that the stranger is lost and requesting the child's help to show them how to get to their destination.

Teach your children that if a stranger tries to use any of the ruses listed above to run in the opposite direction and scream fire or loudly to attract attention. Children must also be taught that strangers will often whisper to get the child to come closer to the vehicle.

Encourage your children to play in groups and to stick together when walking alone.

Never leave your children unattended when in public. Always make sure they are with you at all times and don't let them out of your sight.

Never allow your children to use a public restroom alone. Always go with your children when using any public restroom.

Be sure to monitor your child's Internet activity and make sure all computers are in a public room so you can monitor their Internet and computer activity. You can lock your computer and use Net Nanny Software to prevent your children from accessing unauthorized websites.

PROTECTING COLLEGE STUDENTS

Many of the safety rules talked about for children are applicable to college students. College students must pay extra attention to their personal safety. This is especially important to freshman who are new to campus and who may be targeted by upperclassmen.

When staying in a college dormitory or apartment, know who your roommates are. Also make it clear about who you think should be allowed to come over to your home and who shouldn't be allowed to be in your building.

Do not go out alone at night when on campus. Always travel with friends and stick with groups of students.

Know where all of the EMERGENCY Blue Lights are located on campus and have the number to your campus police department programmed into your phone.

Almost all campuses allow the carrying of Pepper Spray. Carry your Fox Labs Pepper Spray in your hand when in any potentially dangerous situation. This can be walking alone, jogging, using parking garages, parking lots, elevators etc. You should also keep a Fox Labs canister next to your bed in your dorm room.

Be extremely cautious when going to any party. Make sure you keep an eye on your drink and never ever except a drink from someone. Never leave your drink unattended.

Do not allow yourself to become intoxicated. This will drastically lower your awareness level and make you much more vulnerable.

Ask to see your campuses annual crime report. Pay attention to the type of crime son campus and be alert to any type of emergency alerts or postings by campus police.

Be extra vigilant when using laundry facilities on or off campus. Stay aware of your surroundings and always have your defense spray with you and on your keys.

The purpose of this article is to help you better educate your children and young adults on how to protect themselves from crime. Remember that by discussing these important topics with your children you are teaching them something that can actually help them and may save their life. In fact, many schools now have special child lures programs that are taught to young children. College students are no exception to the rule. Young adults must also be taught the importance of personal safety and to stay alert.

Making Yourself a Tough Target

2011-08-06T14:09:00.001-07:00

Gouging the eyes is a highly effective self defense technique that doesn't require a lot of strength

On June 7th, 2011 a 20 year old Madison Wisconsin woman was walking alone when she was suddenly attacked by a man in his 40's. The suspect began dragging the woman towards a nearby alley. However, this woman had a plan in place. She responded by spraying the man in the face with pepper spray. The suspect immediately went to his knees and began to scream in agony as the woman made a quick escape. There is no doubt about it, had this woman not been prepared she likely would have been sexually assaulted or worse. You can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of violent crime by having a plan in place that includes asking yourself the following:

What if I find myself in a dangerous situation?
Where will I go when I find myself in a dangerous situation?
What will I do if I find myself in a dangerous situation?

Paranoia is when you worry about something that absolutely cannot happen and it's also called imagined fear. YOU ARE NOT BEING PARANOID WHEN YOU TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM VIOLENT CRIME! Open the metro section of your paper. Go to your local news affiliates crime tracker database. Go to the daily booking sheet for the Oklahoma County Jail. In each publication you will read about the various crimes that happen every single day in our cities, counties or state, many of which you would have never heard about on your local news. Like it or not, violent crime is an issue in our society! However, you don't have to be a victim! You can take steps ahead of time to protect yourself and your family.

MAKE YOURSELF A TOUGH TARGET

Moral of the story is the tough target doesn't get picked and if the tough target is selected they know exactly how they will respond to the situation. You don't have to take a martial arts class and learn 100 different moves to protect yourself. Having a personal defense strategy is also not about being fearful. By becoming more fearful you are not helping yourself and you may actually be sending the wrong message to someone who may target you. The purpose of this information is to empower you with the tools and education needed to defend yourself. If you have two people walking down the street, one of which is walking with their head down texting; the other person is walking with their head up, aware of what's going on and carrying their keys in hand with pepper spray attached which one do you think the guy is going to pick?

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

One of the best things you can do to protect yourself from violent crime is to be aware of whom and what is going on around you at all times. This is especially important when you are walking alone. Criminals are looking for someone who is distracted and not aware of their environment. You stand a much better chance of successfully defending yourself if you can see the threat coming.

AVOID DANGEROUS SITUATIONS

Having a pepper spray, stun gun or Taser with you doesn't mean its acceptable to place yourself in dangerous situations. It is sometimes common for someone with a new found level of self confidence to tell themselves "It's ok to jog in a secluded area at dark because I have a means of self defense." This is not the right attitude! Do not place yourself in any potentially dangerous situation. For example, if you are driving down to Dallas and need to stop for a bathroom break don't stop at a secluded rest stop. Instead drive to the next available well lit gas station or fast food place. If you are getting ready to leave the mall and don't feel right about someone, find the nearest security officer, police officer or go to the information booth and ask if you can receive an escort to your car. By avoiding dangerous situations you are helping prevent the likelihood that you will be targeted.

KNOW THE THREE STEPS TO AN ASSAULT

The classic Modus Operandi of an opportunistic assailant is almost always the same. Your attacker is likely to TARGET, TEST and then ASSAULT you. The assailant may or may not commit all three of the steps. For example, an assailant may target someone and then strike without testing them.

TARGETING

An assailant is looking for someone who is not aware of their surroundings. Some of the common characteristics the attacker will look for include:

Leaving a store with your arms filled with packages.
Being preoccupied with a cell phone or text messaging.
Wearing clothing or shoes that restrict movement or the ability to flee quickly.
Wearing an iPod or headphones.
Having a distracted demeanor.
Walking without confidence.

Do you look someone in the eye when you pass them on the street? Or do you look downward as you pass someone on the street? Many women will not look a man directly in the eye because they are afraid it will invite a comment or attention. This is actually the worst thing you can do! Never walk with your head down or look away from someone when passing them.

WALK WITH CONFIDENCE, HEAD UP, SHARP EYES, WITH KEYS AND TASER OR PEPPER SPRAY IN HAND. WALK LIKE YOU WOULD CAUSE AN UPROAR IF MESSED WITH!

TESTING

Let's say you have been targeted by a predator. If he is like most, he will now decide to test you in order to see how you react when someone you don't know approaches. He may say the following:

"Excuse me, can you tell me what time it is?"
"Ma'am or sir, I just need to use your cell phone. I was in a wreck and I need to call for help."
"Can you tell me how to get to the mall?'

Or the attacker may make suggestive or vulgar comments like:

"Nice ass!"
"Great legs!"

What many don't realize is when someone is testing you they are closing the distance between themselves and you. Many people will actually look down at their watch as the assailant is approaching and that's when he will strike. The attacker wants to see if you will in fact let them in your space. The attacker may also look around just before striking.

IT TAKES LESS THAN 10 SECONDS FOR SOMEONE TO TAKE YOU TO A SECONDARY CRIME SCENE OR DRAG YOU INTO A CAR! NEVER EVER ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE TAKEN TO A SECOND LOCATION! NEVER GET IN THE CAR WITH SOMEONE EVEN IF THEY HAVE A GUN! ITS BETTER TO BE HURT IN A PARKING LOT WHERE PEOPLE CAN HELP YOU THEN BE DRIVEN TO A SECLUDED AREA!

The moment someone tests you turn around or face the person, look them straight in the eye and shout BACK OFF! STOP! or STAY BACK! Surprisingly many assailants will be intimidated by such a show of force from an individual. Shouting also helps you by opening up your lungs and it forces you to breathe which helps prevent you from freezing up.

THE FINAL STEP IS THE ASSAULT

If you have been targeted and tested the assailant may decide to continue to the third step. A grown man can close a distance of 20 feet in a second. This is not enough time to fish out your pepper spray or decide how you will react. Whichever non lethal tool you choose to carry it must be in your hand at the time the attack occurs. THIS IS WHY I STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU CARRY YOUR A TASER C2 PERSONAL DEFENSE DEVICE. You can carry your TASER C2 in your hand when walking alone or in any potentially dangerous situation.

Know how to use effective self defense techniques that incapacitate a threat. Going to a gym and learning 100 different moves is not going to help you during an attack. Focus on a couple of different moves that don't require a lot of strength to work.

Eye Gouge

Gouging an assailant in the eyes is one of the most effective techniques. I said GOUGE not POKE! Make your fingers straight and rigid and hit the attacker full force in the eyes. The eyes are one of the most sensitive parts of the body. You don't even have to touch a person's eyes to create a reflexive movement. Keep striking the eyes and digging into the eyes until the attacker stops. If this does not work move on to the next step and CRUSH THE TRACHEA!

Trachea Strike

If you are truly in danger of grave bodily harm or sexual assault go for the attacker's throat! Reach up just under the chin and squeeze the throat as hard as you can. This can crush the windpipe and cause serious injury and or death to an attacker. This should only be done if your life is in danger.

IF THE ATTACKER CAN'T SEE OR BREATHE IT WILL BE HARD FOR HIM TO FIGHT!

FOCUS ON ESCAPE

If you are in a parking lot and an attacker comes up to you with a firearm and says "Get In!" YOU CAN'T GET IN! IF YOU GET IN THAT CAR YOU WON'T BE SEEN AGAIN! Now let's say the guy shoots at you while you run away. You may be asking yourself what are my chances of escaping without being killed? They are actually pretty good. If you break and run and the attacker shoots at you there is a 50% chance he will fire, a 50% chance he will hit you with the bullet, another 50% chance the bullet will hit a vital organ and another 50% chance that it will kill you. If you get in the car with the guy there is a near 100% chance you will not be seen again. DON'T GET IN THE CAR!

The purpose of this article is to help you better protect yourself from violent crime. It does not matter if you live in a one stop light town or a large metroplex. Violent crime knows no boundaries. It can happen to anyone, anyplace and at anytime. By taking steps to protect yourself and having a plan in place you can significantly reduce the chances of becoming a target. It starts with mind setting or mental preparation and then selecting personal defense hardware. OC SPRAY is an effective self defense option. Put yourself in the attacker's shoes. He had a plan in place of what he was going to do and you just disrupted it by using a TASER Device or Pepper Spray. Always know who and what is around you and stay alert. It's your best weapon for guarding your personal safety and your personal safety is Paramount.