A Gun NOT ON YOU = No Gun.

I remember attending a funeral recently during which quite a few HD riders showed up to pay their final respects.  Myself and some buddies were standing off to the side as the HD’s lined up and the riders dismounted, chatting and just milling about.  One of the riders opened a top case about 6 feet in front of me, revealing a Kimber 1911 laying in the case.  Not that I have a problem with him owing a pistol but I remember thinking, what good is that pistol if it’s locked in a top case?  Seriously if your gun is not on your person it might as well be no gun at all.  If you believe in the phrase “when seconds matter, the police are minutes away” then you’ll have to agree with my assessment.  If seconds DO truly matter, the extra time fumbling through luggage, glove box, dresser drawer, backpack could mean the difference between life and death.  Why train to draw from concealment if the gun is in the parking lot locked in the trunk?

Today’s Lesson Learned

This evening I was out grabbing some dinner for the family when I got a text from my wife, immediately I recognized it as a license plate number.  That’s strange, what does that mean?  I shot back a text and it turns out she felt as if she was being stalked in our neighborhood while walking one of our dogs (not the German Shepherd unfortunately, but a much smaller one).   The vehicle was a white construction van with blacked out windows and it had driven by her multiple times, even making U turns up the street to come back by her location.  I asked her if she had her gun on her (she is a CCW permit holder)  and well…of course she didn’t.  She did immediately make her way back to our street at which point the van slow rolled by her AGAIN!  Once up the street and out of sight she made a dash for the house and safely made it inside, at which point she grabbed her Glock 26.

My Take On It

Good for my wife, she was situationally aware of her surroundings.  She recognized the potential threat and made a point to reach out to me so that in case something happened I too would be aware.  However I feel like she made two mistakes which I have since discussed with her.

1- Gun not on person might as well be no gun at all.  A gun back in the house did her no good while out on the street, and while a gun is no guarantee of safety it certainly gives one a better chance.  If 3 guys would have jumped out to roll her up I’m not sure if the gun would have mattered (given the reaction time) but it certainly could have made a difference.  This versus a scream and an attempt to run away.

2- The wrong dog!  I’m here to tell you if you have a big dog which is protective it can be a great deterrent.   The average joe blow criminal wants nothing to do with a dog bite and will seek out a softer target.  I told her if she wants to go for a walk, take both dogs or just the German Shepherd.  Either way always make sure the German Shepherd is with her.  I swear if anyone gets within 20 feet of her with him on the leash he will make sure to display his displeasure with that.  He is much more protective of my wife than he is of me.

The Bottom Line

Crime doesn’t only happen at 0200 in a dark alley whilst in the hood during a crack cocaine deal.  Crime can happen anywhere, to anyone and in broad daylight when you least expect it.  Be prepared at all times!  If you have a gun….CARRY IT!