At C2 we strive to develop lifelong shooting skills that could be applied in a self-defense situation if a student applies themselves in training over time. Many think that a few classes and a monthly trip to the range is all that is needed to change them into John Wick. Sadly, they are mistaken.
While many people purchase guns with the belief that it will protect them in dangerous situations, few gun owners are adequately prepared to use them effectively. The truth is, most gun owners do not shoot as well as they believe, and this lack of skill can have severe consequences in a real-world scenario.
Overconfidence in Gun Ownership
One of the main issues is the overconfidence that often comes with owning a gun. Many gun owners believe that simply having a firearm is enough to keep them safe, but the reality is far more complex. The skills required to successfully defend oneself with a firearm—especially in high-stress, life-threatening situations—are far more nuanced than most people realize. Shooting at a stationary target on a range is entirely different from shooting under the pressure and chaos of a self-defense situation.
The Reality of Self-Defense Scenarios
Real-life self-defense situations are rarely as clean or predictable as they are depicted in movies. They often unfold quickly, involve multiple actors, and take place in unpredictable environments where bystanders and obstacles are present. Poor lighting, confined spaces, and moving targets all make it harder to hit what you are aiming at.
What Gun Owners Should Do
If you are a gun owner who is serious about using your weapon for self-defense, regular training should be a priority. This training needs to go beyond static target shooting. You should seek out training that includes:
Focus On Marksmanship – First and foremost focus on marksmanship before defensive shooting. Develop solid shooting fundamentals that will let you place a bullet where you are aiming it, every time.
Dynamic Range Drills – Engage targets at different distances in random patterns to mimic real-life situations. This approach will be effective only if you have first perfected your marksmanship.
Stress Inoculation – Look for classes that introduce stress factors such as time constraints, noise, and physical exertion. The more you can practice under pressure, the better prepared you will be when it counts.
Decision-Making Training – Self-defense situations often involve more than just shooting. Being able to assess threats, know when to shoot and when not to, and understanding legal implications are all critical skills.
Final Thoughts
Owning a gun is not enough to ensure your safety in a self-defense situation. Most gun owners shoot poorly under stress, and this can lead to disastrous consequences. C2s SIM room is the ideal training area for judgmental use of force, decision making (shoot/no-shoot), and stress inoculation training using our Interactive Self-Defense training scarious. Regular, dynamic training is the only way to ensure that you are truly prepared to defend yourself. Otherwise, your gun could end up being more of a liability than an asset when your life is on the line.