Rich Grassi....Threat Assessment

Good information so I wanted to pass it along!

Editor's Notebook: Threat Assessment

Coordinated terror attacks struck Paris on 13 November. In the U.S., we saw gun sales to private citizens continue the record set since 2009. There was a huge Black Friday run on guns. As we approach a week since the outrage in San Bernardino – with the accompanying screed from the Left – we again see clogged gun shops.

I was on the road and made an early morning stop at an Academy Sporting Goods store on Saturday. While perusing ammunition stock and prices, I overheard a customer tell a gun counter clerk, "I want the cheapest, smallest 9mm you have."

The S&W SD9VE is a functional, accurate and low cost self defense pistol.

I looked at the customer. He didn't look silly. The clerk followed his instructions and showed him several guns. I walked over to the counter and, on the bottom shelf, there was a S&W SD9VE with a price tag of about $310 . . . a far better choice for shooting and defense and certainly low cost.

I wanted to ask if he'd seek a $25 vasectomy from a guy working in a garage somewhere – but I didn't.

At Steve's Trading Post later the same day, a young lady was examining a micro Glock (G42 or G43). She said she was going to carry it in a purse, presumably without a holster. The clerk properly told her that was NO-GO. She wanted to know why, where is the safety?

When she said she preferred a .380, the clerk tried to move her to the 9mm pistol as the ammunition was cheaper. "Why?"

Any time you carry a gun -- Micro Glocks shown here -- a holster is mandatory. A purse is not a holster, nor is a glove box, a console or a pocket. Buy a holster.

These were folks who were likely going to start carrying guns. They were getting recommendation from those who sell guns – but "the customer's always right." There has to be some way for people to get quality training in small doses at low cost – conveniently scheduled – but I'm not sure how.

A few things to pass along to friends considering the purchase of firearms for self-protection:

First, you are making a lifestyle choice. It requires changes in behavior. You can't leave these things laying around unattended: firearms need to be kept in your custody and not left behind in a restroom, not left in a car – prone to burglary in any parking lot, and not in a purse left out of your reach.

Second, you need to consider the environment in which you operate. I worked in a place where armed personnel were the norm; many places have restrictions on bearing arms. Wearing guns in the open can create some problems and, remember, "concealed means concealed.

I've worn the SD9VE concealed – in an inside-the-waistband holster. It's not for everyone, but it allows me to carry a service size pistol discreetly. Discretion goes along with security of the piece.

Third, know the legal ramifications of firearms ownership. Freedom isn't free. You need to check with people who know the liabilities.

Finally, consider safety. Knowing the Four Rules (we use Five) is critical – if you make adherence to those rules reflexive through focus and practice. Never carry a firearm without a holster – even in a purse. Semiauto pistols need to be in holsters that cover the trigger guard – and you need to learn to holster while observing Rule Three (Keep your finger out of the trigger guard and on the frame until the sights are on the target and you intend to shoot).

Avoid off-body carry (e.g., in a purse, briefcase, etc.) if at all possible.

When considering a firearm purchase, the smallest, lightest and cheapest is often not the best choice. It's time to get help. Firearms owners should be ready to mentor new gun owners without various brand biases and without making fun of their choices.

As our publishing year is moving to a close, we're faced with the same uncertainties, the same concerns as we've had for a number of years. The people aren't standing still and we need to be ready to lend a hand. It's more important than "what's the best gun, what's the best caliber," etc. It's retaining the heritage of freedom in the face of those who'd seize our freedoms.

People will continue to flock to gun shops. They're our allies in this fight. We need to facilitate that move – but help out or not, they tire of the government's inability to be everything to everyone. They know they need to step up.

Whether anyone likes it or not, Gun Culture 2.0 is under way. There's no stopping it now.

-- Rich Grassi