Good article....by Rich Grassi

Editor's Notebook: Handling Post-Encounter Issues

Shooting at the range and training can be fun, but consider the aftermath of a lethal encounter -- that takes planning.

Much of the training, writing, internet videos explore gear and applications of force. It's necessary of course, but it seems that the least addressed aspect of deadly force is every bit as critical to success: what happens after the shots are fired and your ears are ringing?

This is not a simple, one-dimensional thing: how do you not snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by an improper post-shooting procedure, how do you ensure that you're not destroyed by the offender's confederates, responding police, other armed persons nearby – or if you are bleeding out from gunshot wounds? After all that, we consider the legal reality.

Dave Spaulding is known for saying that you must an active participant in your own rescue. That's relevant in the fight – and all that precedes it – and it's relevant in the aftermath. It's all on you and you can't rely on others to prepare for the ugly eventualities on your behalf.

I'm aware of the bleating in big media about the horrors of the stupidly named "stand your ground" laws. Ask them, they'd likely tell you the Castle Doctrine upon which the "no need to prove inability to retreat" laws are based is just as bad. There are states' attorneys who have no love of self defense law and likely believe that you have no right to defend yourself from an attack – particularly if you're forced to use the ultimate force option to save yourself or others you have a duty to protect.

And it doesn't stop there. Anyone who believes you can only be tried once for a single event has real issues. I'm no lawyer and I know about 'double jeopardy,' but the armed citizen can face criminal and civil liability. The police officer can – and does – face criminal and civil liability at both state and federal levels. That's four potential trials before we examine the potential employment liability in internal agency investigations.

Any idea why someone wouldn't choose a career in law enforcement?

Some light reading and the ID card from the Armed Citizens' Legal Defense Network.

I attended Deadly Force Instructor in 1998, taught by friend and mentorMassad Ayoob. I annually took – and taught – instructor level training in uses of force by police. Let's say I became a little acquainted with the law.

I'm no lawyer though, nor is Mas. His second great book on the topic of understanding the rules of the road in terms of deadly force, Deadly Force: Understanding Your Right to Self Defense, is as important a work as you can find on the topic. There's another text on the topic, a complementary work – not a replacement, and that's attorney Andrew Branca's The Law of Self Defense.

The Foreword of the text is written by the aforementioned Ayoob and sets the context of the two books – and the two instructors, as Branca teaches a well-attended course based on his book.

He goes beyond Mas's book in the sense that he breaks down various legal elements on a state-by-state basis – yes, there are differences and you better know the rules where you live – and the rules of locations to which you travel.

The context of the legal battle is set in terms of competing narratives, the state advancing a theory of criminal behavior behind your use of deadly force and your defense creating the image of defendant as a crime victim in perilous straits. Branca sets the five links, essential components of a successful self-defense claim, as innocence, imminence, proportionality, avoidance and reasonableness.

This sounds remarkably like the 'circumstance that justifies homicide,' as put forth by Ayoob: "immediate, otherwise unavoidable danger of death or great bodily harm to the innocent."

Branca examines these in turn, then explores issues like 'defense of property.' Instead of quickly dismissing the concept, he explores it with a keen analysis – showing you "his work" and how he arrived at the conclusion most of us in the field share. He advances a legally sound defense strategy – minimizing your exposure to liability entanglements completely. His state specific information – which, as Ayoob points out is alone worth the price of the book – covers provocation/aggressor laws, 'regaining innocence' laws, justified deadly force, the duty to retreat in deadly force cases, legal presumption of reasonableness, justifiable use of force in defense of others, use of non-deadly force in defense of property – and use of deadly force in defense of property.

Taking the class to get your permit doesn't make you ready to roam about armed in public no more than simple citizenship allows a blanket pass to armed self defense on your own property. As a Natural Right, self defense requires some thought, soul-searching and consideration.

Understanding this, you need to study both texts. Add to that some active and ongoing protection, like membership in theArmed Citizens' Legal Defense Network.

Failure to do so can move you down the road to negative outcomes in the form of civil and criminal penalties.

Get both books, read them. Be an active participant in your own legal rescue.

-- Rich Grassi 

HAPPY 4TH of JULY!

ROTAC TRAING GROUP, Course selection

The following is the selection of courses that are being offered by the ROTAC TRAINING GROUP;

Price of the course does not include the ammunition that is required for each course or the range fee!  Range fee depends on where the course is being held.

Students are required to bring their own Eye and Ear Protection!  A decent baseball style cap is required for all live fire training!

Training certificates are given to all students that successfully complete the course!

A 50% deposit is required one week prior to the scheduled date of the class.  Cash only!

ROTAC # 1     Safety & Basic Skills Class
This is a class that is designed for first time gun owners as well as anyone that has never had any type of formal firearms training.  It is a 5 hour class that emphasizes the Safety and Responsibility that must be recognized and applied when handling and operating any type of firearms.  The focus of the course is bases around the handgun, revolver/semi-auto.

ROTAC # 2      Enhanced Basic Skills
This a 2 hour class that is designed as a follow up to ROTAC # 1 
Emphasis of this course is developing the students shooting skills.

ROTAC # 3      Intermediate Handgun Skills
This a 2 hour class designed to teach the student the correct procedures for working there particular gun.  This class will introduce the student to the proper technique for presenting the gun from the holster so that it can be done in the most efficient and effective manner.  The student will also get the intro on proper loading techniques and resolving problems that may occur when operating a (semi-auto)handgun.  This course is designed for individuals that have had some training and are able to handle their gun safely.

ROTAC #4       Advance Intermediate Skills
This a 3 hour class designed to take the student to the next level of their learning process.  The student will start to be pushed harder at working and running the gun.  It will never take the student out of his or her ability to place accurate shots on the target.  However, the student will be pushed out of their comfort zone a little in order to make them better shooters.   We will never accept speed over accuracy!

ROTAC # 5      Advanced Handgun Skills
This a 4 hour class that is designed to test your ability to put all the skills that you have learned together.  It is a fast moving and difficult program.  It is designed to test the student ability under stress.     

This class will provide you with the necessary training  the is required for the Florida Non-Resident CCW which is good in 29 states.  Complete packet is included as well as the certificate of training.  

This class will help you to develop the mindset and confidence that you should have if you carry a gun for self defense. 

ROTAC  #6      Introduction Shotgun
Three hour class.  Function and operation as well as ammunition selection is discussed in detail.  This class will provide you with skills that you need in order to operate a shotgun efficiently and effectively.  It provides the student with vital information and dispels the myths and incorrect information about the shotgun.

 I like my pistol, but I love my shotgun!

ROTAC #7      Semi-auto Carbine
 Three hour class starts off with function and features of this extremely popular weapon system.  It addresses the different type of platforms that this weapon system is available in.  Zeroing your sights, both iron and red dot systems.  Shooting this weapon for maximum effect.

As always we still do the qualification for Retired Law Enforcement Officers, HR-218/S-1132.  

For more information please call or e-mail me,
rotac2@gmail.com
Cell # 215-416-0750

Active Killers, by Tiger Mckee

Skill Set: Active Killers

The killings in Orlando … I spent a long time trying to think about what to write for today's column. A variety of different topics came to mind, and after starting them I felt that they were lacking. I thought about the lessons that could be discussed. How do you react in this type situation, where it's illegal to carry firearms, crowded and with limited exits? Did anyone try to stop the attacker, even though they were unarmed? Would an organized defense, with multiple people involved have stopped the killing? In the end, I decided to suggest readers watch this video: Active Shooter, a very realistic video, and it may not be appropriate for everyone.

Called "Surviving an Active Shooter," it is a short video produced by the LA County Sheriff's Department. Using realistic scenarios they go through your options in responding to an active murderer. The three options they present are escape, hide, and fight.

Avoidance and escape are always your best option when faced with danger. In order to do this you must have a plan, which means knowing where the exits are for where you spend lots of time. You also need to think about improvised exits, such as windows that can be smashed or broken and/or any other areas that may lead to safety. When entering a new environment, you locate and identify your exits, both conventional and improvised. With family members or friends it's important to have a plan in place beforehand, knowing who will do what and basic principles that will apply regardless of the situation.

Hiding is another option, except it may not be as easy as it sounds. The use of concealment is an art; hiding is a lot more difficult than it actually sounds. The video above mentions silencing cell phones. Movement must be stopped, so that you don't create noise and attract the eye of the threat. Even communicating is difficult. Keep in mind you will probably be experiencing auditory exclusion – your hearing will shut down – so what sounds like a whisper to you will be loud enough to attract unwanted attention.

Making the decision to fight back, the third option, is a difficult one. Can you actually stop the threat? Knowing how to shoot accurately is one thing. Accurately engaging a moving threat surrounded by dozens of bystanders is a completely different matter. What about when you don't have a firearm? There are always improvised weapons at hand, if you are ready and willing to use them.

When do you decide to fight? Some situations may demand an immediate response. Others may require you to wait for the opportunity. Are you going to escape, or are you willing to risk your life to save others? These questions, and many more, can be thought about and debated prior to an event, but the right answers can only be determined on the spot.

The world is full of evil. Everyone who is old enough to recognize this – in varying degrees and according to their age – must be prepared to deal with violence.

Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, located in northern Alabama. He is the author of "The Book of Two Guns" 

GOOD NEWS!

THE ROTAC TRAINING GROUP will now be doing training at the PHILADELPHIA TRAINING ACADEMY, located at 831 Ellsworth Street, Philadelphia Pa.  This is a full service gun shop and range.  They offer all types of training and I am very happy to be affiliated with them.  I will post the courses that I will be offering in the very near future.  Thanks to all of you that responded in such a positive way to my last post.  It meant a lot to me.

Remember, Preparation, Practice = PERFORMANCE!

Announcement

Effective today, 6/13/2016 I have suspended all and any type of training that was being conducted at the Double Action Shooting Range.  This includes all Basic Safety and Skill classes as well as the Pa Act 235 Program.  I will most likely have another range, very shortly, in order to continue with any type of training.  

The only regret I have is that I have trained hundreds of individuals at that location and have established a lot of great friendships with a lot of those folks.  I will not be far guarantee you.  I will let you know where I will be.  Please stop in and say hello!

A lot of training will continue to be done at the So. Jersey Facility, USANT, MTC, Elmer, NJ.

Motion vs. Action....Tiger Mckee

Motion vs. Action

On the range I often see people going through the motions required for a specific task, as opposed to performing the actions necessary to accomplish that task. But, you ask, isn't this the same thing? No. You go through the motions required to load the pistol, but that doesn't mean you've performed that action properly. Motion and action are not the same things.

A prime example, as mentioned above, is loading the pistol. It starts by inserting and seating the magazine. You perform this motion, but was it an effective action? Did you just insert the mag, or actually seat it, using aggressive action? Aggressive, exaggerated action with purpose seats and locks the mag in place.

Next, you cycle the slide. Again, aggressive, exaggerated action is required to ensure the slide is pulled all the way to the rear and then released so it snaps forward, feeding a round from the mag into the chamber. Short stroking the slide, not pulling it fully to the rear, is a common source of stoppages. In other words, operator induced malfunctions.

The final step in loading - an administrative manipulation - is checking the chamber to confirm there's one in the "pipe." This is another time when I see a lot of "motion" vs. "action." I watch people "checking" the chamber but not actually performing the action. They go through the motions, pulling the slide slightly to the rear and physically or visually checking for a round in the chamber. Yet, when they come up on target and press the trigger the pistol goes "click" instead of "BANG!" (This is accompanied with a flinch, the muzzle dipping down as they expect the shot to fire.) Yes, they went through the motions of "checking," but they didn't actually confirm whether or not there was a round chambered.

Their next response is to turn the pistol slightly sideways and look at it with a surprised expression on their face. "I loaded it," they are thinking, "so why didn't it fire?" Sometimes they even say this out loud. "Because," I reply, "you went through the motions, but you didn't actually check or notice that there wasn't a round in the chamber." This is motion without action.

You can perform all the right motions, but without the proper actions you won't get good results. Drawing the pistol can be an efficient action, or it can include a lot of wasted motion. When checking the chamber, the correct action tells you whether it's loaded or not. While scanning the environment you either go through the motions, simply turning your head from one side to the other, or you're in action, scanning like there is something important you need to see.

Motion is defined as "movement." Action is "the performance of a function." Good results are based on proper actions. This principle applies to all aspects of your life.

Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, located in northern Alabama.