If you read all of Part 1 and part 2 of our CCW series, and you are now ready to take your skills to the range, then we want to help you feel ensured every step is done correctly and safely. 

 With concealed carry and carrying in general, there is a rule for the drawing and holstering your firearm:  quick out of the holster, and slow back into the holster.  You want to draw the firearm quickly so as to negate the threat quickly, but take your time with holstering your firearm. 
 
There is sound reasoning with this process.

The threat may get back up, re-engage or more threats may appear.  Taking your time with the holstering is also a safety precaution, so you can ensure no clothing or anything else prevents you from holstering your firearm. 

Once you choose to carry concealed, being prepared in the appropriate techniques is a vital aspect of your firearms training.   Take the time to learn the right skills,

We can help. At Scorpion Defense Training, our instructors can provide professionalism and mentoring to help you become confident and proficient concealed carry owner.

We look forward to serving you. Just follow this link

Following onto Part 1, we are recommending that when at home you can practice your draw stroke and presentation skills by using a similar tool to the SIRT laser training pistol or an airsoft pistol.   With the SIRT pistol you can create a target, and practice your draw and initial discharge safely. 
 
In this article, we’ll talk about starting with the absolute basics of practicing your draw stroke.
 
A three count action is involved with the concealed carry draw stroke. 
Count 1 is the defeat, or clearing of the garment, away from the firearm. 
Count 2 is the grip and draw of the firearm from the holster. 
Count 3 is the joining of the hands and the presentation of the firearm on target. 
 
Consistently practicing this initial 3-count procedure is critical when it comes to executing the actual “draw stroke” of your firearm. 

Practice and training helps build confidence to correctly master your best skills. This could be the difference between life and death. 
 
So far, you’ve been practicing at home. Keep in mind that performing on the range can add new challenges due to the live rounds in the chamber.  In our next article we’ll be talking about the benefits of visiting the range and incorporating what you’ve practiced at home.
 
Let us help you with your counts and until you are successful in performing  full draw stroke correctly.  Start here: https://www.sdtrainingllc.com/contact-us.html

When you are out-and-about, taking a stroll or in a populated place, can you identify the bulge of a firearm on a passerby?  If not, that’s the point. Hence the term “Concealed Carry - CCW”.
 
The biggest challenge of effective Concealed Carry isn’t the concealing of the firearm, but rather the "draw stroke and presentation",  if a threat presents itself. 
 
To those of us with our concealed carry licenses, the draw stroke and presentation is the most crucial and yet can be the most easy to botch aspect of Concealed Carry.  For  we spend more time training the draw stroke and presentation than we do determining how and where we will carry our weapon.  Personally, I do dry runs with my carry rig every day.   
 
Now, when done in the home and not on the range (remember, safety first), this works best with something like the SIRT laser training pistol or an airsoft pistol.   With the SIRT pistol you can create a target, and practice your draw and initial discharge safely. 
 
(The SIRT training pistol is a dedicated laser training device which mimics a full-size Glock. It provides an auto-resetting, fully-adjustable trigger, a trigger take-up and a shot indicating lasers, and a removable and weighted training magazine.)

After some consistent practice you’ll see that your initial “rounds” will begin impacting center of the target. With an airsoft pistol at 7 yards and indoors, you should be able to still achieve point of aim and point of impact. 

The benefit of practicing and training with an airsoft pistol is that you can rehearse your reloading skill as well. In our next article I’ll discuss some of the absolute basics in practicing your draw stroke.
 If you are licensed for Concealed Carry, #AreYouDefenseReady?
We at SDTG highly recommend the correct training and practice on your draw stroke and presentation skills. Get started by scheduling a complimentary consultation today.

A note for the upcoming Holidays….If you are giving or getting a firearm this year, be sure to include the best training in the DMV!  Ask us about our SDTG special Firearms Training Gift Certificate.   It’s easy to purchase and a great way to show how much you really care for your loved ones.  
 
If you have questions or if you just want to clarify firearms issues follow this link for a complimentary consultation.

This article contains crucial information for residents of Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.  Specifically, this article contains information about the process to obtain a concealed carry license, as well as reciprocity for the licenses and some considerations.  This list will deal only with resident permits, as non-resident permits require multiple other considerations.  Do your research if you’re applying as a non-resident.
 
Virginia:
    First, you must attain a proof of proficiency.  Unfortunately, this can be done online but will only be a detriment to the person pursuing their Concealed Carry Permit.  The author strongly recommends training with a firearm to learn basic marksmanship as opposed to going online.  Being trained will give you guidance and a higher chance of surviving a situation than having a certificate from an online course.  
According to Virginia State Police, you can do so through these means:

1. Completing any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries or a similar agency of another state;
2. Completing any National Rifle Association firearms safety or training course;
3. Completing any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law-enforcement agency, junior college, college, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association or the Department of Criminal Justice Services;
4. Completing any law-enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement;
5. Presenting evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competition or current military service or proof of an honorable discharge from any branch of the armed services;
6. Obtaining or previously having held a license to carry a firearm in this Commonwealth or a locality thereof, unless such license has been revoked for cause;
7. Completing any firearms training or safety course or class, including an electronic, video, or on-line course, conducted by a state-certified or National Rifle Association-certified firearms instructor;
8. Completing any governmental police agency firearms training course and qualifying to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties; or
9. Completing any other firearms training which the court deems adequate.

“A photocopy of a certificate of completion of any of the courses or classes; an affidavit from the instructor, school, club, organization, or group that conducted or taught such course or class attesting to the completion of the course or class by the applicant; or a copy of any document which shows completion of the course or class or evidences participation in firearms competition shall constitute evidence of qualification under this subsection.”

Finally in our series we’d like you to consider just how you will carry your tourniquet ..if you should choose to.  Here, we’ll talk about two, one in an IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit.)  on a backpack, and the other hangs loose; that one remains in the vehicle.  The two most common on-body carrying methods are with a Kydex holster, and a soft holster.

These two methods of carrying allow for ease of carry as well as secure to carry.  Carrying your tourniquet off-body means accessibility is not as immediate; however, it is still better than nothing.
 
This brings us to the end of our series on Self-defense – Emergency regarding tourniquets.
Did you learn anything that was helpful? Do you have a story to share on your experience using tourniquets? Leave a comment! We’d like to hear from you.  
 
SDTG can provide you expert and personal training for self-defense, security, and for law enforcement personnel.
 
Are You Defense Ready? Follow this link to our Website: www.sdtrainingllc.com/ to schedule a consultation and to get the training that can keep you and your loved ones safe. Remember it is only your LIFE you’re training to protect!

In our last post we brought you a scenario in which an emergency occurred and a Tourniquet was used.  As promised, let’s go into more detail.

Tourniquets are devices that can restrict blood flow by compressing the blood vessels.  This is crucial in extremity wounds that involve trauma, and can severely halt, or even fully stop a bleed.  Your life could very well be saved by this small device.  I strongly recommend learning how to properly use it, as not only could it be used on yourself, but on a loved one or wounded bystander.  
 
In many TV shows, belts are used as tourniquets, as are clothing like sweatshirts and the like.  These methods are ineffective and do not stem (effectively stop) the blood flow; at most these methods may slow a bleed. 
 
Without a stiff and proper windlass (the name for to really crimp down on the limb, it will not work as well as a tourniquet.  As well, belts can not tighten as much as a tourniquet from the get go.

If However, if this is your only choice, then do it.  Pressure to a wound will slow the bleeding and can save your life. When considering what type of tourniquet to buy, you must consider how you will carry it, and what the purpose of it is.   A Special Forces Operator will carry a different one than a SWAT Medic, and the medic’s will likely carry a different one than the average Joe.  I’ll show the two most common and easiest to understand of the tourniquets that are likely to be found in the average civilians EDC kit.

The CAT or Combat Application Tourniquet is a great tourniquet, and will suffice to cover 99.99% of incidents that the average civilian will encounter.  As well, it is easy to use and straight-forward in its construction.  It comes fully apart to wrap around a limb, but only tightens 3 inches when using the windlass, so you have to ensure that it is wrapped tight around the limb prior to using the windlass.  Make sure you have the newest generation of CAT to ensure you have the most updated version that makes up for the deficiencies of the last generations

The SOF-T is an  open-loop tourniquet with a fully metal windlass. Early versions have a narrow strap and a metal “alligator” clip with a locking screw to hold down the strap. There are two plastic D-ring securing points for the windlass once it has been tightened. For these tourniquets, users should make sure the locking screw is engaged prior to tightening the windlass to avoid unintentional loosening of the tourniquet.

Do you have a personal experience of a Tourniquet saving your life? Will you share your story with us? Leave your comments here in the blog and we’ll respond to you personally.

Now that we shared this knowledge on being aware of medical emergencies and how to care for yourself or others if the unfortunate
occurs, check back with us for our final advice on this article

Not on our list? CLICK now and join us for more self-defense and situational awareness information.

The assailant goes down in front of his vehicle; you go down next to yours. 
You have a bullet wound in your leg and it’s bleeding badly.  
 
You’re able to dial 911, and EMS tells you help will arrive in 10 minutes, but with the rapid loss of blood, 10 minutes will be too long for you to still survive. What can you do to save your own life?
 
Now we admit in this scenario we’ve been a bit drastic, however there is a point we want to make with you.  How to provide medical care for yourself if you are injured during a self-defense incident.

The truth is, a wound to one of your extremities could cause a severe disability or even death if it is not dealt with immediately and in the appropriate way.  EMS might not always be in close proximity ...especially if you live in a rural area, where the closest medic service or fire station may be well over half an hour away.
 
It is for reason we want to raise awareness on the benefit of carrying a Tourniquet.

Over the next few articles, we’ll go into more detail about how to use and carry a Tourniquet for self-defense medical emergencies.
 
Here is a request: If you have a personal experience of a Tourniquets saving your life, will you share it with us? Leave your comments here in the blog and we’ll respond to you personally.
 
Not on our list? CLICK now and join us for more self-defense and situational awareness information.

In Part 3 of our article on “Traveling with a Firearm”. we’d like you to consider your options when arriving at your destination hotel or any public abode.   How will you keep your weapon(s) safe when they are not on your person?
Many hotels can provide a safe that may hold a weapon, however, these safes are never 100% secure.  One of the most obvious security faux pas is neglect setting a strong passcode.  Never set an easy-to-guess pin code (such as 1234 or 0000). 
 
Hotel staff members often have methods to access a room/safe without requiring a key code. Take note of your surroundings …does your porter pay too much attention to your firearms  case, or does the staff linger around while you are using the safe?  Your primary concern will be keeping your weapon secure when it is not on your person. 
 
But there may certainly be times when you may not be able to keep your weapon with you.  You should plan ahead for those times and take every precaution to prevent unauthorized persons from being able to access your firearm.  
 
One method: Use handcuffs to secure the firearms case to the plumbing under the sink, or use cable ties around the locks, securing it to another strong point in the room. Take a look at the box your firearm came in; some manufacturers include pre-drilled holes into their cases for the specific purpose of allowing padlocks to be used to better secure the case.
 
The downside: Handcuffs or cable ties may be a “tell-tale sign” that you are trying to protect something valuable and someone with malicious intentions may pick up on that, however taking no action to protect your weapon is unacceptable and may also be unlawful in some instances.

The best option to keep your weapon safe, inaccessible and with your peace of mind,  would be to acquire a small safe that you can travel with and secure it to a strong point.  This safe should have a code known only to you. 
 
Finally, if you want to be the most secure, remove a small part of the firearm that would render it unusable.  For an autoloader this would be the slide stop, on a revolver it would be the yoke screw.  Small parts like this should be kept in a separate location or suitcase. A toiletry bag can be a good place to keep these small parts. .
 
As we draw an end to this series, it does not mean an end to the ways we can advise you and your family on firearm safety and ways to make your travel less hectic.  If you choose to travel with your firearm and want to be as informed as possible, we’d be please….no actually we’d be thrilled to have a conversation with you.  And if you’ve had any interesting experiences traveling with your legal firearm or other legal weapons we invite you to share your story.
 
Until next time, be aware of your surroundings, We addressed situational awareness earlier on, and using the methods we shared with you will help you defend yourself in distant destinations just as in your local environment.  Be safe, travel smart, learn what’s legal. and  connect with SDTG 

Ref: TSA firearm guidelines:  https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition.

As we continue with our article, we cannot express this advice strongly  enough: If you plan to travel, and choose to do so with a weapon, always, ALWAYS check the laws of your destination, and the laws of various places that may become a pit stop along the way.
 
Air travel is the most common method of long distance transportation and the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) sets the guidelines for what you can travel with and how to pack what you’re allowed to travel with.  Specifically regarding firearms, here are the rules set by the TSA:
(This information may change at any time. Always go directly to the source for the most recent guidelines: https://www.tsa.gov/)

• When traveling, comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international governments.
• If you are traveling internationally with a firearm in checked baggage, please check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information and requirements prior to travel.
• Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline about limitations or fees that may apply.
• Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.
  
• Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.
• Replica firearms, including firearm replicas that are toys, may be transported in checked baggage only.
  
• Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage.

With ammunition there is a separate set of guidelines:

• Ammunition is prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.
• Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm. Read the requirements governing the transport of ammunition in checked baggage as defined by 49 CFR 175.10 (a)(8).
• Small arms ammunition, including ammunition not exceeding .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge, may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm.

Look at the very first rule: when traveling, comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international governments.  Abide by these rules, and follow local and state laws and you will be okay.  Check these rules relatively frequently, as sometimes laws may change.

We at SDTG follow the laws and trends related to firearms in the US. We do not provide legal advice or specifics, however we can provide you with a starting point for your research.  Follow this link to set up a Q and A session today!  

 Ref: TSA Firearm Guidelines:  https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition