Recently we touched on the importance of checking the laws regulating firearms and weapons BEFORE you travel if it is your intent to arm yourself. 
 
Rules can vary by state, but they can also vary by county, districts and so on.  During our next few posts we’ll try to lay a foundation for best practices.
 
The current climate of the United States has altered in a manner that has made traveling with a weapon less and less of a consistent process. 
 
Your destination, how you plan to travel, and what weapon you plan to traveling with are all factors in determining the legality of bringing the weapon with you, on your vacation, as well as providing possible extenuating factors, if you need to defend yourself. 
 
There have been multiple instances of people being detained at their destination, or even along the way, on the journey, for possession of a weapon that was legal in their resident location.
So at what point can a weapon go from legal to illegal during your travels?  As stated it can be complicated and each step of the way should be researched beforehand.
 
Such was the instance of a man who was detained in New Jersey with an unloaded firearm he had legally checked into his baggage while at Salt Lake City.  His circumstance was unfortunate, he had legally checked his firearm with his baggage, but was stranded in New Jersey. He chose to go to a hotel to wait for the correct flight.  When he voluntarily disclosed to the TSA officer (Transportation Security Administration) that he was checking-in a firearm, the man was detained for “possession of a firearm in New Jersey without a New Jersey license.” 
 
The man was held for 10 days before posting bail. The police dropped the charges a few months later. The man attempted to sue the police for detaining him, by citing  a law that allows licensed gun owners to take their weapons through any state as long as the weapons are unloaded and not readily accessible.  Regardless of that law or the outcome of the suit, it’s plain that the man did not avoid his detention nor the inconvenience that comes with an arrest.

A woman was detained in New Jersey as well,  for traveling with a firearm that was legal and registered in Pennsylvania, her place of residence, but was not legal in New Jersey, where during her travel she was pulled over for a traffic infraction.  Again, she voluntarily disclosed to the officer that she was carrying a firearm in the vehicle, and this led to her arrest.  She was held for 40 days in Atlantic County before posting bail.
 
These examples are not put forth to discourage people from traveling to New Jersey, (even though NJ arguably has the strictest gun control laws in the country). We share this information as evidence that all precautions should be taken, (with carrying weapons)  whenever and where ever your travels may take you.
 
Just because various weapons might be legal in your resident location, does not mean they are legal at your destination, or even along points to your destination, or in the different modes of transportation you may be taking.
 
Travel/vacation season will soon be upon us and some people travel as a matter of lifestyle! If you’d like to discuss some to the ways you can intelligently research the travel guidelines related to firearms and other weapons, connect with us.  We at SDTG follow the laws and trends related to firearms in the US. We do not provide legal advice, 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

Tasers and stun guns, they’re the same thing right?
 
While you may hear the names taser and stun gun used interchangeably, they are actually different weapons.   
 
A taser deploys prongs from a distance and sends the current through the prongs and into the target, which completes the circuit.
 
A stun gun must be used in closed contact to your assailant. . 
 
Police tasers and civilian tasers operate differently.  The police version has an effective range of roughly 30 feet, while the civilian variant has about half the range.  The civilian taser current is effective for up to 30 secs.; this can give you enough time to get away.  The police taser is good for about 5 seconds, enough time for a trained officer or professional, to approach and control the suspect. 
 
The first step in deciding between a stun gun and a taser should be to learn your local laws. Some states bar civilians from owning tasers and some bar civilians from owning stun guns.  Some areas may ban both. Check your local laws prior to deciding on either.

Let’s assume your area allows you to consider both; then the question is do you opt for a taser that offers distance, or the surety offered by the stun gun?  For the taser to be fully effective, both prongs must make contact and be embedded in the target. . If a prong misses or gets caught in clothing, the taser won’t administer the current, and your target is still standing. 
 
If you’re not willing to accept this risk, a stun gun offers a more sure method of incapacitation.  In some situations the mere threat of being tased or stunned is enough to deter a would be assailant. 
 
My personal recommendation,  should your area allow you to own one, is a taser. While the price tag is more hefty, the advantage of maintaining some distance from the target will allow you avenues of escape. Being within grasping range of an assailant is more dangerous, especially if the stun gun does not have the desired effect.
 
This ends our series of non-lethal self-defense weapons.  In conclusion I hope you can see that all of these weapons have viability, depending on the laws in your area.
 
Your knowledge on the use of multiple methods of self-defense is your best defense!  A firearm, pepper spray a taser or even a key chain knuckle on your person allows tiered responses to various threats as well as options for various locations. 
 
If someone is menacing you but hasn’t yet done something to be a threat to your life or the lives of your loved ones, pepper spray is viable.  If you’re somewhere where you’re not sure of your backdrop, which eliminates the safe use of a firearm, a taser might be the appropriate measure.  Check all local and state laws prior to buying a non lethal, and if you’re going on vacation, check the state and local laws of your destination.
 
Follow this link to Connect with us today and start building your defense strategy with firearms training or with more advice on non-lethal defense solutions

As we continue in our series of non-lethal self defense, let’s explore the use of Batons.  Batons are a fairly obvious and straightforward non-lethal option, and yet as with all, weapons there are some pros and cons to consider.

This weapon is more likely to be carried off-the-body, in something like a backpack or purse.
 
The sizes of the batons and the materials in which they are made have a great deal to do with their effectiveness. So while a baton can be intuitive and can massively compound the striking force of the user on their target, much of a successful outcome depends on the size of the baton and what it is made of.

Many of the concealable batons are retractable and constructed of lightweight materials. While this may be a plus for carrying the baton around, it can become a minus if you find yourself in a situation, because a light-weight baton may not provide enough striking power to stop an assailant or it may bend/warp/break or simply not hold up for enough strikes to allow you to get out of harm’s way.  
 
Do your research. Multiple companies make expandable batons, and their weights and construction vary.  When selecting a baton as a nonlethal weapon, you need to determine the value in the tradeoff between weight and strength. Your decision could be the different between successfully defending yourself or not. 
 
Just keep in mind, while heavier batons may not be as easy to carry, they are usually stronger and are more likely to retain their shape for more powerful and effective strikes.
 
Speaking of strikes, even though the baton may appear to be a simple weapon, it can be callous in the injury it can produce.  In trying to free yourself from a situation, aim your strikes for joints and for the torso.

And remember, SDTG is available for advice, training and consultation.  #AreYouDefenseReady? is a question we always want you to be confident in answering. 

Follow this link to Connect with us today and start building your defense strategy with firearms training or with more advice on non-lethal defense solutions

Keychain knuckles are the contemporary variant of a blast from the past, the brass knuckles. 
 
As with its older counterpart, "keychain knuckles" use your own body’s mechanics to inflict damage on an attacker. 
 
These knuckles are manufactured using either metal, stiff polymers or a dense plastic.  They fit in your hand and have holes for your fingers to slip through like in the example shown, and some have grooves on the sides for your fingers to fit in for a better purchase (more secure)

Keychain Knuckle devices are fairly innocuous. Some may even make it past TSA (The Transportation Security Administration)….which I am not recommending!  They are good during the summer when the attire may not allow the carrying of anything on the body.  Most are fairly light, weighing around 5 ounces or so.  Some are heavier, especially if they are made of metal.

So what are the negatives? To be effective, you’d need to be in close proximity, and having to be in a head-on confrontation may not be the best, depending on your circumstances.  Still, if you can throw a punch, you’ll be able to use these effectively. 
 
Some Keychain Knuckles, (structured like the example shown), have “ears” or prongs that allow for slashing and puncturing.  In preparation for using Keychain Knuckles, I recommend heading to a local flea market, or better yet, your local gun show to gain some experience on the look and feel . Slip one on and test the way it feels in your hands.
 
You want to ensure the Keychain Knuckles you select fit comfortably, and not too bulky or too heavy.  I recommend taking a striking class if you intend on purchasing these. The better and more effective your standard punch is.  The more damage you can do to your opponent without suffering as much yourself.

In closing, as with all weapons, look up the legalities in your area.  Some jurisdictions may declare Keychain Knuckles’  illegal, while others may allow use.  Be sure to check the laws of places you’re traveling to as well, as they may have more restrictive laws than your state.
 
As always, SDTG is here to offer you advice and guidance.  We’ll help you create a unique plan to work with your lifestyle.  Just connect with us.

In this day and age, when the conversation turns to “self-defense”, many people assume that using a firearm is at the top of the list.  However, there are many other methods of self-defense and while Scorpion Defense Training Group is dedicated to providing the best in firearms training, we also strive to deliver the best in education on all types self-defense.

Let’s be practical, the laws in your area may restrict the use of firearms, or ban them entirely.  And what’s the solution when you are traveling?  Many destinations don’t allow firearms in any capacity.  Or you may be doing something that makes carrying a firearm practically impossible, such as running during the summer or going to the beach.

 
There are many non-lethal measures, that when performed with knowledge and understanding, can be taken to protect yourself and give the confidence you need to feel safer.
 
Here’s a little insight…..the primary focus of these methods will be targeting the weakest parts of the human body, the eyes, throat, and knees.  Stay with us during the next few weeks as we explore some of the alternatives to firearms and give you ideas to supplement.
 
In this series, you’ll benefit by learning the pros and cons to using some of the most well-known methods of self protection, as well as some instances in which they may be applied.
 
 
This week, we’ll start with PEPPER SPRAY:
 
OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) Spray, or better known as pepper spray is most commonly found in law enforcement and corrections.  It serves as both a denial and direct usage tool that attacks both the eyes and the respiratory system of the person on the receiving end of the spray. When in contact with the eyes, it causes irritation which can lead to blurry eyes, pain, or even temporary blindness.  When it affects the respiratory system, it can cause intense coughing and choking.  This form of non-lethal has seen usage in law enforcement since 1989, initially starting with the FBI’s SWAT team and special agents.

I recommend these for self-defense.OC Spray is available to your everyday civilian as well, from tiny keychain bottles only good for a few bursts, to massive home defense variants.  The standard self-defense sizes are the ones that can attach to your keychain, as well as pocket/purse sized variants.  When choosing between the two, you need to decide whether you have the dedication to carry the pocket sized bottles,

Here are some important considerations in selecting the best pepper spray unit to fit your needs:
 
Consider the size of the unit:
The smaller variants are more concealable, but harder to use in stressful and difficult situations.  The larger ones are more forgiving, and offer more shots than the smaller versions, which is crucial should you be facing multiple opponents.  The larger variants also can serve as impact weapons once the liquid has been used up. 

Consider the spray pattern the unit emits:
Different spray patterns can work differently in different situations. There are typically two spray patterns, a cone pattern and a stream pattern. 
           
The cone pattern operates in a shorter range.  It can be drastically affected by wind, but the spray particles linger in the air in a broad pattern.  This is better used as an area denial weapon.  (a denial weapon is a device or a strategy used to prevent an adversary from occupying your space.)  You spray it in the air around you and run, as the spray will linger in the air, providing you time to find cover or get to safety.
 
 The stream pattern can be used at a greater distance and it is less affected by wind. However, it requires more accuracy to effectively hit the targets face. 
 
Some pepper sprays include gels or foams that allow them to stick to a target, thus affecting them more.  These variants also require accuracy to effectively employ. 
 
Consider the type of trigger on the unit. Some versions use a button that is depressed by your thumb.  This allows your thumb to serve as an aiming mechanism while allowing you to keep the spray farther from your face.  Another thumb trigger mechanism is on the bottom of the spray, while effective, this requires the use of a bent elbow deployment, bringing the spray closer to your face.  This could potentially cause the OC spray to come back to the user.
 
Consider the environment when using the OC spray unit. If you live in an environment that is substantially more windy, a stream is more effective but requires you to face your assailant head on.  The cone is not as well suited for these environments, but is better for area denial in urban terrain. 
 
If you noticed someone has stalked you for a couple of blocks, and after a series of turns they remain behind you, deploying the cone in a choke point serves a dual purpose.  If they are truly following you, they have to walk through the choke point, thus bringing them into the mist of OC.  This could incapacitate them enough for you to get away, or should they remain on your trail, their hacking and coughing can give you enough warning of their approach so you can prepare to give them a full taste of the spray. 
 
If the usage for the spray exists indoors, things like air flow and ventilation could affect how to best to employ your spray.
Train with the spray!  Yes…as with everything else that is important, your first time using the spray should not be in a critical moment of self-defense.  Some companies offer inert trainers for this specific purpose. 
 
Practice makes perfect: Just like with a firearm,  you want to practice your draw, toggling a safety (if there is one) and accurately employing the spray.  This allows you to determine the best range of your spray so that you’re more secure and assured if the occasion arises to actually use it.
 
Finally, as with all weapons, look up the legalities in your area.  Some jurisdictions may find that OC is illegal, while others may allow its use.  Be sure to check the laws of places you’re traveling to as well, as they may have more restrictive laws than your state.
 
As always, SDTG is here to offer you advice and guidance.  We’ll help you create a unique plan to work with your lifestyle.  Just connect with us.

Have you had a personal experience with OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) Spray?
Send us your comments!

Act:  This is the stage where you act on all the previously stimuli and observations.  It is at this stage you may draw your firearm, use another self-defense tactic ... or leave the situation in its entirety.

Earlier, we mentioned the O.O.D.A loop has two caveats.  If at any point something occurs that changes the situation drastically, the O.O.D.A loop restarts with the new change in the process. 

You may have decided to simply leave a situation, but then someone assumes a fighting stance.  At this point, your O.O.D.A loop resets.  You observe the stance, orient towards the new threat and make a decision.

Maybe now you'll choose to draw a weapon, rather than leave, and act based on the new information.  The loop may be interrupted, once, twice, fifty times, or not at all.
 
The general rule of thumb however falls back to distance, and personal space.  The closer you are to someone, the more you will focus on that, and the less you will focus on the area around you. 

In crowed spaces, people will be close enough to pull your attention away from something important.  Remember, it all starts with observe ... so it's back to "observe everything".

Let us help you develop some of the special skills involved in becoming more observant...schedule a consultation today.

We've examined the first two parts of the OODA concept; now let’s move on to the third:  Decide: 

This sounds self-explanatory, right? Well there are some intricacies you may want to consider before-hand. Can you imagine having to decide if there is a threat in play and what action you should take?
Should you remain in place, or should you seek cover?  Should you draw your firearm, or other weapon? Should you take some non-lethal action? Should you run? 

When the decision arises to be  "defense ready", your decision will typically be based on your skills, training and your level of comfort with your tools.

 “Practice Makes Perfect” is a true statement and practice can be the deciding factor in the outcome of your situation.

Before you find yourself faced with a treat, where you may be forced to make a decision, be sure to get the proper training for the defense tactic you may need in an emergency.
 
At SDTG, we not only provide our Clients with expert firearms training, we also offer consultation and advice on methods to meet your lifestyle, your individual skill-set and your comfort level. We are serious when we ask, #AreYouDefenseReady?

Last week in O.O.D.A, we talked about the first step in the concept: Observe.  This week we'll touch on Orient. The entire concept works in unison.

 The O.O.D.A loop has two caveats, the first that crowds and being in packed lines (like is common for the holidays) make observation extremely difficult.  Prioritization of persons of interest will be the best play here.  If someone catches your attention, something triggered in your brain to pull them out of the crowd.  They may be worth further observation.

Orient:  At this stage you focus your attention on whatever it is you have observed.  In personal space, this is the person you’re speaking to. Should you notice a knife in someone’s hand, or a weapon of any sort, you’ll orient towards the threat.  This stage can end a threat right then, as observation is the last thing a petty criminal wants. 

In crowded situations, put your phone away, observe and orient yourself in your surroundings.  Situational awareness is your first defense.

At SDTG we specialize in helping you stay defense ready.  Use this link to Connect with us for the latest trends and guidelines in firearms and safety.

As the holidays come about in full swing, self-defense and personal protection become more of a priority with the increase in shopping and higher volume of pedestrian traffic.  The crowds can impart their own difficulty to staying vigilant to threats and of your general surroundings.  Your five senses are the most obvious method of evaluating and observing your surroundings, however the final sense, that “sixth” sense will also be of use.  Your gut, your natural intuition is crucial to your observation skills. Your subconscious is putting together details you may not pay close attention to, and may warn you.  Some experience this warning as the hair on their neck standing up, or a general sense of wrongness. 

In the 1950s,  Colonel John Boyd of the United States Air Force created a concept known as the O.O.D.A loop.  The acronym is simple, and stands for the decision making process.

• Observe
• Orient
• Decide
• Act

 
During this holiday season, we will take you through this process, with the first step in the loop,

Observe:  At this stage, you are using your senses to notice what is around you.  You do this every single day simply by looking around.  In the context of personal defense, you’re looking more for obvious threats, like the person lurking around the corner with their hand in their pocket, or someone who you notice has been in the same stores you’ve been in but never leaving with anything. 
 
The most critical time this comes into effect, in my opinion, is when a person enters what is known as your personal space.  In proxemics (the study of space and how population density in that space effects behavior) personal space is 1.5 to 4 feet.  At this stage, a person’s action will always be faster than your reaction, and the distance can make reaction nearly impossible.  A stranger in this space will immediately catch your attention and make you feel uncomfortable.  
 
Situations can vary and speaking directly to a stranger can be tricky, so if you are concerned about how to maintain your personal space during crowded holiday activities,  Here’s a link to Connect with SDTG and we’ll give you some personalized tips.   

When it comes to deciding to carry during the winter, one must first answer a series of questions. What body type do you have? Are you slender, or are you stocky? What is your climate? What clothes are you going to be wearing? Finally, do you plan on carrying inside the waistband (IWB) or outside the waistband (OWB)?

Answering the questions will enable you to decide which amongst the Glocks will be best suited for you. The Glock 17 is the largest glock and has a standard 17 round magazine, but is the hardest to conceal due to its size.
 
Those with larger body types will be more easily able to conceal it than those of a more slender frame. The Glock 19 is a solid halfway point between round capacity with 15 rounds, and ease of concealment. Finally, the 43 is the easiest to conceal, but does not offer a large round capacity with only 6 rounds in the standard magazine.

When you consider your climate, you need to determine the amount of clothes you will be wearing when outside. The more bulky and heavy the clothes are, the more easily you can conceal, but the harder the draw might be without significant practice. If you are just going to be wearing a hoodie and jacket, you will have an easier draw stroke but a harder time concealing a large firearm like the Glock 17.

The holster you choose pairs with this as well. Should you choose to carry OWB, be aware that the firearm will be a bulge in a place where one wouldn’t normally be.
 
Practice your draw stroke as well, the author has a full sized 9mm pistol in a level 2 OWB holster that required plenty of dry fire practice to achieve a fluid draw stroke.
 
The level of a holster tells you how many layers of retention it has. Level 1 is friction only, and standard for IWB holsters, an example includes the T-Rex Arms Raptor holster.
 
Level 2 has a thumb snap or button that must be defeated to draw the firearm such as found on the Blackhawk Serpa holsters.
 
Level 3 and higher include all of the above and a button of some sort that one must press in order to draw the firearm, you can find this on a Safariland ALS holster.

Connect with SDTG for the most useful information related to your safety and firearms training. 

Credits: Officer Douglas Preston - SDTG