Practice situational awareness and avoid trouble. Next, figure out what you're really trying to protect yourself from, how far you're willing to go, and figure out what tools and training you need.
Yes! Learn The Four Rules and become familiar with handling a firearm safely, and get comfortable shooting it.Could they get started with the basics by simply going to the range with an experienced friend or family member?
This is an excellent question.. Here are a few items to consider.
What advice would you give someone just getting started with self defense?
Would you advise them to get specialized training at their local shooting range? Why? Why not?
Could they get started with the basics by simply going to the range with an experienced friend or family member? Why? Why not?
Would you advise more than just firearms training? What about other weapons?
There are great responses here. I would like to approach it from a different direction. You know those movies where our hero punches the bad guy and he doesn't flinch? Then all of a sudden you see reality dawning on the good guy (think Bruce Willis). My point is that as far as pistols go, they are not the be-all and end-all of weapons. FBI numbers (and these can be backed up by using simple math the next time you hear monthly or annual numbers from Chicago) indicate that 6 of 7 of those shot with a pistol (85%) survive. Even if they don't, they often live long enough to finish what they started. IOW, don't be overconfident about having this new super power. The more you realize this, the more you understand how it is best to avoid the problem in the first place, if at all possible.
What advice would you give someone just getting started with self defense?
Would you advise them to get specialized training at their local shooting range? Why? Why not?
Could they get started with the basics by simply going to the range with an experienced friend or family member? Why? Why not?
Would you advise more than just firearms training? What about other weapons?
"Proper mindset".... I am attending a concealed carry class today, that's going to be my guide. Thank you.Self defense is a state of mind. You can be the best shot in the world and it might not help you want to self-defense situation if you don't have the proper mindset. I know that might not necessarily answer the Ops questionbut as far as I'm concerned The types and kinds of training differs between individual. Start with the basics and advance at your own pace and needs. That's the best advice I can offer