With “Permitless” Carry taking effect in my home state of Texas September 1st I had some thoughts:
One of the things I learned very early on when I started carrying a gun for self-defense was that I needed to adpot a mentality of Avoidance, Deterrence and De-Escalation if I wanted to stay vertical and out of prison.
Avoid Dangerous places and Stupid People
Deter Criminal Behavior with Acute and Constant Situational Awareness
De-Escalate heated situations with an apology and submissive behavior (Tuck your Ego and Temper In. Be the bigger man and Squash a Verbal altercations with an apology and move on.)
Most all of you know I am NOT a fan of Open Carry.
If you are going to carry a gun for self-defense, go concealed or don’t go at all.
The reasoning is simple: SURPRISE is one of the biggest advanatges the armed citizen has against a criminal, especially now in Texas when the odds are very high that every person that a criminal comes into contact with MAY BE armed!
Once the criminal knows a gun is involved it changes things dramatically.
It can work FOR the armed citizen (the deterrence factor) or it can work AGAINST them.
Just remember: EVERY altercation you are going to be involved in there will be a GUN present, YOURS!
For this reason I am a Firm believer in the armed citizen getting solid Weapon Retention Training.
Going along with the Concealment MO, you might re-consider your blade carry as well.
A pocket Clip folder is handy but it is also noticeable.
Instead, go for a horizontal fixed blade belt carry.
Lot of great options out there like the Cinch Pick.
