Being in the self-protection business for as long as we have, we’ve seen people make the same mistakes over and over. These are mistakes that could cost them everything in a real-world situation. Owning a firearm is not enough; you must know how to use it, when to use it, and what happens after you do. Let’s get to the three biggest mistakes gun owners make.

1. Poor Situational Awareness

A gun won’t save you if you don’t see the threat coming. Today you see many people walk around like zombies, glued to their phones or lost in their own world. They are completely unaware of what’s happening around them. Situational awareness is your first line of defense. If you can spot danger early, you might not even have to draw your firearm.

• Pay attention to who is near you and how they’re acting.

• Switching your state to one of readiness in a dark anything (alleys, streets, parking garages, train station areas) isolated parking lots, and blind corners.

• Trust your instincts; if something feels off, it probably is.

2. Neglecting Regular Training

Owning a firearm is not the same as being prepared to use it. Many gun owners hit the range once, fire a few rounds, and think they’re good to go. But real-life situations are nothing like standing still and shooting at paper targets.

• Train under stress; because in a real fight, your adrenaline will be through the roof.

• Practice drawing from concealment because in real scenarioes; you won’t have time to fumble.

• Take courses that teach pistol, rifle, edged weapons, and empty-hand defense; because when your gun is no longer an option, you’ll have to rely on other forms of self-defense. 

Your gun is just a tool. You are the weapon. Train accordingly.

Get Our Free Pro Training, Interviews, and Discounts on More Advanced and Live Training? Click to Join Our Email List

3. Ignoring the Legal Side of Self-Defense

Shooting is only half the battle. The moment you pull the trigger, you step into a legal minefield. Many gun owners don’t understand self-defense laws but ignorance won’t save you in court.

• Know when you are legally justified to use deadly force.

• Understand your state’s laws on carrying, using, and storing firearms.

• Learn what to say (and not say) to police after a shooting.

If you don’t know the legal side of self-defense, you’re leaving yourself wide open to criminal charges; even if you were in the right. Firearm insurance is highly suggested for this type of education and legal protection.

Summary

You need to be aware, you need to train, and you need to know the law. Situational awareness keeps you from walking into danger. Regular training ensures you can react under pressure. Understanding the legal system helps protect you from a bad situation turning even worse.

At Intuitive Self Protection, we don’t just teach you how to shoot, we teach you how to win the fight. We have developed an integrated fighting system with pistol, rifle, edged weapon and empty hand training that prepares you to handle any threat. Ready to train with us? Click HERE!

About The Author

Hank Hayes is a Combat Arts Hall of Famer and inventor of the No Lie Blade. He is the founder and CEO of both Intuitive Self Protection and NLB Tactical and creator of the ISP/NLB viscous fighting system. Since 1998, he has trained well over 30,000 Military and Law Enforcement personnel via Government contract mainly at the elite special teams level and continues to train both civilians and MIL/LE how to come home safe.