The events that are occurring around the world and in the United States re-enforces my decision of owning firearms and training with them on a regular basis. The ownership of firearms for self-defense purposes comes with great responsibility and commitment. I am responsible for everything that my firearm does or doesn’t do. It is my responsibility to educate myself on the local laws pertaining to firearms and the use of them for self-defense. There also needs to be a commitment to get the proper training in the use of firearms and a commitment to continue that training on a regular basis.
With that said, I also need to understand that my firearm is not a fix all tool. It’s just one of the tools on my tool belt. It is not the first thing I resort to when faced with a possible life threatening or dangerous situation. I’ve written in depth in past articles about tactical mindset. This mindset does not begin when I draw my weapon. To a certain degree, this mindset is constantly working. Somewhat like Defcon levels or the color codes of awareness, my tactical mindset can be in a relaxed mode or a heightened mode.
I carry or have a firearm with me at all times. Even when I travel out of Arizona, my firearm is always with me. Another tool that benefits me is having a State issued CCW permit. This permit allows me to carry my firearm, legally, in more circumstances than if I did not have a permit. I want to be able to comfortably carry my firearm knowing that I am not breaking any laws pertaining to the possession of a firearm. As mentioned before, knowing the local laws helps tremendously.
There are many Arizona laws that justify the Use of Physical Force and the Use of Deadly Physical Force (ARS 13-411). You should be familiar with these laws but even more you should be familiar with the phrase, in reasonable fear of immediate serious physical injury or death. This in my view is the catch all justification for the use of deadly physical force.
One of the main responsibilities of carrying a firearm for personal protection and what could be called the foundation to a tactical mindset, is situational awareness. Be aware of what’s happening around you. Situational awareness can also be achieved at certain levels. Lowered when resting in a familiar or safe place to heightened when in public or when an event has occurred.
I’ve mentioned just a few things needed if you are truly wanting to be a responsible firearm owner. Some of you reading this article might not be firearm owners or just have them for sport. I’m asked every so often why I carry in the first place. Considering the fact that I’ve carried firearms in the military or law enforcement for over 30 years and they’ve just become a part of my life, it’s also for the personal safety of myself and my family.
We all should be aware that criminals are most likely to possess a firearm or a deadly weapon. So why shouldn’t I not have the same or greater to defend myself and my loved ones?
In my opinion, we are coming to an age in our countries history where we as Americans are not guaranteed safety to any degree that we may have had in the past. Things are being put into place whether federally or locally that work against us in regard to our safety. Why would I not take every step I could to protect myself and my family?
Even though the ownership and possession of a firearm, if done correctly, will take time and money, why would I not take those steps? If you had a person under the influence of a drug, in possession of a weapon, in your backyard or banging on your door, would you be confused if the police showed up and they were not carrying firearms? To some degree, you are your own first responder, this doesn’t mean you have to act, but you are the one that first encounters the situation. Why not prepare yourself?
So, a part of being a Responsible Gun Owner is knowing the laws. We also have a lot of students ask questions about why they should get their CCW Permit, when you are allowed to carry without one in Arizona? Well do you know if you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol? Do you have to inform a police officer that you are carrying? Learn this and SO MUCH MORE…. Register by OCT 21st and receive $10 off our CCW class scheduled for NOV 4th.
NEVER STOP TRAINING
Please email me at
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Visit our Website: JohnsonGroupTAC.com
Oz Johnson/Lead Instructor, NRA Certified
Karin Johnson/Operations Manager
602-410-7355
