‘TIS JUST DAYS before Christmas and the cash registers ring, as all on the “nice” list continue to sing,
“More ammo, more targets, and patches and swabs; more night sights and flashlights with buttons and knobs.”
With stainless or blued steel and polymer backstraps…and gun belts and holsters and concealed carry backpacks.
There are magazine pouches and things that we carry, like med kits and knives for when things do get hairy.
Our wardrobe is peppered with tan pants of cotton — and covering garments with pockets forgotten.
Yes, gun owners shop with wild abandon and dream of spent shell casings that would fill the Grand Canyon.
And the gifts they envision make pistoleers smile; they head off to the gun shops and browse every aisle.
And there, in display cases, ‘neath fluorescent light, rest the products we need for when things don’t right.
With our pistols and ammo and carry gear ready, we head off for more training to make our hands steady.
We move and we shoot and communicate often. We train and we train so our skills never soften.
We carry our pistols and ammo all season. We keep our skills sharp. We all know the reason.
For we never will know what’s coming our way, so we strap on our guns and silently pray,
That we won’t ever use them to fend off an attacker: a killer or rapist or simple carjacker.
You see, a gun on your hip or kept in your purse can keep you from harm when things couldn’t get worse.
But just having the gun is no help at all if you haven’t been trained to answer the call.
So get out there and buy all the gear you desire. Get pistols and ammo. Buy range time, then fire!
But don’t ever think, not for one minute, that a fight is a good one when you are stuck in it.
The last you want is to reach for your gun: if you can escape safely, I’d rather you run.
But some fights will come to without any warning — some late at night or some early one morning.
Be ready. Be willing. Be always aware. But don’t think you must draw just ‘cuz you’re there.
Scan and assess. You could be a good witness. And don’t overlook your physical fitness.
We’ve chosen this lifestyle, with all its drawbacks, like lawyers and legal fees and media attacks.
But we know that St. Michael carried his sword, and deployed it with might in the name of our Lord.
So think about why you might carry a gun. Don’t make a statement, don’t do it for fun.
Ask yourself why you’ll fight or retreat, and train with your pistol, your mind and your feet.
Train that your hands and your eyes remain steady. Train for your family. Always stay ready.
