Uncategorized Archives - My Own Defender

Firearms Safety - the basics

Firearms safety is essential for everyone who handles firearms. By following basic safety rules, you can help to prevent accidents and injuries.

In this blog post, we'll discuss the basic rules of firearms safety. We'll also provide some tips for staying safe when handling firearms.

Here are the basic rules of firearms safety:

Treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Even if you know that the firearm is unloaded, always treat it as if it were loaded.
Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy. This includes people, animals, and property.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. This will help to prevent accidental discharges.
Be aware of your target and what is beyond it. Make sure that you know what is behind your target before you fire.

Here are some tips for staying safe when handling firearms:

Take a firearms safety course. This is a great way to learn the basics of firearms safety and handling.
Practice regularly. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with firearms and the less likely you are to make a mistake.
Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure that you are aware of what is going on around you when you are handling firearms.
Never drink alcohol or take drugs before or while handling firearms. This can impair your judgment and make it more likely that you will make a mistake.

Firearms safety is essential for everyone who handles firearms. By following the basic rules of firearms safety, you can help to prevent accidents and injuries.

Here are a few additional tips for staying safe when handling firearms:

Never leave a firearm unattended. Always keep firearms in a safe place when you are not using them.
Be aware of the laws in your area regarding firearms. The laws vary from state to state, so it is important to know what the laws are in your area.
If you are ever unsure about how to handle a firearm, ask a qualified instructor for help. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

I hope this blog post has been helpful in providing you with some basic information about firearms safety. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you are handling firearms safely and responsibly.

Thank you for reading!

Uncategorized - 09/05/2023

Visualization - Success in Firearms Training

Visualization is a powerful tool that can be used to improve your performance in many areas, including firearms training. When you visualize yourself succeeding, you're essentially programming your mind to believe that success is possible. This can help you to stay motivated and focused during training, and it can also help you to perform better under pressure.

There are many benefits to using visualization in firearms training. Here are a few of the most important:

It can help you to stay motivated and focused. When you visualize yourself succeeding, it can help you to stay motivated and focused during training. This is because you'll be able to see yourself achieving your goals, which will help you to stay on track.
It can help you to perform better under pressure. When you're in a stressful situation, it's easy to get flustered and make mistakes. However, if you've visualized yourself succeeding in that situation, you'll be more likely to stay calm and perform at your best.
It can help you to overcome challenges. Visualization can help you to overcome challenges in firearms training. This is because it can help you to see yourself overcoming those challenges, which will give you the confidence to try again.
It can help you to improve your accuracy. Visualization can help you to improve your accuracy in firearms training. This is because it can help you to see yourself hitting the target, which will help you to develop the muscle memory necessary to hit the target consistently.

How to Use Visualization in Firearms Training

There are a few different ways to use visualization in firearms training. Here are a few tips:

Start by visualizing yourself hitting the target. This is the most basic form of visualization, and it's a great way to get started. Close your eyes and imagine yourself taking aim, firing the gun, and seeing the bullet hit the target. The more vivid your visualization, the better.
Visualize yourself overcoming challenges. If you're struggling with a particular challenge in firearms training, visualize yourself overcoming that challenge. This will help you to build confidence and prepare for the unexpected.
Visualize yourself feeling confident and relaxed. If you're feeling stressed or anxious about firearms training, visualize yourself feeling confident and relaxed. This will help you to stay relaxed under pressure and perform at your best.
Visualize yourself having fun. If you're not having fun, you're less likely to be successful. So, make sure to visualize yourself enjoying the process of training and shooting.

Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you to improve your firearms training. By following these tips, you can start using visualization to improve your performance today.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips for using visualization in firearms training:

Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. This will help you to focus on your visualization.
Take some deep breaths and relax your body. This will help you to get into a state of relaxation, which is ideal for visualization.
Start by visualizing yourself achieving a small goal. This will help you to build confidence and make visualization more enjoyable.
Once you're comfortable visualizing small goals, you can start visualizing larger goals. This will help you to reach your full potential in firearms training.
Practice visualization regularly. The more you practice, the better you'll become at it.

I hope you find these tips helpful!

Uncategorized - 08/21/2023

Fear of Firearms - How to Overcome It

If you have fear of firearms, you're not alone. Many people are afraid of guns, even if they've never had a negative experience with them. However, if you want to learn how to use a firearm safely and effectively, it's important to overcome your fear.

dryfire tools - overcome your fear of firearms

Here are some tips on how to overcome your fear of firearms:

Educate yourself about firearms. The more you know about firearms, the less likely you are to be afraid of them. Learn about the different types of firearms, how they work, and how to safely handle them.
Talk to someone you trust about your fear. Talking to someone you trust can help you to understand your fear and develop strategies for overcoming it.
Start slowly. Don't try to learn everything about firearms all at once. Start by learning about the basics of firearm safety. Once you feel comfortable with the basics, you can start learning more about different types of firearms and how to use them.
Practice regularly. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with firearms. Start by practicing with unloaded firearms. Once you feel comfortable with unloaded firearms, you can start practicing with loaded firearms. Dryfire is a great way to get comfortable with your firearm. Here at My Own Defender we believe in dryfire so much that we even built our own Dryfire Program. Click on the following link to see what it's all about. MY OWN DRYFIRE
Find a qualified instructor. A qualified instructor can help you to learn how to use firearms safely and effectively. They can also help you to overcome your fear of firearms.

Overcoming your fear of firearms can be challenging, but it's possible. By following these tips, you can learn how to use firearms safely and effectively, and you'll no longer have to be afraid of them.

Uncategorized - 08/16/2023

Competitive Shooting for Self-Defense

If you own a firearm for self-defense, it is important to train regularly with it. This is especially true if you are considering competing in shooting sports. Competitive shooting, like in USPSA or IDPA, can help you to improve your firearms skills in a variety of ways, which can make you a more effective self-defender.

Here are some of the benefits of competitive shooting for self-defense:

Improved accuracy: Competition requires you to consistently hit targets at varying distances and in different positions. This can help you to develop the accuracy and precision that you need to defend yourself in a real-world situation.
Increased speed: Competitive shooting also requires you to shoot quickly and efficiently. This can help you to develop the speed and reflexes that you need to respond to a threat in a timely manner.
Better decision-making: Competition forces you to make quick decisions under pressure. This can help you to develop the skills that you need to make sound decisions in a self-defense situation.
Increased confidence: Competitive shooting can help you to build confidence in your ability to use your firearm effectively. This can be a valuable asset in a self-defense situation, as it can help you to stay calm and focused.

In addition to the benefits listed above, competitive shooting can also be a lot of fun! It is a great way to meet other people who share your passion for firearms, and it can be a challenging and rewarding experience.

If you are interested in learning more about competitive shooting for self-defense, I encourage you to sign up for a training class at My Own Defender. Our experienced instructor can teach you the fundamentals of firearms safety and operation, as well as more advanced techniques. We also offer classes on competitive shooting, so you can learn the skills you need to compete in matches.

Sign up for a training class at My Own Defender today and start improving your firearms skills for self-defense!

Here are some additional benefits of competitive shooting that you may not have considered:

Stress inoculation: Competitive shooting can help you to develop the mental toughness that you need to stay calm and focused under pressure. This is a valuable skill for self-defense, as it can help you to make sound decisions and to effectively use your firearm in a stressful situation.
Problem-solving: Competition requires you to solve problems quickly and efficiently. This can help you to develop the skills that you need to think critically and to make quick decisions in a self-defense situation.
Teamwork: Many competitive shooting events are team-based, which can help you to develop teamwork skills. This is a valuable skill for self-defense, as it can help you to work effectively with others in a crisis situation.

If you are serious about self-defense, I highly recommend that you consider competitive shooting. It is a great way to improve your firearms skills, learn new techniques, and build confidence. You may also find that you enjoy the challenge and the camaraderie of competitive shooting.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up for a training class at My Own Defender today and start improving your firearms skills for self-defense!

Uncategorized - 08/14/2023

The Benefits of Being Confident in Firearms Training

Become confident in your skills!

In today's world, it's more important than ever to be able to defend yourself. If you're looking to improve your firearms skills, developing confidence is a great way to do it. There are many benefits to being confident in firearms training, and it can help you to be more successful in both self-defense and competitive shooting.

Why do you need to be confident?

Confidence is essential for effective firearms training. When you're confident, you're more likely to stay calm under pressure, make good decisions, and shoot accurately. Here are some of the benefits of being confident in firearms training:

You're more likely to stay calm under pressure. When you're in a stressful situation, confidence can help you to stay calm and focused. This is essential for making good decisions and shooting accurately.
You're more likely to take action. In a self-defense situation, you may need to take action quickly. Confidence can help you to do this effectively.
You're more likely to be successful in competitive shooting. Competitive shooting is all about making quick decisions and taking action. Confidence can help you to do this well.
You're more likely to enjoy firearms training. When you're confident, you're more likely to enjoy firearms training. This is because you'll be less likely to be afraid of the firearm and more likely to focus on your shooting skills.

How to Develop Your Confidence for Firearms Training

Practice regularly. The more you practice, the more confident you'll become. When you practice, focus on making good decisions and shooting accurately. Dryfire practice is a great way to gain confidence in your firearms skills from the comfort of your home.

Set realistic goals. Don't try to do too much too soon. Start with small goals and gradually work your way up. For example, if you're just starting out, your goal might be to hit the target 10 times out of 10 at 10 yards. Once you've met that goal, you can set a new goal of hitting the target 15 times out of 15 at 10 yards. Then maybe start adding some time constraints.

Visualize yourself succeeding. Before you start shooting, visualize yourself hitting your target. This will help you to stay positive and focused. Close your eyes and imagine yourself taking aim, firing the gun, and seeing the bullet hit the target.

Get positive feedback. Come to a class to receive feedback on your shooting. This will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses. They can also give you tips on how to improve your shooting.

Conclusion

Developing your confidence for firearms training takes time and effort, but it's worth it. By following these tips, you can become a more effective shooter and protect yourself and your loved ones.

Uncategorized - 07/06/2023

Dryfire - what tools do I need?

You want to dryfire, but what do you need to be productive?

This is probably one of the most common questions I get as a dryfire expert. It's understandable because if you're on social media, or running a google search, and you're about the second amendment, you will be marketed to with the latest tools and gadgets to "help you" practice more effectively.

dryfire practice targets — Targets Needed to Practice

The fear of missing out on a cheat code that "will make you the best shooter" in your sphere of influence can discourage you, or distract you, from even starting to dry practice with your firearms.

Are gadgets helpful?

The short answer is, no. Most tools and gadgets that are advertised as indispensable tools for dry practice success are just a waste of money. From the MatisX, to the dryfiremag, to barrel flag, snap caps, etc. You really don't need any of these. That's not to say that used correctly, these things will hinder your progress, but they certainly don't boost your progress as advertised.

So what do I actually need to get to work?

Here are just a few things you'll need to practice in a meaningful way and get after your goals:

Grit (practice regularly - most days, not necessarily for long periods of time to get the best results)
Scaled targets - 1/2, 1/3, and 1/6 size are ideal
Multiple magazines
A good holster - don't cheap out on holsters, this is a very important part of your performance.
Weighted dummies are a great investment for your gun to feel like your gun does at the range (weight)
A program that will give you great information on how to practice correctly!

Make tons of progress at home in your dry practice, then go confirm that progress under the professional eye of a great instructor. The feedback should then guide you on what to work on next.

Check out the My Own Dryfire Program and then come see us for a live fire class https://myowndefender.com/

Uncategorized - 12/25/2022

Call Your Shots - what does that mean?

Every shooter should know how to call their shots!

You have probably heard people say you need to be able to call your shots. Do you know what that means? Can you do it? Is it even possible?

Calling your shots does not mean never missing your exact point of aim. Rather it's a skill you can learn to determine where your rounds will hit the moment your gun fires.

Once you have amply worked on the fundamentals of shooting and you can shoot good groups (3" groups at 7-10 yards) without any time pressure, you can and should start introducing movement and time constraints. When you start stacking these difficulties, you will want to know how to call your shots.

So how do you do it?

Calling your shots is essentially knowing exactly where your front sight or red dot is lifting from the moment you complete your press and the gun fires. If you're used to closing your eyes the moment the gun fires, this will make this skill hard to learn. My suggestion would be that you do a bit more live fire drills to try and desensitize; this is so that you can keep at least one eye open through the firing process so you may observe where the sights are lifting from (allowing you to call your shots).

Barring any disruption of the sights as you finish the press, wherever your sights are lifting from is where you round will end up. Learning this skill is really helpful because you won't be staring at your target to see if you're being successful. Rather, you will learn to trust that what you saw as the gun goes off is the result you will get - calling your shots as the gun goes off. That will allow you to make the decision on whether you must fire again to improve your shot or move on to another problem/target.

Things to remember when learning this skill:

Where is your dot or front sight lifting from as you complete your trigger press?
Have you worked on the fundamentals enough to ensure a great trigger press so that the sights are not disturbed as you finish the press?
On follow up shots, is your grip good enough to ensure your sights are not moving in an unacceptable way for the difficulty of the target (size/distance)?

We are big proponents of learning how to call your shots. Whether you're looking for firearms training for personal defense or practical purposes (sport), My Own Defender is your training company. In fact, check out our schedule of classes and look out for class announcements on social media as well!

Uncategorized - 10/20/2021

Concealed Carry (CCW)- A True Story

“I’m applying to get my Concealed Carry Permit” (aka CCW, concealed carry weapons permit), I explained {Jaw drop}

Uncategorized - 09/30/2021

Red Dot Sights - How to Zero your Pistol

People make the process to find the zero with their pistol red dot sight, way too complex! That's because they forget that your zero should serve your practical applications. If the majority of your shooting happens inside 15 yards, why are you zeroing at 25 yards?

Uncategorized - 09/29/2021

Have Some Basic Survival Skills

Defending yourself and your loved ones requires more than firearms training

Being your Own Defender doesn’t mean only learning to defend yourself against violence. It also means to be prepared in case of emergencies or disasters (get some survival skills). This past year we had an unprecedented occurrence and there was massive panic. People around the world rushed to buy water, food, toilet paper and other home necessities clearing out inventory at retail stores and driving prices through the roof. As a responsible protector for you and yours you should consider purchasing and storing ample amounts of water. Studies tell us that without water a human can only survive about 3 days, did you know that without this basic survival skill you would perish within 3 days? However, with an adequate amount of water, even without food, a human can extend that time by 300-700%. Here are some valuable water storage tips to help you stay prepared.

Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation. A normally active person needs about three quarters of a gallon of fluid daily, from water and other beverages. However, individual needs vary depending on age, health, physical condition, activity, diet and climate.

Take the following basic survival skills into account:

Children, nursing mothers and sick people may need more water.
A medical emergency might require additional water.
If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary. In very hot temperatures, water needs can double.

We are big proponents of self defense training, both empty hand and firearms training. However those skills along are not sufficient. Be the first line of defense for yourself and your loved ones by acquiring some basic survival skills. You don't have to be an expert to purchase and store water 🙂

Uncategorized - 09/16/2021