Opinion
Ft Collins, CO –-(Ammoland.com)- “Security Story,” from a friend and student:
“We were visiting family in a ‘nice’ suburban area in New England on Monday.
With me was my eleven-month-old grandson (secured in car seat), and his father.
As we exited our car, we were greeted by a neighbor who was with her two-year-old boy and their small dog (on a short leash).
With no warning, I heard an undefined commotion behind me. I turned my head casually.
What I saw, to my surprise, was two full-size, adult pit bulls, unleashed, and racing toward me!
In the passage of less than two more seconds, the dogs roughly jumped over my grandson (still secured in his car seat), struck head-on and bowled-over the neighbor’s year-old-boy, knocking him to the pavement, and then jumped aggressively onto the small dog the neighbor had on a leash.
Here’s where my self-critique may perhaps be of help to other serious Operators:
1) The pit bulls were not impressed with my S&W 638 revolver, as it never came into play! It was resting within a leather pocket-holster inside a cargo-pocket that was snapped closed.
Speed of the attack rendered the little pistol irrelevant!
2) The pit bulls were similarly unimpressed with my two HKS speed-loaders, containing high-performance, HP ammunition, secured inside the same pocket!
Again, all irrelevant!
3) Likewise unimpressed and unresponsive were the dogs with the torrent of anger-filled commands and vulgar expletives that were screamed at them by all three adults present!
Neither dog paid any attention to us!
What I did do was draw my instantly-accessible Gerber Model 06 Folding Knife that was secured by clip along the seam of my right-side, front pocket.
Instead of taking the time to deploy the blade, I clenched the closed knife’s aluminum grip in my closed right fist, jumped onto the dogs, and used the steel pommel tip to strike both dogs in the head and nose, with as much physical force as I could muster.
That finally got their attention!
Both dogs squealed and backed off, shaking their heads back and forth.
The pit bulls’ owner suddenly showed-up, shouting apologies! She got control of her dogs and took them away.
Both boys suffered abrasions, but nothing serious.
The leashed “victim dog” was covered with saliva, but suffered no serious damage.
Police were summoned, and the pit bulls’ owner was charged.
I was humbled and disappointed with my inability to quickly access my carry-pistol!
I “go armed,” or so I thought, but I was obviously kidding myself!”
Comment:
This question comes up often in Classes!
“Just how much time do you think you’re going to have to act in any kind of productive way during your next “security emergency?
Will you be texted, Face-Timed, or “tweeted” in advance to be alert and prepared?”
Like my friend, above, many casually “go armed,” but without first critically looking at their concealment method, much less actually testing it!
It’s “come-as-you-are-war,” and you’re either ready, or you’re not. In the latter case, you’ll not likely get a second chance!
“Fate makes no appointments, nor does it wait on any man! You have to be alert and ready the instant it arrives.” ~ Anon
/John
About John Farnam & Defense Training International, Inc
As a defensive weapons and tactics instructor John Farnam will urge you, based on your own beliefs, to make up your mind in advance as to what you would do when faced with an imminent lethal threat. You should, of course, also decide what preparations you should make in advance if any. Defense Training International wants to make sure that their students fully understand the physical, legal, psychological, and societal consequences of their actions or in-actions.
It is our duty to make you aware of certain unpleasant physical realities intrinsic to the Planet Earth. Mr. Farnam is happy to be your counselor and advisor. Visit: www.defense-training.com
Not all pit bulls are savage. The owner/trainer has to train them to be. They are cousins to boxers that are very friendly dogs. Blame the owner rather than the dog. In the case o these two, they did not attack people but went for the dog on a leash. May not have been viscous.
I used to have a pit bull. She loved people. I still made sure she was on a leash around folks until they were completely her friends. Once someone told me I was being too hard on Petie, her eyes were so mild. Then Petie snatched a pigeon out of the air like she was grabbing a frisby. Petie was a sweet, affectionate murderous bitch.
Sometimes we have to remember that pit dogs are almost as dangerous and unpredictable as people. Almost.
That’s why you carry weapons for self defense.
Proof that the person is the weapon, guns nd knives are just the “edges” on them.
@ Author Farnam There is no such thing as “a ‘nice’ suburban area in New England” because the professional politicians have stolen more from the people than a professional robber ever would.
First of all thankfully no one was seriously injured.
Second, thanks for sharing a lesson learned.
Third, this might be a reason to consider carrying – easily accessible – “gel” pepper spray.
Once again thank you for sharing and causing us to think about the”what if’s.”
It’s really irrelevant here, but nonetheless, I’ll post it: In my 70 years, including more than a decade as a HazMat officer dealing with the methamphetamine “industry”, I’ve seen my share of vicious dogs purposely made that way by the clowns who use them to protect their stashes, their cook-houses, their residences, etc. The one breed I’ve watched made into these vicious creatures most often the past 20 years is by far the Pit Bull Terrier (aka “terror”). This breed seems to be the criminal elements’ favorite canine, and that premise is well-supported by incident reports, nationwide. For those dog… Read more »
When the federal law made firearm possession with drug dealing a more serious crime with mandatory prison, many drug dealers/cookers got dogs.
Kudos to the author for not only having an edc knife but also for having the foresight ( training ) to deploy it quickly quite possibly preventing loss of life,limb or sight. While I personally train to deploy my edc with blade extended I also train to use the butt end for non lethal strikes just as this author did. Lethality seems warranted in his case. Fortunately the owner finally got their act together and secured the dogs. Now it’s up to authorities to determine the dogs’ fate. Once again, well done John. A knife can and did make a… Read more »
Yup slow carry never made sense. Pocket pistols, no round in the chamber etc etc etc.
Your only fooling yourself. Having both hand weapons options that can be deployed in seconds is what’s needed. Maybe you will get away with slow carry and maybe you won’t. Also it’s a great example of just having a gun isn’t enough.
I’m glad he and his are ok and it’s a great shared story. Hopefully it was a learning experience. His action of speed, surprise and violence overcame thankfully.
A lot of pit bulls are trained not to bark according to my friend at DEA. I was surprised by a pit bull that appeared at my feet; I did not have a clue he had crossed the street for me. It happened very fast; thankfully the owner was able to stop the dog from attacking me. I was way behind the curve with my defense and I thought I had everything all figured out.