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I once asked a guy who’d carried a gun for 10 years a simple question:
“What’s your plan if someone grabs you from behind, and there’s no time to draw?”
He had no answer.
Not because he wasn’t serious — but because he’d made a common mistake:
He thought the gun was the plan.
This is called being “the man with the hammer.”
Carry a firearm long enough, and every threat starts looking like a nail.
This one-size-fits-all mindset can be dangerous.
Draw a gun to bluff someone, and a motivated attacker now knows you’re armed and hesitant.
Draw it in a shoving match?
In most places, that’s a crime.
Here are some shocking numbers from the FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System and National Crime Victimization Survey from 2024:
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63-77% of assaults are unarmed
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Guns appear in less than 10% of attacks |
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Contact-distance weapons, such as knives, blunt objects and unspecified weapons, were used in about 18% of attacks |
Translation: being prepared isn’t just “owning a gun” … it’s being mentally, physically, and legally ready for any threat you face.
Here’s how you can build a complete plan today:
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1. Start training your body. YOU are your EDC.This week, do one honest gut check: 10 pushups, a 1-mile walk, a flight of stairs. Wherever you land is your real starting line, start training from there. |
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2. Sharpen your situational awareness. Tonight, look up “pre-attack indicators” and learn the 3-4 behaviors criminals show before they strike. The best way to “win” a battle is to avoid one. |
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3. Learn to fight, unarmed. Explore martial arts classes in your area. Try a free class to see what discipline you like. Remember, you don’t need to be a black belt to be effective. Knowing the basics goes a LONG way. |
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4. Carry less-lethal options. Don’t own pepper spray or a tactical pen yet? These may be good options to explore. Heck, even a good flashlight would be a great addition to your EDC. |
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5. Join our next “From Gun Owner to Protector” online training. Next Wednesday night, Mike Seeklander (Marine combat veteran and USCCA’s Director of Education and Training) will share the exact move that buys you two or three seconds when an attacker is already too close to draw. |
Plus, you’ll also hear from an elite self-defense attorney about the “dos and don’ts” of any self-defense incident, and so much more!
The best part? It’s 100% FREE to attend.
Reserve your spot here!
Bottom Line:
Just “owning a gun” doesn’t make you a Protector.
You need to be prepared mentally, physically, and yes — legally for a self-defense incident.
That’s the only way to become the confident and capable protector your family and friends can count on.
Kevin Michalowski
Executive Editor of Concealed Carry Magazine and Director of Content
1-855-388-4075
P.S. – I can’t stress this enough:
Owning a gun and being a “good shot” is just one, small piece of the Protector puzzle.
Everything else you need to know is here.
United States Concealed Carry Association - A South Carolina Corporation
Mailing Address | 1000 Freedom Way West Bend, WI 53095
Delta Defense LLC | 1000 Freedom Way West Bend, WI 53095
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0The USCCA is not an insurance company. A policy has been issued to the USCCA by Universal Fire and Casualty Insurance Company. That policy provides the association and its members with self-defense liability insurance, subject to its updated terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions as of 11/04/25 and USCCA’s membership agreement dated 07/06/26. USCCA Membership is not available to residents of New Jersey, New York or Washington State. Information provided herein is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a representation of coverage that may exist in any particular situation. Contact Delta Defense, LLC at 1-800-674-9779 with any questions. Delta Defense provides sales, marketing, operations, and administrative support services to the USCCA and is a licensed insurance intermediary. Delta Defense, LLC does business as Delta Defense Insurance Services in California. CA License #0M34093
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