Best Ambush Draw

GemJedi

I just got my concealed carry permit in a state, Illinois, that is new to concealed carry. Having scoured the internet for hints and tips on concealed carry I felt the need to assess potential scenarios in order to assess my needs for firepower versus concealability, type of concealment, training, etc.

One self-defense scenario that I feel is a higher likelihood than others is that someone I have pissed off (I am an attorney) decides to do me harm. Stopping pissing off a-holes is not really an option for the type of law I practice. As I tried to think it through from their perspective, it seems the most likely scenario would be that they surveil me and decide to ambush me while coming or going from my car to either my home or my office, with my office seeming more likely. The reason I think this the most likely scenario is that it would give them the greatest chance of pulling it off and getting away with it. Breaking into the home by force at night seems very risky to them. Near the courthouse is very public.

So as I think about this scenario and how to defend against it, it seems that an off body carry like the Galco Planner would be the fastest draw since I can have the planner partially unzipped with my hand on the weapon while remaining concealed for those few moments coming and going from the car. Perhaps even a revolver in that situation would be even better. I prefer semi-automatics though.

Given this scenario, what tips and tricks can I get from the board?

Thanks,

New CCL holder

jimdeere

You're a lawyer, just talk your way out of it.
Just kidding.[:D]
Not much you can do, in my opinion, if they get the drop on you.
You might take some self defense instruction, martial arts, etc.
to be able to fend off an armed assailant until you can draw down.

Ray B

In the late 70's a Washington State agency was investigating political corruption between organized crime and some Pierce county officials. the lead investigator was getting close to some information so the criminal element decided to kill the investigator. the plan was similar to your scenario. As the investigator left his home he walked from the front door to the state car, parked on the street. The assailants were parked up the street. As the investigator got in his car the assailants drove up alongside his car. the passenger had a 9mm pistol from which he fired several shots through the window and door of the car (a Dodge Aspen). The driver had a 12ga shotgun which he fired over the passengers head, so most of the shot went into and over the car's roof. Then they sped away. the investigator's wife heard the noise, ran out to see the car driving away and her husband laying across the car seat. she called medical assistance, the investigator was taken to the hospital where he recovered. He didn't return any fire, but in falling over onto the passenger seat made for a small target for his assailants, so most of the shots went over him passing out through the passenger door.
There are times when the best defense is a good offense, but then there are other times when the best defense is a good defense.

Alpine

Being aware of your surrounding is the best possible defence. Be a trained observer when you are in those areas, and have a plan in mind. How you practice is how you will react. So when you become comfortable shooting, then add some stress and movement. Taking a tactical class might work for you also.

Ditch-Runner

just be very away of your surroundings , if you feel the threat level is high enough maybe get you a nice bullet proof vest for those occasions , take it off in the office and after going into the house no one will know .

select-fire

1. Bad Area. Chicago has high crime. High crime means you more of a target.

2. Get a truck, not a car. More weight means you can run over someone if a threat.

3. Use another entrance.

4. Don't use the same timetable to arrive or leave destinations that you frequent.

5. No substitute for firepower. Keep a shotgun at work or home. Handgun for personal carry.

6. Get a dog.. for home. Get a real mean dog.

7. Consider protection with another present.

1911a1-fan

look for an i.d.p.a. match near you, at the very least go watch one

bigcitybill

Keep a hammerless snubbie in the pocket of
your jacket and just shoot right through the cloth.
Buy a used one so you don't have to worry about
the finish, and keep your keys in the same pocket.

fideau

Just do what Denny Crane did.[:D]

Just kidding. But carry on your person. A paddle or clip holster cross draw, that way whatever you are carrying can shield your right reaching (or vice versa) under jacket. A clip or paddle holster so you can put it on and off quick.

GemJedi

So you don't like my hand on gun inside Galco planner while walking to car?

wiplash

quote:Originally posted by GemJedi
So you don't like my hand on gun inside Galco planner while walking to car?


Its best to keep it on your person. What would happen if someone ran up and knocked you Down?

Just like its a bad idea for women to carry in their purses. A purse snatcher would end up getting their gun too.

txlawdog

Carry two guns, a good flashlight and spare ammo.

Practice drawing from that planner or your pocket or whatever...

Good for you for checking and preparing!

I was born on the south side of Chicago... I love Giodornos Pizza! (Spelling may be wrong)

rong

Hang a sign on your back
" I'm a Lawyer"..no one will go
near you.[}:)]

catgunguy

Welcome, Gemjedi. It looks like you are getting acquainted well.
Also from Illinois, I carry with an inside the waist holster and in certain cases I will also carry one in a light holster in my pocket.

MG1890

I would think less about the "quick draw" concept and more about observation and planning.

1/2 a second quicker out of the holster ain't gonna help if they already have you in their sights.

If this is a real concern, have you considered a bullet proof vest??

I'd say a full size double stack autoloader in most any holster will fill the bill; the trick is to know when it is time to haul it out and kick *.

PS - I'd think about keeping an AR carbine or a tactical shotgun in the car. Sorry to say, if they are sitting in a car 50 yards away with a rifle on you then you are toast.

Big Sky Redneck

I'm no expert on self defense and I could very well end up dead in such a situation but along the years I've picked up on a few things from friends, cop friends, people here and of course some Youtube tutorials.

One of the things I learned is from my time in Iraq, I was a civillian contractor with no military training and my job took me off base with other civillians under military escort. Things happened over there that opened up something in me and that is Situational Awareness. SA was drilled into us by management and our military escorts. When you see attacks happen (we were targeted on the roads more often than military) you start to pick up on things. Long story short, if a mosquito farts 100 yards behind me I know it. You cannot sneak up on me anymore and after a few seconds I'm aware of everyone around me and can spot the hadji hiding an AK under his dress in a crowd with ease now.

Strong side carry, I have a pot gut and a small frame, this makes it hard to hide anything on me. Strong side carry is fine if you are not in a vehicle. Seat belts make it near impossible for me to carry strong side, plus the gun digs a hole in my side when the console and seatbelt comes into play. I did get into the habit of unholstering the gun and tucking it under my right leg when getting in the vehicle but you need to be discreet when doing this, reholstering the gun is hard to hide.

In the winter months a shoulder holster is great but summer months are a bear. MT is open carry friendly so while I try to keep it hidden the gun being exposed briefly is not an issue.

There really is no right way or wrong way, there is only the way that works for you. My suggestion is talk to cops, maybe take a self defense course from a reputable company, seek out videos on youtube and not those damn * rednecks but defense company sponsored videos. Soak up as much info as you can and find what works for you. What works for me or the next guy may not work for you.

GemJedi

I was just thinking that the half second advantage of having my hand on the gun while entering and exiting vehicle could be the difference between returning fire while being shot, and having to draw while being shot. Even though just a half second, it seems like I would be more likely to return fire even if they had the drop on me.

I have thought about body armor and instead opted for a ballistic plate inside my briefcase. Not as good as on-body armor but it is more likely I will have it everyday.

I realize it makes me look paranoid to be going down this road but that is what concealed carry forces you to think about. I have not had any actual threats, I just seem to upset unstable people capable of committing some level of crime.

pwillie

quote:Originally posted by GemJedi
I just got my concealed carry permit in a state, Illinois, that is new to concealed carry. Having scoured the internet for hints and tips on concealed carry I felt the need to assess potential scenarios in order to assess my needs for firepower versus concealability, type of concealment, training, etc.

One self-defense scenario that I feel is a higher likelihood than others is that someone I have pissed off (I am an attorney) decides to do me harm. Stopping pissing off a-holes is not really an option for the type of law I practice. As I tried to think it through from their perspective, it seems the most likely scenario would be that they surveil me and decide to ambush me while coming or going from my car to either my home or my office, with my office seeming more likely. The reason I think this the most likely scenario is that it would give them the greatest chance of pulling it off and getting away with it. Breaking into the home by force at night seems very risky to them. Near the courthouse is very public.

So as I think about this scenario and how to defend against it, it seems that an off body carry like the Galco Planner would be the fastest draw since I can have the planner partially unzipped with my hand on the weapon while remaining concealed for those few moments coming and going from the car. Perhaps even a revolver in that situation would be even better. I prefer semi-automatics though.

Given this scenario, what tips and tricks can I get from the board?

Thanks,

New CCL holder
...."partially unzipped with my hand in my pocket".......[:o)][:o)]

EhlerDave

quote:Originally posted by select-fire
1. Bad Area. Chicago has high crime. High crime means you more of a target.

2. Get a truck, not a car. More weight means you can run over someone if a threat.

3. Use another entrance.

4. Don't use the same timetable to arrive or leave destinations that you frequent.

5. No substitute for firepower. Keep a shotgun at work or home. Handgun for personal carry.

6. Get a dog.. for home. Get a real mean dog.

7. Consider protection with another present.




Just how will a condom help?

v35

Having a hand on the gun worked best for me.
My Chief was behind belt, under a shirt jacket, about 10 0'clock position. If you prefer an auto get a double action first pull with no safety.
Whatever you do, time how long it takes to get your hand on the gun.
Also practice drawing and spinning around.
That's what I had to do.
They were about 10 ft distant and starting to encircle me.
Do give some thought on how to disengage once you've stopped him/them.

roswellnative

Strong side with a forward tilt under a sport coat. I'm a glock guy cause when I clear the holster and draw its only a trigger pull left. No manual safeties , they slow you down
And practice till its ingrained in you.

and mindset is a big key. Be aware and don't get in a corner. Keep moving

Welcome to the forum

11b6r

Have you considered some Kevlar???

GemJedi

I have a level III insert in my briefcase. But this all started with getting my concealed carry permit. Then deciding what to carry and how led to brainstorming scenarios, next thing I am thinking body armor and having a tactical shotgun in my car? There is a limit to all this isn't there?

GemJedi

This is what I had in mind. Last chance to agree that this is a legit ambush draw. Or else I wasted $ on the Galco Planner.

select-fire

I sometimes carry my Beretta Compact. However is it a double stack mag that holds 13 mag 1 in tube. I would totally reconsider your 9 shot max. unless you have plenty of spare mags.

GemJedi

quote:Originally posted by select-fire
I sometimes carry my Beretta Compact. However is it a double stack mag that holds 13 mag 1 in tube. I would totally reconsider your 9 shot max. unless you have plenty of spare mags.


The town I live in has a high capacity (more than 10) magazine restriction so I could not go to a 13 rounder. Of course 8 is still less than 10 so your point remains.