The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Defense and Tactics => Topic started by: Frisco on February 18, 2009, 01:52:53 PM
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How many of you are really aware of what is going on around you?
I was at Wal Mart this morning, and I noticed the sheeple walking around totally focused on...well...nothing. Only two other men I noticed were really aware of what was happening outside their shopping cart, or their cellular ear appendage. One was positively carrying...IWB under a t-shirt that was too tight for decent concealment. The other was dressed better for CCW, as he was wearing a demin button down over a t-shirt, but he was wearing cargo pants, and a "trainer" belt that is all the rage nowadays. He was also "checking" his pistol with his elbow a lot. I never saw the piece...but I "know" one was there.
When I am out amongst a flock of sheep, I am ALWAYS scanning around me. I do it as a game. I look for the CCW's. I look for the shoplifters. I look for the drunks, and dope heads. I look for the person who just doesn't fit. One game I play every once in a while is to go by, and move someone's cart 2 or 3 feet and see if they notice.
I have only been caught one time, and I said..."I'm sorry...they sure don't make these aisles big enough for a cart and a scooter..." I would suppose that some of my "invisibility" is because people in wheelchairs, or on mobility scooters are ignored by others, and not seen as a threat in any way. But MOST of it is from people just not paying attention. It doesn't wonder that felons whom I have arrested over the years always took down the same type of people.
Play the "What If" game. I do....and truthfully...if you do, you will see some funny stuff.
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Yes, I do this regularly....at Wally world and the mall. I don't do the high-traffic walking thing, so I park it on a bench and "people watch".
You are correct that you can see some crazy people lurking around. I watch everybody in places like this. I also make a point to keep up a 360 degree scan going in and out and while in parking areas. Sometimes I let my wife out at the door and then I park where I can see the exit and watch for her to come out so I can drive over to get her. You can people watch pretty well in the parking lot too. I watched a woman walking around in circles one day for a half hour just talking to her self.
One thing, when I drop my wife off, I always keep the exit door in my direct line of sight. She never has to come out and hunt for me. She calls me on the cell and lets me know she is on the way out and I watch for her to exit and drive over to pick her up.
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It doesn't wonder that felons whom I have arrested over the years always took down the same type of people.
Great post..... See I knew you were going to be a great +1 for this forum......
.... So how bout you use those years in LE and wisdom gained to put together an in depth profile and description for us of those "types of people felons always take down". I would be very interested to read your take on who are soft targets and why. I try to make myself as much of a hard target as possible, but I must admit that I often drift into that 10-15 foot comfort zone when I am out and often times loose touch with my surroundings.
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Great post..... See I knew you were going to be a great +1 for this forum......
.... So how bout you use those years in LE and wisdom gained to put together an in depth profile and description for us of those "types of people felons always take down". I would be very interested to read your take on who are soft targets and why. I try to make myself as much of a hard target as possible, but I must admit that I often drift into that 10-15 foot comfort zone when I am out and often times loose touch with my surroundings.
I would like to hear about those years also..
People watching at parking lots and airports.. :o
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Heck, I saw what you would call an easy mark or target yesterday in the wally-world parking lot. I had dropped off my wife and mother-in-law and pulled out to the area where I normally park to wait on her call. A young lady came out with a small child and some goods in a shopping cart. She went to her vehicle (an SUV) and popped the back hatch. I never figured out 'why', but she then opened BOTH rear passenger doors and the driver's door, all the while her little girl was in the cart at the rear of the vehicle. She started the engine and then went to the back and unloaded the items. Then she put the kid in the rear child seat. Then she grabbed the shopping cart and took it two rows over to a return stall (all while the vehicle was running with three open doors and the kid in the back). Finally she came back and closed the rear doors and got in and left.
All a carjacker needed to do was get in and drive off at any time. She was totally oblivious to her surroundings.
I visit there several times a week (much to the pain of my bank account) and things like this are not uncommon. Just a horror story waiting for the evening news.
Scary.
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Watched a "little old lady" (5'2" 60 years old or so) steal a 50lb bag of potting soil one time, LMAO ;D
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The hairs on the back of my neck have been twitchy since September 11, 2001. Doesn't matter where I am, it's just natural now to scope my surroundings. I don't stand with my back to a door, allow the wife to go too many places after dusk alone and the kid is either armed herself or her Man-Meat is carrying 90% now...
Sometimes it can't be helped but better safe as they say...till now, I hadn't really given it much thought...
Once again Frisco, a great topic....
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Im always in condition yellow.
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+1 on condition yellow, I never knew what kind of scumbags walked this planet till my dad opened up about his years as a LE. Always be on guard. Those who mistake that for paranoia won't be able to say that to my face while their in the ground.
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I'm always on the lookout also for store security...fairly easy to spot because I was one for a while. Don't usually spot CCW's in my neck of the woods and don't think I'm spoted. Good exercise though.
Richard
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Fun pastime in restaurants too - you can find out all sorts of interesting stuff. People think that sitting at a table in a crowded restaurant they are effectively alone! Go figure.
The guy in the booth with the 5.11 tactical vest on.
The fellow at the next table with the Glock hat on.
The woman carrying an open purse slung over shoulder and pushed to her back - open.
The people at another table loudly exchanging personal information - phone numbers, addresses, their childrens' names, the schools they go to, etc.
The sheep are clueless. Reminds me of the guy in Godfather watching all of the money envelopes being loaded into the pillowcase - if this weren't the Don's daughter's wedding. Well, the wolves are out there, and they are taking notes.
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Fun pastime in restaurants too - you can find out all sorts of interesting stuff. People think that sitting at a table in a crowded restaurant they are effectively alone! Go figure.
The guy in the booth with the 5.11 tactical vest on.
The fellow at the next table with the Glock hat on.
The woman carrying an open purse slung over shoulder and pushed to her back - open.
The people at another table loudly exchanging personal information - phone numbers, addresses, their childrens' names, the schools they go to, etc.
The sheep are clueless. Reminds me of the guy in Godfather watching all of the money envelopes being loaded into the pillowcase - if this weren't the Don's daughter's wedding. Well, the wolves are out there, and they are taking notes.
I don't wear anything that would give me away as a rule. I tend toward jeans or khaki chinos, and hiking boots....though my hiking is in SMALL doses. I wear colored cotton t-shirts with open denim or plain flannel depending on season covering them. I avoid GLOCK hats or SMITH & WESSON, or anything that remotely looks "tacticool". I prefer to blend in and be anonymous.
That being said...I am always aware, and LOOK aware. I still give a pretty good glare, and a "Don't mess with me" demeanor. Not being a badass, or billy bad news...just don't play the part of victim. I stand 6'5" and weigh 335lbs, so I am not a natural choice for a predator anyway. Even when using my scooter, I look LARGE. Having my cane with me, also sends a signal that I CAN walk...so, I don't exude "easy prey". When I am walking, my head is up, and my eyes are scanning. I NEVER stare at the floor as I walk. That is victim posture.
I am never confrontational. I prefer to navigate the rocks and shoals of my life, doing as little damage as I can along the way. I open doors for ladies and seniors. I always thank vets and soldiers for their service. I try to be remembered as a polite feller. That way IF the balloon goes up, I will be remembered as polite, and not a "bad guy" as someone who is large can often be mistaken as. I find the vast majority of big guys are the most easy going you will ever meet. We have nothing to prove, and just want to go through our day.
If confronted by someone who is mad that I got the height gene, and he didn't...I will play the part of the peacemaker. I will play it loudly by saying..."I don't want trouble" or "Excuse me, that was my fault...I apologize for bumping into you" even though he might have bumped me in order to get a reaction. I want LE to hear from witnesses that I was the one who said..."Excuse me" "I am sorry" etc...etc...etc... It doesn't tweak my ego one bit to say excuse me. I have nothing to prove. Even though I know I can still twist this guys head off like a pimple and pop it like a party balloon...why go through the hassle. Unless, what I believe to be a credible threat is made, I am going to respond like a total pacifist. It looks GREAT in court later.
On the other hand...if my daughter or wife is threatened...I am like the angry hulk. No one is more defendable than a handicapped man protecting his child. That goves me a lot more latitude in how I would deal with a threat.
What are some of your thoughts?
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Professional crimals tend to go after those that look weak... only prob is there are very few professional crimals, mainly drug addicts. Drug addicts have no "type" and are very unpredictable.
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I still give a pretty good glare, and a "Don't mess with me" demeanor. I am never confrontational.
These two statements sound contradictory. A good glare is enough to get you in trouble with the wrong person. Gerbil voodoo might get you out of it but just as well might not.
On another note, here's something you can do to improve your situational awareness while walking: stay at least an arm's length away from corners. Distance gives you time to see threats and react. If you walk right next to a hard corner you have no time to notice or react to someone lying in wait to jump you.
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These two statements sound contradictory. A good glare is enough to get you in trouble with the wrong person. Gerbil voodoo might get you out of it but just as well might not.
On another note, here's something you can do to improve your situational awareness while walking: stay at least an arm's length away from corners. Distance gives you time to see threats and react. If you walk right next to a hard corner you have no time to notice or react to someone lying in wait to jump you.
I should have clarified. A "good glare" as I mentioned is the "I KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND ME GLARE". True, there are the little tough guy wannabes, who will give you the "What'choo lookin' at?" attitude, but they don't need the glare. They are easily spotted, just by their posturing and peacocking. We have all seen it a hundred times. You note them, you recognize what they are. You move on. You pay them no attention UNLESS they approach, which they most often won't because they KNOW you aren't someone they can intimidate. The quiet and confident man is not the choice for turds like this.
You know what is going on around you. You see them. You notice them. They cannot surprise you or ambush you. You are not prey. You are not a good target.
It all comes down to what works for you. What works for me, may fail miserably for you. The glare works for me. If I lock eyes with someone, I usually give a nod of my head. A little gesture like that sends no challenge, but it lets them know you are aware.
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These two statements sound contradictory. A good glare is enough to get you in trouble with the wrong person. Gerbil voodoo might get you out of it but just as well might not.
On another note, here's something you can do to improve your situational awareness while walking: stay at least an arm's length away from corners. Distance gives you time to see threats and react. If you walk right next to a hard corner you have no time to notice or react to someone lying in wait to jump you.
Watch Heat, the part where DeNiro is beating the crap out of Wingo in the restaurant, and when a BIG guy in another booth takes notice and looks like he's going to be a hero, look at the move Tom Sizemore does. That is giving a look without being confrontational.
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I don't wear anything that would give me away as a rule. I tend toward jeans or khaki chinos, and hiking boots....though my hiking is in SMALL doses. I wear colored cotton t-shirts with open denim or plain flannel depending on season covering them. I avoid GLOCK hats or SMITH & WESSON, or anything that remotely looks "tacticool". I prefer to blend in and be anonymous.
That being said...I am always aware, and LOOK aware. I still give a pretty good glare, and a "Don't mess with me" demeanor. Not being a badass, or billy bad news...just don't play the part of victim. I stand 6'5" and weigh 335lbs, so I am not a natural choice for a predator anyway. Even when using my scooter, I look LARGE. Having my cane with me, also sends a signal that I CAN walk...so, I don't exude "easy prey". When I am walking, my head is up, and my eyes are scanning. I NEVER stare at the floor as I walk. That is victim posture.
I am never confrontational. I prefer to navigate the rocks and shoals of my life, doing as little damage as I can along the way. I open doors for ladies and seniors. I always thank vets and soldiers for their service. I try to be remembered as a polite feller. That way IF the balloon goes up, I will be remembered as polite, and not a "bad guy" as someone who is large can often be mistaken as. I find the vast majority of big guys are the most easy going you will ever meet. We have nothing to prove, and just want to go through our day.
If confronted by someone who is mad that I got the height gene, and he didn't...I will play the part of the peacemaker. I will play it loudly by saying..."I don't want trouble" or "Excuse me, that was my fault...I apologize for bumping into you" even though he might have bumped me in order to get a reaction. I want LE to hear from witnesses that I was the one who said..."Excuse me" "I am sorry" etc...etc...etc... It doesn't tweak my ego one bit to say excuse me. I have nothing to prove. Even though I know I can still twist this guys head off like a pimple and pop it like a party balloon...why go through the hassle. Unless, what I believe to be a credible threat is made, I am going to respond like a total pacifist. It looks GREAT in court later.
On the other hand...if my daughter or wife is threatened...I am like the angry hulk. No one is more defendable than a handicapped man protecting his child. That goves me a lot more latitude in how I would deal with a threat.
What are some of your thoughts?
I think it's kinda scary.......that I might have a "long-lost twin brother" on the other side of the country. ;D
You have a couple of inches on me in height, and I have sons instead of a daughter, but everything else you wrote is about as dead on to me and how I've always tried to carry myself and present myself to others....... as if I'd wrote it myself.
I've been a big man all my life, but I've never acted the bad-ass part...just the mild-mannered big-man giving out the subtle clues in my mannerisms that said "don't poke the sleeping gorilla while in the monkey-house".
I've always tried to avoid confrontation because it usually serves to no good end. Mostly I've been lucky at avoidance. Most intelligent folks don't want to tangle with a six-foot two, three hundred plus man, regardless of whether they 'think' he can fight or not. The real danger in this aspect of it is that when firearms or other weapons are involved, the big man, being perceived as the 'biggest threat', might be picked as the first target. There, again, is where the situational awareness come into play.
I was working part-time in a juke-joint years ago and was involved in the breaking up of a fight. About the time I got the two guys apart, one of them had three buddies run up to jump in. The first one to approach got two broken ribs from a backhanded forearm and the other two (lagging behind the first) got, as you say, 'the look'. They decided they were better off over in the corner booth drinking beer while my LEO friends were hauling the others to jail.
This is a good discussion.
8)
P.S.
Frisco, if you ARE my twin, you must be one fine lookin' feller....... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I think it's kinda scary.......that I might have a "long-lost twin brother" on the other side of the country. ;D
You have a couple of inches on me in height, and I have sons instead of a daughter, but everything else you wrote is about as dead on to me and how I've always tried to carry myself and present myself to others....... as if I'd wrote it myself.
I've been a big man all my life, but I've never acted the bad-ass part...just the mild-mannered big-man giving out the subtle clues in my mannerisms that said "don't poke the sleeping gorilla while in the monkey-house".
I've always tried to avoid confrontation because it usually serves to no good end. Mostly I've been lucky at avoidance. Most intelligent folks don't want to tangle with a six-foot two, three hundred plus man, regardless of whether they 'think' he can fight or not. The real danger in this aspect of it is that when firearms or other weapons are involved, the big man, being perceived as the 'biggest threat', might be picked as the first target. There, again, is where the situational awareness come into play.
I was working part-time in a juke-joint years ago and was involved in the breaking up of a fight. About the time I got the two guys apart, one of them had three buddies run up to jump in. The first one to approach got two broken ribs from a backhanded forearm and the other two (lagging behind the first) got, as you say, 'the look'. They decided they were better off over in the corner booth drinking beer while my LEO friends were hauling the others to jail.
This is a good discussion.
8)
P.S.
Frisco, if you ARE my twin, you must be one fine lookin' feller....... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I'm thinking maybe we're triplets, except that I'm in the middle at 6-4. ;D
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Why do I feel like Danny Devito in Twins?
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I like to walk past someone's shopping cart and toss in a box of Magnum Size condoms when they aren't looking, then follow them to the checkout. ;D The best was when I was in an Old Navy store, I spied a box of those clothing tags that set off the alarm and tossed one into a lady's open purse. Security wanted to look in her purse after they checked everything else, she was not getting out of the store until they knew what it was...that was funny to watch.
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I like to walk past someone's shopping cart and toss in a box of Magnum Size condoms when they aren't looking, then follow them to the checkout. ;D The best was when I was in an Old Navy store, I spied a box of those clothing tags that set off the alarm and tossed one into a lady's open purse. Security wanted to look in her purse after they checked everything else, she was not getting out of the store until they knew what it was...that was funny to watch.
And you wonder why everyone's out to get ya ;D
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I like to walk past someone's shopping cart and toss in a box of Magnum Size condoms when they aren't looking, then follow them to the checkout. ;D The best was when I was in an Old Navy store, I spied a box of those clothing tags that set off the alarm and tossed one into a lady's open purse. Security wanted to look in her purse after they checked everything else, she was not getting out of the store until they knew what it was...that was funny to watch.
Thanos, You are a Pr!ck, But I bet your a RIOT at parties ;D
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Well....my Daddy WAS a travelin' man.
In all seriousness...in my LE career, I rarely ran into a big guy who was a bully or the instigator of a conflict. There were exceptions, of course, but a vasy majority were just guys who wanted to go home and watch TV.
I know I don't like MY day being made longer by having to deal with someone else's foolishness. I don't get paid to resolve other people's issues any longer. One of the things that made dealing with my injuries easier was the realization that I would NEVER have to file another report, or go to another DV call again. ;D
Heck, I can't remember the last time I was even in a bar. I avoid them like the plague (except HOOTERS, because the wings are GREAT)...just because there is SOMEONE there with a chip on their shoulder who wants to start mess with a big guy. I can't be comfortable, because I am always looking over my shoulder. I really don't want to run into anyone from my LE days...that won't end well. So, I just remove myself from the equation, and don't go. Kind of like knowing there is going to be a gunfight at X place, at Y time. I will always win, because I won't show up. ;D
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One thing, when I drop my wife off, I always keep the exit door in my direct line of sight. She never has to come out and hunt for me. She calls me on the cell and lets me know she is on the way out and I watch for her to exit and drive over to pick her up.
I don't mean to p*ss on your post PegLeg, as I used to do the same thing as you, and probably many other husbands do. However, as I watched some of these people walking in and out of Wally World, my imagination began to get the better of me. What I mean is, I became unnerved at the idea that one of these seemingly harmless; though strange and even unusual people could be phychopathic killer. So I no longer play that game from the pickup truck anymore. I go in with her and we shop together. The thought of leaving her in the store to shop alone just got the best of me. The awareness factor can make one paranoid and even wary of those strange and unusual people whom we might think will do us or our loved ones harm. I began to run scenerios though my mind with the "What if" factor all the time. Maybe it's just my own personal awareness training getting the best of me? Maybe my paranoia is normal, even justified these days. I don't know...maybe it's just me that feels this way. I hope not. But one thing is for certain... I have learned not to trust much of anything from anyone these days.
I've heard throughout my life that people are generally "good". Perhaps. But I wouldn't bet my life on it. And the "game" isn't fun anymore. I'm wary of "everyone". I mean....how well do you really know someone? I know, what a sad look at life I have right? Well, I now take a more careful notice of my surroundings, then I ever did playing the game. Am I being too serious? Perhaps. But in my 44 years on this earth, I've learned that even the good people I've known all my life can, will, and do turn on you. Family, friend, or foe, you never really know what is in the heart of others. So I carefully and quietly hold on to my loved ones, my right to bear arms, and my humanity. I'm a good man, with a good up bringing. I'm compassionate, and I care about my fellow man, but I won't be his victim. I hope I never have to draw my weapon on anyone ever. But I will when the "If" factor comes to life. Yet, even a justified shooting has complications after the fact, that are enormous no matter how you look at it.
The Coroner
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I don't mean to p*ss on your post PegLeg, as I used to do the same thing as you, and probably many other husbands do. However, as I watched some of these people walking in and out of Wally World, my imagination began to get the better of me. What I mean is, I became unnerved at the idea that one of these seemingly harmless; though strange and even unusual people could be phychopathic killer. So I no longer play that game from the pickup truck anymore. I go in with her and we shop together. The thought of leaving her in the store to shop alone just got the best of me. The awareness factor can make one paranoid and even wary of those strange and unusual people whom we might think will do us or our loved ones harm. I began to run scenerios though my mind with the "What if" factor all the time. Maybe it's just my own personal awareness training getting the best of me? Maybe my paranoia is normal, even justified these days. I don't know...maybe it's just me that feels this way. I hope not. But one thing is for certain... I have learned not to trust much of anything from anyone these days.
I've heard throughout my life that people are generally "good". Perhaps. But I wouldn't bet my life on it. And the "game" isn't fun anymore. I'm wary of "everyone". I mean....how well do you really know someone? I know, what a sad look at life I have right? Well, I now take a more careful notice of my surroundings, then I ever did playing the game. Am I being too serious? Perhaps. But in my 44 years on this earth, I've learned that even the good people I've known all my life can, will, and do turn on you. Family, friend, or foe, you never really know what is in the heart of others. So I carefully and quietly hold on to my loved ones, my right to bear arms, and my humanity. I'm a good man, with a good up bringing. I'm compassionate, and I care about my fellow man, but I won't be his victim. I hope I never have to draw my weapon on anyone ever. But I will when the "If" factor comes to life. Yet, even a justified shooting has complications after the fact, that are enormous no matter how you look at it.
The Coroner/Ruger P97 .45
The Toetagger/Ruger LCP
Your point is well taken, and I'm not the type to get riled up when someone offers a differing opinion than mine. Times are changing at a more rapid rate than in years past and the paranoia you speak of may well be justified, even in areas that once were considered benign.
I do accompany my wife (more than I used to) into and out of many smaller shopping places and even into and out of wally world sometimes, if it is a quick 'in-and-out-get-it-and-go' trip. However, on some of the longer 'marathon' shopping excursions, due to circumstances beyond my control, I just can't tag along with her everywhere. If I tried to go in and keep pace or go the same distances she does, I'd be stuck in bed for three days on pills and heating pads.
I don't use the electric carts in wally world because they hurt worse than walking (and they are usually taken up by someone that really don't need it anyway) and I don't want to become dependent on them.
I have tried to get my wife to re-evaluate her shopping habits and go to smaller stores like the locally owned grocery stores, but inevitably, they don't have what she is looking for.
She loves guns and hunting and such, but says she is not ready for CCW yet. But she is coming around to my way of thinking.
We don't live in a perfect world, and a little 'well-thought-out-paranoia' in the right dosage can't be a bad thing, because you and m58 are the LAST two guys I want to do business with.
We just have to prepare ourselves as best we can.
Thanks for making me think a little.
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Heck...I want my wife to accompany ME to Wally World. ;D
She is a cop after all.
Strangely though...I DO still feel the need to be her grizzer bear knight in fuzzy armor.
It could be that old cop machismo that still runs though my veins. I can't say for sure. But one thing IS for sure...she takes the security of our family just as seriously as I do. Until she became a cop, she didn't realize how "real" the "real world" really can be. Even living out in a small town as we do.
CORONER and PegLeg...I think both of you are on the same trail, just not at the same place on that trail yet.
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Just because you're paranoid...doesn't mean they're not out to get you.
I constantly run scenarios through my head also, and usually have multiple reactions planned out for any given situation at any given time. Maybe I'm over-compensating for my wife...she's usually in condition "transparent" (condition white would be a step up for her). She doesn't notice things even when I point them out.
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Just because you're paranoid...doesn't mean they're not out to get you.
I constantly run scenarios through my head also, and usually have multiple reactions planned out for any given situation at any given time. Maybe I'm over-compensating for my wife...she's usually in condition "transparent" (condition white would be a step up for her). She doesn't notice things even when I point them out.
And it is hell to have your head on a swivel, running scenarios in your mind and have her smack you in the shoulder for "looking" at other women when you are really just trying to be aware of what's out there..................No really..............I WASN"T looking at them, er, I mean her! Honest. ;D ;)
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Here's one for you that I saw today.
The wife and I were out collecting pledged donations for the silent auction at our son's annual FFA awards banquet. I pulled up to a location with a rather small parking area and was not more than 10' to 15' from the entrance so I sat in the truck waiting. I noticed a guy ambling up the sidewalk in my general direction kind of nervously looking around and such, so I paid a little more attention due to the neighborhood we were in (not too awful, but some things do go on after dark). I noticed that he was looking over a few vehicles and had not noticed me yet, but when he did see me sitting there, he kind of hurried on along across the street. As he was crossing the street, his jacket kind of opened up and I noticed a ball-peen hammer stuck in his belt. I said to my self "WTF?".
Why would a guy be walking around the neighborhood with a ball-peen hammer in his belt? He didn't have a bag or any other tools like a worker or contractor would have, and he was acting nervous.
Then it kind of hit me.
A few months ago there was a string of 'smash-n-grab' auto break-ins in and burglaries going on (don't think it was in that neighborhood, but in the city limits). A ball-peen hammer would be the perfect tool for this type of work. About 15 years ago I myself was victim of a 'smash the truck window and grab what you can and then run with it' theft. Thief got about $300 out of my truck like that.
Anyway, you never know who or what you will see if you pay attention.
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Here's one for you that I saw today.
The wife and I were out collecting pledged donations for the silent auction at our son's annual FFA awards banquet. I pulled up to a location with a rather small parking area and was not more than 10' to 15' from the entrance so I sat in the truck waiting. I noticed a guy ambling up the sidewalk in my general direction kind of nervously looking around and such, so I paid a little more attention due to the neighborhood we were in (not too awful, but some things do go on after dark). I noticed that he was looking over a few vehicles and had not noticed me yet, but when he did see me sitting there, he kind of hurried on along across the street. As he was crossing the street, his jacket kind of opened up and I noticed a ball-peen hammer stuck in his belt. I said to my self "WTF?".
Why would a guy be walking around the neighborhood with a ball-peen hammer in his belt? He didn't have a bag or any other tools like a worker or contractor would have, and he was acting nervous.
Then it kind of hit me.
A few months ago there was a string of 'smash-n-grab' auto break-ins in and burglaries going on (don't think it was in that neighborhood, but in the city limits). A ball-peen hammer would be the perfect tool for this type of work. About 15 years ago I myself was victim of a 'smash the truck window and grab what you can and then run with it' theft. Thief got about $300 out of my truck like that.
Anyway, you never know who or what you will see if you pay attention.
Shoot or no-shoot? ;D
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Shoot or no-shoot? ;D
Well, since he crossed the street going away from me........so, no shoot. ;D ;)
But, before he saw me and went away, I did adjust my position in my seat and place my hand on a reassuring place (psssst, a G27).
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PegLeg45, you should have called it in. I don't know about Georgia but in my state that hammer would be considered a burglary tool when carried like that. A good department would follow that up with a search warrant on his house to see if there was any stolen property.
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I make sure I go everywhere with Marshal... so he is protected. ;D
I am VERY aware of my surroundings.And my radar is on full peak at all times when I am out of town.
I have become this way because of you guys "teaching" me all of this stuff on Down Range.
I am serious.
I read everything that is posted in several of the areas on Down Range and have learned more than I can ever tell you.
You all are my "heroes' & "personal mentors" and don't even know it. :-*
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I make sure I go everywhere with Marshal... so he is protected. ;D
Anyone want to have a go at that one? ;D
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Anyone want to have a go at that one? ;D
Not me...the ice is getting pretty thin up here in the North!
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Anyone want to have a go at that one? ;D
Hell no, I believe her ;D
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Anyone want to have a go at that one? ;D
Are you kidding? I've seen that birthday pistol. Its quite nice, now please put it away, ma'm.
fightingquaker13
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Anyone want to have a go at that one? ;D
Thought you were still in the corner for the "yelling" thing ? ;D
Re: Ultimate AR-15/.22" Conversion Giveaway
« Reply #105 on: 02 March 2009, 12:33:39 »
Quote from: ericire12 on 24 February 2009, 22:18:19
I wish ya'll would just shut up.....
...... AND GIVE ME MY DAMN GUN!
Quote from: Marshal'ette Halloway on 24 February 2009, 22:20:17
You stop that yelling right now.................
http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php/topic,4648.100.html
;D
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PegLeg45, you should have called it in. I don't know about Georgia but in my state that hammer would be considered a burglary tool when carried like that. A good department would follow that up with a search warrant on his house to see if there was any stolen property.
Started to at the time, but the guy disappeared down an alley too quick and I lost sight of him......and, a lot of the city PD officers here act like they don't want to be bothered when you call them for 'little' things like that. >:(
I have many LEO friends (state, local, and federal) and I called a very good one that works with the city PD as a shift Lt and told him what happened and gave a description. He said he would beef up patrols in the area for a few days, paying particular attention to the alley-ways.
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Anyone want to have a go at that one? ;D
Nagatory there good buddy...I have not lived this long by crossing well-armed womenfolk. The fine art of keeping my pie hole closed has served me well, and kept me out of divorce court.
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Nagatory there good buddy...I have not lived this long by crossing well-armed womenfolk. The fine art of keeping my pie hole closed has served me well, and kept me out of divorce court.
The other side of the coin (among other things ) got me INTO divorce court. But I always kept track of the guns ;D
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I just wrote a paper on why you should own a firearm in America today for my Comp 2 class. It was titled Save Yourself: Why you should own a gun iif you live in an American city. I am back in school because there is not a big job market for disabled Iraq war vets so I need to go to school to figure out what I want to be when I grow up :).
My class found it interesting that I spent most of the time talking about awarness and prep. I did not talk about the must have Johnny Cool Guy guns. We discussed how being aware of what is going on around you might prevent a fight in the first place. It was nice to see a few of them perk up,pay attention and think about it ;D. About half the class was pro-gun and the other half was split between I don't care and anti-gun. However all of them admitted that they could benefit from more awareness and prep (having a cellphone and a good quality flashlight on your person at all times) than they thought.
One win for the good guys? Take care all.
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I just wrote a paper on why you should own a firearm in America today for my Comp 2 class. It was titled Save Yourself: Why you should own a gun iif you live in an American city. I am back in school because there is not a big job market for disabled Iraq war vets so I need to go to school to figure out what I want to be when I grow up :).
My class found it interesting that I spent most of the time talking about awarness and prep. I did not talk about the must have Johnny Cool Guy guns. We discussed how being aware of what is going on around you might prevent a fight in the first place. It was nice to see a few of them perk up,pay attention and think about it ;D. About half the class was pro-gun and the other half was split between I don't care and anti-gun. However all of them admitted that they could benefit from more awareness and prep (having a cellphone and a good quality flashlight on your person at all times) than they thought.
One win for the good guys? Take care all.
Any time you can reach out to the uneducated, and do it in a intelligent and though-provoking manner it is a good thing.
And, if no one has told you lately, thanks for your service.
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Any time you can reach out to the uneducated, and do it in a intelligent and though-provoking manner it is a good thing.
And, if no one has told you lately, thanks for your service.
What he said! Wecome home!
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What he said! Wecome home!
May just be the easy way out to quote, but they've already said it ... except +10!
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I've learned to be aware of my surroundings and not present like a mark. Same with my wife.
I'm a fire inspector/arson investigator. You'd think I'd be armed anyway, but remember, I live in California. They told us we have the police to protect us if we need help. I have the power of arrest, search and seizure and I'm a peace officer according to the penal code but I can't even carry spray, knives, or kubotan, much less a firearm. Anyway, I had an assignment for about two and half years on a task force for building and code compliance in our gang neighborhoods. A sideline of this detail was providing intelligence to the police gang task force and the gang prevention unit. I learned quick to keep my head on a swivel. I started carrying a Surefiire flashlight and a stick that I used to test smoke detectors and exit light buttons. I also started carrying one big heavy metal clipboard. My "civilian" partners thought I was nuts. I mean, there we were, causing gang members to be evicted from their homes, and "mysteriously" gang task force members would start watching the area and arresting people. It didn't take long for us to become very unpopular.
From that experience I've carried a lot of new knowledge about what is going on around me. I used to be blissfully unaware about what goes on in the tweaker/mexican gang/illegal immigrant world. Not anymore. That stuff is all around us in my neighborhood and I didn't see it before...I see it now.
I don't have any gun or hunting stickers on my truck, I dress normally so I don't stand out as having money, and while me and the wife are out doing stuff I'm on 360 degree watch. I developed that look that Frisco mentions...you don't want to mess with me and I know who you are. But I also developed the ability to recognize and steer clear of certain people and possible scenarios and situations without even being noticed. That is what I'm proud to have developed since I can't even defend myself in this state.
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I've learned to be aware of my surroundings and not present like a mark. Same with my wife.
I'm a fire inspector/arson investigator. You'd think I'd be armed anyway, but remember, I live in California. They told us we have the police to protect us if we need help. I have the power of arrest, search and seizure and I'm a peace officer according to the penal code but I can't even carry spray, knives, or kubotan, much less a firearm. Anyway, I had an assignment for about two and half years on a task force for building and code compliance in our gang neighborhoods. A sideline of this detail was providing intelligence to the police gang task force and the gang prevention unit. I learned quick to keep my head on a swivel. I started carrying a Surefiire flashlight and a stick that I used to test smoke detectors and exit light buttons. I also started carrying one big heavy metal clipboard. My "civilian" partners thought I was nuts. I mean, there we were, causing gang members to be evicted from their homes, and "mysteriously" gang task force members would start watching the area and arresting people. It didn't take long for us to become very unpopular.
From that experience I've carried a lot of new knowledge about what is going on around me. I used to be blissfully unaware about what goes on in the tweaker/mexican gang/illegal immigrant world. Not anymore. That stuff is all around us in my neighborhood and I didn't see it before...I see it now.
I don't have any gun or hunting stickers on my truck, I dress normally so I don't stand out as having money, and while me and the wife are out doing stuff I'm on 360 degree watch. I developed that look that Frisco mentions...you don't want to mess with me and I know who you are. But I also developed the ability to recognize and steer clear of certain people and possible scenarios and situations without even being noticed. That is what I'm proud to have developed since I can't even defend myself in this state.
It is amazing all the "new" things you see when you look through a 'different lens'.
In my once quiet neck of the woods, LEOs, just this past week, busted a meth lab about four miles from my house. It was off the road and back in the woods (neighbors I've known my entire life).
Now instead of just feral dogs and wild hogs, I have to be on the swivel for meth-heads in my back yard too.