OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — CCW Safe has released Lesson 2 of its ongoing Armed Defender’s Dilemma series, reinforcing one of the most critical principles in responsible concealed carry: get firearms and self-defense training.The lesson includes analysis from litigation consultant Shawn Vincent, legal expert Don West, and renowned firearms trainer Steve Moses, who collectively argue that possessing a firearm without proper training is a dangerous—and potentially tragic—mistake.
In this latest installment, the team outlines why training goes far beyond the ability to shoot. It prepares defenders to make sound decisions under pressure, avoid escalating confrontations, and understand when not to use force. The lesson also explores three real-world self-defense cases that went wrong—due largely to poor or nonexistent training.
“Many people buy a gun and get their CCW permit, but never take another step toward competency,” said Moses. “But the armed lifestyle requires more. It’s not just knowing how to shoot—it’s about when, how, and if you should ever use a firearm in the first place.”
The series highlights the concept that true readiness is about confidence, competence, and judgment. Without solid training, defenders are more likely to draw too early out of panic—or too late out of hesitation. Both can lead to legal consequences or tragic outcomes.
Lessons from Real-World Mistakes
The lesson revisits three sobering cases:
- In Dearborn Heights, Michigan, Ted Wafer fatally shot an unarmed woman at his front door, claiming the gun “just went off.” His unfamiliarity with his shotgun and poor muzzle discipline violated all four fundamental safety rules. With even basic firearms training, the incident may have been avoided entirely.
- In Clearwater, Florida, Michael Drejka invoked the widely misunderstood “21-foot rule” to justify a fatal shooting after being pushed to the ground. Video evidence and his own misapplication of the principle undermined his self-defense claim and led to a manslaughter conviction.
- In Louisville, Kentucky, attorney Kristen McMains successfully defended herself from a brutal attack, but only after fighting with her assailant and struggling to get her pistol to function properly. It was a courageous act, but tactical missteps and equipment issues nearly cost her life—issues better training may have helped avoid.
Each case underscores the same truth: the outcome of a violent encounter is often determined long before the attack—by how well a person has trained.
Why Training Matters
Steve Moses emphasizes that just 16 to 24 hours of high-quality training over a year or two can make all the difference. It allows the development of muscle memory for drawing, aiming, and firing under stress—freeing up the defender’s mental bandwidth to assess the threat and choose the best response.
Don West adds, “There are too many decisions in a dynamic encounter to be fumbling around with a gun you haven’t trained with. You need to be confident that you can act, or you’ll make mistakes.”
Good training also enhances situational awareness, de-escalation tactics, and the use of less-lethal options—tools that give defenders more room to avoid deadly force altogether. As Vincent notes, “Self-defense isn’t about shooting well; it’s about knowing when you must shoot, and being ready if that moment comes.”
Find the Right Instructor
Finding the right training isn’t always easy—but it’s worth the effort. Whether it’s Tatiana Whitlock’s Ladies Carry With Confidence, Craig Douglas’s Managing Unknown Contacts, or John Farnam’s defensive handgun courses, the nation is full of credentialed instructors ready to help gun owners elevate from carriers to defenders.
The lesson concludes with a reminder that even minimal, well-chosen training, maintained with regular dry-fire and occasional range sessions, provides a massive advantage when the stakes are high. As Moses says, “You don’t have to train like John Wick—but you do need to train like you take your life seriously.”
Lesson 2 is now available in full on www.ccwsafe.com, including a detailed article, podcast discussion, and case breakdowns. It’s an essential guide for anyone committed to carrying legally and responsibly.
