It annoys me that I feel the need to write this article. The sad fact is that there are self-proclaimed experts who will tell you things that make no sense at all. No, I’m not a self-proclaimed expert. I don’t use the word “expert” to describe myself. I’m just a man who has some experience others might benefit from. Or not. More of a self-proclaimed “knowledgeable and reasonably smart person who recognizes that I don’t know everything and can be wrong.”
Those last three words are very, very important to me. We all have our moments. The thing is that most of us who write things like this on the internet have the luxury of time and the opportunity to review. Same with people who make videos. I’ve seen more than a few snippets that should have been left on the cutting room floor.
Table of Contents
No one knows everything
This is a common failing of experts in all fields. A person knows a great deal; they are an expert. The real deal. They get respect and acknowledgment from their peers. People start looking to them for advice and validation. This is very seductive. It’s great for both self-esteem and ego. They forget a few things:
- Others know things, too, including things the expert may not.
- Ego can drown out sense.
- A little humility is always a good idea no matter how smart, educated, and experienced you are. As I recall, even Einstein was wrong a couple of times. Ben Franklin had a few thoughts on this subject, too. Seriously. Read Franklin’s autobiography.
Blanket statements tend to be wrong a lot. Any use of the words “never” or “always” are suspect. One thing that many experts get wrong is pretty much any sentence that has this format: “If this then that.”
An example
“If you’re not comfortable carrying a round in the chamber then you shouldn’t carry a gun at all.” Where to begin?
First, there is a lot of mind reading involved here. Almost every time I’ve heard or read that statement this line is somewhere close: “People who don’t carry with a round in the chamber are just not confident enough in their own skills and need more training.” While that is a possibility, of course, it’s far from certain.
Second, the “expert” is assuming knowledge they don’t have. They don’t know your life, your situation, or your environment. You may very well have a perfectly good reason to carry with an empty chamber. The fact that neither they nor I can think of one doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
I carry with a round in the chamber. Always have and probably always will. I can think of several reasons it’s a good idea. So for me, it is. You decide for yourself. Oh, and if you really do lack the confidence then that is a solvable issue. Either find a trainer and/or just practice manipulating your gun. A lot. Or better yet, do both. Train then practice.
A worse example
I was reading a post on a respected self-defense site. It was written by a firearm “trainer.” Yes, those are irony quotes. Because he said that he has, at times, simply told people in his classes they shouldn’t carry a gun. That is a breathtaking level of arrogance and downright stupidity. It is also an admission of failure. The trainer was insufficient to the task and appears to be dumping his lack of ability on his students. He told them that his judgment was that they shouldn’t exercise their rights. Who the hell does he think he is?
I can think of people that, to me, probably shouldn’t carry. But it’s not my call; nor is the call of anyone else. I have a neighbor, for example, that just flat told me once that she couldn’t shoot anyone. So she doesn’t have a gun and doesn’t want one. That’s a great example of self-awareness and making a choice. Again, it’s her choice.
So if some “expert” tells you that you shouldn’t own or carry a gun I think you should take everything they say with a grain of salt. They are failing you. If a trainer who knows you personally says perhaps you need some more training to carry effectively and safely then perhaps you should listen. You should also never, ever, let someone tell you that you’re not qualified to exercise your own damn rights.
Again, I’m all for training. The more the better. Unless the trainer says stupid crap like that one did.
Saying something that probably sounded better in their head
And haven’t we all done this one? And I get it; not everything comes out right and not everything gets caught before publication. I normally don’t reread my old articles unless I have a specific purpose. I’m sure I’d find some dreck was I to do so.
I was recently watching some YouTube videos about gun stuff. And someone I really like and respect said that he finds people who think 1911’s are still viable self-defense options are funny.
“Capable of working successfully; feasible.” That is the definition of “viable.” So he is saying that a 1911 can’t successfully defend your life. Anyone want to weigh in on this one? Does that seem right to you? Because it seems remarkably stupid to me.
Was he really just trying to say that he thinks there are better options than a 1911 now? Probably. Which is a fair statement to me; it’s his opinion that I don’t necessarily share. I normally carry a 9mm myself these days because the guns can be smaller. A lot smaller. Easier to conceal. If I was in jacket country, though, a 1911 would certainly be on my carry list and saying they’re not viable was just silly.
So who do you listen to?
Note that I said that I “like and respect” the guy in the last example. I didn’t use past tense. He said something dumb. Big deal. We’re all going to do that from time to time. He has many other thoughts and opinions that I do share. And some others that I don’t but I can see where he’s coming from and again, I can be wrong. One weird thought or sentence doesn’t mean you should suddenly ignore someone about everything. Down that path lies cancel culture.
My advice is to listen to a number of different people. The “expert” isn’t you. They don’t know you, your situation, your requirements, or anything else about your life. Get different views. If you’re looking at Glocks get views from both enthusiasts and detractors. Read people who agree and disagree with you and each other. Pick and choose what applies to you. Recognize that everyone is going to say or do something ridiculous from time to time. Big deal. If it’s so bad you can’t stand that person then move on.
Finally, though, I want to reiterate: never, ever let someone tell you that you’re incapable of exercising your own rights. That’s just wrong.
