RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
June 15, 2025
Even before purchasing a firearm every law abiding citizen MUST know the law.
The laws governing self-defense vary from state to state. The two main legal doctrines affecting concealed carriers are so-called “stand your ground” and “duty to retreat.”
A common thread is that a person has no duty to retreat before using force if he or she is lawfully present and facing an imminent deadly threat. The Castle Doctrine applies in a home-defense situation, allows an individual to use deadly force without retreating in his or her own home. Even in the comfort and relative safety of your own home, deadly force is a last resort.
As a concealed carrier in public, you should ONLY draw a weapon when you are confronted with an immediate and unavoidable threat. You must be able to demonstrate that a reasonable person (juror) would agree that you or another person is about to suffer serious bodily harm or death, you must be sure that no option to escape exists and that the threat was imminent.
Imminent threat factors include:
- The presence of a weapon, such as a gun, knife, or blunt object
- A clear intent to cause harm, which can include verbal threats or aggressive behavior
- A lack of available escape options
- Your use of force must be proportional to the threat you face.
- Not all situations warrant drawing a firearm. Your brain should be your first force option.
What happens after:
- If a 911 call is warranted, provide minimal but essential information. A statement such as, “There has been a shooting. I was attacked and defended myself. Please send police and medical personnel,” is appropriate.
- Let your attorney handle statements to the police. He or she should be someone who specializes in self-defense cases. When your liberty is at stake, you do not want an inexperienced lawyer. Protecting your words is just as important as protecting yourself.
Continuing Education:
- Owning and carrying a firearm is an ongoing commitment that requires continuous training. Train in drawing and firing from a holster under stress. Practice shooting from cover, target identification including threats and non-threats. Gun laws are constantly changing, so know the law in your area. It is also wise to carry self-defense insurance to cover legal costs in case of an incident.
A popular alternative is a Trust. Trusts have long been used to transfer property upon the death of a property owner who is referred to as the Settlor. For the past several years in order to own a Suppressor or any other National Firearms Act (NFA) item 3, Gun Trusts had been used to satisfy government requirements. Trusts are considered artificial persons and can exist beyond the lifespan of the Settlor. Persons listed as “responsible persons” under a gun trust can legally use the items independently of the Settlor. Without a trust, such independent use is illegal. The trust operates through a Trustee and Successor trustees must be listed. Successor trustees ensure that someone is available to distribute the assets of the Trust to the Beneficiaries. There can be any number of Beneficiaries and restrictions may apply. There may be restrictions on moving NFA items across state lines. A person responsible must verify whether that specific type of firearm or other accessory is legal to possess in that state. For years when a Trust purchased a new NFA item, a copy of the trust was sent to the ATF along with Form 4 for approval along with payment of the $200 tax. Wait times were up to a year. Recently wait times in 2024 were drastically reduced with online processing. As of January 1, 2026, as a part of the Big Beautiful Bill that Congress passed, (it will go into effect 90 days after it has been published) and if everything goes as planned the $200 tax is no longer needed to transfer your NFA items over. Hold your horse since we will not really know until it is actually published and even then, things can change. Gun owners who value their Spouse and other heirs enough to bequeath them firearms should invest in a quality Trust. For specific questions, you should consult a qualified attorney.
So many factors go into the “best-gun” equation, and those factors vary dramatically different from person to person. I always try to help them answer three main questions. What might fit their hands best and feel good? What is a good, reliable firearm within their price range? How can we help them overcome fear and build confidence The only way to pick your firearm is go to a gun store and put them in your hand. Maybe watch a quick YouTube on proper grip before you go. Handguns today range in price from $400 to over $3000 so you need to narrow the field to even the brand you prefer. Then focus on the model. Are you going to carry concealed? You need to be looking at compact or even sub-compact sized models. You choice of ammunition would most likely be 380 or 9mm. Before purchasing the firearm we recommend you take an online Texas LTC (license to carry class). There are strict laws that must be obeyed regarding the use of deadly force. We want you to keep your money and your guns rather than use it up on attorney fees to defend yourself in court. You should understand the potential consequence and have a better understanding of actually avoiding a conflict.
At QRF Training Systems we emphasize that our clients develop a self-protection mindset. Whether you’re navigating busy streets, traveling, or simply going about your daily life, having the mental and physical tools to safeguard yourself is empowering. Let’s explore the key steps to cultivate this mindset:
Violent predators look for an easy mark. They will likely stalk that mark and see if they can move in to strike without being noticed. The best way to ensure you are not the victim of a sudden assault is to make sure you notice who is noticing you. Here is a vital USCCA guide to the Seven Steps to Situational Awareness. Click here to download