Should You Answer the Door?

In this week’s mailbag I’ll discuss…

Why I use a rapid-access gun safe…

How to travel on a plane with your tactical pen…

How and when to use a gun trust…

Ways to protect and defend yourself when riding a bicycle…

Choosing the best pocket gun for you…

And whether or not I ever answer the door to strangers.

Let’s dive in…

My question is home defense on intruder who breaks in while me my wife and kids are asleep. I wanted to get a gun for protection for this, then thinking about it there’s no way I’ll be able to unlock the gun from the safe and get it all prepared in a second…

-Jeffrey R

Answer: This is why you want to get a rapid-access safe so you can access your gun in seconds. Since I have young kids, the guns in my house are locked up. But, I can literally open the safe in less than 3 seconds if I needed it because of a home invasion. Check out Gun Vault, Hornady, and Valtek for rapid access safes.

Where do you put your tactical pen when traveling on a plane?

-Wendy T

Answer: When flying, I always put the cap on the sharp end of the pen and place it in my computer bag that goes on the screening conveyor belt. Now, I usually have other pens and office supplies in my bag so there is nothing out of the ordinary when they see my tactical pen, since it is a regular writing pen as well.

I don’t recommend carrying the pen on your body. Also, I wouldn’t pull the pen out in front of the TSA guy and say check out my cool tactical pen (yes, people have done this.)

Hi Jason, maybe you could help me out? Have you ever heard of a “gun trust”, a legal entity that owns firearms for you?

-Casey T

Answer: You would want to create a gun trust if you were buying NFA firearms such as a suppressor (silencer) or a short-barreled rifle. The gun trust allows you to easily transfer these firearms to a loved one without having to do a ton of paperwork.

Basically, without a gun trust you or your loved ones could unintentionally violate laws regulating certain firearms. If your heirs inherit your guns or need to access them in the case of your incapacitation, a gun trust can be an effective way to ensure you stay in compliance with the law and they are cheap and easy to set up.

Is there any self-defense tips that you have for when you ride a bicycle?

-Cody B

Answer: When it comes to bicycles the most important thing you can do in a self-defense situation is to use the bike to your advantage. What I mean is, your bike can be used to create distance between you and a threat.

In addition, if it came to it, you can also use the bike as a weapon. For example, striking someone with the front tire of a bike could provide enough force to knock the person down, or at the very least push them off balance. Of course, you want to keep your head up and be able to ride away before you were forced to use your bike to protect yourself in the first place.

Also, if you carry a gun while riding, don’t think you’re going to pull some Hollywood move and be able to ride and shoot in some crazy situation. That is incredibly difficult and not a good idea since we’re responsible for every round that leaves our gun.

My local gun shop is recommending the S&W 442 38 special revolver and Ruger LCR 38 Special revolver. They say almost everyone that works in their shop carriers one of these (38 special) in a pocket… but I can’t help but be concerned the smaller .38 round could take more than one round to stop an assailant.

-Tom B

Answer: The S&W 442 is a good gun and I own one myself. The Ruger is also solid. If you get one of these revolvers, I would recommend the Speer Gold Dot +P short barrel ammo.

The fact that it would take multiple rounds is not an issue because unless you have perfect bullet placement most pistol caliber rounds will take more than one round to stop an attacker. The only thing about these guns is they are tough to shoot and if you’re looking for a small pocket gun I would get a Ruger LCP or Sig P365 instead.

Hi Jason, I just finished reading chapter 5 of your first book and I was just wondering if you could clarify something for me. So even if you are expecting a delivery you don’t answer the door? Only answer if you expecting a specific person? Also what is the best way to handle not ignoring the door if it rings and its unexpected?

-Walter J

Answer: Yes, if I am expecting someone or it’s someone I know, such as my next door neighbor, I do answer the door (I don’t receive any mail or packages at my home, only at a mailbox in town, so a delivery person would be suspicious to me).

However, if it’s a complete stranger I don’t simply ignore the door because they may think the house is vacant and try and break in. Instead, talk to them through the door and let them know you’re not interested in what they’re selling or they can just leave the package on the step. (It’s socially awkward for most people, but it works.)

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