It can be easy to overlook the need to spend time both setting up and training in and around your vehicle. All too often we get caught up in shooting on a square range, perfecting our precision on stationary paper targets, and speeding up our drawstroke, but there’s more to self-defense than that. In this video, Jason Pike of Frogman Tactical [YouTube channel} gets into some general vehicle defense tactics and how to set up your vehicle with defense in mind.
Why Do You Need a Vehicle Defense Setup?
Incidents like the 1986 FBI Miami Shootout showed us the importance of securing our guns and gear within the vehicle so that no matter what happens, they’ll remain in place. Not only is it a good idea from a training perspective for consistency, but it’s smart because you’re less likely to totally lose a firearm or a piece of gear during a wreck. And if you’re in an accident where you immediately need a smaller piece of gear — such as a tourniquet— having one secured to something solid within reach of your seat could save your life.
Attacks don’t just happen at home or in the store. It’s possible to be the target of a violent attack even while in your vehicle, especially in the case of riots.
Find out what all Frogman Tactical has to say about this topic in the video below:
Questions to Think About
What should you be prepared to do? This is a topic Jason Pike discusses in the video. When you’re planning vehicle defense you have to ask yourself what you are going to defend yourself or others from. For example, do you need a setup to deal with an armed, active killer? If so, how much are you willing to get involved? Do you just need one rifle or handgun to defend against a single threat? Rather than loading anything and everything into your vehicle, stop and think about what your vehicle defense needs really are — and set things up accordingly.
Jason’s viewers make some suggestions in the comments section.
Ronnie says. “I have a similar set up in my trunk as you. The only difference is my armor, belt & Sig 716G2 DMR are very discreetly & securely locked away. When I’m out of my car I have my primary & backup handguns with my EDC bag that has medical, odds & ends + my Sig Rattler. Normally it’s a book bag but I also have a kind of satchel for when I’m dressed up.”
Ecoyt1 weighs in with his personal setup, saying he carries an AR pistol, plates, and a heavy-duty blowout kit when traveling. He also advises: “The blowout kit stays in the car. I’m a Respiratory Therapist at a level 1 trauma center, so I can place rapid decompression needles within my scope of practice. We’re heart/lung specialist, so any code that happens they call us. My ER experience has given me a leg up.”
What’s your vehicle defense setup? Tell us about it in the comments below.