7 MINDSET SHIFTS YOU HAVE TO MAKE BEFORE YOU CARRY A GUN 

“A shepherd must tend his flock. And at times... fight off the wolves.”

Turning the other cheek is a reference to being insulted, not a response to someone trying to commit murder.

Thinking that Christians need not carry a weapon because 'God will protect me' is crossing the line from faith to presumption.

I always respond to “Why do you NEED to carry…”. With “Do you only buckle your seatbelt when you’re in accident?

In the current events happening within the nation. My wife is considering conceal carrying now. I have been carrying for two years now. I will never force nor encourage someone to carry. But I will be sending this video and channel to my wife to help start her journey and to give her a women’s perspective. Thank you for creating this channel and this much needed content!

When you hit Number 3 I was thinking about the worst Texas license student I ever had, back in the late 1990s. He came into class with a bad case of "earlock." When he introduced himself he made it clear he had learned all he needed to know in military basic training in 1941, and I didn't have anything I could teach him. Turns out, he was right. He failed the written test.

My husband told me about you . I'm very new to owning a gun. I have a Ruger LCP 380. My hubby and I will be taking our first class on Valentines day! I know nothing and want to be a sponge as far as learning. I'll be 70 this year....I hope I'm not too old.

What you're teaching is OUTSTANDING, I have a little trouble or should I say the wife had a time learning from me, I'm an ex ARMY RANGER now a ordained Minister in Jesus my LORD, and I been CC legally and a member of USCCA , SOeven though God KEEPS US , you shouldn't leave your front door open while you sleep, 😇 May our Father BLESS YOU Sister "IN" CHRIST!!!🙏

Remember, you don't shoot to kill, you shoot to change the perp's behaviour. Thanks for this video Stav, very helpful...TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN!!!!!!

Whenever I see one of those “Not a pepper spray kind of girl” bumper stickers, I want to ask the woman, “Why not both?”

Hi Stav. I'm an old dude but I love your channel and everything you said was 100% right on. The one thing I'd add for women - and you've addressed this before I know - is do not carry weapons in your purse or bag. Fumbling in your purse just tells the perp there is something worth taking in there, and will make them more likely to attack.

Great points! You have a way of taking firearms instructor cliches (firearms instructor here) and translating them for everyday people who aren't gun nuts. Great job!

Great video Stav. I know a lot of people don't think of the psychological aspect of carrying. I have had my cwp for over 43 yrs, yep Im old. 😄 I have never had to pull my weapon and hope not to, but I am prepared to do so if It comes to that.

On reacting to a situation you must understand that you will not rise to the situation. You will sink to your level of training. What you are talking about in this video is great! I wish more utubers would talk about these points. My wife and I enjoy your channel. Keep up the good work.

“#3” I can’t imagine ANYONE thinking I know all there is about carrying a firearm. They should just look at Mac and Yourself y’all have tons of experience and continue to train on a daily basis. Enjoy your videos. 🇺🇸🇨🇦🇺🇸

All of these are great points. I just want to emphasize two points that you mentioned. Situational awareness and don't think you know it all and keep your mind closed. You are never too old to stop learning.

Listening to the mindset shift on “i can go anywhere i want” I’ve never had that thought once, a couple years ago my dad was shot at while we lived in a very bad area that even law enforcement told everyone in the area who wasn’t armed to be armed while in the area. after my dad was shot at i had to make the major decision to go buy my first pistol to protect my dad, family and myself while we lived there

Great video. All new gun owners should watch this. One more thing that happens to you physically when the SHTF, adrenaline skyrockets and your fine motor skills go right out the window.

Please do (1) a video for small people (at 4' 9" most guns are challenging -- I have found a couple that work) (2) Using your support hand while shooting.

I have always taken my range time seriously, but with the events in Israel this weekend, I'm taking it up another level. More dry fire practice, holster drawing, situational awareness , and working more on the fundamentals when at the range. Carry a knife, an additional magazine, and a collapsible baton also.

Ias a 35 year 4-H shotting sports instuctor, I seen a lot of stupid. Very few from the teens on my range, but their parents that think they know itall. I Carry a FULL 1st aid pack in my car as well as POM. i liked your 7 mindsets. But getting to a range is the best Idea. I know my pocket pistol can hold a 3 inch pattern with an aimed shot. While Rapid fire it drops 6 inches low and 4 inches to my left. Keep up the good work....

I was told if you do have a gun Incident to ask for 2 ambulances. This way you can get checked out and you're not put in the back of a squad car where you look like a suspect. Also for ideas for upcoming videos. How to get into your car after shopping, or just getting everything in. I have watched so many people sit in their car with the door open, getting in or out, while that take care of their stuff. Have stuff in lap to get out fast. When getting in place stuff in than walk to driver side and get it. If you have an SUV or bigger lock your doors after putting stuff in. As women we have to be smart and its easier to see standing up than sitting with a door open, stirring wheel in front of you, and reaching for your stuff. Lock doors as soon as inside or if you have to walk around.

Regarding training. You only fight only as good as the training you MASTERED.

Is it possible to do a recap of how you got interested in firearms & what motivated you to start a channel? I discovered you a few months ago. I think it’s fabulous that women have someone like you to explain many things involved with carrying for us women. God bless you😊

Great discussion, Stav. Your 7 step mindset topic is very much needed. Few if any go into the details of what it all means for a CCW.

Thank you for making this video, I am just in the process of the CCW here in California. I love all of your points and appreciate you!

Thanks Stav. Your video was very informative. One request I have is can you your husband show a video on best techniques for heavier people to carry and conceal please? Thanks in advance.

Great and thoughtful advice Stav. Another mind set shift I had to adopt, was staying out of silly arguments or confrontations. I'm not an a-hole (ask my wife 🥸), but when I'm carrying (always, when it's legal) I have to be even nicer. Angelic me!

Words are important when it comes to your mindset. It’s not just that you might have to “use your gun.” It’s that you might have to kill another person. You have to wrap your head around the prospect of taking a life in defense of your own and your loved ones. I think it almost has to be like the psychological conditioning soldiers are put through when it comes to learning how to justify taking life. Sometimes it seems like using sanitized language like “use your gun” almost avoids the uncomfortable reality that needs to be reckoned with. You might have to kill someone, and you need to be okay with that psychologically, morally, and spiritually.

Well done. Important for everyone. I recommend you to all during my Concealed Handgun Permit classes. The combination of you and Mac is super.

I appreciate that you did this one. I have one more that I believe is important. It's a variation of #5. That is you shouldn't feel emboldened to engage in arguments or confrontations just because you are armed. You should avoid confrontation, back down even if you are in the right. I gave up wearing a certain red cap because it's triggering to some people. I should be able to exercise free speech, but ccw carries a responsibility to ALWAYS be the bigger person & back away from a fight.

Thank you for all you have taught me. My life has been changed by learning to shoot and learning about consealed carrying. This morning by my house I found out there was a homicide. I wonder if her life could have been saved had she known how to defend herself. I am going to continue to bring awarness to self protection and the consealed carry life in my city and surrounding areas. I am starting a class to help traumatized victims of domestic violence and rape and abuse overcome their victim mind set and grown strong and learn to protect themselves. You are an inspiration to me on this journey. If you ever want to reach out and be a direct part of it please contact me. Again thank you and I hope someday I can afford to take all ur classes. Happy Holidays and God bless.

Have you and Mac considered doing a house clearance room clearance course where you mite have to take control of a hallway to get to say your children's room to eather get them out to safety or occupie and fortify the room . When I did one we changed rolls so eather of us could take the lead . So we used a shotgun with a lazer sight and a high powerd strobe light to blind not permanently the assailants the lead would use the shotgun to take control of the corridor by placing mini cams behind positioned mirrors and linked to a mobile you can see around corners while using the shotgun when it's empty you pass it back under arm draw your side arm while your partner reloads the shotgun when done they can use it or pass it back normally due to time they keep it because now you the lead have past the room you need to get too so now the second can enter the room now the lead has to decide weather thees a high risk of further attack by the intruders if low or none existence then the second can get the children back to the master room or safe room if to much of a risk then the second can barricade themselfs in remember they now have the shotgun number one goes back to main bedroom retrieves another shotgun or AR 15 take up cover position that covers the children's room and by using the phone that is linked to cameras you can observe the intruders and be ready if they try to assault you again also you can see if and when the police arrive so you can be ready to disarm yourself for safety... a side note putting mini cameras behind mirrors is an old but great idea because humans are a vain creature they will always look at themselfs in a mirror so if you have say four mirrors in a house with cameras like in a hallway or by a downstairs toilet coat room above the fireplace or if you have a staircase with a small landing that you then turn to go up place one there facing down the stairs this is a great place because they will look at that mirror

Great video. Super important stuff. I find it interesting that folks who don't own or carry never discuss any of these aspects when expressing their opinions.

100% correct on all points... Ive been carrying for about 4 years and grew up around firearms and I always say I know nothing. Always need to learn more. Always can learn more. Its a good mind set to be in. And I train to stop the threat and pray I never half to.

If you ever have to take someone's life it change you. You will never be the same again.

Can't wait to see what is inside the advent calendar.

These are such good tips to keep in mind. There were a few I didn't realize I don't pay attention to. Thank you for your advice!

The simple reality that we all have to accept is that we are all broken people living in a broken world. That there are people out there who not will choose to evil but will enjoy doing evil to you and yours. You do need to know all relevant local/state/federal laws where ever you are going to carry. In addition to training for accuracy I agree you need to take any other training you can afford. You also need to be fully aware about everything there is to know about the firearm you are going to carry and the ammunition you are going to use. This is a good video for anyone no matter where you are on the journey of carrying a firearm.

Excellent video! All of your points are important for someone to consider if they wish to carry. I like that you address the "mindset" that a person needs to have, and that is so true. Thank you for preparing and delivering this.

I'm the only one who got the right answer to this situation in my concealed carry class: Man & wife and their two kids are driving home from church and a bunch of teenage boys are harassing them on the freeway in a turbo two liter Honda. He tries to get away from them by exiting the freeway but they follow and wind up next to them at a traffic light, taunting them and threatening to hurt them. He takes his gun out of his holster and puts it on the console saying to his wife, "Just in case." and exits the car to chide the boys. They get out and proceed to beat him to death. His wife gets out with his gun, and after telling them to stop several times, saves his life by killing one of them. What is that? That is a conspiracy to commit murder and they both get prosecuted for same and she gets the added charge of murder two. Mindset number eight: Because you have a gun, the state will be looking for any reason to put you in jail and any charge they think a jury will convict you on, they will charge you with.

So glad I found your chanel! Would love to see a video on getting over the fear of handling a gun (cleaning, loading, unjamming, putting in holster, etc); how to prevent it going off accidentally. Thank you!

U said it all right with the right mind set plus it the same with the Good Word

Luke 22:36 - Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. Matthew 10:34 - Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. Yeah, at 68, I've struggled with that question. Don't any more. Great video - right on target.

Excellent content as always! We live in NJ and ccw for us is all new. Many of our friends are still uncomfortable with the thought. I am a former police officer so being able to carry again is extremely comforting however, my wife of 21 years wants to step up and carry but has concerns. She has her FL and VA ccw and did very well in the classes she took to achieve them. A great video idea would be to take us all back to when you first started. Spare no details from mental prep to weapon choice to tools available for women specific! Thanks in advance! Keep up the great work and stay safe! 🙏🇺🇸

Great video on 7 very important points. Also good mention would be the Big 4 rules for using any firearm. Thank you for all you do.

I would love to see a video on shooting drills/training to build up to one-handed shooting. This part of the qualification for my state's CCW, so I'd be interested to see how to improve shooting to get to this point! Thanks so much, God bless! :)

You really thought this out. Nice job! One thought, growing up in rural America, guns were an everyday part of our lives like many other tools. We used them for many things and they became part of us. Just another tool. What I am seeing now is DAs using training against defensive shooters. trying to make the case that the shooting was premeditated. Kind of like, damned if you do, damned if you don't scenario.

There it is. “I’m going to protect the life I’ve been given.” End of discussion.

as usual some of the better delivered material on youtube.

I think it would be helpful to discuss when you would step in and use deadly force to protect a third person, a person that is unknown to you and you don't know. I've concluded that it's generally unwise to do so unless the possibility of death or severe injury is imminent.

Hi from Ct. Good advice Stav , and Jesus did say to his deciples he was sending out into a violent world, if u don’t have a sword , sell your cloak and by one. ( paraphrasing) weapon of self defense of his day.

Idea for a video, tips on carrying behind the waistband comfortably - sitting in a car, etc. with a gun behind you for any length of time is uncomfortable. Front waistband carry for me does not conceal well. I am reading Dennis Prager’s Rational bible series on the Old Testament. It is very clear that murder is a sin; killing in self defense or as a soldier, for example, is not.

Awesome video and content. It is a topic that needs to be shared and discused with others.

You always are very informative 👏👍Thank you so much for what you do, all your videos are awesome!

Many believers have a skewed perspective on self defense. You’ve done a great job setting the correct perspective straight. As for me, I see a responsibility as a Christian to protect my wife and family, my home, which is established by God, and to be prepared to help my neighbor, who could be anyone. God bless and keep up the great work.

Great Video. Just Got My Permit After Lots of Safety Training But Hesitant About Carrying Loaded Just Yet. Thanks For Pointing Me to the Next Step .

Hello from Pastor Juma, from Nairobi Kenya. You content and presentations are great. Thank you for the good work!

I love women who use the word mindset. 😍

I love 12 days of carry! 🎄

we need more women ccws like you giving tips and info..Thanks awesome job

I watch a lot on line videos on gun training gun safety is the trick you need to know what to do in a situation things happen fast a lot to think about, keep up the good work I enjoy your videos

When encountering an assailant, immediately pick out a spot on them where you want your bullets to go. Don’t wait until you are pulling the trigger. You can reduce your “ bullet on target time”. When I encounter a person on the job, I always pick a spot out where I want my bullet to go before hand as they walk up to me .(logo on shirt, scar /mole on face, button on shirt, belt buckle/groin area. You also don’t have to wait to have your gun level before you start shooting. Start shooting once you clear your holster and keep shooting until you are level. If you take out their pelvic girdle, you can take out their forward mobility.

You deliver a great message. Keep them coming. Thanks!

Wow Stav, this was an EXCELLENT video!! Many of these things I had contemplated, but many I had NOT. Thank you so much!! 🙏👍❤

Your channel has made me think about carrying less lethal options in addition to my gun. I would like to see a spot on additional carry items especially on mace. Brands, options i.e. jell cone, mist, and carry positions.

You Are Absolutely A Shining Star. Thank You 😊

I've carried now for 12 yrs. Got my CC 2011. The first year or so I was nervous when I carried. Or traveled in my vehical. Mostly that someone would notice and start a problem. Never happened though. Been stopped by the police twice. Hand them my cc with license and insurance card. Both times all that was said was, What do I carry? Lol. Now it's like my watch. I feel like I am missing something if I leave it. I enjoy your vids. God bless you Christain.

One additional mindset to change: If your ego is easily bruised and you have a problem with walking away from an altercation, you might want to rethink carrying. Having a firearm puts you in a greater responsibility to be able to walk away when you can, even when your ego is bruised or your embarrassed.

Hello, I just wanted to let you know the first video I watch of yours was the one about your encounter with Jesus. Thank you. It had a much more impact on me than learning about guns.

Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they carry their swords, are confident in their use and keep them sheathed until needed.

Truly love your videos. Keep them coming!!!

Oh fun! Thank you. I got off IG as I’m back to work and have to prioritize my day better. 👍🏼💯🥰❤ And God gave us free will as well and so with that being given to all, we have to be able to use our free will and be safe so that our free will isn’t taken away from us. And if that involves carrying a gun, then we’re using our free will to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Just my thoughts.

Sad to see you didn't mention your phone. It is an amazing tool for saving lives.

I'm sure this video will help out people that need it & as always keep up the great work 👍🏻

I am new to cow and to your channel, trying to learn up and wise up. Thanks for your great content.

Thank you for organizing your insights to help us plan.

I'd say a large number of people new to carrying are not prepared for a fight. They think the gun is going to save them and that's the only thing they are depending on for their defense.

Great things to seriously think about.

I would still like to see live fire with the Mantis training system.

Your last point was the best, if you carry a gun, be prepared to defuse situations. By being aware of surroundings (avoiding people and place that stand out as acting strange or looking strange like not safe or out of place), if someone confronts you try to talk your way out of a fight, and if need be don't hesitate to run. A gun don't make you a superman, have the ability to swallow ones pride, and turn tail if things go south. Going for your gun should be only if all else fails to get you to safety.

I would really like to hear your opinion on carrying/using a "less lethal option" of self defense - specifically talking about a Byrna launcher.

I love your content but can't agree with the pepper spray.😳 I've got severe chemical sensitivity and would do myself in if I had to use it. Just like CC, it's not for everyone. No, not everyone should carry pepper spray. 🙋‍♀️ Not sure what you have to suggest for me or others like me. That's ok, I'm used to being the odd one... I still hate being told all should do it no matter what.😏

Very good advice. Don't limit yourself to one tool pepper spray and first aid are a must.

Haha when you whipped out the POM I immediately thought of ASP. I just recently found your channel. Good content. Keep it up. Random, but I like your hairstyle in this video.

Fantastic video young lady!!! Thank you! Maranatha Lord Jesus!🙌🙌

We in New York don't have to worry about Pom in the mail, the company is in manhatten we have no problem getting it.

Hey, Stav… can’t wait for your 7 days to carry. When you do these days, can you show a little bit of the placement of the firearm when you are in your vehicle? I know you showed one time before but when you have your holster and then buckle up. I can’t wrap my head around getting this to hit in a spot that isn’t awkward or painful.

Would like to do that course, but a lot of places for target practice do not allow holsters at the bench...I hope you take that into account. Where I have a membership, you have to hire an Instructor and rent a special area to do that sort of thing or wear a holster.

Hi Stav, I really value your and Mac’s advice tremendously. That being said, I am in the research stage of shotguns for home defense. I am also a petite, small framed and short-armed woman at 5’3”. I would like to know what your and Mac’s recommendations would be for shotguns, since the Remington 11-87 is no longer in production. So basically what I’d love to know is, if you didn’t still have your Remington, what would you replace it with? Thank you so much for any feedback. You are such a priceless source of knowledge, wisdom, sensibility and strength. Thank you so much for everything, Stav. I would not be where I am today in my skills, training and understanding had it not been for your channel. Because of you I carry with safety foremost, intelligence and logic. Every single video is just loaded with awesomeness! ❤

Your my favorite person from Boston!

Stav, I would love to see you delve into the topic of Christians (or any person of faith) carrying. I am a Christian, a concealed carrier, and an instructor. It's a great topic for many. ~~Susan

GREAT information!!!!! Thank you! One small note: *Most states* do not require safety classes. Most states (26) do not even require a concealed carry license. More to come soon. Some that still require a license, don't require a safety course. So states with *required* safety courses are a minority. That said...IF you are going to load a gun, attach it to your body and carry it everywhere you go, you SHOULD take both safety courses AND courses on the the legal ramifications of using firearms for self defense, because it is the smart thing to do, not because it is "required".

I think another "mindset" is that you need to incorporate the fact you carry a gun every day into your other lifestyle decisions. You need to select your clothing and accessories accordingly. When choosing clothing, you have to consider how you will conceal your gun when wearing that combination of clothes. Deciding that "Well, I just won't carry when I wear this outfit" is not really an option. That is, admittedly, more difficult for women...and you, Stav, cover that aspect well in your videos. You also need to adapt your normal life to the restrictions you will have to deal with. You cannot carry guns into post offices and schools. Schools aren't an issue for me, and I avoid post offices. You can buy stamps online or at the grocery store and send packages by other carriers and drop them off at locations that aren't restricted. You can buy and print labels for packages online and just put them out in your mailbox to be picked up (if you have a rural type mailbox). There are some places you can not carry, so adapt your life to that, or make a plan for when you have to go to those places. You also have to consider having more than one carry gun. Here's why... You're going to the doctor for a check up. The doctor will probably have you remove your shirt to examine you. Your shirt covers your gun. Now what? For that, I don't carry my regular EDC, I carry a S&W M&P .380 Bodyguard in my pocket. Same for the beach or the community swimming pool. A little water (salt or chlorinated) won't hurt your gun, just clean it when you get home. DO NOT leave it unattended in your beach bag! These are just a few examples of adapting to carrying a gun. I never consider "leaving it at home" an option. I also do not recommend leaving a gun unattended anywhere, not in a car, a purse or anywhere else. You need to keep that to an absolute minimum.

New to this channel. I’m learning so much.

Very smart!

Excellent topics to consider Stav, thank you.

8:56 Curiously, I found that once I started carrying I ended up reducing when and where I might go someplace. Where as before I might go out for a late night 7-11 run, now it's like "do I _really_ need that 1am taquito?" Or if I absolutely positively cannot wait till it is light out to hit up Home Depot, previously I wouldn't give it too much thought where I parked, but now I'll be sure to park as close to both the entrance and a light source as I can.

Pretty smile & good advice. With some luck i will have a new gun and take some classes in the new year.

I would love to know if you have any tips regarding other non lethal options besides pepper spray, and more or less which situations can be used. I am OBSESSED with your content, thank you for teaching me plenty