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AR15.COM
9/5/2026 8:40:08 AM EDT
Don't know if this is the right spot for this q. I'm a mom of boys. I carry and practice with the handgun with my husband at the range. But I want to go further than that. I'm looking for Resources for where to begin on how to train to protect-  ie: if my kids and I were in an active shooter situation, rules for self defense so I don't get locked up, best way to prepare myself physically to be fit to fight. Any podcasts, videos, books, class reccs would be very much appreciated. Thank you.
9/5/2026 9:34:22 AM EDT
[#1]
As a place to start, read
"Violence of Mind" by Varg Freeborn.

Take ECQC from Shivworks/Craig Douglas.

You'll fill in the pieces from there.

Other book recommendations off the top of my head:
Sentinel - Pat McNamara
Defensive Living - Lovette/Spaulding
Principles of Personal Defense - Jeff Cooper

Tons of others... Facing Violence, Left of Bang, Sheep No More, The Gift of Fear, Beyond the Gun, etc etc
9/5/2026 9:35:55 AM EDT
[#2]
Also, based on your post, CCW Safe... resources there sound like what you're after too
9/5/2026 9:51:30 AM EDT
[#3]
Thank you so much. That's a plethora of resources. I'll start building that reading list.
9/7/2026 9:16:50 PM EDT
[#4]
Tom Givens Concealed Carry Class: The ABCs of Self-Defense Tools and Tactics is a nice place to start for Concealed Carry

NRA has a variety of classes from Refuse to be a Victim, to Personal Protection Inside/Outside the Home, to Defensive Pistol that are widely offered Find an NRA Training Course near you  These are foundational courses.

Andrew Branca and Massad Ayoob (Deadly Force: Understanding Your Right to Self-Defense) are resources for understanding the laws of self defense.

She Equips Herself got started discussing how a woman can conceal a firearm and has branched out to talk about other aspects of women's self defense.
per aspera ad astra
9/10/2026 4:01:31 PM EDT
[#5]
Awesome. Thank you! I'll check these out.

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