Firearm Self Defense Theory - Simple Overview
Personal Opinions - Non-Expert Opinion for Consideration
Reference Data - Texas Laws and Crime Statistics

Firearm Self Defense Theory

1. Foundational Principles

Legality: Know your local laws about justified use of force, deadly force, Castle Doctrine, Stand Your Ground, and carry regulations.
Immediacy of Threat: Only use deadly force when you reasonably believe you're in imminent danger of death or serious harm.
Proportionality: Your response must match the threat. Excessive force can be unjustified legally and morally.

2. The "AOJ" or "AOI" Triangle

Ability: The attacker has the means (weapon, strength, etc.).
Opportunity: They're in a position to carry out the attack.
Jeopardy/Intent: Their actions indicate a clear intent to harm.

3. Tactical Theory

Avoidance first: Stay out of danger when possible.
De-escalation: Always try to defuse situations before resorting to force.
Use of cover: Protect yourself physically if a threat occurs.
Know your backdrop: Be responsible for every round fired.

4. Training and Mindset

Regular training: Practice marksmanship, safety, and decision-making.
Scenario-based practice: Simulate real-life self-defense situations.
Mindset development: Understand the gravity and consequences of using deadly force.

5. Aftermath Considerations

Call 911 with minimal details: "I was attacked. Send help."
Request a lawyer before giving full statements.
Expect stress reactions and legal proceedings.

6. Moral and Ethical Dimensions

Ask yourself: Could I have avoided this?
Can I live with the outcome?
Was the threat truly unavoidable?

Note: Self-defense is about avoiding violence when possible, and surviving it when there is no other option.

Understanding Violence

Based on research in psychology, criminology, and public health the most frequently cited causes of violence are personal, social, economic, and psychological factors. The cause of violence can be divided into two groups based on the planning involved: unplanned and planned.

Planning Levels

Unplanned: Spontanious, Emotional, Reactionary

Emotional - Inability to manage stress, frustration, or rejection
Relationship Conflict - Power, jealousy, control, and emotional dependency
Substance Abuse - Alcohol and drugs lower inhibitions and impair judgment
Mental Illness

Unplanned violence or spontanious violence is incredibly hard to predict. Be aware of your surroundings and leave situations that seem to be escalating towards violence. Remove the people you care about from the scene and move to a safer environment.

Spontanious violence can often come from a loved one or family friend. Responding with a firearm may result in their death. And that death may lead to your imprisonment.

If someone you love attempts to hurt you:

Leave the situation
Leave the relationship
Never look back

NEVER

VICTIM

Planned: Pre-meditated, Organized

Revenge and Retaliation
Poverty and Economic Desperation
Power and Control
Cultural and Social Norms

Planned violence can be predicted through awareness training. Being aware that a person or party could attempt violence provides opportunities to train for those situations. The situational training is part of "Planned Violence"; it is part of the "Preparedness Culture" to respond to violence with tactics that ensure survival. Ensuring survival means the threat must be stopped. In most cases that means applying deadly force.

Violence Against You

The mindset is simple: escape or kill. If you can't leave the situation and the threat is real then you engage with efficient deadly force. Body armor defeat drill: 2 shots to the heart, 1 shot to the head.

Any action between leaving and deadly force is open to litigation. If you think you might be in danger, leave. If you think other people might be in danger, leave, call the police. Trying to play hero will get you killed or imprisoned. The line between Citizen's Arrest and Impersonating Public Servant is razor thin.

Civillians are not law enforcement. It is illegal for civilians to brandish a firearm (Aggravated Assault), point a firearm at someone (Deadly Conduct), or hold someone at gunpoint (Unlawful Restraint).

Citizen's Arrest - Statute Article 14.01(a) "A peace officer or any other person may, without a warrant, arrest an offender when the offense is committed in his presence or within his view, if the offense is one classed as a felony or an offense against the public peace."

Impersonating Public Servant - Texas Penal Code § 37.11 "Knowingly perform an act in pretended capacity as a public servant"

Detain or question a person

Coerce or intimidate others

Violence Against Strangers

If you see someone being attacked, you have a moral obligation to engage. Right? The problem is context. You don't know "why" the violence is occurring. You don't know the character of those involved.

Let's take something simple and make it complicated. You see two men repeatedly kicking a man on the ground who is trying (unsuccessfully) to defend against their attacks. The man on the ground needs help; but, what if:

the man tried to rob them with a knife
the man sold them tainted drugs
the man raped a child

The police are trained to collect people, evidence, and witness statements in order to allow the courts to determine the truth of things. It takes a large coordinated effort by experts to figure out these situations. You do not have enough information to mettle in other people's business. If you see violence, report it, and stay out of it.

What about Active Shooters? Terrorists? Drive Bys?

In the ultra rare case of an obvious threat to society, like an active shooter, the goal would be to get people to safety and render medical aide. If you see the threat, you kill it. Don't search for the threat. Don't pretend to be a special operator. Don't believe that the police need your help.

The police wear uniforms and will engage anyone not on their team. They could shoot you. You could accidently shoot an undercover police officer or another citizen trying to stop the threat.

The rules are the same: escape or kill.

EDC: Firearm

Every Day Carry firearms is a hugely debated topic on the internet. People argue about caliber, frame size, sights, extra ammo, and countless other factors. I have opinions like everyone else. The opinions are based on my experience with carrying a firearm.

The biggest hurdle is actually doing it. The barriers to carrying a firearm are:

Fear of Legal Consequences

Confusion over laws (e.g., where/when you can carry or use it).
Fear of accidentally breaking the law and getting arrested or sued.
Concern that law enforcement may react aggressively if you are stopped while carrying.
Concern about civil liability even if a shooting is legally justified.

Behavioral Adjustments

Getting In and Out of Vehicles:
Using the Restroom in Public:
Clothing Adjustments and Self-Consciousness:
Physical Contact / Hugging / Bending Over:
Off Body Storage in the Office: Managing access and risk.
Daily Habits That Require New Routines: Dressing in the morning; choosing holster-friendly clothes.
Social Situations: Some worry about being judged or asked awkward questions.

Removing the Fear

Getting past the Fear of Legal Consequences is pretty easy. If you read the Firearm Self Defense Theory, Understanding Violence, and the Reference Data covering the Texas Laws, you have exposure to the rights and responsibilities of carrying a firearm. If you want more information, then take the online class for the Texas License to Carry. The LTC gives you more legal protection. Self-Defense Insurance is also a good idea.

Self-Defense Insurance Providers for Gun Owners

Company	Website	Starting Cost (per month)
USCCA	usconcealedcarry.com	~$29/month
CCW Safe	ccwsafe.com	~$16-$44/month (varies by plan)
Armed Citizens' Legal Defense Network	armedcitizensnetwork.org	~$135/year (~$11.25/month equivalent)
Second Call Defense	secondcalldefense.org	~$10-$35/month
US Law Shield	uslawshield.com	~$10.95/month
Firearms Legal Protection	firearmslegal.com	~$16.95/month
Right to Bear	righttobearinsurance.com	~$11/month

Note: Prices may vary by state, plan, and coverage level. Always confirm on the official website.

Adjusting Your Behavior

Behavioral Adjustments problems are typically solved with the right kind of holster. I find that most waistline holsters "print" excessively on me. It might be better to consider a pocket holster in Tactical Pants, a shoulder rig compression shirt, or off body carry in a purse, fanny pack, or messenger bag.

A firearm can't save your life at home in a safe.

Common Holster Types

Holster Type	Body Location	Benefits
Inside-the-Waistband (IWB)	Inside the pants, usually hip or appendix	Conceals well, good access, popular for everyday carry (EDC)
Outside-the-Waistband (OWB)	Outside the pants, on the hip or belt	More comfortable, easier draw, better for open carry
Appendix Carry (AIWB)	Front of the body, around the 1-2 o'clock position	Fast draw, high concealability, good for seated positions
Shoulder Holster	Under the arm, worn with shoulder straps	Great for sitting/driving, balances weight, can carry spare mags
Pocket Holster	Inside a front or back pants pocket	Simple concealment for small firearms, easy to carry
Ankle Holster	Wrapped around the ankle or lower calf	Good for backup guns, deep concealment
Belly Band	Elastic band worn around the midsection	Versatile placement, good for athletic wear or deep concealment
Chest/Rig Holster	Worn on the chest with straps (common in hiking/hunting)	Secure, accessible during outdoor activities, distributes weight well
Small of Back (SOB)	Center of the back, around the 6 o'clock position	Conceals well, ambidextrous draw possible, less likely to print
Thigh/Drop-Leg Holster	Strapped to the upper thigh	Quick access, favored by tactical/military users

Note: The best holster depends on your body type, clothing, firearm size, and daily routine. Safety, retention, and training are critical for any carry method.

Selecting an EDC Firearm

Fits Your Hand:

You need a firearm that you can instinctively point with. The average gun fight is less that 10 feet. Fancy sights and lasers are not needed at 10 ft.

Easy to Operate:

Make sure slide levers, safeties, and magazine ejection buttons feel natural.

Easy to Carry Concealed:

Choose thinner and smaller when possible. Full size with extra capacity magazines are better for home defense vs self defense.

Dependable Hollow Point Ammo:

Center fire cartridges are preferred over rimfire; Always use hollow points.

Highest Concealable Capacity:

The difference between .45 ACP and 9mm has been studied; a quality hollow point makes caliber irrelevent. Choose the most capacity.

It is better to have a cheap 5 shot revolver in your pocket concealed than NOT CARRYING because the firearm was too big for your outfit.

Where to buy your firearm?

I personally buy my firearms from Palmetto State Arms and have then shipped to my local pawn shop. The FFL cost is typically under $50 dollars. You will notice that I buy more from the value side of the market vs the Gucci side. This is a preference thing for me; not advice. Buy what makes you happy. There are so many strong contenders in the budget space that I am trying to collect and experience them all.

Palmetto State Arms

PSA Dagger 9mm Pistols

"Chambered in 9x19mm, the Palmetto Dagger is fed from a supplied PMAG® 15 GL9™ (15-Round) magazine and operated by a smooth single-action striker-fired trigger mechanism. The Palmetto Dagger is feature-rich even in its standard form, yet also provides a framework for further customization, as it is highly compatible with many aftermarket offerings. The slide is also finished with a FDE Cerakote coating and RMR footprint for compatibility with RMR style reflex sights. A Cover plate is also included."
~$350

SAR USA 9mm Pistols

"The SAR USA SAR9 CX has the combination of excellent ergonomics, (the pistol fits the hand like a glove), a relatively low bore axis, and an extended beavertail on the frame that make for an incredibly smooth shooting concealed carry or duty pistol. With a 15-round capacity, the SAR9 CX is suitable for concealed carry or duty use. A Picatinny rail on the frame lets you mount a light or laser of your choice for enhanced capabilities. Changeable backstrap and grip panels let you customize the frame to provide the optimal grip. The SAR9 CX combines comfort, control, and concealment into a very smooth shooting pistol. The X-Package includes the accessories you need to be range and concealed carry ready out of the box."
~$250

Snub Nose Revolvers

"Built for personal defense. Perfected for everyday carry. Lightweight. Easy to conceal. Exceptionally reliable. The Taurus 856 is finely tuned to deliver the ultimate peace of mind for home and personal defense situations."
~$320

Sporting Goods stores often have smokin' deals right before or after certain holidays. Take full advantage.

Home Defense

There are some different factors when trying to defend the home. Think about these factors when determining which firearm will be your go to for home defense. You might start with one and retreat to another; or, hand off weapons to different people during consolidation to a securable point.

Size of Home:

What is the longest distance between any two points in the home?

Size of Property:

What is the longest distance from the home to the edge of the property?

Proximity to Other People:

How close are the neighbors? Apartments and tight subdivisions can be a concern for over penetration.

Ages of People in the Home:

Accessibility to firearms is more complicated when there are people who need to be denied access.

John "Shrek" McPhee has some opinions about home defense weapons and early threat detection. I like his opinions; they seem well reasoned.

Common Firearm Platforms

Semi-automatic Pistol: micro, compact, and full size

One Handed Operation
High Mobility
Short Range (Ideal <25 yards)

Subguns: Scorpion, AR-V, MP-5

Two Handed Operation
High Mobility
High Capacity (20+ rounds)
Medium Range (Ideal <75 yards)

Light Rifle Caliber Pistol: Short barrel with no stock

Two Handed Operation
High Mobility
High Capacity (20+ rounds)
Long Range (Ideal <200 yards)
Extremely Loud

Light Rifle: 16"+ barrel with stock

Reduced Mobility
High Capacity (20+ rounds)
Long Range (Ideal <300 yards)
Extremely Loud

Heavy Rifle: AR-10, .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor

Heavy Recoil
Reduced Mobility
High Capacity (20+ rounds)
Extreme Damage
Sniper Range (300+ yards)
Extremely Loud

Stockless Shotgun: Bird head handle

Low Capacity (4 rounds)
High Skill Requirement
Extreme Damage
Less Lethal Ammo Options
Short Range (Ideal <25 yards)
Extremely Loud

Tactical Pump Shotgun:

Low Capacity (5 rounds)[9 rounds]
Heavy Recoil
Reduced Mobility
Extreme Damage
Less Lethal Ammo Options
Medium Range (Ideal <75 yards)
Extremely Loud

Tactical Semi-Auto Shotgun:

Low Capacity (5 rounds)[9 rounds]
Heavy Recoil
Reduced Mobility
Extreme Damage
Medium Range (Ideal <75 yards)
Extremely Loud

I have conveniently left off revolvers, lever action rifles, and break open shotguns. Those firearms are fine for their intended purposes; but, we want a firearm optimized for the range required with high mobility and high capcity.

My recommendation is this: choose a full size pistol and/or light rifle. A gunfight at home will most likely be at night so red dot sights and weapon mounted lights are ideal. The actual weapon platform doesn't matter as long as you train. Buy something you want to shoot and enjoy shooting. I don't recommend shotguns because most people don't enjoy shooting them because of the recoil.

Many people (too many) recommend a pump shotgun because they say racking the weapon will cause the intruders to run away. My opinion is that if the intruders can hear you rack the weapon, they are already too close. Remember the rules: escape or kill. A threat has entered your home; you kill the threat or escape with your family.

NO WARNINGS: A warning sound gives up your position and invites them to act first; bad idea. A warning shot may have consequences. They could attack instead of run. A warning shot may travel through walls into a bystander.

Vehicle Defense

Defending from within a vehicle is different than defending a home. The A Frame (windshield pillars) of a vehicle blocks the swinging motion of a long arm. Choosing a shorter weapon platform like an Light Rifle Pistol (AR-15 Pistol), Subgun, and/or Full Size Pistol. These weapons can be used inside the car with good maneuverability.

The ranges related to vehicle gunfights can vary. Find a firearm that conceals well in backpack that gives you the best survivability.

You may need other tools than firearms for handling riots or a mob surrounding your vehicle.

Reference Data

I took the studies, statistics, and law related details and organized it below. These details are important. Putting them inline with my opinions seemed like borrowing credibility from authority. Everything after this is research not opinion; but, verify with sources you trust. I am not a lawyer and nothing I write is legal advice.

Closer Than You Think

A study by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) revealed that a significant percentage of officer-involved shootings occurred within close ranges, often under 15 feet (approximately 5 yards). Although this data pertains to law enforcement, it suggests that self-defense situations commonly occur at short distances.
A study analyzing Los Angeles Police Department officer-involved shootings from 1988 to 1994 found that approximately 70% of incidents took place within 10 feet.

The threat will most likely be 3 steps away.

Texas Crime Statistics

Offense	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Larceny	499,965	466,678	447,880	489,590	462,572
Burglary	112,469	108,035	97,010	100,600	92,131
Aggravated Assault	75,894	89,264	91,523	91,280	85,628
Robbery	29,082	27,020	22,445	21,167	20,965
Rape	15,489	14,545	16,137	15,611	15,057
Murder	1,447	1,956	2,063	2,069	1,847

121,912 individual violence vs 112,469 Burglary. Indicates that personal defense should have a slight priority over home defense. Firearms used for personal defense can be used for home defense; but, some home defense firearms would be too large for every day carry.

Is it legal to have a firearm with you?

The short answer is YES. If you can legally own a firearm then you can posses that firearm in your home, vehicle, and public places.

It's important to note that certain locations remain off-limits for carrying firearms. These include schools, correctional facilities, hospitals, amusement parks, and businesses deriving over 51% of their income from the sale of alcohol for on-premises consumption. Additionally, private property owners retain the right to forbid firearms on their premises.

Texas House Bill 1927 - Constitutional Carry: Carry handguns openly or concealed in most public places without the need for a license

Age Requirement: The individual must be at least 21 years old.
Prohibited Persons: The individual must not be otherwise prohibited by law from possessing a firearm, such as individuals with certain felony convictions.

Texas Penal Code § 46.02: The right to carry a firearm in a motor vehicle

Owner or Driver: Must be their own vehicle or a vehicle under their control
Age Requirement: The individual must be at least 21 years old.
Holster Requirement: If the handgun is in plain view, it must be carried in a holster.
Legal Activities: The individual must not be engaged in criminal activity, excluding Class C misdemeanors related to traffic or boating laws.
Prohibited Persons: The individual must not be otherwise prohibited by law from possessing a firearm, such as individuals with certain felony convictions.

Texas § 411.171–§ 411.209: License to Carry

Individuals with an LTC have additional legal protections and the ability to carry in other states.

Age Requirement: The individual must be at least 18 years old. (18 years old requires a legal need like a protection order)

Legally Allowed: Meet federal qualifications to purchase a handgun

Proficient: Complete a handgun proficiency course approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Background Checked: Submit fingerprints and undergo a background check.

Enhanced Protections

Presumption of Lawful Carry: If you’re stopped by law enforcement, your LTC shows you’ve passed a background check and completed firearms training, which may give you the benefit of the doubt that you're carrying legally.
Trespass Protections:

Without an LTC, you can be criminally trespassed for carrying into a business that simply verbally informs you no guns are allowed
With an LTC, property owners must post legally defined signage (such as 30.06 or 30.07 signs) for you to be in violation. This means you’re less likely to be arrested just for being unaware.

School Grounds Flexibility: An LTC holder can legally keep a handgun in a vehicle parked in a school parking lot (like at a university), provided it’s not in plain view and the vehicle is locked.

Federal Exemptions

Gun-Free School Zones Act (GFSZA)

Federal law prohibits carrying a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school unless:

The firearm is unloaded and locked away; or
You have a license issued by the state in which the school is located.

So, with a Texas LTC, you can legally carry (per federal law) near Texas schools.

Airport Non-Secure Areas: LTC Holders can legally carry in non-secure areas of airports (such as baggage claim or check-in).
NICS Background Check Exemption

When buying a firearm from a dealer, LTC holders don’t need to go through the NICS background check (though the dealer may still run one).
This can speed up purchases and make repeat buys more convenient.

Important Signs

30.05 - Unlicensed (permitless) carry of firearms

"Pursuant to Section 30.05, Penal Code (criminal trespass), a person may not enter this property with a firearm."

30.06 - Prohibits concealed carry by LTC holders

"Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun."

30.07 - Prohibits open carry by LTC holders

"Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a handgun that is carried openly."

51% Sign - Absolutely no carry allowed—concealed or open—even with an LTC

"The unlicensed possession of a firearm on the premises is a felony with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000. Licensed possession is a felony as well."

Texas Penal Code § 38.02 vs Texas Government Code § 411.205

Reconciling the Two Statutes

General vs. Specific Obligations: While § 38.02 sets general conditions under which individuals must identify themselves (primarily post-arrest), § 411.205 imposes a specific duty on LTC holders to present identification when carrying a handgun, regardless of an arrest situation.
Context of the Interaction: If an individual is carrying a handgun under an LTC, they are legally obligated to provide identification upon request by a peace officer, even if they are not under arrest. This requirement is separate from the obligations outlined in § 38.02.

While § 38.02 delineates when any individual must identify themselves to law enforcement (when arrested or witness to a crime), § 411.205 places an additional requirement on LTC holders to present their identification and handgun license when carrying, upon the lawful demand of a peace officer.

1. Legal Justification for Use of Force

Texas Penal Code § 9.31 - Self-Defense (Non-Deadly Force)

You may use non-deadly force if you reasonably believe it's immediately necessary to protect yourself against another's unlawful force.
You must not have provoked the person.
You must not be engaged in criminal activity at the time.

2. Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense

Texas Penal Code § 9.32

Deadly force is justified when you reasonably believe it's immediately necessary:

To protect against another's use or attempted use of unlawful deadly force.
To prevent the imminent commission of crimes like robbery, sexual assault, or murder.

You must have been justified in using regular force under § 9.31.

3. Castle Doctrine

Texas Penal Code § 9.32(b)

No duty to retreat in your home, vehicle, or workplace.
Deadly force is justified if someone unlawfully and forcefully enters.
You must not provoke the person and must not be committing a crime.

4. Stand Your Ground

Texas Penal Code § 9.31 and § 9.32

No duty to retreat if you have a legal right to be present.
You are not engaged in criminal activity and did not provoke the attacker.
You reasonably believe deadly force is necessary.

5. Defense of Others

Texas Penal Code § 9.33

You can use deadly force to protect someone else if they would be justified in using it themselves.
You must reasonably believe your action is immediately necessary.

6. Defense of Property

Texas Penal Code § 9.41 - § 9.43

Deadly force can be used to prevent crimes like arson, burglary, robbery, or theft at night.
It may also apply when recovering stolen property at night if there's no other safe way.
This is a limited exception and may be scrutinized in court.

7. Important Caveats

Justification depends on what a reasonable person would believe in that moment.
The presence of a weapon alone does not always justify deadly force — the threat must be imminent.
You may still face legal or civil consequences if the force is not deemed justified.

This summary is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. For specific cases, consult a licensed Texas attorney.

1. Deadly Conduct - Texas Penal Code § 22.05

Recklessly placing another person in imminent danger of serious bodily injury.
Knowingly pointing a firearm at someone, loaded or not.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor or 3rd-degree felony (if a firearm is discharged).

2. Aggravated Assault - Texas Penal Code § 22.02

Threatening someone with serious harm while displaying a deadly weapon.

Penalty: 2nd-degree felony (2-20 years in prison).

3. Disorderly Conduct - Texas Penal Code § 42.01(a)(8)

Displaying a firearm or deadly weapon in public in a manner calculated to alarm others.

Penalty: Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail and/or a $2,000 fine).

4. Unlawful Restraint - Texas Penal Code § 20.02

False imprisonment in Texas is charged as Unlawful Restraint, and it occurs when: A person intentionally or knowingly restrains another person without consent.

Penalty: 2 to 10 years in prison

5. Self-Defense Exception

Displaying a weapon to deter a real, immediate threat may be justified under self-defense laws.
The action must be reasonable and proportionate; provocation or escalation may void this protection.

Key Takeaways

Only display a weapon when absolutely necessary and legally justified.
Improper or threatening display can result in arrest and criminal charges—even for licensed carriers.
Texas law emphasizes responsible, restrained firearm use in public settings.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific situations, consult a licensed attorney in Texas.