Firearms Ownership in the Caribbean.

Tag: urban safety and survival training

  • Firearms Modification

    Personal and Legal Considerations

    So, you have been a firearm owner for quite some time now. You are sitting at home and thinking,” Its time to upgrade my firearm capability.” You begin to research the most popular upgrades from after-market sights, to specialized triggers, slides, and receivers/frames. After diligent research you finally decide on several upgrades to enhance the performance of your firearm. Then then unthinkable, you are involved in a self defense shooting incident.

    IDENTIFYING FIREARM MODIFICATIONS

    Before we continue, let’s examine what is defined as a firearm modification. According to Google a firearm modification is ” any alteration to a firearm that changes it’s appearance, functionality, or performance. These modifications can range from cosmetic changes, like custom paint jobs, to functional upgrades such as improved sights, lighter trigger, or larger capacity magazines. Some modifications are legal and can improve accuracy or ergonomics, while others such as adding a suppressor or shortening a barrel to an illegal length may require special permits or are entirely illegal.”

    Some popular modifications are:

    • Sighting upgrades.
    • Trigger modifications.
    • Aesthetic modifications.
    • Caliber conversion. (some Sig Sauer pistols)
    • Automatic conversion. (Glock switch)
    • Unauthorized suppressors.
    • High-capacity magazines.

    Opinions on firearms alteration may vary depending on who you ask. For example, a competitive shooter’s opinion may vary to that of law enforcement or military.

    THE INCIDENT AND INVESTIGATION

    We should all know that gun ownership and gun possession are generally governed by laws and regulations. As such, when there is a shooting incident law enforcement would refer to these laws and regulations to guide their investigations. Below are some legal considerations :

    • Was the firearm lawfully obtained and covered by a valid permit or license.
    • Was the user authorized to be in possession of the firearm at the time of its use.
    • Was the carrier under the influence of drink or drug or some other thing that impaired sound judgement.
    • Does the circumstances reflect a reasonable application of deadly force .
    • Was there a pre-meditated consideration to use deadly force.
    • And the state and capabilities of the firearm and ammunition used.

    The above considerations are just a few things that would be looked at during the initial investigative process. For the purpose of this discussion let us look at the last bullet point. “The state and capabilities of the firearm and ammunition”.

    At the beginning of the investigative process the firearm used in the incident would be confiscated by law enforcement for evaluation and may be used as evidence in court during prosecution. Some evaluations a firearm may undergo but not limited to are :

    • Confirmation of it’s make and model.
    • Its modifications, if any.
    • It’s serial number.
    • Its legality by way of being licensed.
    • It’s lands and grooves signature.
    • It’s striker or hammer nose signature.

    Having identified the definition and markers of firearms modification let’s apply it to “the incident” The incident occurs, you are detained during the preliminary investigation, the weapon is confiscated and sent for examination. The investigators believe there is sufficient evidence to institute legal proceedings against you for an offence. The prosecution presents the firearm in court to prove intent and your violent state of mind.

    You are before a judge and jury listening intently to the prosecution present it’s case. Your firearm is offered into evidence and is being described as heavily modified with reduced trigger resistance, upgraded sights for improved accuracy, fitted with an aftermarket magazine with increased ammunition capacity, and the words “sights, muzzle, pain” engraved on the slide.

    To the uninformed juror these modifications may appear excessive when compared to the firearm in its original state from the factory. One question that may come to mind is,” why modify a firearm that has been evaluated, tested, and permitted to be sold to the public by a manufacturer approved to do so?”. Another question may be, “what are the motivating factors for making these modifications?” In here lie that grey area where the prosecution may successfully establish a pre-meditated intent or a state of mind to “shoot someone.”

    The real and only valid question is, if as a firearms owner you are willing to be in such a situation described above, especially when there are other options. One option is to increase training time with your personal defense weapon and build capacity to respond to lethal threats effectively. If you are a competition shooter then only modify your competition weapon for that purpose and not integrate it into your personal defense weapon rotation.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, i must highlight i am not a lawyer or firearms manufacturer. However, my background is in firearms and survival tactics training for law enforcement and the public. I am directly involved in law enforcement, i have been involved and also investigated self defense shooting incidents with some being ventilated in the courts where the considerations mentioned above played a pivotal role in determining the outcome of court matters.

    As such, my humble opinion is that firearms users should develop their capacity to respond to threats effectively with their stock firearm. Also, in my opinion the only modification a firearm should have is a weapon light or laser for target acquisition in reduced lighting conditions and a red dot for establishing a quicker sight picture but only if the weapon slide is designed to accept one from the factory.

    I also believe magazines with increased capacities should be restricted for range use and training where continuous reloading isn’t necessary based on specific courses of fire. Modified triggers should also be restricted to competition shooting guns and not crossover into personal defense guns. modified hard sights are an acceptable modification as it is minimal and can improve shooting accuracy.

    At Hubris Tactical we encourage our clients to be proficient with their stock firearms with minimal modifications as described. Let’s face it, the trauma of navigating a self defense shooting incident followed by legal prosecution takes a toll both financially and emotionally. The impact on mental health, family structure and personal reputation can have negative results.

    CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW VIDEO ON WEAPON MODIFICATION

    https://youtu.be/GTC1ZRzrz5Y?si=DGxAsmzN_7Ex2Rk

    The last thing any law abiding citizen need is to be portrayed as a reckless, mindless, gun toting violent individual for simply defending themselves or the life of another innocent person.

    Contact Hubris Tactical today to participate in our Firearms Training Program from Firearms level one all the way to Firearms instructor’s course. http://hubristactical.org. STAY SAFE AND KEEP TRAINING.

  • The Caribbean CCW Holder and Carnival.

    As Carnival approaches in Trinidad and Tobago the atmosphere is ripe with revelry and celebration. The sun, soca and sweetness culminate into euphoria. A type of unrestricted, but civilized frenzy encapsulates the Caribbean spirit. Any person who has experienced this phenomenon will surely testify that it is an experience like no other.

    The history of carnival began centuries ago when African slaves celebrated by mimicking their slave masters through song and dance. Over the centuries the celebration has evolved with the introduction of different and new genres of music like calypso, extempo and Soca, as well as the birth of linguistic terms such as “playing mas” and fete. Revelers have substituted their more conservative attire for bikinis and shorts. The evolution of the celebration has indeed become revealing. But what does this mean for the CCW holder in the Caribbean.

    For such a person in the Caribbean the question of when, where and how to carry during carnival whilst playing mas presents itself with a unique set of circumstances. This has become a topic of discussion and debate among firearms owners, instructors, enthusiasts and members of the public. let’s be honest, no one both local and visiting would want to come face to muzzle with a firearm during their carnival celebrations. So, the question is, how can this be mitigated?

    Every firearm holder no matter where they are in the world should firstly make themselves familiar with the relevant laws. In this instance the Carnival regulations should be included. This should be used as the initial guide. Although knowledge of the laws are necessary it should be supported by quality, firearms training from reputable organizations. this training should be designed to prepare the end user for most situations inclusive of the carnival type environment.

    Click the Link below to see one of the Hubris Tactical Consultants speak on Concealed Carrying during Carnival. https://youtu.be/WUejr71CLoc

    With more than twenty years of experience in law enforcement, urban survival and firearms tactics training the consultants of Hubris Tactical are certified and qualified. they possess the skills and knowledge required to enhance any CCW carrier’s competency. Visit their website at hubristactical.org to get a brief insight into how they do business. Register for any of their training programs at anytime as registration is always open.

    When it comes to the question of Concealed Carrying in the Caribbean the best people to seek guidance from are those who possess the experience and knowledge from within the diaspora. Some of the lectures are virtual thus providing industry leading teaching techniques in firearms and survival training at competitive rates. Dont hesitate to explore these virtual options and enhance your CCW competency.

  • Concealed carrying in the Caribbean.

    Concealed carry can be considered one of the most controversial methods of carrying a firearm. There are varying schools of thoughts on the topic with more than sufficient and plausible reasons on either side of the divide.

    From my twenty years of experience in Law enforcement what is evident to me is that different modes of carry can depend primarily on three elements. The local laws, training, and individual preference. Of course there are many other factors as well but primarily these three elements set the foundation of conceal carry.

    Hubris Tactical consistency shooting session. Staying sharp.

    Now, let’s disect these three elements.The laws in your jurisdiction may strictly direct you to conceal your firearm when in public spaces. In other jurisdictions they may strictly direct you not to. In some countries of the Caribbean there may be no law or written policy which gives guidance on the issue. And without any written law or policy we can see the potential for misunderstanding. But where there are laws and policies they should be strictly followed.

    How about training, yes, training the most abused word in the firearms community, and I say abused because most persons talk about training and the importance of it but in comparison to the amount of persons who actually train there’s a great disparity. I believe we can all agree that effective, and meaningful training is the foundation on which any responsible firearm owner/user should build competence. However it seems as though training has found itself at the bottom of the monthly or quarterly “to do list.” Yes we know training can be costly, after all when you look at it in terms of dollars and cents you’re basically paying to shoot your money into thin air. Which is why you should take the time and effort to seek quality cost effective training. There are many organizations that provide quality training my recommendation would be Hubris Tactical.

    Staying just a little while longer on the topic of training let’s examine the great University of YouTube, lol. Yes YouTube is an excellent source of reliable information that can be of great benefit, the only downside is that it can also be an excellent source of mis information. Because of this firearms owners/users should be very skeptical of the training material and information they solicit there, because seriously, how can anyone really confirm the experience, expertise, or credentials of a YouTube channel its producer or its content. I have personally seen videos of so called firearms operators teaching some of the most ridiculous techniques in Firearms training and tactics almost to the point that I had to remind myself this is entertainment.

    The new firearm holder may not know or understand the most basic information on gun handling and would not be able to tell the differences between what are right or wrong gun handling practices and therefore be easily mislead. This is one of the best reasons why as a first time gun owner you should seek training from qualified professionals.

    Lastly let’s look at personal preference. In the CCW world reality can become distorted by personal opinions of others and best practices. But what I can say is that once you’re training at the right consistency and meaningfully with the right instructors you will be able to find that “effective comfort zone” you can operate from. We are all different, different heights, sizes etc… and as such the way we comfortably carry will vary. This is why it is so much more important to get the right training and equipment. The right training and equipment gives you perspective, it provides you with the knowledge that you need to make the best decision for you to be efficient.

    Hubris Tactical Firearms level 2

    In conclusion, the CCW holder in the Caribbean exists in a unique environment, from the climate to the culture. We are generally a uniquely peaceful people, though some of us might carry. We must demonstrate our ability to take reasonable steps to ensure we become and remain competent and consistent in gun ownership. The best way to achieve this is through meaningful training with qualified and experienced firearms instructors. Visit hubristactical.org and register today. Stay safe and keep training.

  • Welcome to safety and security

    You are your own first responder. Hubris Tactical truly believes in this quote. We believe that personal safety and security begins with you. This is our commitment to all law abiding citizens willing to accept that their personal safety begins with them. We are providing a platform for all honest, hardworking law abiding citizens to access information that can help them protect themselves and their families. Though geared for the caribbean diaspora any person living in similar communities can benefit.

    Visit our YouTube channel at hubris tactical.
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