If you conceal carry a firearm daily or securely store a firearm in your vehicle in a lockable safe, cabinet, or case, then something you should look to practice or familiarize yourself with is deploying that firearm from a vehicle. The world is a vastly different place – while handling a firearm – in and around a vehicle versus being on a flat, predictable gun range. We recently had the opportunity to get out of our comfort zone and shoot from a vehicle as well as around one, and these are some of the key takeaways you will want to bear in mind. The number one thing is muzzle discipline. We are all taught from a young age or the moment that we begin handling firearms that you “never want to point a firearm at anything unless you want to destroy it.” This includes paper targets, steel gongs, game animals we might hunt, or nefarious individuals who are threatening our lives. When you begin defending yourself and/or shooting from a vehicle that becomes even more paramount. Whether you are drawing a firearm from your hip, a locked center console, or a locked safe in the back seat, you must maintain muzzle discipline so that you do not “sweep” a friend or family member. Also, you want to be aware of where your muzzle is while shooting. Whether you are in a class practicing or earnestly defending yourself, you do not want to accidentally shoot your own vehicle and have glass, metal, or sharp shards of plastic come flying back at you. It can make a hairy situation significantly worse very quickly. Another element you want to be aware of is “cover versus concealment.” This is something you may hear people discuss in military conversations, but it is very important when you are defending yourself around a vehicle. Concealment is deemed something you can hide behind – simply, be out of sight. Black tinted windows and/or a car seat are a few examples, but they do not provide safety or protection against someone else attacking you. Cover, conversely, is thought of as a hard barrier that could stop a bullet from hitting you. Places that could be thought of as cover is getting behind a wheel-well or tire of your vehicle if an assailant is on the opposite side. These seem like basic principles, but having judicious muzzle awareness so you don’t sweep loved ones or shoot your own vehicle is really important. Also, just being inside your vehicle isn’t necessarily a “safe, impenetrable” place either. If you ever have the opportunity to go to a range that offers vehicle work – shooting around vehicles – we highly recommend it. The training facility we visited was F5 in Minnesota for anyone that is interested. Until next time, continually check out our blog, join our newsletter, and watch the website for new and exciting updates! As always, let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below. We love it when you participate in our articles and keep the conversation going!