If you decide to carry a rifle into public for self-defense, you better make sure you maintain a large "space bubble." We all know what a six-foot bubble is from social distancing. However, when carrying a firearm, you want to turn that into a ten-foot space or double arm's length. You will need to ensure force over distance to be effective with your firearm.

If someone gets inside your bubble, step back or take a knee so you can level the barrel and shoot them off the rifle if necessary. The legalities here are very tricky and this action is highly unrecommended. It should only be applied if you are certain your life is on the line, and even then, you will be facing many days in a courtroom.

If you are in a group, stay int eh group. Don't let people get out of hand. Don't let others rile you up. You have to keep a level head when you have a firearm on your person.

If an assailant gets within arms distance, they can get ahold of your weapon. They will typically force the end of your muzzle up or down. If you push the end of the barrel into a figure-eight motion, you can shake them off. Drive the end of the barrel up and then drive it down at an angle. Keep going back and forth until they release it. Alternatively, you can raise the rifle into the air; your attacker may try to pull it down. When they do, use all your weight to shove it down at them. Execute either move very violently, in a jerking motion.

Legal tip! Once an assailant's hands are no longer on your weapon, technically, they are no longer a lethal threat. If they don't keep attacking, you are not in the right to fire the gun. Engage your brain before you ever engage a firearm.

Use a sling to secure the weapon to your body. There are three types a one, two, or three-point. Ben recommends the Magpul ms3-sling. These slings give you options. They can turn from a one-point into a two point sling. They are tough and have a quick-adjust to change the tension of the sling quickly.

A one-point sling only holds the rifle at one point. When you drop it, it swings and will inevitably hit tender spots. However, the sling attaches you to the gun so it can't be pulled away from you. The one point has some negatives besides the swinging motion when you release the rifle. It won't allow you to move the gun out of your way. This lack of movement could be an issue if you have to engage in close-quarters combat. The string is always flopping around. However, it is still on you, and you can easily clip in and out. Plus, you can run the left or right shoulder smoothly, and there is not a lot of webbing in the way when you need to make a mag change or clear a malfunction. These are good when you are getting in and out of vehicles. You can also use wolf hooks to hook your weapon directly to your body armor, and then all you have is one tiny piece of webbing.

The two-point harness connects to the rifle in two oints, usually the buttstock and front. Most folks recognize this sling as a traditional sling. They work well. You can put the two points in different locations on the rifle. For example, you can connect it to the butt and the front, or you can join it to the butt and the front or back of the receiver. There are only two points of webbing, and the rifle is more stable for moving it out of the way and onto your back. Magpul has a quick-adjust when you put the gun to the side, so it stays tight to your body. You can get tied up in it a bit at times, but all and all, it is a functionals system.

The three-point harness is suitable for patrols and long-range rifle carry. It holds the weight of the gun better. It connects in three points allowing the rifle to dangle comfortably when let go and quickly be brought back into the ready position. It is very complicated so you will need to watch the training video that comes with your sling. Going left to right with this system is problematic. There is lots of webbing to work with, and it takes a second to get to know the system. The Spectar sling is Ben's recommendation. They have a quick release, so if you are in a situation where someone is trying to throw you around by your rifle, you can easily detach.

When open carrying a pistol, you need a retention strap. Safari Land comes recommended by Ben. They have secure holsters that stand the test of time. He likes the SLS clip-in system or an injection-molded system. Even if you know someone will take your weapon; your reaction time is to slow to prevent it from happening. If you have a thigh rig, you need a retention device! If you do any vigorous movement, you will lose your weapon. Check out what law enforcement is using and wear that. Make sure your weapon is close and snug because it will bang on everything.

To summarize, when you are carrying a rifle, use a sling. Know how your sling works and always keep the gun on safe. When taking a handgun, use a retention device if you are open carrying. If you are concealing, keep it hidden unless you are absolutely afraid for your life. Keep people out of your bubble. Stay with your buddies. Have someone managing the group. Only calm individuals should be allowed upfront. Tunnel vision occurs when you get fired up, and then not only are you vulnerable, but bad things can happen.