Almost Too Much

posted on November 2, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rackley2015_fs.jpg (1)

I’ve long preached awareness as one of the most crucial elements of self-defense for the simple fact that if you don’t know that danger is near, you can’t defend against it, regardless of training. And since my primary objective is keeping me and mine safe, I want to be the first to recognize potential danger so I can make an informed decision for future actions.

To this end, I scan every location and mark every person’s danger potential. I consider myself good at this, and have even been quite proud that I’ve been able to continue my awareness levels while also watching a very active two-year-old. However, the other day I was just about overwhelmed.

After three days indoors due to Hurricane Sandy, everyone in the household was going a little stir crazy. We decided to head to our local mall to get out, get supper and let the little one run around in the play area; we were not the only ones who thought of this. I turned the girl loose and obtained a corner to provide as much cover as possible while observing her antics, along with my fellow shoppers. There were a lot of kids running, jumping and climbing on the equipment, with parents and caregivers watching. I quickly connected most of the kids to an adult, allowing me to render them as minor characters in my mind’s drama. There were a couple of kids that I couldn’t match to anyone, which, due to my nature, required additional attention. This was the reason for my dilemma.

I was trying to observe those passing by, while ensuring that nothing happened to the children I was watching, especially my own. I must say that I was quite grateful when my wife returned from shopping, providing me with an additional set of eyes.

In what type of situations have you found that there was almost too much going on for proper observation? Share your stories and maybe we can determine some tips for everyone to use.

Latest

CZ 600 01
CZ 600 01

CZ 600+ Introduces Switch-Barrel Capability

In 2025, CZ USA expanded its 600 series rifle lineup with the CZ 600+, a design that delivers on the company's promise of a switch-barrel platform.

Preview: Savior Equipment Specialist Double Rifle Case

The Specialist Double Rifle Case from Savior Equipment is, as its name suggests, a rifle bag capable of carrying a pair of longarms simultaneously ...

Gun Of The Week: Traditions Outfitter G3 Pro

Join American Rifleman staff in this video to get a close look at a single-shot rifle design oriented toward today’s modern hunter, particularly those in states where straight-wall cartridges have been legalized for hunting.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 12, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.