Tunnel Vision

posted on November 30, 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 (4)

Most of us have experienced tunnel vision at some point in our lives, concentrating on one object so hard that everything else just sort of fades away. In most circumstances it’s only a minor annoyance or even a funny occurrence. But in a self-defense situation, it can be a major problem.

First, there may be multiple attackers, and while you’re locked in on the guy standing in front of you, and attacker in back can take you out. You have to stay aware of who and what is around you, even when confronting an attacker. For this you must listen to all of your senses, including your ears and nose. Feet pounding the pavement and changes in scents can indicate another attacker that you may have to deal with, or it could be someone trying to get away from the danger. You must be able to discern the difference and be prepared for whatever comes along. Also, tunnel vision can cause you to overlook innocent bystanders that could be harmed by you or the attackers.

Staying aware provides you with options, such as moving to cover or to an area that prevents innocents from being hurt in crossfire. The best decision might be to fight, but it might also be to not fight. Losing yourself to everything other than the danger standing in front eliminates your options and your greatest self-defense tool—your mind.

Latest

Taurus GX2
Taurus GX2

Review: Taurus GX2

From cars to cellphones, as a product gets more sophisticated, it usually also gets more expensive. And, as modern handguns get more modular and optic-ready, their prices tend to go up.

Rifleman Q&A: A Garand Puzzlement

"We are a father-and-son NRA member tandem in search of an answer regarding the branding of an M1 Garand rifle. We own an M1 rifle that has markings indicating it was a “lend lease to England,” and it also has a .308 barrel/sleeve."

$160K Raised For HAVA At SIG Sauer Event

SIG Sauer hosted its 9th Annual Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) Charity Golf event early last month and raised more than $160,000 to support disabled veterans.

Scout The Trail To A General Purpose Rifle

The search for a universal longarm—one suitable for both hunting and defensive scenarios—is a trek that involves a bit of doubling back.

Trijicon Releases Green-Dot RMR

For the first time, the Trijicon RMR will now be available with a green aiming dot, providing some benefits to shooters with astigmatism and red-green color blindness.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 15, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.