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Trust your instincts – A True Story

You Won’t Believe This…

Just heard a harrowing story from some close family members that I need to share. I’ve changed the names for the privacy of those involved in the incident. While enjoying a nice Easter Sunday barbecue with family, two relatives (we’ll call them Joe and Sarah) proceeded to tell me about a very scary encounter they had at a local shooting range a few days back.

This story gave me chills thinking about what might have happened if these two street savvy relatives hadn’t been there.

A Day At The Range

Their trip to the range started out normal. They showed up, picked an empty lane, put up a target—you know the drill. On this particular day, Sarah decided not to shoot (a life changing decision, although she didn’t know it yet). She normally enjoys shooting, but just wasn’t feeling too well and was just going to stand back and watch Joe shoot.

Being the observant and alert person she is, Sarah noticed something weird about the guy two lanes over. First off, after they’d been there 20 minutes (this other guys was there before them), he’d only fired 2 rounds. Very strange since he was standing right up at the bench and didn’t seam to be dealing with any sort of malfunction.

Sarah took notice of this and continued to watch Joe shoot, but her instincts told her to keep an eye on the other guy, something wasn’t quite right.

A few minutes later the guy picked his pistol up off the bench (this immediately grabbed Sarah’s attention). As he held the pistol he was visibly shaking. Sarah thought “Hmm… maybe he is disabled or something”. She certainly didn’t want to be rude or embarrass him by asking if everything was okay, but at this point she was on edge. She discretely brought it up to Joe and they both went to the range master.

After voicing their concern, the range master pointed out that he too had noticed the guy’s behavior as odd, but went on to say that “his shots are very on target” as if this somehow made up for all the odd behavior!!!

Shocked at this response, Joe and Sarah went back to their lane, still concerned, but wondering if they were just being paranoid. Paranoid or not, both Joe and Sarah kept a very close eye on the suspicious man 2 lanes down.

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The Disturbing Behavior Worsens

Minutes later, after having not fired a single additional round, the suspicious individual (gun in hand) turned his head around to look at Sarah.

It was the kind of look someone gives when they know they are being watched. As his face came into full view, Sarah described him as looking right through her with cold piercing eyes. It gave her chills. This was too much. She could no longer explain away this guy’s suspicious behavior. Way too many red flags at this point.

As the guy turned back around, Sarah grabbed Joe and signaled to him that they needed to talk to the staff again immediately.

Once again confronted with a reluctant and not very pro-active staff, they explained that the staff needed to intervene and talk to this man immediately. This time the staff could tell from their tone and sense of urgency that something was clearly going on.

Joe and Sarah decided to keep a safe distance while the staff casually but cautiously approached the man and engaged him in a distracting conversation to assess any issues.

A Frightening Discovery

At this point one staff member was able to see an odd looking hand-written note on the shooter’s bench, while another staff member was talking with the man.

After a closer look, the note revealed a list of emergency contacts and an ominous line that changed the whole situation. The line read, “I’ve left a note at home explaining why I did this.”

The range staff finally realized what Sarah and Joe had picked up on. This guy was going through a suicidal crisis and was an extreme danger to himself and everyone around him.

The Resolution

Joe and Sarah were happy to say that from this point on, the staff’s actions were professional. The authorities were called and the man did not put up a fight, but most importantly – the situation ended with nobody getting hurt.

An event that could have ended with a traumatic suicide (no doubt leaving everyone at the range and the man’s family with some serious sh*t to work through), or worse, an active shooter or murder suicide, was averted by the observations and actions of two regular people.

Joe and Sarah aren’t former special ops soldiers and they aren’t psychologists or mental health professionals either. They are regular folks who were simply smart enough to pay attention to their surroundings and who weren’t afraid to act preemptively when they noticed something suspicious. Sarah especially listened to her gut.

She saved that man’s life and potentially the lives of several others that day all because she had the courage to listen to her gut instincts, even when it went against what others thought.

What I found most shocking in this encounter was the range staff’s willingness to rationalize suspicious behavior (something that is all-too-common in the imagined cocoon of safety many people live in).

A range master’s job is to keep everyone on the firing line and any others in the area safe. To see something that looks suspicious and explain it away is gross negligence when it’s your job to keep people safe.

How To Pick Locks. (Who Needs Keys?)

You may find this shocking, but picking open a standard "tumbler" lock, (like the one on your front door), is pretty damn easy when you know how it's done.

And in a "meltdown" survival situation, (once the smash-n-grab crowd has stolen everything not tied-down), the food and water and secure shelter will all be behind locked doors, (which explains why Special Forces are often trained in lock picking... and why they carry a set of lock pics with them).

It's a lot of fun learning this skill, (it doesn't take long)... and kinda nice to help out that buddy locked out of his house after the wife discovered what really happened on that "no money down" real estate seminar in Vegas.

>> Check Out "Lock Picking Kit" Here. <<

Trust Your Gut!

Gut instincts exist for a reason. Have you ever had a gut instinct about something like this and been wrong? I know I haven’t.

When something bad is about to happen you almost always get that uneasy feeling. There is a lot of communication that goes on between the lines (body language, eye movements, and other non-verbal cues) that our subconscious mind is extremely good at identifying as “DANGEROUS.”

In polite society and the comfort of a relatively safe first world country (depending on where you live in the US), there is a strong tendency to explain away strange behavior. We’ve been trained to suppress our instincts by rationalizing strange things we notice. Sometimes this is good, but often it can be really bad. For example, it’s politically incorrect to cross to the other side of the street when you see a guy walking toward you who “looks a bit off“.

But having that uneasy feeling about an individual is almost always based on the body’s intuitive ability to pick up on non-verbal communication, signals the worrisome individual probably doesn’t even know he or she is sending. You may not even be able to describe what was worrisome. You just know that you’ve got an uneasy feeling.

You Aren’t Always Just Being Paranoid

Listening to those feelings is not paranoia, it’s street smarts. Ignore these feelings at your own peril.

Talk to people who’ve been mugged, attacked, beaten, robbed, raped, or kidnapped and I bet 9 out of 10 (if they weren’t taken completely by surprise) had some uneasy feeling right before the SHTF. It’s universal. I’ve certainly had that feeling before every dangerous situation I’ve been in.

Paying attention to those primal instincts is something you can’t afford to learn the hard way. In fact, tapping into those instincts is something you should actively cultivate.

Final Thoughts

I hope this story can be a reminder that gut instincts are there for a reason, and maybe someone out there reading this can avoid a dangerous situation because of it.

And I hope it also serves as a reminder that even in places where there are designated safety personnel, you can’t afford to totally let your guard down or ignore a gut feeling because “nobody else seems worried.” Our safety and the safety of those around us is our responsibility.

Let me know your thoughts…

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327 thoughts on “Trust your instincts – A True Story”

  1. I to am A Spec Ops soldier and I grew up in the streets I lost my little brother to the streets when he was 17 I am now 53 and me and my wife are licensed carriers and very aware of what goes on around us and I always trust my gut more than anything else. Thanks for the story ive heard and seen worse.

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  3. I was an active duty Marine for 21 years and spent many months at the shooting range, both pistol and rifle! I always checked the temperment of the other shooters looking for a suicidal or homicidal temperament in other shooters. Fortunately, none were detected!! But, it pays to be cautious!!

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  5. God Bless you, Sir! You are 100% right. Example: Our daughter (now an adult) told us she was at a teenage party when, suddenly, she “sensed danger.” She said she pulled her godbrother by his collar telling him at the same time “Get up! We have to get out of here. Now!”

    They made it outside just in time to hear sirens and see a “flood” of red and blue lights headed directly to where they’d been.

    This article is excellent teaching. It goes way beyond the “birds and the bees” parents sometimes (erroneously) believe is “all that’s necessary.” No, Sir! In today’s world we teach ours to be hyper-vigilant and ready–to ensure they don’t have to “get ready.” God Bless You!

    Long story short–she and he were informed there were drug sales going on inside the upscale home (the parents were away) and “somebody” called the cops!

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  8. I’d like to know if you have an app so I can refer back to things you show and offer. Thx brother, …..
    Bo Sturgill

    Reply

  12. I’ve certainly been in situations where my instincts have kept me out of trouble/harm.. this was a great’ read.. and you’re absolutely right we need to pay attention to detail and our surrounding’s in today’s society there’s way to many people that have no respect for life.. thank you..👍

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  13. Impressive story! Good for you encouraging people to listen to their inner voice, even if it feels socially incorrect to seek professional assistance. It’s embarrassing to overreact but it could be devastating and dangerous if one does not react when the instinct kicks in!

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  14. I am a Marine who retired after 23 years of service. Like others, I have observed safety violations on civilian ranges that went uncorrected by range safety staff. Usually the violations were due to a lack of training. In many instances it’s the safety officers are a big part of the problem. We have all seen RSO’s who are not doing their jobs. Fortunately, most RSO’s are dedicated to their jobs

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  15. Awesome article! In real life when you have experienced something similar, this post only hits home. I once crossed the street when my awareness just suddenly felt a person staring at me was not safe. He began to yell at me trying to get my attention. Something told me (my gut) to just ignore him. After several insults. He stopped and yelled at me “You’re a smart man” and went his way. Although we all have pressing things on our mind, it pays to be in what Cooper called the “yellow” state of awareness, with a part of you seeing what is going on in your environment.

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  16. This reminds me of after I had returned home from the Army.
    It seemed like I could sense when someone had come up behind me.
    Even when they were a cood distance behind me. I always fwlt a little “strange”
    when that happened.
    Thank fully there was never an incident following that occurrence.

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  17. Hi there mate, im really enjoying the content of your emails great stuff. Only thing is all the free stuff you offer will not be sent overseas. Bugger im in New Zealand. Would you send if I pay for the shipping? Have a great new year love your work cheers mate.

    Reply

  18. I always find both your insight and products in invaluable. Thank you for providing this “food for thought” as you never know when you might be involved in a survival situation.

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  19. I’m in a wheelchair and when I’ve reported something I always received ” your Paranoid”!!! They wouldn’t listen so I left. It takes me longer to roll away my chair isn’t electric, Unfortunately. I always found out later I was right!!

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  20. Wow what an amazing story I’m so glad that she stuck to her guns and kept watching and finally marched up there and made them go and look talk to this man that was their job and I hope they have a new person there at the range or that one’s in training because that person totally missed the ball and people could have gotten killed because of him but I’m glad that they are all safe and the story ended well and yes I have been in several situations where I have used my intuition and it has gotten me through without any problems where others have said oh you just * too emotional you let people influence your feelings too much and it’s just the opposite I might be emotional at times but nobody knows it until it’s over then I get emotional

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  21. Very good reminder to always be aware of our surroundings.
    Also, it is good to try and get help for people that are exhibiting the signs that the person was.
    Great job keeping everyone safe.

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  22. Bob, it saddens me to read about the suicide of some people who were living a life of meaning and purpose prior to their death. It was reported in the news the other day that a nurse caring for coronavirus patients killed herself. The pressure on caretakers is enormous. They often die before their patients do because of the work and pressure. And, it has an emotional effect upon them, too. Also, the other day I read that two students at the Air Force Academy committed suicide. Almost any individual selected to attend one of the military academies has got to be part of a small percentage of highly intelligent, physically strong and able, as well as being a very capable person. Depression is an emotional issue that’s causing a problem all over the world. Unfortunately, one of my favorite t.v. stars committed suicide. Remember Anthony Bourdain who did a program called “Parts Unknown”? Who had any idea he was depressed? And, Robin Williams, another victim of depression. My question is:
    why don’t people having a serious problem with depression or other life issue that seems insurmountable go to a trusted friend, somebody, and express in detail what their pain and anguish is and discuss it? The problem won’t go away in one discussion. But, with time and effort it should slowly subside. At least, I would hope so. And, if necessary taking an anti-depressant might be required. Regardless, the fear and shame of admitting being depressed should be secondary when life gets to an unbearable point.

    I want to share a personal experience. A couple of years ago I was feeling somewhat depressed. Just enough to feel gloomy and not very happy or excited about life. Yet, at the same time my life was going as well as anything I had experienced in previous years. I had money, a regular job, a nice house, I was healthy and, life in general was better than anytime before. But, I was in a kind of “funk”. I couldn’t understand it. I’m a fairly smart guy. I’m usually interested in life and the world; I’m creative, resourceful, as well as having quite a lot going for me. Why was I feeling this way? I thought about it. My conclusion: I’m not going to put up with this! I won’t let my crappy mood control me. I’m going to get rid of it and be the happy guy I usually am since I’m doing better now than I ever have. With that idea I came up with a solution. I had a response for the down mood, the depression and any negative thoughts that crossed my mind. I started to use positive mantras that I repeated over and over and over. Every time I felt down I’d interrupt the crappy thought or mood with my mantra. It worked. Little by little I regained control over my mind, my thoughts and my mood. It took some time, but I climbed out of my funk. From a realistic and rational standpoint I knew my life was going well. I had no real reason to complain. I was not going to allow the fog in my head to run my life. I’m going to deal with it and clear it out. I did. It took time, effort and being constantly self-aware. I’m no longer depressed.

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  23. What we call our gut feelings ,I believe is God’s Holy Spirit speaking to us. A lot of what move us to act or react in certain situations is the same thing. I thank God that a life was saved.

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  24. I say to the choir I was a single dad for years and had custody of my daughter since she was 4 years old . She thanks me all the time for drumming into her to never let your guard down always be aware of what and who is around you . Pay attention

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  25. I am 76 years old grew up on a farm in Kentucky and have always been alert to my surroundings. About 10 years ago on a trip to San Diego my wife and I made a one day trip to Mexico. Upon returning to our hotel we found ourselves walking along a deserted street of office type buildings as darkness began to fall. Unfamiliar city, unfamiliar street and neighborhood. We knew we were headed in the right direction but would only know where we were in relation to our hotel when we could see it towering above the surrounding buildings. As we walked along the sidewalk I noticed movement coming out of the shadows across the street. It was a man wearing a fedora style hat and a trench coat. Strange attire for time and place. The man stepping quickly crossed the sidewalk and into the street. I watched without being too obvious as he as he crossed the street to the sidewalk some distance behind us. I informed my wife what she already senesced and told her my plan. As we walked I could hear his steps getting closer. At 66 years old and somewhat disabled I could not walk faster nor even run. I urged my wife to proceed without me but she would not. He was getting closer with every step, the time to act was upon us. His steps were close, seemingly within arms reach. I grabbed my wife and pulled her across in front of me, took two steps backward to the edge of the side walk beside her, doubled my old arthritic fist and was ready for whatever. In two steps he was passing right in front of us. Thankfully, he only sunk his face deeper into his coat, quickened his already fast pace and was soon out of sight. By being alert and proactive I think we avoided what could have been a very dangerous situation.

    I think it was on this site that I read awhile back that if you look like you are ready to defend yourself you will most likely be left alone since the criminal type are looking for easy targets.

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  26. Check out author Gaven de Becker’s book “The Gift of Fear” for a great explanation of how gut feelings work.

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  27. I am so glad to read this story about
    ” Gut Feelings”. This is a very important lesson about survival everyone should be listening to. I listen to my gut instinct, have for years, and I find it to be very comforting to know my awareness is on high alert. Avoiding a bad situation can be rewarding in itself. Overreacting to a situation can happen if your awareness is on hold. This Gut Feeling is a part of our human being. On several occasions I ignored it and things went south. I would rather be called paranoid than wishing I had listened to the advice from a source of awareness we all must be aware of. Stay safe or fight fast.

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