[Mus]

After some practice and though on the matter it seems to me that the longest part of your reaction to an attack or possible impending attack is the mental recognition of what is taking place. I can practice rapid presentation and firing from concealment as much as i want BUT how do you become more proficient in making shoot/no shoot decisions, and how intrusive do you allow certain "just to be safe" type techniques to be in your day to day activities (ie crossing the street if a group of shady looking characters is walking up the road towards you, not getting on an elevator with people, etc) that allow you more time to make these decisions should the need arise?

 

[Citizen_Gilmore]

I don`t have anything profound to say, but sharpening your proficiency with shoot/don`t shoot decisions, is asking "What if" to every situation you can think of that you might find yourself in, it helps to already have been in a situation "in your mind" and worked out the details there before hand.. You shoot after you have done everything else, ie (break contact with threat, "BS" your way out, use non-lethal measures, and make sure you have a clear shot) that is if you have any time to do any thing else before it is time to shoot.. Your other question is a good one, i refer to it as being tactically aware and i think it depends on how you want to go about it.. Lolly-gagging around oblivious to what is going on around you is dangerous, and moving about like your a secret service agent on duty watching everyones hands, looking for threats everywhere etc. is exhausting.. I try to stay as aware as possible, and tactically mindful of where i sit, stand, and walk, i pay attention to what ppl are doing, and where they are around me etc. but i don`t do it to an intrusive degree, i don`t think, but im sure some lolly-gaggers would call it intrusive so..... Sometimes you just have to go with the flow and do things that might not be the most ideal way you would have liked.. For instance when your with a group of ppl, it`s doubtful that the group will let you dictate everyones movements and choices, to cross the street, not to get on an elevator, choose optimum routs, and seating, so you just have to do the best you can.. -Gilmore

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ME,WE!

 

[Car Knocker]

Mus,

Some indoor ranges have computerized scenarios that present shoot/no shoot situations and electronically record where your shots hit. This type of practice helps you make decisions quickly and helps engender a defensive mindset. It's more effective than shooting at paper targets.

 

[Soujurn]

Originally posted by Mus:
After some practice and thought on the matter it seems to me that the longest part of your reaction to an attack or possible impending attack is the mental recognition of what is taking place. I can practice rapid presentation and firing from concealment as much as i want BUT how do you become more proficient in making shoot/no shoot decisions, and how intrusive do you allow certain "just to be safe" type techniques to be in your day to day activities (ie crossing the street if a group of shady looking characters is walking up the road towards you, not getting on an elevator with people, etc) that allow you more time to make these decisions should the need arise?

Watch some training videos and read more books on the subject to start.
Also carry some non lethal form of defense so you have another option in a non lethal stage of defense, like a fist fight or strong arm robbery without a weapon. It takes some time to become street savy. But you don't want to court danger either. You only shoot to save your life or prevent a crippling injury. You only have to be able to convince a jury of that so if in your mind, you are justified, then shoot. Have you read In The Gravest Extreme by Massad Ayoob? If not, get it and read it. When you are carrying, you must be in yellow alert mode... Spidey senses tingling... Yes, even feeling like you are a spy and every move you make, someone is watching you. That is the price we pay for carrying the power to take someones life.

 

[Danomite 45]

make up events in your mind and decide what you're going to do in that situation. If you know what you are going to do before you do it, you will not waste valuable time when/if it happens.
Daniel

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1 peter 5:8

 

[jpwright]

One of the more insightful lines in The Shootist is the one in which J. B. Books (John Wayne) explains his "success" as a gunfighter. He says that others may hesitate in deadly situations, but he won't.

I don't have a good answer for the question of when to shoot and when not to shoot, but as you are obviously thinking, Mus, mulling it over while the other guy is shooting is probably counterproductive.

 

[James]

Try Ipsc and/or IDPA. They will often have animated shoot/no shoot targets.

 

[ShootinSpirit]

there are several videos available at your local gun shop or even the NRA on this. You really have to be careful b/c what may be a threat to you may not be sufficient for you to discharge your handgun.

Remember you aren't justifying the discharge of your gun. You are justifying the homicide. If you are wrong you will be charged accordingly. With that in mind you must use any "just to be safe" techniques that you can think of.

Definately research this if you intend to carry.

 

[Powderman]

These are the basic questions that must be answered:

1. Am I (or someone close by) in danger of being killed RIGHT NOW?

2. Am I (or someone close by) in danger of being seriously hurt by violent means?

3. Is there a SERIOUS disparity of force? Example: You are 5'7", 110-120, and your attacker is about 6'3", very muscular?

4. MOST IMPORTANT: Has my attacker posed an IMMEDIATE THREAT, as in 1 and 2 above, and:

5. ARE THEY IN A POSITION TO IMMEDIATELY CARRY OUT THE THREAT??

What can be said as a general guideline, in the eyes of the law, is this: The right to self defense begins when the threat begins, and ends when the threat ends. If someone has pressed forward an attack, then as soon as the attack stops, the right to self defense usually stops, too.

Example: A person snarls at you from a short distance away, "I'm going to KILL you!". Their hands are empty. Immediate threat? Probably not, especially if you can escape the area.

Same as above, with an impact or edged weapon of any type, over 21 feet away? Yes, the threat is there--but NOT immediate. If you can protect yourself by leaving the area, closing a door, driving off, etc., do so. Keep your eyes on the threat as you exit the area.

Impact or edged weapon at or within 21 feet? LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY. Now you are within the envelope of deadly threat, if you can articulate that the person you shot was in a position to carry out their threat.

I'm sure you can figure out what to do if a firearm is visible, and that person has just voiced a threat to your life. If you don't have your gun in hand at that time, you're way behind the power curve.

Learn what the laws are in your State concerning the use of force. Talk to an attorney, or the State Attorney General's office. Research cases of self-defense, and see the outcomes.

And, as another poster has stated, go through the scenarios in your mind, and at the range.

Finally, remember not to put yourself in a position where you can be threatened. Just because you have a CCW or CWP does NOT mean that you can stand outside a biker bar, loudly cursing Harley-Davidson. Nor does it mean that you can withdraw money from an ATM at 2 AM, and walk around the local crack house singing "I've Got Money".

The best defense is not to let yourself get into a position where a shooting is necessary. But, if you DO get into that position through no fault of your own--well, read the signature:

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"Be not afraid of any man, no matter what his size;

When trouble rises, call on me and I will equalize."