Personal Safety: Guns

Gems From the Forum

From: ACHESSOR

Post 477.17

I used to teach a safety course back in Tennessee that started with the basics of awareness, security measures, and physical resistance, both armed and unarmed. Well, to be specific, I taught the armed course, while someone else concentrated on the unarmed.

But that was Tennessee, where they had "shall issue" concealed carry laws. Basically, that means that if there's no reason not to give an applicant the license to concealed carry a firearm, the state MUST do so. Here in California, they'd rather have people defenseless against the thugs that would do harm to another sentient being.

It's sickening that the human animal is predisposed to viciousness, but knowing that is so, the best bet is to become very aware of safety issues, and learn to use the best tools available for stopping an assailant. This usually means a gun. For those unable to get a firearm for personal protection because of idiot lawmakers (and the idiots who put them there), a pepper/mace spray can be effective. Learn to use it...don't assume that "point and spray" will be effective.

To Charli and/or anyone considering the purchase of a firearm: don't let your brother buy the handgun for you. YOU need to go to the gun shop and find the one that best fits your hand. The best makes are: Sig Sauer and Beretta. Both are virtually defect free...meaning when you pull the trigger, it goes BANG, not "Click". You don't want a cheaper model that will jam. And the above makers have smaller models that will fit most women's hands. Hold LOTS of different kinds to find that which is the best fit for you.

And forget anything below a 9mm. The best calibers are 9mm, 40, 45, or 357/357SIG for stopping power. Control, however, means more than a higher caliber, so make sure you can control it through several shots. My advice for most women, or older people, is a 9mm with the first 2 rounds being GLAZER BLUE rounds. Your gun dealer will know what this means. They are safety rounds meaning that if they hit the perp, it'll make mince meat of him, but if it hits a wall, it won't penetrate and do damage to an innocent person in the next room/apartment.

Final piece of advice: with your new gun purchase, buy 2000 rounds of ammunition, then go to the range and put 200 rounds into it per week. By the time you are done, you'll be able to control your firearm, OR you'll know that there's a problem and you need either a different gun, or an instructor.

Well...I guess that pretty much wraps it all up. The advice given above is tactically sound, but it doesn't do a damned thing to overcome the sense of violation one feels when knowing that a friend...or anyone for that matter...has been brutalized. I'm very sorry, Charli, for what happened to your friend, and to the people who cared for her. Please take matters of self defense into your own hands, and don't let it happen to you.

SherRiley said:

If you teach them to pull the gun and TALK, you're gonna get them killed. They only time they should do that is if they are covering an attacker they have DISABLED and who is laying on the ground unable to pose further threat.

Yes and no. Yes, I was speaking for effect (I did say it was a fantasy, right?). <s> Now to the serious stuff....

First rule: remove the threat. If he's close enough to pose a threat, and you feel you're in danger (which is a given, since you've drawn a firearm on him), then shoot to the center of mass, double tap (at least), and take him down. Once down, have someone call the police, if you can. Call them yourself if you must, but don't leave him alone if at all possible. Keep him covered with the firearm.

IF the person is not an immediate threat (either there's an intervening barrier, or he's far enough away), you have the option of talking. Usually: "Freeze. Don't move." If he's obeying you at this point, you can proceed to tell him to get to the ground, hands behind his head, legs spread, and cover him with your firearm until the police arrive. Again, if at all possible, have someone ELSE call the police while you cover him. And be SURE to tell the police that you, the owner, are covering the perp with a gun. If they don't know that, and they come through the door to see one person aiming a pistol at another person, they may assume YOU'RE the assailant and all hell can break loose. It's happened. The home owner was presumed to be the perp, and actually died in the ensuing confusion. As soon as the police enter the door, be prepared for them to tell you to drop the firearm. Do it slowly, back away from the firearm, and go to the ground, if that's what they (probably will) tell you to do.

On the other hand, if after the "freeze" order the perp decides to turn and walk away, then in most jurisdictions you cannot shoot him in the back if he's attempting to flee. Rather, you CAN, but you'll face criminal charges. If he does not obey your order to go to the ground, and isn't fleeing, then feel free to fire.

Final bit of advice: the police, when they arrive, are going to ask you "what happened". Your ONLY reply should be "I wish to speak to my attorney." Understand this...the police will probably be sympathetic, especially if you're a woman and this person was intruding into your home. But the DA might NOT be so sympathetic, and that old phrase we've heard time and time again, "You have the right to remain silent" is what you should remember. Call your attorney, and have him present as soon as possible. You have nothing to gain, and EVERYTHING to lose by talking to the police, no matter WHAT happened.

It's late, so I hope I was clearer on this, but feel free to question anything I've said. The only thing I'd say is that you cannot always disable someone before saying "Don't move". If he's in your house, his back is to you, and you shoot...depending again on your jurisdiction...you might face criminal charges. Anyone keeping a firearm in the house for protection should seek qualified advice from their local police, a qualified firearms instructor in their area who is authorized to teach for concealed carry in their area, or an atty. regarding their options for use of force.

<whew> My fingers are numb. <G>

Best regards,

Antony

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