[TaurusPT945]

Guns were designed to kill.

Do you have the courage to shoot an armed perpetrator (that will eventually lead to death) if you were faced with clear and present danger?

How many says 'Yes I can!'
How many says 'No I can't.' (making the firearm useless)

Post you replies.

[1 old 0311]

Been there. Done that. Got the t-shirt.

Kevin

[DragonFire]

Haven't had to yet, but came real, real close. No doubt in my mind I would have shot if I had to.

Only thought was to check what was behind the BG in case I missed.

[Ala Dan]

I haven't had to yet, but if imminent danger existed for me or my family; then
yes I could (and would) shoot too kill~!:uhoh: Oh! did I day that? I meant to
say that I would shoot to stop the threat (what lawyer's want to hear).

[gt3944]

Its gonna have to be a yes for me, specially if it means protecting my wife and kids..he may get me but im surelly gonna get him before I go...

[azredhawk44]

I've done it twice already (sans guns). Guns just make it easier for me to come out on top.

[progunner1957]

I would have no problem shooting in a "kill or be killed" scenario. I would have anxiety about what the police/prosecutor/courts would do to me as a result, though.

Masaad Ayoob talks about "post shooting trauma" on the part of the defender. IMHO, this is brought about by the stark terror that besets the defender as a result of the fear over what the police/prosecutor/courts will do to them, or if the scumbag's family would sue them for $10 million.

50 years ago, if a person shot and killed a thug that was about to kill them - the police showed up, filled out their paperwork, called it a justifiable homicide and that was it. If the thug's family sued, the judge would throw out the lawsuit. In an obvious case of self defense, this is the way it should be.

Not so today. In today's world, a justifiable self defense shooting is going to cost the victim - that would be the person who was forced to shoot in order to remain alive - tens of thousands of dollars at the minimum.

Something is waaaaaaaaaay wrong with this picture. Florida's recently passed "stand your ground" law is a great step in the right direction. No if we could get that law passed in all 50 states...:D

[grimlock]

I absolutely could, and made sure I had given the topic serious thought before I started carrying. Anyone who carries should be able to give a yes answer to this question immediately.

[TaurusPT945]

We're all on the same page! We wouldn't have a gun in the first place if we're hesitant to use it.

But I still believe that there are others out there who doesn't have the balls to use their firearm when faced with real-life danger.

Let it out in the open.

[Old Dog]

But I still believe that there are others out there who doesn't have the balls to use their firearm when faced with real-life danger.
Pshaw ... So what? Of course there are. What's your point?

What answers did you expect? Someone to chime in with, "No, I'd be scared to shoot someone that I thought wanted to kill me."

In my experience (and I have some experience in this area), those with the appropriate mindset do not feel compelled to tell everyone on an internet forum that they are willing to take a human life.

Finally, this thread would be more appropriate in another forum, such as Gen Gun or S & T, in any ...

[Standing Wolf]

Guns were designed to kill.

Wow! What intellectual depth!

[Deer Hunter]

I don't think anyone here would ever truely say that they were afraid of shooting the bad guy if the situation ever arose, since that just wouldn't look very "manly" and they'd probably get bombarded with needless questions. Yet, I feel that some people are way too overly prepared for this sort of thing, like they are expecting to be mugged or raped or broken into by some giant swedish weightlifter. So many people own guns that are dripping with tactical upgrades, which makes me a bit nervous. Seems like some of those people are just waiting for a chance to shoot someone. I personally don't feel that as being particularly safe. If I was ever put into a situation, I'd probably let loose with a handgun. Yet, that's not to say I wouldn't hesitate, try to talk my way out of it, try to scare someone away, or try anything else to disarm the possible threat to the situation. Anything other than killing someone, because philosophically none of us truely have the authority to take the life of another. Sometimes we are put into that situation, and I don't see the qualm in it then. Some my find that philosophy to be a piece of ????, but you have to understand that believing such thoughts lies ultimately in the person who hears or thinks of the philosophy, not the person who writes it down or speaks it first. If the man/woman breaking into your house doesn't give a rat's ass about it, and most likely he wouldn't, then any philosophical ideas or notions you have fly out the window. Sometimes, one man is better than the other. In those situations, I truely hope the better man has the upper hand, ie packing heat.

[Lone_Gunman]

So many guns, so much "tactical" equipment, all just waiting to bet let loose on someone.

Does that statement come straight from the Handgun Control Inc Handbook, or did you paraphrase it?

Guns and tactical equipment are inanimate last time I checked, and don't cause normal people to "let loose" on others.

[Deer Hunter]

Er, I phrased that wrong. I was meaning to say that some people make all these guns tactical and whatnot, and these people seem to be on the edges of their seat, waiting for someone to break in or try to mug them. I'll try to re-phrase that.

[CAnnoneer]

those with the appropriate mindset do not feel compelled to tell everyone on an internet forum that they are willing to take a human life.


:D

[Nathanael_Greene]

A few weeks after I bought my first handgun, I had someone try to break into my apartment (he had pulled the screen off a window and had raised himself up to the windowsill).

I had picked out the spot on his face where I was going to put the bullet if he didn't leave.

I really, really, really didn't want to shoot him, but I was prepared to.

[ezypikns]

a. frighten the hell out of me.

b. piss me off severely

This is something I've tried to play out in my mind over and over. I doubt anyone is truly prepared for it. BUT....if you've made the comittment to be armed and competent with a weapon, and thought seriously about it, how could you hesitate to defend yourself or your family if the need arises?

[JMusic]

I don't want to offend but that is not an appropriate question to ask people.

[LSCurrier]

Without a doubt!!

If it is me or them - they are going down!!

What is to think about? :confused:


Luke

[M2 Carbine]

If I felt justified, don't think it would bother me a bit.

One time I didn't shoot because of all the paperwork I'd have to do.

Another time I took a shotgun after a man that threatened to kill my wife. He killed someone else before I could find him.

There are many people alive just because it's against the law to shoot them.;)

[R.H. Lee]

Yes, but I'd be shaking like a dog eliminating peach pits, so I'd rather use a long gun like a shotgun. After it was over I'd cry like a little girl.

[griz]

Do you have the courage to shoot an armed perpetrator if you were faced with clear and present danger?


Nope, not me. I worry that I would make the perpetrator angry and he might hurt me. I will strive for a more peaceful world by negotiating my survival with him. But the gun I carry is not useless, it helps my self esteem greatly. It is a 9mm, 45s scare me too.


:neener:

[armoredman]

Guns were designed to kill.
Incorrect. Fireamrs were designed to expell a slug from a barrel, propelled by the action of expanding gases. Where the barrel is aimed is up to the owner of the trigger finger.

Do you have the courage to shoot an armed perpetrator (that will eventually lead to death) if you were faced with clear and present danger?

Misleading. Most civilian and LE uses of firearms do not lead to shots fired, as shown by Prof Gary Kleck. Also, handgun wounds are marginal at best, and are not certain to lead to death. People have survived several bullet wounds quite handily.

How many says 'Yes I can!'
No one can know for certain until they have seen the elephant.
How many says 'No I can't.' (making the firearm useless)

Post your replies.
I have come close, but was well trained enough to NOT fire. I believe I can, and have the force of will, but until I actually pull the trigger in such a situation, I will not know for certain. Killing is a relatively unnatural act for a civilised human in this day and age, in this nation.
I find your phraseology suspect.

[waterhouse]

Yet, I feel that some people are way too overly prepared for this sort of thing, like they are expecting to be mugged or raped or broken into by some giant swedish weightlifter.

Funny, I get the feeling that WAY too many people feel like "that sort of thing would never happen to me, and if it did I'd be able to call the police to come save me."

[R-Tex12]

Guns were designed to kill.

Wrong. As John Ross has stated (paraphrased), Gas chambers and electric chairs are designed to kill.

Guns can be put to many different uses, gas chambers and EC's, only one. :cuss:

[Technosavant]

It is premature to give a definite answer since I have never been in that position.

But let me put it this way: I have a conceal carry permit, and my gun collection is skewed toward the defensive/interpersonal end of the spectrum. All of which would be pretty worthless if I do not believe I have the internal fortitude to pull the trigger if need be.

Yeah, I believe that I can. And will if required.

[calzoom]

Over the past 20 odd years or so I've probably talked more people into keeping a ball bat or larger dead bolts or other self preservation devices around than a fire arm.

While living the the Seattle area a lot of folks would come ask me what gun to buy for home defense. Usually in three or so questions one can determine if those who ask have the ability to be in the presence of a firearm, let alone, owning and using one. Getting them to really think about shooting to Kill and withstanding the barrage of a lawsuit and condemnation of a community would usually turn their attention to other methods of protection.

Mostly for those who had doubt in their abilities to handle a firearm or taking of a life we would talk about awareness and tactics. Recognizing trouble spots and avoiding them or circumventing circumstances that may get them in a bind with the wrong kinds of people. This seemed to be more for their lifestyle and comfort zones.

Hard to believe but not everyone is nor should have a firearm near them as their mindset is not conducive to safe operation of such a device.

[TaurusPT945]

I would like to thank everyone who responded to this thread.

This is not a matter of bravery or cowardice. So don’t get me wrong.

It only means that we are willing to do everything regardless of the outcome for the sake of our loved ones.

And it is not the firearm or any weapon for that matter that makes us act, speak, and think this way.

It is what’s inside.

[DragonFire]

It isn't a matter of courage or cowardice, and it isn't that some people aren't willing to take actions to protect their loved ones.

I think it is an acceptance that there really are people out there willing and able to kill us, and that we can indeed protect ourselves and those around us.

Putting those who say they wouldn't harm/kill anyone regardless of the situation aside, since they have they own problems, who would say that they wouldn't protect themselves if faced with a "clear" threat to their lives?

But change it so the danger isn't exactly clear, and that's where you'd get different answers. So ask "if you encounter an armed burglar, would/could you shoot him?", and I'd expect you'd get some answers that would show a person's inability to really take action: "I could if he was about to shoot me" or "I'd tell him to take what he wanted and leave first".

So maybe it's not a question if any of us would shoot if we "had to", it's a question of what point it becomes a "had to" situation. I think there are many people out there that it may never get that far.

[Seven High]

I am more concerned of recognizing a threat to be a lethal threat in time so that I might take appropriate action to defend myself.

[Hemicuda]

I wouldn't carry a firearm if i weren't preppared to use it... afterall, what would be the point?

[dfaugh]

No hesitation or thought required...If I KNOW I need to shoot, I KNOW I will shoot....

[f4t9r]

I am going to say yes just like most people. Its easy to say I would do it and a whole nother really doing it. Alot of buddies talk tough but I think it would be some sleepless nights. I think it would be tougher then some people thank to take someones life. It would depend on the way it went down , if you had no choice (you or them) it would be a little easier. I gotta believe there would be some second guessing if there was another way. I know we will have some tough guys out there say "Id killem dead and wait for the next one" , I just do not thank it would be that easy to deal with. Of coarse I just found out recently that Im a pansie for having a 9mm so there you have it.
(Wait I have two 45's so Im a semi tough guy:neener: , I could pull the trigger if I had to:rolleyes:yep I could do it!!! )

[A. Patriot]

I consider potential bad guys nothing more than a deer with 2 legs. I have shot many deer.

[f4t9r]

I consider potential bad guys nothing more than a deer with 2 legs. I have shot many deer.

I thought about putting a tree stand in the front yard LOL !!!!!

[Jubei]

I thought about putting a tree stand in the front yard LOL !!!!!

That's a whole new meaning to neighborhood watch.

I don't doubt that if the need were to arise, I could do what was necessary.

Jubei

[dasmi]

I'm sure I would be afraid, but yes, I would pull the trigger if I felt my life, or the life of my family was in danger. Thank God, nothing like this has happened yet.

[P95Carry]

I will just add - at this late stage in the thread - I do not believe courage per se is what we seek.

First and foremost IMO - any responsible person choosing to carry must of necessity ensure he or she has the right mindset. Prerequisite if you will.

That in essence is an awareness that should something go down, a life or lives may be lost - that has to be accepted up front. We can go on from that point.

So - if a situation arises where we have no choices left - our mission is very much ''him or me'' - a decision to survive or not - at which point we are not concerned with killing anyone - we are out to stop a threat, pure and simple. A bad guy has initiated a problem - it is of his making and so we should not have to feel guilt at something we did not choose - other than the choice of survival itslef. If a death occurs after the event so be it - again, bad guy decision - consequences follow.

Mindset is paramount IMO - anyone unsure - straighten that out in your mind - and if happy with it carry knowing you WILL do what has to be done - no courage involved.

[Farnham]

Courage isn't required to shoot another man. Fear is more likely to put a bullet in you than courage. Courage is running into a street in Hue or Stalingrad or Baghdad to drag one of your men under cover. Courage kept that Chinese kid standing in Tianamen Square. Courage helped George Washington cross the Delaware.

What you are asking is not a question of courage, but a question of self preservation.

"Do you value your life more than the life of an assailant?" Of course I do. Silly question.

S/F

Farnham

[depicts]

I've done it twice already (sans guns). Guns just make it easier for me to come out on top.

I thought the question was would you use a gun if you had to?

I guess you've killed two already WITHOUT a gun. You seem awful forthcoming about it.

That surprises me.

Just sayin'

Bill