[P95Carry]

In an SD situation ... to make decisions as to whether to shoot - or not.

I think .... so little, that it can hardly be measured. Unless you were lucky enough .. to be initially in a ''bystander'' category. Time to assess - time to draw - time to decide, and rationalize.

It seems .... from most accounts of ''situations'' that things happen ......... like fast! So thinking time is at a premium. Does this mean that only ''training'' can help the decision-making process? Or - is there an instinct that kicks in .... which makes for a ''good decision''.

I still work on the premise that the odds are heavily against me ever having to impose my right to survival ...... but am aware also that any decision-making... will probably not include the luxury of calm, and analytical thought. I would have to ''respond''.

It is in the aftermath that this process will be called into play ... dissected by the courts ... and judgements made.

All in all .. I still hope never to have to resort to the ''final sanction'' ......... but I remain prepared. My neck - or his.!!

[Delmar]

If I have enough time to think-I probably have enough time to get outta there!

That, to me is priceless.

I also train when I can-if you don't have time to think, make sure you have the training to kick in for those times if they ever do show. It won't always cover you, but its all you have in the end.

[Ryder]

You seem to be envisioning an assasination? Not much you can do without any advance warning. I've never had anyone come after me like that. Hope they miss the first shot I guess? ;)

I have had several life threatening experiences. I wouldn't say everything I write here applies in every situation. I can certainly imagine circumstances where it won't apply. But these have been my observations. I hope they help you somewhat.

My experiences have shown me that once the criminal(s) has/have the advantage on you they relish it. Like a cat playing with a mouse I've been threatened over and over again. One of the bunch (if it's a bunch) does all the talking. It has always appeared to me as a crime of opportunity, not planned, so they tend to feel their way along. They do appear to greatly enjoy this and I suppose they don't want the fun to end too soon? They don't fear you. They are over confident because they have the weapon or the numbers. You need to delay. Watch your back. Only time can provide an opportunity. Watch for or create a distraction, these guys are not rocket scientists. I've always stood my ground but I do nothing to anger them into taking action. Running would only get me shot shot in the back, they are too close by the time you know intentions. I play meek and mild, plead with them, talk friendly. Let them shoot their mouths off and feel in control until you have the opportunity to flee or end it decisively.

It's high adventure and it does seem to last forever. In reality I know it's a very few minutes.

[Hypnogator]

When there's no time to think, you revert to your training.

That's why judgmental shooting training is so vital for law enforcement and security professionals. It is just as important for armed citizens who are serious about their practice of carrying a firearm for defensive use.

If you learn nothing else from going through simulator exercises, you'll learn just how quickly deadly force situations happen and how little time you really have to make that type of decision.

I teach that successful defensive scenarios are a pyramid, with threat recognition at the apex -- don't get caught in "condition white." The base is a triangle, consisting of verbal commands, use of cover, and weapon handling as the points. Successful application of all these principles will enable you to prevent a situation from turning into a shootout if you're successful, and enables you to win if you aren't.

[P95Carry]

I should have added .. I, like most I think .. am certainly in the ''escape is good'' school ...... that tho presupposes an avenue and opportunity for same. Time once more may or may not be on your side.

What prompted this line of thinking was the thread, yesterday I think ... and damned if I remember a link .. subject tho was ''Co-worker got mugged''.. oh hang on... it's this one ...

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?threadid=46357

The most telling part of this incident was the speed of the event .. the near impossibility for the guy to even start a reaction. OK, he was probably entirely condition white, when yellow might have helped ... even so ... this happened awful fast ..... that is very much what I am considering here.

[Ryder]

Doesn't look like he gave the guy on the bench a wide enough clearance. I've got a pretty wide personal space zone even with friends. It expands depending on the situation and my familiarity with people. Considering that story took place in Cleveland where I can't legally carry I'd say my safety zone in that situation is the state line.

[C.R.Sam]

You can never insure against all mishaps.

But by training your body and all your senses...
You can increase your odds.

Sam

[Kentucky Rifle]

Even when that guy popped up from behind another car, I "knew" something was wrong. I could not tell from which quarter he would come, but I could "feel" that something was wrong. As a pilot you develop these skills. The leeeest little vibration or small strange noise sets warning bells off in your head. (Being that Kentucky is coal country, I've had several miners tell me the same thing.) I once had an engine begin to let go. (The one & ONLY engine.) It made a slight noise that nobody but me heard. (I looked around~everybody else was happy as clams. Checking fishing rods, telling jokes~~I was looking for the nearest strip. We made it just fine and all I said was, "I have to check something". When we stopped, the puddle of the remaining engine oil was under the nose. Just another day in the life of flying "junk airplanes".

KR