Why do they think, running away is not an option?

[Graystar]

I always tell people, run run run run far far far away!! (Preferably in a zig-zag).

This is exactly why you SHOULDN’T run away. What happens when the perp decides to give chase? Now, you have your back to him and you can’t see if he’s decided to pull out a gun to shoot at you. You’ve just gone from armed citizen to duck at the shooting gallery.

Your number one priority is your safety, and the very best way to secure your safety is to incapacitate your attacker.

I wouldn’t say that running away is not an option, but I’d say it’s the worst option.

 

[Sylvilagus Aquaticus]

I can't 'run'. I can drive away, but that presumes I'm in an already idling vehicle with a clear path of egress.

A few of y'all have met me. I have no 'obvious' disability, but I am disabled. I have about 50% lung capacity and a knee that was shredded about 15 years ago. Within 2 years my doctor will have me on oxygen 24/7, and I'll be on a transplant list before I'm 50. I don't even break into a brisk walk towards a free beer and hotdog stand. I don't do stairs. I take my time getting up from a seated position, and sometimes then I wait to catch my breath before I start lurching away.

Sometimes, 'just run away!' is simply not a viable option.

Thank you, Oleg, for this one. It tells many tales that aren't obvious to some who don't think things through before opening their mouths.




Regards,
Rabbit.

 

[Sactown]

To be truly politically correct, the correct terminology for "running away" is "exercising the French option."

That latest catch phrase will be "Going French on you.

Running away is be best option, unless others are in jeopardy. Then it's up to you to stay or run.

As the Monty Python knights used to say, "Runaway!! Runaway!!"

 

[JPM70535]

While I wholeheartedly agree with the old saying, "He who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day" There are a couple of reasons I consider valid to stand and fight. One, and perhaps the most important is when lives are in danger and running away would increase that danger. Then is when you find out if all the practice sesions and the big bucks spent on the latest super gun and devastater ammo were worth it.

Never having been a member of the super rich to whom physical posssessions mean nothing and replacement is merely an inconvenience, I have had to work for everything that my family now has. The thought of quietly standing by and allowing some scumbag to appropriate these material possessions just does not sit well with me. I have stated before and I will restate it here. I will fight to retain what is mine., and I will use any and all levels of force available to me, including Deadly Force

 

[oldfella]

It's the thought that counts...

Think before you act or react; be aware - that's the key to survival.

 

[Jeff Timm]

I prefer the term, "High caliber person." I'm about a 16" bore.

Geoff
Who thought about rephrasing that, but...naw...I like it.
Who is a boring, midwestern, beige wearing, white guy.

 

[Frohickey]

Of course running away is an option. Run away, scream like a girl, in a zigzag manner, waving your arms, going, Booga-Wooga... that is option #1.

If option#1 is unavailable and taken away from me, then its nice to have option #45ACP, err... #2.

Besides, cartridges cost money, same as the lawyer fees. If I end up using the expensive ammunition, I want to make sure that the animal I shot is gutted and field-dressed... by the county coroner.

 

[flatrock]

It a life threatening situation can be resolved by running away, that's my first choice.

If other people are in danger and unable to run, the choice becomes much harder, and depends on the specifics of the situation.

If I can't run, but hard cover is close at hand, that's the first step.

If I can possible resolve the situation without resorting to drawing my gun, then that's the best choice.

If I ever have to draw my gun and use it, my life's going to take a change for the worst. If I survive the encounter I'll possibly have to deal with numerous problems.

Dealing with having killed or done serious permenant harm to another human being.
Dealing with possibly bing criminally charged.
Dealing with most likely being sued and losing much of my life savings even if I win.
Dealing with the reactions of others in the community to my use of a gun to defend myself.

Using deadly force to defend myself or others is a LAST resort that hopefully I will never need.

 

[shep854]

Maintaining Condition Yellow*, or relaxed awareness of our surroundings, will enable us to avoid or control the choice. We should recognize a potentially dangerous situation in time to avoid or defuse it.

*to state the obvious, "Yellow" is not a reference to a lack of courage.

 

[Glamdring]

IMO running away from some person or critter is always a bad choice, it triggers chase & attack reflex in dogs and people both. Even more dangerous against a pack, because once one starts chasing the rest will follow.

Many, many dogs (and people) that won't bite you while your looking will if they can flank you. This is why having your back to a "wall" (doesn't have to be actual wall anything that prevents attack from the rear like river, busy road, fence, ditch, etc.) is very helpful.

Avoiding a problem before it happens it good. Backing away from a threat is almost always better than running away.

If you need to run, running THRU an attacker (doesn't have to be a true attack, using swim move from football or such helps a lot, as does a good yell or kia) is better idea than running away.

 

[Borachon]

Ah...70's pop culture "Kung Fu" wisdom.

This is where I learned everything I know.


"'What is the best way to deal with force?' -disciple Caine to one of his teachers.
'As we prize peace and quiet above victory, there is a simple and preferred method.... Run away.'"

"Perceive the way of nature and no force of man can harm you. Do not meet a wave head on: avoid it. You do not have to stop force: it is easier to redirect it. Learn more ways to preserve rather than destroy. Avoid rather than check. Check rather than hurt. Hurt rather than maim. Maim rather than kill. For all life is precious nor can any be replaced." - Master Kan

 

[rayra]

Running? Surgical steel in both my legs, and 50 extra pounds. (even disrgarding being a former Marine) running is not an option. If situation awareness / avoidance doesn't to the trick, then I'm taking'em down with me.

 

[oldfella]

***"Look here, fellers - you're not gonna hurt an 86 year old man, so, scoot before I hit you with my walking cane".

Since running is not an viable option for me, will that work?

 

[geekWithA.45]

She hit the nail on the head:

When armed, running is an option.

(And running as far as cover is tactically a great idea!)

When unarmed, running is a necessity.

 

[Steel]

yes. run to get more ammo

 

[Frohickey]

Okay, maybe 'running away' is not the correct phrase to use. Because 'running away' denotes speed and direction as well as orientation.

Maybe 'moving away' is the better phrase. You can 'move away' while you are facing the threat, and you can 'move away' as safe and as slow as you can.

 

[oldfella]

..."moving away" - OK, I can do that. Another applicable term is Avoidance - I think this term encompasses most of what is being said here, and more.

 

[twoblink]

Situational awareness and avoidance are key. If you are aware: avoid

Amen brother, preach it!

The problem I find is that 99% of the world walk around in Condition white.

There's tough talk and there is mindset. From what I've read here no-one was talking tough.....they all want minimal confrontation, me included.

I'm ok with walk away from a fight. I've got nothing to prove.. I usually think the guy who walks away is braver than the loud mouths who yap.

I think if a perp looks like they are a real threat, then maybe running away isn't going to be the best option. But when plan A is #@)(*#@$)(*%#@ it's great to have plan B.

That's what a gun is, a tool that can become part of Plan B when trained with it.

The classic situation is; THE BAR FIGHT.

I have been to my share of bars (don't usually drink, but if you are a 6 foot German Ubermodel named Heidi, the beers on me!!)

where was I.. oh yes.. The bar fight. There was a bar fight ensuing and I decided flying beer glass ain't where I should be. So dropped a few bucks on the table, and got out. I don't need to see what happens afterwards, I can watch the news thank you..

So I guess ok, "Moving away" is the term..

 

[Jiml3]

I'm to old to run. Besides it only seems to empower the punks by reassuring them of victory. Second, I'm to old to engage in a fistfight with a young guy.
Therefore I will stand my ground, strike some fear into my oppononets and hope the display of my gun and attitude will discourage them If not, then take down the one displaying the most aggresive attitude. Hopefully I will still have time to target a few others. If I get killed in the process, I will have left some evidence (the other bodies) for the police.

JimL3