Head shots?

[Cosmoline]

When I was a kid I saw dozens of pigs shot between the eyes with a .22 rifle at butchering time .

Sure, I've seen huge bulls killed the same way. But they weren't running around or shooting back at the time. *IF* you can make a precision hit on a moving, shooting foe and ensure that the bullet impacts right in the cranium then there's a good chance it will stop them. But even then it's not a sure thing. The human brain is enormous and protected by layers of thick hide-like tissue. Bullets have been known to skirt around the gray matter, and even if they go clean through it doesn't always kill. A fella had a railroad spike blown clear through his brain and he lived for years afterwards, open wound and all. We are built with brain to spare, and can keep fighting even after important bits have been destroyed. Afterwards you may not be able to add numbers or remember your name, but that won't keep you from stabbing someone to death.

In contrast, if you can put big enough holes in the heart or other key parts of the circulatory system it will cause blood loss and inevitable shock. The system just shuts down, so they cannot keep shooting back at you or otherwise trying to kill you.

 

[Logos]

I don't think anybody said it's a SURE thing that a head shot will drop somebody instantly.

I do think the consensus is that it usually will, though.

That's why I said I agree with the those that say, two quickly into the chest and one quickly to the head.

You never know who might be wearing a vest these days.

If I had my choice I'd definitely choose a bullet to my enemy's nose than to the center of his chest......no contest.

If he's real close, that's exactly where I'd shoot for.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

I don't think anybody said it's a SURE thing that a head shot will drop somebody instantly.

I do think the consensus is that it usually will, though.

It isn't good enough to just hit someone in the head. The shot must damage or significantly disrupt CNS function to produce the desired result. Much of the head, about 60% or so by volume, isn't CNS-based.

 

[30mag]

I don't think anybody said it's a SURE thing that a head shot will drop somebody instantly.

Not word for word, but if we review the OP, we see:

Would there not be some utility in concentrating on head shots, as they are about the only real stopping shots anyway?

Pretty much.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

put one through the snot locker or the headlights and see if they don't go down.

 

[753X0]

The late Jeff Cooper this technique.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozambique_Drill

 

[Logos]

I agree with Cooper on most things, even though he somewhat undervalued the .357 Magnum and 9mm in his loyalty to the .45 ACP. He formulated his opinions prior to the development of reliable JHP.

Assuming a close range encounter here, I am almost in total agreement with the Cooper teaching here except for the "momentarily" part (which I interpret as a slight pause after two to the chest).

I say no pause......quick two to the chest and quick one to the head, this to be done as fast as possible (the goal is faster than humanly possible).

The assessment of damage would be whether or not the adversary hits the floor at that point.

If he does not......the question of trying again for the head or going back to the body will be a matter of situational judgment and instinct depending on distance and cover.

You may have missed the head, but if you feel you have two in his chest the wisest thing will probably be to MOVE.... be dive, roll or run for cover while his eyes are still fighting powder fragments......yes, you continue to fire (with somewhat less precision) at COM as you move unless circumstances dictate otherwise.

This also to be done faster than humanly possible......or as close to that as you can get.

We're talking about winning gunfights, as was Cooper. That's all that counts. That single poke at the head simply brings a greater possibility of winning the fight in an instant.