Left Handed Driver vs. Car Jacker

[Rexster]

Good post, Odd Job; thanks. From awareness to shooting, all good information.

I wonder if a revolver, firing a fairly low-pressure cartridge to mitigate blast from the barrel-cylinder gap, might be a better handgun to wield within a vehicle, in order not to throw spent cases at other occupants? To be clear, I like both revolvers and autoloaders, feeling that each has strengths and weaknesses, so I am not trying to start an overall debate in that regard.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I wonder if a revolver, firing a fairly low-pressure cartridge to mitigate blast from the barrel-cylinder gap, might be a better handgun to wield within a vehicle, in order not to throw spent cases at other occupants?

Another one of those things I can speak to...now that we're all retired...that falls under the heading: Bored Cops, Lots or Ammo and a old squad car. Disclaimer:
1. no one was injured in these experiments
2. safety equipment was worn (or the first statement would e false)
3. the effects of muzzle blast and spray were recorded on cardboard shielding

Firing while inside a enclosed vehicle is something that should be undertaken only under the most dire circumstances.

1. The concussion and sound (two separate things) from the muzzle blast in very impressive and more than any of us expected.
2. Shooting across anyone, including yourself, only makes the effects worst
3. The cylinder gap of a revolver...even a well maintained one...lets out a surprising amount of side spray
4. If you need to shoot inside a car, the spent casing will be the least of your concerns...but sunglasses are a good idea

 

[mustang_steve]

Step1) throw car in reverse, pinning suspect under door.
Step2) level firearm in his direction and call the police.

If the carjacker feels violated, tough...shouldn't have ripped my door open. A car is a fine weapon too.

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

195 horsepower beats 9mm every day. Leave extra space in front so you can pull out, Leave your car in 1st gear and in general be prepared to go.

I don't like the idea of a gun in the door, even if I were a lefty. Since, there is a good chance the "Goblin" has already opened the door and separated you from your gun by the time you realize you need it.

If I can't drive away, I'd probably let the BG pull me out of the car .... more options then. And BG is probably going to hop into the seat o death, with me at his 7:00.

 

[GLOCK45GUY]

Being a lefty myself, I've precticed (dry of course) turning my entire body to the left, drawing up and holding the gun with both hands as close to my body as possible. Your left shoulder should be against the seat approximately where your right one is under normal circumstances. Its a bit contorted, but it gets me in a decent position to defend myself. And always try to keep an eye on your mirrors even when parked or stopped.

 

[rainbowbob]

Since, there is a good chance the "Goblin" has already opened the door and separated you from your gun by the time you realize you need it.

Much less chance of that happening if your eyes are open and your doors are locked.

 

[Rexster]

The problem with letting a goblin pull one out of the car, is that he may well shoot BEFORE or WHILE pulling.

 

[Rexster]

9mmepiphany, I certainly agree about side-spray from revolvers, and assert that spent cases don't bother ME very much. The qual line in the 21st Century is a much more pleasant place than the 1980's qual line, wondering what your neighbor's .357, .41, or 44 Mag is going to throw at you. I'll take spent cases any day. But, I couldn't help but notice Odd Job's comments about spent cases bothering some folks. (I do wear clear-lens Oakley Radar glasses at work, on night shift patrol, so my rookies partners' cases are not a threat to my eyes, though spent cases are not the main reason I wear "eye armor" regularly.)

No argument that firing inside an enclosed vehicle is bad for one's ears! I know a couple of narcs with first-hand experience in that regard. Deaf Smith and Deaf Jones are their nicknames. Not really, but they agree that it caused damage. They also agree it is GREAT to be alive!

 

[Odd Job]

The problem with letting a goblin pull one out of the car, is that he may well shoot BEFORE or WHILE pulling.

Bingo!
It seems to be a cultural difference (and you folks in the US better hope it stays that way) but in South Africa the goblins often just pop you straight away or motion for you to get out. If you haven't seen him, your first indication that there might be a problem with the future ownership of the vehicle, is the gun tapping on the side window.
Sometimes they will work in pairs: the second one will remain hidden until you are out the car, and then he will introduce himself as your new backseat traveling companion (the purpose is to make sure that the car doesn't cut out a few kms down the road because you haven't advised the goblin where the immobiliser over-ride is).

There's a lot of macho fantasy about running the goblin down and using your vehicle as a weapon. Well maybe your goblins aren't as evolved as the ones in South Africa, but I can tell you if you have visions of using your car as a weapon in SA you'd better hope you try it on a half-asleep goblin.
Put yourself in his shoes: do you really want to stand right in front of a car where the engine is on and there is about to be a debate about who owns the car? Maybe not. As a goblin, you want the most rapid inconspicuous unannounced approach to the car, leaving the driver at your mercy. That's why they like coming from the side or at least from a quarter approach.

Good luck running him over.

 

[rainbowbob]

If you haven't seen him, your first indication that there might be a problem with the future ownership of the vehicle, is the gun tapping on the side window.

All macho fantasy aside...that would be a lousy position to find yourself in. If the bad guys in your neck of the woods are prone to pop you now or take you for a ride and pop you later - and given that you won't run them down or drive away if blocked - it sounds like a determination to fight your way out is the best of a bad choice.