Rules for a Gunfight

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csmkersh

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There's dozens of versions of The Rules, but these are mine. Unstated, but Rule Zero is avoid the situation if at all pssible to do so safely.


Rules for a Gunfight


If you have been in Condition Yellow, the following will be
unnecessary, but, if not, then:


1. Bring a handgun.


2. Bring a handgun whose caliber starts with a 4.


3. Don't draw it unless you intend to use it.


4. Don't point it at anything you don't want to destroy.


5. Don't put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot.


6. Once you fire, keep firing until your "target" ceases to be a
threat. Count your shots if you can. If given the opportunity, do a
tactical reload. Try not to shot your weapon empty.


7. Call 911


8. Call Your lawyer. If you can, get a good criminal law attorney on
retainer before you need one.


9. Render aid if needed.


10. When questioned by police:

a. I feared for my life.
b. I'm too upset to talk now.
c. Stop talking
​

Item 2. is arguable. You may not be able to properly conceal one of
the 10mm or 11.25mm pistols. Or you may not be able to control your
fire with one. If either is the case, then at least adhere to rule 1
and bring a handgun of some type. the .25 ACP you have with you is a
lot better than the .45ACP you left home.

​
Click to expand...
 
b. I'm too upset to talk now.
Click to expand...

My ccw instructor said to use this, "I'm not feeling well, I think I need to go to the hospital." He said it is a lot better to be in a warm hospital bed, then sitting at a desk getting questioned or worse a jail cell.
 
I was expecting something fairly lame, and instead I got a list that actually makes sense. In particular, I like the added note about point #2. For all the discussion on how little calibers are/are not capable, the end result is that what you have is always better than what you don't.
 
Rules for a Gunfight

#1) Train with your safety equipment in advance.

#2) Have a lawyer (good advice in general)

#3) Don't get into a gunfight.

If (God forbid) #3 fails then remember that we're talking survival not some televised sport. There are NO damned rules!

#4) Go completely MUTE and hand your wallet to your lawyer.
 
I'm glad the "addendum" was put on the end on caliber, and "any gun in the hand is better than a more powerful gun in the safe at home."

I'd add the best way to WIN a gunfight is to try to avoid getting IN one if at all possible! ;)
 
Under #10, right before "I feared for my life," add "I am the crime victim, the criminal perpetrator is lying over there."
 
I've never been in a serious fight in my life. That said, here are two pithy observations:

1) When Warned, Act. (In Latin: Admonitus Fac)
Sensing trouble is only the beginning. Take meaningful action the instant your hair starts to comes up. It's the action that matters.

As most posters have observed, getting out of Dodge is a fine first choice. Personally, I've been so good at avoiding fights I've never lost one...

2) The First Hit Wins.
Sure, it's probably more accurate to say "the first good hit usually wins" but the short version is so much easier to remember.
 
As Gunny told us Recruits " The one that is upright, breathing , and not bleeding too much is the winner. And the first one is optional! :D

Oneshooter
Livin in Texas
 
#1) Train with your safety equipment in advance.

#2) Have a lawyer (good advice in general)

#3) Don't get into a gunfight.

If (God forbid) #3 fails then remember that we're talking survival not some televised sport. There are NO damned rules!

#4) Go completely MUTE and hand your wallet to your lawyer.
Click to expand...

I find #3 & 3a pretty close to the best, there are 'rules' for before and after the gun fight. But there are no 'rules' to insure you have a fair gun fight. The only gunfight 'rule' is WIN, at all costs WIN. The Marquis of Queensbury rules do not apply. To steal from Bill Jordan, there are no second place winners.

A gunfight starts before the actual shooting begins, so the GG is always starting from behind. Good planing before will lessen your disadvantage, preparation for the aftermath will keep sleeping in your own bed. Anything you can do to gain the upper hand is acceptable, because the BG will do anything he can to keep his. Last man standing, wins.
 
Here's my rules for a gunfight:

Whatever you do you're going to get screwed and it's going to cost a lot of money. Unless maybe if you live in Texas.
 
Here's my rules for a gunfight:

Whatever you do you're going to get screwed and it's going to cost a lot of money. Unless maybe if you live in Texas.
Click to expand...

I believe I prefer to think:

Before - I am as prepared as I possibly can be.(which includes having planned for the 'after' festivities.)
During - I will do EVERYTHING in my power to come out alive, and as the winner.
After - You can plan and prepare for the aftermath, but it is all irrelevant if you don't survive the fight.

For the duration of the actual gunfight, there isn't much reason to give over any of your brain power to contemplating the future. I guess I am saying, once you have gone to 'condition RED' there is no time except the present.
 
Biker said:
One rule in a fight of any kind - Win.
Click to expand...

You beat me to it.

2) The First Hit Wins.
Sure, it's probably more accurate to say "the first good hit usually wins" but the short version is so much easier to remember.
Click to expand...

Not true. And I'm living proof--three times over--of it. I have contless buddies who are living proof of it as well.

If you believe "first hit wins" with all your heart and mind and ever have to actually use your gun, you'll probably die.

Jeff
 
1. Bring a handgun.


2. Bring a handgun whose caliber starts with a 4.


3. Don't draw it unless you intend to use it.
Click to expand...

1 is bad advice. Bring a rifle if you have a choice. 2 is just an opinion. Calibers like 9mm offer higher mag capacity. And since if it's worth shooting once, it's worth shooting twice, more rounds in the mag is always preferable. And #3 is just plain wrong. 9 out of 10 incidents can be solved simply by presenting deadly force. If you draw and the BG flees, do you shoot just because "you should intend to use it"? Of course not. Most of the time, simply drawing is enough.
 
Item 2. is arguable. You may not be able to properly conceal one of
the 10mm or 11.25mm pistols. Or you may not be able to control your
fire with one.
Click to expand...
These handguns are of a caliber that start with a "4." And, many people carry 10mm pistols, controlling them quite well, thank you.


Also, there should be an additonal rule that says--

5.5 Do not shoot if the person you are fighting has no deadly weapon.
 


Ah, FCFC, the contrarian, says:

There should be an additonal rule that says--

5.5 Do not shoot if the person you are fighting has no deadly weapon.
Click to expand...

Fists and feet make good deadly weapons. So do ball point pens if you know what you're doing. You also seem to forget that age and weight can factor into a fight. It's called disparity of force.

​
 
And #3 is just plain wrong. 9 out of 10 incidents can be solved simply by presenting deadly force. If you draw and the BG flees, do you shoot just because "you should intend to use it"? Of course not. Most of the time, simply drawing is enough.
Click to expand...

C'mon man, I think your diving into the semantics a little hard on #3. Of course you're not going to draw without intending to use it. That you may not get a chance to use it doesn't change the original intent.
 
Guys, #1 and the thought about bringing a rifle are good, but what about a shotgun? If its a fight and the range is close, but not hand to hand close, I choose my short barreled, pump 12 ga. I've shot a pump since age 14 and its trained reflex to pump when I fire. 12 ga #1 buckshot is hard to doge.

But, whatever gun you have is better than one you don't have.
CF
 
rule 3 is wrong

I am partially disabled.
Last month in Reno I was involved in a confrontation with a large
idiot who was trying to get into a fistfight with me.
I have a bad knee and can neither fight or run without risk of more injury.
This guy started pushing me and was about to punch when I pointed my Glock at him & made him go away.
The cops came, checked my permit and sent us both on our way.
I am glad that I didn't shoot the big jerk and glad I have a non resident permit.
Do you think I should have shot him?
btw I had the will and mindset to use it if needed.
btw 2, the first rule is don't be there, second is have a rifle.
 
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