Running out of ammo...

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SquirrelNuts

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Suppose that your handgun runs out of ammo, the gun can still be used as a defensive weapon. What would be the best way to use it? Pistol whipping your attacker? How do you do that exactly?

-SquirrelNuts
 
If you have run dry, including reloads, and your attacker is still pressing the attack, then he must be on drugs and/or you have some real marksmanship issues or you are grossly out numbered. After a couple of rounds are fired, most attackers are going to either surrender, run, or be incapacitated and bleeding profusely, so pistol whipping should be a non-issue. I don't think a handgun is much of a weapon unless it is loaded. If you plan on doing some hand to hand combat, I would suggest a baton, a baseball bat, a tire iron, or a knife. You want to keep the fight as far away from your body as possible, but if it gets real close, the knife is you best bet. Attackers are not going to press the issue once their intestines have been released from the confines of their abdomen.
 
According to Col. Cooper, only two conditions exist as to ammo supply....there is "enough ammo", and "not enough ammo". There is no such thing as "too much ammo".
 
[smug mode]
Since I grew up with my nose about 2" from the TV screen, watching every old movie ever made, I can answer this question with some authority.
[/smug mode]

When you are shooting at a bad guy, and you run out of ammo, you must sling the gun at your attacker, in you best imitation of a "limp wristed" throw.

Curiously, I have never seen a bad guy hurt, slowed down, or even hit using this method, but I think it's the law.
 
///Wise N. Hiemer mode on

There is some Basic Law of the Universe that a thrown handgun will damage the throwee infinitely more than your bullets.

Why else would Superman stand there and let the BG's empty their guns at his chest, but then duck out of the way when they threw their empty gun ? ? ? ?

///Wise N. Hiemer mode off

As a very last great act of defiance emergency stick, I do keep a 24" piece of 3/4" sand filled and sealed PVC pipe handy.
 
Remove the barrel and use it as a dart gun. Keep a load of poison tipped things from Johnny Quest on hand at all times. Now, I know, you will not get the velocity out of a four inch barrel that you get out of a 24 inch barrel, but hey, why not. Watch that barrel though, it is going to be hot.

I think I've seen this before....When Zombies Attack. :D
 
In the latest issue of SWAT, there was an article about a shooting school in Israel which some employees of a high-tech company attended.

I don't have it handy, but I seem to remember a line about "hit them hard in the face". Anyone care to get the exact context and quote?

-z
 
probably throw it as I transition to knife. If no knife, depends on the bad guy. I'd much rather eye gouge, groin shot, bite, thai elbow, takedown to mount or slam, etc than try to start swinging a handgun around like a small club.

I never practice with my pistol as if it were an impact weapon. I practice with fists, knees, elbows... even training knives much more. I'd go with what I know.

cheers
 
Didn't the old Superman TV series opening show the man of steel boldly puffing his chest out to deflect bullets but then ducked when the bad guy threw the gun at him?
 
[smug mode]
Since I grew up with my nose about 2" from the TV screen, watching every old movie ever made, I can answer this question with some authority.
[/smug mode]
Click to expand...

I thought you were going to say something about guns never running out of ammo. :)


If I'm in a situation where the gun runs out of ammo and the bad guy(s) are still coming I'd rather have both hands free to deal with the threat than have one filled with an empty gun.
 
I agree with stans.

Anyway if the gun is empty it is not a particuarly good weapon. Proceed to either:

Plan B, unarmed combat
Plan C, leave the area without delay (run away)

If you survive, carry more ammo next time.
 
Do the same thing you do when you check to see that the firing pin works:

Put a pencil in the barrel. Pull the trigger.
 
Just buy one of those John Wayne 37 shooters. The Duke never had to reload.
 
I love Clint Smith quotes...

"If pointing an empty gun at your opponent makes him duck, you may live for an extra two seconds-and who knows? I may find another gun, the bad guy may give up, or the ammo fairy may drop me a magazine."
 
What happens if your gun is more effective as a club than as a firearm? Should you come out swinging, and keep the ammo in reserve as a secondary? A Colt Walker comes to mind.
 
Colt Walker is one powerful wheelgun, each of six holes can carry the same amount of powder as a .45 caliber rifle. Shoot it first, and if the BG's make it through the flame and smoke and flying lead balls, then use it as a club. Reloads are a major operation.

Bart Noir
I prefer armed combat to unarmed combat. It's easier on the knuckles.
 
I think alot of people seem to forget that they are holding a form of the old brass knuckles in their hands. I can understand hand to hand combat, but a good smack up side somebody's head with a handgun is alot easier on you than your knuckels. Hit something with your hand as if your are using a hammer, then put the handgun in your hand and hit it that way and see which way does the most damage with the least pain for you.
 
I can't BELIEVE you guys! (And *I* thought you were experts :rolleyes: .)

EVERYBODY knows that as soon as the gun is empty you MUST throw it at the opponent. Haven't you ever watched TV? ;)

Most of my firearm training came from watching reruns of POLICE SQUAD. - In Color :)
 
Yes, Superman didn't mind when bullets bounced off his chest, but ducked when anything was thrown in his direction; what a wimp. He ducked and blocked a few punches, as well. Go figure.

An ASP is a wonderful weapon to carry with a gun. I'm not big on knives although I carry one with me all the time.
 
Maybe we should practice throwing our handguns as a means of self defense when the ammo runs dry. I bet if you practiced enough, you could get pretty good with a thrown handgun.:D Its tough on the gun but that is why God made the Glock.
 
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