Self-Defense or Self-Preservation?

[Slade797]

There is no way that a set reaction will work in every situation.

"Self defense" does not always mean yanking a piece and blasting away. In any situation where I am called upon to defend myself and/or my family, the only thing I am going to do is the best possible thing, to ensure survival. If that means shooting some mook, fine. If it means standing still and taking what he dishes out, then so be it.

Whatever it takes to make survival more likely, that is what I will do.

 

[Byron Quick]

First of all, with family & kids its not sensible to keep a loaded gun around.

It most certainly is sensible if you keep the handgun in a sensible location which is in a holster on your side. The firearm is 100% under your control.

There are other methods of securing firearms so they can be accessed in emergencies but are not subject to misuse by children. They should be employed. Older children should be taught safe use and handling of firearms with the understanding that adult supervision is required.

 

[mcdonl]

Byron, you took the words right out of my mouth...

"Older children should be taught safe use and handling of firearms with the understanding that adult supervision is required."

I keep a loaded pistol on my nightstand - my 10 and 13 year old daughter each have thier own guns (That I keep possesion of...), they understand how to safely identify the condition of any gun in the event they are exposed to one, and they can recite the 4 rules of handling a gun.

This all being said... it is completly sensible to keep a loaded gun around the house.

Leroy

 

[Browning]

Well the option that I'd choose is if I was able to make it to my gun in time to shoot defensively than I'd do that (I have REALLY secure doors and windows and a dog, so I would more than likely have enough time to grab my gun).

However if the thugs who have just broken into my home have the drop on me I'm going to comply with their demands and try to lull them into a false sense of security until they think that they have everything under control and only then will I try to reach for my gun and shoot them.

If doesn't make sense to blindly rush for your gun to 'go out into a blaze of glory' (doesn't sound like there's much glory in that option to me) just so they can pop you in the back because you have their full attention.

Since that option wasn't on the poll, I picked the last one.

 

[triggerman7.62]

Comply with what he says and seem non threatening until the time is right to reach for my 9mm by the bed or 12ga behind the door. Then it’s on!

 

[strambo]

I assume "staring down the barrel of his gun" means he is within 6ft of me or so. I'd injure him (them) until enough body parts don't work so that he/they can't function (no longer a threat). I'd do it in the most efficient manner, probably just using what I always have ready to go at a moment's notice: My body weight, gravity and a knowledge of his vulnerable anatomy.

Or more simply: ignore the gun and INJURE HIM NOW and keep going until he is broken.

Or, I'd just comply. Or, I'd comply unless/until I thought he was going to injure me. Or, he'd shoot me up front before I had a chance to do anything....these hypotheticals are impossible to answer with any certainty or set response.

If I think I am in immediate danger (requiring action now), and if my mind is still in control of my body when I come to that realization: I will focus only on injuring them until they don't work anymore...their non-functioning body is the only end state I'd bet my life on.

Anything not directly related to that end state wastes time IMO...including reaching for a gun in your holster when his is in your face at point blank rage. I can crush his thyroid cartilage (throat) quicker than I can draw a gun. A 100lb woman can crush his thyroid cartilage too, its been done before.

If all you know how to do is draw a gun and go for it...then go for it! Better than letting them do what they want once it is clear they aim to be violent.

 

[WardenWolf]

I would comply with him and wait for him to make a mistake. Then move quickly to disarm him while sending certain bony parts of my body directly into his face. The best way to survive is to not give the guy any warning or make him paranoid. By striking suddenly when he thinks you're complying, you stand a much better chance at success and survival. The way I look at it, if he's in my house, there's at least a 50/50 chance he intends to kill me at some point.

I've thought a few times what I would do if I came home and found myself staring down my own rifle, as well. Beauty of an AK: it's got a big, beefy safety that you can tell if it's on from 10 feet away. And most crooks wouldn't know what an AK's safety was. If the safety is on, it almost invariably would mean he hasn't charged the rifle, either. In which case I would wait for an opportunity to disarm.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. If he's point-blank, and I believe he intends to kill me right then and there, I will quickly sweep with my arm to deflect his gun. Grab it with the opposite arm and use the arm I swept with to gain control of his wrist. Then, depending on whether I'm inside or out, I will either elbow strike him in the face followed by striking his wrist to loosen his grip, or I will pull his arm tight and snap it at the elbow.

 

[busy_squirrel]

The perfect answers is always: "It Depends"



I'd sure rather die resisting than die complying. What's the point in complying if you'll prob. be killed anyways?

I'd rather die fighting than die resisting. What's the point of fighting back unless you can actually inflict more damage than the bad guy can?

I'd rather live than die. If that means I comply until I can resist effectively, I'll do it.

 

[Diamondback6]

Well said, "Squirrel". If we had a "clapping" emoticon, I'd use it here.

 

[expvideo]

First of all, with family & kids its not sensible to keep a loaded gun around.

My father kept a loaded gun for my entire life. Growing up, I always felt safe knowing that he could protect me. When I was old enough, I got my permit and started carrying a gun as well. His loaded gun was never a problem, and I wasn't allowed to talk about it, especially in public. It is a man's responsibility to protect his family. A man who doesn't protect his family is a coward.

 

[mbt2001]

First of all, with family & kids its not sensible to keep a loaded gun around.

People say that until they need a loaded gun...

 

[UnclePete]

How far away from me is the fiend with the gun? Is he close enough so I can grab it, and small enough so I can insert it into him?

 

[TeamPrecisionIT]

In the event that he gets the drop on me and literally has a gun in my face, I will do everything in my power to get the gun pointed in a safe direction and have him either shoot it dry or disarm him. If he is more than 6ft or so from me (iow: more than arm reach), then I would have no choice but to comply until his guard is dropped, at which point he will be feeling something thrown at him followed by 210 lbs of angry man.

Damian

 

[expvideo]

It's probably a Jennings. Mine's a Sig. I'll take my chances.

 

[Ben86]

I'm not sure how I would react because there is so much more situational info than you gave that would be needed to make a decision of action. Besides, I haven't been in this situation so I don't entirely trust myself to function properly.

I can say that I plan to act with the greatest consideration towards my family first and then myself. And if I am alone I will act in the most logical way to get back to them in one piece.

 

[PocketProtector642]

Here's a 70 year old man who drew against a drawn gun and multiple opponents and came out uninjured.
http://www.wlky.com/video/16497481/index.html
http://www.wlky.com/video/16509601/

Thanks for posting those videos!

 

[Hardtarget]

I put myself in the #2 ( hope I'm quicker) group...but, its timing. Try to use the first good small opening.

Never been there...hope I never find myself there...

My screen name, Hardtarget, is what I aspire to be...I don't want to just lay down and take it.

Mark.

 

[sidheshooter]

I would comply with him and wait for him to make a mistake

I'm with MikeWolf on this one; wait for either an opening or for the guy to take off (either he wants a wallet, or he wants something else: one option ends the situation, and one will create some sort of micro-opening at some point). As mentioned, these situations are fluid.

All that said (fixed blade carry sytem fan that I am), I'd probably end up cutting the perp; going on about it at least until he coughed up the gun...