If you are attacked, where are you supposed to shoot the perp?

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  • Csquared

    Marksman
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    I was wondering what your guys' opinions would be on where you would shoot your attacker. I know that discharging your firearm is a last resort but if you were in a situation where you felt your life was at risk, where exactly would you aim?

    I have yet to take any self defense or firearm courses (although I will be taking a handgun class soon locally) I was wondering if there is any training that teaches you where to shoot an attacker? I know that you are not supposed to shoot to kill, but to incapacitate or stop the threat immediately.

    Without any proper training I'm thinking that I would shoot my attacker in the leg and possibly the abdomen. Now, I realize this is a very broad topic because so many different factors can play into the situation, but in general how would you go about defending yourself?
     

    printcraft

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    I was wondering what your guys' opinions would be on where you would shoot your attacker. I know that discharging your firearm is a last resort but if you were in a situation where you felt your life was at risk, where exactly would you aim?

    I have yet to take any self defense or firearm courses (although I will be taking a handgun class soon locally) I was wondering if there is any training that teaches you where to shoot an attacker? I know that you are not supposed to shoot to kill, but to incapacitate or stop the threat immediately.

    Without any proper training I'm thinking that I would shoot my attacker in the leg and possibly the abdomen. Now, I realize this is a very broad topic because so many different factors can play into the situation, but in general how would you go about defending yourself?


    Center mass to stop the threat. Largest target possible under stress.
    Why would you try to aim at a leg? Narrow, fast moving appendage that won't necessarily stop an aggressor, bad idea for a host of reasons.
     

    ghuns

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    Center of mass. As far as shooting to kill, you shoot until the assailant is no longer a threat. If they don't make it, sorry.

    Remember; NEVER POINT A GUN AT ANYTHING YOU DO NOT INTEND TO DESTROY
     

    mom45

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    My intent is shoot to kill since I am pretty sure that is what they intend to do to me. Dead men also can't tell stories or sue you.

    My dad used to work with the Chicago PD and has told me many stories of guys hopped up on dope that had been shot multiple times and were still the aggressor. Shooting to kill is sometimes the most effective way to stop the attack.
     

    pudly

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    Without any proper training I'm thinking that I would shoot my attacker in the leg and possibly the abdomen. Now, I realize this is a very broad topic because so many different factors can play into the situation, but in general how would you go about defending yourself?

    Your basic question is well answered above. I've highlighted an important point. Get some proper training and this and many other questions will be answered for you. You will benefit in many ways including ones that you haven't thought of yet.

    My intent is *** since I am pretty sure that is what they intend to do to me.

    You should rethink that mom. That could be interpreted as intent to execute someone who is no longer a threat. Once someone is down and no longer threatening or is running away, you are no longer defending yourself. Think that such an act won't result in prosecution or lawsuits by the family? Again, some education would be helpful.

    Guy Relford (Tactical Firearms Training) periodically offers an excellent class on the legal aspects of gun ownership. You might want to consider it.
     
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    cedartop

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    I was wondering what your guys' opinions would be on where you would shoot your attacker. I know that discharging your firearm is a last resort but if you were in a situation where you felt your life was at risk, where exactly would you aim?

    I have yet to take any self defense or firearm courses (although I will be taking a handgun class soon locally) I was wondering if there is any training that teaches you where to shoot an attacker? I know that you are not supposed to shoot to kill, but to incapacitate or stop the threat immediately.

    Without any proper training I'm thinking that I would shoot my attacker in the leg and possibly the abdomen. Now, I realize this is a very broad topic because so many different factors can play into the situation, but in general how would you go about defending yourself?

    Good god I hope you are not serious. Shoot them in the leg? Do you realize how hard this would be to do under stress? Is the leg connected to the attackers trigger finger? You shoot to stop the threat. This may mean killing them. The sooner you wrap your head around that the better. I don't mean to be harsh but you have to get into the proper mindset or just leave the gun at home and be a victim.

    Where do you shoot them. Upper thoracic cavity. The place where all of the good stuff is. Then you keep shooting until they are no longer a threat. If that is not available then center of available mass. Head shots are fine but can be tough to pull off.
     

    cobber

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    Center of mass. As far as shooting to kill, you shoot until the assailant is no longer a threat. If they don't make it, sorry.

    Remember; NEVER POINT A GUN AT ANYTHING YOU DO NOT INTEND TO DESTROY

    :+1:

    OP, please study on this more, and get some real training (not just how to get shots on paper).
     

    mom45

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    Your basic question is well answered above. I've highlighted an important point. Get some proper training and this and many other questions will be answered for you. You will benefit in many ways including ones that you haven't thought of yet.



    You should rethink that mom. That could be interpreted as intent to execute someone who is no longer a threat. Once someone is down and no longer threatening or is running away, you are no longer defending yourself. Think that such an act won't result in prosecution or lawsuits by the family? Again, some education would be helpful.

    Guy Relford (Tactical Firearms Training) periodically offers an excellent class on the legal aspects of gun ownership. You might want to consider it.

    My statement would refer to my first shot in a self-defense situation. If someone breaks into my home and is carrying a gun that is now pointed in my direction, I assume they intend to use it. I have every right to defend myself in that situation.
     

    pudly

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    My statement would refer to my first shot in a self-defense situation. If someone breaks into my home and is carrying a gun that is now pointed in my direction, I assume they intend to use it. I have every right to defend myself in that situation.

    You have every right to defend yourself. I would never dispute that. However, you should think of it as shooting to stop the threat. There is a difference. If the bad guy dies because they initiated the attack, then so be it.
     

    mom45

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    You have every right to defend yourself. I would never dispute that. However, you should think of it as shooting to stop the threat. If the bad guy dies because they initiated the attack, then so be it.


    I guess any comment can be taken out of context so I do see your point. I guess I am simply saying that I am prepared to do what it takes to stop someone from harming me or my family. Many people carry a gun but walk around with the mind set that they could never kill someone. If it is kill or be killed, I am not going to be the one being carried out by the coroner if I can help it. If you aren't prepared to do what it takes to protect yourself, then you should not be carrying that gun.
     

    printcraft

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    My intent is shoot to kill since I am pretty sure that is what they intend to do to me. Dead men also can't tell stories or sue you.

    My dad used to work with the Chicago PD and has told me many stories of guys hopped up on dope that had been shot multiple times and were still the aggressor. Shooting to kill is sometimes the most effective way to stop the attack.


    ALSO:

    Q: "Were you angry when you shot the guy coming at you?"

    A: No, I was scared ****less.
     

    Csquared

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    Good god I hope you are not serious. Shoot them in the leg? Do you realize how hard this would be to do under stress? Is the leg connected to the attackers trigger finger? You shoot to stop the threat. This may mean killing them. The sooner you wrap your head around that the better. I don't mean to be harsh but you have to get into the proper mindset or just leave the gun at home and be a victim.

    Where do you shoot them. Upper thoracic cavity. The place where all of the good stuff is. Then you keep shooting until they are no longer a threat. If that is not available then center of available mass. Head shots are fine but can be tough to pull off.


    I guess I was thinking more along the lines of stopping them from coming at me, so the leg was my first thought. I fully intend to get proper training in the very near future. If I'm I'm a situation where I feel it is either him or I, I would have no trouble shooting someone to kill. This would not be my intention but I could deal with the repercussions if it happened. I do not intend to carry a gun on my person and still be a victim of an attack. I appreciate all the responses and as stated before, I plan on taking some training courses very soon.
     

    Daggy

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    Somebody on another forum suggested the Mozambique Drill to me. It's two shots to the torso, followed by one shot to the head after a short assessment. The reasoning is that the double tap to COM should throw his aim off (if he's armed) and slow him down. If he's still determined to attack, the head shot would be easier to do and would almost certainly stop him if it connects. It takes about 20 seconds to lose consciousness after the heart stops, which is plenty of time for him to empty his gun at your direction.
     

    Jack Burton

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    I've always wanted to shoot someone in the fracas. I've seen so many times that Fred, or Billy, or Joe got shot in the fracas and I thought that sounded so neat, and at the very least so painful. If only I can find out where it is I'll be all set for the next time.
     

    David D

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    You shoot to stop the threat. If you are an expert shot, and have the ability to freeze time for the perp, and you know that he will have an immediate and normal response to pain (i. e. not drugged up or crazy) shoot him in the middle of the large bone between the ankle and the knee. This will make him fall and not be able to get up, but can heal with a little time and proper care.

    If ALL of the above prerequisites don't exist, increase your odds of stopping the threat by continuing to aim for center of mass (the largest target area) until there is no longer a threat.
     
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