Granted, resisting is a big risk to make in a split-second decision. But it isn't like the average street scum have many training advantages over most of us. They are conditioned to expect success because 99% of their victims would never resist. If I thought it was feasible to resist in a single attacker scenario, I would act absolutely terrified (even more than I really was). Maybe even piss my pants on purpose. I would fumble getting my wallet out and maybe even drop it. I would fumble pulling some cash out of another pocket. I wouldn't fumble with the next thing I pull out.

 

I'm no hero, and I am not saying I would do this in every encounter. Maybe you get shot in a situation like this. Probably most people who get shot don't get killed...

 

*street scum has factors you are not considering..

1) street scum may be on drugs.. and may be completely irrational...

2) street scum may intend to shoot you anyway.. some criminals shoot people who comply..

 

as far as your well planned out scenario.. good luck.. you have a overly specific plan that relies on a whole bunch of odd role playing.. lol

I doubt you know how you would react until it happens..

 

also.. you better keep in mind this.. how fast can you draw.. if some cracked out lunatic is pointing a gun at you point blank..

 

also.. you better keep in mind this.. how fast can you draw.. if some cracked out lunatic is pointing a gun at you point blank..

 

 

If some street scum is standing with a gun at me "point blank," he's already broken a major rule of interpersonal conflict: his weapon is within in my reach. (In fact, given our carry options in NJ, this is my only real option, and Mr. Scum knows that. Right now I can't draw fast at all because my freaking gun will be 10 miles away.)

 

And as you have said, maybe he intends to shoot me anyway. If he is cracked out and acting irrationally, that probably would increase my response, not attenuate it.

 

There was a time when men placed things above their individual lives. Things like honor, nation and the betterment of society. I'm not necessarily saying that was a completely better time, or that I am that kind of man. But if large numbers of violent criminals are routinely killed and critically wounded, I think we might see an attitude shift in the criminal element. Can you imagine what it might be like if all of society got together, said enough is enough, and swore and oath to resist violent crime?

If some street scum is standing with a gun at me "point blank," he's already broken a major rule of interpersonal conflict: his weapon is within in my reach. (In fact, given our carry options in NJ, this is my only real option, and Mr. Scum knows that. Right now I can't draw fast at all because my freaking gun will be 10 miles away.)

 

And as you have said, maybe he intends to shoot me anyway. If he is cracked out and acting irrationally, that probably would increase my response, not attenuate it.

 

There was a time when men placed things above their individual lives. Things like honor, nation and the betterment of society. I'm not necessarily saying that was a completely better time, or that I am that kind of man. But if large numbers of violent criminals are routinely killed and critically wounded, I think we might see an attitude shift in the criminal element. Can you imagine what it might be like if all of society got together, said enough is enough, and swore and oath to resist violent crime?

 

I totally get it.. I understand and support your right to defend yourself.. as I said.. I carry a gun every day.. you should be able to also... but we just need to realize life is not an action movie.. and if some lunatic has a gun stuffed in your lower back asking for your money.. there is a certain level of training and practice required to deal with that.. and even with that training you may still get shot.. the point is "we" think oh well if we had a gun things would be different %100 of the time.. and I am just saying.. not so.. that's all... there is a hell of a lot more to being able to defend yourself than simply putting a gun on your belt...I think that for the amount of people carrying guns with little to no training, the world is surprisingly safe.. because each one of those is a potential catastrophe waiting to happen... I have not had the privileged of taking any simunition classes but they seem to be the closest to real you can get... when I training under martial arts (combatives.. MCMAP instructor) a lot of the training we did was on the fly.. unknown variables.. you are defending yourself against one guy and then all of the sudden someone else comes running up and attacks you.. or you are rolling around on the ground and the instructor throws a training gun on the ground and you have to fight to get control over it (to simulate a dropped weapon).. these were intensely physical training sessions.. and I still do not feel prepared completely.. the thought of having to draw a gun on someone is terrifying.. SO many things can go wrong.. and I just don't think enough people (NOT saying YOU, I do not know you.. lol) take all those dangers into account..

Training is without a doubt extremely important in surviving an unexpected violent/potentially violent situation, but keep in mind that the quality of your training/practice is just as important. Remember practice contrary to popular belief does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect and perfection will never be attained it is just someting to strive for. Personally I refuse to shoot at anything other than silhouettes or 3d targets. Why, well I have no fear of nor have any geometric shapes ever accosted me. If you become used to shooting at humanoid shapes in the event you ever have to shoot at someone in self defense or in the defense of another (and I hope you never have to) it will be less traumatic. Practice shooting with your off hand as well as your strong hand, shoot from sitting positions, laying down as you do when in bed. Shoot from the seated position as if you were in your car and the perp is behind you. When you're at home watching tv, practice drawing your weapon, changing mags. Practice retrieving your weapon from its storage location with the lights out, with your eyes closed, blindfolded, with one hand disabled then the other... You get the idea. Set up odd weekends where you or your friends are elegible to be mock mugged and practice those scenarios. You may get some odd looks or even have to find a different range or have to rent one out for your group to be able to do some of these things. I strongly suggest taking simunitions training and any other real world scenario type training if you can afford it, if not (I know I can't I am waging a running battle with homelessness right now and barely winning) but the other methods cost little to nothing and youd be surprised at how you react to the same situations when not expecting them. Hell maybe some of the guys on this forum will be willing to help each other out in this, I know I have no issues helping any that ask. Remember that chance favors the prepared and reacting isn't the answer it is acting on situations. Most of all know that pulling your weapon (not that we can carry anyway, nor can we actually use it defend ourselves if we could in all scenarios) isn't always the best response. Sometimes just handing them that decoy wallet (you do carry a decoy right) is the best solution based on circumstances. The goal is to live to see another day and be with your loved ones.

I realize that most of you already know most if not all of this, I'm not telling you anything new. Now you know why I don't post very often, as I tend to ramble when I discuss things I feel very strongly about. I grew up between here in UCNJ and several caserios in PR including candelaria (murder islands equivalent of housing projects ala Kerry Woods or Cabrini Green. Cops frequently have National Guardsmen with them when serving warrant in these areas) and sadly have been in some bad situations and have gotten myself involved in some trying to help others out of the same. (and have the scars to prove it) I just wanted to give you all a little insight in how my twisted mind works. I am not a one upman or anything of the sort, I just like to share my experiance.