What would you do if approached by an armed bad guy/girl?

[yobdab]

What would you do if a bad guy approached you with his/her pistol already drawn and pointed at you? I have ran this over in my mind and can see the benefits of not drawing your weapon as well as drawing your weapon. In one case you leave your health up to the bad guy and the other you would be forcing his hand.

I wa curious what others would do in this situation.

[jason]

I think above all else, remember that you have a very powerful weapon at your disposal - your brain. Each situation will be different and there is no "silver bullet" answer.

Situational awareness is key in these situations. Always being mindful of what is around you and what tactical advantages you might have or not have given a situation.

Examples:
- Don't park your car in the dark corner of a shopping mall parking lot.
- Do leave ample room between your car and the one in front of you at stop lights to maneuver if necessary (carjackings).
- 911 on my phone is speed-dialed

Given that the BG has the drop on you, remain calm and try not to agitate him. You'll have very little time to assess the BG's demeanor. Is the BG high, crazy, desperate, what? This assessment is key, as it could help you determine if any negotiation is possible.

Do everything you can to keep distance between you and the BG. If you haven't had training in direct hand-to-hand combat, I wouldn't suggest engaging the BG in such a manner.

The BG wants something from you. What is it? If it's money, give it. If it's your car give it. Personally, I don't believe any life is worth either of these things. Some here will disagree.

Do not get into the car with the BG. That's where I draw the line.

Carrying a concealed weapon, I hope I never have to use it. But I am also prepared to if I feel that my life or the lives of others is at risk.

[KD5NRH]

What would you do if a bad guy approached you with his/her pistol already drawn and pointed at you?

MOVE

Don't stop moving until your weapon is out, at full extension, and you need a more stable stance to safely take your shot(s). Lather, rinse, repeat.

Anybody approaching brazenly with a weapon drawn and pointed isn't likely to settle for taking your cash and leaving you unhurt.

[Wildscar]

What would you do if a bad guy approached you with his/her pistol already drawn and pointed at you?

I would hope my reaction is faster that his intent.

[GlockandLoad]

Assess the situation. You could also use eye glances to your advantage.
When the BG approaches, look over his shoulder like you notice something, this will make him look or make him move. (Like you are looking over his shoulder) and at the same time you are looking to see what is behind the BG in case you have to draw and fire.

How close is this BG? 2 yards, 10 yards? And yes, movement is your friend. Too many people are getting robbed these days and being shot even when there is 100% compliance. So you could do everything he says, and POW, he could still shoot you. Move, keep moving, and stay ready.

Was that the right answer?

[Wildscar]

You know you could even mix this up and say the BG only looks to be able 10 or 12 years old. Then what?!?!

[Dougmyers5]

If you are aware enough of your surroundings start backing away from the person still facing them as you draw your gun. Its easier to fire straight while backing away in a crouched position then to fire over your shoulder running away.

Like the others say keep moving and putting space between you and the BG as fast and as much as you can.

[Thane]

If the BG already has a weapon drawn, he's made his intent patently clear: do what he wants, or I'm dead. As compliance has a poor survival track record, I think it's pretty clear what to do: pretend compliance or dodge around until you're able to get your own weapon out and properly respond to the threat.

Possible options include lateral movement and sidestepping, diving for cover/concealment, handing over wallet and "fumbling" it so you can get your gun out while the BG is looking/bending down, using improvised weapons, grabbing the BG's weapon arm and forcing it away from you, reach for the wallet and come up with a .45, etc.

It's a very situational and subjective question. Does the BG appear to be high on something? What cover/concealment is available? How physically fit are you? How well do you keep your presence of mind? There is no one "correct answer"; anything that keeps you sound, safe, and alive is the correct response.

[Texican_gal]

"Yo homie, is that my briefcase ...."

[KD5NRH]

You know you could even mix this up and say the BG only looks to be able 10 or 12 years old. Then what?!?!

Reaction times may be very fast; get that first shot off as soon as you cease your lateral movement. Ideal and total target areas are smaller; slow down follow-on shots a bit to place them more carefully.

Someone threatening deadly force is not a child or an adult or a man or a woman at that moment; just an imminent threat that must be dealt with immediately. A lethal force situation is no time for bigotry.

[RubenZ]

I'm almost sure that most BG's can be fooled by simply saying "Do you know who is behind you" and they'd turn around. LOL.

I would use Eye Movement first. Secondly I would probably just fake a panick attack. Just put your hands up start to pretend to freak out grab your wallet toss it, toss your keys just toss everything at him and pretend your losing it. Then shoot as soon as he is distracted. Chances are you willingness to Kill him ASAP is greater than his to kill you. Chances are they are just trying to scare you into doing something. Your element of surprise is the greatest advantage.

[Mark G26]

All good post and something to think about on the most part

[cbr600]

deleted

[jason]

pretend compliance or dodge around until you're able to get your own weapon out and properly respond to the threat.

I agree with this. If through your compliance you can create a distraction, you may be able to draw your weapon and get behind cover.

[frankie_the_yankee]

Spot the threat coming and avoid. Even if not successful, you have usually at least gained distance (see below).

If that fails, the main factor then becomes distance. If the bg is at or near contact range there is little you can do except comply and hope for an openning.

10 yards or more puts me in the move &* shoot crowd. Assuming you have a decent level. of skill,it should be enough to carry the day. Beyond 10 yards, his chances of hitting you are small. The bg will likely miss and you won't.

Remember, distance and cover are your friends. Gain as much of them as you can.