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

[TX Rancher]

It wouldn’t matter to me if it’s male or female…if they’re pointing a firearm at me, they are to be considered equally dangerous.

While distance is usually your friend, it’s not always true. Sometimes your attempt to gain distance could be counter to your survival. Often this statement assumes the BG is a terrible shot, and your good…maybe that’s not the case…maybe he practices several times a month, maybe he’s ex-military.

Also, there’s a general tendency for all answers to be gun centric. In some cases going for you gun will get you killed since it takes time to draw and bring your weapon into play. We often quote the coveted “21 ft rule� when talking about the BG, but forget that it works both ways. If the BG is within close engagement range you could close on him and use hand to hand and probably be faster then backing up and bringing your roscoe into play. Closing on him also has the potential added advantage of allowing you to direct his firearm away from you. If you don’t have some basic H-H training, then get some.

Movement is a good thing. One true axiom is “don’t be where the BG’s gun is pointing�. If it ain’t pointing at you, he can’t shoot you! Once you start moving, my suggestion is don’t stop until you reach cover, or the fights over. Stopping to get in your stance means you’ve stopped, and have become an easier target for the BG. Keep moving. If you currently don’t practice shooting on the move, then start. Remember, unless you get a CNS hit, your pistol, even if it’s a 45, won’t instantly stop the BG’s ability to return fire. It’s a dubious honor to be able to say I killed the guy that killed me.

After the BG’s down and out of the fight, check 360 degrees. Does he have any friends, is the fight really over? Then reload your weapon…you do carry a spare mag don’t you? Then check to see if you were hit. Just like BG’s get hit and don’t know it due to adrenaline, so do good guys. Allowing yourself to bleed out until you pass out is not good self defense tactics.

The most important thing is to keep thinking and once you decide the time is right to attack, then attack with all the vengeance you can muster, and stay in the fight until it’s over.

[yobdab]

The thought of moving and causing a distraction have occured to me. BUT if a family member is present the thought of running around and leaving them alone is unacceptable.

Would maybe one or two lateral steps be enough to keep th BG missing while you draw your weapon?

[fm2]

TX Rancher, excellent post!

The most important thing is to keep thinking and once you decide the time is right to attack, then attack with all the vengeance you can muster, and stay in the fight until it’s over.

This is where the rubber meets the road. Remember, action can beat reaction, as long as your not too far behind the power curve. So add some misdirection & confusion for the BG to that action and a covert drawstroke should help.

yobdab wrote:
Would maybe one or two lateral steps be enough to keep the BG missing while you draw your weapon?

TX Rancher, made a great point about not getting too gun centric.

The scenario you describe can contain a great many variables that may be known and some unknowns, ie.... Proximity to the BG, BG's intent, proximity to the BG's weapon, BG's reaction time, # of BGs, footing surface, wind gusts, nearest cover, etc...

These variables will have an effect on the succesful application of your tactics and techniques.

[USMC-COL]

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.

I agree with Jason. The brain is the most powerful weapon. There is no cookie cutter solution. A lot depends on all of the variables present in the environment at the time, your assessment of the BG, and your own abilities and training. Like a Ninja, use the environment as your friend. Maintaining presence of mind was critical for me during special times. Go through the OODA loop cycle and once a decision is made to respond with force, the action must be fast, forceful, and violent - like a storm. Use space and time to your advantage. Having said all that, I agree with others that property is not worth a life. When I teach a women's self-defense course using all available items at hand, the one bottom line we leave with is never to get in the car with a perp.

[RubenZ]

I just thought. If your with family. You could maybe get in front of them to protect them which would be a normal reaction. Then have your commando wife stealthy grab your piece and fire.

If it were that easy LOL.

[KD5NRH]

The thought of moving and causing a distraction have occured to me. BUT if a family member is present the thought of running around and leaving them alone is unacceptable.

Your family members should know to move too. If you're the one presenting a lethal threat back to the BG, he's going to have to deal with you somehow before he can chase them.

You should move laterally or diagonally until ready to fire, they should be gaining distance as fast as possible.

[yobdab]

I just thought. If your with family. You could maybe get in front of them to protect them which would be a normal reaction. Then have your commando wife stealthy grab your piece and fire.

If it were that easy LOL.

That would be real slick, really something to think about