[walther]

In the unlikely event one of us would have to draw and use our CCW, what would you do? Would you immediately try for a 'kill' shot (center mass or head) or would try for a wounding shot (leg, knee, shoulder, etc.) first hoping to stop the threat without a kill?

Above question is posed based on the assailant (lets say a mugger for these purposes) is approaching, holding a weapon as he demands your valuables and you make the decision to try and stop him using force (other means aren't applicable such as retreat, calling for help) as opposed to giving up the goods.

Would the legal ramifications be any different in a 'shooting to injure' case as opposed to a 'shooting to kill' case? (ie, would it be harder to defend yourself against one or the other?)

Also, my query is based on the fact that you do NOT think the BG will kill you after you shoot him (either you believe he'll drop the weapon, or he's got a blunt/bladed weapon that requires close range or you think a .45 will adequately disable him regardless of where hit; whatever the situation fear of loss of life on your part after the shooting isn't an issue, just to remove that from the equation). And for the purposes of this discussion lets say you are alone, late at night.

I ask because I was speaking with a friend who's also got a LTCF last night and he swears that if you were to make a disabling shot it would be far easier to defend yourself in court (legal system, civil court is anyone's guess).

Personally, I would take the center mass shot regardless of circumstances. If I'm drawing my sidearm on you, you've done something that you shouldn't have and I fear for my life/the lives of those that I love and won't leave any room for error (the BG getting a chance) but I was curious of other's opinions on this, honestly I never really thought about it before last night, always just thought to take the 'sure shot' as I was taught.