Shoot to kill or stop the threat?

[schr8er2000]

I was always told that if you draw your weapon you intend to KILL.. and that is what I would try to do.... If you draw your intent is there... no stopping now....

[Hawk]

I've been itching to ask this question (it's not to far off topic).

At what point do you decide to shoot? Is the hassle associated with pulling the trigger worth not giving up your wallet? Is escalating the situation the wisest thing to do? If he is drawn down on you with a gun and asking for your wallet, should you try to reply with your holstered gun? Will you be successful? Do you reply differently if you have a loved one present and there is a chance, if there is gun play, they may be caught in the crossfire? What about if someone is in you house? Are you going to shoot them or give them a chance to retreat once they see your armed? Firing your gun is not always the smartest response.

[DCChris]

I think, if the situation is such that it warrants drawing your weapon, then down he goes. The assailant either stops at the sight of the gun, or you stop him.

[knight0334]

Its rather moot since its the same force being applied either way = deadly force. Whether he stops or dies is his own fate.

[adymond]

Originally Posted by Hawk

I've been itching to ask this question (it's not to far off topic).

At what point do you decide to shoot? Is the hassle associated with pulling the trigger worth not giving up your wallet? Is escalating the situation the wisest thing to do? If he is drawn down on you with a gun and asking for your wallet, should you try to reply with your holstered gun? Will you be successful? Do you reply differently if you have a loved one present and there is a chance, if there is gun play, they may be caught in the crossfire? What about if someone is in you house? Are you going to shoot them or give them a chance to retreat once they see your armed? Firing your gun is not always the smartest response.

It all depends on the situation. In most cases I would think I will comply until I feel the threat is being escalated. For instance like in another thread if I give my wallet and then am ordered into a trunk we will have problems and I hope I had picked up on the intent and dropped my wallet so that I could retreat and draw. Posessions are not worth killing and I make no mistake that no matter how justified the shoot I will have to carry a heavy burden for the rest of my life.

If family is with me the first order of business is getting them out of harms way.

If it is a home invasion I will have a pistol out when I investigate the sound. I will be preceeded by a 140 pound dog that disappears in the shadows (he's a brindle English Mastiff, see him in my avatar) so the chances are any BG still around when I find them has ill intent and will be dealt with accordingly.

[duane1]

Shoot till the threat stops.

[edstephan]

If it has escalated that you have to squeeze the bang switch, then you are already are in fear for your life or severe bodily injury.
Your reactions need to be automatic. That’s why you practice shooting the kill zone. I don’t know anyone that practices to wound.
These things happen so fast (I have first hand experience) you have no time to think. If you think or hesitate you may wind up with a knife in the chest as I did the first time. Always shoot to kill or they will try to sue you and civil suits the bar is much lower.

Just my 2¢
Ed

[5711-Marine]

Originally Posted by 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?

If it comes to the point that my weapon is drawn I will shoot to wound with two shots center mass. As many others have said, if the weapon is drawn and the threat continues rely on training. Shooting the arm, leg or head is a bad choice since they are smaller targets and can be in motion, a hit center mass is a hit that should stop the threat.

[FUNDAMENTALS]

I would discharge my weapon, to render an immediate incapacitating wound
to prevent serious bodily injury or death. If as a result of this need, the
shot or shots enter the area where the vital organs of the human body are located and the subject dies or is disabled, stopping his action is what the
use of force was intended to do. You never "Shoot to Kill". If you make
that statement, you leave yourself open to severe legal ramifications.
I do not believe that the average person that is armed, is capable of rendering just a "wingining" shot in a situation frought with the fear factor,
adrenalin, etc.

[knighthawk06699]

The only sure and guaranteed way to stop the threat is to kill it. A dead threat is not threat at all. IMHO a wounded threat is now more of a threat, wounded people become desperate and will do anything they can to stay alive or not be caught.