Are we delusional?

[marinville]

In most cases these guys aren't trained killers. They're clowns. Any armed resistance is liable to make one flee or take his own life. In any case, I feel pretty comfortable with my chances with my glock 32. Being armed with a handgun is not a certainty that you will win, but its a big step in the right direction.

[sota]

Clint Smith had something on this... if I find it I'll post it.

The general belief is, if you can start slinging lead back at them, even with a pistol, it'll take them away from their game plan as now they have an aggressor against them. Even if you don't stop them you'll in theory occupy them such that innocents have an opportunity to escape.

[ett]

This thread reminds me of all the anti hi-vz safety gear on motorcycle forums.
"Don't wear a hi-viz safety vest because it doesn't help."
But they have no comebacks when you ask them to prove that it's harmful to wear a hi-viz safety vest, or helmet, or jacket, or riding suit, etc ...

PROVE that it's harmful to carry.
WITHOUT giving me that "Open carriers are the first to get shot crap."

[sota]

I still haven't seen ANY reliable statistics relating the beginning of a gun fight by some fucked dude, and lawful gun carriers getting shot/targeted at the start of festivities, regardless their carry method.

And please don't anyone come back with "well this guy got his shit stolen because he was OC!" crap. that's just a dipshit with horrid situational awareness and even worse gear.

[Berncly]

Everyone except the well trained, well experienced, or highly psychotic will hesitate when shot at, regardless of weapon or caliber.
The shooter in the San Diego synagogue dropped his rifle and ran because a military vet charged at him screaming "I'm going to kill you!"
This gave someone else a chance to pursue the shooter and return fire with a handgun, and the shooter continued to flee even with a second rifle in his car.
There have been several other incidents where shooters with rifles were deterred or stopped by people with handguns.

[jakebrake]

Would you rather get into a boxing match with Mike Tyson with your hands tied behind your back or allow to swing fists?

I have to admit. I really do like this analogy. However, it might not even be Mike Tyson. It could just be somebody who wants to beat the living hell out of you. Would you rather fight back? Would you rather be beaten to death praying for your life? Would you rather die knowing that every bone in your right hand was broken and that you did everything you could to change it?

[streaker69]

[Emptymag]

Ask your friend if he owns a fire extinguisher.

Tell him he's delusional if he thinks he can put out a fire with it.
Firemen need trucks and huge hoses - call them instead.

[jthrelf]

You're at a pretty severe weapon disadvantage. But I'd wager most firearm enthusiasts (like those on this site) have more training and range time than these cowards.

Also the initial police response may only have handguns. And we expect them to eliminate the threat.

[Sgt.K]

I've was hanging out with friends and said one of them said carrying isn't going to prevent a mass shooting. Those that carry are delusional to think can. The shooter will likely kill or seriously wound you before you can react due to the back that they have an assult rifle and you have a hand gun.

What do you think?

I haven't read the details yet (it's too soon for the truth) from this weekend's shootings. That said:

If the police stopped the mass shooter within 30 seconds of his first shot, it's unlikely they didn't have time to do it with anything other than their sidearms. So, yes, it can be done.