To Double Tap or Not.... And Why??

[JIDinPhilly]

One of the things that I learned when I did the Prisim use of force training, is that 2 shots didn't always stop the threat. In more than 1 scenario that I did, the bad guy would still be coming after you even after 2 good center of mass shots. Some in my class who trained using a double tap method, would wind up getting shot because the would shoot twice and freeze. The bad guy would either get up and shoot or didn't go down after being shot twice. Just food for thought.

It was similar to this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFFwPUhXLSY

[eXceLon]

I think the legal answer is "shoot until the threat no longer exists". The tactical answer may be different.

I'm reluctant to promote something like the Mozambique drill, since it seems like in shooting under stress you're lucky to hit center-of-mass let alone trying to pull off a well controlled head-shot.

I think a pretty good technique is to do a "controlled pair" and then reassess. Although you should probably be moving during that time, not just standing there staring at the threat to see if he's going to go down presenting a perfect shot for your attacker.

[LittleRedToyota]

i don't even practice double-taps. i do practice controlled pairs, though.

and, in FoF training, i never double-tap. i do, however, shoot controlled pairs in FoF.

i have found in FoF that i actually can register what happened with the first shot and only take the second if warranted. it isn't so much that i decide to take the second shot when i take it, though. i am already planning on taking that shot and beginning to execute it when i see something that makes realize it is not warranted and, so, i do not take it.

imho, you actually can evaluate what happened with the first shot while in the process of beginning the second shot and then abort the second shot if it is not warranted.

just my two cents.

[cigarmanpa]

Depends on the situation... how many perps, what weapons, distance etc.
One perp with an AK....keep shooting until threat is gone.
Half a dozen perps with baseball bats... fire once on the greatest threat and keep retreating. (Always retreat if you can safely)

if you can safely retreat, you better not be shooting

[DaveM55]

I practice accelerated pairs and then assess.

Followed by a head shot or another accelerated pair if required to stop the threat.

What ever you practice is what you'll do in a real situation.

If you spray and pray a full magazine every time you "practice", that's most likely what you'll do in real life.

I wouldn't empty an entire magazine on one subject because bad guys typically travel in groups.

You won't rise to the occasion, you'll default to your level of training. - Barrett Tillman

[topsykretts]

i don't even practice double-taps. i do practice controlled pairs, though.

and, in FoF training, i never double-tap. i do, however, shoot controlled pairs in FoF.

i have found in FoF that i actually can register what happened with the first shot and only take the second if warranted. it isn't so much that i decide to take the second shot when i take it, though. i am already planning on taking that shot and beginning to execute it when i see something that makes realize it is not warranted and, so, i do not take it.

imho, you actually can evaluate what happened with the first shot while in the process of beginning the second shot and then abort the second shot if it is not warranted.

just my two cents.

This guy said everything I was trying to say much more eloquently than I did.

[FUNDAMENTALS]

My personal philosphy has been predicated based on the simple fact: "That
you discharge your weapon to inflict an immediate incapacitating wound, to
prevent severe bodily injury or death to yourself, family, etc". If it takes 1,
2, 3, or 4 rounds, so be it to stop the attack/threat. Will I catch grief if
I shoot in the same situation, 1 round of 12 Gauge, 2 3/4" #OO buck, with 9
pellets, the size of a .32 cal moving at a thousand feet per/sec., I do not
think so. Remember your actions were based on what you preceived at
that moment in time that was life threatening.

[Gunnutz13]

To Double Tap or Not.... And Why??

YES...2nd rule of Zombieland.

[GRIZ]

Jeff Cooper said "anyone who deserves to get shot deserves to get shot at least twice".

This is how all LE agencies I know of train. You shoot until the threat stops. Some agencies like NYPD are more conservative and have adopted "shoot twice, then assess" which can be dangerous to the officer. NYPD adopted this in a move to avoid contagious fire. "Pausing for effect" as you say it can give the BG the chance to kill you if your shots missed or hit nothing that will stop him. It has nothing to do with lack of confidence in your ammo. Nothing that can be held and fired is 100% be it a 22LR, 45 ACP, 12 GA Slug, or 50 BMG from a Barrett.

The reason you are shooting is to stop the threat. Whether it's one round or 15 really doesn't make a difference legally, the fact is you are shooting in self defense and you are shooting until the threat is gone.

[Baldy]

I would shoot until the threat eaither runs away then falls down.

Cop: "Sir, how many shots did you fire"
Shooter: "I don't even know, I panicked, I just pulled the trigger until I couldn't anymore"

Josh

Cop: "Sir, how many shots did you fire"
Correct Answer: "I would like to answer you, Sir, after I consult with my attorney".