Posted: 1/8/2006 1:35:58 AM EDT
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I use my long drive to work every day to allow my mind to wander into the "what ifs" of the world, and here's the thought for the day: In a civilian self-defense shooting, how will you justify the double or triple tap? Before anybody tries to convince me of their merits, I practice multiple shots routinely, from double taps to mag dumps into targets. I don't need convincing, but, let's say the jury does. What's your reasoning to them? Why did you not shoot him once and see what happened with that? "Because I was trained to?" that won't cut it in court. "I didn't think just one round would do it?" Then why shoot him? Multiple shots center mass certainly make you look like a cold-blooded murderer to the unwashed masses. Justify your actions. Bear in mind, I'm certainly not against this at all, but I'm trying to play Devil's Advocate so that we all may learn and prosper. Now, fire away. |
+1. Besides the fact that i'm not personally going to have to justify anything to anyone. That's what my lawyer is on retainer for. |
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I guess it's good that you are thinking about this stuff now rather than during a gunfight. My main concern would just be survival and stopping the threat. Hopefully you can make peace with this concern and set it aside so it doesn't slow you down if you need to fight. Personally I put this under the catagory of things I would let my lawyer worry about. That's what he gets the big bucks for. My job is to protect my family. |
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1 shot, 2 shots, a mag, it doesn't make a huge difference. (actually, a whole mag might show your fear for your life which is good). As long as it isn't..... *BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG* *CLICK* *Reload* *BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG* *CLICK* *Bayonet comes out, STAB* *Lighter comes out....* ....then you should be ok in court. |
My plan as well, but at some point, this question will certainly come up. Now class, let's all say it together: "I was in fear for my life, I need my attorney before I can say anything else."  Another thought, speak to your spouses about this as well. I have already told Mrs gorilla that law enforcement will hear nothing from me without an attorney, and she damn well better do the same if she's with me if something happens. 
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Such knowledge is indeed “discoverable” in court. Your notes, the videos you've watched, your instructors themselves, can all be introduced to the jury in your defense. Quality training is the answer to your worries. Also, ever shoot an IDPA or IPSC match? |
Too funny. Yea, that might land you in some hot water. |