Would you fire a warning shot?

[ExactlyMyPoint]

I have read a lot of posts about people using their firearms to defend themselves and in worse case scenarios actually having to shoot the BG. The aftermath is never pretty and can be very, very expensive.

The last post I read was about some BGs that were inebriated and were out to cause some type of trouble. The poster drew his weapon and they fled. Probably the best outcome.

But let’s say that they don’t flee. Let’s say that there is enough distance between them and you that they are not an “immediate” threat. (Yes, I know that the distance can be closed quite rapidly. But let’s forgo that for now.) Now one of the BGs states, “Come on buddy. You don’t want to use that. Think of all the trouble that it is going to cause YOU. Legal fees, law enforcement, etc., etc., etc.” (I know. He is quite eloquent for being drunk. What if he is not drunk?) Then he starts walking toward you, not fast, but he is closing the distance. What do you do?

Some thought that come to mind is trying to use your command voice and make your intentions known. Something like, “STOP NOW OR I WILL SHOOT”. But he ignores you. Would you fire a WARNING shot, say at his feet?

I can see the good and bad to this. But was wondering what your opinions are.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[pgrass101]

No I would not fire a warning shot.

Verbal warning, then Bang

[Reborn]

No warning shots.......what if the BG is standing on concret. If you hit him in the foot; he will probably sue you for making him walk with a limb the rest of his life. You will be the one held accountable for where ever the warning shot goes.........

[walvord]

If I ever have to draw, it will not be for a warning shot. It will be because I fear for my life or the life of my loved ones and my goal will be to stop the threat.

[Rock and Glock]

It will be because I fear for my life or the life of my loved ones and my goal will be to stop the threat.

That is the answer for me.

[JD]

NO!

Where is that warning shot going to go?

You are responsible for every round you fire, if it's not going to go into a bad guy, it's not going to leave my muzzle.

[retsupt99]

If my life is in danger...no warning shot...
If my life is not in danger...I quickly walk away...

I pretty much keep to myself...someone prying into my space, better have honest, 'legal' intentions...

Stay armed...stay safe!

[C9H13NO3]

Know your target and what is beyond it. COM solves that problem. If I already have the gun out, then I'm 99.9% likely to legally be able to, and probably need to pull the trigger.

[Rob72]

Then he starts walking toward you, not fast, but he is closing the distance. What do you do?

I OC him. If he's persistant, he suffers blunt force trauma to the base of the skull.

Clearly, with all his thinking going on, he and his partners have a concerted, organized effort. If one needs to die, they all die. Be careful as long as you can, then be very fast.

[SonofASniper]

Warning shots are only for the NAVY, and that is simply to let the bad guy know that they are in range.

[mslaughtertx]

warning shot will have to eventually hit something....too much of a risk. I would give a verbal and then neutralize the threat if it is still there.

[MadDog]

Where is that "warning" shot going to go? you may think it's a warning shot but it may strike an unplaned target. If simply brandishing dosn't stop the BG and you are in danger, take aim and use force if needed.

[garyacman]

I agree with most posts, but add one more thing. The person has no weapon that YOU CAN SEE. What now?

[pgrass101]

I agree with most posts, but add one more thing. The person has no weapon that YOU CAN SEE. What now?

Same thing

Verbal warning...

Bang

[Biloxi Bersa]

Yeah.

COM.

Twice.