Originally Posted by
TheLastDaze
If I can show use of non lethal force beforehand in an altercation that would go miles before a jury.. If in fact I ever had to use my gun at least I can show I tried my best to stop the proceeding threat..
Originally Posted by
TheLastDaze
the probability of ever having to shoot someone in our lifetime will probably never happen, but its foolish to be unprepared..
Originally Posted by
TheLastDaze
I'm looking primarily for my wife as well as the legalistic side of things, your two references by law would require the BG to strike first otherwise you will be held accountable, and or both go to jail if its a simple fight... to me that's letting the threat get far to close for comfort and at that point anything can happen..
Originally Posted by
TheLastDaze
My thoughts with pepper spray is if you hit them with that and they continue the threat (and you can't retreat) you have every right to feel your life is threatened and may use deadly force, as they haven't stopped and have demonstrated they intend to bring you harm..
Originally Posted by
TheLastDaze
bottom line is I don't want to lose everything I've worked so hard for in life because of some idiot that made me shoot him, a jury of peers can be easily swayed pending how things went down and we see far to often how things get twisted in this world we live in....
TLD, I've highlighted some of your comments in this thread. They are all valid and excellent points! More importantly, they show you are giving thoughtful consideration to: the judicious use of deadly force.
I've grappled with the same questions you raise in this thread. I've sought answers by reading books, searching the Internet, and taking several courses on the topic. I'll list a few of my favorite resources at the end of this post in case you wish to seek expert advice. First, here is my opinion formulated from information I've gleaned from the experts. These are my own words. I am not an expert on the subject, nor am I an attorney. Readers take notice.
In most jurisdictions, you are not required to progress from non-lethal, to less-lethal, to lethal force in order to successful defend your actions against a perpetrator. If the threat is real, and sufficient enough to justify the use of pepper spray, the use of pepper spray may not save your life. The time you lose deploying CS may preclude you from transitioning to a more effective means of stopping the assault--and you may get killed.
The decision to use a gun to save your life will likely have to be made in a split second. There will be no time to think it through. That's why is it so important to think about these issues before being faced with them. Kudos to you for doing just that.
Gun forums provide lots of information about "what" to shoot and "how" to shoot. Here are some resources about "when" to shoot:
1. In The Gravest Extreme This is an old book, but still considered by many to be the bible. Anyone who owns a gun for personal protection owes it to themselves to read this book.
2. Use Of Force This is a short online tutorial. Whoever created this site did a nice job of summarizing key points. It's a good primer to whet your appetite.
3. MAG-40 This is arguably the best training available on the topic. This 40-hour course is expensive and intense. If you have the means to take this course, do so.
Stay safe.
NRA Life Member
"Owning a handgun doesn't make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician." -Col Jeff Cooper