I've read a lot of gun magazine articles and a couple threads concerning the classic "Double tap to center mass...,then evaluate at high/low ready..., if bad guy is not down,...follow up with head shot."
In order to keep this subject somewhat specific so we don't get off track into the unlimmited variety of schenarios which could occur, requiring different techniques than what we are discussing; I'd like to exclude multiple opponents. Let's keep it to one opponent, since that is what most of the trainers have applied this mozembique drill to.
I am familiar with the drill and the reasons behind it, as the owners of some of the combat schools have written extensively on the subject: effects on the central nervous system, etc. I have asked this question on other related threads with no response. So I thought that it would be appropriate to start this one.
I have a few problems with this drill:
1) If you are truly in jeapardy of life/limb so that you are forced to shoot a BG, why limit the center mass (heart) shots to double taps? The TIME it takes to >>tap-stop-lower weapon-visually evaluate whether or not BG still has weapon in hand or is able/willing to kill you-if so, then reaim at a possibly moving head-reengage trigger<<........at least several more shots could have been applied to his body. Anywhere you think effective to his body!
2) The choice of merely two shots, as oppossed to more, is assuming that the weapon in hand is an extremely effective one that you can trust to keep the knife welder/or the BG trigger finger from pulling off more shots at you. I don't want to get into a debate of "one shot stop" effectiveness, but IMHO a handgun has its place as the best alternative to the long arms in most peoples daily rutines. They are far more concealable and therefore appropriate for urban encounters, yet are still relatively WEAK in comparison to the rifle, 12ga.slugs, or swords. To trust your handgun to stop a BG from continuing to be a threat after only two shots seems to me to be a leap of faith in the OL .45, 9mm, 40S&W, .357mag, or (insert your favorite caliber here).
Since nobody who has espoused this drill, in my readings/discussions, has been able to give a GOOD REASON WHY "double-tap" as opposed to "triple", "quadruple", "empty most of the magazine, THEN head shot" tap method; I have a one.
>I think that MAYBE some of the trainers do not want to get caught up in a civil suit or their students in criminal procedings which the DA/prosecuter/or BG attorney accuses them of using EXCESSIVE FORCE in the situation. If they limit it to the standard double tap, they should be safe as far as a justified shooting. I hate to think that this could be a reason, but until someone corrects me, (please DO), I can not think of any other reasons for the limit of shots. Can You???????????? The above is by no means an attack upon the trainers or their schools. The trainers at these schools have shot far more than I ever have and are far more skilled with the handgun. There are a couple that I have considered going to, because there is a lot to learn from them. I would think that they must know more than I do about this subject. Anybody here who can explain this subject for me?
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"But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip; and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." -Jesus Christ (Luke 22:36, see John 3:15-18)
[This message has been edited by EQUALIZER (edited October 18, 1999).]
In order to keep this subject somewhat specific so we don't get off track into the unlimmited variety of schenarios which could occur, requiring different techniques than what we are discussing; I'd like to exclude multiple opponents. Let's keep it to one opponent, since that is what most of the trainers have applied this mozembique drill to.
I am familiar with the drill and the reasons behind it, as the owners of some of the combat schools have written extensively on the subject: effects on the central nervous system, etc. I have asked this question on other related threads with no response. So I thought that it would be appropriate to start this one.
I have a few problems with this drill:
1) If you are truly in jeapardy of life/limb so that you are forced to shoot a BG, why limit the center mass (heart) shots to double taps? The TIME it takes to >>tap-stop-lower weapon-visually evaluate whether or not BG still has weapon in hand or is able/willing to kill you-if so, then reaim at a possibly moving head-reengage trigger<<........at least several more shots could have been applied to his body. Anywhere you think effective to his body!
2) The choice of merely two shots, as oppossed to more, is assuming that the weapon in hand is an extremely effective one that you can trust to keep the knife welder/or the BG trigger finger from pulling off more shots at you. I don't want to get into a debate of "one shot stop" effectiveness, but IMHO a handgun has its place as the best alternative to the long arms in most peoples daily rutines. They are far more concealable and therefore appropriate for urban encounters, yet are still relatively WEAK in comparison to the rifle, 12ga.slugs, or swords. To trust your handgun to stop a BG from continuing to be a threat after only two shots seems to me to be a leap of faith in the OL .45, 9mm, 40S&W, .357mag, or (insert your favorite caliber here).
Since nobody who has espoused this drill, in my readings/discussions, has been able to give a GOOD REASON WHY "double-tap" as opposed to "triple", "quadruple", "empty most of the magazine, THEN head shot" tap method; I have a one.
>I think that MAYBE some of the trainers do not want to get caught up in a civil suit or their students in criminal procedings which the DA/prosecuter/or BG attorney accuses them of using EXCESSIVE FORCE in the situation. If they limit it to the standard double tap, they should be safe as far as a justified shooting. I hate to think that this could be a reason, but until someone corrects me, (please DO), I can not think of any other reasons for the limit of shots. Can You???????????? The above is by no means an attack upon the trainers or their schools. The trainers at these schools have shot far more than I ever have and are far more skilled with the handgun. There are a couple that I have considered going to, because there is a lot to learn from them. I would think that they must know more than I do about this subject. Anybody here who can explain this subject for me?
------------------
"But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip; and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." -Jesus Christ (Luke 22:36, see John 3:15-18)
[This message has been edited by EQUALIZER (edited October 18, 1999).]