Musings on Self Defense ~ By Chuck Hawks

[Lisa]

Good Read.

Self-defense, in this case, means self-defense with a firearm. And that is a subject worth some serious thought before a person has to confront a life and death situation. There are moral, legal, and practical issues to be considered.


I have tried to do this, but let me state up front that I have never had to use a firearm in defense of my life, and I hope that I never need to do so. All gun owners should give self-defense some serious thought since, should it ever be necessary, their firearm may represent the means to stop a real threat to their life or someone else's life.


Some gun owners have decided in advance that no situation ever justifies using deadly force against another human being. I respect that. Others have decided that the use of deadly force is justified only in wartime, and against an enemy soldier. Fine. Others, perhaps the majority, have decided that the use of deadly force is justified to save their life or the lives of their family, friends, and other innocent persons. That is basically my position. Others advise (jokingly, I hope) to "shoot 'em all and let God sort it out." Whatever your position, know it in advance. The heat of a deadly crisis is not a moment conducive to dispassionate reflection.

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What are you thoughts on what Chuck says? He puts a disclaimer at the bottom:

The above is by no means, nor is it intended to be, a complete treatise on the subject of self defense. It is just intended to be a starting point; some things to consider as you formulate you own doctrine for dealing with this important and challenging issue.

Would you add anything, take anything away?

 

[tellner]

I don't absolutely agree with everything he says. On the whole it's good standard advice.

 

[MA-Caver]

If I were to follow the "Oath Of Peace" then I would act accordingly best to my circumstances allow. However, in my mindset ANYONE pointing a (loaded) gun in my direction has the intent to kill me. True there may be times that it'll be accidental pointing but regardless I will do what I can to prevent that accident or intentional shooting from happening. If it means taking the life of the intentional shooter then so be it, with the accidental getting out of harms way or moving the barrel (if in close proximity) away from me (and others) quickly and safely as possible. But then no-one in their right mind would want to be around anyone who doesn't know firearm safety... even if it's in practice or training, firearm safety is absolute and unflexible.

Someone with a knife I will treat just as the same as I would with a gun. Hell, any weapon in my direction I will see it as a threat to my life. But will act accordingly depending upon the weapon and the user.

There are far too many idiots (see www.darwinawards.com for details) out there to allow a casual pointing of a weapon.