Charles Paul Lincoln
Regular Member
imported post
I think the OP did well given the scenario. I would personally consider three street-types who are belligerent and following me to be hostile. Not necessarily a deadly threat at that, point, however. Street people are known to carry weapons (usually knives or shanks, not guns as frequently), and three on one isbad odds. With three of them, if they came within 30 or so feet and were closing the distance quickly I might draw.
One thing to consider is when you "back away" you are putting yourself at risk of stumbling. Moving sideways or back at an angle is tactically a better action.
Since the OP was OC, and had pointed to his weapon, I think the next step is to grasp the pistol and release any retention device. Any street person knows this posture, and it is consistent with what a law enforcement officer would do if he/she perceived a threatening or potentially dangerous situation. Given that the OP felt threatened, had stated so to the aggressor, and was in the process of calling the police, it would be a stretch to call this brandishing (but, IANAL). I an others who I associate with have taken this action, and hostiles back off quickly. It reduces your draw and shoot time to a half second or less.
I agree with other posters about pepper spray. I would also think about a tactical light at this point, as it will both disorient and partially blind the aggressor. If they come at you, the light may disorient them enough for you to step to one side.
Shad0wfax, I have always been taught to say that if necessary I will shoot to stop the threat. I will not shoot to kill, but to stop the person whom I perceive to be a threat to my life, and I will continue to shoot until the threat ceases. Defensive pistol courses teach two shots to COM because that has a high probability to stop an attack.
Just my .02
Charles
I think the OP did well given the scenario. I would personally consider three street-types who are belligerent and following me to be hostile. Not necessarily a deadly threat at that, point, however. Street people are known to carry weapons (usually knives or shanks, not guns as frequently), and three on one isbad odds. With three of them, if they came within 30 or so feet and were closing the distance quickly I might draw.
One thing to consider is when you "back away" you are putting yourself at risk of stumbling. Moving sideways or back at an angle is tactically a better action.
Since the OP was OC, and had pointed to his weapon, I think the next step is to grasp the pistol and release any retention device. Any street person knows this posture, and it is consistent with what a law enforcement officer would do if he/she perceived a threatening or potentially dangerous situation. Given that the OP felt threatened, had stated so to the aggressor, and was in the process of calling the police, it would be a stretch to call this brandishing (but, IANAL). I an others who I associate with have taken this action, and hostiles back off quickly. It reduces your draw and shoot time to a half second or less.
I agree with other posters about pepper spray. I would also think about a tactical light at this point, as it will both disorient and partially blind the aggressor. If they come at you, the light may disorient them enough for you to step to one side.
Shad0wfax, I have always been taught to say that if necessary I will shoot to stop the threat. I will not shoot to kill, but to stop the person whom I perceive to be a threat to my life, and I will continue to shoot until the threat ceases. Defensive pistol courses teach two shots to COM because that has a high probability to stop an attack.
Just my .02
Charles