imported post
How about using "common sense" when faced with defensive scenarios instead of "knee-jerk reactions." You shoot to "stop the threat" or "bring the person down." That doesn't mean you give up any tactics in the process, either. In other words, you don't do the same thing they do on TV where you set the gun down and kiss your wife while the bad guy gets back up. Most states allow you to shoot only as necessary to stop the threat. Technically, that means that if you shoot the bad guy a couple of times and say they both hit non-vital areas, the bad guy falls down, and says "I surrender! Don't shoot me!" then you stand at a safe distance (10 feet minimum) while you hold him at citizens' arrest and then dial the police. What you don't do is then walk up tothe person and put a final shot in his forehead. You don't proceed to tie him up and then strangle him.
The point is you stop the threat, whether or not the person lives or dies. However, your objective is not to end the person's life. You are not allowed to "make sure he's dead." Don't get me wrong either. If someone were threatening my life, I would likely empty at least half a magazine from a pistol or two powerful shells from the shotgun. Unfortunately, it seems like some people here have a different objective than lawful self-defense but instead have some sort of desire to execute criminals. Be advised that in most states even if someone broke into your house/store/whatever, if the police can prove that excessive force was used, you will be liable in criminal AND civil court. So this "one in each knee cap and a final point-blank to the head" commentary that I hear here and at gun shops will get you no where except the gray-bar hotel.
As to the "gun every three feet" rule, I'm sorry but I don't believe everything I read or watch and especially on YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, and similar junk websites. If this were true in a typical convenience store, judging by the average square footage, the store owner would have to have dozens of guns in the store and where would he hide them all? It defies logic as if there were that many guns around then customers could get a hold of them and steal them or use them against him. If the store is that dangerous, common sense would imply that the owner would have a pistol on him at all times and maybe a shotgun strategically placed where he could get to it but an unauthorized person couldn't.A gun "every 3 feet?" I also have a bridge to sell. Enjoy your YouTube. I'm moving on to the next thread. :uhoh: