Gun Fighting Techniques

The reality of owning a gun is that one day you may be required to use it for defense. Target range practice and good marksmanship are essential preparations for using a gun, but are not enough by themselves. Whether you are in an intruder situation, or out in the street, to survive a gun battle safely, you must have the proper mindset and use the correct tactics.

  1. Have the Correct Mindset

    • It is of the utmost importance to have the correct "fighting mindset" when using a gun for defense. Don't put the idea in your mind of ever "shooting to kill," the goal is to shoot to "stop." Never attack first, or act as the aggressor; however, if you need to shoot, respond with overwhelming force. If in the course of stopping an attacker, you wound or kill them, you can rest assured that you have acted morally and ethically. Act with a cool head, but be ruthless. You must stop the attacker; never hold back if it is time to shoot.

    Verbal Commands

    • Often the threat or presence of a gun is enough to deter an attacker or a home intruder. Along with the right mindset, it is crucial to use verbal commands correctly. Many law officers report having dangerous altercations in the field due to issuing confusing or poorly delivered commands to an assailant. Don't combine contradictory commands such as, "Freeze. Drop the gun." Be aware of your attitude; deliver commands loudly in a clear, authoritative voice. Using statements like, "Don't make me shoot," sounds weak and could provoke an assailant to attack. "Leave now or I shoot," is a better command that leaves no doubt or room for negotiation.

    Using Cover

    • If you have taken cover and are in a prolonged gun battle, don't peek out to the side or above your cover. Leaning or sliding back from your cover will give you a wider perspective visually, without exposing more of your body to gunfire. Due to the geometry of angles, moving back in small amounts, behind cover, offers large gains in terms of your view; while your assailant can not see any more of you exposed.

    Home Invasion Tactics

    • If you are in your home or any indoor tactical situation where you must move from room to room to find an intruder, stay close to a wall and move parallel to it. Do not stand in the middle of hallways or doorways, as even in dark conditions, it is difficult for an attacker to miss if he shoots for the large shape filling the space. Stand back, away from doorways and clear a room by dividing it into pie wedges. Remain close to the wall and clear the part of the room you can see, then move across to the other wall to clear a different wedge of the room. Do not enter the doorway until the room is clear, and never lead with your weapon; an unseen assailant could seize your gun or even shoot it out of your hand.