Posted: 6/6/2009 11:13:50 AM EDT
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Does anyone else keep a "checklist" of sorts in their hip pocket, something to run through before using lethal force to defend yourself?
I read somewhere about this short checklist, and I think it makes sense: Ability: Does the threat have the ability to inflict lethal harm (i.e. gun, knife, disparately larger, 2 against 1, etc.) Opportunity: Does the threat have the opportunity to employ their lethal force? (i.e. rushed by man w/ knife = yes, rushed by man w/ knife on other side of fence = no) Jeopardy: Would a jury of my peers, if placed in my situation, believe that their life (or the life of a third party) was at risk? (i.e. screaming man threatening to kill me = yes, uniformed police officer standing in the bank w/ a holstered pistol = no) I just kind of think of it as a triangle of criteria, where each leg of the triangle has to be satisfied before I am permitted to use (or even display) lethal force in self-defense. Anyone use this also, or something different? |
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I think a more appropriate checklist would be to count the number of times "OH SHIT!" runs through your head in two seconds.
One "OH SHIT" or less, relax and walk away. 2-4 "OH SHITS," grab that gat! 5-8 rapid "OH SHITS," get ready to rumble. 8 or more, more or less a continuous stream of "OH SHIT OH SHIT OH SHIT," start firing like it was the Fourth of July. |
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I thought you meant a checklist before leaving for shooting.
I made this little one up for IPSC/IDPA matches. Has saved me a few times from forgetting match essential equipment. Belt (to put holster on) Ears (hearing and eye protection) A Concealment (only applies to IDPA) Holster & magazine carrier(s). Ammo Magazines Pistol |
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Quoted: Really? No one mentally prepares themselves for the use of deadly force? No one practices an abridged checklist to best protect themselves legally, as well as physically? <sigh> Do I actually carry a list in my pocket to check off before I use deadly force? No, I jump through those mental hoops before the gun goes on. And if you're worried about what a jury is going to think BEFORE you even draw a gun then you've lost before starting. And last but not least, take these threads to the Carry Issues forum if you want intelligent responses and not 10 pages of wanna be comedians practicing their hobby. |
WTF? 
We use a checklist for operating Large, Transport Category Commercial Aircraft. (even then, you don't really need one) One does not use a checklist for using deadly force. It would be what is called a "Memory item" Are you in fear for your life, and / or would a reasonable person conclude that you are facing an imminent threat of death or serious harm? ––-shoot. If you can't memorize the general concept, you shouldn't trust yourself with the responsibility. If you really feel the need for a tactical checklist, then just get one that covers what to do AFTER a shooting. 1.) STFU 2.) CALL LAWYER 3.) STFU 4.) Refer to step 1. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Really? No one mentally prepares themselves for the use of deadly force? No one practices an abridged checklist to best protect themselves legally, as well as physically? <sigh> Do I actually carry a list in my pocket to check off before I use deadly force? No, I jump through those mental hoops before the gun goes on. And if you're worried about what a jury is going to think BEFORE you even draw a gun then you've lost before starting. And last but not least, take these threads to the Carry Issues forum if you want intelligent responses and not 10 pages of wanna be comedians practicing their hobby. Thanks. I knew there was a Handgun forum, but not a Carry Issues forum. I didn't mean an actual written checklist, I meant mental check-off items, simplified to save time (which you may not have much of), but somewhat all inclusive. After the adrenaline of such a situation disappears, the police are only going to be interested in the facts of why force was used. I think it makes sense to have some strategy to ensure the facts are going to end up in your favor. |