Even regular readers of The Shooter’s Log can’t read or respond to all of the comments, so we have started a new weekly feature that will recap a sampling of the most active, interesting, or on occasion, randomly selected comments from the previous weeks. Feel free to respond with your two cents at the bottom of this article or by clicking the story link and adding it directly to the discussion.
Reader Comments From Previous Weeks
Is Arming Our Teachers the Answer? Teachers Weigh in from Both Sides of the Fence
Any teacher who is qualified to carry a handgun should be allowed to do so, their choice. In addition, every school should have a minimum of 2 armed guards, handguns and access to carbines; whose sole job is the safety of the students. Not investigating narcotics, or investigating stolen books or stolen lunches. Nothing but remaining vigilant for intruders or dangerous incidents on premises; to intercede, with investigations and criminal proceedings handled by regular law enforcement. These guards should be in constant communication with each other and school admin; and if both guards are involved in an emergency, some other school employee must step in to monitor cameras and communicate with the guards.
~Bob
Video: Crimson Trace Myth Busters — Will the laser be a crutch?
One place the laser is a great help is in early pistol training.
Explain how the sights are aligned, then turn on a laser set up to be dead center over the front sight when the sights are properly aligned.
Let them fire a couple of rounds that way, then turn off the laser and continue. It simply gives them a good reference to see that “if you align the sights correctly the impact will be on the target.” No magic, just an easy way to see how that system works.
~HW Stone
Taurus Millennium G2C — Outclassing the Competition
I have owned a pt111 g2 for well over a year, I paid $189 new, have fired close to 4000 rounds and have not had any issues. I am looking to get the g2c very shortly. Even my son (former army SF) who use to carry a glock, was very impressed with the performance of the G2.
~Eperry
Gun Fights are Dangerous — Even if You Win
I’m reading these arm chair procedures after the fact and old Gringo is using the most logic. Randy, do you know if there is only one intruder? Police should NEVER enter a residence without identifying him or herself. If procedure is followed, then the officer will have back up. Even if shots are fired, you cover the exits, make a strategic analysis and clear the house while properly identifying yourself. I would reserve judgement either way but it doesn’t look good for the officer. There will be a suit. There will be a termination. The only questions are, is will they find out the truth, will there be justice and will anything be learned? WE have the right to defend ourselves in OUR own homes, without sprawling on the floor with our hands behind our heads until the police come and properly identify all parties involved.
~JAMES T COOK
Gun Fights are Dangerous — Even if You Win
dprato
I read your comment and like you I would protect my family.
But the article never said the homeowner threatened to shoot uniformed officer. While this is a tragic event. I can tell you will 100% honesty that a distressed homeowner who just used his or her weapon to protect themselves in their house. Whether they hit the intruder or not is irrelevant. They will point the gun at the police. By mistake or out of pure adrenaline and they are swinging their arms around. I have had homeowners point guns at me more times than I would like. Where I live every body owns and carries a gun just about so I don’t freak out upon seeing a person with a gun. Especially when like most men sleep, in their underwear or woman in a nightgown. But these officers may not be used to it. Just seeing the guns blocked every other clue like the homeowner was wearing boxer shorts. I will say the officers if they did not do it should have yelled several times that “ we are the police, we are coming in. Put your weapon down if you still have it.” But even after that, I have still had homeowners point a gun at me. They are only human and sometimes S**t just happens.
~EquusPallidus
Gun Fights are Dangerous — Even if You Win
How many of you that gave the text book response have been in an actual gun fight? Used your weapon on a person? Been a LEO that has?
I really appreciate OldGringos post. Thank you! Our police are put in very difficult situations and roasted for any mistake. I would like to think they are superhuman, but they make mistakes. In my mind, this is one more argument to address compensation. We want moderately to poorly paid, and at times respected, people to perform flawlessly across a variety of difficult scenarios. As a free society I would think we would value them more than that…
~Colin
Gun Fights are Dangerous — Even if You Win
I think a lot more facts need to come out on this event before commenting on it directly — though I agree with several of the comments that have already been made.
Yet there are a few things going through my head that haven’t been mentioned yet:
1) How did the police manage to arrive before/as the shooting was occurring? (having worked as a dispatcher through college, I’m well away that even after the police are called they aren’t going to arrive at the scene instantaneously)
2) What was the homeowner’s situation/mindset? I know that due to my own situation and the nature of potential home invaders I could face (e.g. history of using of false flag tactics) it’s predisposed me to respond in a (potentially) lethal manner to anyone unrecognized coming into my home uninvited — no matter what they are wearing — and especially if they have a weapon (of any kind) in hand
……which is something that absolutely terrifies me (and is one of the many reasons why my doors are generally locked even when I am home).
So yeah, I think there are a lot more facts that need to come out before any significant analysis of this incident can occur. Though it may serve as an inducement to think a bit more rigorously about our own situations and responses.
~JJPrize
Gun Fights are Dangerous — Even if You Win
That’s an excellent point that he had just fired his weapon in an enclosed space & probably can’t hear anything that the officer might have said. We all need to program that scenario into our minds & be prepared for it to happen.
~Frank Cizek
Video: Crimson Trace Myth Busters — Will the laser be a crutch?
For me it’s no different that when I use iron sights shooting “timed fire” when shooting “Bullseye” competition. I’ve always called it “pass shooting”. It’s been a long time since I’ve done this but it works perfect for me. Except with a laser, it’s easier for me to get correct sight alignment. I time it so the front sight or laser sight line up with the bullseye the same time as I let a round off. It took a bit of practice for me back in the day, but it still feels natural for me to shoot using this technique.
~Spencer
Video: Crimson Trace Myth Busters — Will the laser be a crutch?
Two trains of thought here. 1. They are excellent in low level light. In one case I had a lot of rats on the property and had to stand in the dark–couldn’t see my iron sights. it was perfect just to see the laser shine in the fur and touch one off. I can see how in a night firefight with adversaries bouncing around objects to hide, etc that you could shoot faster than trying to line up your irons on them. Also, my old eyes are failing and the laser will probably end up being my only way of accurately shooting.That said,
2. I train to never depend on them. As others have said, batteries, simple failure, unable to hold the firearm in a way that would turn it on AND it can trace someone back to you! I had one on an HK-94 and used to like to time shoot small targets as rapidly as possible just for fun. just touch it with a laser and fire. I don’t have one on my main carry and probably wouldn’t in general. Maybe a night camping trip etc.
~Marvin Von Renchler
Why put a light on your gun– and show an assailant exactly where you are?
When you put a light on your pistol, you are telling your opponent exactly where you are in the dark, and giving them an aimpoint for their return fire!
I would think that it would be better to hold a light offset from your gun, so your opponent has to guess where you are, or fire at the light location, hoping to hit you!