Well, campers, after posting the story about Massad Ayoob’s 2-day class on the Rules of Engagement (the kind were a shooting occurs…and not the kind that necessarily involves a life sentence), we received some questions from TTAG’s Armed Intelligenstia about his classes. I thought to myself, “Brad,” (for that is my name) “why not just track down an email address for The Man himself, and see if you can get the straight skinny from him. And whilst you’re at it, ask for an interview.” I figured, the worst he could say is “No.” Much to my delight, Mr. Ayoob has graciously consented to an interview, which should take place sometime next week.
Far be it from me to bear the heavy burden of quizzing the Sensei of Self Defense on my own. No, Gentle Readers, I’m asking you to contribute questions, and I’ll do my level best to get ’em asked and answered. This is a wonderful opportunity to get information on self-defense and shooting issues, so let’s not waste it. So what would you ask him, if you were able to conduct the interview yourself?
Keep it pithy, people. Post your queries here in the comments section. I’ll take the rest of it from here. But time’s a-wastin’…don’t wait until the last minute if you want to get those burning questions an authoritative answer.
What should you say (or not say) to the first responders?
Don’t forget the 911 call.
My question for Mr. Ayoob is this: Is there any way for someone, short of an actual engagement, to have a sense of whether or not they’ll be able to draw and fire once the circumstances justify it?
How has your philosophy for training civilians changed over the last 20 years?
In regards to home defense training, should trainers advocate teaching “house clearing” to civilians?
Many people who carry do so via pocket carry. Most trainers will not allow civilians to participant in their training programs (I know of only one who does) if the student does so. They insist a holster on your hip and 2 magazines on the belt. What is your opinion of “train as you carry”? Should the conceal carry training industry be more open to pocket carry training?
1) removal of factory devices, e.g. magazine disconnect safety. The debate over this never ceases on the Interweb… on one side, you have the “don’t do it or you’ll be sorry” crowd and on the other side is the “I’d rather be judged by twelve than carried by six… and show me a documented case where this came back to haunt the shooter in a “good” shoot” crowd.
2) use of “LE only” ammunition in SD shooting. I know ATK’s (Federal, Speer) policy is not to sell their LE only ammo, e.g. Federal Tactical HST and Tactical Bonded to civilians. That said, I have Federal HST in my house gun because I can get it cheaper than most premium SD ammunition at $26 per box of 50 rather than the typical 20 round box for most other brands.
Does the type of weapon used in a self-defense shooting actually matter?
To clarify, are you more likely to face problems if you used a “scary” weapon like an AR-15 than if you had used a more traditional weapon such as a revolver or a shotgun?
I second this question, with an added clarification:
Do you think it’s beneficial to spend extra for a wood stocked rifle/shotgun and sacrifice weight/features in order to avoid a jury from being influenced by societal prejudices?
Yes, the type of weapon can matter:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BTT/is_168_28/ai_112685749/
Thanks for the link! It’s a great article by Ayoob — the man can really write.
Good questions all…keep ’em comin’…
Is there any time when it’s OK to have your finger on the trigger when you’re deciding whether or not to fire?
What do you think about affordable guns for people who wouldn’t otherwise buy a gun? For example, Hi-Point has made it possible for people in low income-high crime areas to buy a force equalizer to defend themselves and their families. If a family could only afford $400, would you recommend they buy a more reputable brand with a box of ammo, or a Hi-Point plus some practice/training?
Will he sign my copy of In The Gravest Extreme? Just kidding; I hope I can take one of his courses someday and get it myself.
Mas: Thoughts on the caliber debate….380/9/40/45/10….Is it shot placement or size of the hole?
Consider the Colorado theater shootings; could the families of the victims file a class action suit? It would be based on the fact that they were forbidden the chance to defend themselves. ( I think carrying into a theater in CO is against state law, but if a similar instance occurred elsewhere- but the OWNER posted a sign forbidding concealed carry.) Could they not sue the owner? And my thought is, if several suits were brought, it might make owners think twice before posting that sign.
Just saw the dates..guess I’m spittin’ in the wind….