However, people view knives or clubs as less-lethal threats.
The reality is quite different, though.
But he planned to find out.
A summary of Tuellers findings was published inSWATmagazine in an article called How Close Is Too Close.
To say the least, this article had a profound effect on the law enforcement community.
Like many officers, it certainly caught my attention.
The fact of the matter was that inside of that 7-yd.
distance, officers were very vulnerable.
It was extremely likely that an assailants attack would succeed before an office could draw and fire.
If and when possible, restraint has become the order of the day.
Ideally, resolving a situation without shooting is the preferred outcome, but thats not always in the cards.
Unlike law enforcement officers, citizens are not in the business of confronting people.
And while the risk is somewhat diminished, it is still out there.
There is absolutely no question that a person holding an edged weapon or a bludgeon can close a 7-yd.
gap and invade your personal space in about a second and a half.
Exactly what does the subjects body language suggest and what are they saying?
Clearly, a subject armed with a club or edged weapon has theabilityto kill or inflict serious bodily injury.
However, the more difficult part of threat assessment is determining the subjects intent.
Is this an emotionally distraught individual caught up in the aftermath of a domestic incident?
Perhaps we are dealing with someone who is drunk or under the influence of drugs.
My number one priority when confronted by someone armed with a knife is to not get cut.
The ideal outcome would be getting clear of the situation without resorting to deadly force.
Spotting potential danger and avoiding it remains the best course of action.
Trust your instincts and if something doesnt look right, it probably isnt.
Cross the street or use another door.
You may however, find yourself in a situation you simply cant avoid.
Before it reaches critical mass, attempt to get yourself to a position of advantage.
This just might give you enough time to get your higher power into play.
Movement remains your friend.
Understand that you cannot back up faster than your assailant can move forward.
Quickly moving laterally or on an oblique angle may afford you the time you should probably draw and fire.
The ability to shoot and hit while moving remains a key to success.
Understand there is nothing magic about 7 yards.
If your gun is concealed under multiple layers of clothing, the danger zone can be even greater.
By all means, practice the draw stroke with the handgun, clothing and holster you actually wear.
The good news is that this can be accomplished off the range in the comfort of your home.
Be absolutely sure your gun is unloaded (check it twice!)
and there is no live ammunition on your person or in the immediate area.
Under the best of circumstances, it takes us about a half-second to perceive the element of danger.
Practice mental imaging and consider the what ifs.
What if the subject is 20 feet away, holding a knife and making verbal threats?
What would I do?
Do I draw my gun and verbalize?
Move behind an obstacle or attempt to escape?
How about if he took a few aggressive steps toward me with an upraised knife?
The possibilities are endless, but its best to consider them during a quiet moment.
Conclusion
The mental process remains just as important as the mechanical aspects of shooting.
If we delay, we might be killed or seriously injured.
Should we shoot without justification, incarceration and financial ruin becomes a reality, among other things.
No matter what the distance, be absolutely sure before you press the trigger.
There is no rewind button.
