Shoot to Kill OR Shoot to Injure?

[Jaylock]

If an intruder is in your home and has either A) a knife OR b) a gun, and looks threatening, would you shoot to kill, or shoot to injure him?

On one hand, you have an intruder who has broken the law and is in your home. Your sanctuary. Your refuge from the storm of life if you will. Your wife, children, and pets are now in jeopardy, to say nothing of your valuables.

On the other hand you have another life, who may just be in need of food and shelter. If you shot to injure, you could get him a nice longish hospital stay to get free meals, get treated to his wounds, and have shelter for awhile.

If you shot to kill, you would have to live with that for the rest of your life.

What do you do?

[Gamdwelf]

If you are going to use a gun you should be always prepared to shoot to kill, and if you are not ok with that then you shouldn't be using a gun.

Also gun control thread.

[Simulacrum]

If you are going to use a gun you should be always prepared to shoot to kill, and if you are not ok with that then you shouldn't be using a gun.

They same could be said for punching someone.

[Jtbrig7390]

If an intruder is in your home and has a knife and looks threatening, would you shoot to kill, or shoot to injure him?

On one hand, you have an intruder who has broken the law and is in your home. Your sanctuary. Your refuge from the storm of life if you will. Your wife, children, and pets are now in jeopardy, to say nothing of your valuables.

On the other hand you have another life, who may just be in need of food and shelter.

What do you do?

Even tho I don't think anyone has the right to take the life of another.

I would shoot to live weather or not it kills the other person dose not matter to me. As long as I know I am safe from harm that is all that matters.

I hold my life above there's.

[wrathblade]

shoot to injure ofcourse....

but it all depends on the situation.

[Gamdwelf]

They same could be said for punching someone.

not really not at all.

[Rukentuts]

You generally shoot to put them down; whether this kills or injures is often just luck.

[Joathen]

You shoot to kill; the trick is to confirm your target and then shoot to kill.

[Kalyyn]

Never point a gun at something you aren't prepared to kill.

And always always ALWAYS shoot to kill. Police and military will both tell you that.

Also, you don't have the skill required to shoot somebody in the arm or leg consistently. You're either going to miss entirely, or still end up killing them. So don't risk it: shoot to kill.

Contrary to popular belief, reality does not have a VAATS system where you can stop time and line up a perfect shot.

[Radux]

Verbal response first.
Warning shot second, assuming I'm given the space.
If the invader fails to leave, and continues at me in a threatening manner, I will attempt shoot to stop them (note: I like to use bird shot).

Note: I always prefer to use arms as a last option, by having secure entry-ways, an alarm system, and dogs. Furthermore, police will always be called in a case like this.

[Deleted]

If an intruder is in your home and has a knife and looks threatening, would you shoot to kill, or shoot to injure him?

On one hand, you have an intruder who has broken the law and is in your home. Your sanctuary. Your refuge from the storm of life if you will. Your wife, children, and pets are now in jeopardy, to say nothing of your valuables.

On the other hand you have another life, who may just be in need of food and shelter. If you shot to injure, you could get him a nice longish hospital stay to get free meals, get treated to his wounds, and have shelter for awhile.

If you shot to kill, you would have to live with that for the rest of your life.

What do you do?

I run. He can keep the stuff, thats what my insurance is for...

[yurano]

You shoot to kill; the trick is to confirm your target and then shoot to kill.

More like: announce your presence, then shoot to kill.

If the thief bolts then whatevs. If he lunges at you then its clearly self defense.

[Deleted]

Shoot to injure...but we don't always think straight in a panick situation.

[Deleted]

Verbal response first.
Warning shot second, assuming I'm given the space.
If the invader fails to leave, and continues at me in a threatening manner, I will attempt shoot to stop them (note: I like to use bird shot).

Note: I always prefer to use arms as a last option, by having secure entry-ways, an alarm system, and dogs. Furthermore, police will always be called in a case like this.

If you follow the correct escalation-of-force (which you've demonstrated) just aim centre-mass and shoot. Chance of missing, causing a ricochet and injuring someone else goes up considerably if you try and aim for limbs.

[Deleted]

You ALWAYS shoot to kill, any Law enforcement officer or anyone in the Military will confirm this. An injured man is still a threat.

[Radux]

If you follow the correct escalation-of-force (which you've demonstrated) just aim centre-mass and shoot. Chance of missing, causing a ricochet and injuring someone else goes up considerably if you try and aim for limbs.

Oh I'm aware. I used "stop" as my verb on purpose, as the distance (and accuracy, of course) of bird shot will likely determine lethality of the shot.

[Deadvolcanoes]

The reason why you should always shoot to kill is that your weapon should only be used in defense of life.

If your whipping out a handgun to break up a petty fight, you're being irresponsible.

As for your scenario, if I decide my life is in danger, I'm shooting to kill. Otherwise, I'll try to resolve the situation differently.

[Sithalos]

Shoot to kill. None of this bleeding heart bullshit.

[yurano]

You ALWAYS shoot to kill, any Law enforcement officer or anyone in the Military will confirm this. An injured man is still a threat.

Especially if he's holding a gun.

[Speaknoevil]

Depends on:

-their distance from me
-if I was alone in my home
-their appearance

If they were within ten feet of me, I would shoot to kill.
If I had a loved one in my home, I would shoot to kill.
If they didn't drop the weapon or retreat, I would shoot to kill.
_____

The decision would be made instantly though.
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edit:

Especially if he's holding a gun.

If he was holding a gun, I would triple tap without a second thought.