On Wed, 26 Apr 2006 12:04:53 -0500, Don Foreman
wrote:

Two guys shot in the leg, one in the foot and one that fled after
being shot with a shotgun? Seems like those who would have guns
for defense would be more skilled with them.

Yeah, it does seem that way. But Life gets in the way, and most
honest gun owners who aren't also gun fanatics do not get to the
practice range nearly as often as they should. The only reason that
the Cops do is because they have the time scheduled.

Even after that, I know of no place where a regular civilian can
easily go to get some realistic simulator or "Hogan's Alley" live-fire
range training - and every Pawnshop and Convenience Store employee
across the country needs to do something like that at least once a
year, and get to a practice range and run through 50 rounds or so
roughly every three months.

To be really effective with any weapon you have to get practice in
while you've got your adrenaline up, and force yourself to make those
"Shoot or No Shoot" decisions under realistic pressure. Last I heard,
most urban police departments don't want to see you at their gun range
unless you carry a badge.

Failing that, if both sides haven't practiced recently you can have
a gun battle with 20, 30, or more shots fired - and the combatants
missing each other totally, or one party only getting winged.

When the crook is holding the weapon sideways 'Gangsta Style',
that's a pretty good clue that they have no real experience. The
safest place to hide in that case would be behind the target - he
ain't gonna get a round anywhere near it except through sheer luck.

-- Bruce --