Presentation/Shooting from a Vehicle...

[Excaliber]

Then it would be good to avoid firing a compensated barrel from inside your vehicles.

Got that covered.

I do not own any handgun with a compensator on it (too many downsides to them IMO).

Same here.

[GrayHawk]

Before figuring out how to shoot from your vehicle, there might be a few preliminary things to consider. I assume everyone here is talking as if he/she is the driver of the vehicle. The vehicle is either parked or stopped for one reason or another, as I really can't think of any reason to fire from or at a moving vehicle. I would agree that the most serious threat will come from the side or the rear. An oncoming identified armed threat from the front can be eliminated by pushing down the gas pedal. I'll bet your accuracy with your vehicle will be far more effective than trying to get a round off. Just as you do when driving, do the same when parked- be cognizant of your surroundings utilizing your rearview and side mirrors. If you identify a possible threat, unholster and be ready as the threat approaches, no need to waste time fumbling with your weapon while trying to unholster. Once your perceived threat no longer exists, reholster and no one but you will know you were prepared. I think this is something you will have to mentally work thru as there aren't many places for the average person to get hands on training.

[bayouhazard]

If you ever ride as a passenger it can be worthwhile to wargame from the passenger seats too. There's a lot you can walk through by yourself, even empty handed if you don't have a place to train. I practice some car drills in a county park and there's usually nobody around but I don't want the odd passerby to call in a man with a gun.

[apostate]

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[flintknapper]

The InSights Street & Vehicle Tactics class covers a number of these issues. The class I attended this year had student vehicles ranging from a track-ready Porsche to full size trucks. As you may imagine, the details of body mechanics vary significantly from vehicle to vehicle, although the same overall principles apply. I echo the sentiment that anyone who carries in their car should grab a blue gun or airsoft and figure out what works for them. If you have the opportunity, I heartily endorse the InSights class.

I had previously taken it on a dirt/grass range. This time was at a NG armory and we had use of the parking lot. For me, one of the most interesting revelations was how often the vehicle was the better solution to the problem.

I am sure the course is more than worthwhile, but I am somewhat alarmed at a few of the “claims” they make regarding other courses offered:

From their folding knife course:

This self defense class is highly recommended for women and teenagers, who are the most likely group to encounter grabs, chokes, and holds with the greatest disparity of force during violent assaults.

This is probably true.

One day of self defense knife training will allow you to be victorious over an opponent with years of street fighting, martial arts, or wrestling training!

I have a problem with this one. I certainly encourage folks to seek out any training they can find, but I warn against leaving any short term training class "over confident". I have trained a lot of people in edged weapons and empty hands skills, but I would never suggest that a ONE day course in any way prepares them for the situations stated above.

From their unarmed defense course:

At the end of this two-day class you will be able to stun and disable an attacker of greater size and strength than yourself and escape to safety.

Well.....maybe, maybe not. It goes without saying.....much depends on the circumstance (your physical abilities/liabilities, his training vs. your training, dumb luck, etc.)

You will learn the self defense system taught to U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets). This is a coherent system of techniques selected for their simplicity, effectiveness, and ease of learning.

I'm just guessing, but I am pretty sure the Green Berets receive more than a two day course in self defense.

This simple system will give you fight stopping techniques that will work regardless of your size, strength, or physical condition.

Either I have wasted many, many years training in various systems... or the claim above "just ain't so".

I feel kind of stupid really. I just didn't know that in two days...I could have become a lean, mean, killing machine.... and avoided all those torn muscles, bruises, cuts, broken bones and dislocated joints. Who knew.....!


Sorry for the sarcasm, it is mostly in jest. I just hate to see otherwise good trainers and training facilities stoop to commercial hype. At best, it is unnecessary, at worst... it leaves the student with unreal expectations of his/her abilities (assuming no prior training).

[BTin]

I've had to shoot once or twice from inside a vehicle - I'm still surprised I wasn't deafened afterward, but I wouldn't recommend it if another choice exists. Using the vehicle (as either a weapon or an escape) is still #1 in a lot of circumstances if you're the driver;

+1

After seeing the box o' truth's section on what bullets do to a car, I don't want to be inside of one with a threat outside. I think driving away is far and away the best choice.

For the unforeseeable:
I keep my handgun in a seperate compartment that is easier to reach while I am driving. I keep the holster on, so that I just transfer when I get in or out of the car. It works well for me, and it is a much easier and faster draw.

[flintknapper]

It's like the old saying about "everything looks like a nail when all you have is a hammer".

To we gun-enthusiasts, every self-defense situation can appear to be the kind of problem which can only be resolved with a firearm - until we open ourselves up to start thinking about alternatives, that is. Not every security-issue needs to be solved with a firearm alone.

Amen!

[Captain Matt]

It's like the old saying about "everything looks like a nail when all you have is a hammer".

To we gun-enthusiasts, every self-defense situation can appear to be the kind of problem which can only be resolved with a firearm - until we open ourselves up to start thinking about alternatives, that is. Not every security-issue needs to be solved with a firearm alone.

That's especially true for shooters who spend all of their time on a static shooting range. The first time in scenario based training is a real wake up call. Add talking to the movement and it complicates things even more. The phenomena is not limited to shooting. They use the phrase "aviate, navigate, communicate" during flight training to emphasize the need to focus on the highest priorities first.

If you're attacked in your car, think about something as simple as flooring the gas pedal. If you double the distance between you and the attacker it's like making yourself 1/4 the size as a target. If you triple the distance you're 1/9 relative size. Distance is a great defense.

[LCP_Dogg]

I also pocket carry and am also a lefty. I carry in my left pocket though, which does make drawing easier.

As for "while seated in a car", I see what you mean and I have also thought a good bit about this. Sometimes I remove my weapon and store it in the console box which may make it slightly more easy to reach should I need it, but it is nice to have it on your person as well in case you are carjacked, and are being asked to exit the vehicle..

[jbirds1210]

I also pocket carry and am also a lefty. I carry in my left pocket though, which does make drawing easier.

As for "while seated in a car", I see what you mean and I have also thought a good bit about this. Sometimes I remove my weapon and store it in the console box which may make it slightly more easy to reach should I need it, but it is nice to have it on your person as well in case you are carjacked, and are being asked to exit the vehicle..

An ankle holster can also be very useful. Drawing from the ankle (even in my small car) allows you to get a gun in hand with very little movement from your upper body.

Jason

[LCP_Dogg]

Good idea, in fact, I could have two - it never hurts to have a BUG and I already have a permit, so I can carry [as many as I want]....

[Purplehood]

What is a compensator?

[seamusTX]

In a handgun, a compensator is typically a set of ports on the top of the barrel that reduces recoil. It has the side-effects of increasing sound level and muzzle flash.

There all kinds of weird gizmos called compensators or muzzle brakes.

- JIm