Peter Clark wrote:

On Wed, 26 Oct 2005 11:19:43 -0400, "newsgroups.comcast.net"
wrote:


As others have indicated, double tap refers to two shots fired body center
mass in rapid succession, followed up by one shot to the head (in case there
is body armor in play). This is standard defensive shooting methodology.
I've carried concealed for over thirty years, and fortunately have never had
to draw a weapon in defense, and hope I never have to. I have had several
times that I have had to "consider" it. If I was confronted with an enraged
man with a club (technically assault), coming at my daughter and myself, I
would have to "consider" my options, before battery resulted from the
assailant.


Including evaluating your options regarding fleeing the scene before
producing your weapon, right?


It doesn't sound like it got close to that point, only pointing out that if
the mall cop, (who I don't "believe" has any more legal standing than any
one else), kept coming with a club, then someone who could defend
themselves, may just do that.


The way I understand it, at least in the jurisdictions I'm familiar
with, you're only legally allowed to use the bare minimum force
necessary to deal with the oncoming assailant and escape, and if you
have the option to run, you're required to do that before shooting at
them, unless they also have a weapon with some range (a-la they have a
gun themselves). I don't think that shooting someone with a club who
is out of range of using it, who is not pursuing you, taking place in
an open area where you can run away would be justified homicide in
these parts.

I believe this is correct in most states, but, fortunately, no longer
true in Florida. I'm hoping other states will follow suit in the near
future as many did with the concealed carry laws. It is insane that I
should be expected to flee from somewhere that I have a right to be,
just because some perp is around.

Matt