Physiology/psychology of an real-life gun fight

[Wuyizidi]

Since we were talking about real-life fighting in today's world in that other thread, here's a good article.

http://www.internetarmory.com/self_defense.htm


From the article:

The stress, rage, and fear which overwhelm the intended victim thus create a bodily alarm reaction which expresses itself as a period of greater strength and faster speed, accompanied by near impervious reaction to pain. At the same time, fine motor skills grossly deteriorate, dexterity noticeably decreases, and the hands, arms and legs may tremble...

The perception of time may become distorted. With the body alarm reaction, the mind processes stimuli at a fantastically accelerated rate when compared to normal. The result may be the perception that activities are occurring in slow motion, even though movements of the event may actually be extremely fast. The reverse may also occur: the event may seem to transpire faster than one would expect.

In its in incredibly heightened state of awareness, the mind of the intended victim tends to focus with tunnel vision on the identified threat. This results in the exclusion of normal peripheral vision. Knowledge of this potential visual reaction to an attack is valuable in the event one is ever faced with multiple assailants.

The perception of hearing, like vision, may also be drastically affected during a life threatening encounter. The mind screens out everything that is extraneous to immediate survival, resulting in auditory exclusion. The distorted perception of hearing may mute shouts, sirens and screams. You may not even hear your own gun fire...

The "fight or flight" reflex allows the mind to draw upon memory resources that are not normally used. The intended victim may experience a sense of precognition, an anticipation response to a subconsciously perceived sequence of circumstances. You "see it coming", even though to the casual observer no violent threat as yet exists.



To reiterate and emphasize:

* The ability to produce instant incapacitation is not possible with any handgun round, unless the central nervous system is hit. This involves penetrating the brain or hitting the cervical spine.

* Blood loss resulting from a shooting is the primary cause of incapacitation. The greater the tissue damage and disruption, the greater the bleeding. The process can be slow. Bodily blood loss on the order of twenty percent is required to produce unconsciousness. One's assailant may be fully functional during the time preceding unconsciousness.

* Incapacitation depends on the physical, emotional, and psychological state of the assailant.

* The onset of incapacitation can be delayed by the presence of narcotics, alcohol or adrenalin in the assailant's blood.

* The intended victim should keep shooting as long as the assailant poses a threat.

* The shooting skill acquired with practice promotes the confidence and resolution which allows one to prevail in an armed encounter with a criminal aggressor. Hence, familiarity with one's firearm of choice is essential.


Wuyizidi

[Chanchu]

Another thing- once you are shot anywhere- you will never be the same again.. People often die years later from the effects of a gunshot..

"The shooting skill acquired with practice promotes the confidence and resolution which allows one to prevail in an armed encounter with a criminal aggressor. Hence, familiarity with one's firearm of choice is essential"

"Beware the man with one gun damn sure he knows how to use it."

[Muad'dib]

Interesting. I experienced none of that the single time I was in a gun fight.