Tom Givens Data Set From 65 Civilian Shootings

[Paladin]

While this is explained second hand, I think it is still important stuff:



Of particular note, almost all the shootings were in parking lots or at gas stations and 80% were during hours of darkness. Clearly that is when we need maximum vigilance and to make sure we are armed.

[Deitz83]

Great information.

[longtooth]

This is what I taught in all my classes prior to retirement.
Parking lot and fuel stops, most dangerous places.

[oljames3]

This is an old video. When I took Tom's Rangemaster Instructor Development course last April, Tom said the count was up to 68. 65 wins, 0 loses, 3 forfeits.

From the student manual:

Those who forfeited were not carrying their guns when they were accosted, and they paid the ultimate price. Every single person who was carrying a gun prevailed, and all with either very minor or no injuries at all.

These 68 incidents teach us two important lessons. First, carry you gun, always. Second, defensive encounters involving private citizens tend to happen at distances between three and seven yards.

Tom also discussed common threads in DEA, FBI, and Rangemaster defensive encounter data.

Plain clothing, gun concealed, need fast concealed access. High probability of more than one assailant. Most occur in public areas, parking lots, malls, NOT at home. WEAR YOUR GUN! Exceptions occur, and you must be prepared to cope with them. For instance, in 3 of the 68 shootings as of December, 2020, students had to engage at 15, 17, and 22 yards. You may have to shoot very quickly at very close range, or more precisely at an extended range. You must have both skill sets. This requires training and practice.

Tom also commented that none of the incidents took place in the dark. During the hours of darkness, yes, but the attacks occurred in areas having sufficient artificial lighting for the bad guy to see in order to attack. None of the incidents involved a handheld or weapon mounted light.

The article at this link discusses Tom's thoughts on low light shooting. https://civiliandefender.com/2016/04/01 ... -glock-35/