Just like in the home defense section, I point out that the biggest mistake most people make is their general lack of planning. Although a ton of attacks occur in or around vehicles, most people don't go through any planning in the event they are attacked in or around their car. There are some incredibly serious considerations when it comes to defending yourself in your vehicle. Obviously, one thing that stands out is environment. A member of the U.S. military is in a completely different vehicle defense situation than the average citizen. Some key planning considerations:
Children- If you have them, you will likely have them in a car seat. Think through the process of exiting the vehicle or defending the vehicle if you have your child strapped in. Obviously, exiting and running is not an option if someone trys to take the car while you child is in it. If they let you unbuckle and take the child, would you give your car up, or fight for it?
Family- As with home defense, you MUST take the time to train each individual in your plan if something happens. You may have practiced taking your toddler out and running, but what about your spouse? Does he/she know what to do? Do they know what you will do?
Air bags- A vehicle can be used as a weapon, and is actually a pretty effective weapon. If you consider using it, things are obviously really bad and you are going to ram another vehicle or person with your car. Take time to research how and when your airbags will deploy, so you don't get knocked senseless during the process.
Firearm Training for Vehicle Defense There are numerous considerations when training to use a firearm in or around a vehicle. Some key thoughts:
Weapon Type- Obviously deploing a rifle (M-4) from a vehicle is harder to manage than a handgun. If your primary weapon is a rifle, consider using your handgun as your primary weapon in and around your vehicle. Obviously, I am talking about fighting someone inside with you, not at a distance (in which case you should plug away with your rifle).
Weapon Access- Everyone who carrys a handgun concealed that I have ever worked with has a hard time deploying (drawing) when seat buckled in a vehicle. Unless you carry with a shoulder holster or cross draw rig, getting your gun out is something you have to practice. Consider using a paddle type holster you can move around to the front of your body if you spend alot of time in a vehicle. Unbuckle your sear belt long before you think you might be in a situation, if you have the ability. Most police officers I know unbuckle as soon as they can in bad areas or on traffic stops.
Shooting Positions- Get into your vehicle with a squirt gun and figure out a way to squirt someone in every direction. Pivot your body around as much as possible. This will give you a good idea how hard it is to shoot anywhere but forward and to the side while still seated.
Shooting and Driving- Yep, you may have to do it. Practice it by keeping one hand on the wheel while dryfiring out either window, or to the front. When shooting to the front, shoot through the windshield if necessary. The first few shots will deflect up until you have a decent hole in the window, so the key is to hold center and keep pressing the trigger. Bullet weight and type don't seem to matter much, all will hit high when traveling through the window glass until the glass is shot out. In USSA's Tactical Handgun 3, students get to shoot through an actual windshield in a vehicle.
Mike Seeklander
Shooting through the windshield may be your only option!
The bullet will deflect high when shooting out, and low when shooting into a windshield.
Don't even think about trying this without proper supervision and training.
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