How much is "just enough to engage"?

[Loosedhorse]

Some of us can't run very well

Old saying in dangeorous game hunting: you don't have to be the fastest, but try not to be the slowest! In other words, "not very well" might be enough.

None of us run very well if our escape route is blocked. Running is an option when available.

it might have been your wife that was attacked.

Oh, I would definitely tell her to run, too.

BTW--"attacked" is a loaded word: does it mean under active physical assault? Or being yelled at? Or that he stole her crucifix and then disengaged, and is now dancing on a counter?

Perhaps another reason for confusion here is that some of us are talking about the actual event, and others about a similar but somehow different theoretical event.

How much is "just enough to engage"? and not How much is "just enough to shoot"?

Another point of confusion, that you are right to point out.

Many of us would assume "engage" means "unholster your gun and bring it to bear"--and you will hear many voices here saying you should only do that if you intend to shoot.

Does engage mean "verbally engage"? "Hey, you wacko, stay away?" My threshold for such engagement is much lower than my threshold for deploying a firearm.

Or does even going to code orange, backing away, and getting ready to do something more if needed qualify as "visually engaging?"

In any case, I think that my point remains valid that one if the underlying themes here is the danger of not shooting when you "need" to.

[1911 guy]

If I see anyone reaching toward my wife in an agressive manner, empty hands or something in them, they are being interdicted. Depending on what I see in their hands, either just tackled or shot. Bottom line, don't f*** with my wife. If I don't kick your ass, she will.

If I had seen this idjit reaching toward my wife with something in his hands, especially toward her throat, I'd have put said object in his throat if possible, covered him with a gun if not possible (maybe he's just out of my physical reach.)

Now let's assume he's already done his necklace snatching and I've been remiss in whupping him for assaulting my wife. He's got the necklace free and clear, has stepped back and now proceeds to yell Allahu Akbar while holding a fist in the air. I will draw, order him to the ground and call the cops.

Third and most likely scenario for most, he grabs the necklace/purse/whatever and splits like greased lightning. Mutter under your breath and call the cops.

I spent a fair amount of time in the M.E., from Kuwait and Iraq to the U.A.E. and Dubai. Someone muttering Allahu Akbar under their breath as an explitive (which is done, just never within earshot of the police) is a far cry from some wil-eyed nut pumping his fist in the air and screaming.