Is a Warning Shot EVER Appropriate?

**Jay Cunningham** · 07-17-07, 17:59

Like the subject line says.

I always considered the idea of a "warning shot" to be Hollywood/gun shop hillbilly B.S.

Today while getting some cardio in I was thinking through some scenarios. Some type of civil unrest/mob/riot type thing popped into my head and I'm picturing carbine vs. a crowd of stirred-up idiots... and I wondered to myself if a warning shot/shots might be appropriate in SOME (very limited) situations?

**MaceWindu** · 07-17-07, 18:08

and I wondered to myself if a warning shot/shots might be appropriate in SOME (very limited) situations?

I fire shots into the BG as a warning to the others with him that what they are doing is probably a bad idea.

Mace

**mark5pt56** · 07-17-07, 18:53

One issue is, where does the shot go or end up? I do know of one case through the years where a warning shot(in the grass) was discharged(out of policy) but it did prevent the next step from happening.

**SGB** · 07-17-07, 19:16

Never

**Bushytale** · 07-17-07, 19:22

I'm with Mace and SGB, if your going to shoot then shoot. A warning shot is a very bad idea.

Billy

**Hoplophile** · 07-17-07, 20:31

If you're on the high seas and being attacked by pirates then a warning shot across the bow might be acceptable...

Beyond that, hell no.

**Dport** · 07-17-07, 20:54

Originally Posted by Hoplophile

If you're on the high seas and being attacked by pirates then a warning shot across the bow might be acceptable...

Beyond that, hell no.

Interesting. I was just going to say current USN doctrine allows warning shots under certain circumstances. Mainly to determine intentions.

In civilian defense, I agree with your conclusion.

**R Moran** · 07-17-07, 21:01

My agency specifies that they will not be fired, and verbal commands/warnings are only used when "feasible". One of the few things I don't disagree with.

Bob

**John_Wayne777** · 07-17-07, 22:04

Originally Posted by Thekatar

Like the subject line says.

I always considered the idea of a "warning shot" to be Hollywood/gun shop hillbilly B.S.

Today while getting some cardio in I was thinking through some scenarios. Some type of civil unrest/mob/riot type thing popped into my head and I'm picturing carbine vs. a crowd of stirred-up idiots... and I wondered to myself if a warning shot/shots might be appropriate in SOME (very limited) situations?

With all due respect, if there's a riot/zombie invasion on your front lawn firing into the air is just wasting ammo.

Nothing encourages a crowd to disperse like getting sprayed by the cranial contents of a few ringleaders.