Is a Warning Shot EVER Appropriate?

[Grin Reaper]

Funny you should ask; Mrs Reaper asked me this just a few days ago.

And my reply was something to the effect that I will give a stray dog a warning shot; people should know better.

[johnson601]

The first two in the chest are a warning, the one in the head is for real...

Need anyone say more!!

Damn funny too

[Smokin Joe]

M4Guru hit the nail on the head.

If they are too close then the muzzle strike to the face is the only other warning I would give.

Additionally warning shots may prematurely start a gun fight.

[Patrick Aherne]

I'm not going to say never... As someone who has pointed a pistol at a few folks and issued the appropriate commands and had at least one subject be completely unimpressed with my Fierce Tactical Scowl , I would not rule out warning shots in policy. I would discourage them, severely, but you just never know.

[rayray]

Forget the warning shots, I'm aiming for the chest & head.

[Kravin Moorehead]

In Turkey we authorized warning shots, if things get a little hostile at the gates.

[STLRN]

Warning shots are all the time in Iraq. I guess the alternative is just kill them and than deal with the investigation.

[Haji]

Most of the time, when its called a Warning Shot, in reality it's Bad Marksmanship.

[Robb Jensen]

The first two in the chest are a warning, the one in the head is for real...

Awesome.

Pain is a wonderful teacher.

[mmike87]

My mindset is that if I am firing I am firing to eliminate a threat. I can only do so when I am in danger of death or grievious bodily harm. If said threat is real, then why would I fire a warning shot?

Personally, I feel that "warning shots" are generally for people who are not sure if their life is really in danger or not and are afraid to shoot their attacker.

That said, I am sure that folks can dream up specific scenarios in which a "warning shot" may be an option. It's possible - every situation is different and there are infinite number of variables. You would have to make that call on the scene. But having a "warning shot" as part of your standard self defense doctrine is IMO a bad idea given that you're responsible for every bullet that leaves you gun.