#7 Shooting from within the car.

[m25operator]

Hey Rob, not that I disagree with the technique, or a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do, but didn't the muzzle blast try to take your face off, even if the muzzle is forward, I would think the blast would bounce off the windshield and roof. I watched you twice and it obviously did not hurt you, or your real good at not flinching.

[Rob Pincus]

M25,

It is a non-issue.  I've done that demo or trained the problem several times and never had a problem or really even noticed it that I remember.

I have also been through and conducted a fair amount of training in Explosive handling and Breaching.... in that venue you learn a lot about dealing with real pressure waves. The "blast" coming out of the muzzle of a defensive handgun, while dramatic in some pictures, isn't really something we need to factor into our Worst Case Scenario Shooting plans for most plausible scenarios.

-RJP

[THE CORONER]

Rob, 

Love the show!  But I have a mild handicap when it comes to alot of what your teaching.  I'm a lefty.  I run different scenarios through my mind on how I would do some of the techniques you teach.  But this episode shakes me to the core.  How does a left handed person make that safe shot through the driver's window from a left handed strong side draw? 

Furthermore; it would be extremely appreciated if you could, when applicable; show some left handed tactical techniques.
Thanks so much!

Eric D. from Ohio

[tombogan03884]

M25,

It is a non-issue.  I've done that demo or trained the problem several times and never had a problem or really even noticed it that I remember.

I have also been through and conducted a fair amount of training in Explosive handling and Breaching.... in that venue you learn a lot about dealing with real pressure waves. The "blast" coming out of the muzzle of a defensive handgun, while dramatic in some pictures, isn't really something we need to factor into our Worst Case Scenario Shooting plans for most plausible scenarios.

-RJP

What about noise ? I don't think any of us drive around with earplugs in.

[Rob Pincus]

Tom,

Noise is real, but unavoidable. Similarly, the glass-dust from shooting through the side windows *might* be a problem without protective eyewear.... But, when faced with a 100% real lethal threat, you have to balance the risks involved with solving the problem against THAT.

Auditory Exclusion could play a role in terms of short term effect. While the sound waves from the muzzle blast are very real and they could cause real damage to your ear, the actual distraction and pain of the sound may be mitigated by the Auditory Exclusion effect which commonly occurs under critical incident stress. Even most hunters report no "ringing in the ears" after shooting game animals with high power rifles without hearing protection from that level of anxiety and focus. I know that I have never worn ear protection while hunting and only a couple times have I even registered the sound at any significant level.


Coroner,

That question was addressed in this thread: http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=5147.0.
Honestly, this is a serious situation where it makes a difference, but in general, all of the techniques and tactics should work as a mirror image. In the future, however, I will try to address left hand issues when they are significant!

-RJP

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

Thank's Ron, I had considered auditory exclusion, but was thinking more of long term effects of firing from inside a small space. As you say, got to be alive to be deaf.

[bucktracker]

Rob,
your technique of shooting through the drivers side window made me wonder if I should get rid of my compensated glockc 20+32 as a carry gun due to muzzle blast and loss of night vision. I never considered tight shooting quarters like that, which is one of many reasons I love the show,it gets me thinking...
what do the pros recommend for a carry gun /caliber, regardless of price.

any thoughts??

[DonWorsham]

I don't think any of us drive around with earplugs in.

Not in, but 2 pair laying right there in the middle console...should I have time to put them in.

[Rob Pincus]

Buck, in the interest of making the forum easy for newcomers to navigate and regulars to use predictably, I'd love for you to start a conversation in the Tactics area in regard to compensated guns in close quarters... I'll definitely chime in. MEanwhile, I think there is already a strong thread on ammo selection... and it usually comes down to personally preference.

DonW:  You are killin' me.

-RJP

[m25operator]

Thanks for replying Rob, I know camera angles don't always show the reality, it seemed that the muzzle was at least even with your head, and I would have thought the blast would actually come in contact with your face, at 90 degrees to the muzzle, and once again, you got to do what you got to do, but If the muzzle is behind your head, I would think eye damage would be prominent, yes,you were wearing eye protection, and unfortunately so do I, with my eye prescription, I guess not a bad trade off. My point is kind of like firing from an inside pocket, your going to do it, because it has to be done, but don't be surprised if flames occur, or at least your face gets pock marks.