Tom Gresham's Gun Talk - 07.06.14 Part A

Published on July 10, 2014
Duration: 44:55

This episode of Gun Talk features a deep dive into the concept of intervention during violent encounters, using the tragic Las Vegas Walmart incident as a case study. Instructor Masad Ayoob, a renowned expert in self-defense and use-of-force, analyzes the actions of Joseph Wilcox, a civilian who intervened and was killed. The discussion emphasizes the critical importance of situational awareness, understanding the risks of 'tail gunners' (accomplices), and the concept of the 'reactionary gap.' Ayoob stresses that while intervention can be heroic, it carries extreme risks, and proper training is crucial for making informed decisions and potentially increasing survival chances.

Quick Summary

Intervening in a violent encounter carries significant risks, including 'tail gunners' (accomplices) and mistaken identity. Experts advise assessing the situation, understanding the 'reactionary gap,' and only drawing a weapon when immediately prepared to use it. Proper training is crucial for making informed decisions and potentially increasing survival chances.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Crimson Trace Ad
  2. 00:19Gun Talk Intro with Tom Gresham
  3. 00:53Show Preview: Intervention, Hunting Economy, Rifle Giveaway
  4. 01:31Tom Gresham's Enthusiasm for the Show
  5. 02:41Caller Kyle on Target's Open Carry Policy
  6. 03:51Analysis of Target's Open Carry Statement
  7. 06:38Clarification: Target's Policy Was PR, Not a Ban
  8. 08:05News & Rifle Giveaway Tease
  9. 08:32Smith & Wesson Bodyguard Ad
  10. 08:57Black Hills Ammunition Ad
  11. 09:23GunTalkTV.com Training Resources Ad
  12. 10:31Timney Triggers Ad
  13. 11:10Gun Talk Newsletter & Truth Squad
  14. 11:19Tom Gresham Back On Air
  15. 11:35Nosler Rifle Giveaway Introduction
  16. 11:38Interview with Zach Waterman (Nosler)
  17. 12:13Nosler Model 48 Patriot Rifle Giveaway Details
  18. 12:3526 Nosler Cartridge Discussion
  19. 13:10Nosler Model 48 Rifle Features
  20. 14:05How to Enter the Nosler Giveaway
  21. 14:25Weekly Prizes & Giveaway Fine Print
  22. 15:14Success of the 26 Nosler Caliber
  23. 16:03Ballistics of the 26 Nosler
  24. 17:00Ammunition Availability & Giveaway Package
  25. 17:38Nosler Online Forum Discussion
  26. 18:19Thanks to Nosler & Zach Waterman
  27. 18:30Giveaway Reminder & Call to Phones
  28. 18:40Caller Bill from Liberty, MO - Gun Rust Removal
  29. 19:22Advice on Removing Deep Rust from Firearms
  30. 20:37Gunsmith Recommendation for Severe Rust
  31. 21:31Caller Jim - 1911 Functionality Discussion
  32. 22:00Barrel Length & 1911 Reliability
  33. 22:30Functionality Issues with Shorter 1911s
  34. 22:41Preview: Las Vegas Shooting Intervention Discussion
  35. 23:14Guest Call-in Information
  36. 23:24Introduction to Masad Ayoob & Las Vegas Incident
  37. 23:33Details of the Las Vegas Walmart Shooting
  38. 24:13Masad Ayoob's Expertise & Background
  39. 25:26Discussion on Intervention Criteria
  40. 25:50Analysis of Joseph Wilcox's Actions
  41. 27:06Loss of Connection with Masad Ayoob
  42. 27:11Resuming Discussion with Masad Ayoob
  43. 28:08Recap of Las Vegas Incident Facts
  44. 28:24Actors vs. Reactors in Violent Encounters
  45. 28:32The Concept of Reactionary Gap
  46. 28:45Tactical Argument for Wilcox's Approach
  47. 29:11Stages of Intervention & 'Tail Gunners'
  48. 29:56Break Announcement
  49. 30:33Alien Gear Holsters Ad
  50. 31:02Tom Gresham on Vanishing Paradise
  51. 32:03Double Tap Ammunition Ad
  52. 32:34Springfield Armory XDM Ad
  53. 33:16Gun Talk Listener Support
  54. 33:32Back to Masad Ayoob - Book Recommendations
  55. 33:49Learning Opportunity from Wilcox Incident
  56. 34:13Wilcox's Actions Likely Saved Lives
  57. 34:45Calculus of Intervention in Classes
  58. 35:08Balancing Harms and Needs in Intervention
  59. 35:27Courage vs. Safety in Intervention
  60. 36:35Transposing Firefighting Safety to Self-Defense
  61. 36:41Risks: Tail Gunners & Mistaken Identity
  62. 37:17The Danger of Drawing Your Weapon Prematurely
  63. 38:20Safest Move is Often Not to Get Involved
  64. 38:51Tom's Personal Stance on Intervention (Children Involved)
  65. 39:41Break & Call-in Reminder
  66. 40:15Recap: Wilcox Incident Lessons Learned
  67. 40:49Value of Training & Decision Making
  68. 41:15Examples of 'Good Guys Winning'
  69. 41:18Trolley Square Mall Incident (Salt Lake City)
  70. 42:10Texas Tower Shooting (1966) & Armed Citizens
  71. 42:49New Life Church Shooting (Colorado) - Jeanne Assam
  72. 43:06Training Provides an Edge
  73. 43:40Masad Ayoob Group Website & Training Info
  74. 44:11Thanks to Masad Ayoob & Listeners
  75. 44:21Final Thoughts on Training & Intervention
  76. 44:37Preview: Economic Impact of Shooting & Hunting
  77. 44:46Gun Rights & Ownership Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

What are 'tail gunners' in the context of self-defense?

'Tail gunners' are accomplices in a criminal act, often positioned behind the primary attacker. Their role is to shoot anyone who attempts to intervene or interdict the main perpetrator, as seen in the Las Vegas Walmart incident where Joseph Wilcox was killed by an accomplice.

What is the 'reactionary gap' in self-defense?

The reactionary gap refers to the time and distance needed for an attacker to react to a threat and for a defender to gain an advantage. Creating and exploiting this gap is a critical defensive strategy to increase survivability in violent encounters.

Should you intervene if you witness a crime?

Intervention is a complex decision involving assessing risks, your capabilities, and the potential for escalation. While heroic, it carries extreme dangers, including 'tail gunners' and mistaken identity. Proper training is crucial for making informed choices.

What are the key risks when intervening in a violent situation?

Key risks include encountering unseen accomplices ('tail gunners'), facing multiple attackers, and the possibility of mistaken identity by responding law enforcement. Drawing your weapon prematurely can also lead to dangerous situations.

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