Fighting From and With a Truck

Some interesting thoughts from somthing I posted on M4C

As a civilian I think the biggest question is, "Is the vehicle still able to be made mobile?"

Most of the situations that a civilian is going to encounter with be at EXTREMELY close ranges (5 yds and in). The fastest way out of a gunfight at that range is the gas pedal.

If getting out of there by driving off isn't an option, then getting out of the vehicle itself is probably not an option either. A close range gunfight from a vehicle is a very scary proposition. You are literally STRAPPED into a locked box, that is a bitch to shoot out of. 99.999% you will be significantly behind the power curve as well.

This is why having your weapon EASILY accessible is crucial inside a vehicle. Whether it an appendix carry that is uncovered while driving, a cross draw, or even for some a shoulder holster (not my first pick but it can work if it is not stuck under a jacket or shirt that is pinned down by a seat belt). I have seen alot of people, especially in my neck of the woods, where every is driving a split bench pickup, shove the gun nose down in between two seats. This makes the gun very easy to access, but if you are hit or rammed (a likely scenario directly before a carjacking, robbery, kidnapping, ect.....) the gun is in floorboard across the truck and you are still belted in. Remember the FBI guys down in Miami.

The best thing to do, as a civilian, is practice drawing and firing from different angles inside a vehicle, it is MUCH harder than most people realize. Glass does very scary things to bullets, and is a gamble at best. Especially in an urban environment where bystanders are plentiful.

Inside a vehicle the best defence is awareness.

1)BE AWARE OF WHO IS NEAR YOUR VEHICLE. Most people feel very safe inside their vehicle. Windows are up, radio is on, and you are blissfully unaware of whats going on around you. DO NOT let your guard down just because your vehicle. depending on where you live you are just as likely to get in a gunfight from your vehicle as you are in the Wal-Mart parking lot.

2)When stopped, try to make sure you have a clear exit point. Leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you.

3)In traffic do not let yourself get blocked in if avoidable. "Box maneuvers" make you a sitting duck quick. With multiple attackers you are DONE if you cannot vacate immediately.

4) If things don't look right, get out of there before you can not.

5) Find a method of carry that WORKS inside the vehicle, and practice as much as you can, or that you feel is appropriate for your lifestyle and the amount of time you spend in a vehicle.

6) Take a good driving class. Learn how use the vehicle until it cannot be used any more. Think of your vehicle as your "primary" and any other weapon (pistol, rifle, shotgun) is a secondary platform.

7) Higher a burly guy to ride "shotgun" with a shorty FN-FAL.

In answer to the OP, cars can and cannot be bullet magnets. 98% of the time my answer is yes. It is a big target that bullets cut through like butter, not the place to be. Unfortunately as a civilian you will most likely not be able to exit, so you need to prepare for the most probable situation.