Every situation is different, but with a Glock 17, I think the critical factor is terrain and when to draw, and if you fire warning shots. I would look for terrain/buildings to have your back covered: you do not want to be stuck in the middle of a 360* mob when you draw.
As the mob threat becomes apparent, first step is try to get out of there, obviously. If that is not possible, at least back up to a wall, find and alley, even parked vehicles. Only with your back covered, draw the pistol, assume an aggressive stance, shout back off or I’ll shoot you dead, etc. If they continue to advance, fire a shot over them with the gun clearly raised at 45*. (Yes, I know, it has to come down somewhere, but the shot needs to be “seen” as well as heard.)
If they continue to advance, (not likely), then you defend yourself when they are “danger close,” as you try to move laterally along your wall or other cover to get out of there.
If you had those children with you, you need to keep them behind you, if possible.
I’ve never done the above, but that’s my best guess for what to do.
Thanks. That’s more or less how the scenario played out (without the Glock, of course). I plastered the children up against a building with me in between them and the mob, then had the women lead and follow them around the rear of the building so they would disappear.
Lots of responses about tactics AFTER drawing a weapon and deciding to shoot. My question was about the decision to engage at all, given the availability of cover. I’m not as confident as most here that killing a few of the mob will make the mob go away.
I strongly disagree. In an urban environment, there is a good chance that such a shot would hit an innocent. If you're going to fire, only fire at a bad guy, and aim center-mass.