[Pontiac]

CCW is for self defense not open gun battles with AK’s. If we get in the middle of a Paris scenario we will run like rabbits maybe throwing a little shade from our handguns as we go. That’s about it.

You must remember that shooters in this situation are pumped with adrenaline just like their prey. This gives the shooter the same tunnel vision as their prey. They have extreme focus and lose all peripheral vision.

This means if they are looking directly at you they probably don’t see you. So if you are a CCW holder and armed in this situation unload on the POS.

[Georgia Girl 2]

I would absolutely shoot a terrorist if I could get a clean easy shot and then keep moving. Standoff in the theatre no way. I think you are likely right about the tunnel vision.

[ThunderSleeps]

Exactly. If you are unlucky enough to be one of the shooters first targets, well, your number is probably up. Doesn't matter if you are armed or not. However, if you are not, then you have a tough decision to make. Escape (if possible) or engage - risking injury, death, and sadly in this day and age lawsuits.

If it is a full on terrorist attack with multiple shooters using rifles you don't necessarily have to be out-gunned. You only need to get the first one. You can then take his weapon. There are risks with "upgrading" in this way though too. One, you just took him out, so obviously this means you have to go to an exposed position to retrieve his weapon and ammo. Two, when law enforcement arrives and/or other CC you are going to look like one of the terrorists since you are now similarly armed... So you might want to simply maintain cover and selectively engage...

The real message here is, you need to think about these things ahead of time. Once a situation unfolds, you're not going to have the time nor concentration to weigh these options. If you're carrying, you need to have at least an outline of when you feel you could/should engage, and when you would simply stay out of it.