[The_Republic_Of_Maine]

" It is also a felony in New Hampshire, Tennessee, and several other states to fire a warning shot "

The thinking behind that is that if you have the time to fire a warning shot, you have the time to run. While I disagree with that logic, I tend to doubt I would ever fire a warning shot, if they, the aggressors, don't turn and run when they see the gun in my hand, it is time to knock em down and let God sort em out.

[marktwain]

“The thinking behind that is that if you have the time to fire a warning shot, you have the time to run.”

Many situations are more complex than that. Every situation is different.

I think warning shots are bad policy, but every policy has exceptions.

[SauronOfMordor]

I agree with you. If they don’t run or surrender when they see the gun, it means they don’t think you will actually shoot them. A warning shot reinforces that impression, and puts you in greater danger of them trying something, figuring you will hesitate to fire.

Starting to shoot center mass on all targets who are not running away is safest.

[Campion]

Then I don't know where they get the idea that a warning shot in Tennessee is a felony, because there is no "duty to retreat" in Tennessee.

I just completed my CCW training a few weeks ago. The instructor said nothing about firing a warning shot being a felony; he said it was a bad idea, in part because the bullet could hit someone or something else, and the shooter would be liable for that.