How many shots should you fire in a deadly force situation?

• A. Shoot until the threat stops
• B. Two shots
• C. Five shots
• D. Ten shots

Answer: (A)

In a deadly-force situation, the number of shots isn’t fixed. The aim is to stop the imminent threat, and you continue using force as necessary until you reasonably determine the threat has been neutralized. After you believe the threat has stopped, you cease firing, protect yourself and others, secure the scene, call for help, and render aid if possible. The emphasis is on stopping the danger, not reaching a pre-set quota of shots.

Fixed counts like two, five, or ten shots don’t fit real-world encounters because each situation is different—the distance, the threat’s actions, potential for others to be harmed, and how effectively the threat is being incapacitated all influence how much force is necessary.