Should I Shoot? is a USCCA-certified course that helps responsible citizens and armed defenders make the most critical split-second decision: whether to fire. The course teaches practical threat assessment, the legal and moral framework for using deadly force, and decision-making techniques that prioritize survival while minimizing unnecessary harm.

Students will learn to:

• Rapidly assess intent, opportunity, and capability in a threatening encounter.

• Apply legal standards and the “reasonable person” test to real-world scenarios.

• Use verbal and physical de-escalation when possible and recognize when force is the only option.

• Understand the immediate steps to take after a defensive incident, including interaction with law enforcement and preservation of evidence.

By the end of the class, participants will have improved judgment under stress, a clear understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities, and practical tools to help them decide whether — and when — shooting is justified.