How To Survive A Gun Pointed To Your Head

A gun to your head is probably one of the worst situations you can be in. You can’t simply reach for your weapon without risking immediate death. We all very well know, playing movie-hero is extremely dangerous, fatal even in these situations when there are no take-twos. If you are to survive this situation, you have to be smart about it. Find out how to respond to a gun held to your head and live to tell it, here!

Gun to Head: What to Do to Survive Unscathed!

1. Stay Calm

What you need to do first, of course, is do as you’re told by the assailant. Be sure to stay calm. You can properly react with a calm nerve and a clear head. When you are calm, you have the capacity for quick thinking.

In any survival situation, staying calm is the most important piece of advice. It is also the hardest to do. It would seem panic is always our first reaction and it’s only natural. This is why staying calm is an attitude to muster and master. Try deep breathing and hold up your hands for the assailant to feel you’re in no way a threat.

Staying calm is also how you get a leverage from your assailant. Every second you are still alive is a precious time you can use against your assailant. Also, acting in panic will generate the same if not worse of a reaction from the gun-toting criminal.

2. Assess the Situation

A gun pointed at your head is not an easy situation to handle. It will take a lot of guts and quick movements to escape. First of all, you need to assess the scenario very carefully. Self-preservation should be your top priority.

What are you being held up for? If the bad guy wants your phone, wallet, or the keys to your car then give it to him. Think about it: are the items more important than your life? These are only material things and you can always get a replacement after the incident. No items or material is worth dying for.

In these situations, you would also like to be able to identify your attacker for the authorities. It is one of the steps you could take to help avoid others being held at gunpoint. Look for unique features like a mole, birthmark, or piercings. A lot of people are 6 feet and assessing these features while you’re held at gunpoint will help a little.

3. Quick Thinking

These kinds of situations happen in split seconds so you have to think as fast, too. Staying calm, assessing the situation, and quick thinking has to happen within a split-second of each other. Quick thinking will allow you to buy some time and every second you survive is time on your favor.

Try to look your assailant in the eye, but not in a defiant or confrontational manner. Trying to look at your attacker in the eye can be nerve-racking but it will make them uncomfortable. Your primary purpose is to try to appeal to his/her humanity. Even stone-cold killers will not look at their victim in the eye.

4. Always Be Prepared

It is important to remember that the gun is loaded and any mistake from you could lead to fatal consequences. Make sure your body is in tiptop shape, exercise regularly, and watch your diet. Getting enough rest will also help. It is easy to see how fitness and physical preparedness can help in the long-term. You will be more confident about physically defending yourself when the need arises.

Watch these self-defense technique videos but use this information responsibly and to prepare when the need arises. You might also want to check out this humble fitness tool to help you work out your physical preparedness routine!

5. Act Fast

In Episode 3 of “Don’t Be A Victim” from our sister-site GunCarrier.com, you will learn how to disarm a gunman who has a gun pointed at your head. These techniques could save your life in one of the most dangerous situations you might ever face. But remember, this should only serve as your last recourse!

If the assailant is not after your things but is intent on taking your life then it is time to act and act quickly. This video demonstrates how to defend yourself when you have a gun pointed at your head. It may look easy but if you want to master the technique, then you need to practice it over and over. This way when you get into the situation, your movements will be almost like second nature.

6. Avoid the Situation

At this point, we’ve already established being held at gunpoint is something no one would want. There are ways so you can avoid these situations in the first place. These tips could help:

• Be familiar with your area or any place you are going to.
• Don’t be flashy with your expensive items and gadgets.
• Avoid walking by yourself especially when drunk.
• Steer clear of aggressive people.

Watch this video from Gun Carrier for the detailed guide:

A gun to the head is a situation no one will dream of getting into, let alone, deal with an assailant. Anticipating these kinds of situations and taking steps to help you handle them will not hurt. In fact, it could help save your life and someone else’s in need. Now you know what to do and it’s up to you to use this information smartly and responsibly. Take the steps in surviving a gun-to-your-head situation and survive!

What do you think would you do when a gun is pointed at you? Share your insights in the comments section below! 

Up Next: The Ultimate Survival Gun Safe Guide

If you’re looking for useful survival gear that you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest!

The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on October 26, 2015, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.