Reply #23: Action often beats reaction.

[GreenStormCloud]

If you are holding a gun on someone, but are not firing, then you have put the decision to fire on hold. The other person can decide to make an attack and you are not aware of it until his body goes into motion. The your brain has to observe his movement, interpret it, decide on the response, then send the message to the muscles. During that time the other guy is still in motion. Even though you have a gun, if you are fairly close, you may be badly behind in the race.

If someone has broken into my home illegally, I can and will open fire without warning, because he is a threat to me.