3 shots for help

[brandoro]

Yes, 3 deliberate, equally timed shots would get more peoples attention.

It's that unnatural sounding sequence that makes it an effective international distress signal. For it to be most effective it should be repeated as often as possible, with a pause in between. Could also be done with a flash light, a whistle, a car horn or banging on a pot/pan etc.

JB

That's what I was taught, three anything. Toots on a horn, flashes of light, three whistles. Three of anything means go see who is making that signal.

 

[Jay4200]

Having just mentioned this on the "chain saw chaps" thread, I am curious how many would realize that a quick series of 3 shots from a firearm means help is needed. Is that common to most or would many just wonder what it is?

Not common that I can recall. I'd probably start shooting back . Three quick shots is common enough during hunting season that I don't think anybody would notice.

JayC

 

[TripleR]

Too much shooting in my area to pay any attention, I have a pistol range in my back yard and no one pays any attention. My son had a SWAT unit at our other farm with full auto M-4's and one neighbor came over, but when he saw all the police cars he went home.

He had notified the Sheriff's Department in advance.

 

[LoveTheSmellofDiesel]

Was not aware of the 3 shots method, do now...thanks

 

[Car Doc]

I have to digress from my original statement and say it would depend on circumstances and location whether I would go investigate or not.

I cant think of a scenario that would make me go look but it hasn't happened to me yet so I cant say 100% certainty what I would do.

3 shots would be less than what I usually hear off in the distance around here normally these people dump whole 20-30 rd mags as fast as they can pull the trigger and pause long enough to stick another in so I stay away from those areas.

 

[bironacad]

I have a city friend who got lost last Fall, and repeatedly tried the "3 shots" SOS. Thankfully we found him before he ran out of arrows.

When I was a kid I had some arrows that whistled in flight maybe he should carry a few, lol.

 

[MarkV]

I thought the title meant 3 shots of whiskey...I don't normally need help after 3...but after 5, I might be a bit unsteady.

You and me both Roy! :laughing::laughing::laughing:

MarkV

 

[Zork]

We learned in Boy Scouts in the 70's it was 3 quick whistle blows and I guess 3 quick shouts/ yelling, claps, Et cetera.

Additionally, if I was injured in the wild I'd be a little hesitant to spend the rest of my ammo; of course if I had a firearm with me.

 

[hrcarver]

Three shots will not raise any eyebrows here. I used to shoot three shot groups all the time. Not rapid, slow deliberate shots. No one ever bothered to find me.

 

[The Haymaker]

Three shots will not raise any eyebrows here. I used to shoot three shot groups all the time. Not rapid, slow deliberate shots. No one ever bothered to find me.

That was just me sighting in another rifle. 3, deliberate, shots. In todays modern age of gmrs/frs, ham, Spot, and lastly (and unreliable) cell, I'd not rely on 3 shots.

BUT, if you've been there for a while and you know, or think, someone is actually looking for you because you dinner cooled on the able 8 hours prior, then it would become a useful tool.