Is it realistic to believe that a teacher could effectively defend against an active shooter, using an AR-15, armed with only a handgun?

More realistic than if none of the good guys had anything to defend themselves with - other than “whimpers”..... If anything, it gives the shooter “pause”, perhaps to duck for cover, or - since so many are cowards - perhaps give them pause to consider going to a known “gun-free zone. It can buy time until the real serious help arrives.....

Tim I could not agree more about the fact that a pistol v an assault rife is a bit of a bear. However, it is very doable. Dont get me wrong I had much rather have a team of door kicking SF ninjas with M4s etc... However, I am going to be honest, if all I had was my 5 shot 2" smith concealed carry revolver I would head toward the fight. Yes this could be my last fight but what the fuck that is what I was put on earth to do. That sorry sack a cat shit is killing our kids got to go.

Now to address the obvious; you are way out gunned but that is why you have got to be trained. I am not saying that will keep you from getting killed but it will distract jackass from killing kids. I don't want to die, and promise those terrified kids do not want to die, if all I had was a pistol you are damn right I would go.

To address putting steel on target when bullets are wizzing by, its training, training, training. I agree is a sad day when we eve discuss teachers with guns, they are educators not killers. However, a part of them is a sheepdog, they protect those in trusted in their care. I don't have all the answers but I have some. One of the first things is we need to know why but we never need to openly discuss the shooter is bad because of society or his crazy mom or whatever. At that point in time he is a threat, aka a wolf, the immediate answer is to locate and stop the threat. That is done simply by killing the jackass. Tim I would much prefer a shotgun or M4 if was in that situation however, if all I had was my 2" 5 shot smith I would run to the fire. Yes i would be terrified but those are out kids.

I don't think so. Not all though, there are plenty who would pick up that weapons and not be afraid to use it...I think that's my answer there, a lot of teachers may learn to shoot it but when it comes to actually pointing it a person, even in defense, they might be too afraid to pull that trigger when necessary.

Get a Mini-gun

Personally, I don't say "Arm The Teachers." Ya know all those able-bodied veterans that are having trouble finding jobs? Here's a thought; arm them and allocate a budget from the State to pay them to guard the schools. They have the training, they have the tactical understanding of such scenarios (a refresher course with law enforcement and/or SWAT teams would also help), and this provides more jobs and capable personnel to re-enter the workforce. And let's be honest here; 99% of them will never fire a shot in defense of a school. However, they will still act as roving guards to protect and safeguard the future of this nation (i.e., our children). I agree that the teachers may not be the best choice, but I absolutely believe that vets are a great one. Not to mention, I think it may also help to enforce a more positive outlook on the military (we aren't always seen in the best light lately, thanks to leftist media), by having capable veterans being responsible for the safety and welfare of our children. Because then, quite literally, our own veterans would be safeguarding the future of the United States, both home and abroad. I think a lot of people have lost sight of that concept.

*Admin note* yes, mental health screenings and background checks would need to be mandated prior to hiring ANYONE to become an armed guard for a school full of children.

MSG Chuck Pewsey We talk about the over publication of these events...and guess what, you will see more copy cats will pick up the idea. SGT (Join to see) You are right about our evolution of the last 40 years, but also add that in minute everyone in USA knows about it. Tell me that does not give the broken family, low morality grown people into Copy Cats. Who wants to bet against me that their will be copy cats following this school shooting? (I live in Las Vegas, and only bet on positive wins, or I would be on welfare!)

LCpl Timothy McCain, great question. I agree, it will be nearly impossible for a teacher to stop an active shooter for all of the reasons that you mentioned and because we don't make decisions as quickly or as well as we think we do. Read Malcom Gladwell's book 'Blink' for more on how faulty we humans are at making good decisions quickly and under stressful circumstances.

There is no correct answer to this. Yes they could, if the circumstances are right. Are they fairly close, do they have an unobstructed view and a clear shot? Is the shooter looking at them? If the situation is wrong, they could make matters worse. Personally, I would prefer that they have the opportunity to effectively fight back as opposed to hiding under a desk and hope that the shooter doesn't find them before the police arrive and actually engage the shooter.

The type of weapon is irrelevant. The projectile is what hurts. Real life is not TV where a cowboy on a fast moving horse shoots an Indian at a good distance also moving on a fast horse. Besides range training, those who carry a sidearm must undergo judgement shooting exercises under stress. As others have said, it's the deterrence that will prevent most crime.

To answer your question YES, to defend no, to shoot the attacker in the head while he has tunnel vision yes.