[TMG]

I hope Im asking this question in the right category!!?? And its been a little slow, so maybe we can start a little debate and get this forum going....

This question comes from reading many stories from people who carry concealed weapons, and find theselves in situations that they beleive may turn "violent". I hear a lot of people mentioning that they WOULD draw their guns in certain situations even if the other person(s) (Bad Guy)had no weapon (that you could see). WHy?

Here is an examle of something I read that will hopefully get my point accross. Than I would like to hear comments about the logic behind doing this or this tactic. (apparently this happened to a guy from another forum)

You and two other friends are sitting in Denny's (at a table) at 2 am in a ruff part of town. In walks 3 obvious gang punks talking loud and swearing at a few other people. They stare you (and others) down for a few seconds, and look like they might be out looking for a fight. No weapons that you can see. You feel like they want to start trouble with you, so you discreetly take your weapon out of your concealed holser and hold it in your hand between your legs. No one can see that you've done this. After a few more looks from the punks they leave. No problems. You re-holster and life goes on.

Here's my questions; Why do you pull out your gun?? and what would you have done if those punks would have come to your table and started physically attacking you and your two friends??

EK

 

[Guest]

I would assume whenever you feared serious harm or death. It would also depend on my company whether it was my mom and grandma or two of my buddies. I usually don't sweat it when those types of people are around if I am with my friends. Although if I had kids or family with me I would be far more cautious.

The problem I can see with having the gun in your lap would be if it just ended up being a shoving match, if you are the one who flashes a weapon first, you can be labeled the aggressor.

 

[Udink]

I don't think I would ever preemptively draw my weapon, even if it remained concealed in my lap, unless I knew that somebody else meant me harm (such as if they expressed it verbally or showed a weapon). In the situation above where you may only "feel" like somebody may start trouble, I think I would simply keep my right hand free and near my weapon, but I would stop short of actually drawing it from the holster. Just by staying aware of the situation around you, you should be able to keep yourself from being caught off-guard.

 

[Thomas]

I am a believer in the old saying "I would rather be judged by twelve then carried by six." I am not saying to pull your weapon anytime. However, if I truly feel that my life and mostly the life of a family member is in danger I will do what I need to in order to keep them safe.

The situation you spoke of above I doubt I would have drawn my gun. I may have put my hand on the grip and been in a position I could have drawn it quickly. I also agree with the above comment about it depending on the people you are with.

I think people overlook there 6th sense. You know when the hair stands up on the back of your neck. This is the time in which you need to increase you tactical advantage. I do not mean pull your gun. I mean start searching for cover and start running over scenarios in your head (I do this a lot anyways.)

 

[TMG]

Some people say that you can "What if" a scenario to death. I thinks thats a good thing. So when a scenario is thrown out for opinions, its important we evaluate what we'd do in that given situation.

I know alot of points can be made with this scenario, but the one I'd like to touch on is that sometimes pulling your weapon out isn't the smartest tactic to use. I imagine most of us have had the "hair on the back of the neck" thing or that "gut feeling" that something just isn't right. But basing actions on feelings instead of facts can lead to even more problems.

I too would rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6, and if a deadly threat presents itself, than hopefully I do what it takes to survive. However, I hear too often people that carry weapons (concealed or not) drawing them as a means of protection when NO deadly threat existed. How do you than explain to those 12 jurors that you "felt"or you "thought" a dealy threat existed when the only weapon brought to the fight was yours?

I have seen, and been involved with, situations where half the battle was trying to put the gun away so I could fight with 2 hands instead of one. Survival for you, your family, and friends is the ultimate goal. But to try to survive by killing someone when no deadly threat existed..... :?:
or being killed yourself by the only gun or weapon at the fight... :?:

My point is be careful. Draw your weapon when there is a real chance you're gonna use it. Not for a scare tactic, and not for show...

EK

 

[Thomas]

I agree completely. I was not saying to pull your gun when you got the feeling in your gut. I was just saying not to forget about that 6th sense. When that happens be more aware of whats around you. And if you are not already start trying to figure out what you would do if something does jump out at you. Remember that many more situations can be resolved with out the use of a gun then can with a gun.

God Bless

 

[self-defense]

TMG -
Your story has the bad guys "talking" and not approaching the table.
Swearing has never been a justification for using deadly force. Pulling out the gun to "make ready" was a bad idea. Situational awareness would keep you from being surprised if these guys started to get physical.

I'd have my buddy dial 911 and be ready to SEND if they headed our way. Tell them that dispatch has already sent a car and an ambulance to pick up their butts either way and that the conversation is being taped right now.

The self-defense argument in court will not be easy. You have to convince a jury that you were in immanent danger of loosing your life (or your buddy's lives) or were to have grave bodily injuries from these low-lifes (defense will call them gentlemen). If there are NO weapons on the bad guys you're going to be pushing mud uphill with the court system. You're going to spend jail time and a lot of $$ if you start shooting. Brandishing will get your permit pulled and you could be hit with Aggravated Assualt with a deadly weapons charge. More $$ and time.

Use your head, :idea: not your gun to solve unpleasantries.

Self-defense

 

[Guest]

I tend to rely on that 6th sense to highten my situational awareness. there is an odd calm before storms that I have noticed. I used to be a bouncer for a local escort company and I got very good at knowing which people to keep my eye on, and when the [email protected]# was about to hit the fan. i use this same skill in other parts of life. I would not draw my gun until I felt my life was imminent danger. A lot of it comes down to training. I regularly practice unholstering drills when I shoot and also at home with my gun unloaded. i know that if something came up I could have my gun out and bullets flying at my target in less than 3 seconds. So there is not much of a need to have my gun out and ready. I don't mean to sound cocky, but I trust my training, and my ability to keep a calm head.