My gun probably saved me.

[rscottie]

People can say this and that to you, you should have done this, or done that, etc. You and only you know what you went through, and had to do at that moment. Its easy to tell people what they should do. You did what you thought was right at the moment, and thats all that counts. You never know how you are going to react in a situation like that. You hope for the best, but prepare for the worst, if you can. Please dont listen to to everyone telling you this and that. They know nothing, unless they are in your shoes. Carry on.

I admit that I was not prepared mentally for the whole thing.

This happened about 22-23 years ago and I was pretty young and dumb.

But, the lessons that I learned, including how to deal with anti-gunners, has helped me ever since.

 

[Firearms Iinstuctor]

Same. If it's time to draw, it's almost always time to fire, as in "an immediate threat." At that point, it's DRAWSQUEEZEBAM.

The only exception would be if the perp is distant enough, and not similarly armed, so I'd have enough time to fire if they charged. If so, I may very well draw and issue verbal commands.

One key thing to remember is that for many states, particularly those without castle laws, you can shoot to stop an immediate threat, but that's about all. In many states, shooting after a fleeing felon may very well result in you getting branded with the f-word. (felon)

Saying and thinking that one is always going to shoot after one draws could very well lead to and unjustifiable shooting. I know of and been involved in several situations where the BG stopped and discontinued their actions as soon as guns were displayed.

The time different that determined if one was going to shoot them or not was a matter of split seconds.

Having the mental attitude of always shooting on the draw could very well lead to legal trouble.

There could very well be times that drawing and shooting very fast could be a life saving.

But there also could be times and I have seen them where the BGs stopped their threat as guns were being drawn.

There have been may cases that defensive display have short circuited or stopped crimes.

Don't paint yourself into the corner by saying I well always shoot.

 

[eye95]

Will people please READ? He did not say "always." He said "almost always." He, like I, left open the possibility that, in that split-second, something could change his mind. If I have drawn in immediate response to a threat, I can't imagine what would change my mind in that short time. However, the trigger pull will be three fairly distinct and deliberate actions happening in a short period of time: aim, finger to trigger, squeeze.

During the draw, or any of the three steps to follow, my intent is subject to change. However, if I draw during an imminent threat, my plan is to shoot. The assessment has already been done. Reassessment is possible, but highly unlikely.

I am more able to defend myself if the plan is to shoot, but subject to change, than if it is not to shoot, but subject to change.

 

[45 Fan]

I have been in several situations where merely showing the gun stopped the imminent threat. I have yet had to put a bullet into or through another human being. So, with a majority of our involvement being prevention of said threat by OC...I dont see where every or almost every situation needs you to feel required to shoot them. Yes, every time you draw your gun on a threat you run the risk of having to shoot them, but a vast majority of encounters end at the draw. And while mentally preparing yourself is expected, mentally encouraging yourself to shoot all threats is bad.

 

[S&W357mag]

Anyone who judges your reaction to this incident with anything but complete understanding, as to how it feels when you are literally struggling to stay alive, has never had to face such a threat. I have been in it up to my life numerous times, and I still throw up afterward. That same adrenalin that saves our life, is also a toxin following such events.

God bless you, and don't let anyone persecute or judge you for having done what you did. You were trying to survive something that you never saw coming, and reacted the only way you could under the circumstances. We don't wake up in the morning with the ability to know how the day will unfold. And even with extensive training. things don't happen with any particular pattern that allows us to always respond calmly and in an organized manner. Learning from this experience is always the right mind set though.

But I beg to differ with those that say things like, " if I draw my weapon someone is getting hurt". It's that mind set that gets law abiding citizens arrested and charged. never think that just because you've had to draw your weapon that you are some how now committed to using it. Yes, it is now evident that you may have to use it, but not absolutely, that is decided as things continue to unfold.

You did good. Your alive, right?

S&W357mag