Drawing the weapon before something starts

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Monkeyleg:

You perceive a potential threat, but you can't verify it's for real yet. Your weapon is under a sweater or other garment that makes the time required to draw it too long if the threat should become real. Do you draw the weapon and keep it out of sight (and if so, where is "out of sight"), draw it in plain sight or keep it holstered?

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In Pennsylvania, the law say one can only pull the weapon if we or someone else is in iminent danger. You must retreat if possible...yep, you got to run.
You don't want to be too eager to pull the piece out, or use it. In all likeliood you're going to be charged with something, up to and including murder, if you use your firearm...even in self defense.
In your home...different story...you are not obligated to retreat.

Now, what do I do? I carry in a pocket holster (.38 Taurus Multi Alloy) or a 9mm on the hip. If I'm wearing a coat, I put the .38 in a pocket of the out garment with my hand on the grip (innocent "hands in the jacket pockets"). I'll also do this with the Kahr MK 9 if I can make the transfer discreetly. Otherwise, I ensure the jacket is undone to expidite retrieval.
But I tell you, friends...I'll run if I'm accosted. The pistol is for if I can't outrun them.
(If you do run but still have to use your gun, the fact that you did try to evade the situation will help you in court).


[This message has been edited by Ezeckial (edited February 12, 2000).]
 
Chicken-sh*t answer: start leaving the scene if possible, move towards cover if not, worst-case discreetly draw gun but hide it.

At my advanced age I would run away screaming like I'm on fire (but I'd still have my hand on my gun).

This is why I no longer use ankle carry for my primary.

Really no 'right' answer, but I always err on the side of my (or my family's) personal safety. Legal crap second.

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"All my ammo is factory ammo"
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>In Pennsylvania, the law say one can only pull the weapon if we or someone else is in iminent danger. You must retreat if possible...yep, you got to run.[/quote]

Same in North Carolina. I'm not out to prove anything anymore, so if I can avoid the situation, you can bet your sweet self I will! Otherwise, WESHOOT2 has sage advice.

[This message has been edited by Joseph (edited February 12, 2000).]
 
There are a couple of topics to be addressed in this thread. I agree with Chairman Jeff Cooper, five colors makes the list to busy and complex, remember the KISS priciple. Also drawing your weapon to early could get you charged with menacing, which is, placing another person in fear of serious bodily injury or death. If your susposed bad guy turns out to not be what you thought. Then you have major legal problems and you will be charged with a crime that may preclude you from ever owning a firearm again.

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SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL POLICE, KEEP THEM INDEPENDENT.
 
Well, there seems to be a pretty good consensus here. Thanks for the input. We may or may not get CCW in Wisconsin this year, but this year is our best shot.

Actually, I expected a bit more acrimony here. Maybe that's yet to come.

Dick
 
Let's start of by saying I've never had to draw my weapon yet or come even close to having to put my hand on it. But most times I'm probaly going to need to draw my weapon I'm going to be by myself or in a small group and it's going to be at night, no witnesses around. So your dam straight if I fell threatened I'll at least going to put my hand on the gun and perform a tactical retreat. And draw it if I have to, using it comes next.

Cyric13
 
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