Thinking about posts 17 and 19
Some of post 17 is fine,but the pool table incident was not so fine.
If I may assume,the pool table was in an alchohol establishment?If one has enjoyed even one beer,it can be argued judgement is impaired.The DA won't like it.
The whole "I'll show them my Python,they will be impressed.and I will gain the power to control the situation" is wrong.
The testosterone driven BS around a pool table is not a place to have a friend go to the truck and bring you your gun,what,over retaining control of a pool table?(Remember,I'm a juror at your trial)
A member of the armed and polite society might recognise some folks would prefer to shoot pool with someone besides you,like a brother or lady friend.
A gentleman might win, three games,and then say""You guys go ahead,enjoy the table a while"
Or,if the situation had already developed,"You know,you have a point,I guess you guys would like to play each other,I have been here a while,I'm going to go have a beer.
Then,go home.
If we choose to have the option of playing the deadly force card,we have to be heads up to situations that may develop,like a sailor or pilot who keeps an eye on the weather.I have worked as a doorman in a large bar,and and watching the crowd,defusing situations early is THE job skill.That same skill applies to those who carry life or death in their hand
In some cases,like going into a bar,we make the choice to assume some risks.
Cutting loose with a 357 in a crowded bar is very likely to injure or kill bystanders.
Or will you tell me you had no intention to shoot,you just wanted to scare them?
The county just east of me,sadly,recently had a funeral for a Sheriff Deputy.
He was doing his job when the other party party decided to fight.In the scuffle,bad guy pulled the officers gun and killed the officer.Then the officer's partner killed the bad guy.
No need to critique trhe officers,the point,for me,is,if I am armed,I will not physically engage a bad guy.Too many opportunties for Murphy's Law.
I'll retreat till I can't retreat any more.