To shoot or not to shoot. That is...oh, you get it.

#2 ... with the option of changing my perception and subsequent resulting action by reformulating a policy for employing situational ethics upon rationalization of perceived success and or failure rates within the time space continuum of the omnipresent conflict resolution matrix.

... or, whatever.
 
#2 Draw when you perceive a threat. I draw, and release the safety upon completion. Use the drawn gun and verbal commands, "Stop or I'll shoot!", to force the perp to back down or to effect your escape. If the threat escalates, do not hesitate to pull the trigger. Don't wait until the last moment to draw, you may not have a last moment at that point.

Scenario:
A perp approaches with a gun in his hand, pointing at the ground. You draw yours and point it at his chest. He stops. "Drop the gun!" over and over. As long as he's not advancing and hasn't raised the gun, there's no need to fire. He's in your sights, if he even twitches that gun hand or continues to advance, you have him cold.

The simple appearance of a potential victim who's suddenly armed may be enough deterrent. Like I've said, crooks like it easy.

Drawing is a first resort, firing is a last resort.
 
how many of you have fired your CCW in self defense?
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Drawn once, not fired - .357 snubbie, did not cock the hammer but my finger was on the trigger. Did not draw with the immediate intent of using it, but would have if the two perps had not backed down. They backed down and left, I re-holstered and started breathing again.
 
#2

In my state we can brandish a firearm to create the apprehension that it will be used in a situation that one can legally use force or deadly force. Draw to low ready with the intent to fire if situation further deteriorates during the draw or presentation.

I actually had to draw my weapon last week...thank God I have trained to follow those rules if there is not a weapon pointed directly at me. I will probably get flamed but here's what happened.

I stopped at a grocery store gas station kiosk, if I'm just buying a soda or cigarettes I'll stop here on my way to work since I can just pull up, get out, get what I need, and get right back in. This day I was paying with cash and there was no one in line or and just a couple at the pump, so I pulled up and left my truck running while I got out.

While I'm reaching in my pocket to get my money in my peripheral vision I saw someone running behind me and a look of shock on the face of the cashier at the kiosk. I turned, saw someone opening my door, and about to get in. I drew to low ready (finger off trigger), and gave a command to stop. In this process I could not see a face, just an outline through my tinted windows, I was looking for hands. He stopped, put his hands in front of him and came out of my car slowly. After the individual cleared the door with his hands up I looked at the face and saw a family member of my wife with a half smile half bewildered look. I guess he thought it would be funny to "scare" me.

I don't advertise my CCW status to everyone but this guy knows I carry. After I told the lady at the kiosk that calling 911 wasn't necessary I proceeded to curse him and let him know how lucky he (or really we) was that my son wasn't in the car. I likely would have skipped the warning and just shot.

I might have to get a sign to put on my windows that say "Joke Free Zone". I fielded several phone calls from angry family members that day, they all calmed down when I asked them what they'd want me to do if that was a real thief, murderer, rapist, or kidnapper. Then they pretty much agreed that the guy was an idiot for playing a joke like that.
 
#2 in most cases. I have been on company property in a bad section of New Orleans after dark. In that case my gun is in my hand at all times cocked and ready to fire.
 
nate45:

I'm expecting to be told I should have tried to clearly identify the threat before drawing or something. I just absolutely could not see a face, just a shape.

I will say that the 400 I spent with Rangemaster for a training class they brought to my neck of the woods saved our family a tremendous amount of grief. Drawing to low ready unless your life is immediately in danger was drilled into us pretty well. So was shouting stop, don't move, or drop it. I elected for stop during training (less stuff to remember), he told me that's what made him freeze, he knew I had my gun on him before he even looked back.

Sorry if that is a semi-thread jack. Just trying to reinforce that #2 is probably the best way to defend yourself. Prevent yourself from doing something you shouldn't AND not allowing someone to get the drop on you if you can avoid it.
 
My personal philosophy is to never draw until the threat has reached a critical level; but if you wait until there is no other option than to fire, you have made a serious tactical error.

I believe that pulling my CCW is my next to last resort...firing it is the last resort. I am a civilian engaging in the act of self defense. I am not a samurai warrior.
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This is my own personal philosophy as well.
 
Definately #2, but somewhat encroaching on #3. They go somewhat hand in hand in some instances, but not all.

I understand that drawing alone may de-escalate the situation, but dangit, if I feel threatened for my life or for the loved ones around me, I am fully anticipating to engage and pour forth the wrath of my firearm and any physical training I have to protect them. The very act of drawing my firearm with intent to use it speaks volumes of the severity of the situation at hand. I hope to never be put in that situation, but should that day come...

I agree with Rampage and his quote.
 
A simple answer

#3 -- Always!

#2 teaches indecision.

Remember, when seconds count, the police are minutes away, they also bring pen and paper to the scene.

In my humble opinion #2 borders on brandishing. There is a movie line that sums up my feelings/beliefs on the topic.

"If you are going to shoot, shoot, don't talk about it." -- The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
:D
 
*sniff* *sniff*...I think I smell a "Hotdog On A Stick."

There must be a mall ninja nearby. :D

#3 -- Always!
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Good luck in prison if you ever have to use you CCW and you pull the trigger simply because you feel duty bound to fire once it is drawn.. :)
 
No mall crazy here!

The key to my answer is when do you draw?

It doesn't mean I'm trigger happy, just means that I've considered the situation and the consequences and shooting is justified (proper) response. Until then the weapon remains in the holster. You know as well as I, that drawing leads to accidental discharges when in the moment.

Unfortunately, all situations are shades of gray, and it is difficult to define the situational conditions that dictate whether to shoot or not, until I've made the decision to shoot, the weapon remains in its holster. Once I've made the decision to shoot, drawing is just the act of a reasoned decision.

Tried by twelve rather than carried by six.

I hope this clarifies my opinion/position.
:D
 
Let's put it this way.

That guy has a gun, poses a clear threat to my life (such as waking up to see a guy with a gun breaking in)and could pump me full of lead in an instant, he's getting blasted until he hits the floor.

If I find someone robbing my house unarmed or a perp does not have the ability to easily kill me or others, he's getting a warning and a strong hint to get on the floor while someone else calls 911.
 
"If you are going to shoot, shoot, don't talk about it." -- The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
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This isn't a movie, it's real life. If you wait until it's time to shoot, the 2 seconds (if you're really good) it takes to get your gun out and aimed may just be two seconds too long.

The police don't wait until it's time to shoot. They got the BG drawn down on and dead to rights. Now it's "Drop the gun, get down on the ground." over and over. If he drops it, the situation is over, NO SHOTS FIRED, EVERYONE ALIVE. And despite what some in here may wish, THAT'S the perfect scenario. If he even twitches that gun hand, he's dead on the spot. What's the advantage in waiting until the last split second to draw?
 
What About #5?

#5 Walk around locked, cocked, and ready to rock. Shoot first, ask questions later. Dead BG's make the best witnesses.:eek: It's either that.......or the truth....... which is #2. :D
 
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