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You carry...Are you scared to pull the trigger?
- Thread starter cold dead hands
- Start date
Scared
Doing the above may just cost you your life with delaying to shoot before you look for by-standers. This is just my opinion now. I'm not an expert nor have I ever had to unholster and point and shoot. With the juice's flowing in a self defence situation the last thing you might be thinking about is who is around or behind the BG. I guess none of us will ever know what we will do unless we are involved in a self-defence shooting. Hopefuly I'll never be there.Not scared. Just make sure there's nobody on the other side of the BG that might be hit by your bullets.
GoldenRoyBoy
Moderator
Scared, but dying is scarier ---
Hello Folks,
I'm relatively new here; hope you don't mind me jumping in.
Last week, I made my routine trip to Valdez to fill up the old water tank. Here, in S. Colorado we mountaineers must haul our own water if we do not have the luxury of a water well on our property. Anyway, as I pulled in to the water station, I observed two individuals; one filling his own water tank. It's a common occurence, and one must wait his/her turn. However, as I waited the older gentleman, who happened to be the one on back the truck got down. Instead of continueing around to the driver's side and moving his truck forward, he proceeded around the other side, standing with his back to me. In other words, totalling ignoring my presense. The younger man had parked his car on the other side of the lot. The two men stood there talking, keeping me waiting for no less than 3 minutes. Yes, I know not very long; except when one has an appointment and a 30 minute drive to get there. Anyway, I probably did the wrong thing, tapping my horn. The old man turned around, glaring. He then commenced to walking toward me, stopping, standing by my DD window. I asked him politely to move his truck so I could get what I came for. He told me he wasn't moving nothing; telling me "You aren't from around here, are you! Long story short, I got out thinking by doing so we could get this whatever over with, and I'd soon be on my way. Wrong. The younger man approached me, getting in my face. I did not want to fight; keeping both hands in my pocket, one gripped on Mr. Righteous. However,I did not back down; or let him know I was scared. The young man caught on something was not right, smartly backing away. Luckily, the old man had parked his truck in such a way, I was able to swing around and back in to get to the water line. From that point on, they left me alone.
The big question; would I have used my Colt 38 Spec? Dambetterbelieveit; I think. I'm glad I'm still wondering.
**After reading the two posts trailing right after mine, I thought I'd better clarify something. I'm not one to pull, or branish any weapon as a show of "might will". And, deadly force does mean just that. So, I'm unsure if someone/ones was/were intent on beating the hell out of me, or someone I cared about, or, a total stranger for that matter just what I would do, even if the instigators were without weapons. All I can think to write is; it's better to have the option, than not. Certainly, there are consequences for any act involving violence. Lets just hope none of us have to find out which side the law will take in such an instance.
Stay safe; tote!
GRB
Hello Folks,
I'm relatively new here; hope you don't mind me jumping in.
Last week, I made my routine trip to Valdez to fill up the old water tank. Here, in S. Colorado we mountaineers must haul our own water if we do not have the luxury of a water well on our property. Anyway, as I pulled in to the water station, I observed two individuals; one filling his own water tank. It's a common occurence, and one must wait his/her turn. However, as I waited the older gentleman, who happened to be the one on back the truck got down. Instead of continueing around to the driver's side and moving his truck forward, he proceeded around the other side, standing with his back to me. In other words, totalling ignoring my presense. The younger man had parked his car on the other side of the lot. The two men stood there talking, keeping me waiting for no less than 3 minutes. Yes, I know not very long; except when one has an appointment and a 30 minute drive to get there. Anyway, I probably did the wrong thing, tapping my horn. The old man turned around, glaring. He then commenced to walking toward me, stopping, standing by my DD window. I asked him politely to move his truck so I could get what I came for. He told me he wasn't moving nothing; telling me "You aren't from around here, are you! Long story short, I got out thinking by doing so we could get this whatever over with, and I'd soon be on my way. Wrong. The younger man approached me, getting in my face. I did not want to fight; keeping both hands in my pocket, one gripped on Mr. Righteous. However,I did not back down; or let him know I was scared. The young man caught on something was not right, smartly backing away. Luckily, the old man had parked his truck in such a way, I was able to swing around and back in to get to the water line. From that point on, they left me alone.
The big question; would I have used my Colt 38 Spec? Dambetterbelieveit; I think. I'm glad I'm still wondering.
**After reading the two posts trailing right after mine, I thought I'd better clarify something. I'm not one to pull, or branish any weapon as a show of "might will". And, deadly force does mean just that. So, I'm unsure if someone/ones was/were intent on beating the hell out of me, or someone I cared about, or, a total stranger for that matter just what I would do, even if the instigators were without weapons. All I can think to write is; it's better to have the option, than not. Certainly, there are consequences for any act involving violence. Lets just hope none of us have to find out which side the law will take in such an instance.
Stay safe; tote!
GRB
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spacemanspiff
New member
Part of the whole decision process that a responsible mature adult completes when choosing to carry, is that at some point you may need to do some brutal acts in order to survive, or to defend someone else. A key aspect is realizing that once you put that gun on, you are no longer afforded any kind of ego-boosting actions to defend your honor, which is why the responsible mature adult who carries swallows their pride, and doesn't engage the irresponsible immature individuals who cross their paths.
I have had the opportunity to swallow my pride and let some jerk feel like a big man, ignoring his attempts to goad me into a physical fight. If I wasn't carrying, I might have run my mouth off at him. But having the means to go to deadly force makes me be the one to concede, let someone else think they are the alpha.
I have also been in a situation where I came close to drawing my weapon, the only thing that prevented me was that the person who was engaging me did not present a weapon, if he did, I was ready, not afraid, but prepared to do whatever it took to survive. Many others on here, (or may have been posted on thehighroad, i forget) in response to my report, indicated they would have drawn down on the person even though there was no real threat. Would they have been right? Would they have been experiencing fear?
Who knows? Does it matter? If you have made the conscious decision to arm yourself, then you should already have accepted the consequences.
I have had the opportunity to swallow my pride and let some jerk feel like a big man, ignoring his attempts to goad me into a physical fight. If I wasn't carrying, I might have run my mouth off at him. But having the means to go to deadly force makes me be the one to concede, let someone else think they are the alpha.
I have also been in a situation where I came close to drawing my weapon, the only thing that prevented me was that the person who was engaging me did not present a weapon, if he did, I was ready, not afraid, but prepared to do whatever it took to survive. Many others on here, (or may have been posted on thehighroad, i forget) in response to my report, indicated they would have drawn down on the person even though there was no real threat. Would they have been right? Would they have been experiencing fear?
Who knows? Does it matter? If you have made the conscious decision to arm yourself, then you should already have accepted the consequences.
If a person faces you in a threatening manner, obviously they truly dont really care about yourself or your family. Why would you then care about pulling the trigger?
You should always think of the legal ramifications and make every effort to not brandish and/or fire your weapons. However, if it comes down to it, a man charging at you with a knife or pointing a pistol at you simply doesnt care about you. You should show him the same regard in kind.
You should always think of the legal ramifications and make every effort to not brandish and/or fire your weapons. However, if it comes down to it, a man charging at you with a knife or pointing a pistol at you simply doesnt care about you. You should show him the same regard in kind.
Phonetic Diabetic
New member
I wouldn't give it second thought if I felt the need to pull the trigger. If you are a responsible gun owner, you should already know when and when not to draw your weapon. If you've drawn it, you've obviously felt the need to use force. Whether or not the trigger is pulled, as stated previously, is up to the bad guy.
I have carried for 4 years and I am scared about having to pull the trigger.....but, I am ready and willing in order to protect my life and the lives of my beloved children....better them than me is my mindset...
Robert Boatman (Living With Glocks) points out that if your mind were a car engine, it'd be blowing heads, throwing rods, etc.
Being afraid to pull the trigger might be more of a "before" way of looking at it, rather than "during".
A distinction should also be made between failing to pull the trigger because you're afraid of the court system, and failure because of the "freeze" response during immediate danger, instead of "fight" or "flight".
If I had time to "be afraid to pull the trigger", maybe the "flight" response would be more prudent.
Some of the biggest talkers, and most eager to prove themselves, come away forever diminished in the eyes of their peers after battle.
Some of the easiest going, who never want a fight, perform rather well and are forever admired.
We probably all wonder how we'll do.
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Is someone truly threatening the life of someone, or is he simply menacing?
Can you really afford to take those chances?
Lots and lots of internet warriors in this thread. I would posit that it is impossible to know whether you could actually take another person's life until you've actually been in the situation.
Couldn't agree with one quote more on this thread.
troy_mclure
New member
Quote:
Is someone truly threatening the life of someone, or is he simply menacing?
no matter what, you felt your life was threatened! there is no other correct answer after a ccw shooting!
Is someone truly threatening the life of someone, or is he simply menacing?
no matter what, you felt your life was threatened! there is no other correct answer after a ccw shooting!
If you have to ask this question, you probably should not be carrying. What is the reason for carrying a gun? So you look tough (if someone happens to see it)?
How many folks who carry are actually ready to shoot their weapon in a situation that warrants it? If you have not completed a actual hands on training class where live fire drills are a part of the training, you should. It is the best real world training that one can get to prepare them for the REAL world and to give one the confidence that they will know when to use their weapon as opposed to keeping it holstered during an emotional trying time.
No I am not scared to pull the trigger.
How many folks who carry are actually ready to shoot their weapon in a situation that warrants it? If you have not completed a actual hands on training class where live fire drills are a part of the training, you should. It is the best real world training that one can get to prepare them for the REAL world and to give one the confidence that they will know when to use their weapon as opposed to keeping it holstered during an emotional trying time.
No I am not scared to pull the trigger.
Of course I'm scared
No matter how right you are the consequneces that come with pulling the trigger include the possibility of killing a fellow human being. Even if the human being is a real deal oxygen thief it's still a member of your species and killing another human has alot of issues that come with it.
Pulling the trigger is scary, that doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't do it, but to take it lightly or dismiss the fear that is and should be associated with it is denial.
Recognizing, dealing with and mastering fear is a big part of mindset. Dismissing it is as foolish as training on Duck Hunt and assuming your marksmanship is squared away.
No matter how right you are the consequneces that come with pulling the trigger include the possibility of killing a fellow human being. Even if the human being is a real deal oxygen thief it's still a member of your species and killing another human has alot of issues that come with it.
Pulling the trigger is scary, that doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't do it, but to take it lightly or dismiss the fear that is and should be associated with it is denial.
Recognizing, dealing with and mastering fear is a big part of mindset. Dismissing it is as foolish as training on Duck Hunt and assuming your marksmanship is squared away.
Double Naught Spy said:Scared? Nope. Want to? Nope. If the situation arises where it has to be done, then there will undoubtedly be consequences with which to deal. That is simply part of the package.
Since this about sums up what I was preparing to write, I'll just quote it instead.
My SOP is to evade first and fight only when there's no other choice. Heavens protect me from the moment of truth because I like my life and would rather it not be turned upside down because someone wants to take what belongs not to them but if it comes, I will have no compunction about making sure my family doesn't have to bury their father, son, husband, etc. without my putting up an extremely violent fight.
Yup. I dont think anyone out there wouldnt be scared, in one way or another. You would have to be an empty person inside not to be scared. I carry. If I ever need to use it, it will be an absolute last resort. I would even try running/escaping first. Remember, be not too quick to take life, if you are unable to grant it back.
Lots and lots of internet warriors in this thread. I would posit that it is impossible to know whether you could actually take another person's life until you've actually been in the situation.
I object to the demeaning sanctimonious term "Internet Warrior". Have YOU been in this situation yourself? Not as a pro like in the Army or as a LEO, I mean as a civilian.
If a person hasn't already decided that in their mind, and practiced to do so they have no business carrying a gun. That kind of thinking will get them killed, real quick.
Let me assure you, this "Internet Warrior" will drop the hammer in a heartbeat, without hesitation. Trust me on this. I won't enjoy doing it, but that don't slow me down any.
Cold Dead Hands
I agree with you. I will defend myself or my family - I believe there is an absolute right to survive. I'm confident in my training and in my ability to respond accurately and effectively with a firearm if that happens.
I don't carry all the time / and I don't feel guilty for making a decision to carry or not carry. I carry when I want to / its my CCW permit, its my decison. I'm not trying to be an extension of the police force / and for the most part, I rarely put myself in environments that are inherently dangerous.
Am I prepared to bet all of my personal assets, if I make that decision - that troubles me, because other people in the family will get hurt financially, if or when I make that decision - but yes, I will act to defend myself or my family.
But the possibility of losing millions of dollars - retirement funds, property, etc - from a lawsuit is a sobering thought / and something we all have to deal with if we choose to defend ourselves. Its not just us, that will get hurt by the aftermath .....
I agree with you. I will defend myself or my family - I believe there is an absolute right to survive. I'm confident in my training and in my ability to respond accurately and effectively with a firearm if that happens.
I don't carry all the time / and I don't feel guilty for making a decision to carry or not carry. I carry when I want to / its my CCW permit, its my decison. I'm not trying to be an extension of the police force / and for the most part, I rarely put myself in environments that are inherently dangerous.
Am I prepared to bet all of my personal assets, if I make that decision - that troubles me, because other people in the family will get hurt financially, if or when I make that decision - but yes, I will act to defend myself or my family.
But the possibility of losing millions of dollars - retirement funds, property, etc - from a lawsuit is a sobering thought / and something we all have to deal with if we choose to defend ourselves. Its not just us, that will get hurt by the aftermath .....
Sorry to offend, but until you have been in a situation requiring you to draw a firearm, point it at another human being, and pull the trigger, you simply have no idea whatsoever what you will do. You can train all you want, but you simply do not know what you will do in that situation. There is no way to realistically simulate fear for one's life. Whether I have faced such a situation is no one's business but my own.I object to the demeaning sanctimonious term "Internet Warrior". Have YOU been in this situation yourself? Not as a pro like in the Army or as a LEO, I mean as a civilian.
That's all well and good, but see my point above. Shooting at another human being cannot be simulated and you simply do not know if you are capable of doing so until you find yourself in a situation where the *potential* need to do so arises. Real life defense scenarios are rarely as cut and dried as we might like.If a person hasn't already decided that in their mind, and practiced to do so they have no business carrying a gun. That kind of thinking will get them killed, real quick.
Well, I don't believe I was referring to you in particular, but it's great to have confidence. However, you simply do not know what you will do in a situation of dire emergency until you are in that situation.Let me assure you, this "Internet Warrior" will drop the hammer in a heartbeat, without hesitation. Trust me on this. I won't enjoy doing it, but that don't slow me down any.