Reply #5: I carry a gun....everyday...

[virginia mountainman]

practically everywhere I go...Legaly with a CCW permit..

For me, I would ONLY draw my gun in defense of myself, or loved ones.. and ONLY then in the face of a potentially deadly threat, IE, a attack by multiple assailants, or a single person with ANY weapon. In other words, my sidearm is not negotiating tool, it is the LAST RESORT.

In a group situation, it gets MUCH dicier. for example, if VIRGINIA laws applied in the Gifford's shooting.. Odds are I would NOT have drawn a weapon, UNTIL I WAS ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN I HAD AN ACTIVE SHOOTER, AND HE WAS ACTING IN PLAIN SIGHT. Sadly this will probably be after he has shot some innocent people.

I am not a police officer, I don't have the authority or the training to tell anyone to "Freeze!!" or to "Drop it!" Someone could see me with my drawn weapon and shoot me!!! He already has his gun out and is actively shooting people..I need to draw mine. When I do, it will be to shoot to kill, their will be no warning... and once he is down, and "out of the fight" I will re-holster, and wait for the police to arrive, to do their reports.

Let me reiterate..

A: I must WITNESS him shooting innocent people...

B: If I draw, I must aim true, and shoot to kill...