Reply #176: let's look at the steps I listed [View All]

1) recognize the threat

someone who is taking an inordinate interest in you, your movements etc can be classified as a threat, so, you go to the next step

2) attempt to retreat from the situation (if unable or unsuccessful go to step #3)

If someone pursues you while you are retreating, they just shot up the threat scale from potential threat to a threat so you proceed to the next step:

3) uncover your weapon (9 times out of 10 this will dissuade your attacker)

This means moving your cover garment out of the way so that you can access your firearm if forced to step #4. Doing this exposes the fact that you are armed to the threat and communicates, just in case they don't get it, that you are aware of their presence and you are prepared to take action. if the threat continues, go to step #4

4) draw your weapon (at this point only a fool or a determined foe will continue to approach)

This signals in no uncertain terms that you recognize the threat and are just a heartbeat or 2 from taking decisive and irrevocable action.

5) present
(total time for #s 3 thru 5, according to my last competition times, is approximately 1 second)

This is the threat's last chance to cease his threatening actions and withdraw as you are now in a position to fire. if the threat continues the next and final step:

6) fire in defense of your life (double tap center mass)

Now, lets examine those steps in conjunction with your comment:

Playing judge, jury, jesus, excecutioner...

Judge? yes, I judge people by their actions. if they are approach me and continue to approach me while I am withdrawing I am certainly judging their actions.

Jury? I am evaluating the threat based upon the presented evidence.

Jesus? I am certainly not Him.

Executioner? Throughout the 6 steps listed above, the threat is given numerous opportunities to break off and go elsewhere and if they choose to do so, they walk away with no harm...if and only if they press the situation to the point where I am in fear for my life (the only legal justification to use deadly force), I am sorry then I will defend myself and will do so to the best of my ability with all the tools at my disposal.

Perhaps you are willing to let someone you deem a possible threat get close enough to do you (or your loved ones) grave physical harm with the hopes that won't happen to you, that's great...by all means do so but I choose not to rely of thoughts unicorns, sunshine and lollipops to protect me from those in this world who prey on others.