If your going to pull a gun, you better use it

[BlackReef]

Who originally said this? Is it wise to live by this?

I tend to agree with the statement. If your carrying, never pull the handgun out until the very last resort, and when you do pull it out, it's to aim and shoot.

Is there ever a situation when it is warranted to draw only to intimidate, or diffuse the situation? Would like to hear your thoughts on this.

[tonyxcom]

I don't agree. Pulling your gun is a game changer and it might change it in your favor. Like the guy drops his weapon and runs.

So why would I shoot the guy in the back? And thats why I don't live by that mantra.

[Renaissance Redneck]

Even in my CCW class the LEO's agreed that there would be instances where you might draw, and yet not shoot. But, they emphasized that drawing should be close to a "last resort", to avoid a charge of brandishing, or worse. Drawing your weapon is a pretty serious decision, and not one to be taken lightly; but shooting it has even more potentially-bad consequences for you, not to mention the other party.

[alfred1222]

I think it's conditional, because once you draw, the situation changes. I agree with whoever said drawing your gun is a last resort

[Kukuforguns]

Do I agree? No. If you wait until literally the last moment to draw your weapon, you run a whole host of additional risks. You can snag your weapon on draw, you might miss with your only shot, you might not have sufficient time to stop the assailant before you are stabbed etc.

417. (a) (1) Every person who, except in self-defense, in the
presence of any other person, draws or exhibits any deadly weapon
whatsoever, other than a firearm, in a rude, angry, or threatening
manner, or who in any manner, unlawfully uses a deadly weapon other
than a firearm in any fight or quarrel is guilty of a misdemeanor,
punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than 30
days.
(2) Every person who, except in self-defense, in the presence of
any other person, draws or exhibits any firearm, whether loaded or
unloaded, in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, or who in any
manner, unlawfully uses a firearm in any fight or quarrel is
punishable as follows:

You may lawfully act in self-defense in situations in which you are not facing death or serious bodily injury. You may only use lethal force to defend yourself in situations involving a reasonable belief that death or grave bodily injury is imminent. Drawing a deadly weapon is not the same as using deadly force.

If you are in a self defense situation, you may lawfully draw your weapon without illegally brandishing the weapon (of course, whether you were in a self defense situation is a question of fact, so you can still be arrested and prosecuted). If the situation warrants a deadly weapon, it's better to deploy the weapon early than late.

That being said, use your common sense. If a little, old person in a wheelchair starts attacking you with an umbrella, don't draw your weapon. Walk up some stairs (i.e., avoid the threat). Drawing a lethal weapon in a situation in which there is no realistic threat to your life or risk of serious bodily injury is likely a bad idea. Now you've escalated the situation and bystanders may mistake you for the bad guy.

[Farva]

The concept of only ever pulling your firearm to shoot has always seemed odd with me. Granted, I dont advise people pull out their weapon until it is almost a very last resort but just because you draw does not mean you should engage.

Take for example the marine who just recently subdued a man at gun point who was beating a girl to death. Do we advocate he shoot him immediately just because he drew his weapon? If you draw in the defense of your self or others and they stop and comply I see no reason to engage them.

[Supertac916]

If I have to pull my gun, than I'm ready and prepared to use it to stop the threat. Once the threat of great bodily harm or death is over, than I will reholster. The THREAT could be stopped by my rounds hitting vital organs or if no shots are fired and they decide to retreat. However, if I have to draw I've already committed that I am willing to use deadly force to defend myself or my family.

[adchrome]

^^ yep..

[Merc1138]

OP, you're missing a key part of it. It's that you better be willing to use it, not that you have to use it.

[CessnaDriver]

It's more a mindset of don't pull it unless it really IS a life or death situation but obviously the situation is dynamic and it could change in a split second whether you need to or are able to pull the trigger, perhaps you do not have a clean shot anymore within that second or someone chooses to flee.

[blkside]

I think that if you dont understand all circumstances regarding CCW then you might want to look into them.

If I walk up and punch you, then back away and said "sorry wrong guy?" do you have the right to pull your gun.. If you think yes.. maybe someone will bring you brownies.

I would study the concept of :

The factors establishing a disparity of force include:

•Age
•Overwhelming size
•Overwhelming strength
•Force of numbers
•Advanced skill in unarmed combat


and as for your marine holding the suspect at gunpoint, I defer:

"He was being very cocky, saying 'Shoot me then,' " Blackmore said of the suspect, whom he estimated to weigh about 220 pounds and to stand more than 6 feet tall.

[CessnaDriver]

The Oregon mall killer incident, a CCW holder was there, he drew his weapon, the criminal saw him, he did not have a clean shot and took cover, the killer committed suicide when his gun jammed. Probalby knew his goose was cooked at that point.

So good example of a dynamic situation where weapon was drawn and no shot could be taken but just the sight of the weapon likely changed the dynamics for the better.

[winnre]

Some friends and I were in Santa Cruz when we got attacked by a gang. One guy on our side had a .357 and took it out. The bad guys scattered.

He was arrested for brandishing a weapon. The cops said had he shot it would have been self defense and over and done with.

[cycle61]

Some friends and I were in Santa Cruz when we got attacked by a gang. One guy on our side had a .357 and took it out. The bad guys scattered.

He was arrested for brandishing a weapon. The cops said had he shot it would have been self defense and over and done with.

Was he charged and convicted?

I'll take a ride in a police car over one in a hearse.

[SB1964]

This could be good, Lemme grab a snack...