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mojo84 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 14, 2018 4:29 pm Most all the time it is better to end a situation without shooting if possible.

I completely agree with this sentiment. My argument is that drawing a weapon reduces the likelihood of talking the situation out (or simply leaving it) versus being forced into a violent conclusion that might otherwise have been avoided. I think that this is particularly true in situations wherein the situation starts not as a criminal ambush but as a verbal altercation.

I think that you made the worst possible decision and got lucky. I'm glad that it worked out that way for you, but most of the scenarios don't end that well. Few if any de-escalation tactics begin with "Visibly threaten the other party's life." If there isn't an immediate need to fire your weapon, I strongly believe in leaving it holstered and hopefully invisible.

If you presume that the cops (and jury and bystanders et c) will immediately understand that you're the defender, acting within your rights to protect yourself, you'll have a very tough time if that presumption fails. That's exactly what this thread is about.

I was taught that the only reason for a CHL to draw his or her weapon is to fire it immediately. This is one of the hundreds of bad outcomes associated with trying to be a junior LEO. They have vast advantages in backup, arms, public perception, and legal recourse and possibly also training. We have only a small pistol, maybe one backup mag, maybe the element if surprise, and the presumption that we feared for our own life or the lives of others. We cannot afford to give up ANY of those resources, and if we give any of them up, it's often a disaster for us.