TexasCHLforum.com

Russell wrote:

What I typically say to an average, non-aggressive panhandler, in a semi-rapid delivery: "Sorry, I don't have anything for you." I begin with a bit of sympathy, then convey the idea that I am not giving them anything. I do not try to make eye contact with them, either, I just continue shuffling along my own way. If they persist, then the simplified unknown contact loop kicks in, with plenty of "back up" and "go away".

This is also the tactic I usually use. But I have often wondered if my response of "nothing for you" angers the guy and resulted in a weapon being drawn (gun,knife,etc.) by the panhandler saying something like "we'll see about that". How quickly would I be able to react to that situation? What would be the best way to practice for such a scenario? It always give me a creepy feeling whenever I am approached like that by someone.