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Chris wrote:

flintknapper wrote: Still, I think everyone is best served by having given serious thought to the matter... and determined for themselves that (in the worst of circumstances) they would protect themselves.

Gotta go to work! Rats!

lacking any gun, i will bite throats out if it's my life or theirs.

Then, we shall refer to you as "Count Chris-ula" from now on!

bauerdj wrote:I have given this matter a fair amount of thought both before and since obtaining my CHL. I do not think I would have any problem in a clear cut me (or us) or them situation. The problem comes in deciding when use of deadly force is the best or only choice. Somewhere else in this forum it was also brought up that deadly force being legal does NOT necessarily mean it should be used, obviously any lesser option is preferable if it will serve the purpose. That said, I believe my decision to use deadly force would come quicker in defense of my family then of myself. Being a bit older and having some physical linitations could also push me to the deadly force decision quicker then some others in better physical shape who might have more of an option of lesser physical force or flight. In another words, when are arthritic and slow as I have become other options are less available; flight at the speed of a speeding snail is not very effective!

Very fine points! A big thumbs up.

Chris wrote:

flintknapper wrote:I thought first, of posting this in the Ladies Forum, but...the question really needs to be asked of everyone.

Have you given serious thought to whether or not you could employ deadly force against another person? Its not a "legal" question I'm asking, but one that involves the physical act of defending yourself against a deadly threat.

Have you reconciled with yourself any moral issues you may have, and determined that you WILL act..(under certain circumstances). Most men I talk to, are quick to say that they would, but.. I wonder.

Some... women (not all) have expressed concerns about it.

Your thoughts?

in a life or death instance, human instinct pretty much takes over. there are situations though, where you have time to second guess whether or not deadly force is the most appropriate action; not whether you would or not.
whether you would or wouldn't is almost an irrelevant question considering the totality of the situation.

Thank you, for your perspective.

As you point out, there is so much more to a possible "gun fight" than first meets the eye.

The purpose of my question however, was to cause each person to examine "beforehand" the idea that he/she might actually employ deadly force in defense of themselves. "Human instinct" may take over, but will that instinct result in the proper action? I have observed human instinct to be Fight, Flight, or "freeze".

I am not suggesting in any way when or where fighting might be appropriate. Clearly, the "totality of a situation" dictates for each person several things: Whether you are justified, whether force should be escalated, de-escalated, etc...

I understand all too well that threats/fights are "dynamic" and that circumstances change during the course of one.

Still, I think everyone is best served by having given serious thought to the matter... and determined for themselves that (in the worst of circumstances) they would protect themselves.

Gotta go to work! Rats!

quidni wrote: Add children into the equation, and I think a lot of folks will find that they're capable of doing what needs to be done.

This is consistent with responses I have gotten from women (with children).

There seems to be a common thread that if "you get between the mother and her cub" then all hell is gonna break loose, no doubt about it!

Surprisingly, some have expressed concerns as to whether they would do the same for themselves. I am glad that you have given the matter some thought. It amounts to "mental" training. IMO, this is more important than simply being armed. In fact, you are not effectively "armed" unless you are willing to use your weapon, and are somewhat proficient with it.

It really doesn't matter how big your gun is, how many rounds it holds, how accurate it is, or how much it cost.......if you're not willing/able to use it when its needed.

Naturally, every person should decide for themselves what constitutes a threat that they will act against. For me, its when: "the consequences of an attackers actions are no longer acceptable".

I believe women (in general), possess more natural compassion, and tend to be more "long suffering" than men. I pray that they never let these otherwise admirable qualities, endanger their lives...by causing them to hesitate. Same goes for men.

Practice mentally your "mindset", in the same way you practice physically... your "gun skills". Both will be needed if ever the day comes that you are forced to pull your weapon.

To those who have already thought it out: Good on ya!

If you have not: Get started!

I thought first, of posting this in the Ladies Forum, but...the question really needs to be asked of everyone.

Have you given serious thought to whether or not you could employ deadly force against another person? Its not a "legal" question I'm asking, but one that involves the physical act of defending yourself against a deadly threat.

Have you reconciled with yourself any moral issues you may have, and determined that you WILL act..(under certain circumstances). Most men I talk to, are quick to say that they would, but.. I wonder.

Some... women (not all) have expressed concerns about it.

Your thoughts?