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Well, if this was an impersonator, they got it right down to the blistered lips, smell and even went as far to starve a male officer for the role. No, this was unfotunately, the real deal. The area around the VA in Dallas has gotten pretty bad. I've decided to transfer to Bonham. Better neighborhood and I can just avoid anything like this in the future.

I've read alot on concealed carry and talked to friends about it. I think the number one thing I've learned so far is that carrying a weapon doesn't make me tougher or more resistant to attack. It's a big responsibility and if I wouldn't let my wife go somewhere unarmed, I probably shouldn't be going there, even with a weapon. I've got alot left to learn, but this is a very good start.

Thanks for everyone's inputs.

More than ever, I think I see the need to practice more with less lethal means of self defense. In my entire life I can only think of 3 or 4 incidents where a firearm may have come into play. Half those were in the military. I can think of dozens where OC would have been great. Might have saved me a few black eyes too. I've added OC to my daily carry gear. Makes perfect sense.

Sounds like I did OK. After thinking about it, I'm sure he didn't see my pistol but my actions definitely could have been read as "I'm drawing a weapon." I did buy an ASP defender....10% OC. Although I carry a knife, I need a less lethal means of self defense as well. Makes perfect sense. Thanks for the tip. Great advice all around.

As for open carry, It's a good deterrent, but after trying i out in Az on my way through on vacation, It made me more nervous that feeling safe. I guess if I had a better belt holster (I have all IWB) or a full retention type, I might have felt more at ease. I just didn't like people knowing I was carrying. Thanks everyone for your inputs.

I had to go in to the VA Hospital today and was about to disarm before going in when there was a knock at my window. Oh joy, a man dressed as a female prostitute flashing me his flat chest. I thought "At least if I get sick, I'm at the hospital already." I cracked the window and told him to get lost. I thought he had left and then there was a loud rap on my window. The he was asking for money or if he could help me out. I was getting a bit aggrevated and told him to leave me alone as I yelled through the glass. He then tried to open my door and kept knocking. I pulled up my shirt and began to reach for my pistol. He saw my movement and backed off and left. I tried to call the police but my cell phone had died. I thought about telling the VA security but I let it go since the guy left.


Critique:

I feel I made a number of mistakes today and could use some input. I think I made my weapon/vehicle a target for theft although I'm not sure he really saw my pistol. I was very apprehensive about leaving the pistol in the car after that. By not reporting the incident I think I opened myself up for trouble and am relieved nothing further happened.

Question:

I am injured and there's no way I can retreat. (fractured ankle) Were my actions correct? I don't think the use of deadly force was justified since I was pretty safe inside my vehicle. Had he gained access into my vehicle it might have been a different scenario altogether. I'm glad Mom always taught me to keep the doors locked. When confronted with a situation such as this, would it be wise to allow someone to see your weapon or should it be invisible until it goes bang? Bear with me as I'm a fairly new CHL recipient and have alot to learn. Although "flashing" a weapon might be a deterrent to some, it might be provoking to others. I think it may have been best to remain concealed unless absolutely necessary.

Lookng forward to hearing your opinions. Thanks in advance.