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drjoker wrote:Sitting around second guessing yourself while doing nothing and passing up clear shots will get the cashier killed. If they threaten your family after shooting the cashier but you no longer have a clear shot, what then?

In WWII, 6 million Jews died in concentration camps because everyone (Jews and good Germans alike) sat around second guessing themselves. If you have a clear shot and the chance to save the cashier's life, then TAKE THE SHOT. Lance Thomas (google him if you don't know him) put it best when he said, "My life is too valuable to negotiate with thugs." A murderer and thief PROMISES that he won't kill you if you pay him. Are you going to trust a MURDERER and THEIF to keep his promise? I would rather trust my ability to put a double tap in his COM. Once I see the thug brandish a gun or other deadly weapon, they've already indicated their willingness to kill.

Now, keep in mind that if the thug beats up the cashier with bare fists and runs off with the register, then I won't draw my weapon. No deadly weapon means the thug gets a pass on the lead poisoning. I'll use pepper spray to help the cashier in that case.

Some very, very good points.

Firstly, are any of us a good enough shot to neutralize the threat without the possibility of 'collateral damage?' Secondly, add the adrenaline of a high-stress situation to that and your answer SHOULD be a resounding "no." I've been military/law enforcement for 10 years now with extensive gun and defense training and I can safely say no. Thirdly, we as LEOs are ALWAYS taught to "not be a hero." Why is that? Well, what's the difference between a CHL holder and a hero? The CHL holder is still alive.

Now, if all the variables that have been discussed so far are in the CHL's favor you're damn right I'm going to take the shot. Also, it has been proven time and again that MOST (emphasis on MOST) BGs will turn tail and run when confronted with the pointy end of someone else's gun. So perhaps just the show of force would be enough to neutralize the situation completely...perhaps not. There's a lot of tactical thinking that needs to go with this scenario. (most of which have already been mentioned i.e. other BGs who have not revealed themselves yet, other CHLs who may be thinking the same thing you are, etc...)

This question should refresh everyone's mind that one should be always testing himself while carrying. Constantly be aware of your surroundings and play 'what-if' scenarios in your mind...even while sitting at Chili's enjoying dinner with your XYL.