Is your wallet really THAT valuable?

[Dwight K. Schrute]

Let me clarify first that I have no doubt (zero, zip, nada) that should my life be on the line, I could confidently draw my weapon and use it. However, I have been thinking a lot lately on the scenario of being mugged. If some punk wanted my wallet and did not present a threat to me, I just cannot foresee the need to draw my pistol. My money clip has three forms of ID and a two credit cards. IDs? Those will be in the trash if they don't just get tossed on the street first. The credit cards? Ha! I HOPE that chump tries to use it. Those things will be canceled and flagged stolen before he can even reach the nearest place that would accept them. Thoughts?

[shaggydog]

If some punk wanted my wallet and did not present a threat to me,

If someone wanted something of yours, and presented no threat to you in order to get it, why would you give it to them?

[Paladin]

In most circumstances, the cash and credit cards in your wallet are not worth dieing for...

But I would disagree about your drivers license/ID. ID has your name and address on it. With that info they can "drop-by" at their convenience. Maybe you have more they want... other times they threaten you so you don't go to the police.

If you plan on giving them money... a money clip will help you avoid giving the BG's your ID. You give them the money clip instead of your wallet

Many times people have been shot for not having enough money on them when they were robbed.

Since I'm not sure that they don't plan on killing me after I give them what they want... I would play along and use any opening I had to get in the fight.

[frankie_the_yankee]

In most circumstances, the cash and credit cards in your wallet are not worth dieing for...

But I would disagree about your drivers license/ID. ID has your name and address on it. With that info they can "drop-by" at their convenience. Maybe you have more they want... other times they threaten you so you don't go to the police.

If you plan on giving them money... a money clip will help you avoid giving the BG's your ID. You give them the money clip instead of your wallet

Many times people have been shot for not having enough money on them when they were robbed.

Since I'm not sure that they don't plan on killing me after I give them what they want... I would play along and use any opening I had to get in the fight.

[Dwight K. Schrute]

If some punk wanted my wallet and did not present a threat to me,

If someone wanted something of yours, and presented no threat to you in order to get it, why would you give it to them?

Perhaps I left my initial comments too open ended. I would not give them my wallet if they presented no threat, but that's just me. I guess I'm just opening this up for discussion.

[flintknapper]

Let me clarify first that I have no doubt (zero, zip, nada) that should my life be on the line, I could confidently draw my weapon and use it. However, I have been thinking a lot lately on the scenario of being mugged. If some punk wanted my wallet and did not present a threat to me, I just cannot foresee the need to draw my pistol. My money clip has three forms of ID and a two credit cards. IDs? Those will be in the trash if they don't just get tossed on the street first. The credit cards? Ha! I HOPE that chump tries to use it. Those things will be canceled and flagged stolen before he can even reach the nearest place that would accept them. Thoughts?

30 years ago I might have been inclined to agree with you. These days however, people are routinely killed even after complying with the demands of the BG (or his group).

Of course, every person must make their own decisions....and each decision should be based upon the totality of the circumstance at hand.

Personally, (if circumstance allows) I will be drawing my weapon in preparation of defense. It doesn't mean I HAVE TO SHOOT, (the dynamics of any encounter can change quickly).

Just remember, you are already two seconds behind the curve. Waiting to "draw" until you are certain the BG means to harm you....probably won't work out in your favor.

[CHLSteve]

OK, so hypothetical scenario:

BG walks up to you, evening or nighttime, as you pass by, and says, "Give me your wallet!" He doesn't appear to be armed at first glance, just mean.

What to do? Draw? Shoot? Run?

[HighVelocity]

They're not just stealing your wallet, your identity and peace of mind are at risk. Besides, whos to say the wallet is enough? Give an inch and they'll take a mile.

[seamusTX]

Here's my thinking about this:

I was robbed once. It was a strong-arm robbery, three adults against one. I had no chance of escaping or fighting back. They got less than $20. At that time, I carried my wallet and cash separately.

It was no big deal, but I felt terrible afterward, like I had let someone spit on me. Being a victim is no fun. I'm not planning to let it happen again.

The other aspect is that by "giving them what they want," you reinforce their behavior. If a robber meets an armed citizen, it might encourage him to take up a safer line of work.

- Jim

[frankie_the_yankee]

OK, so hypothetical scenario:

BG walks up to you, evening or nighttime, as you pass by, and says, "Give me your wallet!" He doesn't appear to be armed at first glance, just mean.

What to do? Draw? Shoot? Run?

How about just saying, "No!"? Then keep on walking and/or back up as appropriate.

At that point, you see if it looks like he is going to escalate and go on from there.

[flintknapper]

OK, so hypothetical scenario:

BG walks up to you, evening or nighttime, as you pass by, and says, "Give me your wallet!" He doesn't appear to be armed at first glance, just mean.

What to do? Draw? Shoot? Run?

How about just saying, "No!"? Then keep on walking and/or back up as appropriate.

At that point, you see if it looks like he is going to escalate and go on from there.

Yup,

Simply continue to create distance (where possible), scan quickly for other threats....and go from there as suggested above.

[Paladin]

OK, so hypothetical scenario:

BG walks up to you, evening or nighttime, as you pass by, and says, "Give me your wallet!" He doesn't appear to be armed at first glance, just mean.

What to do? Draw? Shoot? Run?

Generally I scan for people at a distance to avoid getting too close to any potential threats. I usually have at least one flashlight for lowlight. Check his hands. Check 360 degrees for additional BGs. Check for any other signs of a weapon. Giving off the "I'm serious" look can go a long way. A Verbal challenge can also keep potential threats out of your personal space. Making distance if all else fails is a good option.

If the BG is still pursuing me and manages to get close without showing any sign of a weapon... I would have my hand on my pepper spray. He demands my wallet... I'd probably give him a blinding light and a burst of pepper spray in the face...

[ccwtexas]

OK, so hypothetical scenario:

BG walks up to you, evening or nighttime, as you pass by, and says, "Give me your wallet!" He doesn't appear to be armed at first glance, just mean.

What to do? Draw? Shoot? Run?

His statement to the police:
I asked a guy for his wallet and then he shoots me even though I didn't have a weapon, use force or make any threats.

[BShook]

If you give him your wallet, complete with your CHL, you are no longer legally carrying. ;)

[ScubaSigGuy]

Too many possibilities here. In most cases you would have to make some assumptions that involve self preservation. Even if the BG(s) don't show you a weapon up front ,that doesn't mean that they dont have one, and will use it after they have what they want from you. Depending on how many strikes they already have, leaving a witness may be more than they are interested in. Property on my person is completely different to me than property that isn't (i.e. in my yard, car, etc...). I agree with Flint that it's a personal choice. I've made mine.