Restaurant Robbers

[HVW]

DFW NBC ran a story today on a rash of robberies in Dallas restaurants. Appears about 6 BG's enter with guns already out. One robs the cash register and the rest rob the diners of wallets, cell phones and jewelry. The latest was a Waffle House in Garland that was packed!! My wife and I are both CHL'd and this started a discussion of different scenarios and what we thought we might do or not do. While no one has been injured yet, the Dallas Police were interviewed and indicated it was only a matter of time. I immediately thought of the forum and would greatly appreciate your thoughts of what you might do or not do, safety and legal implications, etc.

[C-dub]

This was discussed a little here after the same thing happened in AZ.

http://texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_Forum ... le#p292441" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It looks like a no win situation if one were to try and stop them. However, if it looked like me or my family were going to get it anyway I would have to try. This is just such an unbelievable scenario that it's almost beyond comprehension.

[dicion]

This was discussed a little here after the same thing happened in AZ.

http://texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_Forum ... le#p292441" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It looks like a no win situation if one were to try and stop them. However, if it looked like me or my family were going to get it anyway I would have to try. This is just such an unbelievable scenario that it's almost beyond comprehension.

And this is why we need MORE people in Texas with CHL's.

Imagine if they started shooting people, and suddenly, 6 or 8 restaurant patrons pulled out handguns and started returning fire.
Definitely a better scenario.

Even a Husband/Wife combo makes the odds 100% better.

[Keith]

From a defensive standpoint hopefully you are at a table. Immediately flip it over and take cover. Use the sides for shooting as they would be looking for you to come over the top. Also as it has been preached know your surroundings allways! Im sure if you were watching the front door you would see it coming and then head for a rear exit like in the kitchen. I will not sit at any restuarant without facing the door. My wife thinks im nuts. If not going to fight then wear cowboy boots and put your phone and wallet in them on the side and put 40 dollars in your pocket. When the robber comes around pull the 40 out of your pocket and tell him you dont have a cell and your wallet is in the car. Odds are he wont follow you to parking lot. Just some ideas hope it helps. If your with your wife have her hit 911 as part of the plan. Dial and set it down so they can trace the call. This scenario scares me because I truely dont know if I could suck up my pride and just give it to him without pulling my gun. If I was by myself there is no question about it. Not smart I know but this damn pride thing runs through my veins as does respect . Walk soft and carry a big stick.

[Keith]

Sorry to modulators as I said the D word again bad habbit I apologise.

[AEA]

If they are going to rob you and you are carrying, they are going to get your gun too.........

So, either you take action or you give up your gun and take a chance of being shot by it.

When it comes to collateral damage when protecting my life, I prefer to live.

[srothstein]

Technical correction, but the table is just concealment and not cover. Cover is something that will stop a bullet and most pistols rounds, even the lowly 22LR will go through most table tops (a fancy restaurant with heavy mahogany tables might stop smaller rounds, but 9mm or larger will probably go through them too).

And in cheaper restaurants like Huddle House, most tables are bolted down or part of the dinette set so you can't do that anyway.

My advice in cases of numerous attackers (a gang of six) is to try to avoid the fight when possible. If they are just going around collecting cell phones and wallets and stuff, give it to them. I do like the suggestion of being prepared with some throw down money and leaving the wallet in the car.

And never, ever leave the crime scene. When you leave the first crime scene, you are going to another one. You will almost always get killed at the second scene. So, if they start moving people into the back room, it is time to start shooting and take your chances. Some of the criminal will run when a single victim starts to fight back, some will stay and fight, and some will freeze up. But your chances are better than going anywhere else.

And yes, being aware of your settings and who is coming in is always a good thing too. You might be able to sneak away if you see them coming in.

[karder]

[howdy]

BG's don't care about where their rounds go. WE are responsible for every round that leaves our gun. If I am sitting at a table with my family (5 people) and this senario happens, I have multiple targets in random places and they have 5 targets all grouped together. Not good odds for me. I too face the front door. I try to have good SA and look for alternatives BUT sometimes I don't. Police and the military all wear uniforms for a good reason. When the shooting starts, you know who is on your side. If you are in a crowded room and multiple shooters start shooting, it won't take long before you forget who is a good guy and who is a bad guy. Everyone in that restaurant is a witness. Different people see things in different ways. If you do confront the BG and shoot him, there will be some witnesses that do not agree with your version of the story. It is going to be very expensive. If you shoot the BG and do not incapcitate him, he may fire several rounds in random directions. Are we then responsible for that damage. (maybe not legally but possibly civil damages) This is why having a CHL can't be taken lightly. We are law abiding citizens, and the anti-gunners salivate over senarios like this because it is a no win for us. Pull your gun a DO SOMETHING, and the anti-gunners say "look at that" Don't pull your gun and the anti-gunners say "see....the CHL doesn't do any good". I agree with most posters. I will give them my cash and hope they leave me and mine alone. I will not go in a back room. I will not go with them or allow my family to go. I will not give them my gun or allow them to search me. I will not act macho. I will act so scared so they will not even suspect that I am carrying. Enough from me........comments

[PappaGun]

And, IF all of the BG's have guns, they will have a whole lot more rounds the I and my extra mags. This is definitely a no win if the bullets start flying.

[Oldgringo]

Keith wrote:

...I will not sit at any restuarant without facing the door. My wife thinks im nuts...

You too?

[C-dub]

Mine does too, but for different reasons.

Do BG's carry around extra mags? Generally?

[Beiruty]

I would go for the nearest exit. If this is not possible, I will do the priceline guy trick. If we carry, it is our responsibility to defend ourselves. If you doubts your skills do not carry.

[C-dub]

You mean this one?
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