I've only been on ODT for a few months but I haven't seen this topic come up yet (I apologize in advance if I've missed previous threads on the topic). Have any of you ever had to draw your CCW in a self defense situation in a public place...or thought you might have to? What were the circumstances and what caused you to draw or not draw? I know we carry hoping to never have to use it but I wanted to hear from ODT members who have had to make that decision. Thanks.
UPDATE 4/24/13:
When I posted this question a couple nights ago, I had no idea that the topic would elicit this many comments or page views but I thought it was a topic worth discussing. Going to the range, talking about guns, buying/selling/trading guns here on ODT is a lot of fun...but ultimately we own handguns for self-defense and we need to be prepared for a situation we all hope never happens. There are many ODTers with military and LEO experience and training but a whole heck of a lot of us that don't, myself included. I hope and pray that I never have to draw my weapon other than at the range for practice but, if I do, God forbid, I want to make sure its the right decision. Thanks to Dr Larry for posting these words of wisdom:
UPDATE 4/24/13:
When I posted this question a couple nights ago, I had no idea that the topic would elicit this many comments or page views but I thought it was a topic worth discussing. Going to the range, talking about guns, buying/selling/trading guns here on ODT is a lot of fun...but ultimately we own handguns for self-defense and we need to be prepared for a situation we all hope never happens. There are many ODTers with military and LEO experience and training but a whole heck of a lot of us that don't, myself included. I hope and pray that I never have to draw my weapon other than at the range for practice but, if I do, God forbid, I want to make sure its the right decision. Thanks to Dr Larry for posting these words of wisdom:
Don't own a gun if you are not willing to pick it up or carry it.
Don't pick up or carry a gun unless you are willing to draw it.
Don't draw a gun unless you are willing to fire it.
Don't fire a gun unless you are willing to take another human's life.
Don't do any of these things if you have not thought all of this through and prepared yourself physically and mentally (as much as possible) for the consequences.
This is not a movie or a novel - it's real life. I guarantee you if you have to use your weapon, you will be scared to death - or should be.
Be safe, and value all life.
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