Playing Hero: Where do you draw the line.

[younggun21]

This story was brought up in another thread and I think it would make for interesting discussion.

Anecdotal, but I read a story from somewhere (I think an Ayoob file), that told of a guy carrying concealed in line at the local stop 'n rob. The guy in front of him drew a weapon (I forget what) and robbed the clerk. He thought about drawing his concealed firearm to stop the situation, but decided to wait to do so unless it got really bad. He wasn't given a reason to draw on the guy as the guy just took the money and ran. Good thing he did because he didn't notice the guy behind him was an accomplice of the robber and was visibly armed on his way out. If he had drawn, he would have been shot by the guy he didn't see. Who is to say, that they wouldn't have just taken him out first or grabbed his gun (since the guy behind him had the element of suprise on his side) if he was open carrying? Because they thought he was just an unarmed Joe Schmoe they left him alone.

I have always been taught that unless I or those in my company (i.e. family and friends) are not in immediate danger then my gun is to stay put and I should do my best to be a good witness. Now I have to say that personally I would probably find it hard to see a gun in someone else's face and not react, I am constantly going back and forth on this... where do the rest of you stand?

-K

[indyninja]

this should be a good one. I need to think about it.

[Lars]

Since every situation is different, I couldn't hope to answer this question. It sounds like a cop out, but really it's not. Take your above scenario for example.

If I were the guy in line, I'd have done exactly what he did.... Nothing.

If I were in the back of the store, with some distance between me, and the bad guy, I may or may not have shot him from behind depending on how sure I was he intended to shoot rather than scare the clerk. I know for certain I'd not have invited him to my gun fight by yelling "Drop the gun" or any other such non-sense. (sorry Shay if that seems familiar... I may have seen a TR video or two at a friends house.)

Needless to say the same scenario plays out many different ways based on where I am in relationship to what's going down.

I couldn't hope to know for certain how I would react under the real stresses of the situation. Hopefully I can take a force on force class in the next 12 months and get a more realistic idea of what stresses are involved in a confrontation.

[RogerB]

Originally Posted by W9ZEB

If I were in the back of the store, with some distance between me, and the bad guy, I may or may not have shot him from behind depending on how sure I was he intended to shoot rather than scare the clerk. I know for certain I'd not have invited him to my gun fight by yelling "Drop the gun" or any other such non-sense.

I agree, and I think if I were in the back at some distance I'd be pulling out my cell phone first. Then if it escalated or any actions turned towards me, then yes I would probably draw and start using whatever cover was available.

One would have to also keep in mind there might be innocent people in your line/direction of fire. Hopefully we never find ourselves in this scenario, but it does seem to be more and more a possibility.

[strongcrow]

:rolleyesedit:I think I remember reading (probably Mas Ayoob) that unless it is directly directed AT me, it's better to be a good witness, rather than something else. So I would keep it where it was unless directed at me, then we could dance.

[indyninja]

but what are the chances of you winning that gun fight if the gun is already pointed at you and you have not drawn your gun.

Originally Posted by strongcrow

So I would keep it where it was unless directed at me, then we could dance.

[Scutter01]

Originally Posted by indyninja

but what are the chances of you winning that gun fight if the gun is already pointed at you and you have not drawn your gun.

Seems to me that you could draw without becoming an active participant in the same way that you can draw your cellphone without getting involved.

[Indy_Guy_77]

Man... #1, I hope this NEVER happens to me. Ever.

#2, if it does...i have no idea what I'd do. To me, it's all situational and relative.

In sticking with the situation in the OP, I'd probably not have been able to safely do anything. Best thing for ME to do at that point is to be sure that I (nor family?) become DRT. A gun in hand is always faster than a gun in holster.

-J-

[hunter480]

Originally Posted by strongcrow

:rolleyesedit:I think I remember reading (probably Mas Ayoob) that unless it is directly directed AT me, it's better to be a good witness, rather than something else. So I would keep it where it was unless directed at me, then we could dance.

I have to disagree with that thinking-for ME at least, I see someone else in trouble, meaning immediate threat to their life, I`m acting.

[bwframe]

Good thread, Younggun. I had that one on my mind after seeing it also.

The guy done the right thing.
IF the gun goes off or any other kind of violence erupts, everything changes. As in the scenario, you could being doing more damage to yourself and others by intervening.