ddurkof wrote:First of all get past the idea that it was "only a flashlight." Why does he carry a flashlight instead of a club? Because when the cops pull him over he is not carrying a weapon, merely a flashlight. One is a crime, the other is not. He covers his tail by carrying a flashlight, not to check for damage or the oil or any other excuse.
Now lets get over the idea about having to shoot someone. Your response is based upon THEIR actions, not yours. You responded appropriately, don't be upset about it analyze you actions and reactions.
What could you have done that would have decreased the odds of the confrontation? Were you being followed from the drug store? When did you first notice the guy? Could you have gone a different route?
You can't live your life in a paranoid state that thinks that everyone is out to get you, but you can try to keep your situational awareness to a point that you are not totally taken by surprise.
You handled the situation well and no one was hurt, which is what happens more times than not with concealed carry situations. Don't second guess yourself.
What I would ask is 'Why" if you had been carrying your now familiar 1911 you would have shot him, opposed to not shooting him with what you were carrying? With all things being the same, why would carrying the .45 cause you to change the outcome? No laser dot on him to keep him at bay?
Good job.
+1