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It's been a while since I've been on this board. It's good to see that some of the same discussions are repeating themselves.

I believe that discussing scenarios like this are a GOOD thing. It forces those of us who choose to carry to mentally think about what we would, could, or should do in a given situation. And thinking about it AHEAD of time is essential - if you have to think about it for the first time as the situation is unfolding, you're too late.


As for this thread, I'm going to give a different point of view than most.

As others have said, there is alot of information that is missing in this scenario. But one thing that IS in this scenario is crystal clear - you have a BG who is willing to commit an armed robbery, in a public location, with lots of people around. This bit of information tells you right off the bat:
(1) it tells you that this BG is well beyond being a "first timer". This guy has guts and it isn't his first rodeo. Do not be mislead into the idea that this guy could be reasoned with.
(2) someone who is willing to go to THESE lengths is not someone to be trifle with. IF you pull your gun, you better be prepared to be the first shooter - and to end the threat with the first shot.

Embalmo wrote:Wow-I own and carry a gun in order to protect my family and myself. Though I will use deadly force if necessary, it is my goal and desire to go my entire life without needing to do so. I believe that a concealed weapon is analogous to a life insurance policy; though extremely necessary, I don't think anyone here desires to use either.

This is really the point I was wanting to make by posting to this thread. I think the "life insurance policy" analogy is missing the target a bit. I prefer to think of me carrying a gun to be nearly identical to me "carrying a CPR card":

That is: I hope to never have to use it. But if I do have to use it, nothing else will do. Whats more - I learned CPR so I could save the life of someone else, both family and non-family members alike.



As I've indicated, this BG is not your "first timer kid who doesn't know what he's doing". This is EXACTLY the kind of person that is AT THE LEAST likely to turn to all of the patrons and begin getting their wallets & purses. It is also the kind of person that even if they don't kill the clerk/patrons today - they are just a hairbreath away from it.

Iow, this person is presenting a clear threat to life & property RIGHT NOW.

Thus, in this scenario - I would be far more inclined to take action rather than not take action.