There is a fine distinction here that I want to highlight.LSUTiger wrote:The second point is that from all the posts Ive read in other threads, there seems to be the prevailing thought that somehow pulling a gun and not having to use it is bad. Somehow if the gun comes out and you didnt have to use it you werent justified. I disagree with that. Again, not having to use the gun is alway good, but if the mere presence of one prevents me from getting harmed (or letting the situation escalate to the point that its use is necessary )thats good too.
I see no problem with pulling a gun and ending up not needing to fire. But when I drew, I should be justified in using deadly force and ready to fire.
It is not OK to draw if deadly force is not warranted.
An extreme example to illustrate the point: A BG rushing towards you with a visible knife -- you are obviously justified in using deadly force. As you draw, the BG sees you doing so, drops the knife, stops advancing, turns and runs. You didn't need to fire, good outcome.