There are four types of people you do not want to try to intimidate.
Just think of the 4 D's... Drunks, Druggies, Deranged and Dumb. All four will try to move on your gun if it's out. If your afraid, you might want to think of a change of professions.
When you have your gun out you're at a disadvantage. Your options are whittled down if a justifiable shoot isn't there.
You only have your weak hand to whup his backsides and your exposed gun is easier to turn against you. Most Modern Cops don't have enough sense to carry their pepper on their weak side. Using your radio or cell phone ties up your weak hand even if you could get help in time.
That's why there are so many police shootings. They use their gun instead of a little old fashioned force or common sense.
These things don't happen at 25 yards or even 25 feet. just a couple of yards. If you leave the gun holstered until you've decided lethal force is justified, you just shoot. There's no time lag to allow adrenalinto kick the shakes in and you have already decided which way the fight is going.
There's also no chance of a BS brandishing charge. Just a nice clean justifiable shoot.
I think I know who to pull my gun out on and who not to, but thanks for the internet police advice. I think that being routinely in violent confrontations/situations has given my opinions more edge on the topic.
Don't pull your gun out on the four D's? Where did you ever hear such b.s. or did you make that up? Drunks, druggies, deranged, and dumb people are even more likely to kill you. They can be armed and/or violent. Ever try to fight a large man on PCP with nothing to lose? You may have to shoot him. Afraid? Who said anything about being afraid? I think I know when to use my gun, spray, hands, taser, etc. given the situation. I do it almost every shift.
Most modern cops don't have enough common sense to carry pepper spray on the weak hand side? FYI, every department I have come into contact with make it a requirement that their officers carry their pepper spray on the weak side. Also, we have two buttons located on our radio and microphone that if pushed alerts every unit/dispatcher that an officer is in trouble and needs priority backup. The buttons can easily be hit even if you are holding objects.
Pulling your gun out doesn't mean you are afraid, just practical in certain circumstances. I can quickly holster my gun if needed. It's not an "intimidation" method like you state, it's being ready for self defense. I am pro citizens carrying guns and using them in situations that need be. It's difficult to correlate LEO weapon usage and citizens because LEOs are expected to be on the "offense and defense" while at times the law only allows citizens to be on the "defense" (best way I could put it). I merely was stating that you could pull your gun and have someone comply without having to use it.
Remember.... REACTIONS ARE ALWAYS SLOWER THAN ACTIONS.
Last edited: