The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post

Troy26 · February 11, 2009, 07:43 PM

I've been told competing viewpoints about when it is prudent to draw my firearm.
Viewpoint1: You should never draw your weapon unless, upon doing so, you are preparing to use potentially deadly force. Anything else is brandishing / doing something that can escalate an action farther than it might very well not have.

Viewpoint2: You are within your rights to draw your weapon if you geniuinely feel threatened. Immediately firing upon drawing your weapon could be viewed as evidence that you "lured him / her in" so you could have a reason to shoot. Drawing your weapon without shooting gives you the possibility of averting an attack without necessessarily having to result to potentially deadly force.

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts. I can see some measure of merit in both.

February 11, 2009, 07:43 PM	#1
Troy26 Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2006 Posts: 314	To draw or not to draw I've been told competing viewpoints about when it is prudent to draw my firearm. Viewpoint1: You should never draw your weapon unless, upon doing so, you are preparing to use potentially deadly force. Anything else is brandishing / doing something that can escalate an action farther than it might very well not have. Viewpoint2: You are within your rights to draw your weapon if you geniuinely feel threatened. Immediately firing upon drawing your weapon could be viewed as evidence that you "lured him / her in" so you could have a reason to shoot. Drawing your weapon without shooting gives you the possibility of averting an attack without necessessarily having to result to potentially deadly force. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts. I can see some measure of merit in both.