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  #51  
Old 07-28-2017, 01:47 PM
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Originally Posted by hoosierone View Post
Anyone have an idea how to get her with the program?
Nope - there usually isn't a way, until they are attacked and injured and even then some folks just don't get it. It's just a different mindset - some folks have it, some don't.
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Old 07-28-2017, 03:43 PM
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Growing up in bad areas I learned situational awareness at an early age and it served me well. Two words from the mouth of a low life and I can tell what i"m up against.

My problem is my wife won't make an effort to develop these skills and she has no interest in carrying. Over the years I have tried to get her to see what's going on around her but it just doesn't sink in.

One night I was gone and she came home late. She thought someone was following her so fortunately she didn't go straight home, instead she made a couple turns and lost him. When she got home and went to bed she locked the bedroom door. I told her that would stop an intruder for about two seconds. I have a 9mm in the night stand and a .380 in the hall closet both of which she won't let me train her on. I expect to be gone before her. Anyone have an idea how to get her with the program?
Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.
- Abigail Adams

Until something motivates her to learn, you can't force it.
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  #53  
Old 07-28-2017, 06:10 PM
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Col. Rex Applegate was a well known OSS operative and Defensive Tactics trainer. He worked with the Hong Kong Police for several years and did wonders for the HK Policeman's ability to survive potential life threatening situations. Like all of us, Rex grew old. He was a large man and duty injuries caused him to have a limp. He self designed a walking stick that looked nothing more than that, but was in effect an enlarged version of the PR-24 Police Baton that was used by most LEO's for years. Well, Rex was invited to San Francisco when he was about 82 to 84 years of age to give a seminar on aspects of his Defensive Tactics experiences. Because his hotel was only a couple of blocks from the site of the seminar he elected to walk the city streets. Along his way he was singled out by two street thugs in their mid twenties. They demanded his wallet and his watch or he would be severely beaten. Rex merely warned them to leave him alone or they were going to get themselves hurt. They laughed at this old man and made their move. Rex worked them over with his walking stick to the point both were taken to the hospital. From their beds they tried to convince the Police to charge him with assault because "He attacked them for no reason." The Police only laughed at them and charged them with "Assault on an Elder Person" among several other charges. After he told me this story, I asked if he was injured in any way. He said, "No, but I did get a little winded." ....... :-)

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  #54  
Old 07-28-2017, 08:13 PM
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Originally Posted by sousana View Post
...
In Combat, and facing a bad guy IS combat, there is no such thing as a fair fight.
I am amazed at how many people ramble on and on about how they must consider the legal ramifications of employing deadly force, even in their own homes.

That may be ok for contemplation in a safe secure environment. In other words,
"Get all your worrying done before you draw your gun."

But if someone busts into your home, armed with a gun, knife, pickaxe, whatever, and charges right at you, that is not the time to think "I must reflect upon my options, with a view to the legal consequences, especially if my use of force may appear excessive in a court of law."

The old saying makes a lot of sense:
"Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6."
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Old 07-28-2017, 08:33 PM
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Old Cop,

You were probably dead on with his intentions. Once your retired LEO "spidey-sense" kicked in, he saw the sheep dog in your eyes and decided that you were not an easy target. The coyote will watch the sheep dog as he departs the area.

You done well. Hope I can do as well in a year or so when I'm retired.
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  #56  
Old 07-28-2017, 08:42 PM
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Originally Posted by squidsix View Post
You aren't paranoid. Humans are dangerous.
And often, it's the paranoid humans being dangerous...
  #57  
Old 07-28-2017, 08:53 PM
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Originally Posted by catadjuster View Post
I don't think that it is about paranoia at all. Our brains pick up messages and cues about our surroundings and set our nerve endings to tingling. So; at that point, you begin to pay conscious attention to your surroundings and the predator sees you paying attention. Then, when nothing happens (because you were aware and the predator decides to find an easier target) then the natural inclination is for you to just discard your awareness as paranoia since nothing "actually" happened.

The truth is that something DID happen - you were targeted, evaluated and eliminated as a victim. Trust your gut instinct.
Our brains are interpreting the same clues in very different ways. To some people, anyone they don't know is a potential bad guy. I was walking in a grocery store parking lot one night and saw a middle age woman fast going to her car looking very scared, turning her head in all directions, and with one hand inside her bag. She may have had car keys in it, or she may have had a gun. Now, imagine someone who doesn't even know she's there suddenly emerging out of his parked car as she walks by. She could very easily get startled and kill a completely innocent person - your son, perhaps.

A healthy dose of situation awareness is one thing, but a paranoid person has a mental condition and should not be armed.
  #58  
Old 07-28-2017, 09:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Wanderling View Post
Our brains are interpreting the same clues in very different ways. To some people, anyone they don't know is a potential bad guy. I was walking in a grocery store parking lot one night and saw a middle age woman fast going to her car looking very scared, turning her head in all directions, and with one hand inside her bag. She may have had car keys in it, or she may have had a gun. Now, imagine someone who doesn't even know she's there suddenly emerging out of his parked car as she walks by. She could very easily get startled and kill a completely innocent person - your son, perhaps.

A healthy dose of situation awareness is one thing, but a paranoid person has a mental condition and should not be armed.
And you diagnosed that mental condition in 15 seconds?
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Old 07-28-2017, 10:23 PM
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One must know the difference between "paranoia" and the realities of recognizing every-day dangers. Completely different conditions of the mind.

In today's world, if the meek shall inherit the earth, then it is often six feet of dirt topped with sod, accompanied by the singing of "Amazing Grace".
  #60  
Old 07-28-2017, 10:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Jack Flash View Post
I am amazed at how many people ramble on and on about how they must consider the legal ramifications of employing deadly force, even in their own homes.

That may be ok for contemplation in a safe secure environment. In other words,
"Get all your worrying done before you draw your gun."

But if someone busts into your home, armed with a gun, knife, pickaxe, whatever, and charges right at you, that is not the time to think "I must reflect upon my options, with a view to the legal consequences, especially if my use of force may appear excessive in a court of law."

The old saying makes a lot of sense:
"Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6."
And this rambling that you are amazed by . . . it happened here, in this thread? Because I'm looking for the "he busted into my home [with a deadly weapon] and charged at me" -- followed by "I must reflect on my options with a view to legal consequences" -- and I'm just not seeing it.

Maybe if someone busts into your home with a deadly weapon and charges you, you should focus on eliminating the threat through whatever means necessary.

On the other hand, if you're filling up at a gas station and get an uneasy feeling about someone, maybe hold off on putting that someone in the ground and take some precaution.

Sounds like OP sensed something off and prepared himself for a nasty situation -- great job OP / Old cop!
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  #61  
Old 07-29-2017, 12:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Muss Muggins View Post
And you diagnosed that mental condition in 15 seconds?
We are in luck! The APsaA (American Psychoanalyst Association) just declared that their members may make public declarations as to the mental health of people they have NEVER MET-LET ALONE TREATED. ( A practice deemed professionally irresponsible in 1967 after members trashed Barry Goldwater in the 1964 election.) So if you contributed heavily to the campaign of the Senator from Illinois no Arkansas no Washington D.C. no no New York, and are disappointed with electoral results, well the POTUS is a stark raving lunatic. Hell, anyone who disagrees with you should be institutionalized. And loonies with guns...
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  #62  
Old 07-29-2017, 09:00 AM
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This is my second experience w/something like this. In January 2013 I posted, "Glad I Had My 442", about an experience in a hospital parking lot @ 3 AM. I'd put a link here if I knew how but w/a little effort you can find it here.
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  #63  
Old 07-29-2017, 10:04 AM
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Originally Posted by Big Cholla View Post
Col. Rex Applegate was a well known CIA operative and Defensive Tactics trainer. He worked with the Hong Kong Police for several years and did wonders for the HK Policeman's ability to survive potential life threatening situations. Like all of us, Rex grew old. He was a large man and duty injuries caused him to have a limp. He self designed a walking stick that looked nothing more than that, but was in effect an enlarged version of the PR-24 Police Baton that was used by most LEO's for years. Well, Rex was invited to San Francisco when he was about 82 to 84 years of age to give a seminar on aspects of his Defensive Tactics experiences. Because his hotel was only a couple of blocks from the sight of the seminar he elected to walk the city streets. Along his way he was singled out by two street thugs in their mid twenties. They demanded his wallet and his watch or he would be severely beaten. Rex merely warned them to leave him alone or they were going to get themselves hurt. They laughed at this old man and made their move. Rex worked them over with his walking stick to the point both were taken to the hospital. From their beds they tried to convince the Police to charge him with assault because "He attacked them for no reason." The Police only laughed at them and charged them with "Assault on an Elder Person" among several other charges. After he told me this story, I asked if he was injured in any way. He said, "No, but I did get a little winded." ....... :-)
Great story! But just as a note he never worked for the CIA. He was a trainer for the OSS during WW2 and retired shortly thereafter, before the CIA existed. He was quite a guy!
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  #64  
Old 07-29-2017, 12:36 PM
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Great story! But just as a note he never worked for the CIA. He was a trainer for the OSS during WW2 and retired shortly thereafter, before the CIA existed. He was quite a guy!
Thanks, I knew that and just didn't stop to think about the difference between the OSS and the CIA. Besides knowing Rex, I got acquainted with a former Hong Kong Police Officer who had managed to immigrate to the USA. He told me that the average HK Police Officer shot about 6 total shots in practice once a year prior to Rex getting there to help. Between Rex's instruction in use of the handgun, baton work and knife fighting, the former HK Policeman said the deaths and injuries to the policemen dropped off to near nothing. This man told me that the everyday officer after going thru Rex's complete training course thought he walked on water. ....
  #65  
Old 07-29-2017, 02:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Old cop View Post
This is my second experience w/something like this. In January 2013 I posted, "Glad I Had My 442", about an experience in a hospital parking lot @ 3 AM. I'd put a link here if I knew how but w/a little effort you can find it here.
Found it! Here it is.
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  #66  
Old 07-29-2017, 06:27 PM
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I don't consider it to be a hunch, being psychic, or anything of that nature. It is a different way of observing (not just seeing, but taking in details) and processing information, often small cues. Cops tend to develop this more than most people because it is a literally a matter of life and death. Even now, when I see something that doesn't make sense to me, I try to keep my distance and figure out why it doesn't make sense. Usually it is pretty quickly figured out, often indistinguishable from the actual perception.

If I do not perceive an innocent explanation for the activity, I act accordingly - usually by moving away from the problem if I can. If someone stops at a stop sign as they should, then sits there for more than a second or two with no one coming, there are few likely causes. They will vary by time of day.

If it is after about 1600, and certainly by 2000, there is a good chance that they are impaired - at least 30% will be; some times of the day and days of the week, it's over 50%. If they have license plates or a dealer plate frame from out of the area, they simply may not know what they need to do. In this college town, that's not as valid as a predictor as it might be elsewhere. Most of the time, it is simply someone who is indecisive. Just saw a great example of that in a pursuit video today, as some soup sandwich sat like a lump as a cop tried to get past their lawfully stopped car to continue the pursuit. Idjit simply would not get out of the way. I've seen that a staggering number of times, both while driving a squad car to a call, or while on foot at the call. The number of people who are completely unobservant and can't make a decision with the necessary alacrity is truly sad. Then we have the simply stupid. I work in a building that has one public entrance. It has double doors and good signage, and is clearly designed to be welcoming. Every other door that faces a public area has "Staff entrance only" in letters about 6" high, right about eye level. The number of HUA persons who pull on the door handle (repeatedly!), then try to peer through the dark glass, is staggering. My office faces that door, and I am hard to see, but I can see them. This happens 3-5 times a day, and some will actually try more doors that are labelled that way. I don't think I have seen anyone I would suspect to be malicious - which leaves "dumb as a bag of hammers" as the cause.
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Old 07-30-2017, 01:37 PM
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old cop, good job. Some people have situational awareness and some do not. My SA is very acute as is my oldest daughter's. My youngest's and my wife's is not so good.
I do not think it can be taught. You have it or you do not. JMO.
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  #68  
Old 08-05-2017, 11:00 PM
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Your "gut instinct" is your subconscious trying to get your attention because you're missing something important.

One of the most scary places I've been was a gas station not far from the NOLA Airport. I was gassing up the rental car just before I returned it. It was about 7:00PM in February so it was pitch black.

I had one hand in my pocket holding my 642 as I gassed up. There was no specific threat, but I surely was happy to get in the car and drive away.

A lot of people think I'm a police officer. I'm always looking around my surroundings, don't sit with my back to a door, and give a good lock to everyone who walks in. Plus when I'm talking to people, I tend to look past them to see what's going on in the background.

One always has to be aware of what's going on and who is in the area. Predators, both two and four legged, look for the weak and inattentive.

Don't become prey.
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Last edited by GaryS; 09-03-2017 at 05:58 PM. Reason: typo
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Old 08-05-2017, 11:21 PM
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I am sorry to say that my observation of people has led me to the conclusion that too many people live in a coma and fail to exercise any degree of survival skills; even in the "safest" places like a hospital parking lot unaware they are about to be run over etc.
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Old 08-06-2017, 01:51 PM
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I know so many people who walk around blind to their surroundings and things are worse w/cell phones. Even when I try and point out things based on my 30 LEO years some look at me like I'm a paranoid old cop (thus my screen name).
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Old 08-06-2017, 02:32 PM
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Never discount a Gut Feeling,.....
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Old 08-06-2017, 02:47 PM
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Harking back to my many years as an EMS provider, I can say the few (but too many) times I ignored or rationalized away a gut feeling I lived to regret it. Fortunately, so did the patients that I under treated.

I soon (but not soon enough) learned to heed that nagging feeling in the back of my head that there was something going on that had not revealed itself... yet. I got some strange looks from others when I made a decision to proceed very cautiously with a patient. More than once the patient "rewarded" me by becoming very ill very fast.

Based on that, I trust my instincts when I'm faced with an uncertain, but potentially dangerous, situation.

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Old 08-06-2017, 07:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Protected One View Post
Better to be paranoid than compromised!

Way to watch, Old cop!
Isn't it interesting how young punks look at old men. They don't seem to understand how we got to be old men. We have lived life, many have been to one or many wars. We are tough to have lived this long. When I walk through a parking lot or entre a bulnding stright up like I own the place. I don't know if this works but I've seen punks look at me but behaving themselves.

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Old 08-06-2017, 08:28 PM
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I know so many people who walk around blind to their surroundings and things are worse w/cell phones. Even when I try and point out things based on my 30 LEO years some look at me like I'm a paranoid old cop (thus my screen name).
One of my police mentors told me more than once, "There are old cops and there are bold cops, but there are very few old, bold, cops". At least twice as a supervisor I have put aggressive prisoners into a cell in handcuffs and instructed the arresting cop to stand at the door and watch him until he calms down, then to call me to assist in removing the cuffs.

Both times the "young, bold cop" entered the cell to remove the cuffs after a few minutes on their own and was assaulted after removing the cuffs. One was foolish enough to turn his back on the prisoner and ended up badly injured.

As for cellphones, my wife recently spent 4 months in hospital. I lost count of the number of times I was walking up a hospital corridors behind someone dawdling along, more immersed in their phone than where they were going. Every time I tried to pass them they would wander into my path. I'd back off and try again on the other side only for them to do it again!

I ended up letting them crash lightly into me so I could give them a "watch where your walking please" as I passed.

And outside on the footpaths it is a whole lot worse.

Last edited by Kiwi cop; 08-06-2017 at 08:30 PM.
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Old 08-06-2017, 09:09 PM
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We were in Seattle a couple years ago, and I went to get my wife some dessert from a nearby restaurant. It was about 8pm. I cut diagonally across a parking lot, and a tall thin "gentleman" was walking directly toward me, and said, "Hey, buddy". He was about 30 feet away, and I pointed at him with my left hand, and as hostile as I could, said, "NO!!" It was like he hit a wall he stopped so fast! My next words were going to be "Do NOT approach me!", but I didn't need to. I was carrying a Model 39 at the time.

Needless to say, I don't cut across parking lots anymore!
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Old 08-07-2017, 07:17 AM
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Well done RobertJ!
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Old 08-07-2017, 08:53 AM
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I go armed every where I go .I keep a gun on me even in my own yard and I keep a 357 at hands reach in my house yes even in the bathroom .Why? Two weeks ago a grandfather and grandson were shot to death in there home in front of the grandmother ,two weeks before that an elderly man was beaten to death in front of his wife after being followed home from grocery store .These home invasions are more frequent and these thugs are targeting seniors and disabled people .Yea I have been called paranoid ect but being paranoid has saved my behind a couple of times so I'll stick with it .Go armed every day everywhere .My dad said cops could sense things about people but criminals can to .He said a criminal can sense if you are afraid of him and he will act upon that fear but he can also sense if he is the one who should be afraid .
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Old 08-14-2017, 03:20 PM
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I learned long ago from working around law enforcement that your eyes are probably only second to your firearm as a defensive asset. A hard direct gaze that says "I know who you are and what you are thinking" often sends the only required message to a potential mugger or assailant. Most times that is all that is needed to make the thug reverse gear and go looking for a less aware mark.
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Old 08-14-2017, 03:48 PM
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My wife and I went to a gun show late one afternoon and when we left it was dark. My wife wanted to stop at a grocery store so we did. I parked along the outside edge of the parking lot where the lighting was no the best.
As we exited the store I gave my wife the keys and I pushed the cart and surveyed the parking lot, all looked OK.
I wife pushed the button to open the rear hatch and as I got to the rear of the car a person stood up between the cars and asked "GOT ANY MONEY"
I pulled my Ruger LC9 and advised him in pleasant but business like tone to get the @##$@ away from me.
He understood and left the area post haste. He was in dirty clothes like a street person and may not have posed a problem but coming up out of the shadows late at night was not the best way to approach people.
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Old 08-14-2017, 04:08 PM
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Without knowing the NV self defense laws, I can't comment on whether what you did was legal or not. That aside, I think drawing a gun because a person spoke to you might be hard to defend if you were questioned.

Maybe not in NV, but in MA if I did that and the homeless person called 9-1-1 and complained, I'd likely lose my license to carry even if I wasn't charged.

Again, NV probably has a different standard, but I don't know what threat you could articulate that would support drawing a weapon.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Toyman View Post
My wife and I went to a gun show late one afternoon and when we left it was dark. My wife wanted to stop at a grocery store so we did. I parked along the outside edge of the parking lot where the lighting was no the best.
As we exited the store I gave my wife the keys and I pushed the cart and surveyed the parking lot, all looked OK.
I wife pushed the button to open the rear hatch and as I got to the rear of the car a person stood up between the cars and asked "GOT ANY MONEY"
I pulled my Ruger LC9 and advised him in pleasant but business like tone to get the @##$@ away from me.
He understood and left the area post haste. He was in dirty clothes like a street person and may not have posed a problem but coming up out of the shadows late at night was not the best way to approach people.
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Old 08-14-2017, 04:36 PM
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This happened it Iowa before we moved to Nevada
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Old 08-14-2017, 04:37 PM
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Had virtually the same experience with a ute in one of the less than desirable areas of town after having a medical procedure that hurt like heck. 20 yr old, 6'1" 240 tried to strong arm me at
A multi lane Cstore. Started clearing and he ran like a gazelle. He doesn't know how close he came to seeing whats on the other side. Don't mess with 70+ yr old combat marine. They will kill you!
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Old 08-14-2017, 05:52 PM
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I can replace NV with IA, but the rest of the comments are still the same.

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This happened it Iowa before we moved to Nevada
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Old 08-17-2017, 07:19 AM
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A couple of thoughts about Post #84 above: First, you probably should have alerted the state police about this individual after you left. Next, I've thought about being attacked @ the urinal and have decided I'd turn around, mid stream, and pull my gun while peeing on the BG (we make a lot of car trips). Talk about the element of surprise . . . .
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Old 08-17-2017, 03:55 PM
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Please don't misunderstand, I intended no disrespect. Just a thought in the event you encounter another weirdo in the futhre.
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Old 08-17-2017, 05:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Toyman View Post
My wife and I went to a gun show late one afternoon and when we left it was dark. My wife wanted to stop at a grocery store so we did. I parked along the outside edge of the parking lot where the lighting was no the best.
As we exited the store I gave my wife the keys and I pushed the cart and surveyed the parking lot, all looked OK.
I wife pushed the button to open the rear hatch and as I got to the rear of the car a person stood up between the cars and asked "GOT ANY MONEY"
I pulled my Ruger LC9 and advised him in pleasant but business like tone to get the @##$@ away from me.
He understood and left the area post haste. He was in dirty clothes like a street person and may not have posed a problem but coming up out of the shadows late at night was not the best way to approach people.
Why did you park along the edge where the lighting was not the best?
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Old 08-17-2017, 07:49 PM
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Default Just a bit ago...

...at approximately 1850 hours, EDT, I stopped at the local 'stop and rob' to procure a 30 pack. NO ONE in sight. Quite unusual.

Grabbed the 30, set it on the counter and announced 'anyone here?' No worries....seems the worker was stocking the cooler.

Yes, a bad idea for a solo worker; no I did NOT draw down.

Be safe.
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Old 08-28-2017, 08:02 AM
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I stopped to gas up my car mid afternoon today when I saw a young guy walking across the lot watching me closely. No other cars or people were around (no station attendant in sight) and I kept an eye on his progress as he got closer. While I can't articulate it I believe he was sizing me up. I look like an easy mark, past 70 and handicapped. My 340PD was in my L/F pocket so I slid my hand on it trying to look casual. He gave me a wide berth but kept looking over his shoulder at me and checking to see if anyone else was watching us. Needing both hands to finish I shifted the gun under my shirt, appendix, with my back to him, and got back in the car. He was still looking at me as I drove away. Maybe I'm just a paranoid old retiree and nothing was going to go down, but I was really glad to be carrying. Lesson - If you can legally carry do so all the time, not selectively when you think you might need to.
Yep. That's why it's called EVERY day carry (EDC)
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Old 08-29-2017, 11:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GaryS View Post
Without knowing the NV self defense laws, I can't comment on whether what you did was legal or not. That aside, I think drawing a gun because a person spoke to you might be hard to defend if you were questioned.

Maybe not in NV, but in MA if I did that and the homeless person called 9-1-1 and complained, I'd likely lose my license to carry even if I wasn't charged.

Again, NV probably has a different standard, but I don't know what threat you could articulate that would support drawing a weapon.
So, you would take the chance that nothing would happen in the same situation? That is just plain disregard for personal safety. If you carry, why? Sorry, if someone came at you, and being that close, you could have a knife in your ribs or on the ground being stomped before you could draw and fire.

A gun concealed on your body is not a magic talisman against danger. You must have the mentality and mind-set to be willing to use it.

Worry about the "what ifs" will reward you with a small piece of real estate garnished with a lovely granite stone.
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Old 08-30-2017, 09:20 PM
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So, you would take the chance that nothing would happen in the same situation? That is just plain disregard for personal safety. If you carry, why? Sorry, if someone came at you, and being that close, you could have a knife in your ribs or on the ground being stomped before you could draw and fire.

A gun concealed on your body is not a magic talisman against danger. You must have the mentality and mind-set to be willing to use it.

Worry about the "what ifs" will reward you with a small piece of real estate garnished with a lovely granite stone.
All true, but it sounds like GaryS has the presence of mind to draw when it's necessary. Here in MA, one complaint can and will cost you your license and all your guns, and you'll spend the rest of your days with nothing but unkind words and your fists to defend yourself and your loved ones. Holding onto a snubbie in a pocket is a comforting feeling when things look sketchy, but not Condition Red.
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Old 08-30-2017, 09:37 PM
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Nobody really knows what they'll do in any urgent situation until presented with it . . .
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Old 08-30-2017, 09:39 PM
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Worry about the "what ifs" will reward you with a small piece of real estate garnished with a lovely granite stone.
Thinking about the what ifs regularly may keep you alive . . .
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Old 09-03-2017, 08:57 AM
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Good awareness.

I have also tried to keep aware of the "other guy" who works as a team with the guy approaching you. One gets your focus while the other comes up behind. I now take a quick glance over my shoulder while the 1st guy is still aways away to see if they are double teaming me.
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Old 09-03-2017, 11:32 AM
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Good awareness.

I have also tried to keep aware of the "other guy" who works as a team with the guy approaching you. One gets your focus while the other comes up behind. I now take a quick glance over my shoulder while the 1st guy is still aways away to see if they are double teaming me.
Many years ago, we discussed this situation at length in a tactical class with Clint Smith at Thunder Ranch. It was concluded that bad guys oft come in twos, threes and even more at times. In that case Clint's advise was to shoot the bad guy with the shotgun first and then shoot the leader........ :-)
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Old 09-03-2017, 02:09 PM
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Much of the discussion is whether you should wait for the bad guy to actually make his move or draw your gun if you think he might be making his move shortly. The reasoning being that in some areas there could be legal ramifications of drawing before the BG has actually threatened you.

Obviously a tough call. But only the person living the situation (not the kibitzers) has the feel for what is actually happening at that moment. He might be wrong, in which case he will either get attacked by the BG or face possible legal issues. Which is "better"? IMHO, it is better to draw than to hesitate by contemplating possible "legal" issues. If you allow yourself (or your loved ones) to be harmed because you are worried about interpretation of laws then IMHO you are wrong.
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Old 09-03-2017, 03:26 PM
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A tough call but there's a trick I learned on the streets. I sneak my gun out and hide it behind my left (I'm a leftie) leg until I'm satisfied everything is okay, then sneak it back in the holster or pocket. I walked up to many cars and bad guys like this and they never knew.
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Old 09-03-2017, 03:48 PM
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After reading what you wrote I began considering this. In the last few months thousands of convicts were pardoned and released. Very interesting. I wonder how they will be able to support themselves on the outside. Some of these ex-convicts were violent criminals, drug dealers, burglars and drug dealers. This certainly double or triples the risks we face in our daily lives doesn't it?
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Old 09-03-2017, 03:52 PM
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Good awareness.

I have also tried to keep aware of the "other guy" who works as a team with the guy approaching you. One gets your focus while the other comes up behind. I now take a quick glance over my shoulder while the 1st guy is still aways away to see if they are double teaming me.
An excellent point. They often work as a team. A couple a years ago we recall a man and his wife shooting two police officers in a restaurant in Las Vegas, then crossing the streat and entering Walmart. A 'good' samaritan CCW attempted to apprehend the husband and was shot by the wife, who was behind him.
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Old 09-03-2017, 04:13 PM
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It's difficult to maintain situational awareness when I get out of the car and have to lean in to get my cane. That's when I'm most vunerable and I try to scan my environment, then listen to the inner voices that kept me alive during my 30 years on the street all other times. So far so good.
Old cop...I know this post is over a month old, but I'm just reading this thread for the first time. Instead of getting out and leaning back in to get your cane, I think you should lead with the cane. Open the door, cane out with left hand, then stand up. This would prevent you from having to lean back in to grab it and also it would be "at the ready" if you were approached as you were getting out. You could keep your EDC "weak side", then switch after you were out.
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Old 09-03-2017, 05:11 PM
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About two years after we moved I was asleep in our bedroom. I woke up and the only explanation I can come up with is I forgot we moved because I got up walked out into the hallway and was like "Where in THEEEEE HELLLLLL am I?"

Only ever happened one time in my life, very disorientating.
I don't think you actually did wake up.
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