Packing Heat! Yes or No
Nov 17, 2021 16:08:38 #
During my working lifetime, I have been involved in two separate incidences where individuals threaten my life. One of these individuals had managed to acquire some confidential information and used it to wrangle a job with the president of my firm, which lead to a multi-million-dollar contract.
The problem was none of the drilling contractors would allow him on their property ever again. I was given the responsibility of negotiating and signing the contract between our firm and both the Oil company and the drilling contractor.
In the process of finally closing the deal, there was a stony silence and reluctance of the drilling contract
This could be either a theoretical question or a real one, depending upon the real-life circumstances. I was presented with it on two different occasions. I finally got the company’s vice president out in the hall for a private conversation and to tell me what their problem was. Why were they hung up and could not move forward, since I already had the signatures of the principals of the lease operator?
He was very reluctant to tell me and finally said that he was concerned about a lawsuit over defamation of character brought by the individual. This in spite of their having a private investigator’s report the individual had lied and did not possess the credentials he claimed to have. When he finally admitted to their having a serious problem with this individual, I told him not to worry, if this was the hold-up, I could guarantee that the individual would never set foot on their drillship. But I did request a copy of their P.I. report!
Back in Houston, I explained to our president the circumstances and details of why we could not use the individual on this job. He then assigned him to some menial tasks. The individual then called me pretending to come to my office to pick up his check. Later in the conversation, he made direct and serious threats against my life. Now I knew the individual well enough now to realize while it was a lot of “big talk and bluster” but he might be just crazy enough to try something.
At that time, I did not own a handgun, so I borrowed a .38 Special Smith and Wesson revolver from my father-in-law, who was a retired IRS agent. I was extra careful in walking to and from my parking lot for a few weeks, just to be sure. Not more than a month later, the individual in question had a small fender bender with a company van, tried to leave the scene of the accident, and was arrested. He was promptly terminated and we heard no more from him.
In the second case, it involved a brokerage client who was seeking a higher return and I had explained very carefully, the investment he chose would lock him in for at least three and possibly five years. Then later he wanted to cash out and I reminded him of our previous conversation, that he was locked in. He then went ballistic and said he would come to our office with a gun to take care of matters..
To answer this threat since the client was threatening to come to our offices, the branch manager took his threat as a serious one. He hired an off-duty Houston Policeman to come and stand guard at our door for several days, in case the irate client did make an appearance. In this instance, I did not arm myself.
Now, for the big question, would I have shot the induvial who had threatened me had he made an attempt to ambush me on the street? I cannot speak for what others might do, or not do, but I would have taken action if in my opinion, it was necessary, and this employee had appeared to be intending to fulfill his threat of bodily harm.
In the other case, I now believe he was a more dangerous threat, although I had not taken it as such at the time. Sometime later, I do not recall the reason, but I had a call from his x-wife. She explained that he was quite psychotic. He acted in every way normal when he took his meds, but often he would not take them and then he was completely unpredictable, and that was probably the reason he was calling and making threats, he was off his meds. In a case of self-defense, does one shoot a psychiatric individual who is threatening your life? I do not believe there is any difference if an individual is attempting to take your life, so I should have taken more precautions when the Houston policeman had ended his vigil at our front door. I did not because I believed the threat was over, which could have been a serious mistake. Just Sayin…RJS
The problem was none of the drilling contractors would allow him on their property ever again. I was given the responsibility of negotiating and signing the contract between our firm and both the Oil company and the drilling contractor.
In the process of finally closing the deal, there was a stony silence and reluctance of the drilling contract
This could be either a theoretical question or a real one, depending upon the real-life circumstances. I was presented with it on two different occasions. I finally got the company’s vice president out in the hall for a private conversation and to tell me what their problem was. Why were they hung up and could not move forward, since I already had the signatures of the principals of the lease operator?
He was very reluctant to tell me and finally said that he was concerned about a lawsuit over defamation of character brought by the individual. This in spite of their having a private investigator’s report the individual had lied and did not possess the credentials he claimed to have. When he finally admitted to their having a serious problem with this individual, I told him not to worry, if this was the hold-up, I could guarantee that the individual would never set foot on their drillship. But I did request a copy of their P.I. report!
Back in Houston, I explained to our president the circumstances and details of why we could not use the individual on this job. He then assigned him to some menial tasks. The individual then called me pretending to come to my office to pick up his check. Later in the conversation, he made direct and serious threats against my life. Now I knew the individual well enough now to realize while it was a lot of “big talk and bluster” but he might be just crazy enough to try something.
At that time, I did not own a handgun, so I borrowed a .38 Special Smith and Wesson revolver from my father-in-law, who was a retired IRS agent. I was extra careful in walking to and from my parking lot for a few weeks, just to be sure. Not more than a month later, the individual in question had a small fender bender with a company van, tried to leave the scene of the accident, and was arrested. He was promptly terminated and we heard no more from him.
In the second case, it involved a brokerage client who was seeking a higher return and I had explained very carefully, the investment he chose would lock him in for at least three and possibly five years. Then later he wanted to cash out and I reminded him of our previous conversation, that he was locked in. He then went ballistic and said he would come to our office with a gun to take care of matters..
To answer this threat since the client was threatening to come to our offices, the branch manager took his threat as a serious one. He hired an off-duty Houston Policeman to come and stand guard at our door for several days, in case the irate client did make an appearance. In this instance, I did not arm myself.
Now, for the big question, would I have shot the induvial who had threatened me had he made an attempt to ambush me on the street? I cannot speak for what others might do, or not do, but I would have taken action if in my opinion, it was necessary, and this employee had appeared to be intending to fulfill his threat of bodily harm.
In the other case, I now believe he was a more dangerous threat, although I had not taken it as such at the time. Sometime later, I do not recall the reason, but I had a call from his x-wife. She explained that he was quite psychotic. He acted in every way normal when he took his meds, but often he would not take them and then he was completely unpredictable, and that was probably the reason he was calling and making threats, he was off his meds. In a case of self-defense, does one shoot a psychiatric individual who is threatening your life? I do not believe there is any difference if an individual is attempting to take your life, so I should have taken more precautions when the Houston policeman had ended his vigil at our front door. I did not because I believed the threat was over, which could have been a serious mistake. Just Sayin…RJS
Nov 17, 2021 17:07:20 #
Dandad
Loc: Elk Grove, Ca
Unless you can afford a personal bodyguard (24-7) you are responsible for your own security. Most of the time the Cops show up to fill out the report. "Never leave your Cave without your club" is good advice.
Nov 17, 2021 17:10:17 #
Slimshady
Loc: Central Pennsylvania
No two situations are the same even though it seems as if they are similar. It comes down to what you as an individual are comfortable with. With the drug situation the way it is today, I think that is more relevant than a psychotic individual although they can be related also I personally choose to carry at all times but as I said,it is whatever makes you comfortable
Nov 17, 2021 17:27:59 #
Dandad wrote:
Unless you can afford a personal bodyguard (24-7) you are responsible for your own security. Most of the time the Cops show up to fill out the report. "Never leave your Cave without your club" is good advice.
as a combat vet I can tell you killing another human is not as easy as it appears. your life enters your head, along with everything else you have been taught . your religious beliefs, what your parents taught you, how you view life. We are a strange species, definitely predators, but not always killers. While I have never felt comfortable with killing another human, I do not have a problem with being the executioner. My training in Tai Jin has given me a mental discipline to carefully decide whether or not the situation is life threatening. the last time I shot a human I blew out their knee and right elbow, effectively neutralizing them without killing them. Ancient saying " kill another man and you are burdened with his soul"
Nov 17, 2021 17:28:59 #
When seconds count, cops are minutes away. Even more so today depending on where you live.
Nov 17, 2021 18:25:51 #
ripogenu wrote:
as a combat vet I can tell you killing another hum... (show quote)
When someone or some organization is threatening to put an end to my lifestyle I’m gonna call that a personal attack that I need to take care of. Not saying I’d enjoy killing anyone but I’d surely make an attempt to not be killed first and don’t even get me started on someone threatening any of my family. There are certain lines that are not to be crossed and I’ll bet that goes for every one of us here. If you neutralize a problem it will only regain consciousness and continue where it left off. Fix it or not. Don’t just half ass it. When I got a hand gun for my wife and taught her how to handle it she asked me how to wound someone if they were attacking her. I said “aim right for the center of their face and pull the trigger”. That’s probably gonna be a wound where they won’t steal your gun and kill you with it. In my mind there’s one reason to point a weapon at someone and pull the trigger and it’s not in hopes they will become rehabilitated at the tax payers expense and return the next time to bring you a pie.
Nov 17, 2021 21:47:14 #
ripogenu wrote:
as a combat vet I can tell you killing another hum... (show quote)
I agree with you brother , but for myself the 1st 2 killshots were the worst, after that 4 more were numb, still have nightmares every now and then of the 1st ,2 ,Beirut Lebanon "76"never think it's as easy as it sounds when you have a weapon, I quit hunting and shooting dove and quail back then , never bought another firearm , I inherited my Pops Rifles, I turned to throwing blows after that, everybody's different,,
Nov 17, 2021 22:51:50 #
Jarheadfishnfool wrote:
I agree with you brother , but for myself the 1st 2 killshots were the worst, after that 4 more were numb, still have nightmares every now and then of the 1st ,2 ,Beirut Lebanon "76"never think it's as easy as it sounds when you have a weapon, I quit hunting and shooting dove and quail back then , never bought another firearm , I inherited my Pops Rifles, I turned to throwing blows after that, everybody's different,,
Mr. Samples, I apologize for my rant I got a little inebriated today,
Nov 18, 2021 08:55:58 #
Nov 18, 2021 17:17:16 #
Captain Lahti
Loc: Kennewick, WA
Not to bring current controversy into this but the current trial of Kyle Rittenhouse is a good example of self
defense. You certainly have no right to self defense if you are just being pelted with verbal threats at a distance but at the point where you feel you are in danger of death or serious bodily harm by the physical actions of an assailant, you have the right to use whatever force will negate that threat. Being charged by or being chased by a person yelling deadly threats and close to being overtaken is that point. Having a gun pointed at you is that point. Having your assailant chase or charge you with any other kind of weapon is that point. Being blind sided with a heavy board from behind is that point. Or a rock, etc.
All with the proviso that you can legally carry. You did not instigate the confrontation by your actions verbally or physically. I carry. I was asked some years ago on the river bank why I was carrying, the gun was visible in it’s shoulder holster. My answer? Because I can.
I’ve never been in a situation where I’ve needed to draw and present but I have schooled myself to know when I should and if I do I will shoot until the threat is eliminated. And then I’ll let myself get emotional about what just happened.
defense. You certainly have no right to self defense if you are just being pelted with verbal threats at a distance but at the point where you feel you are in danger of death or serious bodily harm by the physical actions of an assailant, you have the right to use whatever force will negate that threat. Being charged by or being chased by a person yelling deadly threats and close to being overtaken is that point. Having a gun pointed at you is that point. Having your assailant chase or charge you with any other kind of weapon is that point. Being blind sided with a heavy board from behind is that point. Or a rock, etc.
All with the proviso that you can legally carry. You did not instigate the confrontation by your actions verbally or physically. I carry. I was asked some years ago on the river bank why I was carrying, the gun was visible in it’s shoulder holster. My answer? Because I can.
I’ve never been in a situation where I’ve needed to draw and present but I have schooled myself to know when I should and if I do I will shoot until the threat is eliminated. And then I’ll let myself get emotional about what just happened.
Nov 20, 2021 23:37:32 #
I suppose that one could say I semi=carry. I am licensed for concealed hand guns. I keep one loaded and stowed at home, and one loaded, but no round in the barrel in my SUV. I would have to shuck it once to be completely ready to fire. Only once did I have to take the one in my SUV, tuck it into my pants, in order to defuse a situation. A couple of guys had been cruising the grocery parking lot trying to get auto repairs for scrapes and dents.
They followed me home, and after I pulled into my parking area, they pulled in behind me. I stuck my pistol, now loaded with a round in the bbl. and left it where it could be seen. I then got out of my vehicle and told my 'visitors' they were on private property and to leave. I repeated myself and when they saw I was armed and was not a likely customer, they did leave! Just Sayin..RJS
They followed me home, and after I pulled into my parking area, they pulled in behind me. I stuck my pistol, now loaded with a round in the bbl. and left it where it could be seen. I then got out of my vehicle and told my 'visitors' they were on private property and to leave. I repeated myself and when they saw I was armed and was not a likely customer, they did leave! Just Sayin..RJS
Nov 21, 2021 11:46:12 #
Jzyjack
Loc: Inverness, FL
The advice that has been repeatedly given to me by the CC gurus is that if you are going to carry you should CC EVERY TIME you leave your home and make grabbing your pistol second nature just like grabbing your wallet. I believe this to be good advice since i've heard many stories of incidents happening 'at the gas station up the road'. I also now keep a round in the chamber after being convince at a training class to do so. Take a class or two if your local gun shop offers them. I'm a guy in my 50's and was pleasantly surprised how useful they can be and the additional knowledge that i picked up. Know your local laws and if involved in a self defense shooting do not give a statement without an attorney present (i hate them too, but you need one in this situation)
Be safe...-jack
Be safe...-jack
Nov 21, 2021 12:44:55 #
Dandad
Loc: Elk Grove, Ca
Great advice Jack. Always carry, train, train, train and know the law. I always carry loaded, cocked and locked. Remember "never leave your cave without your club" (Mark Walters AAR)
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