Could you actually use your sidearm in a situation?

[Justin///M]

I do not think it is weird. I am just saying that I feel there are probably some percentage of persons on this post that would not use their firearm under any circumstance even in justified lawful self defense. The animal situation was to show that even trained LEOs may be in the same situation. On PAFOA we have posters who talk how tough they are but may not be prepared to use self defense. Remember the PA LTCF doesn't even require you to have EVER fired a gun. I am just giving everyone who carried something to think about. The fact that you have a LTCF or CCW depending on your location, makes you no safer if you will not use the weapon if the time calls for it. People need to train with their firearms and do the best to look inside themselves whether they actually can use a firearms and employ deadly force if required. The first day of the police academy, they asked everyone if they felt that they were capable of employing deadly force. They stated anyone who could not should leave.

Are you a member of the NRA? If so, then I'm sure you read the armed response section of citizens.

If not, then you should join.

[knight0334]

It is illegal to shoot an injured protected species(just about any wild critter is a protected species in PA).

For domesticated animals - you can also be up shit creek if the critter's owner shows up afterward hoping to save the animal. You could also violate local ordinances for discharging a firearm, or state law for "shooting across a highway".

It is legal to pull the animal out of the roadway and accidentally run the critter's head/neck over as you leave the scene.

[Hokkmike]

Home defense against an imminent life threatening intruder - sure.

Killing wounded animals, no .... not unless it was a result of a badly botched shot on a game animal committed by me.

[IIIIIREPOIIIII]

I would have big problems shooting an animal but i will kill a heartless human in nano seconds.

[FJW]

If you are having a debate in your mind on whether to shoot someone, don't. It has to happen reflexively or it's not self defense.

+1 on this!
But those reflexes need to have a trigger which is built on moral conditioning and judgement, not plain fear. Fear, improperly tamed by these can make people make impulsive bad decisions.

Prosecuter: "Sir! I'm going to ask you once again. Was the deceased actually POINTING his gun at you when you pulled the trigger???"

Details can be used like razor blades in court.

[mpan72]

+1 on this!
But those reflexes need to have a trigger which is built on moral conditioning and judgement, not plain fear. Fear, improperly tamed by these can make people make impulsive bad decisions.

Prosecuter: "Sir! I'm going to ask you once again. Was the deceased actually POINTING his gun at you when you pulled then trigger???"

Details can be used like razor blades in court.

Perry?

[FJW]

Perry?

Nope, I'm only 180lbs.His suits would never fit me.

[free]

I This happened with a dog as well. No vet was available at 3 am and the dog was going to die and was yelping in pain. These were trained LEOs, who could not shoot an animal injured and blocking the highway. I wonder what if it was a person. By the way, the TAC offer later became a federal LEO.

what are the odds that the three cops on the planet that couldn't shoot a dog on a whim would all be working together?



Sorry, couldn't resist (;

Good topic.

I think that if I hesitate, it is going to be because I am concerned about jail, not my potential target.

[abner13]

I've shot 2 attacking dogs , and I like dogs more than people.

[FJW]

Basically, everything that happens BEFORE the shooting should fit this criteria AFTER the shooting, without having to bend the truth in any discernable way.KIMG0711.jpg