I almost shot a young man on Friday night (long)

[Bobcat]

Buzz/Paul ... excellent point about guns making people feel invulnerable, more aggressive and assertive . Years ago when I went through my classes for my CWP , the Instructor made a huge point about how carrying a concealed weapon actually took some of your "rights " away . For example , if you were armed and walking down the sidewalk and there was a group of potential troublemakers in front of you and you could just cross the street , you did NOT have the right to keep going and force the issue . If you had to pull and use your weapon and there was a way to have avoided the situation ,then you were in deep you know what .
In my view , a firearm is always a final and last resort to solve a situation that in retrospect may have been avoided ... and yes , I understand that sometimes there is no way to avoid the situation . However , my philosophy is to try avoid the confrontation at all costs .... even if I have to go another way etc.
Please understand that I am NOT criticizing what you did as it appears to me that it escalated extremely quickly . Also , when examined later away from the emotion and danger , it`s easy to find fault with what you did ... but keep in mind , in my opinion , you did react in a reasoned and restrained manner ... and that`s what counts .

Bob