Would you really pull the trigger?

[Expat]

Someone is just not taking this seriously enough.

 

[grizman]

Don't have to speculate. With out a doubt, YES!

 

[Indydrew]

"...99% of civilians carrying firearms aren't prepared or willing to actually kill someone."

"...all the internet John Wayne wannabe's who most likely would freeze like a deer in headlights if I came at you with my weapon drawn and pointed at you."

If there was ever any need for evidence to back up the claim that the anonymity of the web breeds empowerment, I think this post qualifies.

This board is made up of LEO's, active and former military and just average all around good folks...Why you would insult them across the board via childish name calling is beyond me.

Additionally, if you were to intrude on the home of any one of the civilian members of this forums I would guess that significantly more than 1% of them would be willing to "eliminate the threat at hand using all means necessary" to protect their loved ones.

Even as a rough order of magnitude estimate, my assertion would be correct. Your generalization can only be proven by coming at 99% of the members of the forum "with guns drawn." Let us know how that works out...

-Drew (not one of the 99%)

 

[doug1980]

I don't think anyone really knows if they will or not. There is absolutely no way to say for sure until it happens. I could sit here and say I would all day long, but in the end it's only words. I've been shot at twice and both times I never fired a shot. I think most people watch too much TV and believe killing someone would be easy. My grandfather was an MP during WWII and had to shoot a man. He took it very hard and only spoke of it one time. So for me it's not a matter of would I pull the trigger or not, it's could I live with myself if I did. Not to mention the legal ramifications that will happen if I did kill someone. Carrying a firearm is a huge responsibility and a burden. I just hope I never have to find out either way, but if I am confronted with this tough choice I hope I make the right decision.

 

[RichardR]

I would not hesitate if it was necessary to protect my loved ones, no harm shall ever come to them if I am able to prevent it.

 

[VERT]

I have been in only one situation in which I thought I might have to use a firearm for self defense. This was many years ago and luckily no force was needed. The experience was terrifying! Not because I was afraid for my life, but because I was prepared to fight and possibly take a human life. So the answer is yes I could pull the trigger and I pray that I never have to. In fact I go out of way to make sure I will not place myself or my family in a situation that will require me to defend myself.

I can not comment as to the OPs original intent for starting this thread. I hope it was to spark discussion and not be inflammatory. I do agree that there are probably people who carry guns who gain a false sense of security from the presence of a weapon. I also would not underestimate a persons willingness to fight and survive. Especially those protecting their loved ones. Firearms are a tool and for many people they can be the most effective tool for protecting those around us.

As far as training...It was only after reading and analyzing discussion on INGO that I firmly believe that required training is a bad idea. (note: this is a change in my original position on this topic.) Now, training itself is wonderful! Should every gun owner commited to carrying a firearm have training? Yes, especially regarding mindset. But to make it mandatory would introduce a level of bureaucracy that we just don't need. So, lets make it point to encourage others to seak training and sound advice about firearms and hopefully add more legally armed and responsible citizens to our streets.

 

[Armed-N-Ready]

Not all deer in the headlights freeze.

Many on this forum have military or leo training and know the answer to this question. I am not sure what the OP intended to accomplish with this post but it has drawn attention. The same question could be asked to those that own a fire extinguisher or first aid kit, would you have the stomach to use it. The truth is no one really knows until faced with the situation that requires you to point a loaded weapon at another human being and pull the trigger. I believe in my heart I am capable of doing that to defend myself and my family and I believe many others could as well. I would not carry a firearm to make myself "feel" secure. The survival instinct is much stronger than the John Wayne syndrome you speak of in your post. If the intent of the OP was to ruffle feathers, insult forum members or imply that he is a "He-Man" braver and better than 99% of us ----- mission accomplished.

Got a feeling you won't get too many reps for this one.

 

[Armed Eastsider]

 

[dan lenson]

...from all the internet John Wayne wannabe's who most likely would freeze like a deer in headlights if I came at you with my weapon drawn and pointed at you.

Er. Might not wanna take this approach at an INGO get-together.

And don't drink & post. It's the law.

 

[jbombelli]

This link will explain all anyone needs to know about the original post:

Psychological projection - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[rmabrey]

I would shoot an animal trying to harm me. I really do not see Humans as being any different than a dog, bear, lion, whatever. All make conscious decisions and when that decision is to harm me or anyone close to me, all will suffer the same consequence.

Now I will apologize if this has been asked (I really didnt feel like reading through 5 pages after your poorly worded OP) but where do you fall? Are you in the 1% or the 99%?

 

[Past Edgy]

Wow, my first experience with your site and I run into this. I am now having second thoughts about registering. BTW, operating a motor vehicle in a right-of-way is a not a right. It is a privilege, and can be revoked in order to protect the public. I will exercise my right to wander around a bit more.

 

[VERT]

Wow, my first experience with your site and I run into this. I am now having second thoughts about registering. BTW, operating a motor vehicle in a right-of-way is a not a right. It is a privilege, and can be revoked in order to protect the public. I will exercise my right to wander around a bit more.

I agree this would be a heck of a first thread to read. The 2nd admendment and political forums can be interesting at times. Welcome and please browse and participate before judging. I think you will find this site to be informative and at times for lack of a better term "entertaining".

 

[RachelMarie]

I find it funny you would start such a thread and then not reply to it. I'm a bit confused on the point you are trying to make.

But I'll humor you and answer your question...yes, I would pull the trigger. No doubt in my mind. I do believe that more people should take the time to train with their firearms. By train, I don't mean go shoot at paper in a class but also train on the "mental" spectrum of it. You have to mentally be prepared to take a life if you are ever put in that situation (I pray I am NEVER in that situation). But if I am...I won't think twice about pulling that trigger. That's what I trained for(and continue to do so), that's why I carry a firearm.

 

[RachelMarie]

Wow, my first experience with your site and I run into this. I am now having second thoughts about registering. BTW, operating a motor vehicle in a right-of-way is a not a right. It is a privilege, and can be revoked in order to protect the public. I will exercise my right to wander around a bit more.

I agree with Vert here. Stay a while. There are always a few bad apples in the bunch. This guys seems to be one of them.

 

[lovemachine]

I don't think I'll ever pull the trigger. I'm just going to throw my gun at them and hope the police come in time.

 

[wbjenks]

From a bit of experience about all of this, I know one does not know what one will do for sure, until it happens. Some will shoot, some will hesitate. Fear is a GREAT motivator. Unless you have faced the elephant you will not KNOW what you will do. My prayer is that you make the right choice.

 

[brotherbill3]

From a bit of experience about all of this, I know one does not know what one will do for sure, until it happens. Some will shoot, some will hesitate. Fear is a GREAT motivator. Unless you have faced the elephant you will not KNOW what you will do. My prayer is that you make the right choice.

Or perhaps our prayer should be that none of us ever need to find out. (in a wishful thinking?)

I won't say if I could or not - but I'd like to think I would NOT hesitate. I have listened to the CD's "Bulletproof Mind" (Dave Grossman?, I'd highly recommend these ... in fact I need to listen to them again) and discussed these CD's with my nephew (He's a former marine, now LEO, and was at ILEA at the time). We also discussed some shoot / don't shoot scenarios that were discussed in training and on the CD's ... and EVEN many of the trainee's hesitate or don't understand the gravity and the need to fire.

It is not an easy question - or simple and straight forward. So unless you've been there - you don't know. And you really can't judge anyone else because you aren't in their shoes (unless you're a paid professional, performing your duty). And, perhaps sometimes, it takes more courage NOT to fire? I'd say it depends totally on the situation.

 

[Que]

I don't have to wonder.I already know.

I love it! Knowing really makes the difference.

 

[E5RANGER375]

Wow, my first experience with your site and I run into this. I am now having second thoughts about registering. BTW, operating a motor vehicle in a right-of-way is a not a right. It is a privilege, and can be revoked in order to protect the public. I will exercise my right to wander around a bit more.

yeah, im not buying your story. if you think this site is all about whats in this thread then your wrong.