[Cliff R]

Keep in mind that arming yourself doesn't make up for a lack of SITUATIONAL AWARENESS. You must also keep the gun on your person or very close at hand, or most likely you will not be able to bring it into use when a situation to use it arises.

A few years ago, I went out late at night to fuel up my truck, and grab some milk at a local 7-11. It was pretty late, and as I fueled up my truck I noticed a dirt-bag hanging out on the side of the store. He looked in my direction several times and always turned away if I looked in his direction. At one point he urinated on the side of the building. I took some extra time at the pump, hoping he would leave, washed the windshield, checked the fluids, etc. He stayed and kept glancing in my direction.

I knew at this point there was a high probability I was being targeted, so I took my pistol from the holster and put it in my front coat pocket, making it much easier to bring into play if/as needed. I headed toward the store to get the milk and pay the bill and sure enough he headed toward me in an intercept course. About half way to the store he blocked my way and demanded money.

He never produced a weapon, and didn't repeat his demands when I told him that I was a Law Enforcment Officer. Instead, he quickly changed tune (I call this sort of dialog "chuck-in and jive-in") and asked for a ride to the VFW. I declined, and suggested that he get the fluck out of my way and vacate the premises immediately, which he did. I would imagine he spent the next 20 minutes cleaning out his shorts.

He knew by my reaction to his presence, and verbal dialog, that I was not a sheep, and was fully prepared to do battle. It would have been a shame to blow a hole in that jacket, it was my favorite one, but that's what he would have got if he had done anything other that what he was told to do. During the entire event my hand was on my revolver and it was pointed at his chest......FWIW.....Cliff