My grandfather told me many times when I was young and learning firearm safety and usage that 'the best way to survive a gun fight was to not get in one'. Good advice. I carry because it is my right to do so to protect myself and my family. If I came upon an obvious situation, say a rape, I would not hesitate to get involved immediately. I just could not walk away from that without trying to help.

I grew up in a city suburb that had a lot of tough characters in it. What I learned was that even the most violent thug on the rampage requires something to buck up against. If you keep your cool and don't give back the emotional reaction they are hoping for, generally the mean mothers will let you be. Don't go barging into delicate situations, don't walk around in dark places where bad men gather, be helpful and positive and I think violence will not find you.

While I understand Mr. Dunlin's comment, I would not be able to live with myself if I saw someone on the verge of being killed, and I did nothing. There are worse things than going to prison, ask Mr. Mandela.

I was arrested for the heinous crime of self defense when my roommates(man & woman) attacked me with a claw hammer & fists for refusing to move out. Because they were blocking the exits,I retreated deeper into the apartment & got my unloaded shotgun & two shells which stayed out of the gun.I ordered them to leave which they did and called 911.However,because they had gotten them first,theirs was the first story heard & because a woman was in tears,I was arrested. I was arraigned for trial even though they admitted to having struck me & attempted to hit me before I broke out the shotgun. Tips from my experience:DO NOT make a statement.The officer who reads you your Miranda Act warning is telling you to shut up in a friendly way.Heed that advice & wait for YOUR lawyer. If your lawyer wants to cave in at the first deal offered from the DA,find out why.He might not like the idea of defending someone who acted in self defense. Always be aware that you could be a test case for legislation that hasn't been enacted yet.It seemed to me like the DA wanted to be the first kid on his block to try a case under the 1995 Domestic Violence Act even though it hadn't been signed into law when I was arrested. I was convicted on misdemeanor charges so I can own firearms but whenever I buy one,I have to prove that my conviction wasn't a violation of DVA even though the state is supposed to have updated its records to relflect that. First you have to survive the attack of your assailants.Then you have to survive the attack of the legal system,even if you are innocent.

Great advice. I always demonstrate "personal safety is like this" (arms spread wide): Planning, preparation, awareness, observation, avoidance, judgement, emotional control, practice, etc. And "carrying a sidearm is like this" (fingertips close together): a small, but often helpful, part of the whole picture. Many people are incapable of, or averse to, the firearm part, but they should still be schooled in the security considerations.

I heard the words, "There's a lawyer at the end of each of your bullets." So that should put things more into perspective for those thinking of or actually carrying concealed firearms. If you have an itchy trigger finger you probably won't qualify for a permit anyways...

Avoidance is the ultimate self defense, and minding your own business is crucial. My arms are for my family's protection and nothing else. Everyone else is on their own.

I can't stand the people who would go out and arm themselves while having the mentality that other people's lives, homes, cars, wallets and peace of mind are there for the taking and that almost guarantees that they kill or maim someone to gain some trivial material possession or feed an addiction. No big loss if they get shot in the process thereof.

Good post. I can't stand the people that go out and get permits and arm themselves while having th sort of mentality that almost guarantees they'll get in a gunfight and do something stupid.