Drawn But No Shots

posted on August 6, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rackley2015_fs.jpg (1)

While the majority of concealed-carry permit holders will never even draw a handgun to ward off an attacker, much less use it, there is always the chance that someday you will have to draw your handgun in a situation.

Hopefully that will end the confrontation, but if it doesn’t and shots are fired, the police will become involved to perform an investigation. But what should you do if the perpetrator skitters down the road, allowing you to holster and go on with life?  It’s pretty simple: You should call the police.

If your handgun leaves the holster while on the street, you should involve the police. Even if it is late, you’re tired and don’t really want to cause anyone trouble for a mistake, you should still call the police. If not, the police could be called on you.

Drawing a handgun can be considered brandishing, and even if the bad guy isn’t smart enough to try to get you back by reporting a “guy with a gun,” someone could witness the altercation, not understand what was happening and call the police on you. And if you casually walk over and get in your car, the person will probably obtain enough of your license plate for investigators to find you.

In every situation, you want to be the one explaining everything, rather than someone who was not involved and only understands part of the circumstances. This could very well protect you from having to defend against baseless charges, which can be expensive. So, if you draw your handgun in defense, the police should be notified to simply get your story on record.

Latest

Ruger Mini-14 GB
Ruger Mini-14 GB

I Have This Old Gun: Ruger Mini-14 GB

When initially released in 1973, the Ruger Mini-14 quickly made a name for itself on the recreational-shooting market. Designed by L. James Sullivan and Bill Ruger, it combined the best attributes of the M1 Garand and the M1 carbine with a “rock-’n’-lock” detachable box magazine inspired by the M14.

Preview: Mec-Gar Glock Magazines

Mec-Gar took its expertise in metal-formed magazines and applied the technology to one of the most ubiquitous designs on the market: Glock. Now you can have incredibly durable metal magazines for your 9 mm Luger-chambered Glock handgun, as all of Mec-Gar’s offerings are made using heat-treated carbon steel.

Enough Gun: Weatherby's New Mark V Frontier & Dangerous Game Rifle

Weatherby's new Mark V Frontier and Dangerous Game Rifle (DRG) are ultra-reliable, accurate and devastatingly powerful rifles designed to go after the nastiest creatures on four legs the world has to offer.

Preview: Safariland Pro Impulse Bluetooth

One of several new additions to Safariland’s Impulse line of hearing-protection solutions, the Pro Impulse Bluetooth is a set of Bluetooth-enabled earmuffs that is equally easy on your ears and your pocketbook.

Gun Of The Week: Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp

In our latest Gun Of The Week episode, we’re on the range with the Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp, a medium-size revolver chambered for .357 Magnum.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 26, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.