I always have a .32 with me as well. Usually, though, if I am out working I have either my XD9 or Bersa Thunder with me too.
The KelTec .32 is great because it has become part of me. When I change into pajama pants, it comes along. It is usually with me 24/7.
Indianapolis is far from America's roughest city, but the side of town I live in (East) has the most crime and most murders. It is very common to be approached in parking lots, gas stations, etc for "bus fare" or "gas money". Any scholar of the streets will tell you that this approach is 98.5% of the time the pretext to "read" you and size up a variety of factors; the likelihood that you are holding valuables, your awareness and street knowledge, your perceived physical ability, and the presence or likelihood of weapons. The way you carry yourself can prevent confrontations 90% of the time. If you look like an aware and difficult target crooks won't even mess with you. Most of the time this can be accomplished by being "in the moment". Don't play with your phone while pumping gas, don't look at the ground or the clouds aloofly. Work on your "1000 yard gaze", and take in the action around you.
If you are being approached, show your awareness before they get very close. Remove anything from your hands, and get your back against your car or a wall so that you cannot be flanked. Don't let anyone get too close! If they are within 30 feet of you and haven't said anything, you need to initiate the encounter by "greeting" them. This shows that their mere presence hasn't intimidated you, and puts the move on them. if they keep approaching physically, you need to keep your 5h!t together and get assertive. Straight up tell them that you have nothing for them. If they keep approaching, tell them to back off. At this point, if you carry a weapon your hand needs to be on it. Believe it or not, if you carry a gun and it is IWB (in waist band), with a shirt and jacket over it, a determined assailant can cross 20 feet and deliver a fatal stab wound before you can draw, aim, and fire.
I have never had to draw, and I hope I never do.
If you do carry a firearm, it is a really good idea to carry a
business card of a lawyer who is experienced in gun law and defending self defense shooters. Program the number in your phone as well, and also make sure your spouse or significant other knows who to call.
I hope nobody here ever has to use a weapon in self defense, but if you do: 1. Call 911 and tell them that you were attacked and shot a person in self defense. Give the location and ask for an ambulance. SAY NOTHING ELSE. 2. Call your lawyer and leave a message saying that you shot in self defense and need immediate assistance. 3. Keep your weapon accessible but holstered/ laid down/etc. 4. Administer first aid to the person you shot if possible.
When the police come, tell them very little. Tell them that you were attacked and that you WERE IN FEAR FOR YOUR LIFE. Say nothing else about the scenario and the shooting. Speak to nobody but your lawyer! You will be taken to receive any medical attention you require, and then you will be taken to the police station for an investigation. Be very polite, but very insistent that you do not wish to make any statements without your lawyer being present.
Good luck to all of you gentlemen and ladies out there. I 100% believe that every able minded and adequately skilled adult should be armed, but everyone needs to recognize that a gun is not a talisman or magic wand. It is a tool, and hopefully one that never is urgently needed. It demands as much respect as any other dangerous and powerful tool, and should never be touched by anyone not familiar with its safe use.
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Originally Posted by easyrecycle
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