CDC estimated 52,447 deliberate and 23,237 accidental non-fatal gunshot injuries in the United States during 2000.[4] The majority of gun-related deaths in the United States are suicides,[5] with firearms used in 16,907 suicides in the United States during 2004.[6]

The fact that CDC has anything to do with guns screams "political agenda." I wrote "none of your damn business" on a questionnaire about having guns in the house when going to a first appt. with a new doctor years ago.

That sums up this whole pro and contra debate nicely. :)

I wonder, if the guy you held at gunpoint would be unarmed and started running away from you, would shooting him or even just wounding him, be justified?? Couldn't/wouldn't you (as a non LEO) get into trouble??

In general, non-LEO's cannot shoot fleeing bad guys. Cops can in some circumstances, but it's still dicey. Some states allow cops to use deadly force against a "felon" fleeing. This would be kosher if it were a known serial killer or rapist about to escape. But in general, you shoot at someone to stop the threat, not to teach them a lesson or get even. If they're running away from you, they're probably not a threat. Put some holes in someone's back and you'll have some splainin' to do.

Legal here. Reference the Tom Horne case. You are allowed to use deadly force to stop a felon from fleeing the crime scene. I don't recommend it...

Like I said, it's not like this is a blip on the radar. The chances of getting shot, stabbed or severely assaulted in any large US city are sadly very, very real. Where I live, violence is a daily fact of life.

It's only a "small chance" until it happens to you. Then the chance is 100%.

And you had better be ready.

When i witnessed the crime, the perps split up and fled the scene. The cop chased one guy on foot, i chased the other guy on foot. They went in different directions. When the guy i was chasing, who was quite large- probably about 6'1" 190ish, looked over his shoulder and saw that i was much smaller than him, he turned to stand his ground and raised his fists up to fight me, to make good his escape. I simply dropped to a knee about 15 feet short of him and drew my pistol, and ordered him to the ground. He complied immediately and completely. At that point, had a violent and escaping felon with a large disparity of force assaulted me, i would have been in compliance with the law had i been forced to defend myself with lethal force. What's more, he had no idea who i was, i think he assumed i was an undercover cop. In any case, he complied.

Was i taking a risk of an overzealous prosecutor calling me a vigilante had i had to shoot? maybe, but i believe that it is a citizen and an ex soldiers duty to stop a crime in progress if he can, and to assist the police in apprehending a fleeing and dangerous criminal, so i acted. When the cop recovered from his surprise of me putting someone in his squad car, he was very appreciative and had some very complimentary things to say about the size of my testicles.

When a six foot tall prison built ghetto black man is marching up the steps inside your apartment telling you he is going to F you up, it is no time for contemplating anything but the immediate situation.

I waited until he was half way up my steps in no man's land, where i was 100% totally and legally justified to use lethal force, and i took immediate and total control of the situation. I gave him one verbal warning to stop. By law, i did not even have to give him that. I already had a round chambered in my pistol, but since it held 16rds and because I could see his hands and I had time and space between us, I elected to cycle the slide to gain maximum psychological effect as I issued that one warning.
It was the only warning he was going to get, and he was smart enough to heed it.

I never saw him again.

When you find yourself in one of these situations, you are either going to be ready, or you are not. There is no time for the denial sequence as you realize that your naive beliefs are absolutely no defense in the face of a violent and determined attacker.

These predators walk the streets of every city in terrifyingly large numbers, and if you run into one of them and you're not prepared, your family is going to be shedding many tears. Sometimes even if you're armed it's still not enough, if you are taken by surprise.

Every month American Rifleman has about a dozen stories of real life every day Americans of every age and sex having to use firearms in the face of determined criminal attacks, often vs multiple attackers. This is not some abstract thing we're talking about here. Crime is real, and it's your life. The only one you get.

Call me paranoid all you want. At least I'm alive to hear you say it.

it's not like this is a blip on the radar

- exactly & the statistics confirm that

but.. let me edit this stmt. just a tad...

These predators walk [some of] the streets of every [large, and some other] US cities in terrifyingly large numbers

I have had 2 circumstances. One in Oklahoma City (Brickyard area) and one while bicycling.

OKC: Coming back from a business dinner/walk around the new downtown area, a "Sketchy" character was arranging himself to intercept me. I noticed this and crossed across the street to avoid. He crossed as well. I put my hand in the jacket pocket where I was carrying and unzipped the bag, put hand on pistol. He noticed exactly what I did and "hands in air" backed off and said he didn't want any trouble. Incident solved without brandishing and without any shots fired. He definitely was looking for trouble.

Houston: Myself and two others were finishing a 40 mile ride when a car started harrassing us. Eventually he passed, but he cut in front of us to a side street not too far ahead. As I rode towards the side street, I pulled the holder out and unzipped. Again, nothing "showing". The car continued away from us without incident. My companions had given me a hard time about carrying while riding, but no longer.

In Texas, there is virtually no distintion between brandishing and firing. You'd better be in full fear for you life or others or it should not be out.

this happened yesterday in arkansas:

Police: Pick-Up Truck Thief Shot 4 Times by Owner - ArkansasMatters.com

the truck owner/defender is the father of one of my pilots at my old airline.

4 hits out of 6 rounds against a target in a moving vehicle, behind glass.

Damned impressive shooting by Mr. Harpole.

A 74 year old man reportedly used his rifle to stop a violent home invader who broke in during the night.

Police say that the elderly man was in the bedroom of his home, located on 15 Street East in Bradenton, at about 11 PM when an intruder forced his way inside. The home invader is said to have demanded money while beating the elderly homeowner about the face with a club. Next, the intruder reportedly attempted to grab and fire a rifle that the homeowner kept next to his bed, but was unable to figure out how to disable the safety. (safeties save lives)

When the home invader put the rifle down and started rummaging through the homeowner's closet for valuables to steal, the homeowner grabbed his rifle and fired in self defense, striking the intruder and saving himself, according to police. A deceased suspect, reportedly identified as 39-year-old Lee Johnson, was found dead at the scene, and the elderly resident was treated at a local hospital for his injuries.

It is a sad fact that criminals prey on senior citizens, seeing them as easy targets. Unarmed senior citizens can often be overpowered by a young criminal who is stronger and faster, and as a result may suffer greatly in their own home.

However, when senior citizens are armed for self defense, they are in the best position possible to defend themselves. A few examples: This armed 85 year old woman held a home invader at gunpoint, and made him call the police on himself. This armed 93 year old man shot a home invader in self defense after the home invader began to attack him. This armed 70 year old woman held an intruder at gunpoint until the police arrived to arrest him. This armed 91 year old man used his handgun to fend off two home invader who had broken in and threatened his wheelchair-bound wife with their guns. This armed 84 year old man used his handgun to stop a criminal who repeatedly tried to enter his home through the front door, back door, and a window. I could go on with more examples, but the point should be clear: armed self defense is a senior citizen’s best chance at stopping a younger and stronger criminal who attacks them.

* Other stories mentioned in this blurb can be read at the link below

Elderly man shoots violent intruder in self defense - National self-defense | Examiner.com

Yep, that dude picked the wrong George Harpole to mess with, Avid, avid, large game hunter, etc.

I'm getting a carry permit in Florida, and I plan on buying a cheap pistol to keep hidden under the dash of the Subaru Outback that I keep in Memphis.

Folks- there are two kinds of people: Gun owners and victims. Take your pick-

N!

Thank you for restating my point so directly. You experience fear, therefor you arm yourself to eliminate it. QED.

Please don't let the paranoids frighten you away from visiting our great country. I've lived here for 61 years, traveled all over the US, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica and never carried a firearm and never encountered a situation I couldn't handle - believe me the western hemisphere IS NOT a deathtrap waiting to murder unarmed innocents. Our country is a great place to visit and you need not be any more cautious than in any similar type of area in Europe. If you can handle yourself in Rome or London, you can handle yourself in any American city. If you want any help, advise, or - heck even a tour guide, let me know. I am proud of America - my country - and I encourage anyone to learn what a great place it is.

I've ad fire extinguishers and smoke alarms throughout my home my entire life. None of my alarms have ever gone off. I've never used any of my fire extinguishers. I guess I can throw them all away and quit worrying about it.

I've had fire extinguishers and smoke alarms throughout my home my entire life. None of my alarms have ever gone off. I've never used any of my fire extinguishers. I guess I can throw them all away and quit worrying about it.

If you aren't afraid of a fire, sure, why not? It's up to you.

It's clear from your dialog on this thread that you are unable to distinguish between "prudent" or "prepared" and "fear". I'm sorry you live in such fear - most of us do not.

I understand just fine. By carrying a weapon (or keeping a fire extinguisher) you prepare yourself for something you fear. It's perfectly logical and perfectly sensible. I do find it amusing that so many of you can't be honest and admit, "I carry a gun because I am afraid and the gun allays my fear."