[Rick Lee]

M21Sniper, we talked a lot yesterday about criminal vs. civil liabilty when involved in a defensive shooting. I really have no worries about criminal liability, as I'd never even draw unless totally legally justified. I'm a hothead normally, but I'm very mild mannered when armed.

The civil liability thing has me a little worried though. Even in the states with civil liability pre-emption laws in legally justified shootings, there's no guarantee. And you're looking at financial ruin in most circumstances, though that's still better than being dead. Sure, I'd probably do ok with a jury in AZ, but you never know how it would go with a judge. Bottom line is to not say a single word other than, "I'd like to call my attorney" when the cops arrive after gunplay has commenced. Our instructor yesterday told us to not even tell the 911 operator who did the shooting, just that police and fire were needed and that was it. He told us of a guy who was involved in a very justified shoot, but got nailed because he had, in a fit of guilt and doubt, told the dying guy he was sorry he'd had to shoot him. And the DA used that against him. BTW, our instructor said that in AZ, you will only lose the gun you used in the shooting and only until it's all cleared up. It will be returned and none of your other guns will be taken unless you're charged.