Can you shoot?

I would like to know the answer to this as well. With our society in a downward spiral I keep reading about robbery and am unsure what to do.

If they show the gun I would consider that a threat on my life because I'm not sure that at any second they wouldn't draw it and shoot me because I'm not doing what they want. Is merely flashing a gun justifiable when I'm being threatened with robbery? If he has not drawn because he chosen to flash instead that gives me a chance to draw and possibly end the situation. If he flashes and I draw then I'm in control and he could possible run away. If he tries to draw then I get the first shot because I'm already ready to shoot. My next action would be to dial 911 and report the assault.

How do I know when to draw my gun and defend myself against this assault? Do they have to actually draw that gun in order for me to feel afraid for my life or is it enough that I know they have a gun and are threatening to rob me? Do I have anyway of knowing if my noncompliance will further anger them into drawing and killing me? Do I immediately draw and shoot without giving him the chance of drawing? When he drops to the ground his gun will not be in his hand and I would have to prove that I was afraid enough for my life because he showed me a gun. Will that fly in court?

I do not want to give them the benefit of doubt when I have a chance to save my life. If they have not drawn that gun there is still a chance that I could draw mine and be the one who lives.

I have no way of knowing whether they would draw that gun or are just using it as a threat to get what they want without resorting to further use of gun violence.

Answers, people. We need answers, please.

Please allow me to clean up a thing or two here and then I'll chime in on my personal feelings.

One, when the man shows you that he is armed with a deadly weapon and demands money, that is a blatant threat to use the weapon if you do not comply. All you need is the threat of violence against a person to obtain property to have the crime of robbery. You could probably justify stepping back, drawing your weapon and shooting him.

Second, Florida law gives you the right to draw, or display, a firearm in public, in legitimate self defense. You do not have to wait for the BG to draw his weapon before you can draw yours.

He has made a tactical error in not having his weapon in hand when he confronted you. That gives you an edge and it should be exploited. I would most certainly step back, draw my weapon and take dead aim at him. I would not shoot him at that point. To access his weapon, he has to clear his shirt, his waistband and level it in my direction. I have only to react to his movement and squeeze the trigger. I would tell him to put his hands above his head and turn around and drop to his knees. Several things can happen at this point. He can comply. At which point I would simply call the police and hold him at gunpoint until they arrived. He can turn and run. If he does that, I would allow him to leave while tracking him with my weapon. He could attempt to draw his weapon, at which point I would shoot him until he is no longer an immediate threat. In any case, I would immediately call the police and report the incident.

My personal feeling is that you only shoot when necessary. We are talking about self defense here, not execution. You do not necessarily have to shoot and/or kill someone to defend yourself. Killing people causes you all sorts of problems, both legal and personal, that you really do not need. Besides, it really strengthens your case if witnesses testify that they heard you yelling for the BG to stand still, not to draw his gun, to put his hands up and to turn around. Make it academy award stuff. It helps you if you have to pull the trigger. It also helps to realize that in a case like this, this is probably not the BG's debut. He very probably has a lengthy rap sheet. That places us ordinary folk at an advantage in the investigation that will follow.

Momma Bear's post shows that she is thinking tactically. She recognizes that she must take control of the situation and that, at the same time, shooting the BG may not yet be necessary. If, in her mind, the situation deteriorates to the point where it becomes necessary to shoot her assailant, she is mentally prepared to do so; probably several times over. Even in simple scenarios like this one, there are no really simple answers. Though mental and physical training increases your available responses. That is why scenario questions like this one are always good.

Great Training!

I thought I had my response thought out well until I read Mac45's.

Mac45 added the option to allow the BG to surrender or run. Truly a difficult choice because given the scenarion (I don't care if you're Chuck Norris) your life is in danger and something bad can go wrong.

Here's my play:

"Well .. I only have a few dollars" stepping back slowly with my right leg, turning my draw hand to my gun (out of view and not raising BG's adrenaline, since I appear to be complying).

When I turn back my gun will be drawn and as I chamber a round I would tell him to put your hands on your head and I won't kill you where you stand. If you don't want to die do not move.

I would keep my eyes on his hands and with my left hand call 911 (making sure I never break eye contact on his hands and that I am also a good distance back to prevent him from disarming me.

Any flinch, movement, twitch ... and I will unload until he is down. At that time I would kick the weapon away and keep an eye on him until the police arrive.

Only when I hear or see the sirens would I drop the magazine and place my weapon on the ground, standing strait up and signaling with open hands above my head to the police.

*The difference between giving the BG the chance to surrender or immediately firing is a tough one. You may save the BG's life (and there is some nobility in this) but you risk your own, at the potential loss to your family and freinds.