Then, take your beating from a drunk man who wants your wife and pray to Gaia that you survive and can have a beer summit afterwards.
Please read the complete article, not just the excerpt. IMHO, too much dancing around with the perp. He coulda walked in the house and called 911. A few things to consider follow. (No, I’m NOT a lawyer, and this is NOT legal advise. Simply a few musings from an old geezer to entertain youns.)
1/ Try not to kill anyone; it’s too expensive.
2/ And, never say or think “kill”. All you are entitled to do is to “stop the threat”.
3/ NEVER carry your weapon without having a cellphone handy. If it hits the fan, be the FIRST one to call 911. Afterwards, don’t hang up - the phone becomes a tape recorder - it will help you if you are charged.
4/ Repeat after me: “I was attacked - I thought I’d be killed - I defended myself”.
5/ After an encounter, don’t be dancing around with a big grin like a jackass saying “I shot that MF.” Granny from across the street will remember that. Better: “Send an ambulance; someone’s been shot.” Don’t answer the next question - see #4 above.
6/ When the cops get there, drop the gun. Duh. ($5,000 stainless steel custom made Kimber - yeah, whatever.) Expect to be treated like a criminal. (Everybody’s a criminal until the cops’ adrenalin level gets back to normal.) Thrown on the ground and cuffed. Taken in the back of a police car down to the station.
7/ This is a stressful situation. Other than #4 above, respectfully decline further answers until you have calmed down and talked to your lawyer. You may have to do this repeatedly as more senior officials arrive on scene.
8/ Don’t sound like a damn criminal: “I’m takin’ the 5th, copper.” Tell them the truth: “I just wanted to go home to my wife and kids.”
9/ FReepers, know your state law. And not from some loudmouth on the internet or at the range - from a reputable source. Obtain a copy and study it yourself. Then talk to your lawyer.
10/ How long since you’ve been to the range? Practice! This is not target shooting. Or “spray-n-pray”, for that matter. Take some lessons. Ammo is cheap; your life is not. Shooting is fun! Have you taken the NRA PPITH/PPOTH courses?
This Pennsivania law sounds like the best. This guy got the hero treatment. Your results may vary. For acts of stupidity lasting more than four minutes, see your lawyer. Plan on spending $25-50,000 - for starters.
This from a CCW instructor - certified in four states. BTW, our CCW courses run 8 hours - no gunshow back-room Uncle Billy-Bob quickie BS war story-filled BS sessions.) I’m also a police firearms instructor, certified in two states, and a Senior Training Counselor for a national firearms organization.