Turning to the article, the author has it right when he says GZ should have immediately returned to his truck, locked it, and placed his weapon on the seat, ready to be used. In any situation like that one's vehicle is his rolling fortress. By leaving the vehicle and not getting back into it immediately GZ exposed himself to Martin's almost successful attempt to murder him. He's alive today only due to pure luck and the fact that he had the pistol.
I've had a permit and carried since 1995 have never had to display, point, or (God forbid) discharge a weapon in anger against anyone. By its mere possession and carrying I do, however, use it in anger every day because of the deterrence power of my carrying and that of thousands of others. In short, that weapon is there for me to be able to deal with Fate if it comes after me, not for me to be able to chase it.
Excellent points. I’ve CCW’d since 1974, after being robbed/shot, and am also thankful I’ve never had to use it.
I’d rather have it and not need it, than not have it and need it.