As we approached within ten meters or so of the thugs, I reached inside my suit jacket and unsnapped my Bianchi shoulder holster -- and kept my hand in there, on the grip of my HK P7. As soon as they saw where I had my hand -- and heard the distinct "click" of the retention snap, the thugs scattered like a flock of spooked birds.
Because I had lagged back a couple of steps behind my colleagues, they couldn't figure out what had ended the encounter so dramatically. It was only when I opened my jacket to ensure that the P7 was fully secured that they became aware that I had been armed all day. Obviously, had I not "made my move", the thugs would have never suspected that one of us was armed...
My weapon was never exposed to the thugs; but the mere appearance that I might be armed ended the confrontation.
Events like that are never reported, but, IMO, they are far more frequent than self-defense shootings or, even, instances where display of a weapon ends confrontation (which, likewise, is seldom reported).
But, if I had been forced to use my weapon, the "anti-Gun Violence" pukes would have counted that righteous self-defense shoot as "Gun Violence". My response to those stupid liberals would have been:
"Not all 'Gun Violence' is bad. Some folks just need shooting!"
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P.S. For most of my "20-year 'exile' in MA, I had a MA CHL with the notation, "For all lawful purposes...". And, thankfully, during over 35 years of being armed every time I leave my home, I have never even had to point my weapon at anyone -- much less shoot them.
And, that is what I pray for -- every time I "strap it on"...
Good insight, good story.