When to Draw Redux

[MI .45]

Here are two scenerios that I have often contemplated as to the best way to deal with them when armed. I'd like to hear some forum member input on these two situations.

1). You've made the mistake of stopping at a light with the passenger window down, too close to other vehicles to maneuver; a malevolent looking stranger leans way in asking for money, your watch, whatever... no weapon is presented but this guy means business. However, traffic is stopped and you don't know when you'll be able to move again and the BG appears to have no intention of leaving until he gets what he wants. Your sidearm is holstered but you could probably draw and the gun not be reached if you keep it close.
- Do you warn him you're armed?
- Do you draw?
- Do you shoot?

2). You and your family are at the beach together standing and talking with each other. A large goblinesque person moves in close wearing a trench coat (it's cool at the beach so this is not out of place) muttering about needing money. The intruder simply won't leave your group after repeated requests to do so and is still asking for money and appearing more hostile but he's really done nothing overt. You're armed... what do you do? (This incident happened to a friend of mine. He pulled his jacket aside showing his gun and their goblin left.)

Thoughts?

[Glock513]

Reply to #1, Tell him loudly to get off the car and start winding up the power window. Be prepared for him to back away and kick the car or go crazy and try to break the window. In either case, your life is not being threatened so you do not draw. You'll need to deal with the damage to your vehicle and feel lucky you got away unharmed. You should have know better afterall...

Reply to #2, Tell the guy loudly to go away or you are calling the cops. If he doesn't go away then go ahead and call the cops. If in the meantime he tries something else that makes you fear for your life or the life of a family member you can draw and fire. Remember, you only draw if your life is threatened and therefore should fire your gun when you draw. If you didn't draw to fire then why did you draw in the first place?

[Filbert]

Originally Posted by Glock513

Reply to #1, Tell him loudly to get off the car and start winding up the power window. Be prepared for him to back away and kick the car or go crazy and try to break the window. In either case, your life is not being threatened so you do not draw. You'll need to deal with the damage to your vehicle and feel lucky you got away unharmed. You should have know better afterall...

Reply to #2, Tell the guy loudly to go away or you are calling the cops. If he doesn't go away then go ahead and call the cops. If in the meantime he tries something else that makes you fear for your life or the life of a family member you can draw and fire. Remember, you only draw if your life is threatened and therefore should fire your gun when you draw. If you didn't draw to fire then why did you draw in the first place?

Agreed.