[Grunthor]

“I was in fear for my life and felt I had no other choice, officer.”

[Gena Bukin]

We have heard around these parts how the outcome would be different were an armed populace involved. Well, "Here I am" . Now what ?

Ask Jerome Ersland.

[Parley Baer]

Interesting question. Legally what rights to we have in defending our homes and property against people with Molotov Cocktails for instance. Is shooting someone legal? I live in California and the laws may be different.

[Ellendra]

In both situations, just the sight of a gun would make most of the mobbers turn tail and run. You might not have to fire, and if you do have to fire, there will suddenly be fewer potential targets.

[tsowellfan]

It needs to be stopped by authorities before it ever gets to that point.

If you have elderly parents sleeping in their own home when it happens.

Or you are away and your children or grandchildren are home sleeping when they come breaking through the window.

Or if nobody’s home but your helpless pets are there when the house starts burning.

It needs to be stopped or we will be seeing worse then London.

[Brett66]

The smartest thing to do would be to evade and get the hell out of the danger area without even brandishing a firearm.

The next smartest thing would be to brandish it and not use it.

The last resort would be to shoot someone with it, you would have to be defending someone who’s life you believe is in danger.

There would still be a very costly and lengthy court process to go through to prove that you acted legally.

What might be all right in one state might land you in jail in another, I’ve read several posters here on FR state how they would start shooting, that would be a very unwise thing to do, don’t expect the law to be on your side if you do that.

[rockrr]

As a musician I've been witness to many bar fights and avoided all but one. I was also caught in the WTO riots is Seattle years ago. The key to success (IMO) is formulating plans before you need to use them.

The worst feeling is when you need x and don't have it. That's why I started carrying a BOB long before I knew that they had a name. And having them doesn't mean that you must use them, but it certainly expands your options.

You can survive an attack without weapons, tactics and strategies, but you'll fare better with them ;-)

[marygam]

I’m glad you have asked, because I have been running these things in my head as well. I have my concealed permit, and have finally found a firearm I feel happy with. Now I need to know exactly when to shoot! I will be checking back to see what everyone says. If someone told me 5 years ago that this was going to be something I would dwell on...

[bigbob]

Flash mob meets flash BANG!

[Hot Tabasco]

But when is it time to draw a firearm and use it? I don't see the immediate danger to myself

I think you just answered your own question.........Destruction of property does not allow for use of deadly force because property can be either repaired or replaced.......

Personally, if I'm caught in the midst of a riot situation, I'm getting the hell out of there because if I were to brandish my firearm there is a good chance that I could be mistaken for an armed rioter..........

[dfwgator]

[GonzoGOP]

I think the difference is between a flash mob, and a sustained riot like they have in London. In a flash situation they are prepared and you are not. You are fighting on their terms, without a plan and outnumbered. You do not know what kind of weapons the enemy has or how proficient they are in using them. It is never a good idea to fight under such disadvantageous conditions if there is a viable alternative. When you are caught in an ambush, and that is what a flash mob is, main thing is to disengage if possible. So in the situations of the liquor store, first run out the back if you can, stand and fight if cornered.

In a sustained riot like the ones in London there is a chance to get together with like minded individuals and either fort up or form a vigilance committee. If you have a group already organized all the better. Many preppers have body armor and Kevlar makes the perfect fashion accessory for such situations. Unlike the liquor store you are prepared, armed and ready for trouble. While outnumbered by the yobs you will at least have someone to watch your six. You are fighting on known ground which gives you a big advantage. Under those circumstances things would be very different in an armed society.

[tumblindice]

You had me at “carry firearms, and use them” ...

[SWAMPSNIPER]

Make sure you live somewhere armed self defense is legal, and be prepared to defend yourself.

I don't want any part of what will happen in the large urban areas, it will be difficult for the cops to distinguish good guys from the bad, and the cops will err on the side of self preservation.

[EdReform]

Just a nit on #2 - it’s against federal law to carry a firearm on post office property.

Now I’ll finish reading your thread and the replies...

[Ajnin]

I work for the Border Patrol and have been in more riots than I can remember. One of the most problematic things about mass violence or rioting is the overwhelming chaos.

[Mariner]

There are only two conditions under which you may draw (if you can draw, you can fire):

1. You are directly threatened with bodily harm.

2. Someone in your company (I suppose it could be somebody in your immediate vicinity whom you do not know) is directly threatened with bodily harm.

Of course you can use a weapon to stop a physical assault to you or somebody in your direct company.

I believe it to be illegal to shoot somebody who is burning somebody else's property that you are not in.

However, if you are in a building and somebody throws a molotov cocktail at it, shoot the hell out of them.

[absolootezer0]

i believe that if i potentially need more bullets than what are loaded in my gun, i’m in a situation that i should not draw it.

[Gaffer]

#1 I'm in my local convenience store, buying .. i dunno.. Porn mags and stale cigarettes and gasoline. Suddenly the front door swings open and the place is rushed by 10 or more teens who are screaming, destroying the store and running out with items.

Two things. Do they attack you? Second, if they attack you you had better be carrying a 9mm Glock with a 33rd mag and a couple of backups. Either that, or you'd better be a damned good shot with a 15 rd mag....

[BitWielder1]

Get the hell out if you can, only shoot if your life or the life of a family member is in danger.
A home owner can defend his property, a store owner can defend his store, depending on jurisdiction, but it's a complete crap shoot if you as a customer can 'help out' and not end up in jail or lose your CCW.
It's good that you are thinking this through.
Ask yourself if it's worth the hassle and possible several years of your life just to save someones stuff.
To save the life of another, maybe it is. It's your decision to make.
Doing what's Right and doing what's Legal is not always the same, alas.
Think of your own safety first.