About seven class members raised their hands.
The instructor asked if any had ever used their weapons in defensive uses. Three from among the class raised their hands, and each was asked to describe the event.
First, and most memorable, was a veterinarian who was called to a night house call. When he arrived, some guys with knives and clubs (IIRC from the account) got out of a truck and demanded his narcotics (vets prescribe some narcs). He withdrew his pistol, the bad guys fled, that was that.
The other two were separate incidents while hiking/camping in the Sierra range and foothills. In both cases, showing the piece was sufficient, no shots fired, happy conclusion.
The instructor asked if any reported the actions, and none had. They did not want the hassle or the paperwork (or a potential lawsuit? I forget.)
More recently, a friend relayed a story to me about how he stopped a home invasion in his house with a shotgun he kept near his bedside. He got the "drop" on them then called the police, the perps were illegal aliens and they were all armed before being disarmed. No shots fired. (They were released on bail, skipped, never heard from again.)
After hearing these accounts, I personally have wondered just how many holdups, home invasions and even carjackings have been thwarted by displaying a piece, and then never reported.
I’ve had one such experience. It’s the only time I ever drew my weapon. Just seeing it made Mr Hothead stop and get back in his car.
No, I didn’t report it.
L
The number one gun "crime" in New Jersey is carrying or possessing one without the permission of the almighty state.
Best estimates are guns are displayed or used some some 300,000 times a year to stop a crime. John Lot
I had one encounter, years ago, where some nutcase was trying to enter my car. Displayed gun and he went away. I didn’t bother to report, because there was no point — he was gone, the only person the cops could arrest was me.