I read this story in a recent email I received (USCCA). The vast majority of us will thankfully never be forced to use our weapons in self-defense. But… it happens. And when it does, it happens FAST.

“Decided to pack my .357 snubbie J-frame instead of my usual .45 – in any case all was well until I got followed away from my buddy’s farm house gathering by an Indian dude (who was not related to the people I was visiting with on the Reservation who are my friends and extended family) -

He wanted me to buy an eagle claw – I said no. He wanted me to buy a t-shirt – I said no. He started crowding me. I asked for space. He kept coming. I said, “I need some space.” He kept coming.

I said “Hey, back up.” He said, “Don’t give me this tough guy sh*t” and grabs my face trying to push me to the ground and I push him off and throw my things to the ground and pull my gun, scream “I need help!” and fire a warning shot. I lowered my weapon prepared to level it at him if he kept coming -

He ran back to his truck and got in screaming “You want a shoot out, you’ll get a shoot out!” – I said “I don’t want a shoot out, I just want to be left alone.”

I ran to my jeep and backed up in case he came after to crash me and then as he was leaving, one of my bro’s confronted him and told him not to ever come back and chased him off -

Everyone out here carries a knife – there’s no way I was going to let myself get pushed to the ground – from there it could only get ugly -

I got an escort most of the way home – sometimes it’s rugged and rough out here – turns out this guy was shot in Phillie a few months ago in a drug deal gone bad. He’s been banished by his own family for dishonoring them. Too bad someone let him come and hang out at my buddy’s farmhouse.

I was and am glad I didn’t need to shoot him; am glad I had clear presence of mind during the event and glad to be alive.”

Clearly, in this story there are a number of things that should of and could have been handled differently. The point of the post is simply an illustration of how fast things can develop. Firearm Safety should ALWAYS be a first concern. You all be careful out there. Best advice: don’t put yourself into this situation in the first place. Maintain constant vigilance of your surroundings.