Drawn But No Shots

posted on August 6, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rackley2015_fs.jpg (1)

While the majority of concealed-carry permit holders will never even draw a handgun to ward off an attacker, much less use it, there is always the chance that someday you will have to draw your handgun in a situation.

Hopefully that will end the confrontation, but if it doesn’t and shots are fired, the police will become involved to perform an investigation. But what should you do if the perpetrator skitters down the road, allowing you to holster and go on with life?  It’s pretty simple: You should call the police.

If your handgun leaves the holster while on the street, you should involve the police. Even if it is late, you’re tired and don’t really want to cause anyone trouble for a mistake, you should still call the police. If not, the police could be called on you.

Drawing a handgun can be considered brandishing, and even if the bad guy isn’t smart enough to try to get you back by reporting a “guy with a gun,” someone could witness the altercation, not understand what was happening and call the police on you. And if you casually walk over and get in your car, the person will probably obtain enough of your license plate for investigators to find you.

In every situation, you want to be the one explaining everything, rather than someone who was not involved and only understands part of the circumstances. This could very well protect you from having to defend against baseless charges, which can be expensive. So, if you draw your handgun in defense, the police should be notified to simply get your story on record.

Latest

CZ vz.27
CZ vz.27

I Have This Old Gun: CZ vz.27

Pressed into Nazi service, the Czech-produced CZ vz.27 pistol was a popular GI bring-back from World War II.

Federal & Remington Awarded All Four Categories of FBI Rifle Ammunition Contract

The FBI recently awarded Federal Premium and Remington Ammunition—both members of The Kinetic Group family of firms—one of the largest law-enforcement contracts in TKG history.

Book Review: Darkhorse: Harnessing Hidden Potential in War and Life by Amatangelo “AJ” Pasciuti with Neil McGinness

Darkhorse: Harnessing Hidden Potential in War and Life by Amatangelo “AJ” Pasciuti (with Neil McGinness) is a powerful, unflinching memoir. It delivers raw combat accounts alongside thoughtful reflections on leadership, resilience, masculinity, and service.

Selling Short: Fiocchi's Hyperformance SBR Enhanced Ammunition

Fiocchi’s new Hyperformance SBR Enhanced line of ammunition isn’t a mere marketing gimmick. It’s designed for top performance out of short-barreled rifles, and it delivers.

New For 2026: Yankee Hill Machine Victra-20 Shotgun Suppressor

Yankee Hill Machine introduced its VICTRA-12, a modular 12-ga. shotgun suppressor, last year. This year, the company is bringing out a 20-ga. version with the VICTRA-20.

The Armed Citizen® June 22, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.