To give a background on myself before I tell the story, I used to be in the military in a non combat job, currently out for a short time at school to return as an officer. I'm a white male, 5ft 8, 170, fit guy, just to give you a mental picture. I carry a Glock 19 in appendix. Moving on.I live in a large town in the Midwest, mostly low crime, nothing I am ever around or have to deal with. I was on my way home from work after dark, normal schedule, stopping for gas and a snack in not a great area(low income apartments across the alley and in the area, it is what it is). The gas station that is most of the time empty that I like to stop at had three cars outside parked window to window talking rather loud. Assessed them like anyone else would in the back of their mind, no real issues. Anyways, I get inside, grab my bag of jerky and step up to pay. One guy from the group outside is in front of me paying, taking a while, smelled like weed, doesn't bother me one bit. As I'm standing there waiting, I see in his front jeans pocket a pistol hanging out, no holster. He was chill, no deal at all, just alarmed me a lot as It would for most. Wish I could say it didn't, but the ole heart rate shot up a bit, still remained visually calm though, no reason to not be. I would have judged myself between yellow and orange on the cooper combat mental stress chart. Right after that(5-10sec) two other guys from the same group outside came in and were being loud and argumentative on a topic I don't recall. At this point I was hyper aware and also viewed pistols in their front pockets. I was 100% in the orange on the stress scale, but still calm. They stepped up in line in front of me, now being argumentative with one another deciding who was going to pay (money). I cannot believe it, but one guys put his hand on his pistol. I don't know how to say it, but it wasn't in a violent way. Just have to trust me there. The exit was close and directly behind me. I decided to sacrifice buying the bag of jerky and get out to my vehicle and leave. I was relaxed but quick in my actions, not calling attention to myself and got in my truck and left. That's it.I did dial 911 on my drive away to report. Doubtful anything good will come of it, but I am in contact with the police.Debrief:I was personally unhappy at how much my heart rate climbed and how quickly. Although, I know it did not affect my cognitive state as the situation was initially calm and I was able to stay collected. I am content with my actions. I believe I did the correct thing to get out of there, there was no reason not to. If there was a fight, what the fuck am I gonna do with three dudes and more outside. This also brings forward the concept of "don't go anywhere with your gun you wouldn't go without your gun." I'm a tough guy idiot and probably would have stopped here on the rare occasion I’m not carrying, but like I said I'm an idiot. I know you all will, but help me out here with critiques. I only post this to continue my knowledge and help educate others. By the way, I almost forgot to take out the gas nozzle from my truck, don’t do that. via /r/CCW https://ift.tt/3ccyJqW
No comments:
Post a Comment