Purpose of What-If Scenarios

Those who legally engage in carrying a handgun must understand that carrying a gun in public confers both great power and great responsibility. An armed and prepared citizen, also known as the intended victim, does not know when or from where an attack will come. Taking the time to prepare yourself and your family by practicing “what-if” scenarios is crucial so that you will react appropriately when faced with an act of aggression or violence where the safety of you and others is concerned.

It should be noted that often the assailant who is confronted by an armed citizen and faced with the prospect of being shot in self-defense runs away rather than continuing with the attack. If a criminal realizes that another person is prepared to use a gun in self-defense, the criminal is likely to submit to that person’s authority or retreat.

On the following pages, you will find descriptions of scenarios you might face. Use them to:

• Think about what you could legally do if faced with a similar situation.
• Discuss a plan of action with your family members, roommates, or friends.
• Create additional scenarios that could be more likely to apply to you.