Weapons, surest way to avoid a fight?

[STASH]

Hey, everyone. I've been in Cuba for a while and thats why I havent been able to participate in the forum.

Anyways, heres my story:

About an hour ago I was coming home from a friends. I had a bag full of brand new clothes that I had bought earlier that day. Two black guys run up to me and try to mug me, these guy were full grown adults but by the way they moved and held them selves I could tell they werent very experienced or confident. They asked me what was in my bag, I opened up my bag and pulled out my tactical baton (extendable, I bought it from a military store). After a couple threats they ran off, and my adrenaline was pumping so I ran after them. I lost them, but when I got home I started thinking...I'm 17 years old, I'm a pretty big guy, but I was alone. They were two, a good 5 or 6 inches taller then me and atlest 15 years older. If I hadnt of had the baton would this have turned out differently. Many people have tried to mug me and never succeded but this was the first time that I didnt have to actually make physical contact with them, well...what do you think?

[Sweeet]

I'm wondering how big, strong, and intimidating you look. I would think that if you were fairly big, with a aire of confidence, that 'Many people have tried to mug me' would not be the case. You sound like a fairly intimidating guy, judging by the fact that you seem to have scared off 2 big guys with just a baton? Either way, it sounds strange to me.

Anyhow, I think in the hands of someone who knows how to use it, a weapon is indispensible. I'd say that it will almost always give you a decisive advantage in a real fight.

Sweeet.

[STASH]

Yea, I have been told that I am pretty intimadating but I live in a pretty bad neighbourhood, where most of these punks think I'm gonna be afraid of them just because they outnumber me and they're skin color is darker then mine. Race has always been a problem here too, its been the african-canadians vs eastern europeans (the group I belong to) vs orientals as long as I can remember.

[Kat]

I understand that this is sometimes the case,and the intimidation of the weapon or even attitude can get you out of a situation.But please remember,once you bring out the weapon/attitude you can escalate the situation to the next level,and if you are not prepared to take it there you may find yourself in a very dangerous situation.

In particular firearms,once the weapon is drawn you are commited to an action,if the person doesn't back down then you have few avenues other then to comitt to the action,which can bring about a bad long term situation.Be atleast prepared (in your mind to use it)should the situation become more serious.Nothing is more dangerous then being disarmed in a bluff situation.

This ofcause is all dependent on the situation and how you read it.Sometimes you know you can talk and walk,but the bluff is a fickle animal.

[Darzeka]

I think its also the way you pull the weapon. The guys ask whats in the bag and then you pull out a flick baton without hesitating and snap it then they will begin to think you are pretty serious.

And I think it could also go the other way say if you pull a weapon on me then I go from looking for a way to leave the situation to looking for a way to break your arm. It all comes down to who is involved.

And being tall and moving with pure confidence helps, as does the attitude that getting knifed doesn't matter - it reflects in your eyes.

Weapons are the best way to make someone make a desicion as to wether they make a move or not. Out comes a knife and you either run or fight them, there is no room left to talk.

[fluffydoc]

Originally posted by Darzeka
Weapons are the best way to make someone make a desicion as to wether they make a move or not. Out comes a knife and you either run or fight them, there is no room left to talk.

Why are you in such a rush to force this decision? Many situations can be defused or talked down. I'd rather try this than back someone into a corner (mentally) where they are more likely to feel trapped and respond violently. If you give people an alternative way out of a situation where they still save face some will take it. Besides, there's always going to be someone out there that can kick your ass and it might be the guy in front of you.

[Sweeet]

I have to agree with fluffydoc - it might be wiser to attempt to diffuse the situation before you whip out the brand new baton. Hey, nothing is stopping you from whipping out later if you want, and the situation remains the same. Then again, if they ask you what's in the bag, you may be forced to make a decision then. If they're not moving aggressively, might as well just tell them some clothes instead of whipping out the baton, wouldn't you agree?

Sweeet.

[STASH]

Yea, thats true... i guess it all depends on the circumstances really.

[Freeform]

I agree with Kat, only produce a weapon if you're prepared to use it. And that means putting your fancy new baton through someones skull, nothing pretty or arcane, just loads of blood and mess. And then there's the consequences of your action, not just the police, but the guy's family/gang.

Thanx