This is about the 3rd go at figuring out how to post this. This isn't intended to be about gun laws, where you can carry, etc. More of what you'd do in that situation.

After hearing Stephen Willeford recount how the events played out Sunday, I wonder what I'd do in that situation if I had the means to end it. If it meant running to the truck to grab something then back inside would/could I?

I know we've all heard the - "If you were caught in an active shooter situation, and were near your vehicle, the best thing to do would be - to drive away. You are not going to escape the situation, grab your long gun in your vehicle, and then go back in. That's a great way to get shot by responding police." type comments, and I somewhat agree. But after these latest shootings/killings, screw these guys who intend on killing until their stopped. It's really got me thinking the idea of why even own a weapon, keep something in your truck etc, if you're not going to use it because you don't want to be shot by the police, accidentally hit someone, you hope that doesn't happen, or use any of the other reasons folks give, but the way it seems, until someone with a weapon intervenes, they're not going to stop.

In no point of my life do I ever want to deal with that, but as a gun owner, and if you're carrying, it very well could happen tomorrow. Do you step up and do something to the best of your ability, or keep it put up and hope for the best?

I pray to God I would never have to fire a weapon at another soul. However I would like to think I would be able to if of the situation arises. Knowing myself. I would feel extreme guilt if I knew I allowed more to die if I could prevent it.
I see such sadness in Mr. Willeford's eyes. There are images that he will never forget. Pray for him to find peace again.

I don't know what I'd do but I'm just not wired to walk away when someone is being hurt.

this sums it up very well

A couple of professors have asked me what I would do in the moment if something happens here at school. My answer every time has been the same, I'll be running towards the sound of gunfire.

If I'm out with the redhead, say at Southlake mall for example, and someone starts shooting, she already knows that I'm going to drag her down behind solid cover, stay there, and see if I have a shot from where ever we are. But I'm not leaving her alone in that kind of situation.

I haven't thought through every possible scenario, but those are the two basics. If I'm alone, I'm most likely to engage the shooter. If I'm with family or loved ones, I'm going to defend them in position, or if it's possible, get them out of danger.

In my experience your plan will work perfectly until the first round goes over your head.

At my age, if I can still be of worth, I�m going in. Christ is with me.

I honestly don't expect it to work perfectly. But I prefer having some plan of action to 'panic and freeze'.

Please understand, I've been present at a car wreck where one car caught fire. I didn't think about it, I just got the mother & kid OUT of the burning car immediately and had them sit in my truck till the fire & police got there.

*edit* look at my old post from a couple of years ago about the stupid kid who pointed a gun at me, and how I responded. It's not a matter of trying to be a 'badazz', it's just having the mindset of being prepared for whatever happens.

I guess there is a matter of what type of gun he has. If he has a AR/AK with multiple magazines and I have 7 rounds in my CCW, unless it starts real close to me I might not run out in the open to someone who that outguns me. But I would like to think in that situation i would get my family out safe and find a spot to ambush him if he came my way.

My first response would be to protect my family under all costs.

Other than that, I don�t think any of us truly know what we would or would not do. We like to think we would be the hero, but every situation is different.

My opinion is that about 75%, or greater, of the folks that carry will freeze up or not have the fortitude to pull the trigger. They just feel safer carrying.

Churches, concert venues, shopping malls, schools (all levels), bike paths, restaurants, etc. You can no longer assume that you are safe anywhere, in any city in America, at any time. It would probably be wise to think briefly think about what you would do if someone starting shooting, or driving, into the area you are in. What would you do (armed or not), and where would you run to or hide.

It's a damn shame that our lives have turned to this.

I will tell you how to be sure you can do whatever is needed.....train your mind 20 times as much as you train with your gun. Facing death and performing is not normal, but you can play the scenarios over in your mind thousands of times over years of training and you'll just respond, service the target, and keep moving. Shooting someone to death that is trying to kill you or others is not within the realm of most human minds. You have to put it there, reinforce it with skill, and learn to turn it off and on at will without thought. You've hit on a very important aspect that is rarely discussed because it is a sensitive topic. Good luck and I am available to talk more by PM.

Absolutely.

I carry every day. And if I ever see innocents in danger, I'll be full forward to the threat. My military training will take over, no matter my age. If I don't survive, I don't care. I know where I'm going when I die.

Most shootings I read about don't last long enough to sneak out to your truck, get your long gun, load it (its against the law to carry loaded rifles in your vehicle in most states) most shootings will be over. You would be better served to get on the line your phone and call the LEOs to give them the latest info.
I you want to be a hero get a CL and carry your gun with you.