Being ready in downtown

[Venus Pax]

I was hesitant to share this, but the blog from the Wal-Mart shopper reminded me that we all need to be reminded of the importance of situational awareness, as it's a tool as big or bigger than the guns we carry.

A few weeks ago, I went downtown with Mars and his band. The photographer wanted to take pictures of them in an urban landscape.
As many of you know, Mars is in a wheelchair (and sometimes a walker). Since his temporary disability could make him more of a target, I've gotten a bit more protective lately. Before we left, I insisted that Mars carry a .380 in his pocket, and I carried my 1911 in a holster on my belt with a spare magazine in my pocket. I also kept my pepper spray (on keychain) in my hand.

We went to three separate locations for photos. At the second location, a few separate urban dwellers began checking us out. One in particular kept inching closer, so I kept an eye on him. With Mars in a wheelchair, there was no quick retreat for us, so I wasn't going to let him get too close. He was not happy about the fact that I was looking at him, and began to challenge me on it verbally with, "What?" while approaching. He also started making vulgar gestures and grabbing himself. I loudly told him that he needed to stay away from us. I squared my body to him, and made sure the safety was off my pepper spray. (The safety was off on my 1911. I was prepared to put my hand on my gun if he got much closer, as all the guys were blocked in a particular area.)
His eyes gazed for a moment at my pepper spray, and he yelled, "It's a free country, I can go wherever I want." However, he did stop advancing on us and continued along the street.
He stopped about twenty to thirty feet up the road, resumed the vulgar gestures and called for our photographer to take his picture, but at this point, I gathered that he was just trying to save face. I kept an eye on him until he moved along.

At our third location, there appeared to be people hanging out on the other side of a fence from us. I think some of them may have been homeless. I watched them, but most appeared to be minding their own business, content with eachother's company.

I didn't really care for bringing Mars to such an area, but he insisted on going. I insisted on being ready. I'm glad I was.

[HankB]

. . . The safety was off on my 1911. I was prepared to put my hand on my gun if he got much closer . . .

I commend you for your situational awareness, but why was the safety off on your 1911 if it wasn't in your hand already? Normal - and safe - technique is to take the safety off with your thumb as you're coming on target; it takes exactly zero extra time to do this.

[Rokyudai]

Thanks Venus for sharing this personal account. I agree 100% that situational awareness should be the most utilized 'accessory' for self/family preservation.

[WarHawk-AVG]

. . . The safety was off on my 1911. I was prepared to put my hand on my gun if he got much closer . . .

I commend you for your situational awareness, but why was the safety off on your 1911 if it wasn't in your hand already? Normal - and safe - technique is to take the safety off with your thumb as you're coming on target; it takes exactly zero extra time to do this.

I picked up on the same thing..it almost diluted the effect of the rest of the story

Venus I am glad you were aware, but JMB designed the 1911 to be carried with the thumb safety on...its part of the trifecta of safety on a 1911, but enough lecturing from me

Can you post up photos of your trip or do you prefer to remain "faceless" on a public forum...if so I understand

I will say this...Mars has his own "secret service" heh, now all you need is a radio earbud

[Crossfire]

Venus - you are a good woman, taking care of your Mars like that!

Don't let these guys get you down about the 1911 safety. I carry my Glock with the safety off all the time.

[Venus Pax]

Don't let these guys get you down about the 1911 safety. I carry my Glock with the safety off all the time.

Sorry, just got back online.

I normally carry with the safety on. I when I got some strange vibes, I clicked the safety off discreetly and from cover, without ever removing it from the holster.

[KC5AV]

Venus - you are a good woman, taking care of your Mars like that!

Don't let these guys get you down about the 1911 safety. I carry my Glock with the safety off all the time.

Would you tell my wife that?

[Crossfire]

Venus - you are a good woman, taking care of your Mars like that!

Don't let these guys get you down about the 1911 safety. I carry my Glock with the safety off all the time.

Would you tell my wife that?

What? You want me to tell your wife that Venus is a good woman?

Or that the only external safety a Glock needs is the one between your ears?

[razoraggie]

What? You want me to tell your wife that Venus is a good woman?

Or that the only external safety a Glock needs is the one between your ears?

[Venus Pax]

Venus - you are a good woman, taking care of your Mars like that!

Don't let these guys get you down about the 1911 safety. I carry my Glock with the safety off all the time.

Would you tell my wife that?

What? You want me to tell your wife that Venus is a good woman?

I'm taken.