This is a good thread - brings things a little closer into perspective, I've enjoyed reading it. It's good to be reminded of the realities and responsibilities that carrying a weapon entail.

Only encounter I've ever had was parked at a burger drive-thru up in Englewood. About 10:00 at night with my girlfriend. Punk-ass kid with baggy clothing waiting on the other side of the restaurant for someone to get off shift or something - clad head to toe in red colors. I guess it offended him that I made eye contact with him through the drive-thru window, because he jerked his head upwards at me and did the "what're you looking at" pose with his arms out. Then started walking around the building to where we were parked, and headed briskly toward the passenger side where my girl was sitting. Couldn't see one of his hands behind his back. I didn't feel the situation was at a point to justify actually drawing on him, but I wanted to be upfront about my mind-set. So I pulled my Para .14 (stainless steel makes a pretty glint in the parking lot lights. :-) ), chambered a round, and set it on the dashboard with my hand casually on it. (Not pointing at him, but in clear view.) He stopped, smirked, looked around with an expression that was supposed to mean "what? I wasn't coming over there - just wanted to make sure the menu board was in good working order, my good man."

And the fries were soggy... So not worth leaving the house for. :-)