Safety course instructors stress only using guns as last resort
by Abby Wuellner, KY3 News

Story Published: Sep 16, 2009 at 6:25 PM CDT

SPRINGFIELD –– Over the last couple of days, the story of a man who police say chased a purse thief and fired a gun in his direction has drawn many opinions –– and spurred a few questions.

Since the ability to get a permit to carry a concealed gun became law in Missouri in September 2003, thousands have been issued permits, and have gone through required training. Those who provide the training say they frequently have to clear up misconceptions about when an individual can and cannot use that weapon.

Earlier this year, Eric Granger and his wife bought their first firearm.

“We got our first one for home defense,” said Granger.

They weren't alone. Gun store owners say they saw a lot of first-time buyers in the last year.

“It's still pretty brisk,” said Brent Ball, owner of 417 Guns.

For the most part, buyers are looking for something similar.

"Everyone wants something they can conceal,” said Ball.

That leads sellers to direct their customers toward instructors like Bill Crooks. Crooks has been conducting training courses for the last several years, and has always used the same rule book.

"We cover line by line the state statutes,” he said.

After the adoption of the conceal-and-carry law, people immediately began signing up.

"Before that, it was a felony to carry a concealed weapon,” said Crooks.

He says a conceal-and-carry permit really does only one thing.

"If you've gone through training, then you can carry,” he said.

As for using the firearm, he says the guidelines are specific.

“The statute allows use of deadly force protecting persons, not property,” said Crooks.

Granger got his conceal-and-carry permit in the last couple of months, after at least eight hours of instruction in which one theme is repeated itself time and again.

"Retreat if possible. This is a last resort,” said Granger.

Charles Webb, the man accused of firing at the purse thief, is scheduled to appear in court on Friday. He’s charged with unlawful use of a weapon.
http://www.ky3.com/news/local/59553227.html

Video at link.

I can't say I'm offended by this. Dropping the hammer on someone should be a big deal, and the last thing you want to do.