I carry a gun, everyday, to be prepared for an incident that may require it. However, I, like all firearms owners I know are loathe to use it. If my firearm breaks its holster, it’s because someone is being or will be seriously injured or killed shortly. The thought is not something I relish, but it is something I train for.
Unfortunately, most training provided is for prior to an event (like verbal judo, de-escalation, getting out of dodge…) or how to comport oneself during an event. Typically, a few minutes are given to instruction on how to handle oneself around police, but rarely is the true post-event aftermath discussed in detail. In many cases, the long-term can be just as bad as the short-term and while one may keep their life, they may lose everything else.
Massad Ayoob, one of the best intellects I know on deadly force encounters has taken the time to dispell myths about the aftermath of a “good shoot,” with Myth #1 to be dispelled “A Good Shoot is A Good Shoot.” Sad to say, a “good shot” can be far from it, just look at the case of George Zimmerman who now lives his life in constant fear for his own and families.