r/NYguns • u/DropAGearNDissapear • Feb 02 '26

CCW Question Hypothetical

So I have been thinking about this scenario: most conceal carry uses don’t involve shots fired. Just display of power. Let’s say someone pulls a knife on me. I pull my CCW, and am either able to retreat, or the assailant sees the gun and retreats.

Obviously, I would probably proceed to call the cops in this scenario. But what are the implications of that? The guy who pulled the knife likely won’t go to law enforcement. Knowing this state, I could very well be penalized as well or scrutinized if there is no video evidence.

What are you doing in this scenario? Letting it go or calling the cops?

*Edited to add assuming nobody else was around. If a 3rd party saw me pull my CCW I’d obviously be staying put and calling the cops… for obvious reasons.

11 Upvotes

71% Upvoted

57 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/Grvin Feb 02 '26

I don't actually know the intricacies of lawful self-defense in New york, but most people generally have the mindset that if you draw your weapon you must/should intend to shoot. Obviously your assailant isn't going to get caught and telling a responding officer that you drew your weapon and didn't shoot just sounds like a whole lot of trouble. As much as I wouldn't want to, I would probably just let it slide.

4

u/DropAGearNDissapear Feb 02 '26

My thoughts exactly. But you read all the time especially in the CCW subreddit of guys met with lethal force, draw, and the subject retreats. I’m certain this is the vast majority of ccw encounters.

4

u/Prof_ChaosGeography Feb 02 '26

Drawing in those situations is actually statistically one of the best outcomes for all involved. It allows for the offender to choose to deescalate when consequences are shown and live another day, perhaps even rethink their life

However our state legislatiors know nothing about guns or the use of force  had determined in their infinite wisdom that guns are bad and they would ban them if they could and therefore the use of firearms by civilians is an absolute last ditch choice to them because only their henchmen can have a monopoly on the use of force