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Semi-related story, One day I was with three friends and one of them said stop at this next store and let me get a can of dip. As we are pulling in I see the typical pan handler and told my friend," walk straight up to him and ask him for a dollar". So my friend goes straight up to the guy and ask. The bum had the most bizarre look on his face and said, "Buddy, I was getting ready to ask you the same thing". I have used this once myself and it throws them so off guard. I normally step back and throw my left hand up while reaching back with my right and say, "I can call a ON DUTY officer to come talk with you and thats all I can do". I look so much like a cop they say no man I don't need any trouble.

Probably gonna see a lot more "beggars" at gas pumps going forward. I may be one past $5/gallon! - OS

Do you have a structured settlement and need cash now?

Call me a sucker, but I have been approached several times at a gas station, etc... I usually always give them something. I have no idea whether it is legitmiate or not, probably not, but I can't help myself. I think that is one of the reasons people do this, because they know that eventually someone is going to give them something.

Someone else to carry all the ammo. - OS

Two things. First, in regard to the OC target/deterrent conversation... I think there is a point to be made about the greater ease of access to your weapon when you OC. Personally, I normally only carry concealed. But if I know I'm going into a situation where I won't have much time to draw (like at a gas pump where somebody can walk up behind the pump and be 3 feet away before I see him) I make sure there's nothing to slow down my draw or cause me to fumble. Same goes for in the car, in a tight hallway, etc. Second, as for reaction to an approaching beggar, my technique is similar to analog_kid. While taking a step or two back I say in a loud voice, "I don't want any trouble! Leave me alone! I don't have anything for you!" I used to have a martial arts instructor who advised shouting that kind of phrase (e.g. "Don't hurt me!") regardless of whether you're scared. He saw it as as a sort of escalation of force that 1. frightens and embarrasses a BG 2. gets people (every potential witness within earshot) to look at you, backing away from BG and apparently really scared of him 3. helps you prove to a jury that you faced a determined assailant who couldn't be deterred save by force.

I usually keep a $5 Mcdonalds gift card in my wallet and try to keep an inexpensive Bible in my truck to give to the beggars. I know they won't be getting beer with that gift card. Sure they might be able to use what food cash they have for beer now, but at least they will have to get food with what I gave them. Also, I don't want them to go buy beer and drugs with the money, but if you give someone some cash to get something to eat and they spend it on booze, you still did a good thing...if they choose to spend it unwisely, it is on them.

That's cool. I never have a problem feeding people. I'l gladly buy anyone who's hungry a bite to eat with my last dollar.....but I won't give them a dime.

Impossible!! Many here will claim an openly carried pistol makes you a target!!!!

It looks like an interesting idea; however, my biggest gripe with it is that I believe an integral function of a holster is to cover the trigger. I now there are other holsters out there that do not cover the trigger, but I think that could be a grave mistake to try to conceal a gun with the trigger exposed. I am by no means a safety paranoid type person, and I believe that guns don't just go off with out depressing the trigger. On the other hand, I also know there are more ways to pull a trigger than just with your finger.

I'm in there and don't like it.