Modern Mining and Munitions - Do They Mix?, Opinions on Concealed Carry While in the Field Options

[Au-in-the-Pan]

Being new to the whole arena of gold prospecting, I have been wondering about CP members’ past need for, or the general advocacy of personal protection from predators, both four and two legged kinds, when one is afield in some remote site. A quick key word search did not show up much mention of the subject – perhaps it is an inappropriate discussion topic?

The basic premise here is that the CP member will be a current concealed-carry-permit holder in good legal standing who, by training or experience, is knowledgeable/comfortable in the handling and use of firearms. Due to the recent changes in various state laws, CHL reciprocity agreements among the southern states appear to extend into Colorado (except for NM?).

With that, does one have real reason to "pack heat" along with the basic equipment, or should it be left in the vehicle, at home or motel, or whatever?

[Woody]

Lots to explain here but I will do my best,

As far as motive... none. I was about 23 miles out of Colorado Springs in National Forest. I believe they were just Shi@birds who had been out all night long parting in the mountains. I really don't believe they knew I was in the vehicle. It was super dark with no moon and they could not have seen in my truck, there was a wall of trees in back of me. I actually was looking right at them as they pulled up. I opened the side window of the topper and could hear them talking. I even looked around for a weapon but once I saw the kind of vehicle they drove I thought they were forest service personnel and they wished to make contact with me for some reason. As I was reaching for the tail gate I heard one of them say, "Should I"? The other responded with, "Go ahead"! The next thing I heard was the all too familiar sound of an assault rifle bolt going forward and about then all hell broke loose.

I flipped up the topper door and let loose with some, "words of motivation". They hammered on the gas but was barely moving at all. The loose scree did not allow the tires any traction and I had a clear shot at them for several seconds. Had I had a gun I would have emptied it right then and there. I had just gotten back to the States barely 2 months ago from my third tour to Iraq and at that moment I had no other thoughts in my mind except my survival. I was looking into the passenger side window that was down less than 20 feet away and I am positive I would have sevearly wounded at least one of them, If not killed them both. Now slowing things down a bit and using hind-sight as my guidance I rethink the event through. If I would have had a gun, things might have been worse.

Best case scenario my return fire would have rendered them incapable of continuing to be a threat, and my actions would have been found justified by the district attorney. I would still sleep well at night knowing I was an unwilling participant in this whole event to begin with and was just trying to protect myself.

Another possible course of action is a gun fight erupts. I'm sure that was not the last of the ammo they had and once I started shooting at them it is likely they would of returned fire. Outcome.... Uncertain?

Worst case scenario is my return fire renders them incapable and now my entire life, my freedom, lies in the hands of the district attorney's office and their interruption of self defense. That requires me to have faith in the system. Outcome.... Unknown number of sleepless nights.