acted in self-defense and will not face charges

I think you can argue both sides -- one, that it was self-defense, the other that it was attempted voluntary manslaughter.

Yes, the old man pulled a gun. But it was more to show that he had one. He didn't point it until the firefighter -- who had plenty of time to draw his own gun -- pointed his and emptied the magazine. By then it was too late.

These two had a long history of feuding. Obviously, both were ready for a confrontation. Maybe I should, but I usually don't carry in my backyard like these two.

In my opinion, the old man was demonstrating a threat, but did not pose one. The firefighter was looking for an excuse and he got one.

Whatever. But it does show what can happen if you're a concealed carry holder and you draw your weapon to scare someone off who you think intends you harm. They can shoot you and claim that you were the aggressor and they were acting in self-defense.

You make a good point that you shouldn't pull the gun unless you intend to shoot. If you have real reason to pull the gun, you likely have good reason to shoot too.

Well, I can see myself in a situation where I'm surrounded by yutes up to no good forcing me to do something. Kind of like what Bernie Goetz was facing. Taking a punch before reacting is not gonna happen. I could die from that punch.

Now I can draw and shoot and go through what Bernie Goetz went through. Or I can reveal my gun and hope they retreat. But as the above story demonstrates, they can shoot me and claim self-defense.

F**k it. I'm gonna shoot and be judged by 12. You'll back me up, right?

You make a good point that you shouldn't pull the gun unless you intend to shoot.

Sounds like good military training. (And also why ex-military personnel are not always the best for police work.)

F**k it. I'm gonna shoot and be judged by 12. You'll back me up, right?

Just get me on the jury. Good luck with that. LOL