Grasped weapon,noticed bulge in sleeve

[JAT40]

Was in downtown Hartford Ct. in a low income neighborhood, standing writing an estimate on the front lawn. Clipboard left hand pen right, noticed two homeboys walking up sidewalk, my side of street approx. 100ft out. Both with large dark pullover hooded sweatshirts, HB1 was curbside taller of the two could see both hands. HB2 was lawn side short guy guessing about 5ft both hands inside sweatshirt sleeves that were long on him, cuffs hung down by his knees. About 60ft out I could tell HB2 was holding something in his right hand inside of sleeve, it bulged and didn't flap like left side. I thought weapon, he could shoot me from inside his sleeve and I would never see a gun. Placed clipboard across stomach reached into front of pants grasping my M&P40c. Lifting it slightly to belt height from its Smartcarry holster, while walking 15ft over to my vehicle parked in road. Keeping eyes on hands I figured I'll Frisbee flip clipboard to face, duck and draw if needed from behind vehicle. Homies walked on by didn't pay me no mind, thought me staring at them might set them off, but no. Further down saw shorty take a drink of what ever was up his sleeve. Heighten awareness or just paranoid ?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[G96X0]

It must have been his 40oz beer. But one never knows.

[grady]

If you had done nothing, and he was one of the several who will shoot someone unprovoked today or this week, you probably wouldn't be here to post about it.

If I had time, I could probably find a thousand examples of where someone in your same situation was assaulted and/or shot unprovoked.

Better safe than sorry.

Better safe than shot.

[sniper58]

If you had done nothing, and he was one of the several who will shoot someone unprovoked today or this week, you probably wouldn't be here to post about it.

If I had time, I could probably find a thousand examples of where someone in your same situation was assaulted and/or shot unprovoked.

Better safe than sorry.

Better safe than shot.

+1! I've met Murphy and subscribe to his laws. Far better to hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

[nn]

It is the right thing to do, to go where you feel safe when something
looks suspicious; but, if your wrong just get over it and do the same the next time.

[goldshellback]

I've met Murphy and subscribe to his laws. Far better to hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

I personally can't stand Mr. Murphy, although I too subscribe to his dang laws.


I think you were Paranoid in this situation. Good Job on paying attention! Your good.

[retsupt99]

When it comes to guns...those who are paranoid will live longer OMO.

You did what I would have done.

Stay armed...stay alert...stay safe!

[dukalmighty]

Like you say not seeing his hands is not good

[Gamisou]

haha, sounds like some of the scenarios I play out in my head daily.

All a part of situational awareness, and having a plan to kill everyone you come across, threatening or not.

[OLYXDGUY]

Ditto most everyone.. I would have had my hand on my gun too. I guess it depends on body motion and all that.. I know some people who look like homeboys that are pretty nice guys.. It always best to follow your instincts and be ready to draw.. Theres no harm in preparation.

[grady]

Theres no harm in preparation.

Great quote.

[huntermedic]

Like you said, you couldn't see his hands. No of knowing what he did or did not have.

Better to be safe than dead.

That which does not kill us only makes us stronger.

[Bark'n]

If you had done nothing, and he was one of the several who will shoot someone unprovoked today or this week, you probably wouldn't be here to post about it.

If I had time, I could probably find a thousand examples of where someone in your same situation was assaulted and/or shot unprovoked.

Better safe than sorry.

Better safe than shot.

Very profound words of wisdom Grady!

No, you were not paranoid! Take heed to what Grady posted.

It pays to be vigilant and prepared for combat.

[Stryker]

Just my 2 cents but I wouldn't stare down potential gang bangers.

I grew up in Compton (South Central L.A.) and nothing will cause trouble more than staring someone down.

You could keep an eye on them without direct eye contact and perhaps put car or some cover between you (which you may have done).

Goog job being wary though...you never know ;)

[JAT40]

Stryker good point, don't know if they were bangers I think just homies. Did not make eye contact, focused on their hands. Was looking their way for what seemed like a long time as they walked by.