Brandishing a Firearm: When and When Not Too

During my concealed carry class, we talk about this exact question. Thanks, Joe, for asking. My thoughts. 

Brandishing means specifically to show your gun to intimidate someone when you don't have reason to believe your life, or someone else's life is in danger.

Say a rude person cuts in line at a store. Someone objects and asks that person to wait his turn in line. The guy with the gun lifts his shirt to show his gun and says, “back off, don't mess with me.” THAT is an example of brandishing a gun. In most states brandishing is not legal; it is considered unlawfully threatening someone. Know your specific state laws.

Here's another situation, I'm carrying a gun, and I see two thugs assaulting a woman in a parking lot. I pull my gun and tell the two thugs they need to leave RIGHT NOW. Depending on the police and jurisdiction you're in that is NOT considered brandishing.

Now do you understand the difference? There is a big difference between threatening someone to intimidate them and being a bully and showing your gun to defend yourself (or defend someone else) from a criminal who is about to commit a crime.

Think carefully about the situation, have a plan practice it.  Understand the options you have before you make your move.