Here is something to think about. This is a good article to read.
A homeless man with a history of violent episodes attacks a 57 year old retired school teacher who is a model citizen in the community. The retired school teacher then fires three rounds into the man's chest. He then goes for help, sits down with the police and tells them everything that happened.
He basically did everything he was supposed to do, but still earned 10 years in prison for second-degree murder.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15199221/
One thing that was used against him at trial was that he was using a 10-mm pistol which the prosecution argued was more powerful then what most police officers carry.
So the weapons you want to have are the same that your local police department carry. If you get anything else, then it might be used against you later on.
You also want to obtain some training from a local instructor and have that training documented. You want to read all the material out there and maybe even read a book on the legal aspects.
Another mistake that Mr. Fish made was talking to the police. He said everything right to the police, but some of his statements were inconsistent such as the words that the victim were shouting at him. At one point, Mr. Fish had told the police that the victim was yelling at him that he was going to kill him. Later on, he told a grand jury that he couldnt remember.
You never want to talk to the police without an attorney. If you happen to shoot someone, then you basically give them your license, point out any witnesses, tell them that thats the bad guy, your willing to sign a complaint against the bad guy and that you wont say anything more without an attorney. So basically, here is my license, those are the witnesses, thats the bad guy, your willing to sign a complaint against the bad guy and you wont say anything more without an attorney. Simple. The cops will try to intimidate you, but generally no questions should be answered without an attorney present.
So here are some good points to remember:
1. Buy weapons and rounds that the police use.
2. Obtain training from an accredited firearms instructor
3. Read books on the legal aspects and study cases like the Fish case. Maybe even take a course on the legal aspects.
4. If involved in an incident, provide very basic information identifying the witnesses, yourself and the bad guy. Tell them you are willing to sign a complaint against the bad guy. Say nothing more without an attorney present.
5. Make every attempt to avoid hostile encounters or you might end up like Mr. Fish.