BTW, why the disparaging tones regarding the police?

As a matter of fact, I have had some training with the police (and military police). I have met several LEOs and MPs that I would absolutely trust with my life in a confrontation. I wonder how many people posting here have anywhere near their experience and skills? Anyway, I have not met very many civilians with a comparable set of skills.

I have a few friends who are very good shots. They do well at competitions and on hunting grounds. I am not so sure how they would handle themselves under fire. There's more to it than marksmanship alone, the battlefield is not quite the Olympics.

Again BTW, the police officer inside Charlie Hebdo was a veteran, currently serving with the Service de la protection. They are not just your average street cops. Was he armed? I don't know. But again, I suspect he had more street experience than most people here.

What makes me a little uncomfortable about this thread is that some forumites are making pretty bold statements. Yet the people who I know personally can handle themselves in a difficult situation do not generally talk about about their skills online. Makes me wonder.

And no, I don't agree for a second that competition or training for the most part, other than the really hardcore military/law enforcement style comes anywhere close to a real confrontation. Drawing a gun on somebody is one thing. Being in a fight with someone actually trying to hurt or kill you is a little different.

Or maybe not, what do I know. Time to sign off...