One of these days, as the number of concealed carriers nationwide continues to grow, criminals are going to determine that it’s simply too great a risk to attempt the armed robbery of a law-abiding citizen.

We haven’t gotten there yet, however, and last night one of a pair of young thugs had to learn that lesson the hard way.

A man reportedly turned the tables on two would-be robbers near downtown Nashville late Sunday night.

Metro police said the man was getting into his car at the intersection of Lafayette Street and Fairfield Avenue when two teens tried to rob him around 10 p.m.

The teens allegedly took his cellphone and told him to get out of his car, which is when he reportedly reached into his pocket and pulled out a gun, firing one round at each suspect.

One of the teens was shot in the stomach, and the other ran away.

The concealed carrier held the wounded suspect at gunpoint until authorities arrived and transported him to the hospital, where he is expected to recover, and will hopefully inform on his accomplice.

Police have already announced that charges will not be filed against the concealed carrier, who was acting in lawful self defense.

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Purely as a tactical matter, it seems to be a consensus view among most defensive firearms trainers that anyone worth shooting once is worth shooting twice, which is why controlled pairs (two shots with two shot pictures at longer ranges) and hammers (two shots on one sight picture at shorter ranges) is the standard to which most professionals are trained. This two shots general rule acknowledges two truths, that it’s very difficult to hit a moving target under stress, and that handgun ammunition is inherently weak.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to use a handgun to defend your life, plan on firing that controlled pair or hammer as the situation dictates, and make sure that you’re carrying at least one spare magazine (or a speed strip, revolver guys) to keep your handgun topped off.

Criminals these days seem to increasingly be working in pairs or larger teams, so you may want to take that into consideration as you choose your gun and gear.