Originally Posted by manta
Probably just me then I would rather stop a confrontation with a warning shot if possible, maybe I am a bit soft for not wanting to kill someone if I can avoid it.
I can certainly agree with your reluctance, but to use a firearm for anything is to use deadly force under most state's law. If you feel threatened enough to use deadly force a warning shot is not indicated, again under most state's laws.
If I were you I would do a thorough check of your local and state firearms and deadly force laws concerning the use of deadly force and warning shots. It would not surprise me at all if you were to find that warning shots are prohibited.
Avoiding shooting someone is a worthwhile goal, but it isn't always possible. If you see a situation developing that has you concerned you should prepare yourself, call the authorities, and hope that they will get there before you have to make the decision to shoot. If things don't work out the way you want, you either need to be able to shoot or prepare to retreat.
It's not an easy decision, but remember the guidelines for deadly force. You have to be in fear of imminent death or great bodily harm to yourself or others. If you feel you can retreat, and that's where your moral compass is directing you, do it. I know I'll never criticize or second guess your decision, and I'm sure many others will feel the same way. The ones you need to watch out for are the people that tell you you were wrong not to shoot to kill. They scare me.