In my experience... no knows knows exactly what they'll do in any given moment in any given situation. It's all speculation. Training will enable us to act but we still choose to take that action. Sometimes we act without thinking calling it instinct born of years of training and experience. This would be more likely from seasoned cops than the average joe. A combat seasoned soldier that is home from duty/retired may likewise act because they've been under fire before and (again) has the training and experience.
Many of us here on MT are usually armed in one form or another. With those like sgtmac they're armed with a pistol at all times, others like me are armed with a folding knife that can be deployed rapidly if need be, still others have empty hands as weapons.
However we're armed, it is no guarantee how we will act in any given situation. There is also no guarantee of the outcome.
Personally I will act (or not act) depending upon my own judgment and based on my feelings at the moment. I've associated with enough criminals that I feel confident in reading them well enough to know that their weapon may be just an intimidation factor or a means to sate their desire to commit violence (and using a robbery as an excuse). I will ALWAYS take for granted that the robber will indeed use his weapon should he feel that he has to. Most of them, all they want is to get what they want and to get the hell out of dodge as quick as possible with little fuss (i.e. before the cops or (armed) security arrives). They're not looking to go out in a blaze of gunfire and a hail of lead. They want to survive just as badly as you do.
They are usually NOT natural born killers. But give them the slightest excuse and they will be.
No, there is no guarantee either that you are being robbed by a mere intimidator and not an actual killer.
Yes, Tex he was well within pistol range and he's watching you.
Good point MA-Caver.
The majority of people on this site either teach or are taught how to defend against armed or unarmed situations. That makes us bias. In the one clip where the robber got the money, turned to leave, then turned back and shot, is very unfortunate indeed. On the same token impossible to read. At best, everyone in the store where the clerk was killed, did what they were suppose to do. Trained LEO, with all their weapons, are trained to seek cover first, then fire. I say, give them what they want, unless they direct you to a back room. As long as we are still at the counter, I would keep my mouth shut. All that robber wants, is money and no resistance. I have never once trained anyone to defend their wallet, only their life, and God willing, I hope I will know the difference, if or when the time ever comes.