"I was in fear for my/my loved one's life" (or feared grievous bodily harm) and, "I aimed it at the bad guy" and, "I intended to shoot the bad guy", and "I pulled the trigger", and "The gun went 'bang'", and "I shot the bad guy". Doesn't matter if the firearm is modified or not - if you accomplish what you set out to do; namely to defend yourself/your loved ones, there should be no point of contention. Doesn't mean there won't be, but there shouldn't be. However, if you didn't intend to shoot someone, and your gun went off by accident (a negligent discharge), and you (for example) had happened to modify your fancy-dancy 1911 so that it has a 2 pound trigger pull, then you could get in trouble. Upshot: If you don't intend to use deadly force, don't pull the weapon. Period. *** I am not an attorney, but I was trained by one who has authored most of the Ohio statutes, and I attempt to keep as up-to-date/informed as is possible. ***EDIT: Nice weapon Chebby. Cowlumbus police? I spoke with one the other day (informally, I wasn't pulled over), and he carries an M&P 40, says it's department standard.. Smith makes nice weapons - they're not XD's, but still pretty good...