I can't speak for Virginia, but here in West Virginia anyone within 21 feet can be considered an threat. Last saturday I completed an NRA basic pistol class in preperation for getting my CCW. As well as gun saftey we also discussed in depth what is and is not considered a threat.
<snip> Anyway I walked into the 7-11 past a bunch of gang bangers, get my stuff and walk back out to my truck. Mind you I'm a white guy wearing a cowboy hat, boots, and a t-shirt that has the "Cowboy Up" logo on the back of it. Well three of the brother start giving me a bunch of crap about the way I'm dressed. I ignore them and continue on to my truck and they start to follow me. I get in my truck and one of them walks around behind my truck and stands there so I can't move, while the other two come up to the drivers side window and start giving me a bunch of crap. I asked them why they are being so racist towards me and they get really pissed off and start telling me they are going to kick my arse.
Considering the story to be as he told it, at the point they started threatening to kick his arse, he (in WV) was completely within the law to draw his gun. Personally I would have aimed it center mass of the nearest threat as laying it on the dash could be considered brandishing. I also would have announced my intent to start shooting if they didn't back off.
Here is where I believe he dropped the ball ...
As soon as you were 'safe', meaning there was no immediate threat, you should have called the police. It turned out well, but it would have been better to have your voice on the 911 tape stating what happened that caused you to draw your gun.
While this is a little Serenity-esqe I'm inclined to believe him as there was no moral/airforceacademy conflict, no pineapple people and no butt-cracks involved.
All in all, I say well done, but next time, call the police yourself. Remember YOU are the responsible citizen.