Posted on 12/26/2019 9:24:50 AM PST by w1n1
The decision to carry a concealed firearm is a personal choice that can either be a lifesaver or a "life taker." It is a choice that may leave you taking the life of a fellow human being or disfiguring them. Therefore, how you conduct yourself will determine whether you protect yourself or put others in danger. Whatever you do, you should never make these mistakes while carrying a concealed gun.
-Leaving the concealed carry permit at home
The first mistake, especially for veteran concealed carriers, is to leave their licenses at home. You can talk yourself out of situations, but police officers will hear none of it. Unless you are in a state that allows the free use of guns, always have your permit.
-Buying a holster without testing it
Many first-time carriers fall victim to this mistake. When you purchase a holster and fail to check it, you will be subjecting yourself to potential physical and financial pain. Make sure you buy a holster that fits your body comfortably.
-Removing your handgun to show-off
The importance of concealed carrying is to keep it unseen. That implies that irrespective of how excited you feel about having a gun, you must not show it off.
-Fire warning shots
Apart from not showing off your firearm, you shouldnt fire warning shots. There are many tense, ambiguous situations out there. You dont have to use your gun in all of them. If you feel threatened, it is okay to act accordingly, and that is all it goes down to.
-Getting drunk and carrying
Some states prohibit the habit of getting drunk while carrying a gun. Others stipulate that one must not go into an alcohol-selling shop with a concealed weapon. Firearms and alcohol don't mix. Read the rest of concealed carry: should never do.
Well said.
When carrying, lose the ego.
I do, too.
Never had a bad LEO encounter while carrying.
Been pulled over twice in the last ten years and it always went something like this:
“Don’t show me yours, and I won’t show you mine.”
Very friendly and professional.
1Sgt taught us this lesson on using firearms.
1. Identify target
2. aim weapon and achieve good sight picture.
3. shoot target.
4. repeat as needed
and remember 1Sgt’s favorite poem.
This is a weapon it’s not a gun.
it’s made for shooting and not for fun.
This particular paddle holster has a mechanical retention device that is released as you close your hand around the grip. The part that closes around the trigger guard had slipped into the “hold” position. Fortunately, when I was getting ready for qualification, it felt different enough to check and I found the problem
This is not my everyday carry holster. I have a Craft/Falco leather for everyday use. The kydex (Safariland)is great for qualifying because of the timing factor.
AH! I know the holster you’re talking about. Had one for my Beretta 92.
“If I shoot someone in the leg I should have spent more time at the range.”
Sorry, but frankly, if one actually WANTS to shoot an appendage, THAT is why they should spend more time at practice.
Center (fat) mass is easier, I know.
Also easier to get put away for life - including maybe execution.
All nice advice, but honestly I still see no solid 100% argument for CM. Easier, yes; better in court, not necessarily.
It’s a good holster if you’re wearing about 3 layers of clothing in a Michigan winter, but trying to conceal in a golf shirt, not so much. The damn thing prints worse than the New York Times. But for annual qualifying, it’s easy to draw and re-holster during a timed firing.
The Craft is a very well-constructed, OWB leather holster that fits not only my Sig 2022 but also my P-226 Legion. It allows me to draw well with both weapons, doesn’t print, but re-holstering is not as “easy” because the leather is so supple.
But, if I have to draw while carrying concealed, I’m not too concerned about re-holstering quickly.
The only draw-back is the order time is at least 6-weeks.
And many times attackers survive their grievous torso injuries, and even keep going.
No doubt it is HARDER, and I think that’s the TRUE crux of the old saw that one goes for center of mass. But instead we trot out all these other reasons it’s “better”.
OTOH, despite comments here, indeed many creeps DO give up when they’ve been “confronted”.
Hell, they give up when you DO threaten (brandish) the gun.
For God’s sake, how many times does FR post a story about someone merely showing their gun and stopping the fight? And most praise and cheer how this shows guns help stop crime - without even a shot!
Nonetheless, we sure have alot of hotshots here who are certain one can NEVER simply show the gun, but somehow IF they “show” it (whip it out in the span of seconds) they MUST shoot to kill.
Sorry, but if you are justified to use deadly force, then that’s EXACTLY what it is...deadly force. If you are using a weapon and think you’re going to hit an assailant in an arm or a leg, you aren’t justified to pull a gun in the first place.
I mean no disrespect, but after carrying a gun on a police department for 20+ years and carrying since I’ve been retired, if you have to pull your weapon in order to defend yourself or others, you best be prepared to take a life. Otherwise, leave the damn thing in its holster.
Shooting the legs potentially gives you bigger legal issues.
1) Prosecutor could argue that you did not think you had justification for using lethal force.
2) Bullet could hit femoral artery, and he'll bleed to death quickly.
3) Visualize permanently crippled thug suing you in front of a jury comprised mainly of people who don't like white people.
4) In a gun fight, legs are probably moving. Torso is easier to hit than legs, and you don't have unlimited time (or bullets).
Hell, when a common thug broke into my car last year at a park and stole my wallet out of my purse, the officer was SO arrogantly picky about the word “robbed”. OK, I was “burgled” (what a stupid word!).
Hey, you do you. Ill stick with the training Ive been lucky to get from folks who know way more than I do.
*sigh* see more replies.
Nope, don’t fully buy it.
There are SO many ramifications and SO many precise situations.
We don’t need no steeking license here in OK...
It’s real simple, burglary is a crime against property...robbery is a crime against persons. Your purse in a locked car is property. Had you been in the car, then it would have been a robbery.
Different crimes with different elements and different consequences for the perp.
Again - how many stories here have been celebrated of people “brandishing a weapon” and the whole thing going away?
I appreciate the reasoning - and indeed would have no qualms if that was necessary. Yes, I could be wrong, but we could be wrong no matter what choice we make (just won’t know if the dude is dead).
One has to assess one’s own situation.
How about anything outside a firearm? Is that considered deadly? If I brandish a machete sword should I immediately go in to slice through the torso? (Don’t sneer, because edged weapons are extremely dangerous when they meet their mark.) Doesn’t matter somehow or what?
Point was legal terms. Yes, “robbed” LEGALLY means stealing while victim present, but colloquially, it just means “things were stolen”. No one says “burgled”!
Five rules of a gun fight-
1) gun beats no gun
2) hit beats a miss
3) fast beats slow
4) big holes beat small holes
5) two hits beat one hit
I'm one of them. The only time I had to draw, the guy turned and ran. But I had already resolved, before drawing, that if he did NOT run, that I would fire, and would be justified in firing.
It's a subtle but important distinction. Never draw on somebody unless you would be justified in killing him, but if you see him turn to run as you draw, hold your fire.
NEVER draw on somebody just to frighten him, in a situation where you would not be justified in killing him.
Yes, that be NC and SC...knew two around me had that...
Thanks...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.