Isn't concealed carry a critical weapon in the fight against domestic ISIS attacks?

[Maceman]

It seems to me that concealed carry is one of the most critical ways of protecting lives given the new "normal" of "lone wolf" Islamist terrorist attacks.

I wonder that I haven't heard the NRA and concealed carry groups start to argue that point. Why aren't they pushing for the "homeland security" that would be greatly enhanced by average citizens keeping watchful eyes and carrying concealed weapons, almost as a civic responsibility?

[ctdonath2]

“it is possible but almost cosmically improbable.”

What planet are you on?
Happens a LOT. As others note, NRA’s Armed American column is full of such cases, and those a tiny cross-section of what actually happens.

[zeugma]

As I stated before I never said dont go unarmed. I said dont go armed and untrained. Yes, an armed citizenry can be good. However, the idea didnt stop there. The Founders were thinking along the lines of a TRAINED and armed citizenry. They also envisioned an generally well educated population too that was mentally engaged. Its not all about the weapons.

Agreed. Training will definitely enhance your ability to respond well in different circumstances, but I don't think it is necessary. Desirable, but not required.

I think the comment by spetznaz at #29 above pretty much summed up where I'm at on this,

[WayneS]

A terrorist attack tends to be an isolated (i.e. few people and usually one)

So are most muggings.

[USNBandit]

The big issue is friendly fire. For the average CCW carrier, I would recommend moving to cover, then drawing, then looking for an avenue of escape for you and your family, then employ your weapon in the effort to escape. Otherwise you may get in a protracted gunfight, and how many rounds are you carrying?

[WayneS]

Concealed or open carry is pretty much irrelevant in those situations.

Tell that to a certain terrorist in Canada...

[556x45]

No, I think it doesnt. You have no idea what the training level is if the people involved. You only assume they have little/none.

[Vendome]

Agreed...

[556x45]

Clearly it isnt necessary. However, youre nuts to carry in public w/o it. Really, think about it, youre carrying a deadly weapon w/ no idea what to expect, how to respond, how to deploy, nothing. Your training to that point is all from Hollywood. The prime reason CCW holders SEEM to do well is criminals are cowards and dont want to be shot. Now insert a motivated terrorism who cares little if he dies. Youre going to lose! Its actually troubling the number here who believe only a weapon is required to prevail.

[556x45]

All that presupposes training...doesnt it. ;)

[zeugma]

I must be nuts then. Clearly, few can afford tactical training, yet actual history, as opposed to hypotheticals, shows that we’re more safe to have around than a cop when bullets fly.

[556x45]

Im not talking hypotheticals, its well documented how the stress of combat effects you mentally and physiologically. You really owe it to yourself to understand what happens before, during and after a gun fight. That info is free to anyone able to look it up. Training doesnt have to be expensive. As someone else said they started out w/ DVDs. If you have a computer w/ a DVD reader or TV, a place to practice and planty of ammo youve gotta a good start. Its WAY better than nothing. You dont have to be an expert to be effective but you do need to be trained.

[zeugma]

I'm sorry, but you most definitely are talking hypotheticals. There are hundreds of thousands of folks out there now with CCWs in states where they unconstitutionally require them. Who knows the numbers in those few states that actually respect the constitution? The simple facts are that people who carry simply do not open fire indiscriminately on people. Perhaps it's because unlike, police, they can face actual consequences to their actions. The simple facts are that it is big news when an innocent is hurt by a citizen CCW holder, because it is such a black swan event. People are not generally bloodthirsty cretins regardless of their level of training. Granted, training will help to lock instincts into place, but I simply do not think it's critical in the way you describe.

[smokingfrog]

An exiled Iranian operating out of Damascus is taking aim at the one thing the United States holds most precious—her freedom. Launching a blitzkrieg of mass shootings in cities across the country, Muhannad Qasim knows the urban dwellers and the media will blame the Second Amendment for the carnage and then relentlessly pressure lawmakers to stifle Americans’ right to arm and defend themselves. The master terrorist understands that a citizenry unarmed is at the complete mercy of its government—and he has spent years carefully seeding the U.S. Media and government with influential officials sympathetic to his views.

[Red in Blue PA]

Reminds me of the character Gene Hackman played in Unforgiven: "Look son, being a good shot, being quick with a pistol, that don't do no harm, but it don't mean much next to being cool-headed. A man who will keep his head and not get rattled under fire, like as not, he'll kill ya. It ain't so easy to shoot a man anyhow, especially if the son-of-a-bitch is shootin' back at you."