Posted on 07/01/2021 3:30:10 AM PDT by COBOL2Java
Some folks associate violent crime with certain parts of town. And, it could be that they think that if they just stay out of certain bars and pool halls that the chance of a violent encounter doesn’t exist. Clearly, they are not watching and reading the same news reports that I am.
Yes, there are certain locations and events that we just simply avoid if we have any sense at all. But it is also important to realize that violent attacks can occur anywhere at any time. That includes our nice neighborhoods, the little convenience store down on the corner or even our own homes. And we have found that our churches, movie theaters and sporting events are not completely immune, either.
It is not the obvious situations and locations that are the real danger, because we can simply avoid those. What will get you are the surprise events. Those of us who have had to deal with dangerous encounters know that they can occur at any time or place and with relatively little warning. Those are the real problems, and those are the reason that we carry a defensive firearm.
I have a friend who was given a double-action revolver for personal defense. I’m not sure he ever shot it. But, wanting to be with the in-crowd, he sold that and bought a polymer-frame, double-stack semi-automatic. He has probably never shot it, either, and he certainly hasn’t ever gotten any defensive training. The gun stays under the seat of his car or in the bottom of his bag while traveling. You can imagine how much help he will be to himself, or anyone else, should he one day be confronted with a violent attack.
Not being able to predict when violence will visit us is the reason for the defensive handgun. If we absolutely knew that we were going to have to face trouble, we’d either go the other way or arm ourselves with a rifle or shotgun. But the handgun is not a magic wand. If you don’t have it on you and know how to use it, it is absolutely useless.
Years ago, Col. Jeff Cooper said, “If you are reading this and can’t put your hand on your defensive firearm, all of your training is wasted.” I think that about covers it.
If that all you think of when being prepared to defend yourself and loved ones from the crazy bastids you are quite privileged and the line for the lemming race starts over there.
If we actually lived in a free country, any organization that required you to disarm yourself would have strict, and full liability for your safety. For most businesses, the insurance costs alone would cause them to drop those insane policies.
Here in TX, courts have ruled that they cannot ban you from carrying in your car, even if you park on their property.
I'm in love. LOL
I was a reserve police officer in a small town. One day they called and wanted me to help direct traffic at a large funeral. As I was getting dressed I briefly debated putting on my bullet proof(?) vest because it was a very hot afternoon. I decided I didn’t want to be “that guy” who wore his vest every day until he needed it. I wore the vest. I feel the same way about carrying. I don’t want to be the guy who carried every day except that one time.
I had my hand too close to the breech of my shotgun once when I was closing it. Learned my lesson well...
Just leave your car parked right in front of the checkpoint.
Problem solved! /s
Actually, a friend of mine considered that. It's about half a mile walk from outside the checkpoint to the building.
Owning a gun can bring confidence and with practice, you can learn how to be a Marksman or a Sharpshooter without ever having to join the military. Self-esteem should never come from having experience with firearms and other potentially lethal weapons. However, it doesn’t mean that some gun owners won’t feel “bigger than life” when their finger is on the trigger and the gun is loaded.
I carry too my work and lock up in my vehicle which is legal in my state. Some employer tried to enforce their rules to employee vehicles and the state supreme court busted them up badly.
When not at work I am carrying either a Kel-tec P32, Taurus TCP .380, S&W Model 642 or Sig365. I pocket carry or in the winter carry in my coat pocket.
Understood.
I don’t like to put my purse in a cart at all, but if I do my hand stays on top.
I sold my son my XD40 and 1,000 rounds of .40. He likes shooting it but bought the subcompact as well.
I bought the Ruger LCP .380 6+1.
I'm so used to carrying my weapon, if I don't have it, it feels abnormal.
I've got multiple calibers/sizes, every kinda of holster to make carrying as comfortable as possible. Gotta admit though, Houston, like Florida heat/humidity does pose it's challenges.
Good for you. Same here.
Lol...funny.
Well, hey, I’m gettin up in age and trying to fight off some 20 year old thug is just not an option any longer.
I have carried since the mid 90’s. Only had a couple of incidents where I thought I might have to pull my weapon. Gotta say though, I feel a whole lot safer with my sidearm.
See my tagline.
Prove me wrong. Prove I actually saw the sign. Of course I'll comply with the wishes of current management, I'll leave immediately and not return. By that I mean seriously, if a business feels the need to expel me over my concealed carry I will not be back - ever. I mean ever.
Hasn't happened yet. I have never been asked to leave a business (over concealed carry anyway). There are a couple of businesses that have no carry signs on the doors. There are other options in the same market segment in my area, so I am their customer instead. But I will (and do) carry everywhere with the exception of work where I would eventually be in cuffs. In fact, based on recent history that could have happened several times by now. So I don't carry at work. Check. But that doesn't mean I'm prepared to be a victim either. We'll just leave it at that lest anything starts looking "pre-meditated" or some such...
In Washington state there are only a few places where guns are outlawed (schools, courthouse, bars, etc.)
Stores can place those anti-gun signs, but it is not unlawful to enter them with a gun. However, if they spot you and ask you to leave, then you must (should?) leave or they can have you arrested for trespassing.
I’m guessing some gun owner has tried to bring it to court as a discrimination issue. Not sure why it is any different than “No Blacks Allowed”.
My son carries all the time. He said he doesn’t know what his work rules are about it and he hasn’t asked. Although one time his work did put him in proximity to the Governor, so he figured he shouldn’t carry that day. “And I figured, with all of his security there - we’d be pretty safe!”
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.