Defining Moments - What made YOU decide to CCW? [Archive] - Page 2

Dogbite

02-26-2008, 15:59

I had two different situations that made me go get my concealed carry license. In The first situation, i was waiting with some friends in a Marta station in Atlanta after a game. About five twenty-something black thug dressed men came down an escalator, and started dancing around a single man holding a brief case, obviously waiting for the train after work. One of the young thugs finally gave him a good straight right to the face, totally unprovoked. Then when everybody started yelling and heading to the aid of the business man, the five cowards ran up the down moving escalator. It was a good ten minutes before on lone woman cop came running asking which way they had gone.

The second situation happened at a waffle house in a suburban setting-not a bad area. Everybody was eating and quiet when up rolls 7 cars full of thug looking young guys, complete with seriously loud music, sagging pants and more chains than huggy bear. they came in, walking up and down the isles, talking loud and daring anyone to say something. Some of them started banging on the windows, and shouting obscenities. The police were then called. I immediately told my then wife to get up and meet me at the cashier, we were leaving. They had crowded around the front door, and they did not move out of the way. Then when i got through them, and got to the car, i tried to back up and the good citizens proceeded to block me with their car.. I kept a cool head, and waited for them about 15 minutes to get out of the way. The police never did show up, as i drove off feeling lucky there was no confrontation. These are situations that i would have felt a lot better in being armed. I could not, and would not have pulled a weapon in these situations, unless it got clearly out of control and deadly, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know it could have easily headed in that direction.

Oneiros

02-26-2008, 16:41

Huson

02-26-2008, 18:51

My motivation for getting a CCW was living in a hurricane prone area. I thought it would be nice to legally carry in an evacuation type of situation. My decision to frequently carry was made when I went into a Winn Dixie and in the store were three different groups of thugs and none of them were connected to each other. In the store were three discrete groups of young men who looked like gangsters. This was at seven o’clock at night. A light went off in my head and after that, I usually carried after dark.

xxKylexx

03-01-2008, 00:04

I am new to this forum. I want to say "Hi" and tell you how grateful I am to have a place to read about firearms and such. Anyways, I have read all 253 posts and really enjoyed the stories. I think that I need to tell mine though.

When I was 18 I lived in a party house with 4 other friends in Muncie IN. On a usual weekend night, we had a party with kegs and probably 30 people in my house. Late in the night, a friend of mine came in all beat up. I'm talking broken nose, ribs, he just looked like hell. We tried to get as much info out of him as we could but he wouldn't talk. All he would say was he got jumped in the side of our yard by a couple of guys. An hour or so later I had 7 to 8 guys in my house brandishing handguns. They were gang members looking for my "beat up" friend. Apparently my friend was not on the losing end of his fight. Luckily a girl from our party ran out and waved down a police car (we were on BSU campus); the police showed up within minutes and the gangstas ran off after hearing all the sirens. I have never felt so helpless in my life. When it all happened I was in my kitchen with a couple of friends just chillin at the keg. One of the invaders came in the kitchen waiving his gun in our faces. We wanted to wrestle the gun out of the dude's hand and beat the living piss out of him, but we were afraid of someone getting hurt (not the gangsta). If you're wondering if we pressed charges or not, We didn't. We were all underage and with all the kegs in our house, we ran too!

Fast forward 10 years. After serving 8 years in the USAF (OEF Vet) and meeting my wife (who is also military) I was stationed in Florida at Hurlburt Field. Immediatly after Katrina I bought my Glock 19 (same reason as many others). No CCW though. Now we are stationed in New Mexico. I have been honarably discharged from the AF and now I'm a Sociology major at ENMU. So its my job to find out about society and stuff. Down to the nitty-gritty! I am going to the CCW class Mar 8&9 because in my research I found out that 1 in 166 people in my area are the victim of a violent crime. I've also talked my wife into getting an AR-15, which is perfect cause she and I already know how to field strip the weapon and shoot it effectivly. It just sucks cause if I did all of this (CCW) while still active duty, I wouldn't have to take the class; which would save me $100

Thanks for reading, you guys/gals seem like a good bunch.:cheers:

Patronus

03-05-2008, 23:06

This is an awesome thread. Thank you for starting it, whoever that was. :supergrin:

I've noticed a lot of comments answering the subject question with something like "Because I live in [XYZ City/State], that's why," or "Because I can," which is OK but sorta misses the point. I think some folks have confused this thread with a "Why do you CCW?" type thread.

If any of you have done that but actually did have a Defining Moment at some time, I invite you to Edit that into your original post. I don't know about you, but I've used anecdotes from this thread in conversations with others on numerous occasions.

So keep 'em coming! :cool:

GSR603817

03-07-2008, 20:07

I had my CCW last June of 2007. A year before that i was awakened by the phone early in the morning and the hardest news id ever had. My wife got jump in the parking garage on her way to work. She was on her way to the hospital. She fought the attacker inside her car and ended up getting beat up. The guy was captured after 3 days. It was hard for me seeing her and to hold my emotion and tears for a long time. The individual was convicted and sentenced 6 years. We both work now on the same shift and carpool. He got denied 2x already for parole since then. I thank all of our relatives & friends that help us go through those hard times. I thank God for giving her strength at that moment. As for me I no longer think of revenge. Time heals...

Darkangel1846

03-08-2008, 12:41

Later 80s, Norfolk Va. High number of car jackings where the driver was killed. Surgical Resident at Norfolk Gen was car jacked in the hospital parking ramp, raped, beaten within a inch of her life and left for dead.
Last, a poor women car jacked, killed and left in the trunk of her car parked along the freeway. I drove past that car several times over three days, even wondered why it hadn't been towed. I started carring my 1911 that day.
a few weeks later it saved my life. Been carring every since.:wavey:

grishnav

03-08-2008, 18:49

I started carring my 1911 that day.
a few weeks later it saved my life. Been carring every since.:wavey:

Do tell! (If you can.)

Real life Defensive use of Firearm stories are my favorite, and I'm sure nobody else would mind hearing (even if slightly off topic for the thread).

Patronus

03-08-2008, 19:38

Do tell! (If you can.)

Real life Defensive use of Firearm stories are my favorite, and I'm sure nobody else would mind hearing (even if slightly off topic for the thread).

I agree -- share if you can/wish, Darkangel1846. Off topic or not, you can't just allude to something like that and leave us twisting in the wind!

.45Reloader

03-09-2008, 14:34

.A CCW eliminates any interpretation by an officer on whether you are carrying your gun legally in a vehicle. $50 well spent.

sasq

03-11-2008, 21:59

A few things happened to convince me:
-My state became shall issue.
-I started reading about how my state may change the law.
-I joined the local gun rights organization and the NRA to help protect the shall issue laws.
-There were many CCW classes offered in my area.
-The Brady bill/laws ended and I was worried that they would come back and I would miss my chance.

So I took the training, bought some Glocks and a large number of the 33 rd mags (worried that the Brady laws might come back)
Joined GT took more training and started to really enjoy going to the range.
-------------------------------------
Now my wife's moment was different.
She shared my enjoyment of the range and we shared the Glocks and a ruger 22/45, but she traveled on a lonely highway once and was frightened by a potential stalker.
She returned from the trip, took a CCW class, got her own sub compact- G36 (she likes the single stack) and her own ruger 22/45. We still share the 17L and G21. I do catch her looking at single stack 1911s - uh ooh- lol

She actually came home this week with the Guns and Ammo mag with the Kimber SIS on the cover... (hummmm..)
We actually held one at our range/shop later on this week.

T-Rex

03-12-2008, 12:57

In 1993, there were 2 students killed at the college I was attending. They lived a few buildings down. No signs of forced entry, no witnesses, and it was done in the middle of the night. The guy was killed downstairs, and the girl was killed upstairs....both shot in the back of the head.

A few months after that, I was at home with my then girlfriend and someone entered my apartment....with a key, no forced entry and proceded to come upstairs to tell me that my stereo was up too loud. I didnt open my bedroom door waited for him to leave....and he left. I made a report to campus police and heard nothing else about it.

The very next day, I went and purchased my very first G22 (still have it) and got a CCW. And have been pretty much carrying every since!

1canvas

03-18-2008, 21:14

Torontogunguy

03-19-2008, 17:12

grandson killed in a violent attack. the aftermath of the murder was unbeliveable. he was an inocent child. the effects on my family was unbearable. you just replay the attack over and over in your head. my point is i will do all i can to survive an attack, even if i have to defend myself with a gun, i will, and so will my family. i owe it to my family, and my family owes it to me to survive an attack[we all carry]. so don't be lazy and carry, you owe it to your loved ones.

I am very sorry to hear of your grandson; a good friend up here lost a daughter to a whacko a few years ago on her graduation night from law school, on being called to the bar as they say. On the stairs to her walkup apartment. I know things would have resulted completely differently had she been permitted to protect herself but she did not even have that option up here north of the 49th. Not only did it end a beautiful young life and career, it adversely affected dozens of friends and relatives and snuffed out the life of both parents as I have not seen a smile from either of them in ten years since it happened.

You are right, of course. If you have the privilege of protecting yourself and your loved ones you must do so as to do anything else is unforgivable should anything happen.

I have promised myself that I will carry whenever and wherever I am able (south of the border in the USA). I have been at the receiving end of two home invasions (one successful, the other not... the bg's taken down at gunpoint while they were still trying to pry open the FRONT door to our home, oblivious to the sirens and flashing lights). And at the receiving end of the largest revolver I have ever seen in my life, pointed right at my nose, by a whacko who did not like the way I was driving nor the fact that I had Ontario plates on the van. I left him choking on my dust as I floored the gas pedal to the metal and ducked for cover. He was too stoned to pull the trigger fortunately. I will never ever ever be in a position of not being able to protect myself or my family again as long as I am able to do so legally. And you are dead right... it is a privilege that every US citizen should exercise. It was the SECOND amendment.... it was well thought out, with a finite purpose, and we should take advantage of that right or lose it.

Yellowfin

03-19-2008, 17:32

For me it kind of evolved. At first I was thinking of carrying a sidearm with me while turkey hunting and bowhunting early in case of snakes. Then VT happened and my lady also got transferred out to CA for her job training and I started thinking about human threats much more seriously. Then I proposed to her and realized that I am now responsible for her well being and mine for both our sake and our families'. So I sent a rifle with her to keep for home defense, knowing that preserving her safety from harmful people is paramount. It then dawned on me that I should be no less safe in my everyday life. Further I came to the understanding that unarmed citizens are the petri dish on which the germ of criminality thrives, and that being an armed resistant to murder and robbery is a civic duty to make the world less safe for criminals and thus more safe for my fellow good people.

With those ideas in mind, daily carry is simply an inescapable and undeniable responsibility. If you have ANYONE who cares about you it is your responsibility to them to carry. PERIOD. No arguement possible. Do it.

Oneiros

03-19-2008, 17:44

It then dawned on me that I should be no less safe in my everyday life. Further I came to the understanding that unarmed citizens are the petri dish on which the germ of criminality thrives, and that being an armed resistant to murder and robbery is a civic duty to make the world less safe for criminals and thus more safe for my fellow good people.

With those ideas in mind, daily carry is simply an inescapable and undeniable responsibility. If you have ANYONE who cares about you it is your responsibility to them to carry. PERIOD. No arguement possible. Do it.

:agree:

RussP

03-19-2008, 17:51

philly b

03-20-2008, 03:09

My moment was while I still lived in WI. I'm not going to go into the details here, but since that day I always carried. You can draw your own conclusions.

no fun passive, no fun... i expected more from you lol

fofinger

03-20-2008, 05:40

too old to run and too slow to fight.....

marcernst

03-20-2008, 14:05

i am in the process of getting a handgun & ccw. my wife asked me to get a handgun this year. too much going down crime wise in our fair community to not carry. friend's home was broken into and their teen daughter kidnapped & assulted near us. there is a "thug state Univ" near my workplace (one of their students recently killed a cop for no reason). a hs kid was kidnapped(shots fired) & robbed after a ballgame here by some thugs. nothing has happened to me personally, except a couple recent tailgating incidents by some thugs, but why wait.....

Torontogunguy

03-20-2008, 14:27

It really tends to make one believe that 'an armed society is a polite society' as stated by one of our founding fathers. And the simple threat of catastrophic retaliation for aggressive and violent assault is aggressive and violent self defence; IMHO that in itself tends to reduce the amount of BG's thinking about doing bad things.

We thought we heard footsteps in the basement yesterday night. I can assure you that the fact that we were on the top landing, up two flights of stairs, and well protected, gave us a great amount of peace of mind. I did not sleep last night. But I also did not sit cowering in the corner or locked into a 'hardened room' praying for peace either. I was prepared to do WHATEVER was necessary the moment I discovered that my home had been violated. And IMHO it is just exactly that which is necessary in order to put and end to this craziness that surrounds us and pervades our present society as being the norm. Let the bad guys be the ones who are afraid for their very lives. Make no mistake whatsoever that the fear of catastrophic penalties for aggressive behavious will put a rapid stop to the unacceptable social habits we are having forced upon us. Either through psychological shaping or through genetic shaping. Either way is fine by me. I have had two (make that three) home invasions or attempts at home invasion in recent years and one occasion of having a very large caliber revolver stuck in my nose, literally. I am fed up and not prepared to take it any longer. Are you a sheeple? Be my guest... if you would be so kind as to forward to me your name and address I would be more than pleased to post it on my front door and let's just see what takes places lickety split, huh? I'll wager I know where the BG's head. Eventually, one way or another, the gene pool will get adjusted accordingly until the decent folk find themselves at peace and on top, don't you think?

WayOutWest

03-20-2008, 16:21

Me and a few friends were robbed at gun point one night in front of my friends house in a gated community. I realized safety isn't something someone else can provide you, even if they are responsible. I legitimately thought I was either going to watch my friends die that night, I was going to die, or at least one of us was going to get shot.

After that, around a year or so later, I was reading about the Washington Mall shooting and realized that the only way I could know for a fact that I had done everything to protect my family, myself, and/or the people around me in the event a situation such as these arose (again, in the case of the robbery) was to learn, train, and carry a firearm.

philly b

03-22-2008, 01:50

for me, it is many factors. I live in a very "safe" neighborhood... but simply read the newspaper and the next shooting you come across the police will be amazed that it took place in such a "safe" neighborhood.

A few months back, my aunt passed away from cancer. when driving to her funeral, my uncle's brother was shot and killed while reading his newspaper on a saturday morning in front of his porch. he was simply sitting outside reading the paper and drinking coffee when some gangbanger shot and killed him for no reason. his family and neighbors didnt notice he was dead until hours after the incident. he was survived by two sons, his wife, and his daughter.

this really made me realize that no matter how wealthy or how good of a neighborhood you live in, you must always be responsible for your own self defense. the things my uncles brother's family is having to go through right now is truly terrible, with all of the people in court and our flawed justice system, i would not wish it on anyone. we must do whatever is possible to prevent such a thing from occuring.

Agent X-1

03-22-2008, 10:47

Civic duty. Plain and simple.

Agent X-1

03-22-2008, 10:51

And BTW here's a patriotic piece from Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author of The Scarlet Letter. Worth reading:

http://www.online-literature.com/hawthorne/137/

Redcap

03-23-2008, 00:47

The idea has been floating in my mind for years. It was a natural progression;

First, in 1997, a friend and I had the pleasure of being stalked for several miles and finally pounced upon by a large male cougar. Fortunately the cat changed his mind and sauntered off, leaving me with a ripped hiking boot and a new respect for Nature. A few weeks later a sow grizzly rose up out of the bushes in front of me causing me to wet myself for the second time in less than a month.. bought my first serious handgun (.45LC) and began to OC on the trail.

Next, in 2002, I was followed through the backcountry by a man with a gun. He left the trail to follow me and made every attempt to hide in the trees when I looked back at him. I had foolishly left my sidearm in my Jeep and beelined back towards it before he could shorten the distance between us. Made it to my Jeep but he hid from me when I was forced to drive back through the area he was in. Spooky stuff... started to consider getting my CHL.

Then, in 2005, a man called the local PD to tell them that he would be wandering the streets with a knife looking to stab someone. He walked past my front door, bowie knife in hand, and was met by the PD two blocks away and subdued with bean bag rounds after holding the knife to his own throat. Thankfully my children weren't playing in the yard... once again I thought about that CHL.

Last year, a nice guy opened a jewelry shop two blocks from my home. This guy was polite and kind, and busy fulfilling his dream. Then, around Christmas, a gunman shot him three times and made off with over a million dollars in jewelry and diamonds. The victim lived, but his store was under-insured and he lost everything and is slowly trying to regain his physical health... once again I remembered that I was meaning to get down to apply for that CHL.

Last week was the clincher. A Shoshone friend of mines cousin, "Uncle Skizzy", went out to shovel snow. He was in his fifties and lives on a Reservation located a few miles from our home. When his family realized that he hadn't returned, they went out to look for him, only to find him dead. He had been eviscerated and was being devoured by a pack of feral dogs. No one is certain of the cause of death yet, but it is certain that the dogs were devouring him in his yard. The "Rez packs" have been killing pet cats and dogs for a while, but this is the first time that they have been suspected of involvement in a human death.

So I figured that between armed robbers, mall-shootings, cougar, suicidal knife-wielders, grizzly, the response to Hurricane Katrina, and man-eating packs of feral dogs : I need to start carrying a firearm on a more regular basis. My little Idaho town just isn't the same any more, and simply carrying in the mountains is not going to ensure my families safety.

Last week, I drove down and took the 15 minutes to fill out the form and get fingerprinted. Now I have four weeks to wait to do what I should have done fifteen years ago.

babyg26mama

03-23-2008, 01:16

Torontogunguy

03-24-2008, 13:27

Having my first child...made life worthwhile and realized I was a female with a baby in a nice car (when my husband is not with us). Got nervous sometimes in certain areas. Rather be safer than sorry.

Good for you! Bravo!
Bad guys look for easy victims; you still look like a victim - remember that. You still LOOK like a victim because mose young moms would not be carrying a gun and would do nothing to jeapordize the well being of their baby. You do, on the other hand, have the element of surprise on your side now. For the very same reason.

What you need now is some serious training and practice; it will make self defense a reflex and it will give you an opportunity to think out in advance some things that you may HAVE to do to protect your child that you would otherwise never think of doing. Nuff said as it is repulsive to think about... but you are going to have to be prepared, practiced and absolutely willing to what needs to be done. Better a toddler or baby with a bruise that is out of harm's way so you can do what you need to do. Please. Get some quality training. It will help keep you out of harms way perhaps and it will help you to deal with things if you do get into harms way.

hjery

03-24-2008, 20:27

When I was in the military I always carried 1911 when I moved cross country. Jumping ahead 1990.....in the Tidewater area of Va. we started having a hugh number of car jackings, robberies with murders.
I started packing my 1911 when they found a car jacking victim dead in her trunk not far from where I lived.
One month later that 1911 saved me from a baseball bat swing thug who was coming around to the drivers side of my Bronco(which was stuck in traffic). He saw my 1911, dropped his bat and ran.
I've carried every since, and it has saved my life at least twice. The last time from 4 gang banger in Corpus Christi Texas.
Now it is funny to say but since I now live in white rural Oregon I've never even had to put my hand on my CCW(10 years).
The price you pay for none diversity.

Are you saying that non whites are always the bad guys? Just because there are some that are bad does not make us all bad. It just depends on where they live that makes them good or bad.

Patronus

03-24-2008, 23:05

Good for you! Bravo!
Bad guys look for easy victims; you still look like a victim - remember that. You still LOOK like a victim because mose young moms would not be carrying a gun and would do nothing to jeapordize the well being of their baby. You do, on the other hand, have the element of surprise on your side now. For the very same reason.

What you need now is some serious training and practice; it will make self defense a reflex and it will give you an opportunity to think out in advance some things that you may HAVE to do to protect your child that you would otherwise never think of doing. Nuff said as it is repulsive to think about... but you are going to have to be prepared, practiced and absolutely willing to what needs to be done. Better a toddler or baby with a bruise that is out of harm's way so you can do what you need to do. Please. Get some quality training. It will help keep you out of harms way perhaps and it will help you to deal with things if you do get into harms way.

I think you're reading way too much into babyg26mama's post, Toronto. It seems you're automatically assuming that she's an untrained novice simply by virtue of her recent GT membership date.

Just an observation. :wavey:

iiibbb

03-24-2008, 23:27

Hurricane Floyd

andybob

03-25-2008, 10:19

As many of you have said there is no real defining moment.

My senior year of high school I was able to do ride-a-longs with the local PD, Sheriff's, and spend a day with the State Troopers and that opened my eyes up to all the bad in the world. Then I worked for the District Attorney (good friend of ours) and found out more about how evil people can be.

Around 5 years ago there was also a drug murder 1/2 from the house. I was able to see the pictures from it and it is alarming what a 12 ga. will do to someone's head.

Fast Forward to now: I have decided I want to be a New York State Trooper (I have to wait another 3 years to take the test) and I beleive in personal protection. I don't want to ever have to think to myself "I wish I had a firearm" and I like to always be prepared. Not only do I want to be able to protect myslef, but I want to be able to protect those around me.

Andybob

rvrctyrngr

03-25-2008, 10:59

Hurricane Floyd

What a cluster **** that was. I as home sick with pneumonia with Floyd sitting 100 miles due east of my home in Jax. Couldn't have gone anywhere if I'd wanted to...turns out, couldn't have gotten out anyway.

Yellowfin

03-26-2008, 16:47

340mopar

03-27-2008, 12:53

Mike HAmmer, Miami VIce, ...

Just kidding. I got mine so that when I carry I am actually leagaly doing so. I have been places at imes I wished I had had my gun. Now I can carry and not "wish I had it".

usually I have no real need to have it on me, other times its nice.

Rocknropes

03-29-2008, 23:24

Man, I just read through all 285 posts and Im sure glad I signed up to take my class next saturday(4/5)! I just recently purchased my first handgun, which is a 2nd Gen Glock 19. Im still waiting for the 3day waiting period but I can't wait to take it home! Im brand new to handguns, with the exception of shooting my dad's .357 magnum once when i was 10. I can't really contribute to the thread as I've never had anything bad happen to me that was violent but my reason for getting a ccw is " just in case" . that's about it.

M4RifleGuy

03-30-2008, 15:37

I live in Illinois---enough said there. But I do have a few incidents to share that happened, not to me personally, but close enough...

The first event, which really got me thinking, happened in June of 2005. The town I live in is in the Metro East of St. Louis. My neighborhood, in all fairness and honesty, has seen shifting demographics. There are some apartment complexes across the street from my home and there was a man and a woman outside arguing very loudly and quickly shifting from verbal to what I assumed would soon go physical. I called 911 and quickly told the dispatcher what was up and the location on Park Drive. She started asking me questions like "Can you see if there are any weapons drawn?" My response was on the lines of "Are you nuts? I'm not going to see!" She said "OK...police are on the way." Well, low and behold a solid 5 to 10 minutes pass and no police. About this time I get a phone call back and it was the same dispatcher and she asks "Sir, where are the apartments on Park Avenue?" I said "NO, PARK DRIVE!....WEST SIDE OF TOWN!" All I hear is "Oh my gosh...click" A min or two passes and police cars start flying in from all over. By now, it was all over and the two disputers calmed down and went inside. I talked to one of the officers and told him the scoop. They stayed for ten minutes, saw nothing, and left.

Second incident was a little more freighting. It happened last year in October. It was my dad's birthday so we had family and friends over just relaxing on a Monday evening. My neighbors next door are older folks so maintenance doesn't always get done around there house in a timely fashion. In this case they have some steps on the front of there house just like ours. Not real big but enough to seat a couple of people. In addition, the porch light above the steps was out creating an opportunity for the BGs in this case. I was inside the whole time and didn't know what was going on. My dad was outside talking with his brother in law and they soon left. Dad came inside and said some guy just took off running through our yard, knocked over our wood pile, and kept running. Well, here's what I found out later on from the officer that later showed up to get our witness report: A local Imo's pizzeria driver, a girl in this case, was out delivering pizza after 9 pm. The order came in for a pizza from the BGs sitting on my neighbors steps. They gave her the wrong address, she went back to Imo's and called the person who ordered the pizza, and he told her that he made a mistake and gave her the right address. She came back to the address, got out of the car, and the guy called her over. She asked him "why are you hiding in the dark" (or something of the sort); he discredited the statement and convinced her to come over anyway. As she approached two other BGs jumped out from the bushes and beat her up, stealing over $300 in cash on her. She pulled a knife but didn't stab any of the assailants. She stumbled back to her car beat up and with a black eye and called the police. This is all when my dad saw the guy run through our yard.

Third incident. I was a sophomore in high school and a fellow classmate and I were working on a group project. We met at my dad's office to finish the item and we landed up going into the evening. My dad and uncle thankfully landed up staying as well which is why (and most likely) nothing occured. This guy and his young son come to the door well after closing. My dad answered and managed to persuade him that if he needed insurance to come back tomorrow for a quote since we were closed for the evening. Anyway, he leaves but we find out the next day the the bicycle shop guy next door was mugged by this guy. He pulled a handgun and took whatever cash the bike owner had on him and the store. I only imagine that it was because there was four of us in the office that he decided to walk away and choose an easier target.

And just imagine the senator (*cough* current presidential hopeful *cough*) from my state wants to ban all handguns.

This is my story - maybe one day our state will see the truth. Until then, Chicago's politicians and cronies run the state.

cdiaz6000

03-30-2008, 19:18

July 2006 -

I moved into what I thought was a decent neighborhood. I had recently got custody of my son and needed something bigger for the both of us & the girl friend fo course....

Within a week, I noticed that I wasn't the only new tennant on the street. There was an ex-convict / convicted fellon who had just gotten out of prison a week before I moved in - living accross the street. I'll call him "b" from now on.

B had a lot going on. All his ex-convict buddies would come see him all day and all night! Loud music, broken beer bottles, trash, litter, fights, gun shots were norm every time B had company.

It got worse - By August 2006, another one of B's friends moved into the house next door, he was squatting at one of the tennants......

By November 2006, there were three shootings and a stabbing on my street. What made it worse was the house was right accross the street and I lived on the first floor. I was away at Drill (National Guard) and came back to a bullet hole in my living room window and TV.

The next few months were on and off - I'd started taking down license plate numbers, e-mailing the police department, taking notes while I was waiting for my CCW class... I had expandible batons, baseball bats strategically placed in my house, car and carried knives - which was crazy, considering the "bad guys" had guns. But it was better than nothing.

One of my neighbors asked B why he allowed outsiders to disrespect his house and "our" other houses. B's reaction to her question was pulling a gun and telling her to mind her own business. When my neighbor told me, I called the police and they asked if she was sure it was a "real" gun.... I was like WTF? I approached B and he denied the incident - a few days later, one of B's friends asked me if I was a cop.... He told me to mind my business and 'watch' that pretty girl of mine.... I snapped and introduced him to my fist and baton until the police came.... they did't arrest me or him, but suggested I move... The guy kept coming around every time he was drunk for a "rematch" as he called it. LOL - what a dirt bag! I'd already made him my b**** so I was NOT interested in a re-match.

I finally got around to my CCW class in March 2007, but I did NOT physically get my permit in hand until July 2007!!! I'd already moved out of the neighborhood when my lease expired...

The whole ordeal changed me. I'm a soldier, I'd been deployed, combat veteran ect.... but I couldn't protect myself, my son or my girlfriend against a few gang, punk loosers who had nothing better to do (but had guns). they would stand outside my living room and talk smack! they would sit on my car! leave trash on the sidewalk - the police was NO help at all!

I now own 3 firearms and carry anytime I am NOT in uniform.... and sometimes I carry anyway if I'm going to "questionable" places.

My girlfriend just picked up her CCW permit this week as well.... i've already taken her shooting so it's all good.

kdross

03-31-2008, 08:15

Here is the best example of why everyone should have a ccw. This is making the news in Philadelphia and is a brutal and pointless killing. Basically, 5 teenagers were bored and beat the living crap out of guy who died from his injuries. The guy was minding his own business and was the manager of a Starbucks. If he had a gun the story would have ended differently. Surprisingly, no one came to his defense. And this happened in center city and in one of the major subway terminals. There had to be lots of other people around and no one helped him. Where were the police?

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/17122156.html

FillYerHands

03-31-2008, 11:40

I got my CC permit when I bought my first gun in 1992. I have had one ever since, and I carried whenever I thought the situation might warrant it.

9/11 made me see that the situation warrants it all the time. I carry everywhere is it legal to carry. And some places it isn't legal.

Dean

04-05-2008, 04:20

I was robbed at gun and knifepoint by two Jamaican gang members in New York City. One had a 1911 to my abdomen. The other was behind me with a rusty knife drawn back ready to stab. Just before the robbery there was a moment when the robbers gun was exposed in his waistband and I could have easily killed him, had I been armed with more than a knife.

I read what happened to Bob Lonsberry. All I can say is that it gets easier to shift to full aggressor mode when confronted by a criminal with experience and training. If a criminal accosted me and announced a demand for money today I'd blow his spine out without hesitation. No effort to walk away or to turn my back to him. No question about it. Read Lonsberry's story. He was fully prepared to let that animal kill him.
http://www.lonsberry.com/writings.cfm?story=72&go=4

Dean

04-05-2008, 04:52

I shoot three times a week +,

carrying a gun is uncomfortable, a helluva responsibility in a place with little to no violent crime, don't need to.

Guns aremt the only options for self defense..it's really a last resort, not a first resort...

No. Your last resort is unarmed self defense if you lose your gun. As we've seen in many of these posts, having a firearm quite often means that you don't have to fight.

lphil

04-08-2008, 10:41

In January of this year my next door neighdoor neighbor was shot at in her home during a drive by. Since then I been thinking about getting a gun. As of Febuary I'm a proud owner of a g39, and this Sunday I'm taking my CHL. :supergrin:

benni302

04-08-2008, 11:09

RyansFortyFives

04-08-2008, 11:21

Definitely started when I was a kid.

1st Reason: When I was 5 I was in the car with my Grandma and my cousins. A guy came up and shoved a gun in her face and tried to carjack us. My grandma (this is cool) shoved the door into his nuts and he ran away.

2nd Reason: When I was about 12 or 13 me and my friend saw his parents rent house get robbed. We were on foot with no cell phones, so we couldn't do anything about it.

3rd Reason: When I was 17 I was in 7-11 at the ATM and strung-out junkie with a 10" Filet knife in his sock tried to rob a Chinese guy. He dragged him around the store and tried to take his money, but the chinese guy screamed and kicked until the guy just ran off. Could have ended up much MUCH worse.

I have stood by, 3 times, and watched a crime happen, helpless to defend myself from an armed criminal. Helpless other than my own hands. I decided right then and there to get my CCW.

Dutch48

04-14-2008, 09:26

I was robbed at gunpoint of a rifle at my place of employment on July 26 2003, and almost again on October 18, 2003. That was the wakeup. I thought I was going to have actually use a gun to defend myself against a car-jacking in 2005, they guy grabbed the door handle at a gas station after I decided I wanted a coca-cola. I know he saw the glock, because after I yelled he didnt want my truck, he turnt tail and ran off. The barrel of the glock was pressed against the glass.

And one more incident years ago, some punks in a car pointed a revolver out the window of a white hyundai. I wish I had a gun then, because know when I think back about that incident the police where called and it took them almost an hour to respond. And I remember the retarded-ass manager coming out asking why in the hell did I drive like a maniac and almost take out 2 of the gas pumps. He said he was going to call the cops and I had to leave. I told his sorry behind he would drive like a maniac if someone pointed a gun at him, and maybe he should call the cops. He did and when they got there, they stayed for 30 seconds, and no report. Low and behold a few months later, I saw the same car with the same 4 guys.

Do you know the fear of looking down the barrel of a rifle pointed at you, not knowing if that moment in time is the last?? If the thug decides to be a heartless asshat and shoots you for your last 15 dollars.?? It sucks, and I refuse to be a victim again. Im not saying Im gung-ho and am looking for an excuse to just shoot someone. Its far from that, but if I have to defend myself, I will.
And the crime that happens on a daily basis, is another reason.

Many, many, many glocktalkers have had a similiar experience and dont wish to selected to be a victim again. And those that havent, dont want to be the next one.You should realize that by pressing the Glock against the curved side window of a vehical that it more than likely was out of battery and would not have fired. Not so with revolvers and not so much with XD's but all other autoloaders, the slide will be pushed back and out of battery.

Dutch48

04-14-2008, 10:03

I to have several reasons to carry, when in High School I worked at a jewelery store and went to the bus station to pick up something for the owner and on the way back had a guy pull a knife on me demanding the package I was carrying. second was my mother was a Pharmacist and was robbed at gun point one afternoon while I was in the store room doing homework. I became DS when I got back from Nam and have carried ever since 1968. Thank god I have had to use it only once in all them years, but it saved my life and probably my wife's also. We both carry from the time we get up until we go to bed and they lay on the nightstands, since our kids are grown.

literaltrance

04-17-2008, 13:06

http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2008/02/shooting-in-missouri.html

This happened two blocks from my house. I've been a resident of Kirkwood for two years now, and it's quite possibly the nicest and "safest" place I've lived. But stuff like this can happen anywhere, and it just goes to show you how close you can be to a volatile situation.

I got my CCW last week.

CaspianHG

04-21-2008, 00:12

I chose to carry not because I was ever a shot at, stabbed, mugged, threatened, or made a victim. I chose to carry because I flat out refuse to let that ever happen to me, anyone I care about, or anyone even near me. At the end of the day YOU are the only one responsible for your safety. YOU. No one else. If something bad is going to happen to you it’s going to happen fast, you simply WILL NOT have time to call the police, and even if you do, chances are they will not get there in time. I care too much about my friends and family to risk letting anything happen to them. I hope that I am never in a situation where I will have to use my sidearm, but if I do I will pull the trigger without hesitation and without remorse. Because it’s going to either be me or him, and a guarantee it’s not going to be me.

I now carry with me everywhere I am legally allowed to do so, and if I’m not allowed to carry I still have some other means of defense.

broncobilly_69

04-21-2008, 03:03

MongoZO6

04-21-2008, 22:32

CaspianHG just said what my thoughts were on CCW.
People out there are getting crazy and at the same time brave... we have people getting robbed at Walmart, people getting beat up and mugged in the complex I live in... when I turn on the news it's always something as well.
I don't ever plan on being a "victim"

kis1975

04-23-2008, 14:42

Joining the military, coming home from combat deployments, and coming to the realization that I'm more at risk of losing life, limb, and/or property on home soil than I am in combat! White supremists tried to assualt me and my caucasian GF at knife point in Boston and between Boston PD and Mass state troopers nothing was done, the assailants were told to "get out of here" and we were told "you should know better than to go where you're not welcome". This was also the finalizing incident that brought on my complete contempt for city, county, and state LE agencies. And before you decide to try and flame, I was also federal LE!

Torontogunguy

04-24-2008, 09:21

You should realize that by pressing the Glock against the curved side window of a vehical that it more than likely was out of battery and would not have fired. Not so with revolvers and not so much with XD's but all other autoloaders, the slide will be pushed back and out of battery.

Do not EVER EVER EVER allow your semi auto to be touched by anything or anyone as most will be made unworkable by simply having the slide pushed 1/16" back from fully 'locked' and in battery.

Point was made to me during a lethal force self defence class when I was called upon to draw and shoot the instructor as he came from 21 feet to disarm me. Guess who won? He disarmed me. Gently without busting any of my fingers off. All he did was grip the pistol so as to push the slide back a wee bit and it was useless.

And guess what guys and gals? Same deal with revolvers too! If that cylinder will not turn most revolver designs prevent them from firing. So if you have no other choices in life but to attempt to disarm an assailant; part of the drill is going to be to grab the cylinder tightly and get a finger or thumb under the hammer if there is one. (That's why the best self defense revolvers are hammerless... has nothing to do with 'snagging' guys. Has everything to do with ensuring the gun works when needed).

Why do I carry? My defining moments? Two home invasions (one successful); one attempted carjacking or perhaps it was just a whacko putting a bigass revolver in my face in Orlando.... but that was it guys. No more. And since I live in Toronto although we have residences in FLA, NJ, NY, PA with relatives... I cannot get a non res FLA permit. Even as a US citizen. So I don't go there any more. I only go where I can protect my family. ANd I have taken some serious self defense training along with my 14 year old son... so he knows when trouble is happening and how to deal with it rather than dealing with teenage testosterone.

Protect yourself and go in peace.

Meman5150

04-24-2008, 14:17

The above post is amazing.

SwampFox4Christ

04-25-2008, 06:00

October 18th 1999
I was riding a bicycle down the street when a guy pulled up and said he didn't agree with my Christian t-shirt and that I should turn it wrong side out. I said it sounded like he was just looking for something to be offended by..

Next thing you know I'm trying to outrun a SUV, one of them is on foot (and must of been on the track team) because I was doing 28+mph, emptied a can of pepper spray on him, so it was possibly worse when his 4 friends cut me off. I was wearing lock-in pedals so I couldn't get off the bike because of the way I landed. 5 guys kicked me as hard as they could for about an hour (no body called the cops) then some pest-control guy drove past and started to back up - they split. I called the cops, they said to look around for anyone who might have seen something. When I climbed out of the ditch (literally) I noticed that a person sitting on their front porch in plain view the whole time as it was in front of their property, had been sitting there the watching. I was pissed! its a good thing the cops showed up. The witness said he thought I was being jumped into a gang. I was so messed up it took me 3 1/2 hours to walk home (2-miles) and what seemed like forever to put the key in the door.

I already had a bunch of rifles and shotguns as my grandfather was a gun dealer, 3 months later I had my CWP... So I really had planned on getting it anyway but with that stuff happening I had taken my course early so that I could file for it as soon as I turned 21...

I carry a gun as often as my wallet.

Later On:
Sense then several individuals have attempted to deprive me of life and limb.
3 or 4 attempted carjackings, at least 40 attempted robberies (I worked at a stop & rob) in a bad part of town, and delivered pizza. After hurricane Katrina, several people attempted to break in, one guy almost succeeded in raping my mom, shortly there after she decided that guns might be a good thing after all. Had people put guns to my head a couple of times, 1 gang fight in the store, called the cops gave them the address and they said weren't we just there? I said yeah come back!! There was a pregnant woman hiding behind the counter with her daughter, etc.

Forgoten214

04-25-2008, 09:41

:wow::yourock: looks like you were one of the lucky ones.

October 18th 1999
I was riding a bicycle down the street when a guy pulled up and said he didn't agree with my Christian t-shirt and that I should turn it wrong side out. I said it sounded like he was just looking for something to be offended by..

Next thing you know I'm trying to outrun a SUV, one of them is on foot (and must of been on the track team) because I was doing 28+mph, emptied a can of pepper spray on him, so it was possibly worse when his 4 friends cut me off. I was wearing lock-in pedals so I couldn't get off the bike because of the way I landed. 5 guys kicked me as hard as they could for about an hour (no body called the cops) then some pest-control guy drove past and started to back up - they split. I called the cops, they said to look around for anyone who might have seen something. When I climbed out of the ditch (literally) I noticed that a person sitting on their front porch in plain view the whole time as it was in front of their property, had been sitting there the watching. I was pissed! its a good thing the cops showed up. The witness said he thought I was being jumped into a gang. I was so messed up it took me 3 1/2 hours to walk home (2-miles) and what seemed like forever to put the key in the door.

I already had a bunch of rifles and shotguns as my grandfather was a gun dealer, 3 months later I had my CWP... So I really had planned on getting it anyway but with that stuff happening I had taken my course early so that I could file for it as soon as I turned 21...

I carry a gun as often as my wallet.

Later On:
Sense then several individuals have attempted to deprive me of life and limb.
3 or 4 attempted carjackings, at least 40 attempted robberies (I worked at a stop & rob) in a bad part of town, and delivered pizza. After hurricane Katrina, several people attempted to break in, one guy almost succeeded in raping my mom, shortly there after she decided that guns might be a good thing after all. Had people put guns to my head a couple of times, 1 gang fight in the store, called the cops gave them the address and they said weren't we just there? I said yeah come back!! There was a pregnant woman hiding behind the counter with her daughter, etc.

SwampFox4Christ

04-25-2008, 09:51

:wow::yourock: looks like you were one of the lucky ones.

I didn't feel lucky with all that extra attention, but yeah I'm glad to still be here
:cool:

HDman

04-26-2008, 19:08

Several years ago as I was leaving a friend's house a guy popped out of the darkness weilding a knife and demanded the keys of my car. I gave him the keys and watched him drive away. The car ended up being used in a armed robbery and was recovered by the Police few days later in some shady neighbourhood of L.A.

My ex wife was opposed in me owning a gun so I never bought one, but guess what? I'm divorced now :tongueout: and the first thing I did was going out and get me G19.
Unfortunately I live in California and it's nearly impossible to get a CCW here... so for a start I'm going to Nevada ( I have friends living there) and get one there (which I believe is valid in 24 states) then try my home state ... cross your fingers for me guys.

PS... forgive my bad English I wasn't born in this country.

RussP

04-26-2008, 19:28

HDman

04-26-2008, 19:40

Welcome to GT HDMan!
Where in California are you? Still in LA? The more rural counties are easier than the coastal counties.

:cool:

thank you....I live in Canyon Country, ..basically the Valencia, Santa Clarita area near 6 flags Magic Mountains.

I also have to find out if I can have a CCW in the first place since I'm just a "Permanent Resident" and I do not have a Citizenship yet (gotta wait few more years before I can apply for one.. which I will).

certifiedfunds

04-26-2008, 21:42

I personally know 2 women who were abducted and raped. One was a relative of mine and the movie "Dead Man Walking" was made about it.

Then, last week while mowing a vacant lot I own, I witnessed an armed robbery in a neighborhood of $500M to $1MM houses.....my G23 was in the truck about 50 yards away. The robbery started at a convenience store I frequent just outside the entrance to my neighborhood, the gun was pulled and shot fired near my lot. The chase took the BGs to my culdesac.

To quote the detectives who took my statement "You simply cannot predict when or where this type of stuff will happen......the gangbangers have 'em so you should too."

My application is in process now with the state.

Zeker

04-29-2008, 13:41

My real estate agent wife asked me to accompany her to meet a client who said he could only meet at property after dark at a vacant house.
As it turned out, nothing out of the ordinary happened but I did have a handgun in my pocket just in case. When CCW laws were passed a few years later I received my concealed permit I carried only when out late at night.

As a result of increased gang and drug activity in the area, the horrible shootings at my alma mater Va Tech, and daily news reports of unprovoked violent attacks, I now carry a gun at all times.

Turbodreams

04-30-2008, 12:09

Defining moment? None really, Ive wanted to carry since I was a kid. I was raised shooting with my father(rip) and my uncle. My uncle carried, my father being an ex-marine always taught me to defend myself and be prepared.

Defining moments that make the people around me feel more comfortable with it-still living at home with my mother and sister mom wasnt so comfortable with the idea at first. At the time she was working for the next town overs PD as a phone operator. In 6 months in that town there were 13 murders. In that same year, there were 2 in my town. The first 2 in many many years. That more then justified my CCW for her and my woman.

Now this spring my gf, my mother and my sister will all be taking their permit courses. Whether or not theyll carry is up to them but Im sure theyll all buy their own pistols.

Solid

04-30-2008, 14:32

My reason to carry:

Lower my risk of becoming a victim or statistic. Plain and simple

Sure sometimes I feel an area is unsafe or have feared for my safety, but those are not "defining" moments to me.

The realization, after attempted usage of law enforcement services, that you have to take car of yourself was my "moment".
-No one is coming in time to save you

gretske

04-30-2008, 15:16

I was raised on a farm in KY and we nearly always ”carried.“ Usually a .22 rifle. It was a tool, like any other farm tool, used for a variety of purposes, including, but not exclusively, for defense. Then, I lived in urban and suburban areas for almost 30 years. Because my employer for most of those years forbid any carry, it did not dawn on me.

Now, I am living in a rural area of SC, and am older than I was 30 years ago (brilliant, huh?) and do not feel as capable of defending myself physically as I was. So, I decided to get a CWP. My wife, also in her 60s, took the SLED course, passed it and is also applying for a permit to carry.

rally

05-04-2008, 22:43

I used to hate guns.....in fact the first time I fired a handgun was when I was 24. I thought that they were useless and only criminals and cowboys carried, then I releized that if I could pilot a airplane responsibly and train people how to fly that with proper training it is no problem carrying and being a gun owner. I also woke up one day and thought only you can protect yourself, I have nothing against LEOs but they are often late to the scene.

spotco2

05-04-2008, 23:57

I was sitting at a red light and a guy jumped in the passenger side of my truck. I was around 22 or 23 and it scared me to death. I just froze and remember him going through my glove box and console and kept threatening to kill me if I moved. He said he had a gun, but I never saw it. It seemed like he as there for ever. He finally took off with some junk/trash shoved in his pockets.

The entire time, I kept thinking that if I would have had something to protect myself with, I could because he was paying me very little attention. Besides the fact that I was scared, I was buckled in and really couldn't do much.

I stopped at a pawn shop that afternoon and picked up a cheap .380 and duct taped a holster under my steering column so I could reach it easily. I also started locking my doors and stopped wearing a seat belt. I applied for my first permit that week.

I work alone usually and drive 200-300 miles each day in different area's. If I have my pants on, I have a gun on.

glockman23

05-06-2008, 01:57

I work in the mental health field and have people threaten to kill me all the time. I didn't like the idea of a pissed of psychotic individual coming to my house and stabbing me to death. I bought a pistol for the house. I live in Michigan (we have the worst economy in the union) and poverty breeds crime. We have several shootings a year in my city, and I don't live in the greatest part of town (not that there is a GREAT part of town anymore) so I decided to carry CCW. We had a robbery of a video store a few years ago right next to where I grew up where all the employees were put on their knees and executed one by one. I believe it is my responsibility as a person who is willing and able to carry a firearm to stop things like that from happening to me and those around me.

desco20

05-06-2008, 12:04

I WILL carry because when I was 15 a friend and I decided to go hang out at a Little League ballpark at night. What we didn't know was that late at night this ballpark is the hangout for local gang members. As we walked across one of the fields on our way out of the park, we heard some yelling, followed by loud popping noises. When I realized they weren't fireworks (dumb I know) and that they were actually gun shots, my friend and I ran faster than we ever ran before. Luckily for us, my grandmother's house was located near by, and we went in and called the police. Neither of us were hurt, but unfortunately, the perpetrators were never caught. Fast forward to 2008, I watched a program titled "15 Most Violent Acts" where one man went into a cafeteria style restaurant and began shooting for no apparent reason. It detailed a woman who's parents were shot and killed right in front of her. I thought to myself that I will never be caught in that situation unarmed. That's why when I get my Glock :) I will get my CCW license ASAP.

ICARRY2

05-06-2008, 20:47

I obtained my permit because I used to ccw without a permit! Arizona finally passed a ccw law in 1994. I used to work at night in a less than desireable part of town and although Arizona is an open carry state, open carry would not have worked for me due to job policy. So I just carried a small .25 (better than nothing) in my back jeans pocket prior to ccw permit. After obtaining ccw permit I could carry a larger gun in a fanny pack and nobody was the wiser. :-)

PetersenRD

05-07-2008, 23:05

I decided to apply for my CCW permit because you never know when you are going to need it. I practice family law in a smaller community. It is such a high emotion job, and no matter what the opposing party thinks that I'm trying to take them to the cleaners. I've had clients tell me their spouse has held loaded guns to their heads, and I'm always worried about running into these "pillars of society" around town.

I recently moved back to Utah and the Trolley Square Mall shooting really made me realize that you never know when or where you will need it. I'd rather carry for 50 years and never need it than to need it and wish I had it.

Lady Glock

05-08-2008, 17:57

I am a survivor of a violent rape. The sub-human who attacked me was coming up eligible to see the parole board and he had promised me when he got out of prison, I was dead.

I have 2 kids to protect, so I took the class, got my CCW, bought my first gun and went into some extreme training courses to make sure I was prepared no matter what the situation.

I now own a .44 special (charter arms/bulldog), 2 .45s (a glock 30, and a ruger P345), a 9mm and a .25 (both astras).

I am waiting for my CCW to be issued in the new state...I was previously permitted in Colorado.

certifiedfunds

05-08-2008, 21:21

You're a hero LG!:yourock::thumbsup:

Lady Glock

05-08-2008, 23:16

You're a hero LG!:yourock::thumbsup:
Sometimes I feel like a scared little girl, cowering in the corner...but I find strength in my faith and in my training. My training was intense enough to make me bawl at times...but at least I know I am as ready as I can be.

Thank you for your kind words

G-19

05-09-2008, 07:29

I decided to carry when Ohio passed the CHL law.

I am a Correction Officer, and run into ex inmates all over the place. Most are friendly encounters, but a few have been unfriendly.

My most important reason for carrying is to protect myself and loved ones.

geofri

05-11-2008, 22:54

Hey everyone.
This is my first post!
Just got done with 325 posts. took me 2 1/2 days : )

You all have so many awesome stories.

My defining moment has yet to come.
I recently found that at age 18 I can legally own a handgun here in western PA!
I have been searching the net for a couple months, and then found GT, and have been devouring an many posts as I can.

I look forward to talking with you all, and would love to talk to some people packing in PA.
I'm really curious about open carry, but i'll keep that for the appropriate forum.

Anyway, to get back OT, thanks for the inspiring stories! there are a lot of real heroes above me!

~Andy

RussP

05-12-2008, 09:51

Hey everyone.
This is my first post!
Just got done with 325 posts. took me 2 1/2 days : )

...
I'm really curious about open carry, but i'll keep that for the appropriate forum.

Anyway, to get back OT, thanks for the inspiring stories! there are a lot of real heroes above me!

~AndyWelcome to GT and CI geofri!!

This is the forum for discussing Open Carry. There is a thread for posting about open carry experiences. http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=843733

Here is a thread with many topics, but there is a section on Open Carry with threads both pro and con Open Carry.

If you have a specific question, just ask in the open forum.

:cool:

shotgunred

05-15-2008, 22:46

A friend wrote:
After VA Tech, I decided to get a CPL but didn't actually DO IT until a couple months ago. Two guys at a gun show told me to get it before they get rid of the CPL laws in WA state I know I'm "probably" never going to need it where I live. 99% white small town area, BUT there are tweekers around these parts who rob homes, etc. I haven't heard of home invasions, but that doesn't mean they haven't happened here. Since I'm on a VERY rural country road on 5 acres, I take home protection very seriously.

WASHINGTON STATE - in RURAL AREAS - and you think you'll never need a weapon!?I know of a home invasion in WA in which three burly men in military fatigues came in strong and shot the homeowner in the back on his front lawn, killing him as he tried to flee. WASHINGTON STATE is thinking of "getting rid" of concealed carry? Good grief!

Washington state is a shall issue state. its also legal to open carry any ware you can with a CPP. we are in no danger of losing our CPPs. At least not as long as you can afford the renewal fee. for a democrat state we are very gun friendly.

shotgunred

05-15-2008, 23:53

I grew up in small town rural America in the 70-80. I have been armed since I have been around 10 years old. I had a large piece of woods one block from my house. I had a single shot 22 that I practically wore out shooting things in those woods. In those days I could go into the hardware store give the lady my 23 cents and get my box of 22’s and no one thought anything about it.

In high school my hunting rifle stayed in the gun rack in the back window of my truck from the fist day of deer season until the last day of elk season. Yes there were scores of pickups with guns in the back window parked in the high school parking lot every day. Swat was never called and we never had an incidence.
A lot of days I went straight to hunting from school. Some days even before school was officially over for the day. Maybe there were guns laws on the books back then. its even probably a sure bet. But no one ever followed them if they were there.

Well there are laws now and you can’t display guns in your truck and they have to be hidden from view if you are not in you vehicle. Washington is an open carry state with dead zones. But it just makes life easier if you just keep your guns tucked away. It just seems silly not to have a CPP. With one you can conceal carry with no problem. Without one just sticking a pistol in your pocket to take it from the house to you car is a crime.
I have never needed my concealed pistol but just having it with me has made me feel better now and then.

Radio Dude

05-16-2008, 13:45

I’m glad to see so many posting their “defining moment” to get the CCW.

My “defining moment” came just after I got my new Colt .45 back from Gunsite to have it “fixed” with the ATP package installation. At 3am came a loud pounding on my door, bounding out of bed, grabbed the .45 not sure what was happening; I could see an outline of a man standing on my side porch. He continued to bang on my door and yelling “I want to talk to Becky?” “There is no one hear by that name”. I replied. His request went on for two more time and each of my retorts was more explicit.

Frustrated with my responses, he wondered around on the porch for a bit, he then returned to the door and tried to doorknob.

At this juncture, I thought he might try and break in and this situation could have turned disastrous for both of us.

Finding the door locked I called the police and informed them of what was happing. With in two minutes they were there just as he was about to drive off. He was arrested on possessing methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, stolen chain saw, and four felony warrants. Two issued by the county, the other two by the city. So, one more bad guy off the streets.

I realized I could protect myself at home, however what if I’m out in public. A CCW was the answer, however I live in wacko liberal California where CCW’s are very rare, some say impossible to get; but went through all the steps and have had a permit for over 10 years.

ExtraTitanian

05-16-2008, 22:44

As a pizza delivery driver, I'm lucky enough to hear about delivery drivers getting robbed/assaulted on an almost weekly basis. I was taking an order across town, and was lucky enough to have some ******* decide to try to merge right into the side of my car. I'm used to this. I drive a small car, happens every day. I accelerate and he misses me. He gets pissed, calls the pizza joint I work at, and tells my manager that he's going to follow me to my destination and put me into the ground... My manager tries to call me, my phone doesn't get reception. He never did follow me, I'm paranoid and notice when that happens. I deliver the order and get back and am lucky enough to see my manager freaking out. That was a fun night.
Then there's the occasional trip to the local marinas. Rich kids getting drunk and getting high on their parents boat with their friends. Turns out, they think you're "dissing" them when you won't GIVE them someone elses order. Large number of angry drunk stoned kids who've never been held accountable for anything in their lives, check. A bag full of delicious pizzas. Check. Lone pizza driver. Check. I don't like where this is going. I just turned 21 on the 12th, bought a 1911 and the classes are next week. I can't wait. Sure, I'll get fired the moment someone important finds out, but I'd rather be unemployed and alive than decomposing in a lake because of a bunch of damn democrats and they're useless laws.

ath817

05-17-2008, 03:15

I have one initial moment that got me interested- and one which confirmed my need.

I am a PHD student in [The People's Republic of] Massachusetts.

A- When I came home from vacation to find a window shattered and the rear door to my Boston apartment hanging wide open- and the house pretty much ransacked.

The detective who didn't show up that night, and showed up 4 hours late the next morning informed me that 2 groups of people had guns in Boston- Police and Criminals. And I should call them if I see anything funny.

The 911 call took 35 minutes to get a response.

B- Just this Tuesday, someone robbed a nearby CVS at around 5:30 AM, I woke up to hear- Put your hands on your ****ing head or I will shoot.... This was aimed at the suspect by about 1 police member who could jump our 6' fence.

The rest of them showed up and scattered cars across the street.

I first got my CCW in my home state of Montana before applying for my Mass LTC-A-ALP.

{For non-Mass folks, class A allows semiautomatics or over 10 round, and ALP allows concealed carry- All Lawful Purposes}

GMAN40

05-17-2008, 08:23

Defining moments: Drug addicts looking for a quick score, home invasions, terrorism,and so on!

Unt

05-17-2008, 12:31

Haven't gotten mine yet. Just bought my first glock a month ago and have been shooting it quite a bit. I think my wife and I are going to take the class next weekend and send off our permits together. She wants a smaller glock (27 or 30SF).

11BInfantry

05-18-2008, 07:21

My "Defining" moment ... when I was 21 years old and in a small town in southern Minnesota. My buddy, his brother, and I were getting ice cream at the local Dairy Queen. A car load of guys drive by and start yelling they are going to kick our ass and are whipping the car around. We were about 20 miles from our home town and had no idea where the PD was. No cell phone of course.

We drive the 20 miles home during which this car load of guys come flying up and start throwing liquor bottles of the side of our car and windshield. We haul butt for our home town and they chase us 20 miles. We pull up to the front door of the Police Department and they all bail out and jump my buddy punching him in the face twice.

One of them yells to get back in the car and they take off. We run into the PD and tell them what happened and that they are just pulling away. Sergeant says, "It started in the County and isn't in our jurisdiction". Then we are told it will be quite a while for a Deputy to respond because they are busy.

Next thing we know the Sergeant gets a call from his daughter. Turns out these guys just jumped his daughter and her friends. It was amazing that a Deputy was there inside of five minutes after that.

I had an AR-15 in the trunk ... of course it wasn't accessible. I told the Sergeant not to worry about it next time because it would be done a lot faster myself than they cared to do a damn thing!!

Funny thing is ... I get into law enforcement several years later. I see and deal with all the things that go on in our town, especially on night shift. The felons we deal with making threats against our lives and our families. The public may be blind to the things going on around them but we deal with them daily.

I carry CCW every day since I have been a police officer and, unfortunately, I get ridiculed by Commanders on my Department (Captains no less) and told that I am a "trouble maker" and am just looking for trouble carrying off duty.

My response was, "That's ok, if your family is threatened by someone I won't pull my concealed weapon if you don't want me to".

While being a police officer carrying off-duty I have had two incidents where I encountered a disgruntled criminal. One in a Wal-Mart while I was with my four year old daughter who promised to be waiting for me in the parking lot when I got done shopping. Funny thing was when I presented and pulled out my badge he didn't stick around. Second one was one evening while out for a walk. Came walking up to me aggressively saying, "Remember me?". When I presented he decided he had better places to be and in a hurry.

I will never be caught without my concealed carry and when I leave law enforcement I can only hope that I live in a County that actually issues them since we don't have Right to Carry.

Anyone who can carry and doesn't is, in my opinion, not making sound decisions. Also, just a plug, if you haven't read On Combat by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman I highly recommend it.

aconaway1

05-18-2008, 13:14

The wife and I aren't quite there yet, but we'll be CWP holders very soon.

We do a lot of geocaching (http://geocaching.com), and I was out doing a local geocache by myself. I was in the woods less than a half of a mile from the city proper when I came across a day-old carcass of a boar. I then noticed several boar and dog tracks in the mud around it, but the final blow was the tracks of three or four baby boars. Great, a mother. After telling the story to the wife, we decided to get a handgun to carry with us just in case we run across something unfortunate on our adventures. We do go out caching with groups of people, though, and some would probably be uncomfortable if I carried a S&W 500 on my hip, so we decided just to get our CWPs so we can wear our handguns on us, in the pack, or in our hiking vests.

-- Aaron

RiverVan

05-19-2008, 03:20

I believe you are referring to the Lubby's restaurant shooting in Texas. Susanna Gratta-Hupp was the daughter, she ran for office on a pro gun platform and still advocates for RKBA. She is a true hero of those who support the 2nd amendment!

I WILL carry because when I was 15 a friend and I decided to go hang out at a Little League ballpark at night. What we didn't know was that late at night this ballpark is the hangout for local gang members. As we walked across one of the fields on our way out of the park, we heard some yelling, followed by loud popping noises. When I realized they weren't fireworks (dumb I know) and that they were actually gun shots, my friend and I ran faster than we ever ran before. Luckily for us, my grandmother's house was located near by, and we went in and called the police. Neither of us were hurt, but unfortunately, the perpetrators were never caught. Fast forward to 2008, I watched a program titled "15 Most Violent Acts" where one man went into a cafeteria style restaurant and began shooting for no apparent reason. It detailed a woman who's parents were shot and killed right in front of her. I thought to myself that I will never be caught in that situation unarmed. That's why when I get my Glock :) I will get my CCW license ASAP.

Grayson

05-20-2008, 22:10

I didn't have a "defining moment" yet...and hope I never DO, actually...:wow:

It just made sense to me. Helped that I live in the sticks, and LEOs very, very rarely venture down here much. I figure that at any given time, the nearest one is half an hours drive away, give or take...

It made me kind of "warm and fuzzy" one time when I was defending CCW/the RKBA in a thread here once, and had a poster ask me if I had ever had to use a gun to defend myself. That I was so passionate about it, he said he just assumed that I had before...:)

akuser47

05-21-2008, 20:18

I carry my g26 because of all these dang ganster wanna be's with all there fighting dogs all around me and my daughter can't even get out of the car because of rots and pits getting loose all the time so beens they are a deadly weapon I figured I should have one to defend me and my child. Freakin wanna be gansters.:rofl:

kunlao21

05-21-2008, 22:08

I've always had protection in my home, car or my restaurant in a most responsible manner. Rather than just our "castles," I decided to upgrade in coverage for all occasions, ever since local PD sent a specific watch to business owners such as myself:

My defining and important but not-so-exciting moment came when a BOLO came from local PD advising something to the effect of "BOLO: so and so subjects staking out, following home then robbing Asian business owners of the daily income. There have been 4 instances in the past couple of months" This initially heightened our awareness, but really struck when there was a subject matching their description parked right behind my restaurant a day after the advisory was left. For nearly 5 hours, he sat in his parked car and didn't budge. His dark sweat pants and long shirt made him especially standout'ish in the 90+ degree Florida heat with windows up and engine off.

After a call to PD reference the BOLO, only my description was copied with no apparent intent of sending a unit to make contact. So I did it myself so he would be well aware that someone knows he's there. I approached the vehicle at 3pm and asked who and at what time he was meeting in my private parking area. He said, "A friend." To which I replied, Since 10am?" He saw that I was thoroughly looking over his person and vehicle as he sat behind the wheel. After what seemed to be a long awkward moment, he studdered a bit, cursed at me then screeched away.

I updated PD with the tag and personal characteristics..ie accent, scars, marks, tattoos, piercings and direction of travel. PD never replied with any update...this worried me and but scared the dumplings out of my wife. You can be your eggrolls that my application was in next business day.

My CCW arrived in the mail TODAY, 7 hours ago. :50cal:

As a first generation of my family in this country, I'm proud to read some of the responses to this thread boldly stating basically, "Because I can." There are not too many places in the world where liberty could be flexed in this manner!

certifiedfunds

05-21-2008, 22:21

Rather than just our "castles," I decided to upgrade in coverage for all occasions

That is Classic!

As a first generation of my family in this country, I'm proud to read some of the responses to this thread boldly stating basically, "Because I can." There are not too many places in the world where liberty could be flexed in this manner!

Only some liberties. Others, you have to apologize for.

kunlao21

05-21-2008, 22:21

That is Classic!

I thought some of us might enjoy that! :cool:

RussP

05-22-2008, 10:24

I didn't have a "defining moment" ...It just made sense to me....Bingo! That is a defining moment.

mark72005

05-28-2008, 01:14

Friend of mine and another girl got home late at night to their apartment parking lot, and a guy came up on them and pointed a gun at them. He tried to get them both into the trunk of their car, and it was only a police officer pulling into the lot by happenstance that saved both their lives.

He ran right off, the cops said that sometimes those guys use guns that aren't real or aren't loaded because the penalty is less if they get caught. Either way if I had been there who knows, he could have just popped me and taken them.

I wasn't even there but I felt that because of the laws there (at that time, a non-CCW state) I would have been powerless to protect them even if I had laid my own life down.

simo

05-29-2008, 05:52

As far as I know, it's practically impossible to obtain a CCW in New York state.
I really really really envy you guys who live in states that respect the bill of rights.

maybe one day I'll move to Vermont, but that seems unlikely.

RiverVan

05-29-2008, 15:47

An intelligent man learns from his mistakes, a wise man learns from the mistakes of others. Should we be wise or only intelligent?

I didn't have a "defining moment" yet...and hope I never DO, actually...:wow:

It just made sense to me. Helped that I live in the sticks, and LEOs very, very rarely venture down here much. I figure that at any given time, the nearest one is half an hours drive away, give or take...

It made me kind of "warm and fuzzy" one time when I was defending CCW/the RKBA in a thread here once, and had a poster ask me if I had ever had to use a gun to defend myself. That I was so passionate about it, he said he just assumed that I had before...:)

Fire1

05-30-2008, 12:09

1.) 14 years old and my stoned Uncle breaks into our house (on a military installation) and proceeds to fight with my mother while stealing some electronics. I grab by fathers single shot 12 gage and load a round of 00. Thankfully the MAA's arrived about 15 seconds later. Honestly one of the worst expierences of my life.
2.) Friends car is stolen. Stupidly we go out looking for it and find it full of young punks joy riding. Driver cuts them off and we get out of they car. Thankfully they run of because all we had was our fists. One of the dumbest things I've done in my life.
3.) At walmart when the greeter tries to stop a shop lifter. Shop lifter slashes the greeter open and runs away.
4.) Burglery at house next door, 3 armed bank robberies in the last year within 5 miles of my house running into the woods near where I live.

I live in a nice place but bad things happen to nice people and in nice places. I will never let what happened in Chesire, Ct happen to my family while breath remains in my lungs and ammo in my guns.

MattE225

05-30-2008, 22:12

Hello all!
North Dakotan here, right on the border of Minnesota too.
I got into guns, and I decided to get a CCW license. I have never been assaulted or anything, I just thought I wanted one. Although I keep getting mixed answers on where I can and can't carry. Some people say I can carry into businesses open to the public, some say I can't.

usmcnam6869

05-31-2008, 06:50

I never stopped carrying 1967 ,......."wayoflife".

Torontogunguy

05-31-2008, 12:59

Do you know the fear of looking down the barrel of a rifle pointed at you, not knowing if that moment in time is the last??

Yes I do. And I got told off by someone who knows that I carry stateside at our local gun club Thursday night; what a surprise. He warned me about the cost of carrying "make sure you have $50K set aside"; many local police departments aren't very friendly; expect to lose your gun and have it locked up for five years; expect to see the inside of a jail for a year or more; etc. What a crock. I tried to set him straight to no avail and finally I just said "Have you ever looked down the muzzle of a 357 magnum revolver? Because I have and it will never happen again. My family was with me. We are fortunate to be alive. Please don't lecture me until you know what you are talking about". I would much rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6.

LastDitch

06-04-2008, 21:01

20 years ago: Wondering how I was going to ride a motorcycle, with a gun legaly...talked to cops, lawyers, people that should know...all differed in thier opinion of what violated the concealed weapon law...so for $50 I 'bought' the right to carry a firearm legaly. Problem solved.

W420Hunter

06-09-2008, 14:58

I a 23 M born in Columbus Ohio. I was raised by my grandfather and Uncle. At age 14 i shot my first shot gun, it was a side by side Parker. It has a duel trigger and i wanted to look kool so i had my finger on both tirggers, well the kick made me pull both at around the same time and i dislocated my sholder lol. It became clear that i needed to be able to protect myself one june day about a year ago. I was driveing down town close to OSU. I was in the left lane the right was a right turn only. Thats then a car in the left hand lane illeagely crossed the street swipeing my car and all but pushing me into on comeing traffic. When i sounded my horn a man in the back seat leand out the window with a gun in his hand. I got my hand gun the next day and my CCL less then a month latter and now its allways in my car

gmaster

06-09-2008, 19:11

well.. a buddy of mine was at the time a retired police detective but had 25 yrs on the force as a patrol officer.. i would listen to him and his stories and i kept talking to him about thinking of getting a pistol to carry with me when my wife and i went on vacations.. and for myself at my shop.. and at the time we lived in "fayettenam" near Ft. Bragg.. if you know where im talking about the area started to get bad.. i had lived there all my life but it was getting worse.. i ran my own business so i thought it would be a good idea to get a handgun.. he gave me alot of information.. he was a pro gun guy.. lots of guns/rifles/shotguns in his collection.. i asked him which would you buy if you had to right now.. he said no question.. glock.. which he had clarried a G22 forever.. i asked him why and he explained everything that you all know now.. he also told me if would be a good idea if i took some training and then got a permit to carry concealed.. i had already done the research and with NC being one of the states that offered the permit.. it was an American thing to do.. i did the training.. did the research on which glock to purchase.. found glocktalk.com :) even met some members.. i went to the range numerous times and shot just about every glock that was out at the time.. finally the one that felt the best in my big hands was the G23.. a match made in glock heaven.. then i took the ccw class and the rest is history.. so the main reason was personal and family protection... and i would do it all over again.. and i hope i never have to use my weapon but its nice to know that its there not only for my protection.. my family.. but any by standers that might need the help..

keep it safe.. carry for life

SELFDEFENSE

06-10-2008, 18:18

Brady Bill.
"You will really need the 2nd Amendment when they try to take it away"
(paraphrase of T.J. the founder).
Have been vigilant (the price of freedom) ever since.

P.K.

06-14-2008, 13:20

What got me into guns was when I was at a McDonalds and some black dude wearing a ski mask and a bright colored construction vest came in with a crowbar and a mouse gun and went to the register and demanded money. He was high cause he started to grab the woman's breast at the register. I was with my brother and all the customers ran out. I'm getting my CCW within the next month, but I've been working a lot with weird hours and haven't been able to get them.

wolf4000

06-15-2008, 09:59

My home was broken into. No one was home but the alarm went off when this fool broke the window that had a "Monitored Alarm" sticker on it. And judging from the report I got from my alarm company he still entered setting off every motion sensor I have in my house alarm blaring and all, and believe me this thing is loud. Strangely enough he did not take a thing. This got me nervous because I heard about these guys breaking in and checking out a house, then breaking in at a later date to clean house.

Because this idiot did so much damage to the frame of the window and the frame of the sliding glass door it took 2 weeks to get the parts to have it replaced. I slept on my couch by the broken window for one week. After the first night I went to a gun and knife show and purchased my G19. I had to wait for the cool down period to pick up my firearm but the night before I had to pick it up I saw in my rear view mirrors a car following me without headlights on.

Call me paranoid but I hit the gas and took off like I stole something. this was about 3AM so I drove to the nearest police station and sat in the parking called home to make sure my family was OK. I did not tell my wife about the car following nor does she know abut the purchase of the firearm. lot for about 20 min then. The next day I picked up my G19.

wolf4000

Saltcreek

06-16-2008, 20:32

I carry because after I retired I felt kind'a naked without one after living with one on the job every day for 25 years. Also a lot of people I sent to prison were not real nice even though they have promised to visit me when they get out. :)

Prometheus77

06-17-2008, 16:58

The light bulb clicked for me when my 7th grade spanish teacher was raped and murdered, found dead off of I-95 when I was living in Florida.

It was strange that she was one of this nut jobs victim, after all, she was a 3rd degree belt and won several regional awards in competitions. My mom made the comment, too bad she didn't have a gun. My parents owned a pistol and shotgun, but never carried or really talked about them.

I though that was a great idea.

When the smoke cleared a year later they caught the guy after murdering and killing a couple other women on I-95 and surrounding state highways... thats what taught me to be very cautious of the police and not to blindly trust them. He was a FHP officer who was caught by a fellow Trooper in the act. Guy is still sitting on death row as far as I know.

Yellowfin

06-17-2008, 17:07

^ Do your parents carry now as well? I'm working on mine.

Prometheus77

06-18-2008, 15:51

^ Do your parents carry now as well? I'm working on mine.

They didn't up until after 9-11. They started talking to me more about it and since I had the opening I started point out the various crimes and home invasions ect. ect. in their area. Since then my Dad got his LTC and Mom still believes that the police wouldn't write up a 65 y/o retired Air Force officer for not having a license to carry. My Dad also retired Air Force Major (yeah the whole family except one of my brothers is Air Force or Navy) knows better than to think some rookie wouldn't nail him for carrying with a concealed weapon even though he's in his 70's now and hasn't even had a speeding ticket since '92.

pizza

06-19-2008, 19:20

My cousin was murdered this past January in an attempted robbery in his home. This was the defining moment for me in obtaining my concealed carry permit.

dkpeppard

06-20-2008, 15:27

My cousin was murdered this past January in an attempted robbery in his home. This was the defining moment for me in obtaining my concealed carry permit.
OMG! I am so sorry to hear that.

I can only say I'm glad you have taken what happened and used it to make yourself aware of how the world can be and protect yourself and your family from those who have nothing but ill-intentions.

crazypilot

06-20-2008, 19:04

My cousin was murdered this past January in an attempted robbery in his home. This was the defining moment for me in obtaining my concealed carry permit.

Sorry to hear that.

brandonb123

06-22-2008, 16:42

I decided to carry because of rival drug dealers.
That was a long time ago.

Gratz on not getting shot

lance22

06-24-2008, 18:51

No big, defining moment. But, all three of my older brothers had their permit so at my first opportunity I got mine. Works for me. I am not under any specific threats nor have I been directly touched by violent crime. But, I've had some worrisome moments and close calls and am glad that I now have something that could level the playing field somewhat.

BOM

06-24-2008, 23:35

When my daughter was born. I intend to insure she has a father, and i intend to insure she is safe. At any cost.

Travis Morgan

06-26-2008, 14:16

I got too damn old, fat, and crippled to protect my family with just my fists, and the courts keep allowing my repeat offender neighbor out of prison, no matter how many felonies he commits.

93GT

06-26-2008, 16:14

I was stationed in the state of Washington where concealed carry was legal when I turned 21 instead of Ohio, where my home of record is. My wife had already legally "owned" the pistol and a galco IWB for a year prior to my birthday, so that day I went down and applied for it.

DeputyJ

06-28-2008, 02:07

After being sworn in as a deputy sheriff I made a conscious decision to carry everywhere I was legally able to do so. I carry my firearm off duty to protect my life, my family’s life and the lives of others. I never want to be in a position where I need a firearm and do not have one immediately available.
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Stay Safe.

chesterdawg

06-28-2008, 18:24

I'm 45 yrs old and like most of you am tired and fearfull of all the random acts of violence. You never know when some nutjob will decide to take out a group of innocents.
Home invasions! WTF
In my day you broke into a home when you knew nobody was home and no neighbors could see you.
Virgina Tech.
The church scene this past year where an angry ex? member came very armed and shot and killed some of the church goers. There was a lady (she may have worked for the church) was carrying and took him out. The members said that she saved many more lives.
I ride a motorcycle 20,000 miles/yr for fun and travel many states away solo for several days. I'm always out in the open and have been approached a few times by dirtbags, fortunately nothing happened (yet).
I have a wife and 2 small children.
Its always in the back(or front) of my mind that something crazy could happen at any instant.
I now have a 26 and 19 and will take safety classes. I'm shooting at the range alot and will do all I can to be prepared including getting my wife trained and kids when they are old enough.

Steve

YellowTJ

07-01-2008, 16:07

Nothing big has happened to me and this has been a slow progression but here goes.

I lived all over this USA as my dad was in the military. I've been/lived in good and not so good cities. None of them seem to be any different they all have the nightly news and they all have bad things to report.

Being a woman guns aren't talked about in our circles much. So for a long time I never knew the laws and that it was an option to carry a hand gun. However as I've gotten older (31 now) my partner and I have a nice home we just bought in TX, here guns ARE talked about. I have been in TX a year and love that you can talk and get answers from the common person about guns.

In short about 1.5yars ago in MO where we lived before, 2 men broke into our house and lucky for us they staid in the garage. They tore up my Jeep, took lots of tools, other stuff. I also in short thank powers that be we both staid asleep. Why? We had no way to defend ourselves. Had I woke up to them in the garage I can only imagine how scared I'd have been. Not having any way to deal with the situation except to call the police and wait. Wait for what would have been the question, them to come in? My mind dose wonder off to those what ifs once in awhile and have kept me up at night sometimes for the last year and a half.

So now what... I'm in a new state where it's not uncommon for people to have guns, to talk about them at work, I now know more and feel that a gun is a tool that you should own to assist in your own protection. Like any tool you have to learn to use it and to have it with you when the time is needed. Having a gun in my glove box when I'm leaving the mall will do me no good in the parking lot.

Also I've been doing some thinking now that I'm older and it seems like what a lot of men have said here. I have a nice home, a good partner of 10 years, I like my life and I like what we've built. Maybe when you get older something crosses over in you and you then know you have something to protect and that you can't wait on someone else to do it for you.

I just got a Glock 19 this past weekend. I have only shot a Glock 22 about 2 months ago. I have alot of range time ahead of me, I do plan to get the CHL class and paper work done this month so that when that card comes with my name on it I will be able to have one more way to be responsible for my life and the things in it.

eantonuccijr

07-08-2008, 07:07

I did a ride along with the las vegas metro police dept. in january of '07, and in a matter of about 5 hours, we were called to "shots fired" calls, 3 times. that was when i bought my first gun. then, a few weeks later, i was watching the news. there was a robbery at a convenience store, 2 people went in with a rifle to the clerk's head. they told him to open the register and back up, he did what they said, and put his hands up. on their way out the door, the upstanding citizens with the rifle decided to shoot him in the back of the head for good measure. that was what made me decide to not ever trust someone with a gun pointed at me, and to trust my chances to my practice and skills with my firearm. a few weeks later, i completed my cwp class, and carry at all times(aside from at work, where it is prohibited.)

EAGLESFANPHILA

07-08-2008, 22:58

I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

This is the #1 reason why I carry.

Travis Morgan

07-09-2008, 02:13

I've always been a rifle guy, growing up in the country. When I married a woman in town, I got to thinking more about getting a handgun, since we live in the biggest city in the state, and crime is really getting out of hand here. I never really got around to buying a handgun, figuring I could take care of pretty much any threat on my own, long enough for her and the boy to get away. My wife never really liked guns, but I got her to shoot a coupla times.

Once my back went completely to hell, and I had to give up shoeing horses, I figured hand to hand fighting was out, so I finally got serious about handguns. I even did IDPA for a while, and my range sessions were generally about 500 rounds a week. (I reload) Surprisingly, my wife never griped too much about the money I spent on shooting. I guess, since I hardly ever go to the titty bar, she thinks we're saving money, now. She even started shooting a little, despite being severely cross dominant, having huge boobs, and short arms.

When I first started carrying a gun along when we'd go out, she didn't seem to care for it, but didn't dissent too much. Here the other day, a few years after I'd started carrying, we got into a situation that looked like it might get ugly, but turned out to be nothing. Later, she told me,"I started to panic, but I looked down and saw you had your gun". She also told me the reason she puts her purse in the back seat when I'm riding with her is so it won't get in my way, if I need my gun.

I'm glad my carrying makes her feel safer. That's worth quite a bit. We make an effort to avoid problem areas, but it comforts her to know that I'm armed and damn good with a gun. She even thinks it's cool that the guys at my local gun shop just tell me to go in the back room and get whatever I need, if I need something. The boy likes shooting, when I can drag him out to the range, but I don't know that I could count on either one of them to shoot when they need to. They'd probably start thinking about going to get a gun once it was too late to draw one.