Defining Moments - What made YOU decide to CCW?

[Patronus]

I want to briefly describe two incidents that led me to the decision to carry a firearm for self-defense. And if YOU had a defining moment--or numerous ones--that led to your CCW decision, then I think it would be interesting to read about them.

My story isn't very exciting, but I DO hope you'll share your "moment" with your GT compadres.

Brief Background
I grew up in a family that only occasionally hunted. My dad had a .22LR rifle and a bolt-action .30-06 for deer. I shot the .22 at age 17, the .30-06 at age 27. As for "incidents," I'd witnessed a few road-rage episodes and the like, but no weapons were ever involved and no threat of death--perhaps one possible threat of serious bodily harm at age 15 (road rage, again).

Defining Moment
It was around October of 2002. My wife and I were working on starting a family, and my mind was occupied by the responsibilities of a husband and future father. One morning, I was listening to a local radio talk show -- Salt Lake City area (Bob Lonsberry - visit www.lonsberry.com) -- and Bob was talking about CCW (he's a CCW'er and a vocal advocate for it), and he urged his audience to read a column he'd written regarding CCW entitled "This is Why I Carry a Gun." (He wrote two versions--one version for a general audience and another version for Guns & Ammo.)

I read both articles, and it was as if lightning had struck me--a big "Eureka!" moment, an awakening, an epiphany. Call it paternal instinct.

The Decision
Long story short, from late 2002 till early 2003 I did a huge crash course in firearms (handguns mostly) and CCW--via the Internet, books, magazines, friends, etc. I'd handled Glocks in the gun shops and took a particular liking to the Glock 19, but budget constraints were such that I had to settle for a Kel-Tec P-11, which I eventually purchased in early summer of 2004 and could legally carry concealed one month later, UT permit in hand.

Nowadays the P-11 is secured at home with the wife and kids while I'm at work (employer has a policy against CCW, to which I reluctantly comply), and I only CCW when I'm running errands in the evening--and often wear it around the house. The P-11 isn't my first CC choice, but I'm saving up for the G19.

Like I said, not that exciting. But I hope you'll chime in and tell us about your Defining Moment(s).

Thanks

Patronus

[geminicricket]

I decided to CCW with a license,
to buy a handgun to do so,
precisely because I expected Al Gore to be elected in 2000,
and needed to have something to be taken from my cold, dead hands when he did as he had promised to do.

[Patronus]

Originally posted by geminicricket
I decided to CCW with a license,
to buy a handgun to do so,
precisely because I expected Al Gore to be elected in 2000,
and needed to have something to be taken from my cold, dead hands when he did as he had promised to do.

On a similar note, I'll be buying at least 4 full-cap G19 magazines next time I hear the Left beating the drum for another AWB.

[mike1969]

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.

[Lior]

Lots of small reasons:
1. Coming home from the army from the West Bank in uniform and unarmed.
2. Security Nazis searching unarmed people at entrances of malls, public transport stations, etc.
3. Low capacity and stopping power of police pistols available to reserve LEOs.
4. General threat of criminal activity.
5. A gentleman should always carry a loaded gun.

[Kodiakk]

My defining moment to carry a gun was probally when I was born a red blooded American. :supergrin:

[DepStocky]

I carry when I'm off-duty due to working with Felons daily, and some will hold grudges. Were not required to carry off-duty but it is encouraged.

God Bless America :thumbsup:

[akgunnut]

Last April (2006), I nearly became a stabbing victim in a Wal-Mart parking lot, and that was my wakeup call that I am responsible for my own safety and well being.

I strongly believe in the right to self defense, and the fact that the cops can't protect you all the time. Another thing I believe in is that criminals don't only hang around the dirtier parts of town, some of the more "safer" places can be prime targets for bad guys, so I'm always armed at all waking hours.

[aquanomics]

I was called up for jury duty in 2006. The defense (public defenders) were arguing self defense and asked the entire pool -- about 60 of us -- if we ever had to defend ourselves. At least half of the pool raised their hands. The next couple of hours were filled with stories about home invasions, car jackings, assaults, rapes, etc... It blew me away. I wasn't picked for the jury, the defendant got 20 to life, my wife and I got our CCWs ASAP, we bought a bunch of Glocks and a 12 guage and we shoot twice a week.

[Lior]

Originally posted by aquanomics
I was called up for jury duty in 2006. The defense (public defenders) were arguing self defense and asked the entire pool -- about 60 of us -- if we ever had to defend ourselves. At least half of the pool raised their hands. The next couple of hours were filled with stories about home invasions, car jackings, assaults, rapes, etc... It blew me away. I wasn't picked for the jury, the defendant got 20 to life, my wife and I got our CCWs ASAP, we bought a bunch of Glocks and a 12 guage and we shoot twice a week.

OUTSTANDING!!!

[freakshow10mm]

From day one it was just a way of life. It just makes sense. One needs to be prepared.

[dkbrucedvm]

1. Democrat governors in my state - get your permit now, because if they have their way you won't get it later.

2. Virginia Tech, April 16.

[sharpshooter]

All the hoopla concerning the approaching Y2K issues (survival gear, etc) got me interested. I got my permit a year before Y2K hit just in case.

[barmen9122]

I kept hearing and reading alot of articles in the news about all the gangs, thugs, rapeist and such that were killing defenceless people in New Orleans after the storm.

Especially here in Florida and how many times we've been hit. I thought to myself it really isn't going to matter how much I have prepared and stocked up on water and supppies. If there's no LE to respond and someone with a gun wants to rape/murder your wife/girlfriend and take your stuff, I don't care how well you can take care of your self. A bullet really, really hurts.

[DonGlock26]

Defining Moments:



Growing up in a Democrat-controlled big American city and witnessing my first street heist at about 5 years of age.

[G30MI]

When Michigan passed its "shall issue" CPL law back in 2001, I got my permit because...well, because I could. I rarely carried...I thought it was a MAJOR P.I.T.A., having to be aware of "Gun Free Zones", being concerned about my piece getting stolen from my car, etc. I let the permit expire without hardly a second thought in 2004.

On March 29, 2007, I was the victim of a home invasion. Now, before I go any further, let me clarify that I was NOT home at the time of the break-in. Yet my HOME was VIOLENTLY INVADED, along with my privacy and my sense of security and well-being. The thugs (I'm 100% convinced that there was more than one) kicked in my back door in broad daylight while my next door and across-the-street neighbors were home. The invasion was so violent (door frame shattered and the dead-bolted door essentially ripped off its hinges) that I'm convinced that they would have done great harm to me had I been home. They worked too hard getting in to then turn around and leave simply because someone challenged them. They made off with about $10,000 worth of electronics and other items, including a Mossberg 500 12 gauge.

So now there are at least two FELONS armed with MY shotgun who know that I own some expensive electronic toys, the layout of my house, which bedroom is mine (I live alone, so it's not hard to figure out where I sleep) what kind of door and window locks I have, what kind of dog I have (and that he barks a lot but doesn't bite) and what my schedule is (they broke in sometime after I left for work at 8:30 and before I got home at 4:30, and apparently took their sweet time considering the number of items they took). I'm not at all OK with any of this. I got very, very serious about my safety and security after the incident. My nightmare scenario is that I come home at night to find someone waiting for me inside my house. A CCW permit is just one tool in my effort to stay safe. Just this afternoon I turned in my paperwork at the County Clerk's office for my new permit.

[Agent6-3/8]

I guess it was just a natural progression for me. I spent a lot of time running around with my grandfather who was a retired LEO. Somewhere around 2000 dad got his CCW and I follwed suit ASAP after turning 21. I've had my CCW for just over a year, but I still don't carry as regularly as I'd like too. Mostly due to the fact that I need a smaller gun like a S&W snubby for summer and times when I need deep concealment.

[DoubleDog]

I was stabbed in 1982 -- I was in my early 20's. I wasn't seriously hurt, though I could have been. Being young and dumb I pretty much shrugged it off as being the wrong place at the wrong time...Fast forward to 1999: a bat wielding moron broke my friends arm as he was getting out of a car I was a passenger in...We were able to pull my friend back into the car, as bat boy took his frustrations out on the car till we were able to pull away...

Anyway, I applied for my pistol permit the following week...

In my case the guy that stabbed me thought I was someone else (go figure), and the guy with the bat---who knows?

Both acts were scary, insane, and RANDOM...

Those are 2 of the many reasons why I carry a gun...

DD~

[ttown]

No defining moment for me I just noticed there was a lot of people being in the wrong place at the wrong time that were getting killed by robbers.

[magnetnerd]

Virginia Tech.

I don't go anywhere where I think I'll ever need a gun, but neither did those kids, I'm sure.

I also don't like to rely on other people for anything, beyond what's absolutely necessary. So, it doesn't make sense for me to assume the police or anyone else will protect me at all times. That's my job; not theirs.

[Usingmyrights]

Originally posted by Patronus
On a similar note, I'll be buying at least 4 full-cap G19 magazines next time I hear the Left beating the drum for another AWB.

I did that the day after they intruduced HR1022 but with AR mags. I don't even own an AR yet.

[XDHSr]

My brother was carjacked at gunpoint in his own driveway years ago. Although I didn't think about CCW then, he went out and bought a gun to keep in the house. THAT started me thinking. Years later as we started having kids I grew more concerned about self protection and taking care of my family. Then, after seeing the mess in N.O. after Katrina, those protective thoughts grew stronger. Va Tech was the final straw. I bought a G23 a month later and took my CCW class a few weeks ago. I hope to have my permit within the next month or two. In Michigan there are many places where you cant CC but I want to be able to carry, if I choose to in the places they allow it.

[Bogey]

July 2004....I was in a very remote area in a new neighborhood. Not many people really had much of a reason to be there except for me.

A car load of "south of the bordereans" ended up parking right in front of the house I was working on and got out. They were spying my work trailer, car, looking toward the house, and most all of them were drunk (or well on their way)

I figured they could have pretty much done what they wanted, and nobody would have found me for days.


Bought my first pistol two weeks later, and got my permit shortly after that.

[4095fanatic]

Seriously started when I was a kid, probably about 7 or 8, and my mom (who I was with in the inner city) nearly got assaulted/robbed by what looked to me like a homeless guy (I remember his raggedy clothes, hadn't shaved in a while, etc). Then again, these days kids think it's cool to look like that. Anyway, I never forgot that sense of vulnerability. Fast forward 10 or 11 years, got my first rifle, and 3 years after that my first pistol along with a permit to carry. Never going to be in a situation where my loved one's safety is in jeopardy cause I'm not armed (not saying 7 or 8 year olds should be allowed to carry guns, but you get the idea).

[Buckaroo]

Originally posted by G30MI
When Michigan passed its "shall issue" CPL law back in 2001, I got my permit because...well, because I could. +1 best reason!

When I moved to a shall issue state I got my permit and when it came time to relocate I chose to live in another state that respects my right to K&B arms.

In my opinion everyone should have a permit (if they can).

[Patronus]

Originally posted by aquanomics
I was called up for jury duty in 2006. The defense (public defenders) were arguing self defense and asked the entire pool -- about 60 of us -- if we ever had to defend ourselves. At least half of the pool raised their hands. The next couple of hours were filled with stories about home invasions, car jackings, assaults, rapes, etc... It blew me away. I wasn't picked for the jury, the defendant got 20 to life, my wife and I got our CCWs ASAP, we bought a bunch of Glocks and a 12 guage and we shoot twice a week.

Wow, quite an eye-opening experience. Thanks for sharing. :thumbsup:

[Patronus]

Originally posted by Usingmyrights
I did that the day after they intruduced HR1022 but with AR mags. I don't even own an AR yet.

Good on ya, mate. You're thinking ahead. :thumbsup:

[THEPOPE]

My defining moment came when I discovered, that at age 51, the Second Amendment was written specifically for ME !!

I could, as an American citizen in good standing, legally own , and more importantly, CARRY a handgun, loaded, with the blessing of the state I live in. Incredible.

I have never been the "sheep" type, and decided to ensure I stay free, I will not be made a victim, either.


Mout ;)

[Patronus]

Thank you all for sharing. I hope the replies keep coming in!

When I was having my so-called awakening (yeah, I was a bit dramatic in my original post :upeyes: ), I remember talking with a co-worker who had his CCW and actually had to draw on someone. It was yet another road-rage incident almost gone very wrong--almost. Some angry motorist followed him into a grocery-store parking lot without him noticing it, and suddenly the dude was leaning out of his truck's open door, yelling and threatening my co-worker buddy. My co-worker buddy tried to disengage and de-escalate the situation, but when the motorist approached him wielding a bat, out came my buddy's gun along with some plainly worded verbal commands, and bat boy got the picture.

That account all but wrote CCW in stone for me. All I had to ask myself was, "What would've/could've happened if my buddy had been unarmed?"

[steveksux]

When the AWB passed but had not taken effect yet, I got myself a glock with high capacity magazines. Figured my revolver would be useless once I had kids someday, takes too long to load. Didn't like the idea of having it laying around loaded with kids, even if only at night by the bed. And nothing wrong with having 16 rounds rather than 6 at your disposal.

Similarly, once Michigan went shall issue, I decided to get my CCW and got an application. My wife had rental property in Detroit, I'd have to be working on it at night after work once in a while. Seemed like a pretty good idea.

Then late last year I finally got around to actually filling out the application, taking the class, and getting the permit... :animlol: Turns out the application was no longer valid, had been updated back in 2003 when they revised the CCW laws. Had to get a new packet of paperwork... Guess you can't accuse me of being paranoid about visiting Detroit... When did MI go shall issue, back in 2000 as Engler was leaving office? Seven years later I apply for my permit... :shocked: The actual reason I finally got motivated to get the permit had more to do with the declining fortunes of the GOP lately, and figured I'd better get the permit before the dems take over and revise the carry laws to our detriment... Same reason I got the glock. Use it or lose it...

Randy

[USDefender]

In January 1994 I moved to Florida. Shortly thereafter, the business end of a 9mm was being waived in my face by a drug dealer... just after he assaulted me in front of my apartment.

An hour after that, the wise LEO taking my statement said what I was already thinking: that I needed to get a gun and carry it.


I did and I can tell you that it has kept the same incident from repeating itself several times over now.

Also, moving out of Florida has helped as well. http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/natur/nature-smiley-008.gif

[falsememory]

I did not grow up in a "gun family" although we owned guns. I was taught at an early age how to handle guns and how to use them, but we didn't go out shooting or hunting. The reason for owning guns in my house was for one reason only: because we could. My father is from Guatemala, A country where if you or your family had money you could own a gun, if not good luck trying. So when he became a citizen he started buying a few guns, and he has always felt that as an American it was not only a right but a responsibility to be able to defend your country. To some people it may seem like a cliché; to him it’s a true belief. Anyway the defining moment came A few years after moving out and starting school.

I was on my way home to Illinois from Wyoming and I was in a lonely part of Nebraska I stopped to fill up on fuel in one of those places that said that they were 24 hours but was just an automated pump. It was about two in the morning and dark when a truck full of guys (3) drove up. It looked like they were just getting gas when all of a sudden I saw stars. While the truck got gas at the pump in front of me one of their buddies that I didn’t notice made a long loop around and flanked me. I was conscious when I hit the ground and rolled to my back and he jumped on me in a “full mount” and hit me once in the forehead. About 15 seconds had passed when my attacker found my M.O.D Razorback (a gift from my father) lodged in his arm pit. He rolled off and screamed; one of his buddies came to help and got stuck in his left pectoral. Then the police showed up.

They had been driving past when they saw the commotion. I was not charged and allowed to go home. One of the attackers saw a whopping 12 days in jail. Everyone else was free to go. Although everything ended up ok that night, I went home alive and two bad guys hopefully learned a lesson, I was haunted with the thought of; what if the police had not driven past that knight? Would I have been able to fight all of them off with just a knife? I don’t know and decided to start taking my personal security much more seriously. Anyway sorry for the long post that was my defining moment. Bye the way to the O.P. good post. I’d really havn’t thought about it in a long time and just serves as good reminder.

[Patronus]

Originally posted by falsememory
One of the attackers saw a whopping 12 days in jail. Everyone else was free to go. . . . Anyway sorry for the long post that was my defining moment. . .

Hey, the long posts usually mean more detail, more good stuff. Such was the case with your post. :thumbsup:

It sucks that your attackers got away so easily. Heck, if I wasn't so close to graduation (and married with 2 kids and generally a moral, God-fearing man), I'd start over and be a career criminal. They sure seem to have it easy. :animlol:

Thanks for sharing.

[TheKnight]

Why to carry Concealed, I have toyed with that thought for a long time. A very basic reason is because it is written in our consititution the right to bear arms. I have read what our founding fathers have written about an armed society, and agreed with what they said. But still, I haven't felt the need to carry concealed.
Not until I have had those situtations happen to me, things I considered happen to "Other People"

A couple of years ago while at home, well it was an apartment, we lived in the garden level, it was during the mid morning hours, I had just finished doing work on my car, and came in the living room, my wife was in the bedroom cleaning up, when she came to me, looking very pale, and scared, and told me someone was breaking in to the bedroom....I had a gun, but it was in the bedroom closet, and locked, also being what I thought a good responsable person with weapons does, my ammo was not in the same place as the weapon... So that was useless.
So I grabbed a tire iron which I had because I rotated the tires on my car...I grabbed that, and whacked the guy in the knee, since he was still trying to get in.
the get let out a scream, and got out.
I called the Police, and waited with my wife as the arrived, about 30 mins. later, they got the report from us, tried to get finger prints but nothing was available.
they even brought a Dog, and the dog, traced the person to his apartment, But when he was questioned, he denied everything, and his friends acted as wittnesses saying he was there the whole time.
Without solid evidence they could not arrest him.
So this left us pretty scared and feared retaliation, so we moved out ASAP.

I also worked on a person in the Hospital who was shot by Gang members. This kid was not killed, but seriously injured, and we had to do more surgery on him. We were advised that the gang members were looking for the kid and wanted to finish the job, along with going after those who were treating him. So this freaked me out a lot.
I started worring more about what could happen to me, and or my family.

So around then I decided to get my CCW, and a Handgun that I could carry.

While waiting for my CCW to come through, I had a couple of Gunshot victims that I had to care for.
One lady at home answered a knock on the door, when she opened the door, the BG shot her in the face, it didn't kill her, but it did a number on her face.
When later questioned, she stated she didn't know those people, she had no history of run ins with the law...She was just a lady by herself.

Another guy, who answered his door, only to realize the intention of the people knocking was not good, he shut the door, while trying to lock it he was shot a few time through the door....He survived.

A few weeks ago, I was coming home from work it was kinda late, I realized I needed gas, so I stopped at the local gas station, Generally I am pretty careful about where and when I stop for gas, I knew it was late, but I figured the neighborhood was ok.
While filling up, I noticed two guys circling my truck, both guys were fairly big guys, about young 20's, looking all gansta like..
I noticed this right away...I found it odd the would walk around the truck, looking in the windows on the passenger doors, walking back around me...then stopping in front of me about 25 ft or so, one guy maked as if he is going in to the store, he enters, then comes out the other door, at this time, the guy who was outside still, makes his way closer, and the other guy flanks me...All of this was taking place rather quickly, In less time it takes to put 15 gallons of gas in the truck.. these guys cased me, and started to make a move.
It was at this time, I went from concealed carry to Open Carry...
I made it no secert at this time I was armed.
Being a Little guy, with a full size 45....must have looked like a Cannon to them, becuase once he saw it, his eyes got huge, then he backed off, signaling to his friend to move away.

I was pretty wired after that, my heart was racing, like I just got a shot of adrenaline...
I have no doubt... That my carring is prevented me from being a statistic.

Now I carry every where I go...I figure it will be some crap luck, I will relax once, and not carry, and it will be a time where I wished I did.

[Glockanatorrrrr]

I carry because I have a family and little kids. I also live in Fl where are the wanted come and try to hide out in paradise before they get busted!

[Iflyfish]

As I made my way back to Biloxi from Jackson Mississippi the day after hurricane Katrina I had the tactical shotgun I bring on trips and keep in the house for protection on the back seat. After 9 hours of dodging checkpoints downed trees and washed out roads we made it home. I had always relied on the shotgun as all I would ever need to stay safe.
For the next 36 days we lived in a tent in the front yard with no electricity, water, phone or place to buy a guns/ammo. One time in the first month I saw a LEO come through the neighborhood.
As we repaired the flood damage to the house, I noticed numerous strangers driving/wandering/slinking through the neighborhood.
I had the shotgun close by at all times but we still lived in a constant state of “extreme caution” bordering on fear.
After all that I decided I would never allow myself to walk around unprotected again. So as soon as the state got the Highway Patrol office functioning I applied for and received a CCL.

[Darkangel1846]

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.

[Kevin108]

I have a half brother in his 40s that is seriously disturbed. He's spent more of his adult life locked up than free. He got out of prison sometime in 04 and then went to jail in town for 3 months. He made lots of new friends there :upeyes: and started hanging out with that crowd and bringing them around my parents house.

My sister was living at home to finish school and I was house shopping so I was back too. Dad has garage full of Snap-On, the house has all the typical electronics a family with two adult children at home would have - computers, TVs, DVD players, etc.

My half brother's ex-wife called Ma crying one night and told her that he'd called her drunk and said he was going to drive his truck through the middle of her house trailer. It turned out he'd broken into the garage and stolen the cordless phone and was hiding in the woods near the house.

He threatened to kill her and himself so we called the police. They didn't go in the woods after him so all through the night he'd appear, talk to Dad a while, get crazy, and disappear back into the woods. Dad had a gun in his pocket but it had probably been sitting in a sock drawer for 20 years or more so who knows whether it would have fired.

That night finally ended uneventfully and my half brother was later locked up for drunk driving and various other charges. Within a week I'd moved money around between my checking account and a a credit card and bought a Glock 17 and a range membership. A few days after that I'd found GlockTalk. Within a few months I had my CHL.

I'm not sure how long he has left at this point. My sister and I have both been gone for over a year now. My sister and my mom are both interested in learning to shoot but I haven't been able to get a schedule to work out for them to go with me yet. I'm working on it!

[Patronus]

Originally posted by Iflyfish
As I made my way back to Biloxi from Jackson Mississippi the day after hurricane Katrina I had the tactical shotgun I bring on trips and keep in the house for protection on the back seat. After 9 hours of dodging checkpoints downed trees and washed out roads we made it home. I had always relied on the shotgun as all I would ever need to stay safe.
For the next 36 days we lived in a tent in the front yard with no electricity, water, phone or place to buy a guns/ammo. One time in the first month I saw a LEO come through the neighborhood.
As we repaired the flood damage to the house, I noticed numerous strangers driving/wandering/slinking through the neighborhood.
I had the shotgun close by at all times but we still lived in a constant state of “extreme caution” bordering on fear.
After all that I decided I would never allow myself to walk around unprotected again. So as soon as the state got the Highway Patrol office functioning I applied for and received a CCL.

Man, I'm glad you made it through the storm and its aftermath okay. Thanks for sharing. :thumbsup:

I live in close proximity to the Wasatch Front fault line, and whenever the big earthquake strikes, I plan on being ready--food, heated shelter, and plenty of ammunition to protect all the above--along with the family it will feed and keep warm and dry. :2gun:

[Patronus]

Originally posted by TheKnight
But still, I haven't felt the need to carry concealed.
Not until I have had those situtations happen to me, things I considered happen to "Other People"

Glad you survived the encounters. It's interesting--it was either Robert Ludlum himself or one of his ghost writers who wrote something along the lines of "violence rarely occurs at convenient times and in convenient places."

[Timor]

I decided I would carry as soon as I legally could after reading the original Washington Post article about the following incident (copied from "http://www.firearmsandliberty.com/kasler-protection.html").


Warren v. District of Columbia is one of the leading cases of this type. Two women were upstairs in a townhouse when they heard their roommate, a third woman, being attacked downstairs by intruders. They phoned the police several times and were assured that officers were on the way. After about 30 minutes, when their roommate's screams had stopped, they assumed the police had finally arrived. When the two women went downstairs they saw that in fact the police never came, but the intruders were still there. As the Warren court graphically states in the opinion: "For the next fourteen hours the women were held captive, raped, robbed, beaten, forced to commit sexual acts upon each other, and made to submit to the sexual demands of their attackers."

The three women sued the District of Columbia for failing to protect them, but D.C.'s highest court exonerated the District and its police, saying that it is a "fundamental principle of American law that a government and its agents are under no general duty to provide public services, such as police protection, to any individual citizen."

[grishnav]

This is why: http://youtube.com/watch?v=uWZ7bB7_OEk

:tongueout:

But more seriously:

http://www.catb.org/~esr/guns/gun-ethics.html

[john_glock_mi]

I carry because:

1) I can
2) Virgina Tech - Extreme violence can happen in the blink of an eye
3) I live within 50 miles of Detroit :supergrin:

[Patronus]

Originally posted by grishnav
This is why: http://youtube.com/watch?v=uWZ7bB7_OEk

:tongueout:

But more seriously:

http://www.catb.org/~esr/guns/gun-ethics.html

Sorry, this is a bit off topic....but that YouTube staged video is utterly ridiculous. It looked authentic enough in the first moments, until the Toyota boys rolled up next to the BMW and exchanged poorly rehearsed words. What's not funny--totally irresponsible, in fact--is that there were numerous people commenting on YouTube that evidently thought this was the real deal!! Is that funny?? No, not when you consider all the glaring errors these guys wrote into their script. :freak:

The last thing we need is people thinking that this is what CCW is all about--egging on your antagonists, then luring them out into the backwoods, and then robbing them at gunpoint. This wasn't lawful self-defense; it was armed robbery!

:soap:

Maybe I'm taking this a bit too seriously, but when I see people actually buying this bill of tainted goods and consider how serious a matter this is, I don't tolerate it. Will someone please confirm that this video is staged? Regardless, it isn't funny.

BTW, grishnav, thanks for the other link. Good stuff.

[grishnav]

Originally posted by Patronus
Will someone please confirm that this video is staged? Regardless, it isn't funny.


Yep, it's staged. If you go to the website in the upper-right corner of the video, it states that they had the idea, and set it up after about 10 minutes of planning.

And all I kept thinking when I was watching it was about all the opportunities he had to run/call the police. But come on, it was still pretty funny! :)

[EddieMossberg]

I was robbed at gunpoint at work. Pretty scary stuff, I actually had to have a seat afterwards because I almost fainted. Luckily nobody was hurt. This experience sparked my interest in firearms. Though these kind of situations are probably rare, I feel better having a gun at my side. A CCW gives everday good people a figthing chance when otherwise left at a criminals mercy. It's a great right to have indeed.:)

[Creeper1313]

I didn't really have any defining moment, I just always liked 1911's so I bought one when I turned 21 and got my CCW.

I guess watching cop shows like "Law & Order" might have had something do with it. Almost every Law & Order episode starts with someone finding a dead body... not with police showing up to stop a crime in progress.

I figure when the police are drawing chalk outlines and flagging brass casings... I rather be the one whose brass they are flagging rather than the one getting the chalk outline.

[rmc85]

I did because it seems about every 2 years someone commits a bad crime when I'm right there...

bad luck I guess

[Patronus]

Originally posted by Creeper1313
I figure when the police are drawing chalk outlines and flagging brass casings... I rather be the one whose brass they are flagging rather than the one getting the chalk outline.

Boo-yeah. Great point. :thumbsup:

[Patronus]

Originally posted by grishnav
Yep, it's staged. If you go to the website in the upper-right corner of the video, it states that they had the idea, and set it up after about 10 minutes of planning.

And all I kept thinking when I was watching it was about all the opportunities he had to run/call the police. But come on, it was still pretty funny! :)

I guess it would've helped to read the description of the video. My bad.

But still, it wasn't very funny. Apparently, I'm not the only one who didn't read the description, because a lot of people thought it was real.

[DepStocky]

Originally posted by EddieMossberg
I was robbed at gunpoint at work. Pretty scary stuff, I actually had to have a seat afterwards because I almost fainted. Luckily nobody was hurt. This experience sparked my interest in firearms. Though these kind of situations are probably rare, I feel better having a gun at my side. A CCW gives everday good people a figthing chance when otherwise left at a criminals mercy. It's a great right to have indeed.:)

Damn right! The scary part is the citizens that get a CCW and never practice after that...:shocked:

[Cousin]

My right to privacy, my eligibility for CCW and being discreet, i.e. my customers may not feel comfortable if they knew I carried a gun. And there's no benefit for me in testing those waters with them.

[TheKnight]

Originally posted by DepStocky
Damn right! The scary part is the citizens that get a CCW and never practice after that...:shocked:

I agree with you 100%, I always try to encourage people who have choosen to arm themselves, either CCW or for home defense, that thier responsabilty didn't end with the purchase, or certificate. And that being a responsable gun owner means taking the time to train on a consistant basis.

[Patronus]

Originally posted by grishnav
Yep, it's staged. If you go to the website in the upper-right corner of the video, it states that they had the idea, and set it up after about 10 minutes of planning.

And all I kept thinking when I was watching it was about all the opportunities he had to run/call the police. But come on, it was still pretty funny! :)

I couldn't find where they told about the staged planning on that web site. Either way, there were plenty of mongrel idiots that were lapping it up like it was the coolest thing, according to the comments I read on YouTube. If some of those morons are watching the video and making it their "defining moment" for CCW, then it gets un-funny real fast.

No flame intended, grishnav. Just sounding off...again.

[MusingDaddy]

Katrina

[oneofthose]

No real defining moment, happened over time.

About 12 years ago, I was awakened to someone trying to break into the house. I loaded up a shotgun and would likely would have shot him if he made it through the window before the police got there.

Also, sold a guy an old car once, and he later called saying it broke down on him, and that I owed him something. I offered to pay for parts, he wanted cash, so I began to suspect a different need for the money (based on other details I won't get into). He claimed to have some "connections", and that I would be getting a visit from them. Scared the hell out of me. Again, felt much better with a shotgun in the house.

These and other smaller incidents got me thinking more seriously about personal protection, self defense training, etc., but I never considered CCW an option. I somehow got the impression that this privelege was reserved for others with a greater need. Man, I was blind.

I eventually moved, and had to find a new barber. Turned out he also had an FFL, and we discussed hunting, firearms, etc. Eventually a discussion of CCW came up. I leared from him that all I had to do was apply with the local Sheriff and take his class. I learned our Sheriff was very much in favor of a responsibly armed citizen. Totally changed my outlook. I received my permit in April of this year. I joined a club with a private indoor range about 45 minutes away where I can practice. I've read books on the issue and became an NRA member. I've also learned that many good people in this state (Iowa is "may issue") do not enjoy the privilege of the 2A, simply because their local Sheriff does not want them armed.

Needless to say, I've become very interested in the political side of things, and much more aware of how our personal freedoms have been eroded. Too many men have died to obtain and preserve our freedom for me to just sit around and watch them slip away.

Sorry for the lengthy post. Once I got started I just couldn't stop.

[ArodJohns]

As others have said, there was no real defining moment.


One moment was when a neighbor tried to break into my parent's and I's home when I was just a little boy and having that feeling of helplessness.

Another moment was watching a video of individuals beat a truck driver into senselessness with a fire extinguisher in sociology in highschool. (This one is probably the closest to the defining moment. I watched that and kept thinking "If I was there, I could've helped him. Maybe I'd get hurt, but I'd still be helping him." I guess you'd say that's also when the seeds of wanting to be a cop were sewn.)

Another moment was working at the police department and while at the grocery store in my off hours having a guy come up and try to pick a fight with me because I was the one he gave the money to when he paid his ticket (I was a dispatcher and accepted money for fines for the court).

I already had a pistol when that last ordeal happened, but I came home after that and searched the internet until I found CCW classes fairly close to home.

[grishnav]

Originally posted by Patronus
I couldn't find where they told about the staged planning on that web site.

In the upper-right corner of the video itself is a small text-box with the text "wittkopp.net". Browse to http://wittkopp.net/ for the (brief) discussion.

Either way, there were plenty of mongrel idiots that were lapping it up like it was the coolest thing, according to the comments I read on YouTube. If some of those morons are watching the video and making it their "defining moment" for CCW, then it gets un-funny real fast.

I would venture to guess that all of the idiots on youtube have never handled a gun and aren't licensed (if applicable) to carry. Most of them are in there early teens, and still have many years ahead of being stupid and irresponsible (likely, largely before they can legally purchase a firearm). They are also likely the vocal minority: After all, did you post a comment saying what happened was inappropriate, irresponsible, and criminal? I know I didn't...

Once you actually do choose to take on the responsibility of owning (and carrying) a firearm, the gravity of it becomes much more intense, and your outlook tends to change. Often rapidly.

The other small percentage are either irresponsible or criminal (or both), and this video isn't going to inspire them to do something stupid/criminal they wouldn't have eventually ended up doing anyway.

It's good that your sense of responsible ownership compels you to react so strongly, but suspend it for a moment (just like you would for a big Hollywood movie in a theater), and it's actually pretty funny. Well, according to my sense of humor, anyway. We all have different tastes.

No flame intended, grishnav. Just sounding off...again.

It's all good. :)

[Patronus]

Originally posted by grishnav
In the upper-right corner of the video itself is a small text-box with the text "wittkopp.net". Browse to http://wittkopp.net/ for the (brief) discussion.



I would venture to guess that all of the idiots on youtube have never handled a gun and aren't licensed (if applicable) to carry. Most of them are in there early teens, and still have many years ahead of being stupid and irresponsible (likely, largely before they can legally purchase a firearm). They are also likely the vocal minority: After all, did you post a comment saying what happened was inappropriate, irresponsible, and criminal? I know I didn't...

Once you actually do choose to take on the responsibility of owning (and carrying) a firearm, the gravity of it becomes much more intense, and your outlook tends to change. Often rapidly.

The other small percentage are either irresponsible or criminal (or both), and this video isn't going to inspire them to do something stupid/criminal they wouldn't have eventually ended up doing anyway.

It's good that your sense of responsible ownership compels you to react so strongly, but suspend it for a moment (just like you would for a big Hollywood movie in a theater), and it's actually pretty funny. Well, according to my sense of humor, anyway. We all have different tastes.



It's all good. :)

Yeah, all's well that ends well. If I were them, I would've shown some of the footage of them laughing about it at the end. That would've "made" the video for me. I was probably more ticked off that I was sort of believing it was real up to a certain point--I think the "aha" moment was when the hicks were talking to the girl in the car. Something didn't seem right. Whatever. I'm not the sharpest of minds. :supergrin:

Also, I'm apparently not too plugged into the YouTube audience. I've spent some time watching stuff there, but I rarely read the comments, and this was one of the few times I actually read comments.

[J.P.]

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

[Patronus]

Originally posted by J.P.
I decided to carry because of rival drug dealers.
That was a long time ago.


:shocked: :sad: :couch:

:laughabove: I'm glad those days are over for you. :banana:

[Riz58]

I was living in Texas at the time of the Luby's massacre in Kileen.

Later as a result of my business, I was concerned over implied threats by others. (Concealed carry was not legal then.)

As time went on, family came, and a growing sense of the need to assume the responsibility for one's self-defense led to support of NM's CCW efforts.

Again, a really ugly business dispute on behalf of a client, lead to more veiled threates by one party who had a history of violence.

So a sense of the obligation to provide my own defense, along with life offering a few hints I should, led to my obtaining a CCW shortly after it became legal.

[RiverVan]

Off topic
However, have you considered buying a used Glock? CDNN has used 17, 19, 21, 22, and 23's very reasonably priced. Frequently with night sights! The used is uaually just as good as new, they rarely have more then a few thousand rounds through them, and knowing some cops I would say many have less than a thousand rounds total. Big savings for a gun almost equal. (4 of my Glocks are used).
The savings can go into good carry leather or extra magazines.

[mortpes]

My Dad was killed in a burglery when I was young. I have always CCW. The general trends in the last 20 years have only solidified my resolve.

[Usingmyrights]

Originally posted by RiverVan
Off topic
However, have you considered buying a used Glock? CDNN has used 17, 19, 21, 22, and 23's very reasonably priced. Frequently with night sights! The used is uaually just as good as new, they rarely have more then a few thousand rounds through them, and knowing some cops I would say many have less than a thousand rounds total. Big savings for a gun almost equal. (4 of my Glocks are used).
The savings can go into good carry leather or extra magazines.

One thing to realize is that the N/S will probably be pretty dim. Don't buy them solely on them having N/S at a good price.

[RiverVan]

Originally posted by Usingmyrights
One thing to realize is that the N/S will probably be pretty dim. Don't buy them solely on them having N/S at a good price.

Not necessarily true. One of my glocks was a 1992 manufacture. Its sights are dim but still working at a servicable level of brightness in 2007. I have had it sine 1998.

[Usingmyrights]

Originally posted by RiverVan
Not necessarily true. One of my glocks was a 1992 manufacture. Its sights are dim but still working at a servicable level of brightness in 2007. I have had it sine 1998.

I don't know what servicable is to you, but I was simply saying that the buy shouldn't be surprized if they are. I think that 15 years for "servicable" brightness is pretty uncommon.

[G30MI]

Originally posted by mortpes
My Dad was killed in a burglery when I was young. I have always CCW. The general trends in the last 20 years have only solidified my resolve.

Sorry to hear that. What a lousy thing to have happen as a kid.

[steveksux]

Oddly enough, I was in a robbery in a Taco Bell 20 some years ago. Nobody hurt, guy hopped over the counter with a shotgun, and after threatening to shoot the girl for not opening the safe, waited for the timelock safe to open before taking the money and running. Took about 20 min or so. Once he realized the safe wouldn't open for 15 min, and nobody was challenging him, he became quite amicable. Let us all sit down to enjoy our meals. Threw me some hot sauce packets for my meal. Another guy came in the store, robber demanded money. The guy had like 99 cents on him... "What, did you come in her eto rob the place too?"... Ended up giving the 99c guy a 10 spot out of the register, saying "you need this more than I do". Bizarre. Maybe that's why it wasn't that traumatic to me. The initial VERY tense situation calmed way down waiting for the safe to open. It was obvious he wasn't going to harm anyone after the initial threats to try to get the girl to open the safe, once he was clowning around. Prior to that, if I had a permit and was armed, I would have been happy to blast him when he was going over the counter, back turned to me (long line of customers, he couldn't help turning his back to someone), shotgun pointed at the ceiling before he threateded the girl about opening the safe.

At the time Mich was "may issue" and you couldn't get a permit unless you had connections. But 20 years later, when Mich went "shall issue", I honestly never thought of that incident when getting the permit.

Randy

[Jyanna]

I just got tired of being scared. So I decided to educate myself in the ways that were available for me to keep myself safe and take ownership of my own life.

Background (in very very brief). Ten years ago I divorced my first husband. He was extremely abusive. Abusive to the point that ten years later I still fight the physical effects of what he did to me. Right after I left him I lived in constant fear that he would find me and that he would kill me. Ten years later I still wake up in the night terrified. Carrying a weapon and sleeping with one near my bed has made my nights much more restful because I know that if the worst should happen and he should find me, whether my new husband is home or not, I will survive the encounter if it is at all possible to do so.

[Dinho]

im still quite young and i havent had any traumatic experiences to make me desire to carry. but ever since i was a little kid ive been fascinated by guns and always thought in the right hands they are useful tools. growing up with antis for parents and brother (although all claim to be conservatives) i was kind of the odd ball but my interest in firearms never went away and i decided when i first learned i could carry a firearm legally i wanted to do just that. ohio didnt get concealed carry until 2003 but i still had 3 years before i could get my license. i bought my g19 on my 21st bday and took my classes when the chance came around.

[Patronus]

Originally posted by Dinho
im still quite young and i havent had any traumatic experiences to make me desire to carry. but ever since i was a little kid ive been fascinated by guns and always thought in the right hands they are useful tools. growing up with antis for parents and brother (although all claim to be conservatives) i was kind of the odd ball but my interest in firearms never went away and i decided when i first learned i could carry a firearm legally i wanted to do just that. ohio didnt get concealed carry until 2003 but i still had 3 years before i could get my license. i bought my g19 on my 21st bday and took my classes when the chance came around.

This is a stretch, but I'd say your defining moment was learning that you could legally carry a concealed firearm. :thumbsup:

I've always thought that you only get two chances to decide to CCW -- before the need arises, and after the need arises. I either read that somewhere, or it just occurred to me. Probably the former.

Great gun choice, by the way. I'm walking in your footsteps...

This has been a great thread.

[LifterCatcher]

Grew up around LO, father is a DEA agent and my Grandpa was a FBI Agent. I work loss prevention for a major department store (hints the username), and have just started to work as a Patrol Officer for a local housing Authority, going to school to become a Police officer.
Shoplifters usually don’t like to be caught. Will never forget the time I caught a girl who’s family just moved to the Midwest due to Katrina. She was very rough and you could tell she did not have a good home life. Her Family where all either in prison or wanted for major felony warrants. She told me that she would have her people take care of me and she was not joking. Later that night there was a car filled with her “Crew” with Bats and guns just waiting for me to come outside. Little did they know my office is a 100,000 dollar camera room and I could tell what they where up to before I left the building. The local law enforcement had there hands full with all of them. No doubt in my mind that if I would have walked outside without knowing they where there I would not be here today!

A year before this incident another good friend working loss prevention got into a scuffle with a shoplifter in the parking lot. When he was down on the ground fighting with the lifter, the lifters getaway ride driver jumped out of a car and placed a pistol against his head and told him to let his friend go or DIE. The only reason he did not shoot is because he would have also shot his friend. The lifter was released and they took off. They where later involved with a shoot out with local PD. Before the shoplifters hit our store they robbed a local DQ and killed two employees’ working there.

So needless to say I have been waiting for my 23rd birthday. Got a G23 for my 21st birthday and cant wait to carry.

Chris

[Patronus]

Originally posted by LifterCatcher
Grew up around LO, father is a DEA agent and my Grandpa was a FBI Agent. I work loss prevention for a major department store (hints the username), and have just started to work as a Patrol Officer for a local housing Authority, going to school to become a Police officer.
Shoplifters usually don’t like to be caught. Will never forget the time I caught a girl who’s family just moved to the Midwest due to Katrina. She was very rough and you could tell she did not have a good home life. Her Family where all either in prison or wanted for major felony warrants. She told me that she would have her people take care of me and she was not joking. Later that night there was a car filled with her “Crew” with Bats and guns just waiting for me to come outside. Little did they know my office is a 100,000 dollar camera room and I could tell what they where up to before I left the building. The local law enforcement had there hands full with all of them. No doubt in my mind that if I would have walked outside without knowing they where there I would not be here today!

A year before this incident another good friend working loss prevention got into a scuffle with a shoplifter in the parking lot. When he was down on the ground fighting with the lifter, the lifters getaway ride driver jumped out of a car and placed a pistol against his head and told him to let his friend go or DIE. The only reason he did not shoot is because he would have also shot his friend. The lifter was released and they took off. They where later involved with a shoot out with local PD. Before the shoplifters hit our store they robbed a local DQ and killed two employees’ working there.

So needless to say I have been waiting for my 23rd birthday. Got a G23 for my 21st birthday and cant wait to carry.

Chris

Thanks for sharing. I'm glad you're still here with us. Good luck on the police-officer schooling. :thumbsup:

[LifterCatcher]

Originally posted by Patronus
Thanks for sharing. I'm glad you're still here with us. Good luck on the police-officer schooling. :thumbsup:

Thanks a lot, it's my dream job.

:thumbsup:

Chris

[CBennett]

Nothing specific(yet) but in my line of work you get threats sometimes and just the general non sense you read in papers today and see on TV and think...if someone had a CC there he could have stopped that/saved him/herself and family...so thats why...If it comes down to it im GOING to be that guy..In this day and age when PD's are stretched too thin already its kinda DAFT to think that when you call 911 they will get there B4 something "bad" happens...yeah its possible but not probable...so you need to protect yourself and your family.

[Generalcarry]

I was having health problems and it would literally take me a full minute or more to exit my car. There were a lot more carjackings than there are now and I realized I was a good target. Got a permit, and also got better. Now, depending where I go, I may take a gun along.

[azglockccw]

I grew up with guns in rural New Mexico and would shoot my father's .38 Super semi-auto pistol from the age of 12 out in the pastures. When I left home to go to college in AZ, I had a Ruger Redhawk revolver that I kept in the car all the time. I've always had a pistol at home for protection and have always had a pistol in the car as long as the state I lived in allowed it. I was in the Army for several years and was stationed in California for a few years. They don't allow loaded guns (or unloaded as I recall) to be carried in the passenger compartment of cars, so it's mostly just the criminals that do so. I spent three years in Hawaii. Great place to live, but they're worse than California when it comes to guns. Following Hawaii, came back to AZ after getting out of the Army. Nice to be able to carry a gun in the car again. When I found out that you could get a CCW several years ago, I thought about it, but never followed through. I had a gun in the car and kept guns in the house with an alarm system and a small dog, so I figured I was covered pretty well for any road rage incident or home invasion.

The wake-up call came when some guy tried to steal a truck from right in front of our office building in broad daylight, immediately outside my office window on the ground level a couple of months ago. It was our receptionist's truck and she was yelling at him trying to stop him from getting into her truck (she was not in the truck at the time). He got in and was trying to get it started with some key he had. A delivery guy was in the parking lot and was helping her try to get the guy out of her truck by banging on the driver's side window. The guy couldn't get the truck started, so he got out of the truck and started yelling at them and threatening them. Another co-worker was on the phone to 911 telling them to get the police here as soon as possible. I grabbed one of the guys that works for me and we went outside. As we walked outside I kept my eyes on the guy's hands to make sure he didn't have any weapons and wasn't reaching into his pockets. The guy was still threatening the receptionist and the delivery guy and when we went outside, he came towards us and took a swing at each of us. I side-stepped the punch and tackled the guy to the pavement, landing on top of him and pinning his arm behind his back. I held him down until the police arrived about five minutes later. Turns out he was a felon with previous theft and burglary charges. He's currently serving an 18-month sentence in prison.

The adrenaline rush during that episode was an experience. I could barely talk for about 30 minutes because my throat was so dry. I had to drink a bunch of water and calm down before I could speak in complete sentences. A couple of days later, I scheduled the CCW class. I also bought a Mossberg 12-gauge security shotgun for the house. After I got my CCW permit, I bought a Glock 23 and a 27, along with a few holsters. I pretty much am either carrying or within 15 feet of a gun most of the time. I also now carry pepper spray and a one-handed opening folding knife (Kershaw or Gerber) or a hideaway knife in a sheath on a chain around my neck at all times.

I've taken both my kids and wife to the range and they've shot everything we own, including the shotgun with 00 buckshot.

I still worry about them every time I read some story about an attempted abduction or home invasion or some other random violent act by some drug user or violent criminal, but I think I'm prepared and protected more than most people.

[cloudbuster]

Defining moment? The summer of 1776. It was really hot out. This guy Tom wrote this awesome document ... all men are created equal ... life, liberty, pursuit of happiness .... good stuff. It made me think.

[C4talyst]

I decided to carry simply because I am a firearms enthusiast living in a state that allows it.

I find a lot of people who decide to carry after encountering some life altering event are not truly prepared to do so. Firstly deciding to CCW because something has happened to you is a reactionary measure. A lot of these people think buying and carrying a gun is the solution to their newly found problem (fear of assault, family safety, death).

These owners are often not "gun" people and furthermore lack the skills and experience needed to safely carry and use a firearm. Many of these types of people think simply showing or pointing their weapong will resolve a deadly situation in the favor. They are sorely mistaken.

If you decide to start carrying a gun because of a negative event you have witnessed and encountered, get the proper training, to include mental preparation for taking another human's life.

[C4talyst]

Originally posted by Jyanna
I just got tired of being scared. So I decided to educate myself in the ways that were available for me to keep myself safe and take ownership of my own life.


If you were living with even a low-level of fear prior to buying/owning/carrying a gun then the firearm itself is likely giving you a false sense of security.

If I were your instructor I would ask you to visualize someone breaking into your house with the intent to harm you. Imagine you are armed and awake and they are about to come through your bedroom door. What are you going to do, how do you feel? Has your heart rate increased just from imagining the scenario? Are you going to be able to point and shoot in an instant or are your hands going to be shaking. Perhaps you are frozen in fear and unable to even reach for your gun.

If any of what I've mentioned applies to you I would recommend a self-defense course, namely Brazilian Ji-Jitsu and/or Muay Thai (Thai Boxing). Aside from being excellent sources of excercise, a small amount of proficiency with any form of martial arts will greatly enhance your overall confidence level.

Having a great deal of self-confidence from knowing you can handle yourself will have a positive affect on your ability to defend yourself with a firearm.

[Falx]

my case maybe kind of special,
after getting my "greencard" i fund out that i now can own guns in the USA so i got some, because i had guns in germany and so why not.
when i learned that i also can get a CPL i did just because i can.

[Jyanna]

Originally posted by C4talyst
If you were living with even a low-level of fear prior to buying/owning/carrying a gun then the firearm itself is likely giving you a false sense of security.

If I were your instructor I would ask you to visualize someone breaking into your house with the intent to harm you. Imagine you are armed and awake and they are about to come through your bedroom door. What are you going to do, how do you feel? Has your heart rate increased just from imagining the scenario? Are you going to be able to point and shoot in an instant or are your hands going to be shaking. Perhaps you are frozen in fear and unable to even reach for your gun.

If any of what I've mentioned applies to you I would recommend a self-defense course, namely Brazilian Ji-Jitsu and/or Muay Thai (Thai Boxing). Aside from being excellent sources of excercise, a small amount of proficiency with any form of martial arts will greatly enhance your overall confidence level.

Having a great deal of self-confidence from knowing you can handle yourself will have a positive affect on your ability to defend yourself with a firearm.



I understand what you are saying. It is not the fact that I own a gun (4 guns) that gives me a sense of security. It is the fact that I know how to use it and I have learned how to defend myself without it. Buying the gun was part of the process, not the solution alone. I am not fearless now, and I doubt I will ever be completely relaxed particularly at night, but my fear is no longer incapacitating to me.

[stooxie]

Originally posted by C4talyst
I decided to carry simply because I am a firearms enthusiast living in a state that allows it.

I find a lot of people who decide to carry after encountering some life altering event are not truly prepared to do so. Firstly deciding to CCW because something has happened to you is a reactionary measure. A lot of these people think buying and carrying a gun is the solution to their newly found problem (fear of assault, family safety, death).

These owners are often not "gun" people and furthermore lack the skills and experience needed to safely carry and use a firearm. Many of these types of people think simply showing or pointing their weapong will resolve a deadly situation in the favor. They are sorely mistaken.

If you decide to start carrying a gun because of a negative event you have witnessed and encountered, get the proper training, to include mental preparation for taking another human's life.

Not sure that is entirely true. Lots of people in this thread had been shooting all their lives but just lacked that "final reason" to carry.

I know people who's wives just won't have it. As they say, they are just one assault away from changing their minds. It's a sad statement about society, especially in ritzy suburban areas. Being able to say to someone who ignorantly questions why do you have a gun "Because I got robbed and it's not going to happen again. Now stfu" is sometimes the necessary factor.

Like it or not, that's reality for a lot of would-be carriers.

-Stooxie

[blueridge]

1) Because I can
2) Virginia Tech
3) Illegal Immigration
4) Get it now before the 2008 election

[C4talyst]

Originally posted by blueridge
1) Because I can
2) Virginia Tech
3) Illegal Immigration
4) Get it now before the 2008 election

VA Tech eh? I'll be there tomorrow for the DMB concert.

[LifterCatcher]

The adrenaline rush during that episode was an experience. I could barely talk for about 30 minutes because my throat was so dry. I had to drink a bunch of water and calm down before I could speak in complete sentences. A couple of days later, I scheduled the CCW class. I also bought a Mossberg 12-gauge security shotgun for the house. After I got my CCW permit, I bought a Glock 23 and a 27, along with a few holsters. I pretty much am either carrying or within 15 feet of a gun most of the time. I also now carry pepper spray and a one-handed opening folding knife (Kershaw or Gerber) or a hideaway knife in a sheath on a chain around my neck at all times.

This makes me smile I love it you went from nothing to an aresonal in about a day. and the ****er only got 18 months what a joke!

Glad you are safe

Chris :thumbsup:

[Beeman]

Originally posted by ArodJohns
Another moment was working at the police department and while at the grocery store in my off hours having a guy come up and try to pick a fight with me because I was the one he gave the money to when he paid his ticket (I was a dispatcher and accepted money for fines for the court).

I used to work at a Police Department in a civilian position. I've run into a few people I've had contact with... A couple years ago I assisted an officer in arresting a man he was fighting with; big dude and the officer was pretty pooped when I stopped to assist. A passing trooper stopped and ended up tazing the nutjob thus ending the fight. Fast forward a couple years and I find out the wackjob lives up the street from me now... I'm glad I have a CHL and carry wherever legal.

[saspic]

I don't have a real dramatic story, but here's how it happened with me:

I work long and late hours at my family's business in a marginal area of town. Not exactly bad, but near a homeless shelter which is the center of activity for a certain demographic.

I'm a real homebody, back then I only went once a week to the store, once a week to a movie, and mainly just between work and home. However, just walking across the street to my car I had lots of little incidents. The most common is a simple request for money (I don't carry cash). But another time a junkie stuck his hand in my closing (!) car door to stop me and give me his story about needing bus money. Not only had he given me the same spiel a couple weeks before, it was four in the morning! No buses. Another time, as I was crossing the street, a carload of stupid young males (tm) starting yelling crap at me from the other side of the intersection. I think they had me confused with someone, I wasn't paying much attention to their diatribe. I kind of hid behind a huge signpole where they couldn't see me. When the light turned green, they just drove past, fortunately.

I never panicked or got scared, but I felt helpless, and angry at myself for being helpless. That actually might have been the impetus for me to start taking Krav Maga (unarmed combat for those that don't know). There were numerous other times when I've gotten the eye from groups of guys, usually two young guys. You know, like they are sizing you up as a potential victim.

In the meantime I had bought a house, bought a gun to protect that house, started hanging out on Glocktalk to learn about the gun, got educated about all manner of ballistic related topics, and finally decided I would make the leap, well, more of a hop by that point, to carry.

You know, the common thread to everyone's story here seems to be a developing awareness of the world as it truly is and our delicate place in it. I don't know if being a human being on the planet Earth is a privilege or a right, but it doesn't take much to ruin our fragile position and everything we've come to cherish. The fortunate amongst us had this awareness ingrained into us from an early age by our parents. The unlucky ones had a sudden, violent awakening. I was lucky to have the chance to develop that awareness on my own time. Reading some of the stories here, I'm really grateful for that.:wavey:

[mike253]

I carry because I won't be a victim. I've known a few people who were assaulted over a few dollars, I've known 2 guys who got murdered, I've had a good friend get murdered, etc.,

Sent off my paperwork the day I turned 21. Carry every day. Never had to use it, no one knows I have it, and I hope to keep it that way.

I'm nobodies hero, but I'm nobodies victim either.

[98_1LE]

I don't feel like typing up the whole story, but basically I was robbed at gunpoint in 1995, including forcing me to my knees and putting a 1911 to the back of my head AFTER I had handed over all the money.

For a couple years after that I have a little victim syndrome, wanting to cap a bad guy. Fortunately I am long over that, but still carry "just in case".

[Razoreye]

Originally posted by 98_1LE
I don't feel like typing up the whole story, but basically I was robbed at gunpoint in 1995, including forcing me to my knees and putting a 1911 to the back of my head AFTER I had handed over all the money.

For a couple years after that I have a little victim syndrome, wanting to cap a bad guy. Fortunately I am long over that, but still carry "just in case". :sad: :hugs:

[Patronus]

Originally posted by 98_1LE
I don't feel like typing up the whole story, but basically I was robbed at gunpoint in 1995, including forcing me to my knees and putting a 1911 to the back of my head AFTER I had handed over all the money.

For a couple years after that I have a little victim syndrome, wanting to cap a bad guy. Fortunately I am long over that, but still carry "just in case".

Glad you're here to talk about it--in mortality, that is.

Maybe in the next few days, or over the next couple of weeks, you could type out the full account of your robbery incident and share it. We'd like to hear the details for education's sake.

[Daddy13]

Well, let me start by saying that this is no way ment to bash/insult the fine men & women in LE. But my move to get a concealed weopons permit stemed from an encounter with 2 young inexperienced police officer.

I was in my early 20's and had a gun in a zippered case in the glove box. Was comming back from a scuba diving trip in the keys when I noticed flshing lights.... pulled over and when prompted for reg, ins, and lic. I told the officer that they were in the glove box along with a gun. The guy freaked! asked me to step out put hands on the hood and called for back up. Dont know what he said but very quickly some other guy showed up and started to tell the other guy that I had committed a felony ( or something like that....it was almost 20 years ago) was about to be cuffed when a sgt showed up. I asked him if I could ask him a question. This seemed to catch off guard ( guess because I was very polite and calm). Asked if it was against the law to have a cased gun in the glove box. he said not as long as it wasn't stolen... ( again details foggy) they checked out the gun and everythig tured out ok. and the sgt then suggested to get the CCW lic because this would avoid things like this from happening. They weren't jerks or nothing like that but other than the SGt. they seemed to be lacking knowledge ( and I mean alot) about how to clear a gun. the second on scence actually went to check the pistol (1911 which had a mag in it but didn't have 1 chambered) and ended up loading a round (never removed the mag) then didn't know how get the slide to stay open.:sad: I thought that he was going to have an AD. Worst part about it they let me go and I never found out why they pulled me over
:shocked:

[JASV.17]

No defining moments. I'm just not interested in being a victim.

[Patronus]

Originally posted by Daddy13
Well, let me start by saying that this is no way ment to bash/insult the fine men & women in LE. But my move to get a concealed weopons permit stemed from an encounter with 2 young inexperienced police officer.

I was in my early 20's and had a gun in a zippered case in the glove box. Was comming back from a scuba diving trip in the keys when I noticed flshing lights.... pulled over and when prompted for reg, ins, and lic. I told the officer that they were in the glove box along with a gun. The guy freaked! asked me to step out put hands on the hood and called for back up. Dont know what he said but very quickly some other guy showed up and started to tell the other guy that I had committed a felony ( or something like that....it was almost 20 years ago) was about to be cuffed when a sgt showed up. I asked him if I could ask him a question. This seemed to catch off guard ( guess because I was very polite and calm). Asked if it was against the law to have a cased gun in the glove box. he said not as long as it wasn't stolen... ( again details foggy) they checked out the gun and everythig tured out ok. and the sgt then suggested to get the CCW lic because this would avoid things like this from happening. They weren't jerks or nothing like that but other than the SGt. they seemed to be lacking knowledge ( and I mean alot) about how to clear a gun. the second on scence actually went to check the pistol (1911 which had a mag in it but didn't have 1 chambered) and ended up loading a round (never removed the mag) then didn't know how get the slide to stay open.:sad: I thought that he was going to have an AD. Worst part about it they let me go and I never found out why they pulled me over
:shocked:

I, too, have all the respect in the world for all LE professionals, and I've never had a negative experience with a "routine stop," and I've been pulled over 3-4 times while armed (registration--oops). All positive experiences, never disarmed, never asked to exit my vehicle, etc.

That said, LEOs are not gods, and none are perfect. I've made it a short-term goal to speak with LEO friends about police protocol, etc, to have a basic understanding of my rights, just so I don't get walked all over by an ignorant LEO. I'd never be the mongrel idiot who gets in an officer's face and give him/her the ol' I-know-my-rights speech, but I'd like to know where to draw the line.

[98_1LE]

Originally posted by Patronus
Glad you're here to talk about it--in mortality, that is.

Maybe in the next few days, or over the next couple of weeks, you could type out the full account of your robbery incident and share it. We'd like to hear the details for education's sake. I am bored, so why not.

I was managing a Dominos Pizza in St. Louis city. Not a real bad neighborhood, but you knew you were in the city. There was a mag lock on the drivers door that secured the store. The front door for customers was locked. Anyway, I am doing food inventory about 11pm. Both drivers were on deliveries, and I was alone. I come around the oven towards the front of the store, and there is a kid, probably about 13 with a pubescent voice, wearing black "parachute" pants and jacket, with a white t-shirt wrapped around his face. But what I really noticed was the 1911 in .45. I did not own any guns at the time, but had grown up around them and knew what it was. Looking down the barrel is intimidating as it appears to be a sewer drain.

He yelled that he wanted the money. I was a few feet away from the front till, which had probably $60 in it. I opened it up and stepped back. He cleaned it out, pointed the gun at me, and wanted more money. I took him into the back office, where a till drawer was on the counter with several hundred in it "pre-counted" to make closing easy. There was a clipboard over the cash, but the coin was exposed. I didn't think about it, and opened the back till drawer where most of the money was at this point (~$800 IIRC, including checks which the little bastard also took).

While he was cleaning the drawer out, I tried to walk out. I was going to run to my car and just leave him there, calling 911 from my cell. He pointed the gun at me again, and made me come back in.

At that point he told me to turn around, which I did. He put his knee into the back of mine and pushed me down to my knees. He put the muzzle right against my head, about where the spine goes into the bottom of the skull. That moment seemed like forever, at which point he jerked, then ran off. To this day I am not sure if he pulled the trigger, but it didn't go off. No idea.

I didn't think to check to see that the hammer was cocked. If down, I could have shove it up his..... You can second guess that forever though, and just have to move on. The police never had a suspect, or contacted me after the initial report.


Two other incidents happened after that. I started carrying a S&W 3913 shortly after the robbery, and until I left Dominos I never went to work without. Anyway one night a scruffy looking big guy comes in with a big green army duffel bag. My phone girl (16 y/o 100#) is going to wait on him, and I am making pizzas around the corner, but in sight if I look over my shoulder. The customer bends down behind the counter where we could not see him for several seconds. Phone girl looks terrified, so I reach down, flip the safety off, and acquire a full grip w/o pulling from the holster. The dude pops up over the counter, pointing his "hand gun" (finger barrel), the starts laughing. Turns out he was mildly retarded, and hungry. I talked to him while his food was cooking, and explained how close he came to getting his brains sprayed all over the wall.


Yet another night I was delivering pizzas, with the 3913 in a shoulder holster under a jacket. Coming back to my car two thugs walking down the street say "hey pizza boy, what you gonna do if we decide to rob you?" As I reach in my jacket, break the thumb break, and flip off the safety I say "whatever the ____ I have to!". I did not remove the gun from under the jacket, and they decided to turn and walk away. Not sure if they knew I was armed, or if me knowing I was made me exude enough confidence that they decided to find something else to do.


Since leaving Dominos in 1998, I have never had a need to reach for a gun.

[Patronus]

Originally posted by 98_1LE
I am bored, so why not.

Since leaving Dominos in 1998, I have never had a need to reach for a gun.

I'm glad you were bored and decided to type it out. Thanks for sharing. :thumbsup:

I delivered for a pizza chain while going to college. It payed well and I delivered in a relatively safe bedroom community, but still...if I could turn back time, I would've CCWed.

[Razoreye]

Interesting. I'd most likely carry at a pizza joint. Especially the one near the ghettos. ;)

[Fraggle09027]

Defining moment:

In 1999 I had seven Hispanics (I'm sure they were just hard working family oriented people looking for work) kick in my back door and proceed to rob my home with me, girl friend, and one other friend IN THE HOUSE.

I purchased a S&W shortly after. Then I wised up and bought my Glock a year ago and joined the site.

With my wife and child now with me I feel every home owner should own at least one firearm of any kind.

[ecmills]

I turned 21.

[Donkey]

i had just got stationed in Montgomery AL, first day me and my wife moved in our new apartment someone came in and stole my wallet off the kitchen counter while me and my wife were in the bed room. constant shootings all over the city, city police or sheriffs making vists once or twice a day to my complex every day. and i live in the "nice" part of montgomery.

[SSG]

Talk to cops, the only real, uninterpreted way to carry a gun in your car, going to the range, ect, is to have a CCW. Forget what you heard, in a paper bag, in the trunk unloaded, on the dash, exposed on your hip...

Walk down the street with a gun on your hip, except in some podunk town in AZ and the cops will show up, at gunpoint.

A CCW allows you to carry and not be branded someone who is concealing a gun illegaly, it's $50 worth of insurance.

I never carry a gun, but I drive to the range, gun stores afterworld with the gun in a bag, in my car, that's considered concealed by many.

IMHO, having a CCW for all practical purposes is the only way to transport a gun without any issues.

If I need to have a gun where I live, then it's time to move, not safe for me, or family. If I need it for work, then I made that decision to carry.

If you get into a shooting, then having a CCW means you were atleast checked out, and you went through a class, that means you have some reasonable sense of training and that your somewhat upstanding, that helps you.

[Fraggle09027]

Originally posted by SSG
If I need to have a gun where I live, then it's time to move, not safe for me, or family.

No violent crime where you live or no chance of it!! WOW
Where do you live so I can move.

[iainmcphersn]

I turned 21. I had been waiting for years at that point.

[SSG]

Oregon - Pacific NW.

Plenty of poeple carry up here, almost a given, but I still haven't heard of a mugging, car jacking, ...a few home invasions, but they were druggies on druggies....

Low crime. Hey if you want to live in a high crime place, your choice, don't ***** about it.

[Patronus]

Originally posted by SSG


I never carry a gun

Why not? Not a challenge, just a question.

[SSG]

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...

[Lior]

SSG, welcome to GlockTalk.

[Fraggle09027]

Originally posted by SSG
Oregon - Pacific NW.

Plenty of poeple carry up here, almost a given, but I still haven't heard of a mugging, car jacking, ...a few home invasions, but they were druggies on druggies....

Low crime. Hey if you want to live in a high crime place, your choice, don't ***** about it.

I moved from Allentown, Pa to N.E. Pa to get away from the "city" life. Since I moved I found there is crime no matter where you go.

This weekend where I live.

http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070910/NEWS/70910018

I'll continue to carry.

[Fraggle09027]

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

Agreed, but when you at your last resort where will you gun be?

[GlockandLoad]

Better to have a gun and not need it than need a gun and not have it. And that's my motto about carrying a gun. I figure, as a civilian, I am also a member of the N. Texas miltia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Militia).

Also see the Second Amendment.

And keep in mind, not only are we given the ability to protect ourselves from the BG's, the second amendment is also there for civilians to protect ourselves against our own government and LE agencies. :thumbsup:

[rebelpride302]

I live in a small town in NC with a low crime rate, but I also realize that crime has no boundaries. The BGs dont care how nice my community is or how comftorable I feel about where I live. I see in the news everyday and hear from my friends and family about the increasing violence all around the country and I feel that it is my resonsibility to protect my friends, family and loved ones.

I grew up in a very pro gun family and have always had a huge intrest in firearms and hunting. I guess the defining moment actually took took place over 3 years of getting to know a lady that a have became very good friends with. Long story short she was beatin and abused by a former boyfriend many years ago and even raped in a parking lot in broad daylight. Since meeting her and learning her story and hearing just a fraction of some of the horrible things that have happined to her I decided I wanted to be prepaired to defend myself and my loved ones. That, along with my love for firearms and the right to keep and bear arms is the reason I carry.

[r3dot]

I'm not of legal age to obtain a CCL, but I have made the decision that I will get one as soon as I'm 21.

I've had far too many altercations where I was left helpless.

When I was a kid, there was a teen in the neighborhood that was constantly in trouble with the police. At 14, he was driving his moms car around the neighborhood, even ran it through someones fence on purpose.
The kid was mentally ill (psychotic if anything) and it was his goal to antagonize people.

Needless to say, he pulled a knife on me when I challenged him for stealing a bike. I backed off because I knew he would use it.

If there are people that are like this as kids, I can only imagine what they'll be like when they're of age (if they aren't in prison).

In the most recent years, I've had a hispanic male charge me for no apparent reason with a pocket knife; I was simply jogging on the school field.

This last month I had two guys in a POS, ratty old car (B/M & a W/M) following me, honking their horn, cursing out their window and trying to pass me on a neighborhood road.

I'm not one to put up with crap, so I stopped, putting myself at risk, and challenged them to do what they wanted to do. His tone quickly changed into a cowardly "Oh, sorry man, we thought you were someone else."
They quickly sped through a stop sign as I called the police -- There just happened to be an officer patrolling the neighborhood and they were arrested for drugs/drug paraphernalia right down the road.

Not to mention every time I stop at the store after dark I feel vulnerable to groups of non-English speaking hispanics 'scoping' me out. (After all, I am in Texas)

In conclusion, I've been lucky enough to not have anything happen that I couldn't work my way out of. But I will not be a victim when somebody with belligerent intentions comes at me with a weapon.
For now, I'll have my petty can of Fox Labs, and may challenge the new law that allows me, a minor, to carry a firearm in my car.

[Patronus]

Originally posted by r3dot

If there are people that are like this as kids, I can only imagine what they'll be like when they're of age (if they aren't in prison)

Thanks for posting, r3dot. Here's to age 21. It sounds like you've had a few run-ins but have been lucky/smart enough to avoid making things worse. Armed or not, you're just trying to make it home at night. Good on you for making that happen many times over. Best of luck leading up to your 21st birthday.

As for the crazy criminals, I'd hope they're in prison, but that's a false hope--they aren't. Sure, violent criminals do some minimal jail/prison time, where they're truly educated in criminal tactics and have little else to do than lift weights and "talk shop" in their free time. But then they're released on "good behavior," and they're back on the street to engage in more mayhem.

So I'd add that another defining moment for me was when I learned about the revolving-door policies we currently have in the Dept. of Corrections throughout the nation.

"I work in Corrections. I know evil, and evil people are released into society every Tuesday."
-- Paraphrased from a Packing.org member a few years back

[LifterCatcher]

To the Top just found this brining it back from the dead!

[acpd442]

Because it's my right to do so. Rights are like muscles, You don't use them then you'll lose them! As a LEO I don't need a CHL but as a citizen I have exercised my right to get one. I am also in the process of getting my non-resident CCW's from Utah, Florida, and Pennsylvania.

[Daryl in Az]

I grew up with firearms. I had my first shotgun when I was 9 years old, and bought my first .22 LR when I was 12 (parents with me, of course). I got my first centerfire rifle when I was 10 I think, and started loading my own ammo accordingly (with strict instructions from my father). I got my first handgun when I was about 16, although I'd been shooting my father's before that.

I carried openly, and also in my truck, from the time I was a teen. So, when Arizona became a shall-issue state, it was only natural to also get a CCW permit.

It was no earth shattering decision on my part, for sure!

Daryl

[GreenDrake]

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

[kurt_cobain]

I don't think there was "one" defining moment for me, but there were a number of factors. My buddy has one and we shoot together a lot. There are also a number of "killer dogs" in our neighborhood and I have kids; also there have been stories of coyotoes and such. And of course, personal proection and I'd be amiss if I didn't say that one factor was the school shooting recently, although I'm not in school, stuff like that is a factor.

[Lewsid 13]

Because Minnesota went "Shall Issue", and I live in the hood!

[lindh]

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

That about sums it up for me. I live in Nebraska, a very right-wing State but where it's illegal to conceal carry in many towns. In fact, the further to the right- the more restrictive the laws. So much for the "liberal" aspect of anti-gun. Here, it's a matter of economics - "spend your money here, it's safe because we don't allow concealed carry".

[Braden]

Fortunately I have no "defining moment" that made me decide to start carrying a gun. Truthfully, the thought had never really occurred to me until 2001 when I had the opportunity to take a free CHL course. Since it was free, I figured I might as well. So I did.

When I took my class the only handgun I owned was a Ruger P90. Needless to say it wasn't very concealable so I never carried. It wasn't until late 2001 when I bought a Taurus PT145 that I started actually carrying. By the way, that gun was promptly traded for my first Glock...the G30.

Now I pretty much carry all the time. There has only been one instance where I thought I MIGHT have to draw my gun. Fortunately I did not...and I hope it stays that way.

[LifterCatcher]

Good reads Keep them comming

[Evenflo76]

I got through the first 100 posts before skipping to post my own. I would first like to those of you that have been victims " Glad your here to tell your stories

I have always known I would get a permit and carry. As of this post. My Permit is still in the mail. I am 31 years of age. IMO I waited too long.

I grew up just outside NYC. My fathers business, which he owned 'till I was 25, and worked with for over 7 years, took me to some of the worst areas in that city. I have also seen enough atrocities around me to convince myself a permit, and the ability to carry was certainly in order.

Having lived in NY and Miami proper, I never ordered a permit. In NY the comom Knowledge is that you don't get a CCW unless you own a business, have been attacked or have political connections. In FL, until now, I was just lazy about it. For the record, I grew up in Nassau County NY. This is Chuck Shumers backyard, as well as, Carolyn McArthy. I remember when her Husband and Son were brutally murdered. I have been present too many times in a life threatening situation. I know I am lucky to be alive. Gun Control Laws do nothing to stop a criminal from harming the innocent.

The upcoming election and threat of a new AWB is what has prompted me to "Man UP" and procure a good stash of firearms and be prepared.

Having been raised in a conservative household has imbedded the RKBA in me for life. This is something I will share with my children. Personal Rights and Responsobilities are extremely important to me. My father served in Vietnam. He has not held a firearm since.

Really I just want to let you GT's know that I thank you for your commitment to your beliefs. We bear a heavy cross, and I wish you and your families unending peace.

PS. WHen can we get *****EDITED FOR POSTING VIOLATION*****spell check on this forum?

[Moonfish]

Finding myself (a Texan) in southeast Oklahoma unarmed... and hearing banjo music. :shocked: The only alternative was to hand out 1-800-FREEDENTALWORK cards and hope for the best...

[FLGUY]

Because I live in Florida. Enough said. :alex:

[mabar]

PS. WHen can we get *****EDITED FOR POSTING VIOLATION*****spell check on this forum?

Switch over to Mozilla Firefox. It has a built-in spell checker.

http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

Tom

[LifterCatcher]

Because I live in Florida. Enough said. :alex:

I hear that born and raised in Homestead Fl. Place is nuts so glad I got out. :shocked:

[bcvojak]

Born in Chicago IL. Bought a couple handguns when I turned 21. Then Jane Byrne became mayor and banned the sales of all new handguns. Mine were grandfathered under the law.

Move out of Chicago.

3 years later mover to Colorado. Bought more guns and high capacity magazines as soon as a certain person became President. HINT: "It depends on what the meaning of the words 'is' is.". CO was a fairly gun friendly State, but no CCW was available at that time.

13 years later moved to WA State. Got a new DL, a new voters card, and a CCW.

What REALLY ticked me off about Chicago was that I had a IL State "Blue Card" (armed security officer) and a carry permit. I could buy, and carry, and use a gun while working a job to protect some store from being robbed, but couldn't buy, and carry, and use a gun to protect myself at home, or during non-working hours. The carry permit was only good for 1hr before/after work when commuting.

[mike1969]

"The barrel of the glock was pressed against the glass."


not a good idea IMHO

Yours would have been close to the window if you had been in that same situation. If that thugs wants my truck he can have it. But when he comes up to the door and I have a chance to defend myself I will.

[ComeAndGetThem]

Ate lunch at Luby's in Killeen, TX 24 hours prior to the then worst mass murder in U.S. history.

[sheriff733]

I got interested in it when:

I realized that I live in the greatest nation on the face of the earth that gives me the right to keep and bear arms and SWEARS that cannot ever be taken away.

Nuff' said.

:fallenofficer:

[Bren]

Everybody in my family carried guns when I was growing up (I currently carry my grandmother's old chief special sometimes) and my father always carried a gun, usually in the open. When I turned 21 I got my first police job and bought my first handgun and have been carrying ever since. In Kentucky you could always carry in the open or in your glove compartment and a year after I quit my last police job to go to school, KY passed CCW.

[FLGUY]

I hear that born and raised in Homestead Fl. Place is nuts so glad I got out. :shocked:

Good for you. I went in the other direction. Moved down from NJ to escape the cold among other things there. It's getting really bad here in FL. I won't go back to NJ cuz it's impossible to get a CCW. Eight more years till retirement then I'm OUTTA HERE! :wavey:

[omega48038]

When Michigan changed the law and became a shall issue state, I figured I'd get one just because I could. We were one of the earlier states to change, and I kept thinking they might repeal the law.

Just the opposite happened, Michigan gun laws keep getting more favorable. We were one of the first to adopt the "Castle Doctrine" and to ban civil suits in justifiable self defense shootings. Now there's talk of easing restrictions on where you can legally carry.

I guess they figure with Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids and Benton Harbor in our state, they might as well give the law abiding a fair chance.

[Elliott]

I watched a swat team take down my next door neighbors house. Turns out he was MS13 and a real scum bag. His 22yr old son stood at the front door and made racial comments about all the white guys being p@##@s and he made various threats as well.
I began carrying soon after.

[Mingus Jim]

I decided I'd carry a weapon when I knew I was moving from the People's Republik of Illinois to Arizona. I bought my G19 back in IL, and took my CCW course not long after I moved here. Like the old American Express motto goes: "Don't leave home without it." :cool::cool:

I see no reason not to carry, just as I don't see any reason not to have auto or homeowners insurance.

[happyguy]

5. A gentleman should always carry a loaded gun.


6. Same goes for a lady.

Regards,
Happyguy :)

[Uzi4U]

I witnessed a murder in 1975, three blocks from a police station. To make a very long story short, if CCW had been legal at that time, I, or someone else, may have prevented it.

[Guod]

Probably me defining moment was seeing a murder in the street, and just how fast things can happen. I was not of age at that point to own a gun, but it stuck with me for, well, to this day. It was nothing I could have prevented given my position to the shooting even if I had a gun it all happened so fast, plus there was no CCW at the time, but it was a reminder that you always need to be prepared.

Even after I came of age, I didn't own a gun for many years as a bachelor. My defining moment was when I started seriously dating and realized I now bore some responsibility for another person, that is when I purchased my first gun.

[GLOCKBOZO]

I was in a gun store with my Dad , buying my first CCW gun, an S&W 36. 2 guys came in, one wearing a heavy army jacket, drinking a beer.They circled the store, coming right up to me looking at my gun, then they left. I left with my father, not saying a word. When we got in the car, he said "I thought they were going to rob the store". I knew it wasn't all in my mind. The thought of how helpless you are without a gun was obvious to me. I carry whenever I can.

[xlntech]

Oregon - Pacific NW.

Plenty of poeple carry up here, almost a given, but I still haven't heard of a mugging, car jacking, ...a few home invasions, but they were druggies on druggies....

Low crime. Hey if you want to live in a high crime place, your choice, don't ***** about it.

Low crime ? Have you seen Oregon Crime Rates ?

2006: 6403 agravated assaults, 1195 forcible rapes, 86 murders, 10373 violent crimes and the list goes on and on ...

Here's the link:

http://www.disastercenter.com/crime/orcrime.htm

[Renny]

Has your heart rate increased just from imagining the scenario?

Yeah. I'm afraid I'll botch it and have this terrible shot grouping when the local PD arrives and I'll be embarrassed.

Are you going to be able to point and shoot in an instant or are your hands going to be shaking.


Of course my hands will be shaking. That's why I have a 30-rd magazine, night sights, solid cover for support, and a bottle of mineral water. Can