[PhotoFeller]

Good post, fastbolt. Just your thoughts, but they're good ones.

[garya1961]

Originally Posted by PhotoFeller

The above statements demonstrate your inability, or unwillingness, to understand the position I've tried to explain as my approach to risk evaluation. But thats ok, because your understanding, or lack thereof, matters not to me. I'm just participating in a friendly discussion about the OP's query.

I fully realize that some folks face real danger every day from people who may do them harm. If I was a prosecuting attorney, a law enforcement officer or a judge, I would carry all the time. If I had a relative, a neighbor, a drug dealer or anybody who was making threats or was clearly after my hide, I'd always want a gun within reach. If I lived in or near a moderate or high-crime area, carrying all the time would be necessary. Living in a rural area, far from law enforcement, might be good reason, too.

Many people who don't face discernible risks similar to the above carry all the time anyway because of other motivators. I'm thinkin' some do it in order to feel powerful. Some may do it because it fulfills some missing aspect of their identity or it boosts their self image. Others do it to demonstrate their commitment to protect loved ones, even though it isn't necessary. Some simply love guns while others want to project a 'bad ass' image. Obviously there are many other reasons not justified by real danger (risk), including a robust imagination.

While many people play the self-defense game based on imperceptible risk, they ignore real, deadly risks to themselves and loved ones presented in everyday life. Consider the following:

1. Use of tobacco in all forms.
2. Excessive consumption of alcohol.
3. Being overweight.
4. Texting and sending/receiving calls while operating a vehicle.
5. Driving after consuming alcohol.
6. Operating a motorcycle.
7. Not getting periodic physical examinations.
8. Not getting colonoscopies as recommended.
9. Ignoring signs of health issues.
10. Not monitoring blood pressure.

Each high risk behavior in this short list is far more likely to kill than an assault in the streets or in one's home. Yet many among us ignore them while fixating every day over self defense weapons and tactics.

I'm just offering my humble opinion to stand along side glock2740's scholarly (or is it sarcastic?) point of view. As you can see, his view of the world is a bit different than mine.

I didn't know criminals were so particular about the victims they picked. I guess you didn't hear about the Dr. in the upscale neighborhood who's wife and daughter were raped and burned alive in their house. You don't have to have enemies to be a victim.
BTW I don't drink, smoke, ride a motorcycle or think I'm a"bad ass". That doesn't mean I will live forever though,life is dangerous.We all face death one day I'm just trying to put that day off for as long as I can and I believe carrying a gun is one way to do that.

[Warp]

Originally Posted by garya1961

I didn't know criminals were so particular about the victims they picked. I guess you didn't hear about the Dr. in the upscale neighborhood who's wife and daughter were raped and burned alive in their house. You don't have to have enemies to be a victim.

But that kind of thing just doesn't happen there.

Exactly what was said by a neighbor afterwards. Even after it has happened...still telling themselves it doesn't.

[banjobob]

I don't EDC, I also only turn my smoke detectors on when I'm expecting a fire.

[PhotoFeller]

Sorry. Decided not to continue the debate.

[Warp]

Originally Posted by PhotoFeller

1. I could get hit by a meteor fragment or an airplane part falling from the sky. That doesn't cause me to wear a helmet before I step out of the house.

I stopped reading here.

[harrygunner]

When I walk to the park, I leave my wallet, money and watch at home. Won't be needing those.

Before attending a meeting, keep on my watch, but leave my wallet, money clip and pocket change in the car.

When I go to the store, I leave the watch at home and bring the wallet and pocket money.


If I really did these things, most here would consider that quite odd.

Most people don't "take a watch to the store." They go to the store while happening to have a watch on.

Anytime one asks "Why take a gun to the ...", could be thinking backward.

One goes places and lives ones life. The things they carry go with them.

When I wake up, I get dressed, make sure I have my "stuff" and live my life, not really focusing on a need to "take a gun to ...".

[PhotoFeller]

Decided not to continue the debate.

[Warp]

Originally Posted by PhotoFeller

For most people, the risk of attack is about the same as being hit by a meteor.

Fantasy land.

You live in it

[Glock40man]

Originally Posted by bac1023

I believe you carry everyday or don't bother carrying at all.

Unless I'm somewhere where it's illegal, I carry.

Originally Posted by CajunBass

Pretty well sums it up.

Yes, it does.

[PhotoFeller]

Just decided to eliminate this post.

[silversport]

Originally Posted by fastbolt

I almost didn't post in this thread because I dislike the use of the phrase "true believer" as applied to lawfully carrying a handgun as a dedicated defensive weapon in a civilian environment. I simply think it sounds weird, and is probably likely to be taken out of context by other folks, especially those who are anxious to find fault in people being able to lawfully carry weapons in public.

I've carried a badge for 30 years. As a young cop I carried everywhere. Big handguns, too. As time passed, and the newness wore off, I found there were times, situations and circumstances in which it was either not practical, or often not appropriate, to be armed on my own time. (No, I'm not going to give examples. It ought to be easy enough to figure out.)

Nowadays I still carry a retirement weapon more often than not. Just depends. If I had to put a "number" to it, I'd say probably 90+% ... over the course of a year. That doesn't mean there might not be a few consecutive days when I'm not carrying a concealed handgun.

That also doesn't mean I'm "defenseless", either.

I'm familiar with all the debates and arguments. I've gone to listen to John Grossman a couple of times, too. I understand his subject matter and thoughts.

I've been a LE firearms instructor for more than 20 years.

I've spoken with a few hundred CCW licensees over the years. (Yes, we have them in CA.) I've seldom met one who claimed to carry their weapon(s) a majority of the time.

As a LE firearms instructor I've known my fair share of cops who chose not to be armed on their own time. I remember Grossman stating he's seen statistics indicating that maybe almost 20% of active/off-duty cops carry weapons. Maybe so.

I remember attending a class on LEOKA (law enforcement officers killed & assaulted), and when the attending students were asked if they were armed, approx 60% of the hands were raised (out of maybe 200 attendees). I'll leave it to others to try and attribute any irony to that number, considering the subject of the class.

I don't let restrictions against being armed (I'm thinking under LEOSA, when visiting out-of-state) prevent me from going places (unarmed) I want to go to enjoy activities I enjoy doing, just because I can't carry my weapon. Hey, I enjoy visiting pubs, breweries, scotch bars and wineries in new places.

Life's too short to deny myself some of the activities and pleasures to be found, even if it means carrying a handgun as a CCW weapon isn't lawful, practical or convenient. (Yes, I'm familiar with the use of the words "comforting" & "comfortable" as used in the civilian training world, and I've developed my own thoughts on the matter.)

Besides having been in LE for 30 years, I've also pursued the martial arts for 41 years (last month), so it's not like I haven't grasped some basic understanding of how violence could occur.

I get to choose for myself (within the laws).

I don't lecture other folks about how they ought to feel, though. Not my business (unless they ended up violating some local law, of course).

Just my thoughts.

very well said...as I would have expected from fastbolt...thanks!

Bill

[IvanVic]

I carry everywhere except work.


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[ashecht]

Originally Posted by bac1023

I believe you carry everyday or don't bother carrying at all.

Unless I'm somewhere where it's illegal, I carry.

another vote for this. Always check to see where its legal and where its not.

I always used to carry in the movies, but after reading the law again for NC, it says illegal anywhere admission is charged. Not sure if I could argue I am not paying for admission, but rather to see a film, but I doubt its worth the hassle if my shirt rode up for some reason and somebody panicked, so I have to add the movies to the list of no carry places.

[TxDoubleAgent]

"I'm a believer, Couldn't leave her if I tried."

[silversport]

Originally Posted by TxDoubleAgent

"I'm a believer, Couldn't leave her if I tried."

thanks Mickey...
Bill

[Louisville Glocker]

I'm in the carry where it is legal camp. There are exceptions. For example, I'm not carrying when I'm coaching soccer games (too much running, and I have a gun nearby in the car as a backup plan). Likewise, I don't carry when I'm at the local batting cage taking batting practice (it would mess up my swing more than I'm willing to sacrifice), but again, it is very very close in the car.

Also, I don't carry when taking out the trash. I live in an extremely safe neighborhood. That is one of the primary reasons I live here (it sure isn't for all of the hippies and liberals around here). But for the LEO's in my town, this isn't a tough beat. You've got some drunks to deal with (about 6 blocks away on the main drag), and some teenage vandalism, and that's about it. Break-ins are surprisingly rare. Violent crime is practically non-existent. If, and that is a big if, I encountered something just outside my house, I am prepared for hand-to-hand combat. There is a reason my favorite martial arts instructor is a former Navy SEAL, and he teaches us as many techniques and tricks as we can absorb into our brains - then we practice to create muscle memory. And we work out. Yeah, so just because I don't have a gun on me doesn't mean I don't have several deadly weapons. Hands, feet, elbows, etc.....I'm ALWAYS carrying those...

[Lior]

Nah, I'm an infidel. I do occasionally venture out of the front door unarmed. However, I make up for it by sometimes carrying two full size guns.

YMMV.

[Clutch Cargo]

My belts are kept in the same drawer as my holsters. I carry.

[uptomyneck]

I carry from when I get up in the morning until I go to bed. I carry when I get the mail, go to church, watch TV and every time I go somewhere whether it's a prohibited place or not. When it comes to my safety, I don't care what a corrupt politician says I can or can't do.

[wjv]

I carry very little, but more than I use to.

I carry a LOT more at home than I use to. One advantage there is that we live on a private road, solely owned by us and our 15 neighbors. Since our entire sub-division is in essence private property, I don't even bother carrying my permit when I'm just around the neighborhood.

The major problem I have with carrying a lot is that we live right on the WA/OR border and I'm in Oregon many times per week. . Since i don't have an Oregon permit it becomes a PITA to carry.

One of my neighbors wants to take the Oregon CCW class so I'll probably take it with him and get my non-resident permit so I can legally carry in OR. Once that happens, I'll be carrying a lot more.