Concealed Carry...how often and where?

[Jess from VA]

Bullet proof vest are heavy and uncomfortable.

i beg to differ. Mine is fairly light and comfortable. I like wearing it.

Mine could only be called fairly light and comfortable if I was prone and sleeping in it.

[Serk]

South Africa is a Socialist country ?

Democratic Socialism...

[MP]

I guess I'm irresponsible, along with the overwhelming majority of Canadians.

I was going to say well, that's your choice...

...but in this case, I guess it's not your choice, is it?

We, the collective, made the choice.  

And here, WE get to make INDIVIDUAL choices, called Rights.  Although ours are being squeezed down day by day.  We decided on individual rights.  You decided on collective rights.  To each their own. I prefer mine.  I am glad you prefer yours. Makes us both happy!

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

I carry everywhere it's legal including at home and try to avoid going anywhere it's not. I have changed to a laser equipped P3AT for most hot weather carry and I've started carrying a spare mag. Usually carry a nine when it's colder.

The big change for me was finding a meth head casing my barn on a 100 degree day when I was push mowing. I wasn't carrying because I didn't want the sweat on my pistol. That was several years ago, the guy had just got out of prison and had arms the size of my head. I managed to exude an "armed demeanor" for lack of a better term, or maybe I just got lucky but I startled his name out of him before sending him on his way.

Went in and looked him up on the net, convicted sex offender. Did some more investigating and found he was a lifetime crook who had spent most of his life behind bars. I always carry now. Figure I'm not likely to get that lucky again. Now that I own a gunsmith shop, I'm even more diligent about it.

[Varmintmist]

While on this subject....You ever wonder why your "Drivers' License" is equally good, valid, and recognized in every state; yet your "Concealed Carry License" is not?? That is one of the things that I hope changes in the next six months!! Makes perfect sense to me!!!

Because not all states require a permit to exercise the right to carry (NH), and some of those that do (PA for one) are true "shall issue" states. Other states have a problem with that because they have added money making schemes and hoops to jump through to their permit process and wont recognize those states that understand the word "shall".

[Chrisj CMA]

There is frequently opinions by those from other countries that  Americans have a sick obsession with guns.

It comes down to freedom.

So many Americans can't even tell you what freedom is.  It's not being able to do WHATEVER you want (sadly that is a popular opinion)

Freedom is simply not having to obey the whims of a master.  Even though the Federal government tries to be our master, they actually work for us.  They are trying their best to change that. 

Truly free men are armed men!   See, true freedom isn't natural, or free.  It must be fought for, won and maintained. 

Another sad point is how few understand this and would be willing to fight.

A side benefit to being an armed society is the ability to better defend ones self from things such as robbery and home invasion.  There are less of these crimes because so many are armed.  Take away all guns and watch robbery skyrocket (ask an Aussie)

Non Americans, especially those experiencing some form of socialism cannot understand American freedom. 

Real freedom is worth fighting for!

[Pappy!]

Question: if Americans are so fearful of being killed by a weapon, why aren't there just as many armoured vests being worn as sidearms?

Because I am getting a bit older and my knees are not what they used to be. Can only play "Ricochet Rabbit" for a short time. Rather play Elmer Fudd.

Oh and as far as being killed by your BF or husband? There is a ton more chance of being killled by a doctor in the states than by either one you mentioned. ...... jus' sayin'

[therapist]

What is the problem with that question?

If you didn't have it, are you pursuing the permit now?

This^^^^^^

[Roidfingers]

I have one of these posted at front and back door. Let's just say. They best not try me. 

[Pete]

For most carrying a  firearm is NOT about shooting someone.

It is civic responsibility to help ensure an orderly civilized society.
It is a responsibility of citizenship in a free society.

It is about helping those who may not be able to help themselves.

It is about having the proper tool for the proper response, much like carrying a wrench in case of a flat.

It is a smart and reasonable response to a world that has risk.

It is about honoring a commitment of protection to family and loved ones.

Some may not agree, in a free society that is your choice.
But if you choose no, do not expect others to do the same.

[0leman]

Living in a small community in Oregon, not liberal side, I haven't felt the need to carry. Even riding in our rural areas. I haven't had any issues nor do I expect to.  Since we are in a depressed area, it is keeping the troublesome young CA folks out of our area, just the retired types with lots of money slip over the border.

That's not to say there is "possibility" that there "might be" a firearm in a rather easily reached spot should an unwanted person come in.    AND yes I will shoot till the gun is empty or that individual quits moving.

[Romeo]

Never have. And at my age, probably never will. Don't get me wrong, I'm a staunch second amedmant advocate. I live 30 miles from Detroit and travel to and through the city occasionally to frequently.
I wont say I've always felt safe there, but I dont feel afraid, either.

[Chrisj CMA]

Never mind the dog!

[solo1]

When we carry we better be aware of the legal system and how it worksin different parts of the country.

You better know the terms "' disparity of force", "brandishing", "assault with a deadly weapon", etc.
We all talk about what we will do, and with what, but we better damn well know what  happens in the legal sense after the fact.

I enrolled last year in a "Armed Citizen" Defense organization and have been studying their DVD's   This 'league' has people like Maas Ayoob on their board, along with attorneys so it's not some rinky dink liberal organization.  It points out the responsibility that we, the gun owners have.  Knowledge about the Law has sure made me think about my actions.  By keeping informed, i, hopefully, can keep out of trouble.  This 'league' also will help with legal fees in a righteous action, paid by a fund that the members contribute to.
I won't mention it because I'm not 'pushing' it.

Now, more than ever, I stay with my opinion not to open carry.    Open carry, legal in Indiana, is real close to "brandishing' IMHO and that is expensive to fight!  I'm also becoming careful about what I post on the internet, it stays there and could come back in a court proceedings.

Just my 2 cents, and I still cc.

[Gavin_Sons]

When we carry we better be aware of the legal system and how it worksin different parts of the country.

You better know the terms "' disparity of force", "brandishing", "assault with a deadly weapon", etc.
We all talk about what we will do, and with what, but we better damn well know what  happens in the legal sense after the fact.

I enrolled last year in a "Armed Citizen" Defense organization and have been studying their DVD's   This 'league' has people like Maas Ayoob on their board, along with attorneys so it's not some rinky dink liberal organization.  It points out the responsibility that we, the gun owners have.  Knowledge about the Law has sure made me think about my actions.  By keeping informed, i, hopefully, can keep out of trouble.  This 'league' also will help with legal fees in a righteous action, paid by a fund that the members contribute to.
I won't mention it because I'm not 'pushing' it.

Now, more than ever, I stay with my opinion not to open carry.    Open carry, legal in Indiana, is real close to "brandishing' IMHO and that is expensive to fight!

Just my 2 cents, and I still cc.

Wayne, if open carry is brandishing a firearm then every officer that has had the pleasure of pulling me over has brandished his weapon at me. Brandishing a weapon is to point or hold in such a manner that it induces fear in the mind of another. So just seeing it on someone is nowhere near brandishing, it has to be held and pointed. I do cc 99% of the time, the other 1% is open when I'm  hunting and use a tactical thigh holster.

[solo1]

I said "close to brandishing"   and I stick to my opinion.  You get some low life that calls 911 FIRST to report you 'brandishing',  then it's harder to explain and you're suspect. Also, keep in mind the definition varies from state to state.   I do not like open carry, on the street,  in any circumstances for a civilian and I won't do it! However, I believe that Indiana  still requires open carry a pistol when hunting.  Am i right?

I appreciate your thoughts though.

Wayne

[Gavin_Sons]

I said "close to brandishing"   and I stick to my opinion.  You get some low life that calls 911 FIRST to report you 'brandishing',  then it's harder to explain and you're suspect. Also, keep in mind the definition varies from state to state.   I do not like open carry, on the street,  in any circumstances for a civilian and I won't do it! However, I believe that Indiana  still requires open carry a pistol when hunting.  Am i right?

I appreciate your thoughts though.

Wayne

No permit is required for carrying a hand gun while hunting in indiana but has to be carried open. I have a permit so I can carry concealed  while hunting

[solo1]

   Sounds reasonable.

If the deer don't see a handgun, they'll feel they're safe.

Jes kidd'in'   When I quite hunting because of age, my last deer was an eight point in NE Indiana. An old model Super Blackhawk , 210 gr at 1500fps, hand load.  Dropped immediately.  Shot off hand,open sights, at 42 paced yards. Good way to end my hunting.

I just came back from the range.  Five .40 cal rounds  6 inches at 25 yards.  Not good but also not bad for an 88 year old geezer.

[therapist]

Thanks for all the responses. I've just been torn lately. I keep a gun in the car but have only carried on my person when visiting high crime areas (Detroit, Flint, Lansing). I live in a small town/low crime area and it just feels weird to carry locally.

Agree with Solo, not a fan of open carry, although legal in my state. I saw how difficult, having people walking around with a visible gun, can make the policeman's job (Texas).

[Serk]

Thanks for all the responses. I've just been torn lately. I keep a gun in the car but have only carried on my person when visiting high crime areas (Detroit, Flint, Lansing). I live in a small town/low crime area and it just feels weird to carry locally.

I look at that quandary this way - I don't just wear a helmet when I'm riding a twisty road, I wear it on the way to and from the higher risk bit of road as well, as ya' never know when it's gonna be "your turn".

Same with seatbelts in the car.

I used to only carry when I was outside of the house but about 2 years ago I switched carry methods and decided to carry around the house while adjusting to the new method to get used to it. While doing so there was an incident a few blocks over from me where people had their door kicked in and the whole family was held at knife point while they were being robbed. (And I live in a nice "safe" neighborhood). After that, I decided to just carry always, even at home.

[fudgie]

Thanks for all the responses. I've just been torn lately. I keep a gun in the car but have only carried on my person when visiting high crime areas (Detroit, Flint, Lansing). I live in a small town/low crime area and it just feels weird to carry locally.

Agree with Solo, not a fan of open carry, although legal in my state. I saw how difficult, having people walking around with a visible gun, can make the policeman's job (Texas).

I also live in a small town. 20,000 in city. Looking at it, the town is safe. Now working in it, no its not. I see stuff the ordinary folks don't see.

[Crackerborn]

Ruger SR9C for everyday carry with 17 in the magazine, and one in the pipe at all times. A spare magazine is always close by just in case I develop a desire to be attacked by a large crowd. When in bad areas, I will carry a 2011 in 10 mm as semi-concealed.  Sometimes the fact that they know you are not an easy victim is all it takes and that gun definitely imprints through a shirt. I have my states version of concealed carry but would carry in bad areas long before the law was passed.  At least twice, that I am aware of, the realization by others that this lilly white boy was armed stopped further aggression (and possible bodily harm to me).

[Farside]

I started CC daily (illegally) the day after 911.  Carried everywhere even where forbidden, I figured I was already illegal so why not.  Then Judy and I got our licenses so I try to carry legal like since I have the card.

Judy asked me "when should we carry". I told her that was the wrong question.  The right question is " when shouldn't we"

We only don't carry now when it's forbidden by law, and that gives me a pain I can't locate, but I try to remember and comply.

My normal carry is a 686 .357 4" bbl .

I really feel save riding in the Pa-handle with this fellow Valk brother!   

I also sometime carry a 642 J frame .38+P when Im wearing  very light attire

[Hoser]

Don't need no permit in Kansas.   Hoser

[Chrisj CMA]

I started CC daily (illegally) the day after 911.  Carried everywhere even where forbidden, I figured I was already illegal so why not.  Then Judy and I got our licenses so I try to carry legal like since I have the card.

Judy asked me "when should we carry". I told her that was the wrong question.  The right question is " when shouldn't we"

We only don't carry now when it's forbidden by law, and that gives me a pain I can't locate, but I try to remember and comply.

My normal carry is a 686 .357 4" bbl .

I really feel save riding in the Pa-handle with this fellow Valk brother!   

I also sometime carry a 642 J frame .38+P when Im wearing  very light attire

Farside, don't worry.......I gots yer back

[Gavin_Sons]

Sounds like it would be a very bad day for anyone wanting to mess with a VRCC group of riders. 

[Gavin_Sons]

I can see the headlines now. "Robbery suspect shot multiple times while trying to attack a group of mid aged, fat, bald men out for a lunch ride on their motorcycles".  Not saying you're all fat but im sure we have all seen healthier years.

[bill-jr]

Fat ok
but old and bald ......

[Jess from VA]

Fat ok
but old and bald ......

I'm only oldish, baldish, and fatish.   

[Gavin_Sons]

Fat ok
but old and bald ......

I'm only oldish, baldish, and fatish.   

I'm youngish fatish and going baldish

[fudgie]

Fat ok
but old and bald ......

I'm only oldish, baldish, and fatish.   

I'm youngish fatish and going baldish

Lucky for me I'm just plain good looking!

[Serk]

bald

Ear your hearts out.

[The emperor has no clothes]

bald

Ear your hearts out.

uh...ok  I wasn't aware hearts and ears went together.  ???

[cookiedough]

question:  for those of you who carry conceal legally,  do you do it on say your employers worksite such as in an office/warehouse/job site or do you leave the gun in your vehicle in the parking lot?

Reason why I ask is a lot of places at work have a sign that says gun free zone or no guns allowed plainly written on the entrance doors getting into work.  I was told that technically that also means NOT on the premises say in your parked car on the employers' property anywhere.  One could get into trouble getting fired I would imagine if mgmt/HR found out that a gun was in your vehicle on their premises or for sure bringing into work while on the job.  Thoughts??

I'm all for it to be perfectly honest since even in small town America,  I see near monthly locally crazies shooting or harming  others by using their vehicles as a weapon while on the road.    People are becoming more violent every single year it seems like with no regard for human life or what consequences their crazed behavior may bring.

[fudgie]

question:  for those of you who carry conceal legally,  do you do it on say your employers worksite such as in an office/warehouse/job site or do you leave the gun in your vehicle in the parking lot?

Reason why I ask is a lot of places at work have a sign that says gun free zone or no guns allowed plainly written on the entrance doors getting into work.  I was told that technically that also means NOT on the premises say in your parked car on the employers' property anywhere.  One could get into trouble getting fired I would imagine if mgmt/HR found out that a gun was in your vehicle on their premises or for sure bringing into work while on the job.  Thoughts??

I'm all for it to be perfectly honest since even in small town America,  I see near monthly locally crazies shooting or harming  others by using their vehicles as a weapon while on the road.    People are becoming more violent every single year it seems like with no regard for human life or what consequences their crazed behavior may bring.

In Ind 'no gun' signs have no force of the law. Also not illegal to have one in your vehicle on company property. As far as carry while you work, most of the ones I know don't care to get fired.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

question:  for those of you who carry conceal legally,  do you do it on say your employers worksite such as in an office/warehouse/job site or do you leave the gun in your vehicle in the parking lot?

Reason why I ask is a lot of places at work have a sign that says gun free zone or no guns allowed plainly written on the entrance doors getting into work.  I was told that technically that also means NOT on the premises say in your parked car on the employers' property anywhere.  One could get into trouble getting fired I would imagine if mgmt/HR found out that a gun was in your vehicle on their premises or for sure bringing into work while on the job.  Thoughts??

I'm all for it to be perfectly honest since even in small town America,  I see near monthly locally crazies shooting or harming  others by using their vehicles as a weapon while on the road.    People are becoming more violent every single year it seems like with no regard for human life or what consequences their crazed behavior may bring.

Indiana has a parking lot law which, with a few exceptions bans employers from asking if you have a firearm in your locked vehicle and from punishing you if they learn you do. I changed employers largely because of my old employers hostility to firearms. When my old employer heard of the new parking lot law, they called a plant meeting at which they required every employee to sign a plant rules book in which the employee agreed they would not have firearms in their cars on company property. I interrupted the meeting to tell them that after years of myself and other activists writing letters and making calls Indiana had finally made what they were doing illegal. After bringing in a copy of the new law, myself and other concerned employees got signed letters from our corporate headquarters promising that our company would obey Indiana law. If your state doesn't have such a law, you should make it your mission to get one passed just as I did. I had two main talking points I communicated to every Indiana state Representative and Senator yearly for several years before a change finally happened.

The first point was that my wife's company had for all intents and purposes revoked her handgun permit since they disallowed employees the right to have firearms in their cars on company property since no other parking was available. Therefore, my wife had to make a long daily journey on little populated rural roads before dawn while being banned by her employer from having any means of self-defense between our home and her place of employment.

The second point was that I frequently go shooting on my way home from work. But, because my employer required employees to park along a busy downtown street when we had firearms in our vehicles and it was public knowledge why employees vehicles were parked there it made it much more likely that those firearms would be stolen and fall into the hands of criminals.

Myself, other concerned citizens, the NRA and responsible gun owners finally got laws passed to protect us in Indiana. You can too.

[Jess from VA]

bald

Ear your hearts out.

Dang hippy.  

I went out to the shed to cut my own hair yesterday (easy cleanup with the Stihl blower).  It was almost an inch long and really bugging me with our recent heat wave.  Halfway through, the 1/8" guard fell off the clippers, so I ended up with a Marine boot 1/32" haircut.  I really got my money's worth this time.

My motto is:   If your official government ID pictures don't make you look like a serious felon, you screwed up.    

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

question:  for those of you who carry conceal legally,  do you do it on say your employers worksite such as in an office/warehouse/job site or do you leave the gun in your vehicle in the parking lot?

Reason why I ask is a lot of places at work have a sign that says gun free zone or no guns allowed plainly written on the entrance doors getting into work.  I was told that technically that also means NOT on the premises say in your parked car on the employers' property anywhere.  One could get into trouble getting fired I would imagine if mgmt/HR found out that a gun was in your vehicle on their premises or for sure bringing into work while on the job.  Thoughts??

I'm all for it to be perfectly honest since even in small town America,  I see near monthly locally crazies shooting or harming  others by using their vehicles as a weapon while on the road.    People are becoming more violent every single year it seems like with no regard for human life or what consequences their crazed behavior may bring.

Indiana has a parking lot law which, with a few exceptions bans employers from asking if you have a firearm in your locked vehicle and from punishing you if they learn you do. I changed employers largely because of my old employers hostility to firearms. When my old employer heard of the new parking lot law, they called a plant meeting at which they required every employee to sign a plant rules book in which the employee agreed they would not have firearms in their cars on company property. I interrupted the meeting to tell them that after years of myself and other activists writing letters and making calls Indiana had finally made what they were doing illegal. After bringing in a copy of the new law, myself and other concerned employees got signed letters from our corporate headquarters promising that our company would obey Indiana law. If your state doesn't have such a law, you should make it your mission to get one passed just as I did. I had two main talking points I communicated to every Indiana state Representative and Senator yearly for several years before a change finally happened.

The first point was that my wife's company had for all intents and purposes revoked her handgun permit since they disallowed employees the right to have firearms in their cars on company property since no other parking was available. Therefore, my wife had to make a long daily journey on little populated rural roads before dawn while being banned by her employer from having any means of self-defense between our home and her place of employment.

The second point was that I frequently go shooting on my way home from work. But, because my employer required employees to park along a busy downtown street when we had firearms in our vehicles and it was public knowledge why employees vehicles were parked there it made it much more likely that those firearms would be stolen and fall into the hands of criminals.

Myself, other concerned citizens, the NRA and responsible gun owners finally got laws passed to protect us in Indiana. You can too.

I will say, standing up to them at the meeting and the several private meetings I had after that, and the private off site lunch I was "invited" to with several of the company brass didn't make my life any easier there. And, it didn't matter in the least. I could have never looked myself in the eye again if I wasn't willing to take a risk to preserve a small bit of the freedom many have given their lives to protect.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

bald

Ear your hearts out.

Dang hippy.  

I went out to the shed to cut my own hair yesterday (easy cleanup with the Stihl blower).  It was almost an inch long and really bugging me with our recent heat wave.  Halfway through, the 1/8" guard fell off the clippers, so I ended up with a Marine boot 1/32" haircut.  I really got my money's worth this time.

My motto is:   If your official government ID pictures don't make you look like a serious felon, you screwed up.    

Ha! I cut my own hair, face and head both, about 1/4" long once a week now. It got so every time I looked in the mirror I saw a fat, bald, white-haired Captain Kangaroo wanna be!

Now I just look like a homeless guy. Sure miss the pony-tail days sometimes though. 

[Jess from VA]

The longest I could ever stand it was maybe 6-7 inches.  I always preferred a hairy face to a hairy head.

When my sister graduated cosmetology school, I let her give me a curly perm once.  Jess with an afro during the disco era.... I laughed my ass off on that one.  So did my folks.  My dad asked me if I was one of the Village People now.