Question For Those Who CAN Carry But Choose Not To

[Treo]

( Now watch a whole bunch of people aren't even going to read this and post that their state doesn't allow carry period)

This question is for those who live in a state where the PTB recognize your right to armed self defense (either by CC or OC) , Who are legally able to avail yourself of this selfdefense option. But have made a decision not to exercise that right.

What is the rationale behind your decision ?

[CoRoMo]

( Now watch a whole bunch of people aren't even going to read this and post that their state doesn't allow carry period)

Or a bunch of people like me that don't fit your topic question will post that they do carry.
I CAN and I DO everywhere/everyday.

So, I'll answer for a few that I know CAN, but DON'T.


My mom doesn't. She can carry, has a permit, but doesn't carry because she hasn't found 'that perfect handgun' that is tiny, virtually weightless and doesn't kick at all. She has arthritis and recoil kills her hands/wrists. Until she has a little .22 revolver, she'll likely not carry at all.



Several people I know that have a permits but don't carry all have told me basically the same reason why they don't exercise that right. They got the permit just because they thought it was a good idea.

They say things like...

"Just another piece of paper that says I can own a gun.":rolleyes:
"Because I sometimes have a loaded gun in my car." (these don't have to make sense):confused:
"Just in case I decide that I want/need to carry." (doomsday approach):scrutiny:

[ljnowell]

-------

[greenr18]

i live in a state where you dont need a license for concealed carry, however thats been almost nullified by our "equal force" law that makes it basically illegal to point a gun at a mugger... so thats why i rarely carry

[MostlyHarmless]

Usually I carry, sometimes not. My wife doesn't even though she can.

I sometimes come to the conclusion that the threat I face is not great enough to justify the practical problems posed by carry. Discomfort, limitations on style of dress, possible negative reaction from various people who might notice, possible misunderstandings with law enforcement.

My wife is generally not comfortable with the idea of defense using lethal force and has a carry permit only to protect her in the event she ends up in legal custody of my sidearm as might be the case if I leave it in the car while running an errand when she is in the passenger seat.

[Duke of Doubt]

I sometimes have to leave mine in the car. Courthouses, municipal offices, post offices, banks and taverns are all places I spend time.

[rscalzo]

If I'm not able to retain possession 100 percent, I usually do not carry a handgun. When I'm at the beach is one example.

[FoMoGo]

If I'm not able to retain possession 100 percent, I usually do not carry a handgun. When I'm at the beach is one example.
Paddle holster would look funny with a speedo...

I know some people who can, and have a CHL, but dont.
they dont feel that the stats are bad enough for them to carry... "It wont happen to me", you know the type.
Bad things are something that happen to "the other guy".
They got their CHL to make gun purchases easier.


Jim

[rscalzo]

Me wearing a Speedo would bring a entirely new set of problems.

I go to the beach on the bike and I will not secure a handgun in one of the saddlebags. Just way too easy to gain entry. Bringing on to the beach isn't an option.

[Duke of Doubt]

OMG. Guido with a Speedo.

"Iz dat a Beretta 92FS in yer Speedo, or are yas happy to see me?"

"What, ya never seen my hand-ejecting Iver-Johnson?"

[mkonops]

The first year I had my permit I missed a lot of carry time due to the discomfort and initial awkwardness of it all. About a year in I bought my Seecamp and there has been no excuse since.

[Boba Fett]

Who are legally able to avail yourself of this selfdefense option. But have made a decision not to exercise that right.

I'm with CoRoMo in that I can and do carry 99% of the time. Pretty much the only time I don't carry is when I'm not able. For example, you can't take a firearm onto the property of a oil and gas refinery or other similar types of facilities.


I have a friend who isn't interested in getting his CHL and doesn't see the point in carrying. He was like, "Who do you know who has been attacked?" I said, "It only takes once when it happens to you."

That didn't convince him. Interestingly, he is a fan of firearms, but just isn't convinced in the need to carry. Oh well...I'll keep working on him. ;)

[Jorg]

I know at least a dozen people with permits who don't carry at work simply because their six figure salary at a job with a no weapons policy outweighs the unlikely chance they are going to need a gun at work.

Someone will certainly respond with the meme that "a job is easier to replace than a life". While that is true, losing getting fired from a great job with great benefits because you didn't want to follow the rules isn't a particularly winning plan either.

[Treo]

What I'm seeing here is all legitamate reasons not to carry. I'm not talking so much about not carrying in this or that particular situation, but peole who just choose not to carry ever. I realize that the gun isn't the only tool but it is IMO one of the best ( I'm willing to be persuaded other wise) so why not avail your self of this option

[Big Bill]

Here's the philosophy I ascribe to...

Obligation of Carry by Nutnfancy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gIHDHZf1TA&feature=channel_page

[FoMoGo]

In my job, all buildings are posted NO GUNS.
Most buildings are also in areas the average person wouldnt like to ride thru in an APC.
There are no metal detectors in these buildings.
I earn a comfortable living, I am also still alive and unharmed since taking this career path.
I have deterred an attack more than once while on site or in transit from vehicle to building.


Jim

[Big Bill]

I have deterred an attack more than once while on site or in transit from vehicle to building.
How did you do it without a gun? Could it be possible that one of these days your luck will run out?

[TAB]

How did you do it without a gun? Could it be possible that one of these days your luck will run out?



I know from exp that 3 gang bangers that want to rob you will run like little girls when you grab a 3' pry bar.

[FoMoGo]

How did you do it without a gun?
Never said I didnt have a gun. ;)
I can always find another job... I only have this life.
I had a supervisor walking with me on one of the occasions... he said screw company policy... and asked for a recommendation for a pistol for him.


Jim

[Shytheed Dumas]

Three places I don't carry:

1. My son's school = felony & not worth the time

2. Government offices (post office, etc) = criminal act, see above

3. Work. This company will fire somebody for passing gas if they view it as "unsafe", reality be damned. My family needs the income with no worries of being fired for printing or being found out, but my wife has been instructed very carefully that should anything go wrong and I have been prevented from protecting myself, then they own 100% of the responsibility of failing to protect me with their "guards" = sue the living crap out of them. I guess I'm okay with that, if not excited about it...

[KarenTOC]

I live in a state that allows both concealed and open carry. I choose not to. Why? Because I don't feel competant enough with a gun to know that I'd be able to defend myself. More likely, I'd be giving an unarmed assailant an opportunity to take my weapon and use it against me.

Will this change in the future? I sincerely hope so.

Practice, practice, practice.

[Kat144]

I sometimes come to the conclusion that the threat I face is not great enough to justify the practical problems posed by carry. Discomfort, limitations on style of dress, possible negative reaction from various people who might notice, possible misunderstandings with law enforcement.

Goes for me too. I sometimes wonder why I am even considering learning to shoot and buying a gun. There are few places I go on a regular basis (yes, I have no life): work, church for handbell rehearsal, the gym, my partner's parents' house...that's pretty much it. I can't carry to work, couldn't take it to church if the pastor didn't give me permission, don't want to take it to the gym and lock it in a locker there, obviously, and I can just see the royal freak-out if his mom found out I owned or carried a gun at all, let alone brought it to their house (and good luck keeping it hidden while spending an entire day there flopped on the couch or swimming in the pool, or explaining why I'm bundled up in 90-degree weather because shorts and a tank top won't hide the gun or whatever). Sure, I could leave it in my car in these cases, but I'd be nervous about doing so AND that would negate my reason for wanting it: self-defense on my way to and from my car at these places. So what, I'm going to drop hundreds of bucks ($300-$500 for a gun, $250+ for a CPL class and filing fee, and then the cost of the ammo and going to the range to practice) to buy a gun to go to the grocery store once every one or two weeks, or any other place I might happen to go, and because I "just want to learn to shoot for fun"? Seems a waste to me, esp. in this economy when my money ought to be saved for when my old car finally gives out or I get hit by a bus and have medical bills...

[Treo]

This company will fire somebody for passing gas if they view it as "unsafe",
I think I used to work for them does that mean, ugly, nasty woman still run HR?:D

[Zundfolge]

i live in a state where you dont need a license for concealed carry, however thats been almost nullified by our "equal force" law that makes it basically illegal to point a gun at a mugger... so thats why i rarely carry
I don't wish to hijack this thread, but could you expound on this "equal force" law?

Most of us out here often cite Vermont as a pro-gun haven as they have permit-less CCW, but if there are other idiotic laws there that make CCW and/or self defense there difficult I'd love to know more about it.

Maybe you could start a new thread discussing how VT is not actually a panacea of gun rights.

[twoclones]

I sometimes have to leave mine in the car.

I recently bought an electronic gun safe and bolted it to the back floor of my truck. As in behind the seat. The label said it would hold one gun but I've had a .500 mag, .38 spl and 2 boxes of 500 mag ammo in it with the revolvers still in holsters. I think this would be a great solution for those times anyone would need to leave a gun in the car.

[krs]

I first got a permit to carry for the simple reason that it was so GREAT to live in a state that allowed me to do so if I chose to. I transplanted from California to Washington.

.

[rogertc1]

I have had my IA CCW for over 35 years and have not really carried that much as there is no real need to where I live. If I had to go into a large city like the south side of Chicago i would but you can't have a gun there much less get a permit.

[23Glock]

I’m probably going to catch a lot of flak for my response, but your question hit a nerve on something I’m passionate about.
I have a carry permit but I choose not to carry, yet, for the simple reason that I do not feel adequately trained. 8 hours of NRA "safety" training is simply not enough. I am actively pursing appropriate training from several avenues: I read, I practice, I have a Front Sight membership, and I’m good friends with a local SWAT officer who has taken me under his wing. This is my personal opinion, but while the 2nd Amendment may grant you the right, gun ownership and the choice to concealed carry is an immense responsibility taken far too lightly by too many people. When I feel I am trained well enough to carry effectively and surreptitiously, present from a concealed holster, and deliver controlled pairs consistently, without fear of collateral damage, *then* I will carry. Not just because the 2nd Amendment says I can, but because I am confident enough in my skills to assume the responsibility.

[FoMoGo]

Get to the range and practice what you have learned as often as you can.
If I dont get 3-6 hours a week of live fire and the more than that of "safe" work I feel strange.


Jim

[colorado_handgunner]

I could apply for a CCWif I so chose, even have already taken the class required in Colorado. The main reasons I don't are as follows:

1. Sixty-six percent of my day (waking hours) during the workweek is spent at work, were we are not allowed to carry. Should someone do so, you risk termination and legal action. :what:

2. If there is somewhere I feel somewhat uncomfortable going, I carry pepper spray (actually almost everywhere) :evil:

3. I am afraid I would forget I was carrying and accidentally carry into somewhere it is not allowed and get in trouble. :o

4. There is a good possibility that I will be moving out of state in 5 months, so I don't see the benefit in a 5 month license for $140. :scrutiny:

5. I would rather put the $140 fee towards a new 1911. :D

[smartshooter.45]

Last year at the age of 22 i decided to acquire my ccw license. i was lucky enough to have been raised in a rural environment where gun use and knowledge was a must. after living on my own "in the city" for about 4 or 5 years and 2 burglaries later i figured it was time to get my ccw license.

im sure everyone knows the statistic that says the majority of people who are burglarized have their possessions stolen by someone who knows the victim or is an acquaintance to the victim. my case is no different. Had my friends and acquaintances known i sometimes carry and ALWAYS had loaded arms at home, the burglars would have chosen a different home to steal from. Would you choose to steal from the home where you KNEW the occupant had loaded arms? i would think not. unfortunately during this time i didn't have my own arms or my ccw license.

this all may seem off topic, but bear with me.

For me the ccw license is more of a preventative measure against burglary then anything else. the folks who come to my weekly poker game know im pro 2nd amendment so through word of mouth everyone knows my home would not be the best to steal from. since exercising my 2nd amendment rights i have not had a single incident of theft. For me this = success. i want people to feel welcome at my home, but i also want them to know that if they show up at 4am and try to break in they'll have to get through me and my 1911.

I do concealed carry out of the house on occasion, but not 100%. every situation is different and sometimes my outings just don't warrant me carrying a firearm.

just my 2 cents on the subject.

[Trebor]

I got a fair number of students in my CPL class who say they never intend to carry.

Some typical reasons they take the class and get the permit include:

So they have more legal protection when transporting handguns in their vehicle.

To make it easier to purchase hanguns in Michigan because if you have a Mich CPL you no longer need to get a "Purchase Permit" before you guy a gun.

And, I also get students who want to carry a handgun when hunting and don't want to accidently commit a crime if their holstered handgun is covered by their coat.

So, there are some reasons why people get CCW permits, but don't plan to actually carry.

(Oh, and one more, which is the strangest one yet. I had one women who is "into horses" big time who got a permit so she could carry a pistol just so she'd be able to shoot her horse if it ever broke a leg while she was riding! Yeah, I know...)

[Big Bill]

If you are not going to carry and don't have the know how to carry, you shouldn't carry. I carry because I have been trained and I feel it is my civic responsibility to lawfully carry to mitigate the threat from all the bad people who also carry unlawfully.

There are way too many wolves out there and the sheep need as many sheep dogs as are willing and available to protect them.

I'm a sheepdog! I see my duty and I do it lawfully.

[Bill_G]

i have a license to carry in PA (a LTCF). i carry about once every 2-3- weeks. usually only when i'm out late at night.

why dont i carry all the time? i dont have a desire to.

why dont i desire to? too much of a hassle putting it on and having to worry about covering up.....also uncomfortable.

[iScream]

I just got into handguns around March of 2008 and it really wasn't related to protection. Sporting clays was just getting too expensive. I think my wife and I will probably take the class and each get our CHL in the next couple months. I don't expect that either of us will carry much at all but I want her to have a gun in the car when she is coming home at night from the stable where she boards her horse. You aren't supposed to need a CHL here in Texas to have a gun in your car but it seems like a good way to avoid hassle if she is ever pulled over and the subject comes up.

I'm 37 years old and have never been in a situation where I needed a gun to protect myself. At least not one I didn't create on my own. We live in a low crime rate area of north DFW, drive to office buildings every day for work, and I just don't find myself in situations where I feel unsafe very often.

-Chris

[pmeisel]

I spend a lot of time in places where it is either illegal or impractical to carry. But I don't go anywhere without a knife, except for a commercial air flight.

[logical]

There are lots of ways to be prepared for the unexpected. I can carry a gun and sometimes do....but more often I don't.
I also don't wear full body armor even though it's a life saver, and I don't wear a helmet when I drive even though it would be a good idea for that crash I have in the future, and I don't own a bug-out-bag and haven't got around to buying that generator I may someday wish i had...and you guys carrying little pocket guns...why you aren't even beginning to be ready for what could happen to you today if the huddled masses get restless.

Not always making the effort to carry and hide a firearm every waking moment is just one of a million calculated risks we take each and every day. And for those "I carry 24/7/365, even in the shower and if I can't carry someplace I won't go there", guys...that great but not for me.

[texas bulldog]

i can't carry at work, and i usually ride the bus to and from rather than driving a car. that means i don't have it with me more days than not, unfortunately. anytime i go out on the weekends or evenings, i generally have it unless i plan to consume alcohol. in that case it is left in the car (legal in my state), and my wife drives.

not sure if that answers the question. if you mean people who can carry but never do, that's not me. i am licensed and unfortunately often prevented by workplace policy or other practical concerns. if i were allowed to carry at work, i probably would, even though the screaming liberals i work with would probably crap their pants (okay...not all of them. some are really more libertarian than liberal, then there are the true believers...)

[MikePGS]

My friends dad has a CPL but rarely carries. However he likes the CPL because it lets him bypass the permits for his (many) purchases.

[CoRoMo]

What I'm seeing here is all legitamate reasons not to carry.

My second bullet point and the quotes that followed were, in my opinion, not at all legitimate reasons not to carry.

For those people that I know and was referring to, I simply don't understand their thinking. One of my salesmen for instance, got his CHP the same time I did. He almost never carries and hasn't produced a solid reason why. I honestly think he never intended to, doesn't think it's practical/wise/necessary, and that is naive to me.

[Big Bill]

Most people don't carry for the reason Bill G mentioned: why dont i desire to? too much of a hassle putting it on and having to worry about covering up.....also uncomfortable.Exactly! It's too much of a hassle!

The main problem is that people are trying to carry too much gun. It's the weight and bulk that discourages people. The bulkier the gun the harder it is to conceal. The heavier gun is also less comfortable to carry, so people just don't develop the habit.

Carrying a gun should be like putting on pants or a dress. You should feel undressed without it. And, if you get the right gun (minimum bulk and light weight) you won't mind carrying.

My gun weighs 14 oz (unloaded) and I carry it on my ankle. I've chosen Blazer ammo that has high quality alum. casings. It's very lightweight. When I walk I can hardly feel that I an packing. I also carry four speed loaders in two nylon belt pouches which gives me 25 rounds at my disposal.

I hate tucking my shirt in, so no one notices the ammo I'm packing and it's not much difference that packing a Leatherman tool.

My system is easy to carry and my gun straps on when I put on my shoes, so it's also convenient and lightweight.

When I go to the school. I remove the gun and leave it locked in my 4X.

Other than that, basically, I pack everywhere. When I go to workout, my gun is tucked in my gym bag and locked in my locker. After I shower, and dress, my gun resumes it's place on my ankle.

Carrying is easy, if you work at it.

[athensguy]

I have a GFL and I carry when I can. However, I have to leave it in the car quite a bit as I work at a University. It's also not legal to carry into government buildings or nebulous things called "Public Gatherings". At least I can carry into restaurants with a liquor license now.

[Boba Fett]

For those who say it is too much hassle or is too uncomfortable, you might want to take a look at Bobo's pocket auto comparison chart (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=171820) listed on this forum.


Have you considered the P-3AT with a Wallet Holster (https://www.pagerpal.com/wallet.asp)?

And if you aren't thrilled with the 380, then have a look at the 9mm Rohrbaugh (http://www.rohrbaughfirearms.com/product/prod_set.html) or the 45 AMT Backup (http://www.highstandard.com/amt_automag.html) (scroll down a bit to find it).

[Richard2003]

I can but rarely carry.
When I go to what I consider a potentially unsafe area or if hiking, then I do.

[lanternlad1]

"I’m probably going to catch a lot of flak for my response, but your question hit a nerve on something I’m passionate about.
I have a carry permit but I choose not to carry, yet, for the simple reason that I do not feel adequately trained. 8 hours of NRA "safety" training is simply not enough. I am actively pursing appropriate training from several avenues: I read, I practice, I have a Front Sight membership, and I’m good friends with a local SWAT officer who has taken me under his wing. This is my personal opinion, but while the 2nd Amendment may grant you the right, gun ownership and the choice to concealed carry is an immense responsibility taken far too lightly by too many people. When I feel I am trained well enough to carry effectively and surreptitiously, present from a concealed holster, and deliver controlled pairs consistently, without fear of collateral damage, *then* I will carry. Not just because the 2nd Amendment says I can, but because I am confident enough in my skills to assume the responsibility."


You will never be ready, then. Your confidence will never come. Humans learn by doing, not by reading. You are really over thinking the whole situation, IMO.


I'm not a cop, and I'm not a "sheepdog". I don't have hours upon hours of training, or hours upon hours at the range. I'm a quintessential average American Citizen. I'm not carrying to save anyone but myself. If I happen to save others while doing it, that's fine too. I carry a small revolver with a CTC lasergrips. If Bad Guys get close enough to hurt me, I can return the favor.

I don't pull it out to show people.
I don't talk about it while I'm wearing it.
I go about my business and forget that I have it on me.

But I do have it on me.

And if Mr. Bad Guy notices my cane and considers me easy pickings, he's got another thing coming.

In all of your training, you are forgetting the most basic Boy Scout tenet: Be Prepared.

It sounds to me as though you are afraid, or at least very wary, to carry a gun. If that's the case, don't do it. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

[Boba Fett]

while the 2nd Amendment may grant you the right, gun ownership and the choice to concealed carry is an immense responsibility taken far too lightly by too many people.

Actually, I agree with you on this part.

However I don't think the level of practice you are holding yourself to will be practical for most people who get their CHL. "Most" being those people who aren't as enthusiastic as people who, say, read and post on forums like THR.

The little old lady next door who just doesn't want to be mugged when she walks out to her car from the crafts store at night probably isn't going to put the effort or money into your system. Or the guy who works in a bad area of town and wants to protect himself and only goes to the range a couple times a month also is not going to be as dedicated as you.

So long as people go to the range and put a few boxes through the targets every month, they will probably be sufficiently prepared should they ever need to use their CCW. Not perfectly prepared, but prepared enough.

I do commend your efforts toward perfection and once you complete all your training, I'd want you around if the SHTF.

[Treo]

W/out going into a lot of detail I have inlaws that are on the wrong side of the law, my options are to ignore the existence of my grandchildren or accept the risks of living on the edge of their parent's world. I'm not sure how to draw the parallel but suffice it to say that I deem it prudent to remain armed at all times, because there's a credible chance that my family could be used to "send a message".

That necessity of living in condition yellow and a half for the last nine years has habituated me to the point where I simply can't imagine not being armed at all times. So I have a hard time w/ the mindset that doesn't see the need.

[Matt-J2]

I'm obviously omitted from this poll, but I've often wondered this: If legally allowed to carry concealed, would I? If I did, and was confronted with a situation like a mugging, would I be able to pull the trigger when it comes right down to it? I really don't know the answer to that one.
Something to consider is that folks may have obtained the license/permit, but have subsequently realized they wouldn't actually be able to put a bullet into another human being.


I know that concept is an unpopular one here at THR, but I also suspect it holds true much more often than many know or will admit.

[RonellCooper]

I have a CCW and I carry but not every day and not every where. It really depends on where I'm going, the time of day, etc. For example, last night I went to a friends house after dark and I took my P89 along with me. He lives in a bad neighborhood and I didn't want to take any chances. If I'm in my garage (detached) reloading of just messing around I have a hand gun with me. I live in a pretty good neighborhood but I don't want to take any chances. Like I said, it just depends.

[rudolf]

Nobody dares to say he prefers to have some beers ? :)

[FoMoGo]

If I did, and was confronted with a situation like a mugging, would I be able to pull the trigger when it comes right down to it?
It comes down to the question of "Do you care about your family?".
I will talk about me for a moment.
I have been attacked a few times.
I have had guns pulled, and have been shot.
I have been attacked with knives, and had to defend myself unarmed in this situation.
If you care about yourself and your family, you wont have difficulty in these situations... it will be harder to stop pulling the trigger.


Jim

[Bubba613]

There are some people who's moral or religious beliefs would preclude them from carrying. I can respect that.
Some people bet the odds that given their lifestyles they will never need to use a gun in public. It isn't an unreasonable position. The facts actually bear them out. I've known people who carried for decades and never had to pull their gun.

[Kat144]

would I be able to pull the trigger when it comes right down to it?

I think I'd probably be able to pull the trigger in a heated moment where my life or health were in danger...what I am not sure of is how I would feel afterward. The next day if I woke up and it really hit me that I had killed a person....regardless of how bad that person was...I might feel very guilty indeed.

[cavman]

I got a fair number of students in my CPL class who say they never intend to carry.

Some typical reasons they take the class and get the permit include:

So they have more legal protection when transporting handguns in their vehicle.

That was me. That and it allowed me to buy more than one a month if I so wished.

Loaded guns in the car was verboten in VA unless one had a CCP. I thought how stupid it would be to be a prisoner due to forgetting a round in one of the guns when CCP was so easy.

That, and extreme issues from girlfriend, should I actually have pursued it ...I know, I know....

Although downtown Richmond is crawling with panhandlers and there were plenty of real bad guys around, I personally never felt truly unsafe.

[commygun]

Quote:
...what I am not sure of is how I would feel afterward. The next day if I woke up and it really hit me that I had killed a person....regardless of how bad that person was...I might feel very guilty indeed.

Alternatively, what if there was no next day because you hadn't the will to defend yourself? Self-defence isn't isn't about morality or judging character. It's about a legitimate response to an honestly perceived or realized threat to your physical integrity and life.

[wickedsprint]

I know if someone pointed a gun at me, I'd probably feel different, but I simply feel for my everyday life it's more of a hassle than it's worth to carry a gun.

A first aid kit could also save your life..do you always have one on you..to include a portable defibrillator..cause you're a zillion times more likely to have a heart attack than get shot or mugged is my guess.

[Big Bill]

One should ALWAYS hope for the best, but prepare for the WORST!

BTW wicked... It's hard to carry a defib. concealed!

[Sport45]

I have a CCL. I don't carry because I don't feel the need to.

I got the CCL to avoid the hassle of having to explain handguns in the passenger compartment of my truck. Texas law only allows that when travelling. Commuting to and from work and stopping at the range on the way doesn't qualify as "travelling". The law makes no distinction between loaded/unloaded, cased/uncased, etc.

I also have a Type 3 FFL. But I don't use it to buy a lot of curios and relics. I use it for discounts on reloading equipment and supplies.

[CoRoMo]

what I am not sure of is how I would feel afterward. The next day if I woke up and it really hit me that I had killed a person....regardless of how bad that person was...I might feel very guilty indeed.

Then again, you might hit your knees every morning for the rest of your life, thanking God for being there for you and your family in that time of danger. That is how I would look at it.

[Furncliff]

I checked my astrology chart. I don't carry cause I know I will die at the hands of a jealous husband in the arms of a beautiful woman. In bed. At the age of 97.

It's been a good life.

[c5_nc]

This is an interesting topic for me. A group of friends and I are going to be taking the carry class soon, I think, as everyone keeps changing their minds. We have all had a difficult time desiding. Its a $75-100 class and $100 for 5 year permit here. That is some cost, not much but I could get a hipoint to toss in the car or another 22lr to play with for that. I've never been in a situation EVER where I would have needed it. While maybe I would carry in some very rare cases, I would not have to buy handgun permits and can keep it concealed in car while traveling. I've never had my person or car searched by police, so I could have been carrying my entire life without any reprocussions.