[38snapcaps]

My thanks to everyone who responded to my last post, "you'll never need it". Some really good logic has come thru.

However, my friend is STILL not convinced:confused: Here is what he has to say now:

He is 36 and I'm 56, to give you a perspective. He told me his step dad got into the "gun carrying" thing about the same age I did, at age 52. He believes its an age thing because people in my age group don't feel capable of taking care of themselves in the world unless they have a gun on their person. I countered with, "what about all the younger guys that carry?" His answer-"they are on an ego trip".

And finally-his real dad is a thirty year policeman who rarely carries off duty. His position is, if his dad doesn't feel the need why should any ordinary citizen?

Please respond, especially you young guys!

[pax]

Hey, if he doesn't want to carry a gun, he doesn't have to. *shrug* It's his life.

Personally, I was never convinced (nor even swayed) by "everyone else is" arguments. They just don't hold any water for me. I'm not everyone else; I'm me.

The too-long sig below is for you.

pax

There's always someone telling you not to do something. The main thing is just to ignore them. - Tim Robbins

When you take charge of your life, there is no longer need to ask permission of other people or society at large. When you ask permission, you give someone veto power over your life. -- Geoffrey F. Abert

Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are not even capable of forming such opinions. -- Albert Einstein

[Viking6]

as a fifty-something, I started carrying as soon as the law allowed when I was in SC in my mid-forties and continued here in VA. I also carried a handgun in my dash for years where that was legal. As for taking care of myself, I accomplish that by being aware of my surroundings and avoiding perceived trouble spots. I carry as a form of insurance to augment the above mentioned techniques. No drama, no flash, just prudence.

[RWK]

I will be 58 in mid-June. You can look at this foolish thesis (i. e., older folks carry firearms sine they are less capable of self-defense) in an entirely different -- and equally valid -- way. Perhaps fully adult individuals have the judgment and the experience younger people have not yet attained. Therefore, older persons tend to carry because they recognize the dangers we may face in routine life-situations.

[dairycreek]

I have carried for somewhat over 40 years and still do so on a daily basis. My reasons for carrying have always been the same; protection for me and those I love. First my kids now my grandkids. That has never changed!

A long, long time ago I gave up wasting my time trying to convince those that won't be convinced. From your report of his responses it sounds as if he "has all the answers" so let him have them and move on with improving and honing your skills as a gun owner, concealed weapon carrier, shooter, etc. Good shooting;)

[SLCDave]

I'm 28, and I carry everywhere I can, not because it stokes my ego, or makes me cool. I carry because I am more comfortable knowing I have it with me should the need arise. It may enable me to avoid being a victim. I obtained my permit shortly after finding out my wife was pregnant, because that change in my life made me take a good look at being able to defend my family to the best of my ability. Your friend may be the one on the ego trip, thinking he's able to bring his fists to a gunfight. Don't let his set of ideals convince you what is right for you. Only you can decide that.

[faustulus]

Because everyone has a match, and because there may be more than one of them and lastly because THEY may be carrying and I for one don't plan on bringing a knife (or fist) to a gunfight. i've been carrying since I was 25.

Nice sig dave :)

[raz-0]

Well, my question would be who is on the bigger ego trip. The 28 year old guy who carries in case something bad happens, or the 28 year old guy who thinks he can handle whatever comes his way?

There's always a bigger, meaner, nastier fish out there.

[Chuck Jennings]

For some, no explanation is necessary. For others, no explanation will do.

[sensei]

I want to chime in on this if you guys don't mind, as I have been thinking about this alot lately.

I am a 6th degree Black Belt and considered by some (not me) a Master of the Arts.
I have 3 schools and teach 3 nights a week. I recently became aware of just how old I am getting. (58 yrs old) and just how slow my reaction time is becoming.

I used to be content with a lesser caliber weapon. I had confidence in my ability to defend myself and my family with my bare hands. Society has changed. Young punks will kill you for fun or for some initiation into a gang or some other crazy reason. It doesn't matter how good you are with your hands. If they can just pull a trigger - they can KILL YOU!

We tend to not keep ourselves in very good shape. Maybe I've just become lazy. Whatever the case, I don't think we as a whole are in very good physical shape or train the way we should. I can't seem to get my students to take the dangers seriously enough. This scares me.

So, I have decided to get back in shape, and carry the biggest thing I can shoot well and carry it at all times. Hopefully my awareness of my surroundings will be heightened also.

I'm off my soapbox now, Thanks for listening,

sensei

[Glock_PhD]

Well I guess I will chime in as the whipper snapper of the group thus far at the ripe old age of 24. I certainly don't think I am on an ego trip when I carry my gun. As for why not just take care of myself? Well I am 6' 300 pounds and if I was sure that every person I may ever have a negative encounter with was only going to want use their fists I probably would not carry a gun. But we all know thats not the truth, and I have no pipedreamms about my size and age making a bit of difference to the bullet or gun some punk is going to use. I have for some time now held the belief that at my age and size if someone wants to assualt and/or attack me I think I might have more than fists to worry about.

[gyp_c2]

...Either you get it or you don't...

Living is better...http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/bandit.gif

[Standing Wolf]

I'd have started carrying decades before I did if it had been legal.

[FThorn]

I just turned 39. I feel that I have no way to physically compete with younger guys if I should need to protect my family.

I just filled out paperwork to carry. I hope it goes through and gets here quickly.

I just can't decide what to get. A 2" 38 revolver, or a small(er) 9mm such as the XD9Comp, P99Comp, or similar.

[Treylis]

Sigh. That's one of the remarks that really irritates me--"Oh, you carry because it's an ego trip! It's macho and helps compensate for your abnormally small penis!"

[one45auto]

If only my state allowed concealed carry I'd be carrying, however I live in Maryland, so..... :mad:

With regard to your friend's attitude I can only echo what some have already stated - namely that there is no convincing some people and thus we must regrettably leave them to their fate.

[Walosi]

I started serious carry in my mid twenties. I just collided with 70. I survived just one serious incident in that time span. I do not carry because I am older. I am older because I carry.

[faustulus]

"Oh, you carry because it's an ego trip! It's macho and helps compensate for your abnormally small penis!"
Heard that one. I just smile and tell them 'Naw, thats what my M3 is for' ;)

[Devonai]

Yes, I'm on an ego trip. That's why I no longer drive aggressively, flip people off, talk back to people who insult me, or drink beyond my ability to function normally.

:rolleyes:

[XLMiguel]

If anything, my ability to avoid trouble has gotten better as I've gotten older. I've always had good situational awareness, but I've certainly 'matured' and have less desire to deal with fools and related ilk. CCW has cera\tainly helped drive the point home, but I long ago accepted the fact that it just isn't my job joust with stupidity or to set ignorant people straight. It's a whole lot better to just stay out of their way.

OTOH, I am 56, overweight, out-of-shape, I have a blown-out knee and a fused ankle, and my wife walks with a cane. I have always believed in staying away from trouble, but my ability to leave expeditiously has diminished, as has the ability to get my wife out of harm's way, so the ability to carry legally has a lot of comfort and sense. I'd like to think I could still give a pretty good account of myself if I had to, but realistically, Mr SIG or Mr. Kimber on my side definitely imrpoves the odds in my favor, and I hope I never have to prove the theroy.

VA got 'shall issue' CCW in 1995, I got my CHP in 1998, after a bunch of studying, thinking, & self-examination..

[Chip Dixon]

However, my friend is STILL not convinced Here is what he has to say now:

He is 36 and I'm 56, to give you a perspective. He told me his step dad got into the "gun carrying" thing about the same age I did, at age 52. He believes its an age thing because people in my age group don't feel capable of taking care of themselves in the world unless they have a gun on their person. I countered with, "what about all the younger guys that carry?" His answer-"they are on an ego trip".

And finally-his real dad is a thirty year policeman who rarely carries off duty. His position is, if his dad doesn't feel the need why should any ordinary citizen?

Please respond, especially you young guys!


I'm 21. I qualify as a "young guy." Unfortunately, I've already had my fair share of run-ins with people who don't consider life sacred, and skirt with death like it is some sort of game. Most older guys who carry just actually have some real life experience when it comes to needing a gun and not having one. It's like wearing your seatbelt. The people who are on an ego trip are those people who think they'll never get in a collision, so they don't need to wear a seatbelt. Kind of like those people who think they'll never have some crackhead or psychopath draw a gun or knife or other deadly weapon on them. It's more of a delusional fantasy than an ego trip, but if you think that just because you're "tough" you'll never need a gun, you're a fool. You can be a blackbelt in 10 martial arts and still die by the hands of some drugged up punk with a jennings or raven if you're not armed. If they don't want to carry, leave them be. Just tell them that you don't appreciate their ignorant comments if they try and get on your case for carrying.

Why should any ordinary citizen carry a gun? Because they value their life enough to be willing to defend it, even in the most dire of circumstances. If someone would rather take their chances and not be prepared for the worst, then that is their choice. Let them go ride a motorcycle in city traffic, drive a hyundai on the freeway with their seatbelt off, and smoke cigarettes all day long. It's their life. That's what the "ordinary" citizen does. But you're not "ordinary", you're a prudent citizen. I'm sure you'll be around after he's 6 feet under, even if you're 20 years older.

I feel God put me on this earth for a reason. And I'll be damned if I'll let some punk kill me to get money for his heroin habit just because I'm too stupid or lazy to strap on a sidearm. It takes 1 minute a day, and could add decades to my life.

I still don't see how being prepared has anything to do with an ego trip.. Your buddy has had some serious brainwashing done on him somewhere in his life. Learning is easy. Unlearning is hard. He may be a sheeple for life. Atleast you won't have to worry about him buying that last WWB .45 ACP value pack at wal-mart that's on your shopping list any time soon.

[foghornl]

I have made it to 50+ because a time or 2 when I needed it, I was armed. And have gotten here only by good fortune and Grace of God when I wasn't armed.

I have bad knees, one big toe that doesn't bend, and painful hip joints. So, no, I am not going to outrun anything faster than a 2 year-old.

Also, I have observed that the Criminal Element "thought process" has shifted from 'take the money and run' to 'No Breathing Witness Left Behind'.

We can only hope that your cohort learns before he gets the stuffing beat out of him or worse.

Anything I have is replaceable, except for my Wife & my Life. I am not going to let any punk(s) take either of those things without a major fight.

[one45auto]

I think that Chip hit the nail squarely on the head, namely that this gentlemen's friend has been thoroughly brainwashed by those who hold the concept of self-reliance in contempt. They see the state as a benevolent father figure and thus regard our desire to protect ourselves as merely masculine chauvenism in much the same manner that a child too small to lift a particular object nevertheless attempts to do so when his father's back is turned. This mentality also equates preparation with paranoia, and I have long since lost count of the number of times someone has attempted to label me a "survivalist" for having a modest amount of supplies on hand in case of emergencies. (You should have seen their faces after 9/11 when the Government began advising people to stock up on the very same supplies I'd kept on hand for years - absolutely priceless. :D )


As for my beliefs, I see it this way - God put me in this world and thus no man on Earth has the right to take me out of it. I avoid trouble whenever possible and pray Heaven that I never have to take a life, but should someone leave me no other choice I won't hesitate to eliminate the threat to either myself or my family.

[sturmruger]

No offense to your friend but you are really wasting your time. The only way to change his mind is going to be slowly over time. Have him read this website for a while.

http://www.claytoncramer.com/gundefenseblog/blogger.html

Maybe that will help

[Watch-Six]

I'm over 50 and I am certainly aware that I am neither as strong nor as fast as I used to be. I learned a long time ago that there are a few truly evil people in this world. I don't care how tough you are, a lone unarmed man is easy pickin's. The bad guys are not looking for a fair fight. They are looking to take whatever it is that they want. They always have the advantage of surprise. Don't give them more than that. I have had several scrapes over my life. I have never had to shoot anyone, but being armed has been very reassuring more than once. Your friend will not get it at this point in his life. He thinks that he is all powerful and immortal. None of us are. Watch-Six

[HardCOR]

Defending you and yours from an attack is not a contest. There is no referee to score points or stop the fight if the man defending his family is losing. The consequences of losing such a fight are to horrible to think of. You MUST win. Therefore you must always be prepared to win, regardless of whats used against you.

[Johnny Guest]

Animals operate from instinct. Human beings OUGHT TO operate on the basis of intelligent decision making. I long ago decided to avoid any violent confrontations not required by my public and personal sense of duty.

Over the course of nearly 61 years, I've acquired one bad leg, a bad back, a searated shoulder, a heart condition - - I'm still tall, but my weight's down from over 250 to below 200, and I don't have the wind to work out, even if I weren't pretty lazy. I want to preserve my options. Without my pistol, my dealing with danger is limited to conversation or submission. WITH a sidearm, I have another option. ;)

Johnny

[Mastrogiacomo]

Tell him he's full of it. Single, white female, 36 years old -- martial arts trained and capable and I'd STILL like to carry. I've got five Berettas, a 686 and a Ruger New Single Six and a Glock 19. It's not an ego trip. You can't defend yourself with harsh language. Ask him to count how many women died yesterday in domestic abuse and on the streets by strangers and ask how many would be alive if they had a gun rather than a cell phone.

Laura

[Heraclitus]

He believes its an age thing because people in my age group don't feel capable of taking care of themselves in the world unless they have a gun on their person. Pfssst!... Prrrbt!... Bwahahahahaaaa!!!

I'd pay big money to see a 25-year-old talk his way out of Thug Alley while Big Bubba's plucking the kid's teeth from his brass knuckles.

One notable guy that will sorely test your friend's "wisdom" is Gaston Glock himself, who is said to have been assaulted, not long ago, in a dark garage into which he had been lured. Unarmed (must be a Luxembourg thing) he was hit twice in the head with a mallet. But that didn't stop the legendary Tupperware gun king from returning the compliment, bare-handedly pounding his attacker over and over again with unbridled fury until police arrived on the scene.

Glock is 73.

[P95Carry]

Yep - ''brainwashed'' has to be part of this .... and maybe it is untreatable. So - his loss. Hopefully not a BG's gain!

I am ''getting on'' .... viz, 59 ... still moderately fit, tho down on stamina. I'll still give a good account physically if I really have to but hey ..... no amount of muscular machismo and abs like 6 packs .... is gonna stop a bullet comin your way!!!

I reckon us ''curmudgeons'' are maybe a bit more situationally aware ... we have seen examples of trouble ... and are aware of our mortality ..... we are not ''immune'' ....... it CAN happen to us. Maybe some younger guys feel the immortality of youth ... others tho see things as they are and carry ...... very sensible.

It is - of course - the ultimate personal choice, unless you are unfortunate enough to live in a CCW-repressive state.

In the end I think age is irrelevant ... but statistically yeah .. us older guys maybe bother that bit more to carry. I am only in my 3rd year of carry .... and that is only cos before I couldn't ...... but now it's 16/7 ... part of my dress. Simple.

[Plinkerton]

I am 21 years old, and have never had an ego trip in my life. I would LOVE to be able to carry, but here in stupid California, I will most likely never be able too. I grew up around guns and have always liked them. There is no "ego trip" about them. I carry a knife religiously, but definitely doubt myself in a serious situation with only a knife, and my extremely meager fighting skills. I would not really trust myself defending myself and my girlfriend if need be, without having a gun. Unfortunately, that is what I am forced to. Stupid Cali laws.

I do not think it has anything to do with older people feeling unsafe, etc. Many of them take it to heart their right to carry, and excercise it because of that. And I do agree that many older people know how to avoid trouble much better than younger trigger happy "kids".

I think Chip Dixon said it very well, in his previous post.

[sm]

Well this should go over well with your friend.

I've never been one to much give a hoot what other people thought, much less when it applied to me. Hence the "names" I'm referred to.

See I came home from being born and there was a loaded handgun next to crib. My gun, granted at the time I had other priorites and needs.

I was taught to shoot, safety rules and the whole bit as a wee brat. Yes MY gun was always loaded, as was the house gun...I knew where they were kept and I knew and observed the rules.

Yes I toted a gun as a kid , be it on foot, my bike to go shoot accross the way where safe to hunt, plink , whatever. I was raised in the city, but there was an area nearby safe and fine for this.

Attitudes of LEO, People, Media, Politicians, schools...etc were different. Yep My gun went with me ,mom and the sibs if we were out and about, in the car, going shopping, to the park.

It was what one did, I was a kid, we did not have pieces of paper "saying we could carry". Folks carried - all ages, all genders.

I as a kid used MY gun when the front door was knocked in and being the eldest sib and parents out running errands...well...I was raised "right".

I have always had a firearm on person or in vehicle. I did NOT get a pc of permission paper until some years ago. they were not available in my state. I did not rush out to get one - when the legislature changed stuff aorund here.

See my thinking has always been, there is document over 200yrs old - says I can. Only reason I did secure one... finally...hell folks ain't being raised right. LEO, Politicians Schools, and whatnot got folks thinking the gummit gonna take of them. They obviously never heard about that other dealie called the Second Amendment.

So to be "legal" in some folks "eyes" now-a-days I have multiple pcs of paper.

Responsiblity : I never knew there was a minimum or maxiumum age dealie. I'm 49, been saying "screw the rules of normalacy" , "some rules need breaking" since ...whenever it was I learned to talk.


I tell folks you get yourself killed because the gummit didn't take care of you- don't come running and whining to me. Don't care if you are family- I got something planned on the day of your funeral.

I don't argue, but I make no bones about how I feel to those who try to argue. I say my piece - Sorry man, and I walk off.
Now a person wants to learn to shoot, get a CCW, whatever - I'm avail.

Getting older and I ain't got time to waste on stupid folks.

[106rr]

Around the age of 50 you will see the thugs sizing you up. It's like being a tourist on an Italian subway. The pick pockets just look you over and wait for their chance.
They aren't attacking now but they will someday. Most of them look at you in advance and make a choice called victim selection. I think old or middle aged people are more likely to be seen as an easy mark.

[Devonai]

I wish I could remember the specifics and provide a link, but there was a criminology study done at one point that focused on what predatory criminals look for in victims. I'll Google it and see what I can find.

Basically, researchers went in to prisons to talk to convicted rapists and robbers. They showed them video tapes of normal people walking around in public and asked the convicts to note whether they would definitely assault that person or definitely not assault that person. The results were, for the most part, not surprising. One dapper elderly gentlemen shown received a response of 100% would NOT assault. Curious, the researchers found the man and asked him about his background. Turns out he was former SAS who'd fought behind German lines in The Big One.

So remember that age doesn't necessarily negate attitude!

[Rickstir]

It's the ego thing that amuses me the most. If anything I have acquired a calmer more self-reliant attitude since I started carrying. People told me it would happen and it has. I wouldn't call it meek, but I am much more tolerant. Especially when driving. An incident that might have triggered a honking tirad is now just laughed off. I pull off the road safely to avoid tailgaters rather than touch the brakes. Another thing I noticed is that I am more aware of my suroundings and possible threats. You know, things that warrant a second look. I teach night school and have a 50 mile ride home. There is one stop-and-rob that I always pull into to get a soda for the trip home. I scan the place thoroughly before entering. And my 6, I am always watching my 6.

[Smoke]

sm,

you old coot! You're starting to sound like a real curmudgeon.

Regards,

Smoke

:D

[sturmruger]

Ditto Rickstir, I tend to keep my mouth shut when in the past I might have spoken up. I am also many times more observant then I used to.

[sm]

Well Smoke, that may be true. You and I have discussed some matters...others too. Some folks "get it" younger than others - some never do. Just like the story about the old bull and the young bull -Some folks late in life still want to "run down get them all" . There are some young folks that learn to "walk down'.

Maturity is NOT age specific.

[Dark Tranquility]

I’m 22, so guess I qualify. I applied for my Florida CWP a week after my 21st birthday. Before that I carried 5” fixed blade Buck Knife, and a pair of brass knuckles. I know it wasn’t all legal. I’ve seen bad drug deals go down, AK displayed, brass knuckles to the face (wasn’t pretty), and some pretty intense fights. I’ve worked in some pretty rough neighborhoods, with some pretty rough people. I was always respected because I minded my own business, and was a capable individual.

I’m about 6’4”, weigh 230 and am in very good shape. I don’t look like an easy individual to take either, I’m pretty buff, have (scary) long hair, but no tattoos, piercing or any other things that attract unwanted attention. I always dress and conduct my self very professionally. Any one who decided to mess with me would bring more than their fists.

I don’t believe in, nor trust God, society, or governments to protect or take care of me. For me it’s simply being prepared. Man is where he is today not because of warm fuzzy thoughts and good intentions, but because he managed to stack up the highest mountain range of corpses. We are here today because of disease, famine, deep lacerations, birth defects, venom, fangs, internal bleeding, blunt head trauma ect. To sum up why I carry a gun in a single word: Entropy.

Most of my friends are either geeky, or freaky! As a result they see the world as I do and agree with me. A few even shoot and own guns themselves.

I’ve never been accused of being on an ego trip, mainly because I’m a calm, mellow, very liberal (in the classic sense of the word) individual. Most people see me as being a true humanist. A live and let live individual with an extreme distaste for all forms of authority. I’m currently in my third year as a pre-med student, and have plans on going for my MD, and eventually into dermatology.

Dan

[P95Carry]

Like your thinkin Dan! I was about like that age 22 ... now ... hmmm .... now 37 years on ... not much different. Still 6'.00" and 205 .. not as imposing as you but ... I still manage (so I am told) carry a semblance of ''don't mess with me'' :D No point in trying to look like a prospective victim even if white round the muzzle!


Steve .... I'll give you ''Apprentice Curmudgeon'' status!! :p By time you've piled on 10 more years you'll reach my ''Practicing Curmudgeon'' status!

If I live another 10 years then my practice will have me as a full-blown Curmudgeon ... then allowed to be as cantankerous as I wish!!:D :D

[Tamara]

If only your friend could possibly grasp just how little his opinion means to me...:scrutiny:

[PigPen]

Well, when I was 22, I would possibly have agreed with your friend.............I think I might have been wrong occasionally...........but I agree that the issue is debateable by honest men of sound judgement.

Point is, I am 60 years old. I am no longer 22 years old. I spend my days pushing a pencil ( and have for a long time). IOW, I am no longer able to defend myself and my family against about anything that comes along like when I was 22.

When the chips are down, I intend defending myself and my family against those that mean them harm when there is no reasonable chance of escape! I hope this doesn't offend any one.

PigPen

[minnesota oldie]

I'm old and have a disability. Every time I park and put the disabled placard in the window, slowly get out of my vehicle and gingerly walk down the street I feel like I have a sign on my forhead that says "Victim, please rob". The glock 26 on my hip helps me feel more secure, which is a feeling I like. I didn't feel the need for it when I was young and healthy. Awww, the invinsiblity of being young. Carry for what ever reason suits you and tell the rest of the world to go to hell.

[Walosi]

38snapcaps - Much has been said about age. All of us, young and spry, or venerable, seem to share much the same outlook on this. Here's another. Wherever we are, between the age of 10 or 100, our lives and time are too precious to waste with fools. Your friend is a fool. Shake his hand, pat him on the head, and send him out to play in traffic.

[ny32182]

I'm 22, and got my CWP when I was 21. The only two people in the world that have a clue that I ever carry are my two roommates.

Ego trip it's not. And I hole heartedly echo Tamara's sentiments.

[Waitone]

I was 35 once and I was cocky. I could take care of my loved ones and me if I had to.

15+ years of bad events has bless me with copious quantities of wisdom. Wisdom is acquired through experience, both good and bad.

I've made it through life without someone shoving a pistol in my face. My daughter hasn't.

You may lose your argument with you friend, but just remember that time is on your side. . . .not his.

[Mannlicher]

Snaps, I never judge anothers decision to carry or not. I have carried daily for about 40 years. I have my reasons and concerns. as do others. I do what I consider prudent, and leave others to their own devices.
Frankly, at 57, I just don't feel like fisticuffs anymore, but I won't be demeaned or threatned either.

[Gunmeister]

At age 68 and a 32 year career military vet, I'm in pretty good shape considering the shape I'm in. However, I'm too old to run, too old to engage in hand to hand combat (altho I do know some pretty good moves) and I'm too damn proud to be afraid of anyone. Hence I carry 24/7/365, my little Kahr PM9 provides a lot of comfort and fits in just about all of my right front trouser pockets. I practice with it at least twice a month and have well over 2k rounds through her so I know she's reliable.
Here in certain areas of Florida, bad guys consider robbing and beating old folks to be sport. Back in my younger days as a sailor in the worlds finest Navy, I used to brawl with the best of them and have the crooked nose and scars to prove it but these days I no longer bend, I break so I have to be prepared to defend my wife and I if a nasty situation presents it's self. On two occasions in the last year, I have been jostled by a couple of thugs and both times I used my standard saying, "Young fella, I'm too old to fight ya so I'm gonna have to kill ya" with my hand on the Kahr in my pocket, they get the message loud and clear.:fire:

[P95Carry]

I'm too old to fight ya so I'm gonna have to kill ya Gunmeister ....... I like that!! :D :D

I also like the line in my sig' that Preacherman said a while ago .... about old guys - and tricks!!:p

[Model520Fan]

He believes its an age thing because people in my age group don't feel capable of taking care of themselves in the world unless they have a gun on their person.
I'm sorry to have to say this, but your friend is an idiot. If an older person doen't feel capable of taking care of himself without a gun, that is exactly why he SHOULD carry a gun. Some youngs folks could learn a thing or two from their elders.

Now, to the question of the source of your friend's mental deficiency:
And finally-his real dad is a thirty year policeman who rarely carries off duty. His position is, if his dad doesn't feel the need why should any ordinary citizen?
We know the parents get blamed either way, but in this case it looks like heredity. It will eventually breed itself out, but it may take a while.

[gtd]

It's not about age, it's about responsibility.

I'm not old and I'm not young. I am responsible for several family members who would be unable to protect themselves. I've seen, even recently in front of my own house, that they need protection. And right now, my number one job in life is to make sure they can live their lives in contentment and happiness, ignorant of all the bad things around them. That means coming home each night without fail.

I really don't care about anyone else's opinion about how I manage to make that happen.

[mtnflyboy]

When I was 15 yrs old, I KNEW I would never die -- that only happened to old folks. The Summer after my 16th birthday, I got shot at for the first time, in a robbery at the drive-in movie where I worked... and I began to understand that I could get hurt, after all. Two years later, I was shot at again -- and I figured out that I, too, could die -- and it didn't matter that I was "special", or that my Mommy loved me.

I still meet people, from time to time, that think like I did at 15 -- and a lot of them are older than your friend. Matter of fact, the first one that comes to mind is a rabid anti-gun freak, who made money lobbying against Colorado's 'shall- issue' CCW law, a couple of years back.

It may just be a matter of growing up, rather than growing old. OR -- it may just be a matter of realizing that YOU are responsible for your own safety -- not Big Momma Gummint... and that bad things DO happen, even to "good" folks.

[BigBlueEyedDevil]

I'm 21 and I will be carrying as soon as I move to Arizona. 22 and packing ain't bad. Specially since it's a 1911. Tyler

[Tom Bri]

There are things worth protecting. That is all. Might be my own life, my wife's, kids, even some stranger's life. Maybe it is my freedom. If there isn't anything in your life worth protecting, you have a big problem.

[joab]

At 42 I've reach the age where you realize that you are not as tough as you used to be, and probably never were as tough as you thought you were. I have broken my back, had both knees operated on several times, dislocated my shoulder twice and have had over 40 broken bones all of which scream at me when the weather turns cold or wet.
So yeah I have accepted the fact that I probably cannot stand toe to toe with a younger stronger more determined crack head espescially if he is armed
At 22 I carried illegally because I knew then also that I could not stand toe to toe with any and all. And nobody at all knew that I carried because it was illegal.
So bravado had nothing to do with it then. I just had an extreme desire not to die.

[M2HMGHB]

I'll be 20 this month. I cannot carry a concealed weapon for 1 reason, NJ state doesnt allow it. I have been sick off and on since I was 7 with Lyme Disease. I now have a bone spur in each knee and moderate asthma, I cannot run for more then 25 yards. Most days I'm stuck in the house feeling like crud. The one thing that has improved my mind set is shooting at the range. I find it to be the best stress relief in the world. As for carrying concealed I plan on getting pepper spray and when I go to places that are usually not the top of the group I'll have a cane, thats in addition to a knife which I have almost never been without since I was 15. I know it's not the best choice, especially in this state but it is the best that can be done. If anyone cares to bs about Lyme Disease or would like info just PM me.

Scott