Am I Crazy?

[1894]

So, today I'm cleaning the pool and some friends come over. One makes a comment to another about me carrying (I had my LCP tucked into the waistband of my trunks - no shirt - in a pocket holster). He says, "No, we always have them on us," and shows her his that he had in his pocket.

This thing goes everywhere with me that I can legally carry. Am I nuts - or is this anywhere near normal? Your thoughts are welcome.

 

[AlexanderA]

I would think it's more "normal" to carry in accordance with the threat level. Where I live, for example, we don't have any violent crime to speak of, at least involving ordinary, non-related individuals. It would be overkill for me to carry a gun, although it's nice that a permit is available on a "shall issue" basis if that's ever needed.

Ironically, the "threat level" seems to be highest in those jurisdictions where obtaining a carry permit is most difficult. Coincidence? I don't think so...

 

[Nushif]

Especially an LCP .... totally normal to carry just about anywhere.

A full blown "duty" belt rig with the mace, fullsize, offhand, several mags ... maybe not so much, but an pocket pistol? I'd be surprised if someone who has one doesn't have it in their pocket.

 

[mgmorden]

I don't think any less of anyone who carries such a rig around whenever they can.

This is just my personal opinion (which may offend some), but I think it goes a little too far when you start dressing around carrying the gun. Buying bigger pants, thunderwear, wearing pants bought specifically for carry, or wearing jackets or cover garmets that you otherwise wouldn't wear. Again, just my opinion, but when you get to that level you're living to carry rather than carrying to live.

Not that I think anyone should be denied the ability to do those things - its their choice - I just consider it excessive myself. I get dressed in whatever I want to wear. THEN I grab a carry gun that will work well with that style of dress. Luckily as a fall-back option the LCP pretty much will always work. Worst-case scenario I'll toss it in the wallet holster and put it in my back pocket.

 

[Byrd666]

No, not crazy at all. I know, and know of, many people that keep a pocket pistol or pocket revolver, and a few folks with Deringers on their person at all times. Or at least as the law will allow

 

[Ringolevio]

Not crazy, but perhaps a bit imprudent

Well, there's certainly nothing "crazy" about carrying whenever and wherever it's legal to do so (which would certainly include on one's own property).

But carrying in such a way as to invite questions or comments from those who would not otherwise know you carry (if it were kept concealed) is a bit questionable in terms of prudence and "information management" (that's a term I just made up to reflect the principle of "Don't put your business in the street" or "Always carry -- Never tell").

 

[T Bran]

Since you are sane enough to ask the question NO you are not crazy. The fact that you asked it here means that you dont want an intervention.
If carrying all the time is crazy then were both crazy.
Dont let the sheep in society soften your resolve to be prepared.
Best
T

 

[1894]

For the record: I was not expecting visitors; We have a 6' privacy fence; My home is always open to friends - it's sort of the goto place if you will. I trust my friends and most of them are armed. "Normally," I would conceal if I thought I had someone from whom these things should be concealed. Just never thought about it when I answered the door. The easy answer would be that I forgot about it. But, I never forget about it. I know it's there because I make sure it is. Maybe I forgot that some don't think this is normal? Or, I am a nutcase.

Ring: I get you - and agree. It's just that since I always have it, I never think about what it might seem for those folks who don't have the same mindset. And, I was home. Hence my question.

Not trying to argue. Just wondering if I'm taking things too far.

 

[Tim37]

i always have my naa 22 mag on me. right now im sitting in my recliner in my pj's with it in my pocket. i have gotten to where i feel naked without it. kinda like my watch or my cel phone.

 

[WardenWolf]

I put my gun on when I put my belt on, right after I put my pants on. Polish P-64 in an IWB holster.

 

[allaroundhunter]

I carry a FS M&P9 on me whenever I am home even if I am going about my chores typically OWB but under a light jacket. Crime where I live is almost unheard of, but it is better to have and not need than need and not have.

The key word in "home invasion" is...wait for it...."home"

For that reason I will stay armed when I'm home, not with a gun "somewhere close", but on my person

 

[Ringolevio]

No argument (and anyway, an argument is not a fight)

1894:

Ring: I get you - and agree. It's just that since I always have it, I never think about what it might seem for those folks who don't have the same mindset. And, I was home. Hence my question.

Not trying to argue. Just wondering if I'm taking things too far.

I'm not trying to argue either, "18" (I figure if you can call me "Ring", I can call you "18", which happens to be a lucky number for folks of my ethnicity).

And I don't think you're "taking things too far". I just wanted to remind you that "loose lips sink ships".

If it's crazy to always be armed, then I'm every bit as crazy as you!

In the relative anonymity (I hope!) of this forum, I'll tell you that even lounging around my house/yard in sweats, I have a Colt Mustang or a Smith Model 36 in my pocket or in a fanny pack. But i make sure nobody knows about it.

And almost any time I'm on the street or in the woods I have even more "serious" firepower on board (and concealed).

 

[Josh45]

No. Not crazy at all.

I carry all day long. The only time I do not carry is when I am sleeping, or taking a shower. But from the time I wake up and get dressed, My CCW is on me. Heck, I even fell asleep with it one time.

Home? Yes. Walmart? Yes. Mcdonalds? Yes. BK? Yes. Dollar Store? Yes.

Anywhere I legally can carry, It will be on me. If I cannot carry it in there, I usually do not go there or if need be, Hide it in the car and go do my business. As soon as I am in the car, Back on it goes.

So no, Your not crazy. I just feel naked without it and also the fact that it is right there where I need it should, God forbid need it in case of anything.

 

[AZ_Rebel]

I would think it's more "normal" to carry in accordance with the threat level.

And how would you deterrmine this mythical "threat level"? Since violent crime happens at the instigation of others who actually choose the time/place/target of their attack, how would you be able to make a rational decision on what "threat level" you will be in?

I believe it is self delusion to think you can actually choose when to be armed to repel an attack. If it you determine that it is likely you will get into a confrontation the sane thing to do is to change your plans... not "I will take my gun because....

Since it is logical that you can not determine WHEN or WHERE you will need your gun it follows that the only logical mode is to have it with you at all times. I know I do!

Guns are like parachutes... if you need one and don't have one you are unlikely to ever need one again.

 

[BP44]

It sure seems normal to me
I have never had my door broke down or my house robbed yet and I still have the desire to carry at home.

 

[Serenity]

Awesome post, AZ_Rebel. That is the shortest and yet most complete endorsement for carrying at all times that I have read anywhere.

 

[Ignition Override]

Felons being chased often try to hide in a random garage, shed etc, so why not? Imagine how many cars die on the street by your house, and the knock on your door is not really intended to have you call the driver's friend.

And a large fraction of burglaries happen late morning when people leave for work/school (carports too obvious), and at least the fanny pack seen on you when a home is "cased", might discourage future checks behind/between houses, done by people in a truck in your driveway.

What looks weird is when an unknown driver is spotted by a neighbor through her window (imagine the look on her face) and immed. backs out. This happens.

 

[Dnaltrop]

Nah. not at all.

Random acts of violence happen to anyone, Had my scalp split at 9 by a group over the MAX line overpass, ( I hesitate to say gang, but they were all in the local HS's football jerseys at the least)

There are a rash of daytime burglaries in my neighborhood, people waiting for folks to leave in the morning and going right in, 10 days ago someone cleaned my backyard out of deposit cans that my Eldest collected for extra pocket money... they were right under her bedroom window...

Few years ago I caught a guy trying my back kitchen door, My house has no internal staircases, I come out the basement door and there's a guy with his hand on the doorknob and a very sudden Stammer-filled stream of excuses.

Dress for the occasion, I don't have a mousegun, so would probably be unarmed at the pool., but won't hold it against folks who do.

I might give you a funny look if you come out in a SASS rig and Skivvies, but it IS Portland... Home of the Unipiper. I'd probably ask you about the gun itself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75QdvbtZ4W0

And yes, he goes around town Piping, on a Unicycle. Just cruises on past you. Near my kid's school too.

 

[1894]

Dear Mr. Ringolevio,

I apologize, I got lazy and didn't want to your your whole name. Mea Culpa.

Sincerely,

1

 

[Maia007]

How we wish to live is a decision that we each have to determine for ourselves, individually, separate and apart from the rest of the world.

That decision, in this context, depends mostly on our assessment of "threat level", how "paranoid" (for lack of a better term) we might be, and our general view of our fellow humans and the relative dangers we believe are lurking in the part of the world we live in. What makes perfect sense for me might be considered as either overly paranoid or overly irresponsible by others presuming to judge me.

It is your life, and it is your decision to make. You live your life the way you believe it needs to be lived based on your assessment of your reality. No one else is entitled to make value judgments on those decisions.

It really is that simple.

What do I do? I live my life the way I choose. So should you.