answer to ccw question

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model4006

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when someone asks you why you want to, or why you do carry a concealed handgun, what do you tell them? its a constitutional right, i dont have to have a reason, its to protect myself, i live in the 9th most dangerous city in the nation and take night classes at college?

lately ive been saying "because they wont let me carry a carbine, so this handgun is all ive got. its no rifle, but its the next best thing." while gun guys get the joke, it doesnt do much for people who have no idea whats going on.

how about you guys?
 
Oddly, no one ever asks me. I haven't had to come up with any reasons for other people, cute or not.
 
I've had a few people who know I have a CCW ask if I am carrying. Answer is, "You don't need to know."

You could always remark that in "More Guns, Less Crime" U. of Chicago prof. John R. Lott notes a "shirt-tail" effect in "carry states." Violent assault is reduced because criminals don't want to risk that the victim might be armed. And so your CCW is helping reduce assault for people who don't carry.

"It's like having a spare tire in the trunk." -- There's a good one. Not planning to have a flat tire, but nice to have a spare I don't need rather than not carry a spare and need one.

Or the "truth" . . .

"Because I'm a gun nut, and it feels sexy."

:neener:
 
tell them its none of their business, or ask them if they have a problem with you being prepared.
 
I've only had it happen once, mainly because I don't like to advertise.

Basically I just told them it's a tool for protection of myself and loved ones.

Just another device I carry. Leatherman, keys, gun, wallet, pepper spray.

Times are changing. It's becoming almost necessary to carry these days.
 
Because the burdens, nuisances, and expense of lawful and ethical carry, even summed over a lifetime of having a gun and not needing one, are insignificant compared to the problem of needing a gun and not having one.
 
No one has ever asked me because I don't tell anyone I carry. It's really none of their business but if they did ask me I would probably tell them the truth. The Police can't protect everyone all the time so I am using my Constitutional right to protect myself and my family. I hope to never need to do so but if need be, I'm prepared. I refuse to be a victim because the BG has a gun or other weapon that can bring harm to myself or family and have no way of stopping them.
 
model4006 said:
[W]hen someone asks you why you want to, or why you do carry a concealed handgun, what do you tell them?
Click to expand...
First of all, don't get that self-conscience look on your face. If you feel guilty, you are.

Second, ask them, "Why do you want to know?" while looking square on at them and without offering any kind of answer. If they are asking because they are considering getting a permit themselves and/or really want to know, then you have some common ground to talk about things. If they are asking as a snide way to belittle you, you take the wind out of their sails.

Never pass up the opportunity to bring another shooter on board.
 
Like It Or Not, We are ALL CCW Goodwill Ambassadors

When a question like that arises, you should view it as an opportunity to educate someone in a friendly way. Don't be smug or rude, just be very simple and plain about it without a long-winded lecture.

"I carry a sidearm (don't call it a g-g-g-g-g-g-g-gun) because I want to be prepared to defend myself, my family and innocent victims from violent criminals. So - just to be prepared in case I need it, that's all. Pretty much the same reason why I have a spare tire in my vehicle or a fire extinguisher in my home. Just in case I need it -right now - in an emergency. That makes sense, right?"

That kind of simple straightforward logic connected with fire extinguishers and spare tires seems to work for me. Maybe it will be of help for you in a similar situation. Good luck and stay safe !!
 
I normally tell folks that "How you choose to protect yourself and loved ones is your choice. How I choose to protect me and my loved ones is my choice."
Here in South Florida with all the crime you don't hear many people second guessing that decision.
 
I always divide this sort of thing up into two categories.

Sometimes you just need a fast, off the cuff, response...
1) Because I can't carry a police officer.
2) For the same reason I wear seatbelts... Just in case.
3) Civic duty.
4) "Because bad men will not disarm, good men must not".


Sometimes you can take a little more time and discuss the matter in which case I almost always wind up having the "focus on the criminals not the tools" speech or the "please don't punish/judge me for what the criminals do" speech.
 
Why do I carry a gun? Because I can't carry a policeman.

pax
 
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