When I got my CO permit, I was actually kind of shocked that when I went to pick it up it was just a matter of "sign here, here's your permit, have a nice day!" Yeah, I had to take a class first, which wasn't terribly impressive or informative, but I figured when I actually picked it up at the Sheriff's Office there would at least be 5 or 10 minutes of "now looky here boy, let's go over the 'thou shalls",the 'thou shalt nots', and the 'thou shalt NEVERS' about having a CWP and carrying a gun. But, nothing.
I really was expecting at least some kind of briefing or talking to, even an interview where they looked me over suspiciously, but nada. It was so easy and informal it actually kinda freaked me out a little. Even after taking the class (which was more of an ego tour of the instructor's life, with a little info tossed in), when I had the permit in my hand I felt kind of naked and vulnerable. Kinda hard to explain, really. I mean, I took the class, applied for the permit, was approved, and received it.....but now what? That's it? This is all there is to it?
I've since figured out that carrying a gun with a permit is a never-ending self-taught class and quest for knowledge, just to learn what you can and can't do, and shouldn't EVER do.
Main thing I can suggest is that you NEVER forget that you're NOT a cop, and you're NOT a superhero, you're NOT given a permit to fight crime, and you're NOT responsible to protect everyone else. It's only to protect yourself, your family members, other persons in your immediate party who may be in danger, and in extreme cases....total strangers who are in immediate and imminent danger of extreme harm.
In other words, unless a bad guy appears VERY likely to hurt or kill someone immediately, don't try to be a hero! Somebody's robbing the 7-11 and you're there, let him rob the place and leave if at all possible. If he's pistol-whipping the clerk or shooting up the place, that's a different story. Trying to herd everyone into the cooler, different story.
Couple guys fist-fighting outside a bar, go the other direction. Some drunk wanting to fight with YOU, get away from him. Some drunk wanting to fight with you, and he's got a knife or broken bottle? Different story, but you'd better make every effort you can to NOT shoot him.
In other words, always be ready, willing and able to use your gun, but make every possible effort to avoid it. There's a hair-fine line between hesitating enough to avoid a tragedy that shouldn't have happened, and hesitating too much and ending up the loser.
IMO, every situation will be different, and it will always be a judgement call. Even if drawing and firing is the right thing to do and unavoidable, it WILL change your life forever! And most likely not for the better.
Just the way I see things, I'm sure there's a million other opinions better than mine. I carry to protect me and mine, but I damn sure don't want to make a mistake and ruin my life either.
And when the cops arrive, I'd advise you to NOT be the man with the gun in your hand if at all possible!
(In Kansas I don't have to flee first if attacked. Hopefully I can avoid being attacked. I can even defend my property with reasonable, not deadly, force.) The instructor is a 28 year police veteran and is recommended by a very good attorney and avid hunter. I have no idea of the other attendees. Hopefully they have basic knowledge of handling and shooting guns. At least when I get my CCW I'll be able to transport my guns in my truck hassle free.
