Do you carry a gun because you are afraid?

[RKRCPA]

I started carrying on a daily basis back in 1984 when I owned a convenience store. Simply scanning the news these days would provide any number of reasons why a prudent person would choose to carry a weapon. I have no way of predicting if or when i may come under violent assault but I know if could happen in the most unlikely of places.

I am not out to play cowboy and save the world, or any one else for that matter. But I do intend to make it home at the end of the day.

 

[old lady new shooter]

Sounds like you find that not particularly sensible.

I worked for thirty years in government buildings in the State of Confusion. I mean California. One could only carry a sidearm as directed by the head officer of the location. I was still in a reasonable target of attack.

Guess all you want. I do things for logical reasons and of my own choice. You seem to choose not to carry due to inertia (in your own words). I make a decision based on actual conditions.

Remote? Interesting conclusion. You do not read the paper or watch the news, then? On the same line, you do not carry a spare tire? Or own a first aid kit of some kind? Have more money in a savings account or a desk at home for exigent circumstances?

If I did, it would be accessible and discrete. I am a full time Christian and know God personally. Other (non Christian) people think I'm nuts. And? My decisions and life style are not based on opinion poles.

I am not scared in the sense of quivering in my boots expecting to be attacked or robbed at all times. I do have the right to protect myself. I choose to do so.
I always wear my seat belt when driving. Being cautious is not being scared.

A doctor I went to but didn't like (and therefore no longer use) said "You seem like you're worrying." when I mentioned wanting to check my CRP. I replied, "I'm not worriying, I'm being proactive."

 

[old lady new shooter]

That is rational behavior- knowing that a crime can occur anywhere at any time.

I dunno if Trunk Monkey is still here, but every time people would say it's dumb to carry at home he would relate how he once got attacked going out to get his mail and if he hadn't been armed he likely wouldn't have lived to tell the tale.

 

[old lady new shooter]

To flip this question in the opposite direction, does carrying a gun give you courage you wouldn't otherwise have? If the answer is yes, it's a terrible reason to carry and it's the exact same thing as carrying out of fear.

No, no extra courage. But definitely extra peace of mind.

 

[old lady new shooter]

It's not for fear that I carry. I carry to make it a fair fight.

Bingo.

 

[old lady new shooter]

I started carrying on a daily basis back in 1984 when I owned a convenience store. Simply scanning the news these days would provide any number of reasons why a prudent person would choose to carry a weapon. I have no way of predicting if or when i may come under violent assault but I know if could happen in the most unlikely of places.

I am not out to play cowboy and save the world, or any one else for that matter. But I do intend to make it home at the end of the day.

Convenience stores are often referred to as stop-and-robs, and for good reason. Anyone manning one should be armed IMO.

 

[aaaaa]

No, the equivalent is “Do I keep a fire extinguisher at the ready in every room in my home?”…

Or do I keep a fire extinguisher holstered on my belt? Never know where a fire might suddenly pop up.

Actually, a fire extinguisher in every room is not a bad idea. I have one extinguisher for the whole house. No help if I am in the basement as it is upstairs.

 

[old lady new shooter]

Or do I keep a fire extinguisher holstered on my belt? Never know where a fire might suddenly pop up.

Actually, a fire extinguisher in every room is not a bad idea. I have one extinguisher for the whole house. No help if I am in the basement as it is upstairs.

I have one fire extinguisher in the kitchen and one in my bedroom.

 

[anothernewb]

carrying a firearm is no different than wearing sunscreen, or clothing appropriate to the weather. it's a tool that can help prevent damage to your person. It is not "good" or "bad" its simply a decision.

To use a movie line. Do or do not. there is no try.

 

[plainsdrifter]

I've had guns pulled on me twice when I was unarmed, one shot near my feet.
Tell me I'm paranoid because I carry.
What a stupid question.

 

[buck460XVR]

There appears to be a lot of verbal and mental gymnastics going on here by people who really want to avoid getting themselves too close to the word "fear."

I don't see it.

Sorry Kleanbore, but I do. Here is a quote that sums up fear very well.

Fear is one of the most basic human emotions. It is programmed into the nervous system and works like an instinct. From the time we're infants, we are equipped with the survival instincts necessary to respond with fear when we sense danger or feel unsafe. Fear helps protect us.

...seems just as basic as fear itself, is the machismo that goes along with denying it, especially on male dominated social media forums. Probably comes from being razed on the playground by being called a "scaredy cat". I also believe that all these over used cliches about fire extinguishers and spare tires, is just folks trying to convince themselves they are not scared. But the truth is as "shafter" posted.......

Fear is what causes us to take precautions. Precautions are what allow us to overcome fear.

Fear is the only reason any of us are still on this planet. Fear is a motivator not only to take precautions, but to take chances. Folks claim they are not afraid to jump out of planes or to drive fast on a motorcycle, but the adrenaline rush from fear is what makes it so exhilarating. Fear is what makes us prepare and plan ahead. Admitting it does not make one weak. Fear does not always mean you are shaking in your boots and peeing down your pant's leg, but that you are aware of a possible scenarios/situation that in your best interest, are to be avoided. As I said before, no one needs to justify why they carry, or why they don't carry, it's just another choice. If in reality, there was never any fear of being mugged, randomly attacked on the street, or from a home invasion, would anyone bother to EDC? IMHO, I doubt it.

 

[3Crows]

Be Prepared. No fear.

 

[Kleanbore]

I also believe that all these over used cliches about fire extinguishers and spare tires, is just folks trying to convince themselves they are not scared. But the truth is as "shafter" posted.......

"Cilches" about spare tires? Come now.

I do not agree with Shafter.

 

[buck460XVR]

"Cilches" about spare tires? Come now.

...it was "cliches".

cli·ché
/klēˈSHā/

noun
plural noun: clichés; plural noun: cliches
1.
a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.

I do not agree with Shafter.

What part of this do you not agree with and why?

Fear is what causes us to take precautions. Precautions are what allow us to overcome fear.

 

[aaaaa]

If in reality, there was never any fear of being mugged, randomly attacked on the street, or from a home invasion, would anyone bother to EDC? IMHO, I doubt it.

We don't have to fear these events as a reason to carry. Just the fact that these events are possible is enough justification to carry. I don't walk around fearing an attack, but realize it is a possibility. Fear comes in when that possibility starts looking like an impending reality. Running away is the best response, but if cornered, having a gun will be a great option for dealing with the problem.

 

[TomVA]

Ten years ago I bought a house in a rural area with no neighbors in sight. One night I was awakened by an unusual noise downstairs and I leaped out of bed, only to find myself completely helpless, utterly unable to protect myself and my wife. I quickly bought a shotgun and slept soundly thereafter.

I carry because I never forgot that feeling of helplessness.

 

[Old Dog]

Harkening back to this comment:

It's been my experience that the kind of people that ask questions like that really aren't interested in hearing your answer, they just want to let you know what kind of idiot they think you are.

as it was the type of remark that spawned the OP's question. Worth noting, as our first instinct is always to come up with a pithy response and engage the clowns -- who are already established in their beliefs and totally unlikely to ever change them -- that ask questions such as this. Which, as we know too well, is an utter and complete waste of our time.

...seems just as basic as fear itself, is the machismo that goes along with denying it, especially on male dominated social media forums. Probably comes from being razed on the playground by being called a "scaredy cat". I also believe that all these over used cliches about fire extinguishers and spare tires, is just folks trying to convince themselves they are not scared.

SIgh. One can be scared of potential events, but the OP was talking about constantly living in fear. Nevertheless, I'm not seeing folks here trying to convince themselves they are not scared.

For those that have seemingly interpreted some posts as "machismo," "chest-thumping" or the denial of ever feeling fear, I don't see anyone here stating they never feel fear, that they are living their lives in a completely fearless state, simply responding more accurately than others as to the OP's question about "constantly living in fear."

I think the concept of "fear" itself doesn't always directly relate to having a firearm upon one's person and the ability to use it in response to certain situations.

I had to drive all around Chicago for several days a couple weeks ago. There was much fear involved. And it had nothing to do with my potential response to threats other than the idiots on the highways and streets.

I spent much of my last two deployments living in what seemed at times, an almost constant state of fear or at the very least, serious concern for my health and well-being, whenever I had to leave my base. In my later career, I went through some entire shifts where there was a healthy amount of fear suffered. In those jobs, I was quite well-armed and surrounded by well-trained guys (and gals) who were likewise well-armed.

Having a firearm does not stop one from feeling fear. But, to paraphrase those lasting words of the legendary former President Bill Clinton: "It depends on how you define fear."

 

[bdickens]

I remember once when a Woman asked Me , Why I felt the need to carry a firearm . I turned looked her square in the eyes and replied .
Mam it's for You and Your children's protection ,it is most certainly Not for mine ; See I'm ex Military and I survived a tour of Southeast Asia ,so I can and do take care of myself . It's You and yours I must look out for . It's our Oath under enlistment which I swore to ,protecting OUR constitution , Against Enemies both Foreign and Domestic .

For those that may not know and for those that need reminding :

Enlistment oath: who may administer
(a) Enlistment Oath.—Each person enlisting in an armed force shall take the following oath:

“I, ____________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”


(b) Who May Administer.—The oath may be taken before the President, the Vice-President, the Secretary of Defense, any commissioned officer, or any other person designated under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 17, §501; Pub. L. 87–751, §1, Oct. 5, 1962, 76 Stat. 748; renumbered §502, Pub. L. 90–235, §2(a)(1)(A), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 753; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VI, §653(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1462; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title V, §595(a), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2235.)



RANGER CREED
Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to
uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers.
Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite Soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I
accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier.
Never shall I fail my comrades I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight and I will
shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.
Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained Soldier. My courtesy to superior officers,
neatness of dress, and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.
Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will
fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy
and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.
Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I
be the lone survivor.

Oh, good God! How long ago did you ETS? Give it a rest.

 

[The Night Rider]

But, to paraphrase those lasting words of the legendary former President Bill Clinton: "It depends on how you define fear."

English is a horrible language for describing nuance ( that's why I read the Bible in English but I study it in Greek and Hebrew).

True story, the word fear can be used to cover such a wide variety of emotions it's almost meaningless.

There's bare fear, there's reasonable fear (which automatically means there's unreasonable fear), there's paralyzing fear, There's phobic fear, there's even something that the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous describes as "Fear Of Impending Doom". They list it as a symptom of alcoholism.

I could probably do another three paragraphs on this but the point I'm trying to make is that we all think we're speaking the same language but we're not. We all think we're using identical terms, but we're not.

I joke a lot about being retired but the truth is I'm disabled. I just got up off my couch to go do something. I can see my front door from where I'm sitting if there had been somebody standing at the doorway I wouldn't have been on my feet before they got to me. I'm not physically capable of fighting off a twenty-something Crackhead. And I don't know how common it is but some of these guys practice MMA. Trayvon Martin most assuredly did and it's been doccumented.

All of that at least partially drives my decision to carry a gun. So, yes at some level of nuance my decision is driven by fear.

The question is is it a reasonable fear? I think it is. I don't let whether or not I can carry a gun dictate where I go. If I refused to go to the VA or Walmart( I can carry a gun at Walmart I just used it as an example) or anywhere else necessary because I can't carry a gun I would judge that to be an unreasonable fear.

I could go on and on and on with this but I'm going to close it by repeating what I said earlier the kind of person that's going to ask you that question has already decided in their mind that you do in fact live in unreasonable fear. There's no point in arguing with them because you're not going to change their mind. The only thing that's going to change their mind is hearing the window glass in the front door break at 3:00 in the morning.

 

[Kleanbore]

Night Rider, that's a good post.

To go on--reasonable fear of an imminent deadly force attack will justify the use of defensive deadly force, provided that certain other conditions are met.

Considering the nuances, I have trouble characterizing a concern that a deadly force attack , though quite unlikely, might occur some time in the future.

But I do think it prudent to recognize the risk and mitigate it.

 

[Electricmo]

We prepare for the day ahead that we expect. If something goes haywire panic or fear may set in instantly. That car barreling across the intersection right at you might require some evasive action. Panic and you might just lock up and get killed. I prepare each day for what I expect, not out of anything I fear. Fear kills…

 

[Bazoo]

A lot of class resentment here. Actually, class resentment works in both directions, and it animates much of the gun debate. Nobody much talks about that aspect, but it bubbles just below the surface. Remember "the deplorables" who "cling to their guns and religion"?

I am a person that clings to my guns and religion. When things get scary, my religion and my gun are the only things that really help make me feel safer. Now, I trust my God, but does my gun actually help me to be safer? I’ve never been in a real hairy situation like a stand-off or gunfight.

For example, there has been a few times that I’ve seen verbal fights between others in town. Road rage. When folks are enraged and ready to fight, I don’t like that feeling it brings. I stay out of it. I know I can’t use my gun to stop a mere fistfight or fist attack. But I also get quite uneasy around that sort of behavior and having my gun is a comfort atleast.

 

[LocoGringo]

My motivations for doing something to protect myself or others around me are none of their business. It doesn't matter what my motivations are as long as I do it legally. I've never been asked my motivations and I honestly don't conceal carry as much as I "should" by the measures of others, but I'm glad I have the freedom and ability to do it when (and, mostly, where) I want. The condescension that comes from most people who actually ask that question (sensing from others) merits a snide reply that would put them in their place (hopefully), but I'm usually slow-witted with replies when surprised. What I am is well trained to respond to a threat if necessary and quite accurate to a variety of distances and targets.

Recently, I competed in a BUG match with the pistol I actually carry in the holster I use for concealed carry (XDs in .45 ACP) and finished 11th out of 33 people when I haven't fired that pistol for years, haven't competed in anything for 6 months and am competing against people who shoot more often than me while using 9mm pistols. I'm confident in my abilities, but not overconfident. Some people have "race" guns and run holsters that obviously aren't in the spirit of concealed carry, but it's fun to see what one can do and where one stacks up. I choose to truly test my abilities with the tools I actually use. I will never win a competition that way, but I'll have a pretty good idea where I stand in my abilities.

If someone asks me sincerely why I carry, I may answer with a sincere response, but it will be polite. If someone asks me derisively or condescendingly why I carry, I will answer in kind, if I answer, but I'm not obligated to answer to them.

What has become pervasive in our society is the overemphasis of "safety" and some ridiculous idea that we are in control of most things. Freedom is NOT safe and I can only REALLY control me and my reactions to what happens. Making a bunch of laws and rules does NOT control other people because people don't always follow the rules. The ultimate level of freedom would be anarchy (absolutely no rules) and everyone knows that anarchy is not safe.

Truly, safety is an illusion but most people don't understand that truth. However, there are things that one can do to reduce the danger to themselves like look both ways before crossing a street, wearing a seatbelt in case of a car crash, having a fire extinguisher where it is most likely a fire will start in the house and carrying a gun to defend one's life or the life of others against a deadly threat. Does all of that make me fearful...I don't really care, I'm gonna take care of me and mine.

 

[aaaaa]

Other than that people could figure out I carry if they had the inclination to go on line and fined my posts (though many would not know how to do that), I think only a couple close friends, my wife and kids know I carry. My sister does not know, nor my mother-in-law. Well if ever I get pulled over by the police for a traffic violation with them in the car they will find out as I am required to notify the police of my carry status. I don't have NRA or GOA stickers on my care, as much as I would like to, because Michigan is likely to take the federal subsidy (bribe) offered to institute red flag laws, and we know how easily those can do you in if someone knows you have guns (not even have to be a carrier) and doesn't like you.

I am amazed that Ted Nugent flaunts his guns on social media like he does. Well maybe in Texas they can't red flag you.

EDIT: Well I guess the mailman knows I am into guns as I get Concealed Carry and Shooting Illustrated.

 

[BushMaster-15]

Take a deep breath.

Maybe you're wound a little bit tight here

Haven't broken any springs yet