"Do you carry a gun?"

[esq_stu]

Not that I'm Mr. Popularity, but there's a pretty wide circle of acquaintances, friends, and close friends and their families that I see socially quite often. Several go to the range with me, several have handguns, some have concealed carry licenses, many of us chit-chat about guns, and some are oblivious or consider guns at best mysterious and maybe dangerous. A couple of close friends know I carry 24/7.

Regardless, the situation now is that someone said something to someone else, who said something to someone else. And though nobody may object (yeah, right), someone asked my wife, in public when I was not present and front of the person's husband and children, if I carry a gun. She did not answer, but her non-answer may have been taken as a "yes."

So what would you say? Why? Did it work for you? Note: votes are private, multiple votes allowed, serious answers perferred.

 

[RLsnow]

MYODB

Mind your own damn buisness?

 

[Nate C.]

My typical response is: "Doesn't everyone?"

 

[Triphammer]

Depends on circumstances. My stock responses are 'Why, do you need one?" or " Does something need shooting?"

If it's a non shooting business associate trying to get a handle on what type person would CCW full time, I'll use the question as an opportunity to open a dialogue.

 

[george29]

The fuel of social functions is gossip. At some point, each of the regular attendees of your social group will become the focus of that gossip for various reasons. There is the married slut, the paranoid conservative, the couple with the dyslexic child, the guy that won't get the promotion, etc. That's more or less what a social group is and it's members are known for their labels. I guess you are the token gun nut conservative, congratulations for not being the married slut.

 

[Big45]

Weird poll choices. How about just a big 'ol "Yes."

 

[Deer Hunter]

But what if I want to be the married slut?

 

[george29]

The position is open, go for it.

 

[Treo]

I don't discuss my( or my wife's FTM) status as a CHP holderanywhere but right here on this board.

If ever asked I would change the subject W/out comment.

 

[ravencon]

I've had a CC license for about 30 years and I have never been asked if I carry a gun and I have a difficult time imagining a context in which that question would be asked of me.

I am not quick to initiate conversations about controversial topics with people I don't know well. When such "hot topic" conversations occur I am not quick to volunteer information or opinions. Thus it seems unlikely this question will be asked of me.

 

[Eric F]

Why Yes I do........... because I am the man from Nantucket(why did I put that up on here) Oh yead because the choices are just as odd.

 

[Big45]

I've had a CC license for about 30 years

Just curious, what state(s) have been issuing CCW since the 70's?

 

[doc2rn]

Alarm bells generally go off when I am asked this in public. First I take a step back and scan the room. Then I answer with usually why? Would it make a difference? Where should I be focussed right now?
I had a teacher who honestly thought I was packing in class once turn me in to local LEO. I had to be searched, removed from class for the teacher's peace of mind, and be administratively reviewed for unusual brusk answers.
Now I answer even more sarcastically, since it is expected.

 

[.cheese.]

Big45: it may not have been shall-issue.

As for the question, I still don't have an answer that I'm happy with.

 

[rbernie]

"I have a license to carry a concealed weapon if I choose to do so."

 

[lee n. field]

What if you are asked, "do you carry a gun?"

"MYOB"

Depends on who's asking. "I do not speak English."

 

[stubob2517]

Most of the people in this world I trust work with me. They know I have my CCW (most of them do as well) and yet somehow, the question has never come up among us about who was or was not carrying.

No one else knows, so if someone asks I'm going to be concerned and say no even if I am carrying at the time.

 

[American_Pit_Bull]

Where is the "Yes" choice in the poll?

 

[Frandy]

"Why? Do you?"

 

[JesseL]

"Yep"

It's no big secret and nothing to be ashamed of, especially given that I open carry pretty regularly.

 

[Iggy]

Nobody but close acquaintances would have the nerve or reason to ask me that.

Depending on who it is.. I usually respond with, Does your wife wear boxers or briefs? or, If I told you that, I'd have to kill you! accompanied with a big grin.

If I feel it is a legitimate question, I will tell them I have a permit, and follow up with "Are they interested in getting one?"

 

[deadhawg]

Depends on who's asking, and I have rarely been asked, but I have replied "If you really need to know you'll find out"

Ron

 

[AirForceShooter]

Yes I do.

What's the problem in admitting it.
It's not you're a closet perv or gay.

I don't understand people hiding it. I want people to know that "normal" everyday people all around them carry and it's not a biggie.

AFS

 

[rbernie]

I don't understand people hiding it. I want people to know that "normal" everyday people all around them carry and it's not a biggie.

Exactly so.

That does not mean to tell anyone when you do/do not have it. It just means to be willing to stand up and be counted as a law-abiding gun owner.

 

[MaterDei]

I'm with AirForceShooter. My answer is simply 'yes'. The answers of many in this thread demonstrate much of what is wrong with the RKBA movement in this country. Gun ownership and bearing arms should be normal and mainstream, not something to flaunt, fear, or hide.

YMMV