"Do you carry a gun?"
- Thread starter esq_stu
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I see it as boiling down to two answers: yes or no, in that the vague or hedged answers are essentially taken to mean yes.
I'd answer yes or no depending on the circumstances.
That said, the only people to ever ask me were people who knew I carried and were trying to confirm if I was carrying at that moment, usually in deciding whether to offer me an alcoholic beverage or not.
I'd answer yes or no depending on the circumstances.
That said, the only people to ever ask me were people who knew I carried and were trying to confirm if I was carrying at that moment, usually in deciding whether to offer me an alcoholic beverage or not.
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
My answer is, "Of course."
The answer depends on the person asking and the setting. If it is a reasonably trusted associate asking conversationally, I'd probably answer "yes." If it is someone I don't know very well or we're out amongst a bunch of people I don't know, I'd be a lot more reticient to answer honestly (and trying to figure out why they're asking). The other major concern is that some people are mouthbreathing idiots and can't keep their pie holes shut, and if there is some manner of dispute they can and will announce loudly, for all the world, that so and so better stop such and such because my friend here *points to you* has a gun. Or, worse- you actually end up in a situation where you may have to shoot someone (Armed robbery while you're shopping, dining out, whatever) and you get outed by someone encouraging you to "do something" while you're waiting for the right moment (or recognizing that they have the drop on you and are trying to survive the encounter and be a good witness).
Naturally, you can avoid this by not hanging out with idiots, but sometimes it's the friend of a friend (or friend of that friend) that is the problem. No man is an island, nothing is 100%, and you can't pick your friend's friends (or his nose).
In general, though, I agree in answering honestly and treating it like a normal thing, which it should be.
Mike
Naturally, you can avoid this by not hanging out with idiots, but sometimes it's the friend of a friend (or friend of that friend) that is the problem. No man is an island, nothing is 100%, and you can't pick your friend's friends (or his nose).
In general, though, I agree in answering honestly and treating it like a normal thing, which it should be.
Mike
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Treo
member
Just as I believe that my CHP doesn't make me some junior cop, I also belive that just because I own a gun does not confer upon me any duty to be some kind of "ambassador" for RKBA. I carry a gun for my(& my families) own self defence, not to be an activist & not to promote goodwill between gun owners & non gun owners . I find that the fewer people know my business the simpler my life is. I like it that way. Unless you are a law enforcement officer, acting in an official capacity & you specifically ask me if I'm carrying, or even if I own, a gun its none of your business.
SSN Vet
Member
no to situations are the same...
Most of the people I interact with seem to be mature enough to know that it's not an appropriate question to blurt out in public.
It has come up in some round about ways, in which I respond with some little quip that is humorous and vague.
option 'A'.....left over from my Navy days....
"I can neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons on this vessel"
While chit chatting in the office just Friday, I was asked "do you have guns" and this was my reply.
It gets a chuckle and ends / redirects the conversation. It has the effect of implying that the question is inappropriate at the time and that I'm not answering it. It may leave them wondering, but not asking further questions.
Option 'B'.........
"Guns! Guns are dangerous! They're sneeky little contraptions with a mind of their own. People get hurt by guns."
Option 'C'....
"Why? Is this a stick up? Please don't hurt me."
and so on....
humorous and vague works for me.....probably because I always was a natural born smart a$$.
Most of the people I interact with seem to be mature enough to know that it's not an appropriate question to blurt out in public.
It has come up in some round about ways, in which I respond with some little quip that is humorous and vague.
option 'A'.....left over from my Navy days....
"I can neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons on this vessel"
While chit chatting in the office just Friday, I was asked "do you have guns" and this was my reply.
It gets a chuckle and ends / redirects the conversation. It has the effect of implying that the question is inappropriate at the time and that I'm not answering it. It may leave them wondering, but not asking further questions.
Option 'B'.........
"Guns! Guns are dangerous! They're sneeky little contraptions with a mind of their own. People get hurt by guns."
Option 'C'....
"Why? Is this a stick up? Please don't hurt me."
and so on....
humorous and vague works for me.....probably because I always was a natural born smart a$$.
Bones11b
Member
I'm probably the nuttier gun nut in my wife and I's social circle. I'm also one of the only prior service soldiers in our social circle. Luckily for me there are a few LEO's. Now among our friends and my mother's side of my family I'm also a standout for other reasons. They are definately "white collar" as compared to my "blue collar" lifestyle. I think a motorcycle is appropriate transportation most days. I have <gasp> tattoos! I also am the "go to guy" when firearm discussions come up. I have learned to embrace this role. I chose my words carefully as to not reflect poorly upon other firearm enthusiast when conversing in a social setting. I am very open in my affection of all things fiearm related. Other guys talk football at barbecues, I'm the one who brings up the new weapons I have my eye on. Crime comes up in our conversations, I'm the one who mentions I think it is important to get a CWP and offer to take people on range trips. Firearm ownership in my opinion is as personal as sexual preference, or religion. I treat it as such and only expect others to treat the topic with the same respect. I'm not a closet gun nut, i'm a flaming gun nut 
jfdavis58
Member
A simple "yes"; no more, no less. Not on the survey--too bad!
luzyfuerza
Member
I generally respond by saying "often" and "I do have a carry permit". I want to be open about exercising my rights to defend myself (particularly when I'm talking with individuals who haven't yet come to the same conclusion), but I don't want to let just anyone know that I always carry and where I carry on my person. There seems to be value in keeping some uncertainty to the situation.
Did anyone else see Walt Rauch's article in the May issue of Combat Handguns? It's entitled "Gun Grabs--By Best Friends. So-called friends can reveal your concealed gun. Let's see how!"
Walt rights that lots of people know he carries (no surprise since he's a gun-writer), and that he has had lots of ding-dongs who try to pat where they think the gun is hidden, or, worse, try to grab for the gun.
It's this kind of situation that I try to avoid by giving affirmative, but not completely clear answers when asked this question.
Did anyone else see Walt Rauch's article in the May issue of Combat Handguns? It's entitled "Gun Grabs--By Best Friends. So-called friends can reveal your concealed gun. Let's see how!"
Walt rights that lots of people know he carries (no surprise since he's a gun-writer), and that he has had lots of ding-dongs who try to pat where they think the gun is hidden, or, worse, try to grab for the gun.
It's this kind of situation that I try to avoid by giving affirmative, but not completely clear answers when asked this question.
Double Naught Spy
Sus Venator
My response is,
Why, is one of them showing?
Why, is one of them showing?
The good thing about carrying in a state like New York, is that no one would ever think to ask such a question. So few people have unrestricted carry permits, that it's not an issue that is on anyone's radar. The bad part is that with most people it would be viewed as socially unacceptable. I have a very small circle of friends who carry, and know that I carry. We don't ask or tell. Other than that only my wife knows I carry. She doesn't ask or tell either.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
The obvious one
Choice #7~!
Choice #7~!
gunsmith
member
You needed another option
I carry two guns, here in Reno I always answer
"who doesn't carry a gun"
I carry two guns, here in Reno I always answer
"who doesn't carry a gun"
littlegator
Member
Depends on who is asking.
JoeCWales
Member
" Start actin' stupid and find out."
Regolith
Member
My answer would be "no." Which would be truthful, because I don't have a pistol or CC permit.
If I WERE carrying, the answer would depend entirely on the context and who's asking.
If I WERE carrying, the answer would depend entirely on the context and who's asking.
newkahrman
Member
I would say depends of who's askin. If it's anyone I know. They already know the answer to that question. If it's someone I didn't know. They aren't on a need to know basis. I think "why do you ask" is a good start.
guntotinguy
Member
I voted [You don't need to know]
I usually answer some thing close to this,but if I must admit it its .
"No...I carry MORE than one gun."
I think (for me anyways) the less know the better your chances are if the SHTF!
I usually answer some thing close to this,but if I must admit it its .
"No...I carry MORE than one gun."
I think (for me anyways) the less know the better your chances are if the SHTF!
5knives
Member
Currently living in a non CC state, I would get a little concerned and more than a trifle peeved if someone asked me that question.
My answer would depend on the person asking and the specific situation.
Thirty years ago as a plain clothes investigator, I was asked once by a non-associate.
My answer was "WHY? Do you need to borrow one?"
Regards,
My answer would depend on the person asking and the specific situation.
Thirty years ago as a plain clothes investigator, I was asked once by a non-associate.
My answer was "WHY? Do you need to borrow one?"
Regards,
Harley Quinn
Member
Most folks that know me, know I carry all the time as a general rule. Been doing it for over 40 years. So if asked are you carring a gun? I'd answer yes if I had one, and no if I did not. Honesty is the best thing.
HQ
HQ
Hey! I agree with Materdei. My attitude is Kentucky is just like Texas: Everybody has a gun! Recently my wife was asked "What does your husband do?" (Im retired) She said "He shoots." Shortly afterward that person asked me "Are you packing?" I told them of course, don't you? Turns out that particular person was interested in acquiring a SD weapon and wanted some guidance---I'm always happy to help anyone interested in becoming civilized.
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