Drinking Alcoholic Beverages While Armed.

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Sam...
I wasn't trying to create a bumpersticker...It's a fact...And I have a grasp on the subject...I saw this problem in my family, years ago...As for restrictions on your abilities...I don't wish to see them there.I believe we should all be able to defend ourselves, as long as we comply with the law, and act responsibly. If some are willing to comply, and not drink while carrying, why shouldn't that be the rule, for everyone's safety..??
 
I rarely go into bars. They aren't my cup of tea so to speak. On a rare occasion that I "give in" to my buddies that do like to go ,I still carry. I'm a light drinker so I will get a drink and nurse it .one drink an hour or so. just because I'm not in a nice place,doesn't mean my safety is less valuable.I also know how bad it would look to a jury if i ever needed to use my weapon inside/outside of such a place ,therefore it would take much more to reach that threshold.everyone is different,I control my drinking perfectly and become more mellow after a drink. am i dangerous to anyone by carrying? only a crazed idiot that chases me down and is beating me unmercifulessly would be in danger.
 
Let me ask you this. What possible wisdom is demonstrated by drinking while being armed? What possible good can come from it? If you cannot cite one reason, then perhaps you might consider, well...reconsidering.
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The point is not that I'd set out to drink specifically while armed. The point is that I go about LIFE, while armed. Glass of milk? Armed. Glass of beer? Armed. Wide awake? Armed. Half asleep? Armed. Perfect health? Armed. Sick, weak, and shaky? Armed. Etc. I don't assess my condition and abilities and say, well, my defenses are pretty low...I'd better leave the gun behind!

I simply carry a defensive weapon like I carry my wallet. If I'm out, it's there. I don't know when I might need it, but chances are it won't be at high noon on a sunny day when I'm at my peak.

-Sam
 
According to most of the thoughts expressed in this thread, firearms and alcohol should never mix under any circumstances. As I sit here and type on the computer after dinner while having a beer or two. Yet if a bad guy comes through my door even if I am in mid sip I should not be deprived of my right to defend myself. The gun is a tool, the alchol is a beverage, and I am responsible for my actions reguardless. I recognize the physical effects of the beverages that I consume (even my morning caffine fix). Just because something is legal does not make it wise and likewise just because something may not be legal does not mean that it is unwise or imprudent. Some would argue that I should not be allowed to drive without two cups of coffee in me. I try not to do it, circumstances should dictate to the individual not the the government to the individual
 
Not going back to the OP, but I always carry, BUT if I have a drink, I unholster and store my gun...I don't care if its one beer, it aint worth the altercation...that being said, I used to shoot best on qual day when I stayed out until 1-2am...

go figure...
 
I wasn't trying to create a bumpersticker...It's a fact
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No. "Guns and alcohol don't mix" is an opinion or a philosophy, not a fact. As I pointed out in a previous post, I had a beer with lunch last weekend while carrying at a restaurant. There is one instance of "guns and alcohol" mixing with no ill effects and no laws broken. Ergo: guns and alcohol CAN mix.

...And I have a grasp on the subject...I saw this problem in my family, years ago...
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I'm sorry for your unfortunate experiences, and I know they are shared by many. However, the demons other folks have had to fight in their personal lives should not create a legislative restriction on what I can legally do in exercising my right to self-defense.

As for restrictions on your abilities...I don't wish to see them there.I believe we should all be able to defend ourselves, as long as we comply with the law, and act responsibly.
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Well, that is good. My state (Commonwealth of PA) respects that folks can carry here while in a bar and/or while enjoying alcohol. The citizenry has, for the last 20 years or so, rewarded that respect by proving by MILLIONS of uneventful everyday comings and goings, that they DO behave responsibly.

If some are willing to comply, and not drink while carrying, why shouldn't that be the rule, for everyone's safety..??
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I don't follow this AT ALL! SOME folks are willing to comply with just about ANYTHING. Even things that violate their enumerated Constitutional rights. Doesn't mean that I should or that you should.

Further, everyone here should realize that folks who would enact violence against others will not give a moment's thought to whether the law says they can carry a weapon here or there. Why should the RULE put me (or you) at a disadvantage to those who will try to prey upon us?

-Sam
 
I will sometimes have a beer or two with dinner when I go out, then I get in my car and drive home. Two beers doesn't even come close to buzzed/tipsy/drunk for me. Any more than that and it is no guns and no driving. Too risky. However, you can drink a beer and not be drunk.
 
Quote by unloved:
"A question for everyone that's saying "Don't do it!" When you go out for a steak, do you say to your waiter, "No steak knife for me, thanks. I've had a beer and I'm going to have two more. I might kill someone for no reason whatsoever if I have a steak knife within reach."?

That's way off-point...more appropriate would be like this..."I've had a beer, and now I'm ready for a steak. I'm probably gonna have a couple more beers, and since that's most important to me right now, I guess I'll leave the gun...(at home, in the safe, in the car, whatever)
 
That's way off-point...more appropriate would be like this..."I've had a beer, and now I'm ready for a steak. I'm probably gonna have a couple more beers, and since that's most important to me right now, I guess I'll leave the gun...(at home, in the safe, in the car, whatever)
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It is not off point AT ALL! The knife is a tool, like the gun. A knife could end a life just as effectively as a gun (and in some circumstances JUST as quickly). He suggested that you do not somehow lose rationality or muscle control of the KNIFE when you've had a drink (or some), so why would you fear your GUN in the same circumstances? Especially considering that, while you're actually going to USE that knife over and over again during the course of the meal, the GUN does not come out almost EVER -- and only under circumstances that will negate any other prohibitions against its use in a public place.

The gun is a tool. A much more important one to have in the moment of need than that steak knife will ever be. Why would you give up the VITAL one and keep the non-essential one? That's absurd.

-Sam
 
Sam1911...

Rather than us going back and forth and dissecting everything we're saying...let me say this...I'm not about restricting yours or anybody elses
rights. Simply put, you may be fine with a drink or two, and staying rational...
That's not the case for everyone, however...and I'm sure you know that. I'm not sure what the common ground is, other than common sense, and we're sure not hitting on that one, 'cause everyone doesn't want to "act right". This isn't an attack on you...
 
This is somewhat of a tradition here, in my backyard, out in the "reloading shed". My friend comes over when he has a day off, we shoot for an hour or so, then relax talking guns and philosophy, drinking coffee and Bailey's. Not exactly imbibing in a serious way, Bailey's has a little alcohol in it. In the hot months, we might switch to beer. Usually we are done shooting, but occasionally we go back out and fire a few more if the mood suits us. Much like the cigar smoking at the end of Boston Legal, although we've been at it a bit longer than that show's been on. As with much that has been said about drinking and carrying, it's probably not good to drink and get into a self defense sitiuation with a gun. Lot's of judgment you're going to have to explain later, and it may not look good to a jury.
 
If some are willing to comply, and not [fill in the blank], why shouldn't that be the rule, for everyone's safety..??
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I know a few ignorant people that said likewise and filled in the blank with "own firearms". I am not a sheep, and shall not become one. :)
 
I can't say that it helps (or hurts) me to maintain "TOP FOCUS" but life, in general, doesn't allow you to maintain a 100% edge at all times. Having a drink while relaxing is part of my life (well, sometimes). I do not accept that I am only authorized to defend my life while I'm operating at 100%.
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True. However, maintaining "the edge" 100% of the time was not my main point. It was that, IMHO, why risk potentially dulling your awareness/effectiveness (even further), per the use of alcohol, when armed? This does not make sense to me.


How does my usually concealed weapon LOOK bad? If I don't have to use it, it is NOT for public view. If I DO have to use it, I don't care two poots HOW my decision to carry "looks" as long as it's justified.
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Summation, if I DON'T have to shoot, this is a non-issue. If I DO have to shoot, I'll be DARNED glad I had it, looks be d@mned!
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This was meant to be taken somewhat figuratively..not literally....based on circumstance(s).

And that's GREAT! In fact, if I was in a secure place and wanted to really unwind by getting RIPPED (hey, it has happened a couple of times) I'd put my guns away, too. As a personal choice it's a stellar idea. As legislation, not so!
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Again. Im all against legislation regarding this issue. Im not even sure that was the OPs original gripe anyway. Regardless, the main idea here (for me) is that legislation isnt the key (or even wanted). Rather, common sense and a bit of discretion are whats needed here.

But again, Im only arguing my side. Whether its right (or wrong) for others isnt truly my concern. Its right for me.
 
Sam1911 said:
...The gun is a tool....
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But it's not just any tool. It spits death and destruction at a distance. Once it is discharged, the projectile can not be called back. It requires care, attention, presence of mind and physical coordination to manage safely. Just ask Plaxico Burress.

Sam1911 said:
So....if he was out in public he should...what? Die?
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No -- just don't drink if you're carrying a gun.

It looks like there are two irreconcilable camps here. There are those of us who choose not to drink alcohol if carrying a gun out in public (or most likely using or handling guns). And I suspect more than a few of us have made that choice without regard to whether or not it's legally required.

There are also those who feel that it's okay to have a drink or two when out in public legally carrying a gun. And they've offered a variety of arguments defending the practice, including that it's legal (at least where they are) or that it's their right or that they can handle a modest amount of alcohol without significant effect.

But I, at least, have not been convinced that it can be considered a responsible practice to drink any alcohol when carrying a gun in public. Of course no one has to care what I think. But that doesn't change my opinion.
 
If you are involved in an incident and it is known/can be shown you had been drinking, you can bet it will be a factor and that it will complicate things considerably.
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam1911
...The gun is a tool....

But it's not just any tool. It spits death and destruction at a distance. Once it is discharged, the projectile can not be called back. It requires care, attention, presence of mind and physical coordination to manage safely. Just ask Plaxico Burress.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam1911
So....if he was out in public he should...what? Die?

No -- just don't drink if you're carrying a gun.

It looks like there are two irreconcilable camps here. There are those of us who choose not to drink alcohol if carrying a gun out in public (or most likely using or handling guns). And I suspect more than a few of us have made that choice without regard to whether or not it's legally required.

There are also those who feel that it's okay to have a drink or two when out in public legally carrying a gun. And they've offered a variety of arguments defending the practice, including that it's legal (at least where they are) or that it's their right or that they can handle a modest amount of alcohol without significant effect.

But I, at least, have not been convinced that it can be considered a responsible practice to drink any alcohol when carrying a gun in public. Of course no one has to care what I think. But that doesn't change my opinion.
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Very, very well said.
 
True. However, maintaining "the edge" 100% of the time was not my main point. It was that, IMHO, why risk potentially dulling your awareness/effectiveness (even further), per the use of alcohol, when armed? This does not make sense to me.
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Why do ANYTHING that distracts or hinders your ability to react or perceive while armed or any other time? It's part of life. Some might choose to avoid those things entirely. Some (like me) practice the very extremes of moderation :D. I certainly won't argue that you SHOULD go drink. I'll just maintain that I don't need a law to dictate how I should handle myself, and I don't WANT a law that will brand me a criminal when I've committed no offense other than possession of an object when at an arbitrary blood alcohol level.

I think we're largely in agreement on that.

How does my usually concealed weapon LOOK bad? If I don't have to use it, it is NOT for public view. If I DO have to use it, I don't care two poots HOW my decision to carry "looks" as long as it's justified.
...
Summation, if I DON'T have to shoot, this is a non-issue. If I DO have to shoot, I'll be DARNED glad I had it, looks be d@mned!
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This was meant to be taken somewhat figuratively..not literally....based on circumstance(s).
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:confused: Okay?

Again. Im all against legislation regarding this issue.
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We're on the same page.

Im not even sure that was the OPs original gripe anyway.
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The OP didn't have a "gripe," per se. He graciously opened this thread as an opportunity to air out this issue which had threatened to derail two other recent threads. The direct predecessor was this one: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=478619


-Sam
 
For those that advocate that any amount of alcohol will cause impairment I assume you apply the same standard to prescription meds.
 
I hope you apply the same standard to your prescription meds.
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While it's uncommon for prescription medications to be prescribed at levels that would result in symptoms of drunkenness, you are correct that a person needs to be responsible in how/when they use prescription medications that can impair judgement and coordination.

They should also be aware that if they are using prescription medications that are known to impair judgement and coordination it may very well become a factor in the legal aftermath of a shooting. It won't simplify things.
 
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