I've been informed when I go to get my permit, the guy doing the printing asks "why?"

Proper response to "why do you want this permit?"

  • A.) Wish I could carry a cop, but a firearm seems easier...

    Votes: 95 31.3%
  • B.) RTKBA

    Votes: 105 34.5%
  • C.) None of your business, kind sir...

    Votes: 104 34.2%

  • Total voters
    304
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The Lt. probably asks everyone to see how they handle the question.It's probably his way to weed out the whack jobs.If you answer calmly and intelligently,he is satisfied.If you get bent out of shape and the veins start to pop out of your neck,he will know having a gun in the hands of a hot head is not a good idea.Just a thought.
 
for the same reason you own a fire extinguisher and wear seatbelts in your car - because terrible unexpected things can happen in your life when you're unprepaed
 
Answer his question with another question:

"What is the average police response time in this jurisdiction for a 911 call?"
 
Here in Colorado, which is shall issue, no such questions are asked.:D I actually had to go into the county jail to get my fingerprints done, myself and the jailer talked about what pistols the Sheriff's carry, its Glock 23 by the way, I mentioned the fact that I like XD's. The jailer mentioned that he shoots those better than most other pistols and he also likes 1911's.:D It was a great conversation, I love Colorado.:D

In response to the jerk police officers questions, I would just simply say "Its my constitutional right and I'm exercising it". Besides, I'm the last person you have to worry about, how many criminals jump through all these hoops? Do gangbangers have CCW's? What an idiot.
 
If it really comes up...

"As you know Lt., the Supreme Court has ruled that the Police agencies have no responsibility or requirement to protect the individual citizen, so that pretty much leaves law abiding citizens of this state, like me, a good legal recourse to be standing here talking to you about why I feel the need to exercise the right of self defense against criminal ilk and ner-do-wells. Not to mention protecting my family when out and about."

Or words to that effect...

Lengthy perhaps, but it ought to make him think that you know your rights and are aware of the realities of life.
 
Just be honest and say......."law enforcement and the government can't protect me or my family!"
 
"Officer, it makes me uncomfortable when strangers ask me about personal matters."

If he continues to push or seems to be resentful, I'd explain that I didn't mean to hurt his feelings, I'd like to get to know him a lot better, and ask if maybe we could meet after he's off duty to see where the relationship goes.

But I like to get to know people and, besides, if he'll wear his uniform I could bring along a cowboy, a construction worker, and a Native American wearing full regalia and we might start a friend's group.
 
As mentioned before, I'd have to say "In all due respect, since I have a right to carry - provided I meet all the necessary qualifications - why shouldn't I carry?"
 
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In Colorado the CCW law says that you can carry a handgun for "the lawful purpose of self defense" (CRS 18-12-204). The letter I got W/my permit said " This permit is being extended to you in order that you may defend yourself & your family."

If ever faced W/ that question by a cop ( it never came up at the permit office) I would keep my answer real close to what the law says " I carry a fire arm for the lawful purpose of self defense, sir." and drop it.

The lady that processed my permit was a German so we talked about how restrictive gun laws in Germany were. She personally couldn't care less about RKBA she was just doing a job.
 
Do you know ASL by chance? You could just grunt and sign to him. Then, if it's obvious he doesn't know sign language, you can tell him, "Because water's wet, the sky's blue, and the sun came up this morning and shined on me, me, me!!!". He'll probably take care of you as quickly as possible and get you right on your way...may even apologize.

Seriously, I like Treo's quote from official forms, "For the lawful purpose of self defense".
 
First Amendment. In Luke 22:36 Jesus said " and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." The firearm has long ago replaced the sword as a defensive tool, and since the state does not issue permits to carry concealed swords, it is my obligation to my faith to have the tools to defend my life and the life of the innocent around me from the wicked and evil.
 
Firstly, some answers given are great...

Second, I was just asking because I was curious, and while I know it's not standard to be asked, I was just told that it's likely to happen and was curious what others would say.

Before I posted this, and still now my answer would/will be "for self-defense" and I will likely curtail any further conversation. It's a shall-issue state and like was mentioned, he's probably just sorta getting a feel for each person; probably means no harm.
 
It seems to me that a lot of you are planning on responding to somebody just making conversation with paranoid, pedantic, prickly answers.
:uhoh:

Not every situation demands getting up on a soapbox.

Maybe the bored guy taking your fingerprints is just interested in hearing the heart-pounding incident which prompted you to finally recognize you should carry a gun. And then he can re-tell the story to his equally bored wife.

Did you get a license the month you turned 21? Did you get a license immediately after they passed CCW in your state? If not, you probably have a good story of an incident which blasted you out of condition white. I like hearing those stories.

If you just gradually gained the realization that this was a smart idea, don't get defensive because you don't have a gripping "I was lucky to live through it!" story.

Don't make more of it than it is.

--Travis--
 
*puzzled look*

"Sir, didn't your academy training teach you to carry when you are off-duty?"

pax
 
Ever think of just telling him the truth without the wisecracks?

For self defense.

No reason to get huffy with anyone who asks questions. In fact some state laws require an indication of what lawful purpose the permit/license is for. If that's the case then the guy is just doing his job and you can blame the legislature.
 
Because criminals don't make appointments, and the Supreme Court has ruled in DC vs Warren in 1981, that you sir (the police officer) have no legal duty to protect me. I'm taking responsibility for my own protection.:D
 
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