krs
Member
I first got a permit to carry for the simple reason that it was so GREAT to live in a state that allowed me to do so if I chose to. I transplanted from California to Washington.
.
.
Question For Those Who CAN Carry But Choose Not To
- Thread starter Treo
- Start date
- Status
I have had my IA CCW for over 35 years and have not really carried that much as there is no real need to where I live. If I had to go into a large city like the south side of Chicago i would but you can't have a gun there much less get a permit.
I’m probably going to catch a lot of flak for my response, but your question hit a nerve on something I’m passionate about.
I have a carry permit but I choose not to carry, yet, for the simple reason that I do not feel adequately trained. 8 hours of NRA "safety" training is simply not enough. I am actively pursing appropriate training from several avenues: I read, I practice, I have a Front Sight membership, and I’m good friends with a local SWAT officer who has taken me under his wing. This is my personal opinion, but while the 2nd Amendment may grant you the right, gun ownership and the choice to concealed carry is an immense responsibility taken far too lightly by too many people. When I feel I am trained well enough to carry effectively and surreptitiously, present from a concealed holster, and deliver controlled pairs consistently, without fear of collateral damage, *then* I will carry. Not just because the 2nd Amendment says I can, but because I am confident enough in my skills to assume the responsibility.
I have a carry permit but I choose not to carry, yet, for the simple reason that I do not feel adequately trained. 8 hours of NRA "safety" training is simply not enough. I am actively pursing appropriate training from several avenues: I read, I practice, I have a Front Sight membership, and I’m good friends with a local SWAT officer who has taken me under his wing. This is my personal opinion, but while the 2nd Amendment may grant you the right, gun ownership and the choice to concealed carry is an immense responsibility taken far too lightly by too many people. When I feel I am trained well enough to carry effectively and surreptitiously, present from a concealed holster, and deliver controlled pairs consistently, without fear of collateral damage, *then* I will carry. Not just because the 2nd Amendment says I can, but because I am confident enough in my skills to assume the responsibility.
FoMoGo
Member
Get to the range and practice what you have learned as often as you can.
If I dont get 3-6 hours a week of live fire and the more than that of "safe" work I feel strange.
Jim
If I dont get 3-6 hours a week of live fire and the more than that of "safe" work I feel strange.
Jim
colorado_handgunner
Member
I could apply for a CCWif I so chose, even have already taken the class required in Colorado. The main reasons I don't are as follows:
1. Sixty-six percent of my day (waking hours) during the workweek is spent at work, were we are not allowed to carry. Should someone do so, you risk termination and legal action.
2. If there is somewhere I feel somewhat uncomfortable going, I carry pepper spray (actually almost everywhere)
3. I am afraid I would forget I was carrying and accidentally carry into somewhere it is not allowed and get in trouble.
4. There is a good possibility that I will be moving out of state in 5 months, so I don't see the benefit in a 5 month license for $140.
5. I would rather put the $140 fee towards a new 1911.
1. Sixty-six percent of my day (waking hours) during the workweek is spent at work, were we are not allowed to carry. Should someone do so, you risk termination and legal action.
2. If there is somewhere I feel somewhat uncomfortable going, I carry pepper spray (actually almost everywhere)
3. I am afraid I would forget I was carrying and accidentally carry into somewhere it is not allowed and get in trouble.
4. There is a good possibility that I will be moving out of state in 5 months, so I don't see the benefit in a 5 month license for $140.
5. I would rather put the $140 fee towards a new 1911.
smartshooter.45
Member
CCW License: Why or Why Not?
Last year at the age of 22 i decided to acquire my ccw license. i was lucky enough to have been raised in a rural environment where gun use and knowledge was a must. after living on my own "in the city" for about 4 or 5 years and 2 burglaries later i figured it was time to get my ccw license.
im sure everyone knows the statistic that says the majority of people who are burglarized have their possessions stolen by someone who knows the victim or is an acquaintance to the victim. my case is no different. Had my friends and acquaintances known i sometimes carry and ALWAYS had loaded arms at home, the burglars would have chosen a different home to steal from. Would you choose to steal from the home where you KNEW the occupant had loaded arms? i would think not. unfortunately during this time i didn't have my own arms or my ccw license.
this all may seem off topic, but bear with me.
For me the ccw license is more of a preventative measure against burglary then anything else. the folks who come to my weekly poker game know im pro 2nd amendment so through word of mouth everyone knows my home would not be the best to steal from. since exercising my 2nd amendment rights i have not had a single incident of theft. For me this = success. i want people to feel welcome at my home, but i also want them to know that if they show up at 4am and try to break in they'll have to get through me and my 1911.
I do concealed carry out of the house on occasion, but not 100%. every situation is different and sometimes my outings just don't warrant me carrying a firearm.
just my 2 cents on the subject.
Last year at the age of 22 i decided to acquire my ccw license. i was lucky enough to have been raised in a rural environment where gun use and knowledge was a must. after living on my own "in the city" for about 4 or 5 years and 2 burglaries later i figured it was time to get my ccw license.
im sure everyone knows the statistic that says the majority of people who are burglarized have their possessions stolen by someone who knows the victim or is an acquaintance to the victim. my case is no different. Had my friends and acquaintances known i sometimes carry and ALWAYS had loaded arms at home, the burglars would have chosen a different home to steal from. Would you choose to steal from the home where you KNEW the occupant had loaded arms? i would think not. unfortunately during this time i didn't have my own arms or my ccw license.
this all may seem off topic, but bear with me.
For me the ccw license is more of a preventative measure against burglary then anything else. the folks who come to my weekly poker game know im pro 2nd amendment so through word of mouth everyone knows my home would not be the best to steal from. since exercising my 2nd amendment rights i have not had a single incident of theft. For me this = success. i want people to feel welcome at my home, but i also want them to know that if they show up at 4am and try to break in they'll have to get through me and my 1911.
I do concealed carry out of the house on occasion, but not 100%. every situation is different and sometimes my outings just don't warrant me carrying a firearm.
just my 2 cents on the subject.
I got a fair number of students in my CPL class who say they never intend to carry.
Some typical reasons they take the class and get the permit include:
So they have more legal protection when transporting handguns in their vehicle.
To make it easier to purchase hanguns in Michigan because if you have a Mich CPL you no longer need to get a "Purchase Permit" before you guy a gun.
And, I also get students who want to carry a handgun when hunting and don't want to accidently commit a crime if their holstered handgun is covered by their coat.
So, there are some reasons why people get CCW permits, but don't plan to actually carry.
(Oh, and one more, which is the strangest one yet. I had one women who is "into horses" big time who got a permit so she could carry a pistol just so she'd be able to shoot her horse if it ever broke a leg while she was riding! Yeah, I know...)
Some typical reasons they take the class and get the permit include:
So they have more legal protection when transporting handguns in their vehicle.
To make it easier to purchase hanguns in Michigan because if you have a Mich CPL you no longer need to get a "Purchase Permit" before you guy a gun.
And, I also get students who want to carry a handgun when hunting and don't want to accidently commit a crime if their holstered handgun is covered by their coat.
So, there are some reasons why people get CCW permits, but don't plan to actually carry.
(Oh, and one more, which is the strangest one yet. I had one women who is "into horses" big time who got a permit so she could carry a pistol just so she'd be able to shoot her horse if it ever broke a leg while she was riding! Yeah, I know...)
If you are not going to carry and don't have the know how to carry, you shouldn't carry. I carry because I have been trained and I feel it is my civic responsibility to lawfully carry to mitigate the threat from all the bad people who also carry unlawfully.
There are way too many wolves out there and the sheep need as many sheep dogs as are willing and available to protect them.
I'm a sheepdog! I see my duty and I do it lawfully.
There are way too many wolves out there and the sheep need as many sheep dogs as are willing and available to protect them.
I'm a sheepdog! I see my duty and I do it lawfully.
Bill_G
Member
i have a license to carry in PA (a LTCF). i carry about once every 2-3- weeks. usually only when i'm out late at night.
why dont i carry all the time? i dont have a desire to.
why dont i desire to? too much of a hassle putting it on and having to worry about covering up.....also uncomfortable.
why dont i carry all the time? i dont have a desire to.
why dont i desire to? too much of a hassle putting it on and having to worry about covering up.....also uncomfortable.
I just got into handguns around March of 2008 and it really wasn't related to protection. Sporting clays was just getting too expensive. I think my wife and I will probably take the class and each get our CHL in the next couple months. I don't expect that either of us will carry much at all but I want her to have a gun in the car when she is coming home at night from the stable where she boards her horse. You aren't supposed to need a CHL here in Texas to have a gun in your car but it seems like a good way to avoid hassle if she is ever pulled over and the subject comes up.
I'm 37 years old and have never been in a situation where I needed a gun to protect myself. At least not one I didn't create on my own. We live in a low crime rate area of north DFW, drive to office buildings every day for work, and I just don't find myself in situations where I feel unsafe very often.
-Chris
I'm 37 years old and have never been in a situation where I needed a gun to protect myself. At least not one I didn't create on my own. We live in a low crime rate area of north DFW, drive to office buildings every day for work, and I just don't find myself in situations where I feel unsafe very often.
-Chris
Last edited:
There are lots of ways to be prepared for the unexpected. I can carry a gun and sometimes do....but more often I don't.
I also don't wear full body armor even though it's a life saver, and I don't wear a helmet when I drive even though it would be a good idea for that crash I have in the future, and I don't own a bug-out-bag and haven't got around to buying that generator I may someday wish i had...and you guys carrying little pocket guns...why you aren't even beginning to be ready for what could happen to you today if the huddled masses get restless.
Not always making the effort to carry and hide a firearm every waking moment is just one of a million calculated risks we take each and every day. And for those "I carry 24/7/365, even in the shower and if I can't carry someplace I won't go there", guys...that great but not for me.
I also don't wear full body armor even though it's a life saver, and I don't wear a helmet when I drive even though it would be a good idea for that crash I have in the future, and I don't own a bug-out-bag and haven't got around to buying that generator I may someday wish i had...and you guys carrying little pocket guns...why you aren't even beginning to be ready for what could happen to you today if the huddled masses get restless.
Not always making the effort to carry and hide a firearm every waking moment is just one of a million calculated risks we take each and every day. And for those "I carry 24/7/365, even in the shower and if I can't carry someplace I won't go there", guys...that great but not for me.
texas bulldog
Member
i can't carry at work, and i usually ride the bus to and from rather than driving a car. that means i don't have it with me more days than not, unfortunately. anytime i go out on the weekends or evenings, i generally have it unless i plan to consume alcohol. in that case it is left in the car (legal in my state), and my wife drives.
not sure if that answers the question. if you mean people who can carry but never do, that's not me. i am licensed and unfortunately often prevented by workplace policy or other practical concerns. if i were allowed to carry at work, i probably would, even though the screaming liberals i work with would probably crap their pants (okay...not all of them. some are really more libertarian than liberal, then there are the true believers...)
not sure if that answers the question. if you mean people who can carry but never do, that's not me. i am licensed and unfortunately often prevented by workplace policy or other practical concerns. if i were allowed to carry at work, i probably would, even though the screaming liberals i work with would probably crap their pants (okay...not all of them. some are really more libertarian than liberal, then there are the true believers...)
MikePGS
Member
My friends dad has a CPL but rarely carries. However he likes the CPL because it lets him bypass the permits for his (many) purchases.
CoRoMo
Member
My second bullet point and the quotes that followed were, in my opinion, not at all legitimate reasons not to carry.
For those people that I know and was referring to, I simply don't understand their thinking. One of my salesmen for instance, got his CHP the same time I did. He almost never carries and hasn't produced a solid reason why. I honestly think he never intended to, doesn't think it's practical/wise/necessary, and that is naive to me.
Most people don't carry for the reason Bill G mentioned:
The main problem is that people are trying to carry too much gun. It's the weight and bulk that discourages people. The bulkier the gun the harder it is to conceal. The heavier gun is also less comfortable to carry, so people just don't develop the habit.
Carrying a gun should be like putting on pants or a dress. You should feel undressed without it. And, if you get the right gun (minimum bulk and light weight) you won't mind carrying.
My gun weighs 14 oz (unloaded) and I carry it on my ankle. I've chosen Blazer ammo that has high quality alum. casings. It's very lightweight. When I walk I can hardly feel that I an packing. I also carry four speed loaders in two nylon belt pouches which gives me 25 rounds at my disposal.
I hate tucking my shirt in, so no one notices the ammo I'm packing and it's not much difference that packing a Leatherman tool.
My system is easy to carry and my gun straps on when I put on my shoes, so it's also convenient and lightweight.
When I go to the school. I remove the gun and leave it locked in my 4X.
Other than that, basically, I pack everywhere. When I go to workout, my gun is tucked in my gym bag and locked in my locker. After I shower, and dress, my gun resumes it's place on my ankle.
Carrying is easy, if you work at it.
Exactly! It's too much of a hassle!
The main problem is that people are trying to carry too much gun. It's the weight and bulk that discourages people. The bulkier the gun the harder it is to conceal. The heavier gun is also less comfortable to carry, so people just don't develop the habit.
Carrying a gun should be like putting on pants or a dress. You should feel undressed without it. And, if you get the right gun (minimum bulk and light weight) you won't mind carrying.
My gun weighs 14 oz (unloaded) and I carry it on my ankle. I've chosen Blazer ammo that has high quality alum. casings. It's very lightweight. When I walk I can hardly feel that I an packing. I also carry four speed loaders in two nylon belt pouches which gives me 25 rounds at my disposal.
I hate tucking my shirt in, so no one notices the ammo I'm packing and it's not much difference that packing a Leatherman tool.
My system is easy to carry and my gun straps on when I put on my shoes, so it's also convenient and lightweight.
When I go to the school. I remove the gun and leave it locked in my 4X.
Other than that, basically, I pack everywhere. When I go to workout, my gun is tucked in my gym bag and locked in my locker. After I shower, and dress, my gun resumes it's place on my ankle.
Carrying is easy, if you work at it.
I have a GFL and I carry when I can. However, I have to leave it in the car quite a bit as I work at a University. It's also not legal to carry into government buildings or nebulous things called "Public Gatherings". At least I can carry into restaurants with a liquor license now.
Boba Fett
Member
For those who say it is too much hassle or is too uncomfortable, you might want to take a look at Bobo's pocket auto comparison chart listed on this forum.
Have you considered the P-3AT with a Wallet Holster?
And if you aren't thrilled with the 380, then have a look at the 9mm Rohrbaugh or the 45 AMT Backup (scroll down a bit to find it).
Have you considered the P-3AT with a Wallet Holster?
And if you aren't thrilled with the 380, then have a look at the 9mm Rohrbaugh or the 45 AMT Backup (scroll down a bit to find it).
Richard2003
Member
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2003
- Messages
- 74
I can but rarely carry.
When I go to what I consider a potentially unsafe area or if hiking, then I do.
When I go to what I consider a potentially unsafe area or if hiking, then I do.
lanternlad1
Member
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2007
- Messages
- 770
"I’m probably going to catch a lot of flak for my response, but your question hit a nerve on something I’m passionate about.
I have a carry permit but I choose not to carry, yet, for the simple reason that I do not feel adequately trained. 8 hours of NRA "safety" training is simply not enough. I am actively pursing appropriate training from several avenues: I read, I practice, I have a Front Sight membership, and I’m good friends with a local SWAT officer who has taken me under his wing. This is my personal opinion, but while the 2nd Amendment may grant you the right, gun ownership and the choice to concealed carry is an immense responsibility taken far too lightly by too many people. When I feel I am trained well enough to carry effectively and surreptitiously, present from a concealed holster, and deliver controlled pairs consistently, without fear of collateral damage, *then* I will carry. Not just because the 2nd Amendment says I can, but because I am confident enough in my skills to assume the responsibility."
You will never be ready, then. Your confidence will never come. Humans learn by doing, not by reading. You are really over thinking the whole situation, IMO.
I'm not a cop, and I'm not a "sheepdog". I don't have hours upon hours of training, or hours upon hours at the range. I'm a quintessential average American Citizen. I'm not carrying to save anyone but myself. If I happen to save others while doing it, that's fine too. I carry a small revolver with a CTC lasergrips. If Bad Guys get close enough to hurt me, I can return the favor.
I don't pull it out to show people.
I don't talk about it while I'm wearing it.
I go about my business and forget that I have it on me.
But I do have it on me.
And if Mr. Bad Guy notices my cane and considers me easy pickings, he's got another thing coming.
In all of your training, you are forgetting the most basic Boy Scout tenet: Be Prepared.
It sounds to me as though you are afraid, or at least very wary, to carry a gun. If that's the case, don't do it. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
I have a carry permit but I choose not to carry, yet, for the simple reason that I do not feel adequately trained. 8 hours of NRA "safety" training is simply not enough. I am actively pursing appropriate training from several avenues: I read, I practice, I have a Front Sight membership, and I’m good friends with a local SWAT officer who has taken me under his wing. This is my personal opinion, but while the 2nd Amendment may grant you the right, gun ownership and the choice to concealed carry is an immense responsibility taken far too lightly by too many people. When I feel I am trained well enough to carry effectively and surreptitiously, present from a concealed holster, and deliver controlled pairs consistently, without fear of collateral damage, *then* I will carry. Not just because the 2nd Amendment says I can, but because I am confident enough in my skills to assume the responsibility."
You will never be ready, then. Your confidence will never come. Humans learn by doing, not by reading. You are really over thinking the whole situation, IMO.
I'm not a cop, and I'm not a "sheepdog". I don't have hours upon hours of training, or hours upon hours at the range. I'm a quintessential average American Citizen. I'm not carrying to save anyone but myself. If I happen to save others while doing it, that's fine too. I carry a small revolver with a CTC lasergrips. If Bad Guys get close enough to hurt me, I can return the favor.
I don't pull it out to show people.
I don't talk about it while I'm wearing it.
I go about my business and forget that I have it on me.
But I do have it on me.
And if Mr. Bad Guy notices my cane and considers me easy pickings, he's got another thing coming.
In all of your training, you are forgetting the most basic Boy Scout tenet: Be Prepared.
It sounds to me as though you are afraid, or at least very wary, to carry a gun. If that's the case, don't do it. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
Last edited:
Boba Fett
Member
Actually, I agree with you on this part.
However I don't think the level of practice you are holding yourself to will be practical for most people who get their CHL. "Most" being those people who aren't as enthusiastic as people who, say, read and post on forums like THR.
The little old lady next door who just doesn't want to be mugged when she walks out to her car from the crafts store at night probably isn't going to put the effort or money into your system. Or the guy who works in a bad area of town and wants to protect himself and only goes to the range a couple times a month also is not going to be as dedicated as you.
So long as people go to the range and put a few boxes through the targets every month, they will probably be sufficiently prepared should they ever need to use their CCW. Not perfectly prepared, but prepared enough.
I do commend your efforts toward perfection and once you complete all your training, I'd want you around if the SHTF.
Treo
member
Long Story Short
W/out going into a lot of detail I have inlaws that are on the wrong side of the law, my options are to ignore the existence of my grandchildren or accept the risks of living on the edge of their parent's world. I'm not sure how to draw the parallel but suffice it to say that I deem it prudent to remain armed at all times, because there's a credible chance that my family could be used to "send a message".
That necessity of living in condition yellow and a half for the last nine years has habituated me to the point where I simply can't imagine not being armed at all times. So I have a hard time w/ the mindset that doesn't see the need.
W/out going into a lot of detail I have inlaws that are on the wrong side of the law, my options are to ignore the existence of my grandchildren or accept the risks of living on the edge of their parent's world. I'm not sure how to draw the parallel but suffice it to say that I deem it prudent to remain armed at all times, because there's a credible chance that my family could be used to "send a message".
That necessity of living in condition yellow and a half for the last nine years has habituated me to the point where I simply can't imagine not being armed at all times. So I have a hard time w/ the mindset that doesn't see the need.
Last edited:
Matt-J2
Member
I'm obviously omitted from this poll, but I've often wondered this: If legally allowed to carry concealed, would I? If I did, and was confronted with a situation like a mugging, would I be able to pull the trigger when it comes right down to it? I really don't know the answer to that one.
Something to consider is that folks may have obtained the license/permit, but have subsequently realized they wouldn't actually be able to put a bullet into another human being.
I know that concept is an unpopular one here at THR, but I also suspect it holds true much more often than many know or will admit.
Something to consider is that folks may have obtained the license/permit, but have subsequently realized they wouldn't actually be able to put a bullet into another human being.
I know that concept is an unpopular one here at THR, but I also suspect it holds true much more often than many know or will admit.
RonellCooper
Member
I have a CCW and I carry but not every day and not every where. It really depends on where I'm going, the time of day, etc. For example, last night I went to a friends house after dark and I took my P89 along with me. He lives in a bad neighborhood and I didn't want to take any chances. If I'm in my garage (detached) reloading of just messing around I have a hand gun with me. I live in a pretty good neighborhood but I don't want to take any chances. Like I said, it just depends.
- Status
