rationale for CCW

[Deanimator]

Barring a personal protective detail, the police CANNOT protect me as an individual. Besides this, they have virtually no legal duty to protect me from attack, nor can they in almost any circumstance be held liable either criminally or civilly for failing to do so.

That being the case, I would be an utter fool to trust my safety to those who CAN'T protect me, have no duty to protect me, and cannot be held accountable if they do not protect me.

 

[Hemicuda]

it may sound cheesy, but i have 2 quotes that apply...

1. - God helps those who help themselves... I carry the gun and train to use it, so maybe god will see that i never have to use it...

2. - Chance favors the prepared mind. (and body, by extension) i'm prepared, mentally and physically, so I'm ready...if need be...

 

[Bobo]

These are all excellent answers to the original poster's question.

My answer would be very similar to those already posted, but one thing that I noticed is that the original poster seems to have had this type of conversation with many people. I have NEVER had this type of conversation with anyone because no one knows I carry a concealed handgun. And that's the way it should be in my opinion.

It gives me the element of surprise and at the same time it doesn't make people around me uncomfortable if they are gun shy.

I can't think of an up-side to letting people know I am carrying except that it may give me a chance to argue and/or educate them on self-protection. This in itself could be good, but I don't think it's worth the trade-off of losing the element of surprise and also making those around me uncomfortable.

Just my take on it!

 

[Superpsy]

Bobo, I don't have my CCW as yet. I feel the need to get more training before doing that since I started off in firearms as more of a shotgun guy. Having said that I definitely agree with you when you say that you shouldn't advertise the fact that you carry. The reason I've have this kind of conversation many times is because it starts out as a general gun conversation, usually based off some news event (for example, like the Seattle Jewish Center shooting) and then the person I know may say something like, "wouldn't we all be better off if only the police were allowed to have guns?" :banghead:

 

[Wiley]

I like the 'spare tire' analogy. Ask them how many times they've had a flat. Ask if they've checked their spare lately. Ask if they know how to change a tire. Ask them to think about what they are going to do when they get a flat.

Are they going to sit beside the road waiting for AAA. Or, change the silly thing and get on with their lives.

Guns are like that.


Watson said:

...I don't have my CCW as yet. I feel the need to get more training before doing that since I started off in firearms as more of a shotgun guy.

Excuse me, do you know which end to point away from you? Of course you do! And you very likely know when to do it. You have sufficient knowlege to carry! Get your permit!

Training is good. But don't let your dying thought be: "Gee and I was going to get training tomorrow."

 

[rdbrowning]

"...carrying a gun will add to already volatile situations and make them worse"

If I ever have to pull out my concealed pistol (God forbid!), things have already gotten too bad for me, but they are about to get very bad indeed for the person that is the source of the "volatile situation".

By the way, does any one know what the Latin would be for "offender beware"?

 

[Mannlicher]

Watson, why are you even discussing this issue with folks that don't like guns? There is zero, zilch, nada that you can ever say to "those people" that will make any diffence at all. Its like trying to answer the question 'are you still beating your wife' . There is no good answer

One point though that you might bear in mind, regarding the question of the probability of having to use a gun for defense. It's not about the probability, its about the stakes.

 

[TallPine]

Excuse me, do you know which end to point away from you? Of course you do! And you very likely know when to do it. You have sufficient knowlege to carry!

now that's a refreshing outlook!

 

[Charles S]

I like what Winston Churchill said: "A gentleman will rarely need a pistol. But if he does need one, he will need it very badly."

I really like that quote. I could use it as my signature line.

Charles

 

[Safety First]

You would think (pardon the pun) that if the people who asked those questions would THINK about it, listen to the news about rapist,carjackers,home invaisons,Gangs,murders and I think you get my drift........ that their face would be quite red after asking such mindless questions...Sure, those of us who do carry, most likely will not need their CCW....Just like the seat belt/smoke alarm analogy....It's a limited insurance policy, like you carry on your home/apartment contents/auto,etc...

Instead of carrying the policy in your safe box, you carry on your hip, under a outer garment,etc...just like the insurance policy, you have it in case you need it, but hope and pray you don't need it....

Does this make sense? Only if you really THINK!

 

[aroshi]

I have several reasons for carrying. You probably have several of your own. Those are the only ones that are important. If you're smart enough to realize that first-responders are not the police, but YOU, then you will start to look at things from a good perspective. Be responsible. Responsibility is not the reaction to a situation, but the planning and careful training to prepare before a situation arises.

I have friends that have asked why I carry. I've heard some of the same comments. Personally, I've never seen, held, or heard of a violent firearm. I don't ask for trouble when I'm armed or not, and 99.9999% of people don't know I carry. The ones who do don't know when I am or not.

There's no point to carrying some of the time and not other times. Are there times in your life when your life and/or the lives of others are not worth as much? If so, seek help and I would advise against carrying until further notice.

I liked some of the quotes and analogies of other posters. You have to find your own reasons. Liberty, security, rights, all-of-the-above... whatever. Enjoy it and continue being responsible. We're a rare and dying breed.

 

[TC-TX]

I carry a firearm because i can...

I carry a firearm for the same reason LEOs carry - for protection...

I carry a firearm 24/7 because i am no good at guessing the time(s) I will actually need it...

I carry a firearm hoping I never have a reason to clear leather.