Serious discussion on the likelihood of CCW preventing what occurred at VT

[jeff-10]

I've been out of college several years but I just don't see that many students carrying. First of all most college students aren't going to spend the $$ for a CCW+handgun+ammo+holster, they would rather pay for gas and food. Second most college students don't dress in a way that you can conceal a weapon, obviously on a cold day in VA you would probably be wearing enough clothes that you coud carry. Finally the vast majority of ppl simply don't have the mindset to go from complete boredom (college lectures) to BAM BAM BAM. Still, like other posters have stated a minute chance is better than none at all.

When I first ETS'd from the Army I attended a couple of community college classes. On one of the first days of class I came across an old neighbor who then worked as a bodyguard. We started talking. He was a few years than me and a high school drop out but he wanted to get into law enforcement so he was trying to complete an AA degree. Back then having recenly gotten out of 3 long years in the infantry I had basically no interest in firearms but we began to discuss them since he carried one for a living. When I jokingly questioned if he was carrying on campus he flashed me his Glock 23. I questioned if that was allowed. He advised me that it doesn't matter because no one on campus had the ability to detect him.

He is now a US Marshall.

 

[Eagle103]

It's been posted before. The purpose of CCW is to protect YOURSELF and family from a threat. Whether or not a CCW holder could have saved 20 or 30 lives is purely ancillary to ones right to defend him or her self.

 

[3fgburner]

There's the point...

When I first ETS'd from the Army I attended a couple of community college classes. On one of the first days of class I came across an old neighbor who then worked as a bodyguard. We started talking. He was a few years than me and a high school drop out but he wanted to get into law enforcement so he was trying to complete an AA degree.

One of the arguments that antis raise, is the notion of (college) "kids with guns", and the specter of armed, drunken fratboys. In order to get a CCW in VA, you have to be 21. Any undergrad over 21, is most likely a returning student, or someone who did something else for a bit before going to college. Frequently, they're like you or me. The "something else" is a hitch in the military. THOSE are the type of people most likely to be in school with a CCW. Another example is the two armed law students who stopped the nutball at Appalachian.

I'm currently, gods help me, a freshman Ed major at Northern VA CC. The goal is to have a Masters in history by the time I retire from IT engineering -- I want to teach. I have a CCW permit. I'm a middle-aged, upper-middle-class professional. I've been shooting for over 42 of my 50 years. I've had a CCW permit since VA went shall-issue, in July 95. I don't drink, smoke, or do drugs. I find it ludicrous that someone would use the "can't trust kids with guns" argument, to deny my right to defend myself.

I've also heard a passing comment that one of the wounded had a CCW and couldn't carry.

 

[Geister]

I personally think that if someone is going to carry they should have to prove to the campus that they can own a gun and protect themselves without putting anyone else in harms way.

I shouldn't have to ask a fellow human being for permission to protect my own life. He doesn't own me.

The vast majority of people who will actually bother to carry a handgun will most definately know how to shoot one properly. You don't lug a cell phone around and have no idea how to make or take a phone call.

 

[RealGun]

This question would need to include revisiting what CCW really means. I read that the shooter was wearing a "vest" but didn't read that it was of the protective kind. But it does raise the question that one might need to be prepared to make a head shot or shoot at the legs, both at some range. I just think that while any gun is better than none, seriously carrying a weapon should include more than a cute little purse gun or some deep concealment weapon.