I have a questions for guys and gals here with concealed carry permits:
1. How often do you guys actually use it? There are like 400,000 CCW permit holders in Virginia, but do most of you guys actually carry regularly?
2. How often are you asked to leave the premises of a business because you're carrying?
3. Do you have any stats on CCW and crime prevention, and have you or anyone you know had an experience with CCW and a crime or dangerous situation?
4. What handgun do you carry concealed and/or use for personal defense?
1. Always. Don't be one of the 32...or that guy stabbed for the $10 in the wallet.
2. Never. It's too dangerous to go anywhere without weapons.
3.
http://www.smallestminority.blogspot.com/ should have stats on it somewhere. My parents were shot at after giving up their car in DC. They were not armed. I have covertly drawn my pistol on one occasion. Others have used knives. You should have two folding knives on you at all times. There is no limit on blade length in Virginia (except K-12 schools, then it's 3"). Get a Cold Steel Voyager 5". Learn to use it. knifefighting.com.
4. Typically a Glock mid-frame (19, 23, 32). Choose a gun based upon mission...smaller guns for more covert carry and larger ones when it's not required. Just always have a gun and two knives. Caliber: 38 Special or 9mm minimum. Typical recommendations: 38 Special, 357 Magnum, 9mm, 40 S&W, 357 SIG, 10mm, 45 ACP, 44 Special, 41 Magnum, 44 Magnum. Look at very small guns like the Kahr PM9, Keltec P3AT, and others. Consider the Glock 26, 19, and similar sized guns. Smith and Wesson makes some very light revolvers with short barrels. These are very good; watch Micheal Bane's videos.
http://www.downrange.tv/. On of the great things about a revolver is that you don't need magazines...just speed loaders. But, it lacks the capacity of even a Glock 26.
Remember, you have a Constitutional right to keep and bear arms. The CCW permits are actually unconstitutional. It's a "permit" because you ask *permission* from the government. You do not have to ask permission to exercise a right. However, the system is setup to encourage compliance. If you wish to comply, get one. Otherwise, carry and stay quiet about it. Be the "gray man" -- the one that blends into the background and is unnoticed.
Oh, and move off campus ASAP. You don't need a blabbermouth roommate talking about your weapons...or handling them.
Budget double the price of the gun for your first handgun. Additionally, include money for ammo and training (see fpftraining.com's DHS 1). Get a SmartCarry holster, a strong side carry holster, and something you can carry centerline (in front). You'll have to experiment a bit. The DeSantis Nemesis is great for little guns in the pocket, but not very secure if you carry at the appendix (but it does work and it's under $20). The DeSantis Cozy Partner works for most small and midsized guns such as the Glock 19. You'll need cleaning gear, ammo carriers, spare magazines, eye and hearing protection, targets, and so forth.
Remember, GET TRAINED! Learn how to handle the police. Learn how to GUNFIGHT! Shooting is fun; gunfight training is hard work. Remember that difference when evaluating the training. Ask what they teach...their description of the course will tell you what you need. Amazingly, a good Airsoft gun, which should be a duplicate of your carry gun, makes for excellent training.
Summary: Carry a gun and two knives at all times. Carry at least one reload for the gun. Get trained in the legalities of lethal force and handling the police. Find a lawyer before you get in a fight. Get in shape; a fit warrior is a fighting warrior. Finally, learn to gunfight.
There, I just spent $2000 of your money.
