Weighing the Risks of Armed Defense
- Thread starter samadams
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MostlyHarmless
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samadams,
Thanks for asking. It's a good topic for introspection.
The main point I would make is that while keeping guns in a ready to fire condition around the house is a big responsibility, and carrying is a larger responsibility, both can be done safely and responsibly with care, training, preparation, and practice. In time it becomes routine.
I keep the guns locked up all the time when they aren't on my person. I never set a gun down except in a safe or lockbox. I have lockboxes in various rooms and in the trunk of my car.
Regarding concealment and "being made"-- The smaller "mouse guns" (Keltec p3at, Seecamp, NAA Guardian) in a pocket holster in a front pants pocket are generally just about impossible to pick out unless you give yourself away by "pistol petting" (feeling or readjusting the gun while people are watching) or constantly looking to see if it's there. People aren't going to notice outside exceptional situations like a pat-down search, an industrial accident where you rip your pocket, needing emergency medical care, or the like. Yes there is still risk but you could do it for years and no one would be the wiser. For the most part people aren't going to ask about something that might turn out to be an insulin pump, asthma inhaler, pocket tool, keys, flashlight, etc unless they know you awfully well.
Of course you then won't be as well armed as you would with some three pound piece of iron on your belt but at least you will be armed.
Larger guns don't conceal well in pockets and yes people who know you and/or who pay close attention will catch you eventually if you carry OWB because Murphy's law will cause your sweater to ride up, your coat to blow open, and your waistband to sag at the worst possible moment. And yes you can get tripped up by unexpected hugs or bumps, or by whacking your sidearm against a door or chair with an inexplicably loud thunk when you least intend to.
IWB with a good tuckable holster is somewhere in between, less prone to Murphy's law incidents, but still leaves a bulge that unusually observant people will notice. I notice them on strangers around me but I'm much more observant than most people and I've carried enough to know the game.
Style of dress... depends how you dress now and what and how you plan to carry. I wear undershirts more now to give the IWB something to rub against besides my skin. I wear lose sweaters or a blazer to help break up the outlines again especially with IWB but to a lesser extent with pocket carry. Unless you wear closely tailored slacks or really tight jeans you probably wouldn't have to change much.
Safety wise I would say to go slowly and be confident of your carry. Many people start out carrying without a round in the chamber until they're confident of their holster and their gun.
Me I'm 40+ too and have had some scary moments over the years that could have escalated but never anything where I drew a gun or wished I had one. On the other hand I realize that the effects of being a victim of serious crime often last a lifetime, whether the scars are physical or psychological. I also realize that the historically safe area I live in has never really been as safe as I would like to think and is changing for the worse due to changes in the patterns of illegal drug use.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for asking. It's a good topic for introspection.
The main point I would make is that while keeping guns in a ready to fire condition around the house is a big responsibility, and carrying is a larger responsibility, both can be done safely and responsibly with care, training, preparation, and practice. In time it becomes routine.
I keep the guns locked up all the time when they aren't on my person. I never set a gun down except in a safe or lockbox. I have lockboxes in various rooms and in the trunk of my car.
Regarding concealment and "being made"-- The smaller "mouse guns" (Keltec p3at, Seecamp, NAA Guardian) in a pocket holster in a front pants pocket are generally just about impossible to pick out unless you give yourself away by "pistol petting" (feeling or readjusting the gun while people are watching) or constantly looking to see if it's there. People aren't going to notice outside exceptional situations like a pat-down search, an industrial accident where you rip your pocket, needing emergency medical care, or the like. Yes there is still risk but you could do it for years and no one would be the wiser. For the most part people aren't going to ask about something that might turn out to be an insulin pump, asthma inhaler, pocket tool, keys, flashlight, etc unless they know you awfully well.
Of course you then won't be as well armed as you would with some three pound piece of iron on your belt but at least you will be armed.
Larger guns don't conceal well in pockets and yes people who know you and/or who pay close attention will catch you eventually if you carry OWB because Murphy's law will cause your sweater to ride up, your coat to blow open, and your waistband to sag at the worst possible moment. And yes you can get tripped up by unexpected hugs or bumps, or by whacking your sidearm against a door or chair with an inexplicably loud thunk when you least intend to.
IWB with a good tuckable holster is somewhere in between, less prone to Murphy's law incidents, but still leaves a bulge that unusually observant people will notice. I notice them on strangers around me but I'm much more observant than most people and I've carried enough to know the game.
Style of dress... depends how you dress now and what and how you plan to carry. I wear undershirts more now to give the IWB something to rub against besides my skin. I wear lose sweaters or a blazer to help break up the outlines again especially with IWB but to a lesser extent with pocket carry. Unless you wear closely tailored slacks or really tight jeans you probably wouldn't have to change much.
Safety wise I would say to go slowly and be confident of your carry. Many people start out carrying without a round in the chamber until they're confident of their holster and their gun.
Me I'm 40+ too and have had some scary moments over the years that could have escalated but never anything where I drew a gun or wished I had one. On the other hand I realize that the effects of being a victim of serious crime often last a lifetime, whether the scars are physical or psychological. I also realize that the historically safe area I live in has never really been as safe as I would like to think and is changing for the worse due to changes in the patterns of illegal drug use.
Hope this helps.
I initially pursued a CHP for occasional carry. In reality is becomes a difficult thing to predict when you'll need the weapon. Many of you are 24/7 guys. My lifestyle does not allow that. Now attempting to figure out when to carry. (Maybe I should pick some mega-million number while I'm at it).
Thanks again for your thoughtful responses.
Thanks again for your thoughtful responses.
MostlyHarmless
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Sorry, crosspost...
I am unaware of any incident ever where a modern DAO gun designed for carry fired accidentally while properly holstered. Yes, you can get ADs while chambering a round, or as a result of holstering with your shirt tail stuck inside the trigger guard. There is extensive law enforcement experience in this area and they require their people to account for missing ammunition.
ADs resulting in injury despite best practices are a one in a million+ event. We live with those kinds of low-probability risks every day.
Human nature is such that we tend to ascribe more risk to unlikely things and less risk to likely things than we should. I think that's much of what you're fighting.
I am unaware of any incident ever where a modern DAO gun designed for carry fired accidentally while properly holstered. Yes, you can get ADs while chambering a round, or as a result of holstering with your shirt tail stuck inside the trigger guard. There is extensive law enforcement experience in this area and they require their people to account for missing ammunition.
ADs resulting in injury despite best practices are a one in a million+ event. We live with those kinds of low-probability risks every day.
Human nature is such that we tend to ascribe more risk to unlikely things and less risk to likely things than we should. I think that's much of what you're fighting.
MostlyHarmless
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I am not a 24/7 guy but am finding that as I gain experience I am comfortable carrying in more situations than previously. It's the transitions where personal safety is a problem. I was at the mall, shopping for a dress for my daughter, the other day. I was carrying. I don't think I was any safer as a result while I was at the mall. On the other hand, I believed there was a slight improvement in safety while I was walking across the parking lot to my car.
DoubleTapDrew
Member
Thats just internet bravado. I think it's rare you'll find someone who doesn't have all the ramifications (legal/moral/civil) running in the back of their mind.
A gun is a pretty odd thing. People go out of their way to carry it every day and hope they'll never have to use it.
sturmgewehr667
member
jorg cleared it up for me, you dont need to carry, people never get attacked.
btw, pieces of ice dont just fall off airplanes. you can make a point when you bring me one account of someone getting hit by a piece falling off an airplane. airplanes have defrosters and other various technology for removing ice.
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dmazur
Member
The way I look at it is definitely not "John Wayne" (at least I don't think so...)
If you develop technical proficiency, you have some confidence you are going to hit what you aim at and nothing else. That should ease some worry.
If you develop "situational awareness", you hope to avoid confrontations and dangerous situations in general. That also should ease some worry.
If you practice safe handling and storage, that also should remove more worries.
Now you're just left with the situation where you are, literally, faced with life or death. You really, really don't want that pistol at home in the safe. You want it on you, in a familiar location, so you can save your life.
After that, you can deal with the criminal justice system...
If you develop technical proficiency, you have some confidence you are going to hit what you aim at and nothing else. That should ease some worry.
If you develop "situational awareness", you hope to avoid confrontations and dangerous situations in general. That also should ease some worry.
If you practice safe handling and storage, that also should remove more worries.
Now you're just left with the situation where you are, literally, faced with life or death. You really, really don't want that pistol at home in the safe. You want it on you, in a familiar location, so you can save your life.
After that, you can deal with the criminal justice system...
WVMountainBoy
Member
My desire to carry a weapon came from being out at late hours due to work. Often saw many of those things that "don't happen around here" I didn't have a choice as to rather or not to be out at 3am, I had to start choosing rather I was going to be helpless or not. I was never a victim of any violent crime, but that could very well be because I was alert and was watching my surroundings. When strangers approached, I looked them in the face and nodded my head in recognition of their presence. I walk well away from the corners of buildings and park in well let spots. I've never had to use my weapon, hope I never do, but knowing that I can stand my ground should I need to is a lot more important than worrying about prosecutors, antis, and rather or not someone will be disturbed if they should find out I'm wearing a weapon
U.S.SFC_RET
Member
I want you to think about the piece of mind for yourself and for your family for a bit. Protecting them is your responsibility. It isn't the police's responsibility. They will do it if they get there in time. Problem is the crime is done and gone by the time they get there. They take down the information.
The responsibility lies squarely upon you. Safety of those firearms is your responsibility as well.
Don't think for a second that the crime rate will ever go down in this country. it won't. With the economic times getting harder you can expect it to go up.
Get a good dependable semi auto rifle and a good pump shotgun. A good pistol.
A little defensive philosophy.
A pistol keeps the BG off of your person.
A shotgun the BG out of your house.
A rifle keeps that BG off of your property.
and get a good dog.
The responsibility lies squarely upon you. Safety of those firearms is your responsibility as well.
Don't think for a second that the crime rate will ever go down in this country. it won't. With the economic times getting harder you can expect it to go up.
Get a good dependable semi auto rifle and a good pump shotgun. A good pistol.
A little defensive philosophy.
A pistol keeps the BG off of your person.
A shotgun the BG out of your house.
A rifle keeps that BG off of your property.
and get a good dog.
chuckusaret
member
I believe it is well worth the hassle/liability that goes with a CCW, it covers the "What If" you are mugged or whatever by a BG. I live in Florida where we have a very high number of home invasions, muggings, house burglaries and car jackings. Most end badly for the victim(s). I, or anyone in my family, will not be that victim without a fight. I will not be out looking for a fight but I will be able to better protect myself or my family if we should happen to be in one.
Food for thought: Since Florida has passed the law allowing CCW the muggings, car jackings, home invasions and convience store robberies have decreased. Why, because the shop owners have shot many of the robbers or the old man on the street was able to defended himself and his wife with a pistol against muggers, and was also able to hold them at gunpoint until the police arrived.
Yes, I have been mugged by two armed guys on a bicycle while out for a walk. What a terrifing feeling to look down the barrel of .38 with no means of self defense. I have carried ever since.
_______________
God Bless America
Food for thought: Since Florida has passed the law allowing CCW the muggings, car jackings, home invasions and convience store robberies have decreased. Why, because the shop owners have shot many of the robbers or the old man on the street was able to defended himself and his wife with a pistol against muggers, and was also able to hold them at gunpoint until the police arrived.
Yes, I have been mugged by two armed guys on a bicycle while out for a walk. What a terrifing feeling to look down the barrel of .38 with no means of self defense. I have carried ever since.
_______________
God Bless America
Superlite27
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How so? I should think they would be more likely to go off. Why do you believe that a firearm that is COMPLETELY UNDER YOUR CONTROL is more likely to injure someone than one that is under the control of the first person to find it?
Why are you continuing to perpetuate the idea that the inanimate object in your holster is dangerous in and of ITSELF? YOU are the one who controls how it is used. YOU are the one who decides when it goes "BANG". The only way this object would be more dangerous than one that is in an unsupervised location (such as a closet), is if YOU make it do something dangerous.
Since your arguement is inferring that a firearm's liability increases in proportion to the time it remains unused, does this same idea make sense when replaced with other inanimate safety devices?
Since my house hasn't ever burned down, should I throw all my fire extinguishers away?
Since I've never been in an auto accident, should I cut the seatbelts out of my car?
Since I've never been in a boating accident, should I stop wearing a life jacket?
As the crux of my arguement, I believe you are viewing the object you are carrying in the wrong manner. It is not a time-bomb waiting to go off at a random moment. This seems to be the idea that many people, (including those that would willingly take the right to carry away from us), hold of firearms.
It is NOT and should NOT be viewed as a liability.
IT IS A SAFETY DEVICE.
When one stops fearing the item itself and starts viewing it in the manner it is designed to be used in (a safety device for protecting your life) it becomes a COMFORT, not a liability.
Deanimator
Member
1. The risks of unarmed non-defense will ALWAYS outweigh the alleged risks of being able to defend yourself and your loved ones if any. It's the equivalent of saying, "If I'm crossing the street and a speeding bus is coming, I'll just freeze in place because either the bus will stop in time or somebody will shove me out of the way." Of course it's actually worse than that, because in order for the situations to be REALLY comparable, THAT bus driver must WANT to hit you.
2. Keeping a loaded handgun is no danger at all, if you either carry it on you or keep it in one of those one gun pushbutton safes.
3. I live in Ohio where "exposure" has no legal meaning. I can open carry, nevermind carry concealed.
4. I don't care if people I know know I'm carrying. Most don't see a problem. Those that do, don't get a vote unless they're willing to provide, AND GUARANTEE an alternative. My mother in Illinois knows I carry. When she said that she didn't want me to carry, I just asked if she was willing to follow me around and "protect" me in Ohio. End of discussion.
5. Twenty years of not using a firearm for self-defense are COMPLETELY irrelevant to what's happening RIGHT NOW when somebody's kicking in your door, robbing you at gunpoint, or trying to drag your child away.
I see no downside to being able to defend my life and limb... certainly no downside which could compare to those of being crippled, blind, incontinent or dead because I couldn't.
2. Keeping a loaded handgun is no danger at all, if you either carry it on you or keep it in one of those one gun pushbutton safes.
3. I live in Ohio where "exposure" has no legal meaning. I can open carry, nevermind carry concealed.
4. I don't care if people I know know I'm carrying. Most don't see a problem. Those that do, don't get a vote unless they're willing to provide, AND GUARANTEE an alternative. My mother in Illinois knows I carry. When she said that she didn't want me to carry, I just asked if she was willing to follow me around and "protect" me in Ohio. End of discussion.
5. Twenty years of not using a firearm for self-defense are COMPLETELY irrelevant to what's happening RIGHT NOW when somebody's kicking in your door, robbing you at gunpoint, or trying to drag your child away.
I see no downside to being able to defend my life and limb... certainly no downside which could compare to those of being crippled, blind, incontinent or dead because I couldn't.
expvideo
Member
Getting used to carrying a gun everyday takes a while. I've been carrying for almost 4 years. I can tell you that after a while, it starts to become second nature and you don't worry about it as much. You'll really enjoy not feeling as concerned when suspicious characters are around, and you'll feel proud to know that you are capable of protecting the people that you care about. It's a worthwhile venture.
I would recommend getting a compact firearm like a Bersa Thunder 380 or a Walther PPKS. Those guns are just big enough to be able to shoot somewhat comfortably, while being small enough to conceal easily and comfortably. The Bersa is very reliable and has several safety features, including a built in lock, so you can literally lock the gun so that the trigger does not work. With HydraShok ammunition, a .380 is a very capable defense round.
I think that if you find the right compact gun, a good holster and just force yourself to carry it everyday, in 6 months it will be like your wallet. You won't even think about it, it will just be there.
I personally carry a full size service-style pistol, and I am comfortable doing so. I haven't had to change the way I dress to accomidate a pistol. Carrying a compact pistol is easier than carrying a cell phone. Cheaper, too.
I would recommend getting a compact firearm like a Bersa Thunder 380 or a Walther PPKS. Those guns are just big enough to be able to shoot somewhat comfortably, while being small enough to conceal easily and comfortably. The Bersa is very reliable and has several safety features, including a built in lock, so you can literally lock the gun so that the trigger does not work. With HydraShok ammunition, a .380 is a very capable defense round.
I think that if you find the right compact gun, a good holster and just force yourself to carry it everyday, in 6 months it will be like your wallet. You won't even think about it, it will just be there.
I personally carry a full size service-style pistol, and I am comfortable doing so. I haven't had to change the way I dress to accomidate a pistol. Carrying a compact pistol is easier than carrying a cell phone. Cheaper, too.
Loosedhorse
member
You seem to be saying that the risks of owning loaded guns are high, and the benefits are low.
Fine. Keep all your guns unloaded. Better yet, if you have kids in the house, sell the guns.
Done. You've made your choice.
I have only two additional points:
1. It is not my business if you make a choice that is different than mine. I only get steamed when someone (not you) says, "I've decided to not have guns because I think they're too dangerous; therefore, EVERYONE should be prohibited from having guns, and anyone who owns guns is endangering their children."
2. Why are the risks of gun ownership around kids "great"? The potential harm (one part of risk) is incalculable (as it is with cars, matches, ovens, knives, electricity, alcohol, windows, bicycles, bathtubs, power tools, garage doors, pools, household chemicals, etc.), but it is manageable down to a very low probability (the other part of risk).
The potential harm of not having a loaded gun when you need it is also incalculable--to you and your family. What is YOUR probability of that harm, and how much can YOU "manage" that risk downward?
I have had young kids in the house for over 10 years. I have had loaded guns in the house for all of those years. No "accidents" yet. (Just luck? Maybe, but the harder I work, the luckier I get.)
If you want to look at two books, Gary Kleck's Targeting Guns (his two newer books, Armed and Point Blank seem to have much of the same info) and John Lott's The Bias Against Guns: Why Almost Everything You've Heard About Gun Control Is Wrong, I think they'll give you all the data you need.
Then make your choice, and be happy with it. Everything is a risk.
G-d bless, and Merry Christmas.
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expvideo
Member
In 4 years of carrying, I've never needed an unloaded gun.
30mag
Member
"unloaded guns in the closet are less likely to go off than a loaded gun in my holster...even following the 4 rules."
Aren't most accidental gun deaths caused by unloaded guns?
Aren't most accidental gun deaths caused by unloaded guns?
I am personally extremely risk-averse.
I made the decision years ago to keep a loaded weapon in the house. On the first of three occasions in which it turned out that I needed one, I had made the decision to unload it (for safety, rethinking my earlier decision to load it when I heard noises). I had not yet acted on that when I had to produce the gun almost instantaneously to prevent a violent home invasion. The police said the guy was likely a violent drug addict. Since then, it has been a non-decision.
That's three times in forty-five years. High probability of needing a loaded gun? Not really, but consider the consequences had I not had one when I needed it.
If we had children, I would have a quick-combo safe. When small children are in the house, I am extremely alert about where they are at all times. I have on occasion changed things when I thought it advisable.
This is not original, but listen to a few 911 calls on Youtube to get an appreciation of the duration of the call, find out the response time for a police call in your area, and set a timer for the total time. Imagine that something violent has prompted you to call. And imagine what might transpire before the timer goes off. Same thing applies if you have an alarm system. You will realize that you are on your own. There is a saying that the police are minutes away when seconds count.
I have a CCW permit. The need to produce a weapon has not come up since I got it. But before I had it, my wife and I were approached in the woods by a derelict man with a knife. We ran to the car and got away--barely. That made up my mind, believe me. When one actually carries falls into another decision tree, but I think it's pretty clear that you will probably be in the greatest danger should something come up when the gun is not with you.
I also try to keep very aware of tactical and legal considerations. I will be the first to run from trouble should something come up, but should that strategy not work, I don't want to lose the race. The gun is there as a last resort. I have a friend who is a former policeman who says that his gun will only come out when he is about to die. In your case you would probably add your loved ones' lives and safety into the strategy.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you. I, for one, am happy about the way you are addressing the thought process.
Good luck.
I made the decision years ago to keep a loaded weapon in the house. On the first of three occasions in which it turned out that I needed one, I had made the decision to unload it (for safety, rethinking my earlier decision to load it when I heard noises). I had not yet acted on that when I had to produce the gun almost instantaneously to prevent a violent home invasion. The police said the guy was likely a violent drug addict. Since then, it has been a non-decision.
That's three times in forty-five years. High probability of needing a loaded gun? Not really, but consider the consequences had I not had one when I needed it.
If we had children, I would have a quick-combo safe. When small children are in the house, I am extremely alert about where they are at all times. I have on occasion changed things when I thought it advisable.
This is not original, but listen to a few 911 calls on Youtube to get an appreciation of the duration of the call, find out the response time for a police call in your area, and set a timer for the total time. Imagine that something violent has prompted you to call. And imagine what might transpire before the timer goes off. Same thing applies if you have an alarm system. You will realize that you are on your own. There is a saying that the police are minutes away when seconds count.
I have a CCW permit. The need to produce a weapon has not come up since I got it. But before I had it, my wife and I were approached in the woods by a derelict man with a knife. We ran to the car and got away--barely. That made up my mind, believe me. When one actually carries falls into another decision tree, but I think it's pretty clear that you will probably be in the greatest danger should something come up when the gun is not with you.
I also try to keep very aware of tactical and legal considerations. I will be the first to run from trouble should something come up, but should that strategy not work, I don't want to lose the race. The gun is there as a last resort. I have a friend who is a former policeman who says that his gun will only come out when he is about to die. In your case you would probably add your loved ones' lives and safety into the strategy.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you. I, for one, am happy about the way you are addressing the thought process.
Good luck.
DAVIDSDIVAD
member
I'm starting to think the OP is a troll.
dmazur
Member
Maybe not. I read a (liberal) opinion once that essentially said that person would rather be killed in a robbery than have to bear the guilt of having taken a human life.
With the courts being so pro-individual rights (including a person who just committed a felony...), it is probably a hard decision to walk around ready to act to save your own life.
Many, many people wear blinders and just pretend it isn't going to happen to them.
It's a good discussion. I don't happen to agree with "sheep", but I understand they have concerns about the liability of CCW.
thesecond
Member
Samadams: The most basic question, do you trust yourself?
JImbothefiveth
Member
What you should do is try and reduce the risks. Always obey proper gun safety rules. Here are the rules.
1:Treat all guns as if they were loaded, always, even if you know they are not. 2:Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.(That means that if the gun was loaded, and it did go off, it would not hit anybody. When you are shooting for target practice, make sure everyone statys behind the end of the barrel.) 3:Keep your finger off the trigger until you are about to shoot. 4:Know your target, and what is behind it. (For instance, if you are shooting at a stack of coke bottles,, make sure noone's behing it)
As for keeping a loaded handgun around the house, there are ways around that. One option is to put a trigger lock on the gun, and leave the magazine loaded, but the chamber empty. Practice getting the trigger lock off quickly.(And make sure that you can't pull the trigger by pulling back on the trigger lock, this can happen if it is on there loosely.) You can also, in the day, just carry it when you are home. If you carry it. it will be ready and you will know where it is.
1:Treat all guns as if they were loaded, always, even if you know they are not. 2:Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.(That means that if the gun was loaded, and it did go off, it would not hit anybody. When you are shooting for target practice, make sure everyone statys behind the end of the barrel.) 3:Keep your finger off the trigger until you are about to shoot. 4:Know your target, and what is behind it. (For instance, if you are shooting at a stack of coke bottles,, make sure noone's behing it)
As for keeping a loaded handgun around the house, there are ways around that. One option is to put a trigger lock on the gun, and leave the magazine loaded, but the chamber empty. Practice getting the trigger lock off quickly.(And make sure that you can't pull the trigger by pulling back on the trigger lock, this can happen if it is on there loosely.) You can also, in the day, just carry it when you are home. If you carry it. it will be ready and you will know where it is.
Andy-Y
Member
To the OP: Carrying a gun is a very personal choice, you should think long and hard and come to a solid stance either way before you carry (or not). Taking another persons life is not an easy or good thing and is to me a last ditch effort to get myself out of a deadly situation. If you can deal with (mentally and emotionally) the consequences of using a firearm in self defense, then you can START worrying about the practical risks, as you have explained them (hugs, clothing, discovery). But like I said, it is a personal choice, don't let ANYONE tell you what you should do, make your own decision and stick by it. Good luck!
TO OTHER POSTERS: Telling someone that not having a gun means that they will be attacked (paraphrasing here), is basically calling them stupid, and is not a good way to get someone to carry. For example, the guy at the local gunshop told my wife that if she didn't get her CPL and carry that more then likely she would be sexually assaulted. She took this as an insult. Basically you are calling people stupid for not carrying, and people do not appreciate that. We that carry know the risks, but to others our warnings come off as something else (bravado, paranoia, etc.). So when someone asks a question like this, don't say, "keep your guns loaded or your family will DIE!!". Try to gently enlighten them in ways of mitigating the risks.
Sorry for the rant, and Merry Christmas!
TO OTHER POSTERS: Telling someone that not having a gun means that they will be attacked (paraphrasing here), is basically calling them stupid, and is not a good way to get someone to carry. For example, the guy at the local gunshop told my wife that if she didn't get her CPL and carry that more then likely she would be sexually assaulted. She took this as an insult. Basically you are calling people stupid for not carrying, and people do not appreciate that. We that carry know the risks, but to others our warnings come off as something else (bravado, paranoia, etc.). So when someone asks a question like this, don't say, "keep your guns loaded or your family will DIE!!". Try to gently enlighten them in ways of mitigating the risks.
Sorry for the rant, and Merry Christmas!
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