What started you wanting to CCW?
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outofbattery
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- Joined
- Apr 14, 2004
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- 874
When I lived in the South and didn't need a permit to simply own a handgun ( but had to apply for a permit and wait a week for each purchase ) or carry it in my car , I never had a desire to CCW . When I moved to MA , I had to file for a Class A LTC in order to bring my high capacity pistols with me and with that got the ability to CCW .
While I was attending college, I was living in an apartment with my fiance, and some drug dealers moved in next door. Only weapon i had at that time was a cheap .22 rifle. Went out and got a Winchester 1894 and lucked into a free .44mag Super Blackhawk. Quite possibly saved our lives when the guy decided I had called the cops on him one night. Funny thing is, when i DID call the cops, I was told they had "more important calls", and it would be 15 to 30 minutes before they could dispatch someone - this was AFTER I told them there was a man within 10 feet of my apartment door with a drawn handgun, and my fiance was still inside. When the police finally arrived, after I had to all but shoot someone to get their attention, they refused to do anything but "talk to the other party". He said he didn't have a gun, and they proceeded to call me a liar. So after they left, I walked out of my apartment as heavily armed as I could make myself, and we left - never went back. We had a movign company go and pakc up our stuff.
I realized that if I could be threatened by a criminal with a weapon, with no warning or reason, then it was high time I did something about it. While I'm 20, and will be for another month or so, I always keep a loaded .44 in my truck, and have several long arms around my new apartment. My fiance sometimes thinks I've gone crazy when I come to bed and lean my AR up against the nightstand, but when she hears a bump in the night, guess who she calls to check it out now?
I realized that if I could be threatened by a criminal with a weapon, with no warning or reason, then it was high time I did something about it. While I'm 20, and will be for another month or so, I always keep a loaded .44 in my truck, and have several long arms around my new apartment. My fiance sometimes thinks I've gone crazy when I come to bed and lean my AR up against the nightstand, but when she hears a bump in the night, guess who she calls to check it out now?
TamThompson
Member
I'm a 7th generation Texan, so my family has always had guns, always hunted, and always shot in competitions.
I bought my first gun in '91, upon hearing that my mentally ill roommate's family might be cult members and might come try to kidnap her and harm both of us. No threat ever materialized. It was a .357 mag SP101 with a 4" barrel, which I still have (I try hard to never sell a gun, unless I bought it as an investment.)
What got me carrying:
1. September 11th, which, although it certainly couldn't have been stopped by me with my Glock 30, taught me the larger lesson that none of us are as safe as we think we are.
2. Four months after 9/11, one of my husband's co-worker, Rachel Cooke, went missing while out on a run a few days after Christmas. It happened in broad daylight, in a good neighborhood up in Georgetown. Husband and I were in the first two groups of search parties that went looking for her. That was in January 2002, and no one has yet found a trace of her. They think she was pulled into a car. I'm an active outdoor woman, and that will not happen to me--not if I can help it, and I'll do my damnedest to make sure that I can.
I bought my first gun in '91, upon hearing that my mentally ill roommate's family might be cult members and might come try to kidnap her and harm both of us. No threat ever materialized. It was a .357 mag SP101 with a 4" barrel, which I still have (I try hard to never sell a gun, unless I bought it as an investment.)
What got me carrying:
1. September 11th, which, although it certainly couldn't have been stopped by me with my Glock 30, taught me the larger lesson that none of us are as safe as we think we are.
2. Four months after 9/11, one of my husband's co-worker, Rachel Cooke, went missing while out on a run a few days after Christmas. It happened in broad daylight, in a good neighborhood up in Georgetown. Husband and I were in the first two groups of search parties that went looking for her. That was in January 2002, and no one has yet found a trace of her. They think she was pulled into a car. I'm an active outdoor woman, and that will not happen to me--not if I can help it, and I'll do my damnedest to make sure that I can.
Island Beretta
Member
..high murder/extortion/kidnapping/home invasion blah blah rate in my neck of the woods.. frankly I would much rather have guns for sports but alas.. 
mbs357
Member
I don't care what the rate is in my town.
If the murder rate is one every 10 years, that's enough to warrant me having a gun, I don't want to be that one.
Same with all other stats, if there's even the smallest chance a gun will help me, I'll have that gun.
As far as bad things happening because you have a gun.
I think of it the same way as a seatbelt or an airbag.
Seatbelts and airbags can maim and kill ya, but I still use them, and I'm sure you all do too.
If the murder rate is one every 10 years, that's enough to warrant me having a gun, I don't want to be that one.
Same with all other stats, if there's even the smallest chance a gun will help me, I'll have that gun.
As far as bad things happening because you have a gun.
I think of it the same way as a seatbelt or an airbag.
Seatbelts and airbags can maim and kill ya, but I still use them, and I'm sure you all do too.
cuate
Member
Ccw
Born in Texas and raised with them. Walk lopsided without iron on the r/h side, hate nobody, have no enemies I know of, Willing to protect life and property and other's lives. Havent fired in anger since the Marine Corps, never killed a female of any race creed or color, and would walk off from a lethal confrontation if other party is agreeable. Love my neighbors and very aware of God's commandments. What else?
Born in Texas and raised with them. Walk lopsided without iron on the r/h side, hate nobody, have no enemies I know of, Willing to protect life and property and other's lives. Havent fired in anger since the Marine Corps, never killed a female of any race creed or color, and would walk off from a lethal confrontation if other party is agreeable. Love my neighbors and very aware of God's commandments. What else?
nordaim
Member
I purchased my first handgun in the spring of 2001. After going through the "keep ammo seperate from your firearms while you are in the car, here's the bright red bag we are going to seal it in. It should stay sealed in this bag until you get home or take it to the range." speech a few too many times I asked the guys behind the counter of my gun store if there was anything I could do to avoid having to go through this each time. They told me to get a permit to carry. Up until that time I had never thought about CC or what the laws were in PA.
After a quick call to the Sheriff's office to see what was up, I arranged a day off work to go down to the courthouse and fill out my paperwork, pay my fees, and apply for my permit. Once it was all said and done, I had to wait 2 or 3 weeks to get my postcard saying my permit was ready.
Though I got it just to avoid a hassle, I now have my permit to carry legally, religiously, wherever and whenever I can. Even if it is just sitting at my reloading bench.
After a quick call to the Sheriff's office to see what was up, I arranged a day off work to go down to the courthouse and fill out my paperwork, pay my fees, and apply for my permit. Once it was all said and done, I had to wait 2 or 3 weeks to get my postcard saying my permit was ready.
Though I got it just to avoid a hassle, I now have my permit to carry legally, religiously, wherever and whenever I can. Even if it is just sitting at my reloading bench.
aroshi
Member
When I was 21, I hired a guy to work under me who also happened to be a Bail Enforcement Officer. He started me into handguns. Bought my first one, a Taurus PT-92, and he insisted that I learn and appreciate carrying, so we stopped out and applied for my permit the next day. He showed me how to break it down, clean it, work with it, and soon after, we were no longer working together because the owner of that business was not paying his taxes, and we did not want to be involved.
With him not being around, I did not visit the range as much, and the gun got locked up and put away for a few years until I gained some other very good friends who renewed my interest. Since then I've dug out my permit, sold that gun and did my research and bought the one I wanted, a Sig P229 in 40 S&W. I have trained for years in self-defense and keep up with current local and national laws.
I have been working with other pro-gun friends to educate others and give them positive experiences with handling, understanding, and using firearms.
I believe it is every free man's right and duty to possess, educate, and protect his rights!
With him not being around, I did not visit the range as much, and the gun got locked up and put away for a few years until I gained some other very good friends who renewed my interest. Since then I've dug out my permit, sold that gun and did my research and bought the one I wanted, a Sig P229 in 40 S&W. I have trained for years in self-defense and keep up with current local and national laws.
I have been working with other pro-gun friends to educate others and give them positive experiences with handling, understanding, and using firearms.
I believe it is every free man's right and duty to possess, educate, and protect his rights!
Richard.Howe
Member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2003
- Messages
- 887
I turned 21.
lambert151
Member
Got mugged what more do you need.
I've grown up around guns and thought that they were just an ordinary, everyday part of life. Started hunting as soon as I was old enough. Learned about guns and even at that young age, I wanted to be allowed to carry one all the time. Never really did anything about it thought, too much paper work.
Then in October of 1990 I was robbed, beaten and had my car vandalized at gun point.
There wasn't a thing I could do, but somehow, I knew I'd walk (stagger) away. Not that having a gun would have changed much, but it was a wake up call. What about the next time?
So upon returning home (I was going to school in NJ at the time) I found out about all the paper work. I was so busy with different classes and jobs, moving around, that I decided to put it off. I eventually ended up living in OH. There really wasn't much I could do since the state didn't offer conealed carry. Then, I started hearing rumors, then proposals. Eventually, the bill passed and we now had CC in OH. I was a little tight on finances so I had to wait until this October, but I took the class, go my licence and have been carrying EVERYWHERE I legally can.
Hey, Havegunjoe, Love the tag line!
I've grown up around guns and thought that they were just an ordinary, everyday part of life. Started hunting as soon as I was old enough. Learned about guns and even at that young age, I wanted to be allowed to carry one all the time. Never really did anything about it thought, too much paper work.
Then in October of 1990 I was robbed, beaten and had my car vandalized at gun point.
There wasn't a thing I could do, but somehow, I knew I'd walk (stagger) away. Not that having a gun would have changed much, but it was a wake up call. What about the next time?So upon returning home (I was going to school in NJ at the time) I found out about all the paper work. I was so busy with different classes and jobs, moving around, that I decided to put it off. I eventually ended up living in OH. There really wasn't much I could do since the state didn't offer conealed carry. Then, I started hearing rumors, then proposals. Eventually, the bill passed and we now had CC in OH. I was a little tight on finances so I had to wait until this October, but I took the class, go my licence and have been carrying EVERYWHERE I legally can.
Hey, Havegunjoe, Love the tag line!
tommytrauma
Member
Shortly after we broke up, a woman I had dated was beaten and gang raped. Her new boyfriend suffered a broken nose, jaw and wrist, and was forced to watch it happen.
He was picking her up from work, just like I did every evening while we were dating. If we hadn't broken up 5 weeks earlier, I would have been in her new BFs place.
Of course, concealed carry isn't legal here. According to our Governer, Wisconsin is a 'safe' state, and we don't need it.
He was picking her up from work, just like I did every evening while we were dating. If we hadn't broken up 5 weeks earlier, I would have been in her new BFs place.
Of course, concealed carry isn't legal here. According to our Governer, Wisconsin is a 'safe' state, and we don't need it.
crashresidue
Member
I REALLY shouldn't be doing this - there's way too much out on the net about me and I'm too easily traced - but - WTH!
I carry - whether it's legal or NOT! If I get shot in a non-carry state - does that mean that I can get up, dust myself off, and go home? I don't think so -so why in Heavens name should I allow some dumb-a** politician to pass a law that tells me that I have to rely on the local LEO's to protect me and that's it's illegal for me to defend myself?
I did two tours in Nam - I carried 24/7 there. I do the same here - in which ever state I happen to be in. I've met and worked with too many LEO's that told me to carry - even if it was illegal at the time. I had one ask me if I had a gun in my vehicle - I replied "Yes, but it isn't loaded". His response will stay with me till I die - he said - "Don't do you no good - unless you plan on throwing it at him - does it?"
The "Brown's Chicken Massacre" in Chicago, back in the early 90's was the final straw. My wife worked as a manager in a little pizza place, in a bad location when this happened. I wasn't "carrying" at the time - but I made her start. I got her an NAA mini .22 to carry on her person, with a BDA in her purse (14 shot)- "this little one will get you to the real one" was what I told her - "IF you get scared." You'd be amazed at all the places a woman can hide a small gun!
I had one wife ( I've had three) ask - "how many times do I shoot him?" "Till he either stops moving - or you run out of bullets!" Duh! She's also the one that told me I couldn't shoot through walls - "they can't on do it on TV!"
I went "home" (out of state) that weekend and retrieved ALL my pistols and I've been "well healed" since.
It's your decision as to whether your life has value - mine DOES, the same for my Lady's. Will you kill to protect it (or hers) - that's YOUR decision - I've made mine.
Gentle winds,
cr
I carry - whether it's legal or NOT! If I get shot in a non-carry state - does that mean that I can get up, dust myself off, and go home? I don't think so -so why in Heavens name should I allow some dumb-a** politician to pass a law that tells me that I have to rely on the local LEO's to protect me and that's it's illegal for me to defend myself?
I did two tours in Nam - I carried 24/7 there. I do the same here - in which ever state I happen to be in. I've met and worked with too many LEO's that told me to carry - even if it was illegal at the time. I had one ask me if I had a gun in my vehicle - I replied "Yes, but it isn't loaded". His response will stay with me till I die - he said - "Don't do you no good - unless you plan on throwing it at him - does it?"
The "Brown's Chicken Massacre" in Chicago, back in the early 90's was the final straw. My wife worked as a manager in a little pizza place, in a bad location when this happened. I wasn't "carrying" at the time - but I made her start. I got her an NAA mini .22 to carry on her person, with a BDA in her purse (14 shot)- "this little one will get you to the real one" was what I told her - "IF you get scared." You'd be amazed at all the places a woman can hide a small gun!
I had one wife ( I've had three) ask - "how many times do I shoot him?" "Till he either stops moving - or you run out of bullets!" Duh! She's also the one that told me I couldn't shoot through walls - "they can't on do it on TV!"
I went "home" (out of state) that weekend and retrieved ALL my pistols and I've been "well healed" since.
It's your decision as to whether your life has value - mine DOES, the same for my Lady's. Will you kill to protect it (or hers) - that's YOUR decision - I've made mine.
Gentle winds,
cr
Growing up in Oregon CCW was having a 30-30 or .22 on the seat of your truck or in the corner by the front door for stray dogs, yotes etc. Then I moved to California. Wow! Violence was/is seems to be an every day frigging occurance. Being armed became so much a part of my life, I still pack daily even though I live in rural boring Alaska.
When Michigan finally passed it's shall issue law I felt that we needed to support this law. The law had many quirks and silly forbidden zones but it was a step in the right direction. Until the 2nd admendment is upheld completely this is the best we have at the moment .
Since I have recieved my CCW 3 years ago I have carried whenever I can.
. Since I have recieved my CCW 3 years ago I have carried whenever I can.
Gunnutz13
Member
Because...
1.) Self protection is a God given RIGHT...not a privledge
2.) The 2nd Admendment to the US Constitution guarantees my RIGHT to
keep and bear arms
3.) Who else is gonna protect me and mine
4.) I was robbed by two guys, one holding a sawed off shotgun to my chin
while the other grabbed what little money was in the register. Both then
turn their backs to me and walked away laughing...wish I had a gun
then !
5.) The state of Pennsylvania / city of Philadelphia finally acknowledged my
RIGHT to self protection back in the mid 1990's...I was the first on my
block to get one !
1.) Self protection is a God given RIGHT...not a privledge
2.) The 2nd Admendment to the US Constitution guarantees my RIGHT to
keep and bear arms
3.) Who else is gonna protect me and mine
4.) I was robbed by two guys, one holding a sawed off shotgun to my chin
while the other grabbed what little money was in the register. Both then
turn their backs to me and walked away laughing...wish I had a gun
then !
5.) The state of Pennsylvania / city of Philadelphia finally acknowledged my
RIGHT to self protection back in the mid 1990's...I was the first on my
block to get one !
Vitamin G
Member
9-11-01
mjb
Member.
bettter grammar
Being a security officer in Cincinnati, Ohio during the April 2001 riots is enough reason to want one. I find it usefull to have it with me when I go to the ATM.
Being a security officer in Cincinnati, Ohio during the April 2001 riots is enough reason to want one. I find it usefull to have it with me when I go to the ATM.
Yooper
Member
In a word, AGE. I was bulletproof and invincible when I was younger.
Gus Dddysgrl
Member
The creepy, scary, horny, drunkards who were dealing drugs around the corner from my parents house. Some of their friends kinda pushed it further and made me want it even more. Since I woke up to the things I could do to protect myself and I raised my state of awareness I've noticed many other similar guys that make me even more glad I have it.
Also Daddy was a big encouragement/support to get it.
Gus
Also Daddy was a big encouragement/support to get it.
Gus
Hot brass
Member
There are a lot of bad guys out there, and I want the ability to protect my family and self.
Lt. G
Member
Horrible situations that I went through in the 70s and 80s. Now I don't feel right without having a weapon with me all the time.
Lobotomy Boy
Member
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2004
- Messages
- 2,449
I'd always had guns, but never considered carrying them. Then a couple of years ago I had a bad motorcycle-racing accident. I destroyed my right foot. Now walking is difficult, walking quickly nearly impossible, and running is completely out of the question. Not long after the accident I was waiting at the curb of the hospital for my wife to get a wheelchair to take me up to see my doctor. This creepy guy, looked like the long-lost member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, came lumbering right at me. I don't think he saw me. I think he was strung out on meth, and when he saw me, he moved around me.
There was no danger, but it was sobering. All my life I've been pretty much in a position to either beat the crap out of any attacker or get away from him. Now I found myself without either option. I certainly hope not to ever have to defend myself in any way, but the loss of my body as a tool for self defense hit me pretty hard. The thought of how helpless I'd become to defend myself was a wake up call. I figured I needed to equalize things in some way.
There was no danger, but it was sobering. All my life I've been pretty much in a position to either beat the crap out of any attacker or get away from him. Now I found myself without either option. I certainly hope not to ever have to defend myself in any way, but the loss of my body as a tool for self defense hit me pretty hard. The thought of how helpless I'd become to defend myself was a wake up call. I figured I needed to equalize things in some way.
dance varmint
Member
Partly the mauling death of a woman in San Francisco by huge dogs in 2001, partly the psycho kid who briefly lived next door.
CZ52GUY
Member
I started carrying regularly through an evolution of events.
I started shooting more frequently during the past few years after a long absence from it. I enjoyed shooting recreationally and eventually became more serious about pistolcraft. Both the clubs and shooting schools liked using the CCW as a proof of good character. I got the CCW and started carrying sparingly. I took some classes, started competing, and am now a self-confessed range rat. If I said that I seldom carry when I'm not headed to and from the range I'd still be carrying the vast majority of the time.
I've expanded my practice to defensive long guns. I take seriously what could happen if they were to fall into the wrong hands.
While my area is not considered crime infested by objective standards, and there are times when I choose not to carry because of specific restrictions and trade-offs that are unique to my circumstances, I feel better when I am carrying. I consistently work at honing my skills (including private lessons) and keeping current on the laws in my area regarding both CCW and the lawful use of deadly force.
Stay safe,
CZ52'
I started shooting more frequently during the past few years after a long absence from it. I enjoyed shooting recreationally and eventually became more serious about pistolcraft. Both the clubs and shooting schools liked using the CCW as a proof of good character. I got the CCW and started carrying sparingly. I took some classes, started competing, and am now a self-confessed range rat. If I said that I seldom carry when I'm not headed to and from the range I'd still be carrying the vast majority of the time
.I've expanded my practice to defensive long guns. I take seriously what could happen if they were to fall into the wrong hands.
While my area is not considered crime infested by objective standards, and there are times when I choose not to carry because of specific restrictions and trade-offs that are unique to my circumstances, I feel better when I am carrying. I consistently work at honing my skills (including private lessons) and keeping current on the laws in my area regarding both CCW and the lawful use of deadly force.
Stay safe,
CZ52'
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