keyhole
Member
I like my uncles reply when he was talking to a lady about guns. She replied that guns scared her, and he said, " You know what really scares me? Violence!" He does get a kick out of shooting, and has more guns than I do
What would YOU do?
- Thread starter 280PLUS
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spacemanspiff
Senior Member
i would have said "Going to the range". maybe i'm talking about the driving range to hit a few golf balls. maybe its the firing range to shoot some paper. it isnt a lie, and if the person wants more information they can ask.
the misconception the uninformed have is that guns = violence, therefore a gunowner = violent person.
the misconception the uninformed have is that guns = violence, therefore a gunowner = violent person.
bogie
Member
You know, I woulda been severely insulted...
And I let people know when they insult me. If they're going to flat-out accuse me of being a potential criminal, I'm going to confront 'em with what they just said.
It makes 'em think.
And I let people know when they insult me. If they're going to flat-out accuse me of being a potential criminal, I'm going to confront 'em with what they just said.
It makes 'em think.
teppo-shu
Member
Not being critical of the original poster 280PLUS - in fact, I can definitely empathize - but I for one am sick and tired of being made to feel like some sort of social pariah or worse (implied criminal) just because I exercise my constitutional rights, for which I have also paid a LOT of money and had extensive background checks and been through innumerable hassles to get photos taken, been fingerprinted, and on and on and on.
It's almost like when you tell some people that you own guns, their reaction is as if you just admitted to being some kind of sick freak child molestor or something. I think even smokers have it better in some respects these days.
That said, there are no easy answers in situations like yours. I probably would have said something like well, if any of us knew when and where we might be robbed, carjacked, kidnapped, or whatever, it would sure make things a lot easier wouldn't it? That's why I submitted to a background check, been fingerprinted, paid a LOT of money, etc... to get my permit.
I would think that would've ended the discussion with most sheeple right there.
In the case of this lady, the fact that she knew you have to have a license to carry is kind of an opening in and of itself. Work on her.
It's almost like when you tell some people that you own guns, their reaction is as if you just admitted to being some kind of sick freak child molestor or something. I think even smokers have it better in some respects these days.
That said, there are no easy answers in situations like yours. I probably would have said something like well, if any of us knew when and where we might be robbed, carjacked, kidnapped, or whatever, it would sure make things a lot easier wouldn't it? That's why I submitted to a background check, been fingerprinted, paid a LOT of money, etc... to get my permit.
I would think that would've ended the discussion with most sheeple right there.
In the case of this lady, the fact that she knew you have to have a license to carry is kind of an opening in and of itself. Work on her.
Kobun
Member
"I'm just glad to see you".
tech
Member
Boy am I lucky to live where I do. Nobody but my wife knows I carry 24/7, but the knowledge probably would not suprise or alarm anyone I know.
Mike
Mike
Hardtarget
Member
I think you gave an outstanding response. Thinking on your feet and forming a response "spur of the moment". Great job! You are correct in trying to keep ccw truly concealed. The fewer that know, the better. I keep it very Q.T. Only my wife is really sure...but then, she sees me put it on.
Mark.
Mark.
Darrin
Member
Winner!
I'm not with permit yet, but I do speak of going shooting openly. When someone at work asks me what I did over the weekend, I tell them all about it and usually offer an invite. Some are intrigued, others just say, "Oh...
"CGofMP
Member
Personally.... I would not lie.
I guess answering depends on the mood I would be in:
"The only people I answer that for are the ones that will answer me their current and past Sexually Transmitted Disease status"
"Ma'am, In polite society, one does not ask about another's bank ballance or other highly personal questions..."
"Lets play strip poker and find out!" (Then promptly stack the deck...)
And most likely for me: "That is quite simply NONE of your business."
Charles
I guess answering depends on the mood I would be in:
"The only people I answer that for are the ones that will answer me their current and past Sexually Transmitted Disease status"
"Ma'am, In polite society, one does not ask about another's bank ballance or other highly personal questions..."
"Lets play strip poker and find out!" (Then promptly stack the deck...)
And most likely for me: "That is quite simply NONE of your business."
Charles
Admiral Thrawn
Member
Frightened of WHAT, exactly?280PLUS
Member
why,,,frightened of guns...
they are frightening, in the wrong hands of course.
and i mean that in terms of the inexperienced/untrained as much as i mean in the hands of a bg.
i keep thinking about it.
asking someone if theyre packing IS equal to asking them any other personal questions eg. if theyre wearing panties
unfortunately the uninitiaited don't understand that.
and neither did i, i guess, at least i didnt take it that way, at first.
i'll fill her in next time i see her...
and maybe be a little better prepared the next time, if ever, the question comes up again.
they are frightening, in the wrong hands of course.
and i mean that in terms of the inexperienced/untrained as much as i mean in the hands of a bg.
i keep thinking about it.
asking someone if theyre packing IS equal to asking them any other personal questions eg. if theyre wearing panties
unfortunately the uninitiaited don't understand that.
and neither did i, i guess, at least i didnt take it that way, at first.
i'll fill her in next time i see her...
and maybe be a little better prepared the next time, if ever, the question comes up again.
HankB
Member
Do you have a gun on you?
That's the question I was asked by another customer while waiting in a LONG checkout line at a major electronics and appliance retailer.
For a second, I thought I was "printing" and asked "Why?"
"Because if you do, just shoot me so I won't have to wait in this line any more!!!"
So I made a show of patting myself down and said "Oh, heck, I KNEW there was something I was forgetting this morning!!"
If he only knew . . .
That's the question I was asked by another customer while waiting in a LONG checkout line at a major electronics and appliance retailer.
For a second, I thought I was "printing" and asked "Why?"
"Because if you do, just shoot me so I won't have to wait in this line any more!!!"
So I made a show of patting myself down and said "Oh, heck, I KNEW there was something I was forgetting this morning!!"
If he only knew . . .
Intune
Member
And if you had replied "yes I have a gun, I'm a policeman" I bet she would have gushed about how safe she felt. Bah! Or should I say, baa!
Sheslinger
Member
How about...
"I'd tell you but then I'd have to kill you."
Sorry, too easy, could not resist...
"I'd tell you but then I'd have to kill you."
Sorry, too easy, could not resist...
Mastrogiacomo
Member
"DO YOU HAVE A PERMIT FOR THOSE GUNS?" 
What kind of dumb question was that? You should have said, "Why yes I do because if I didn't it'd make me a criminal. Don't you know the laws?" Kind of reminds me when my sister says "I don't approve of guns." Well, I don't need her approval or anyone else's. I'm glad you're fast on your feet. I would have taken offense.
What kind of dumb question was that? You should have said, "Why yes I do because if I didn't it'd make me a criminal. Don't you know the laws?" Kind of reminds me when my sister says "I don't approve of guns." Well, I don't need her approval or anyone else's. I'm glad you're fast on your feet. I would have taken offense.geekWithA.45
Moderator Emeritus
If I had the presence of mind...
I'd have said, "Hangon, lemme check", and patted myself down, as if it was a distinct possibility that I had a few on me I might have forgotten about.
Then I'd have smiled and let her off the hook, "Nope, not today."
I'd have said, "Hangon, lemme check", and patted myself down, as if it was a distinct possibility that I had a few on me I might have forgotten about.
Then I'd have smiled and let her off the hook, "Nope, not today."
Andrew Wyatt
Member
i'd have patted myself down, and said "nope. no more than usual."
Darrin
Member
Or ask her if she'd like to pat you down?
Sam Adams
Member
Cats Die Now
I moved to TX about 2 1/2 years ago from NJ (I worked in NYC most of the prior decade). What a change in attitude at work, let me tell you! I went from discussions with horrified hoplophobes about "why does anyone NEED a GUUUUNNNNN?" and the need to obtain a permit to purchase EACH AND EVERY HANDGUN, to a situation where the boss has a CHL and regularly invites me to go shooting with him and clients. The secretary has a revolver named Homer in the (locked at night) filing cabinet, and is going for her CHL in about 2 weeks. I got my CHL training about 10 months ago, and have been happily (if quietly) carrying since late August.
TX also has no restrictions on what one can own, unlike NJ. One of those "priceless" moments was when my wife and I crossed over the Delaware Memorial Bridge on the way out of NJ. I casually remarked, "Now you don't have to worry about bailing me out of jail anymore." (Yes, I was trying to elicit a response, all in the name of educating my then-uninformed wife). Quite naturally, she said, "WHAT! WHY?" To which I responded, "Well in NJ it is a felony with a potential 5-year penalty for owning a metal box with a spring in it, if the box is too big. Since I have over 40 of them in the back of the car, I could've been in jail until the 23rd century." She looked at me, wide-eyed, for a few seconds, shook her head (you know, the "I can't believe what a stubborn, stupid $OB I married" look) and said, "What a stupid law - they don't have stuff like that in Texas, do they?" I just smiled and shook my head.
Quite an improvement - I'll never go back, except for visits.
I moved to TX about 2 1/2 years ago from NJ (I worked in NYC most of the prior decade). What a change in attitude at work, let me tell you! I went from discussions with horrified hoplophobes about "why does anyone NEED a GUUUUNNNNN?" and the need to obtain a permit to purchase EACH AND EVERY HANDGUN, to a situation where the boss has a CHL and regularly invites me to go shooting with him and clients. The secretary has a revolver named Homer in the (locked at night) filing cabinet, and is going for her CHL in about 2 weeks. I got my CHL training about 10 months ago, and have been happily (if quietly) carrying since late August.
TX also has no restrictions on what one can own, unlike NJ. One of those "priceless" moments was when my wife and I crossed over the Delaware Memorial Bridge on the way out of NJ. I casually remarked, "Now you don't have to worry about bailing me out of jail anymore." (Yes, I was trying to elicit a response, all in the name of educating my then-uninformed wife). Quite naturally, she said, "WHAT! WHY?" To which I responded, "Well in NJ it is a felony with a potential 5-year penalty for owning a metal box with a spring in it, if the box is too big. Since I have over 40 of them in the back of the car, I could've been in jail until the 23rd century." She looked at me, wide-eyed, for a few seconds, shook her head (you know, the "I can't believe what a stubborn, stupid $OB I married" look) and said, "What a stupid law - they don't have stuff like that in Texas, do they?" I just smiled and shook my head.
Quite an improvement - I'll never go back, except for visits.
sm
member
"I have already made plans"
if pushed further
" That is really a private matter now isn't it?"
Very few persons know I CCW. I tend to socialize with like-minded persons. I have been in situations as you 280.
Country Club and the topic about gun violence and gun control came up, by the out of town guests. We three other couples all have CCW( including wives and my date).
My date " Well we have all taken responsibility for ourselves , you and your wife seem to rely on blind faith and cell phones, we choose front sight and press."
Became real quiet and the topic changed - fast.
if pushed further
" That is really a private matter now isn't it?"
Very few persons know I CCW. I tend to socialize with like-minded persons. I have been in situations as you 280.
Country Club and the topic about gun violence and gun control came up, by the out of town guests. We three other couples all have CCW( including wives and my date).
My date " Well we have all taken responsibility for ourselves , you and your wife seem to rely on blind faith and cell phones, we choose front sight and press."
Became real quiet and the topic changed - fast.
Kobun
Member
Pat yourself down, and then say:
"Dang. I think I forgot it in the men's room."
"Dang. I think I forgot it in the men's room."
280PLUS
Member
'if i tell you , i'll have to kill you"
that one DID cross my mind...
you guys are a riot...
that one DID cross my mind...
you guys are a riot...
blackhawk2000
member
I guess i'm in the minority on this. I refuse to feel ashamed, or like an outcast for doing something so normal. I would have taken the opportunity to educate the person about guns, and carrying them. Everyone in my car club knows I carry, because we have a message board, and as you know people ask questions on boards. I don't know if they all know how often I carry, but wouldn't hesitate to tell them if I am. I don't go up to people and say "Hi my name is John, and I carry a gun", but if the subject turns to guns, I'll be the first to ask "Have you gotten your CCW yet?" I do have a few friends who don't know I carry, but that is only because the subject of guns hasn't come up around them. I do get the occasional "Why are you so paranoid?" even from my gun owning friends, but the standard "Why do you wear a seat belt?" usually shuts them right up. Of course some people are beyond help, like one friends wife, who just wouldn't get it. She wanted us to stop talking about guns, and we wouldn't so she eventually just got the hint and walked away. I've no room in my life for those type of people anyways.
CatsDieNow
Member
LOL! When I finally do the Texas CHL thing and buy my CCW, I am going to name it Homer.
Yeah, down here lots more people talk about having them. I am told that Texans just like to brag.
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