Why Do You Carry A Gun?

[Shodan]

Self defense and the ability to protect my loved ones is a human right. I choose (and deserve) to have the best tools available to ensure I can do that.

 

[Simple Shooter]

Same reasons I carry a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and glass breaking tools in my 4Runner. I’m trained in their use and someday they may save my life or someone else’s.

 

[sgt127]

All kidding aside.

I was a Police Officer for 36 years. I’ve carried a gun the majority of my life.

I did all the fun high speed low drag stuff I wanted to do since I was 14.

If an active shooter starts killing people. An innocent person is about to be murdered….If I come across an Officer in a fight for his life and, I can’t do anything. It will haunt me for the rest of my life.

I’m confident I’ll prevail. I’m going to win. But, realistically, there’s no guarantees in life.

If I somehow wind up getting killed anyway, while trying to stop him, so be it.

I won’t have to live with knowing I didn’t try.

 

[buttrap]

Beats packing a cop in the pocket..and I am a retired forest ranger too.

 

[The Night Rider]

A recurring theme of this thread seems to be laying guilt on people for not carrying a gun. That's a personal choice and there are pros and cons either way. As a longtime "gun person" I made the choice years ago not to carry. In a way this is very liberating.

I haven't noticed any such recurring theme.

I personally don't care if "you" ever carry a gun.

 

[fastbolt]

I carry a retirement weapon as a retired peace officer for much the same reason I started practicing the martial arts as a young man. Being willing to take responsibility for protecting oneself, and loved ones, may reasonably need to be coupled with having the present ability to do so.

I also respect those adults who have chosen not to be lawfully armed for self defense, as that's also their precious right to do so. I don't believe in forcing my moral choices and decisions on others, anymore than I believe others have the right to force their beliefs and decisions on me.

Basically, everything I remember learning about Why & How our country was formed, and the lessons of HS Civics is not hard to grasp, which is why they used to teach such things to children.

 

[WheelGunMan]

I carry a firearm for self defense because I choose NOT to become a victim.. others mileage may vary.

 

[sparkyv]

Because I take responsibility for the protection of my loved ones and me. LEOs have no legal obligation to do so.

 

[LiveLife]

granddaughter... her boyfriend seemed a little freaked out.

How would you answer if someone you had to be nice to asked? Why do you carry a gun?

Easy.

Why do you carry a spare tire?

 

[tark]

Because when seconds count, the police are only minutes away.
Because I like being prepared.
Because it's easier than carrying a cop.
Because you can't shoot back with a cell phone.
etc. ...

Do you know Clint Smith, by any chance? Lol.

I carry because it irritates liberals/ progressives/ commies/ idiots. Same thing.

 

[Miami_JBT]

Because it is my inalienable right as a human being.

 

[Hookeye]

Because evil exists.