Why Won’t People Carry?

My wife doesn't want to carry. She considered it, actually got her license to carry, and did an honest appraisal of herself and decided that she wasn't sure she could take someone's life. I wish she felt differently but I respect her honesty and I'm glad she understands the seriousness of being armed. She is absolutely not "anti-gun", she shoots with me, shows interest in my guns and is 100% in favor of me carrying, she just knows she isn't mentally prepared to follow through if put in a situation where she may need to take a life.
 
I can carry should I want to, the permit in my wallet says so. I've been a gun owner/hobbyist for about 10 yrs and have shot thousands of rounds for fun and practice. Not a bad shot either, so say (some of) my targets lol.
But I don't yet carry as I don't believe I am ready for all that is involved. I had a lot of confidence in my abilities, then took a couple LEO citizen academies and as part of the programs used their intense simulators. Nothing like the low level fun ones some ranges offer.
So as I took part in my simulations, each time I thought I had the situation handled, only to find I was so focused on one part (visually and audio wise) that I had no clue what was happening all around me. And for those who have not attempted an officer level simulation, they aren't video games. I came out of those realizing that while as a last ditch I would do whatever needed to protect myself/my family; I feel more real training would pay dividends.

Now most here may not agree and that is fine, only my .02 on how I handle this moving forward. And having so many closures and limitations the past 2 years by me meant even less range and practice time. Hoping that improves as time goes on.
 
I think its like asking, Why don't people play tennis?, or Why don't people drive race cars?

Unless non-gun people inhabit a threatening environment, IMHO they don't feel the need to carry, and they don't see the sense in putting in the effort.
 
Borderboss said:
I carry every day and have for at least 15 years. It's second nature and not a PITA in the least.
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+1. After a career in LE, I'd feel naked without my little 442 on my belt. Besides, I'd probably get involved without thinking too much about it if I saw someone doing something really threatening to others (I get kinda angry at the stupidity).
 
S-W4EVER said:
+1. After a career in LE, I'd feel naked without my little 442 on my belt. Besides, I'd probably get involved without thinking too much about it if I saw someone doing something really threatening to others (I get kinda angry at the stupidity).
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This is why I don't do LEOSA. You get a break of a few bucks on a concealed carry license, but you most certainly do NOT get risk management coverage, protection from criminal liability for brandishing, false arrest/imprisonment, agg assault, agg battery, manslaughter, or murder. Even a killing in LE likely will get you three days of admin leave, mandatory 'fit for duty' psych eval, and DAs very rarely indict police for even opaque shoots; the agency picks up all legal bills and any settlements/awards.

Nope. When I carry, it's for me and mine. If LEOSA eventually expands to include liability/legal coverage, I'll reconsider.
 
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Statistically, why carry? It's a pain in the neck for a number of reasons.

Of course, if YOU happen to be one of those statistics, it makes much more sense.

I carry not just for defense but also to help keep me on my toes, with regards to ownership. I endeavor to be ever cognizant of safety, regularly inspect my firearms and give them enough TLC. I have an internal limit, when I perceive I couldn't live with inaction I will commit to the task at hand.

I can't even claim I'd help others, though I hope I have enough fortitude to do the "right" thing.

I paid my money and take my chances. I don't bother with why other people don't.
 
Borderboss said:
Those who think carrying every day is a PITA need to try carrying every day. It becomes second nature. If you only do it rarely, you'll never be fully comfortable with it and probably won't react properly when you need it. Practice makes perfect.
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Exactly. It's just like your wallet, pocket knife, keys and phone. It's part of your pants when you put them on in the morning. Not a big deal, you get used to it. Done it every day since 1985.
 
jcs266 said:
Exactly. It's just like your wallet, pocket knife, keys and phone. It's part of your pants when you put them on in the morning. Not a big deal, you get used to it. Done it every day since 1985.
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Sorry - been there done that from '76 to 2000/2001. To me it's a PITA. And I really like all of my Smiths (can tolerate my wife's Ruger). :)
 
Borderboss said:
Those who think carrying every day is a PITA need to try carrying every day. It becomes second nature. If you only do it rarely, you'll never be fully comfortable with it and probably won't react properly when you need it. Practice makes perfect.
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For me the PITA part is not with physically having the thing on me, (especially since I switched from an Officers ACP to a modern micro compact,) but has more to do with the various rules that are in place about where I can and can't go with the thing on me.

In the part of IL where I live things can be so restrictive that at times it's just easier to leave the gun at home.
 
I would say a lot of people are under the false sense that police will protect them. For the most part police are reactionary, meaning that they will respond to the event as it is occurring or just after. I've been concealed carrying since the early 80's with 4 years law enforcement thrown in the mix and I've never had to draw my weapon but once, and that was on a Pit Bull going after a neighbor. For the purpose of this message string I am referring to carry on the street as a civilian or LEO, and NOT my time in service.
 
A good friend decides about once a year that he needs a CCL. Then he talks himself out of it. He keeps a handgun in the house and practiced with it when ammo was available. He believes that he could shoot an intruder to protect his family, and there are 3 generations of them in the house.

But when he contemplates street crime or an active shooter he thinks he would freeze or hesitate. We've discussed it multiple times and I have come to agree with him. I have stopped encouraging him to pursue the CCL. His mindset is wrong.

He would probably say my mindset about visiting doctors when I don't feel sick is wrong. We are still friends.
 
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