Awareness

[8DuckCaller]

When I was young had a friend that was several years older than me. We started deer hunting in SC in the early 70's. His job required him to travel to NY City often. One day he told me to always walk with one hand in a pocket. Being young and dumb I asked him why. He said that a robber would usually(?) not rob you because you may have a weapon. I'm 61 now and it's funny how often I have thought of that advise. Traveled to 42 states and that right hand is always in my pocket. My wife smiles about it often. I too never sit with my back to a door. I've been a people watcher all my life. I also believe in eye contact, even when walking down the street.

 

[XD40inTX]

I'll bet you guys don't just refuse to sit with your back to the door. You won't sit with your back to the room, either. I won't. I always insist on sitting with my back to the wall. My wife calls it the "gunfighter instinct," and I tell her she's exactly right.

I also augment my situational awareness by playing little mind games. What will I do if those guys follow me out to the parking lot? What will I do if that guy over there tries to stop me? That way, I'm prepared before it happens.

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

People watching is something that I have done since I was a small child. It's amazing how many bad situations you can avoid by being alert and just watching people. I don't do it consciously it's just something I do.

this is an everyday thing for me and has been for years. Now I am trying to instruct my daughter-in-law in these levels. As well as getting in all the range time we can. Never hurts.

 

[TexasArmed]

That scenario is the perfect leadup to a mugging. Close quarters, one exit, and isolation. Going through kidnap drills, restrooms at crowded venues are more common than I ever imagined. That and convenience store stops where there is a lot of traffic.

I just went to look at a restroom where there have been numerous gringo robberies(restroom tour-sounds fun, right?) the window in the stall is 8' above the floor, but only 3' off the ground outside.
Victim walks in, one bandit follows the mark and stands right outside the stall door, the unlocked window slides open, a hand and pistol points down on the innocent tourist, who is ordered to drop wallet, passport etc. which is taken by the guy outside the door, who then leaves as his accomplice in the window keeps the victim there till both bandits are outside, then they hop in a car(parked next to the window) and off they go. Nobody saw anyone, ever. This will mess up a holiday more than timeshare salesmen.

I don't dare what their strategy may be, I intend to get the one coming out and he will be bleeding on the floor. No free shots. Depends on what they are willing to pay to try to take me. Not claiming to be tough. This kind of scenario is why I carry.

 

[The Big D]

One thing my three (3) decades of LEO experience taught me is the vast majority of people we encounter do NOT want to harm us in any way. The rest of my life experiences have confirmed that fact.

That said, I will not walk through life with a hand on my gun, always sit with my back to a wall, or otherwise alter my existence in such a way that affects living life fully and happily.

Before anyone chimes in to inquire in what fantasy world I live, let me help you by reminding you my LEO career spanned forty-six (46) states with the majority spent in metropolitan Washington, DC, New York City, and Boston.

I have dealt with many, many bad guys both on-duty and off-duty and my "situational awareness" was keen and remains intact. But, I do NOT consider someone in my path or encountered in any way to be a threat lest other factors are present.

e.g. Last Saturday afternoon I was enjoying some beers in a very crowded bar before the Maryland-Dook basketball game. On one of my myriad trips to the men's room I bumped into many people. One of those was quite obviously carrying a gun. It was on his left hip...concealed, of course. I suspect it was a medium frame autoloader. I quickly noted his attire, body language, and demeanor and continued on my way. Took a moment to spot him when I returned to the bar and instantly determined he was not a threat...to anyone.

Given what has been said (and done) by some herein, what would you have done in the situation I cited? (Kindly spare us: "I wouldn't have been in a bar?" I was. )

Be safe.

 

[old curmudgeon]

One thing my three (3) decades of LEO experience taught me is the vast majority of people we encounter do NOT want to harm us in any way. The rest of my life experiences have confirmed that fact.

That said, I will not walk through life with a hand on my gun, always sit with my back to a wall, or otherwise alter my existence in such a way that affects living life fully and happily.

Before anyone chimes in to inquire in what fantasy world I live, let me help you by reminding you my LEO career spanned forty-six (46) states with the majority spent in metropolitan Washington, DC, New York City, and Boston.

I have dealt with many, many bad guys both on-duty and off-duty and my "situational awareness" was keen and remains intact. But, I do NOT consider someone in my path or encountered in any way to be a threat lest other factors are present.

e.g. Last Saturday afternoon I was enjoying some beers in a very crowded bar before the Maryland-Dook basketball game. On one of my myriad trips to the men's room I bumped into many people. One of those was quite obviously carrying a gun. It was on his left hip...concealed, of course. I suspect it was a medium frame autoloader. I quickly noted his attire, body language, and demeanor and continued on my way. Took a moment to spot him when I returned to the bar and instantly determined he was not a threat...to anyone.

Given what has been said (and done) by some herein, what would you have done in the situation I cited? (Kindly spare us: "I wouldn't have been in a bar?" I was. )

Be safe.

Were you armed?

Are you still an LEO?

Does MD exempt ex LEO's from their draconian firearm laws?

Was the bar in MD?

Does MD law allow drinking while armed or even in a bar armed drinking or not?

Was the other guy an LEO on duty or maybe undercover checking bars?

Since MD has such draconian firearm laws, lots of questions.

 

[photoman]

Were you armed?

Are you still an LEO?

Does MD exempt ex LEO's from their draconian firearm laws?

Was the bar in MD?

Does MD law allow drinking while armed or even in a bar armed drinking or not?

Was the other guy an LEO on duty or maybe undercover checking bars?

Since MD has such draconian firearm laws, lots of questions.

You forgot to turn on the bright light and pick up your rubber hose.

Personally, I get the point Big D is making. The goal is to balance awareness and relaxation. I'm guilty of picking my table in a restaurant for defense reasons but it doesn't ruin my meal if I have to sit in the middle with my back to 50 people.

 

[old curmudgeon]

I used to go through MD on interstate 81.

I also hunted in MD a few times.

Because of their firearms laws and the current attempt to wreck the 2Nd Amendment and my desire to support the 2Nd Amendment in any way I can, I refuse to enter the state for any reason whatsoever.

Therefore, it is of some interest to me that an ex LEO is drinking beer in a bar, probably armed, and encountering persons who might also be either ex or present LEO's drinking while armed.

Being from TX, you might consider this an over reaction, but here on the east coast there are a lot of problems with travelling through or to MD, DC, NJ, NY and CN.

 

[TexasArmed]

You forgot to turn on the bright light and pick up your rubber hose.

Personally, I get the point Big D is making. The goal is to balance awareness and relaxation. I'm guilty of picking my table in a restaurant for defense reasons but it doesn't ruin my meal if I have to sit in the middle with my back to 50 people.

I would never be in Mexico. I also would not be in a restaurant that served alcohol because in Texas drinking in a bar with a gun and a permit is sufficient for one to have their permit revoked. I don't know whether that applies to law enforcement in bars in Texas, because I don't drink. I have family in law enforcement and I don't think they drink on duty.

If someone is blocking the door I may wait a few minutes to see if he leaves. If he is clearly blocking me with intent to do anything to me, he will be dealt with.

 

[The Big D]

Answers below.

Be safe.

Were you armed? Yes.

Are you still an LEO? No, retired.

Does MD exempt ex LEO's from their draconian firearm laws? Carry per LEOSA. Maryland very pro-active in that regard.

Was the bar in MD? Yes.

Does MD law allow drinking while armed or even in a bar armed drinking or not? Yes, and Yes.

Was the other guy an LEO on duty or maybe undercover checking bars? Don't know either way.

Since MD has such draconian firearm laws, lots of questions. Here are the answers you requested.

 

[Old TexMex]

Jeff Cooper was pretty clear about all this, that it's a matter of practice, and the benefits are that I notice things that make my life more enjoyable. I don't just fill my mind with threats, I just see more, and hear more and smell more. The brain needs exercise, and if I don't use it, I lose it.
I don't want to feel like I'm prey, but I'm not a predator either. (unless I'm hunting).
When I'm doing security here I have to be really cautious, my tail isn't the only one on the line. I interview people at businesses we'll be going to, talk to wait staff and managers, and meet with local LEO/ private security providers. If I feel like I've covered all the bases, I don't feel spooked, and it's a lot harder to surprise me.
I'm more nervous visiting the comandante than anything, because I have no control in that situation, I'm unarmed and I know there's some untrustworthy police officers there.

 

[kaaskop49]

Before we begin to snipe at one another as to how we would react in a specific situation, or how we view the world around us, let's realize what we all have in common on this post.

We all seem to be law-abiding individuals, whether civilian, LEO, retired LEO, and have a CCW or the authority to carry. We try to be as aware as possible, whatever that entails. We realize there are bad guys out there and we do not want our families to be harmed. None of us are 'gun-store commandos' or are intentionally looking for trouble, that is, to provoke an incident. We realize the tremendous responsibility that accompanies legal carry, and from what we post, act responsibly. Would be my pleasure to meet each and every one of you.

Here comes the commercial: I hope we are also contacting our legislators since we seem to be at a crossroads with gun ownership in our great country, given the negative ranting of the media. Was it Ben Franklin who said "Gentlemen, we must all hang together or we shall certainly hang separately."

 

[old curmudgeon]

Answers below.

Be safe.

I realize, but failed to mention, that I was not blaming you for the gun laws in MD..

Because to have worked as an LEO in 46 states, you would have to be a fed of some sort...FBI, marshal or more likely ATF. Not likely working for the state of MD.

Frankly, I wish the gun laws in NC were different as to where we can carry. We are not even allowed to carry in a restaurant that serves, certainly not bars.

Some nights that parking lot is a pretty dark place and parking lots generally are not safe at all.

If a BG enters a building waving a gun around, the chances are better than 99% that he is headed for the cash register, not for you or me.

But if you meet up with him in the parking lot on a dark night, the chances are 99% that you are the target.

I hope we can get a law that will allow carry in an establishment that derives more than 60%, or whatever percentage deemd proper, from the sale of food.

Every really first class restaurant or hotel dining room in NC serves.

Makes for hard choices on birthdays, anniversaries, entertaining guests, etc.

 

[szuppo]

I can tell you the license plate numbers of all six cars outside. I can tell you that our waitress is left-handed and the guy sitting up at the counter weighs two hundred fifteen pounds and knows how to handle himself. I know the best place to look for a gun is the cab or the gray truck outside, and at this altitude, I can run flat out for a half mile before my hands start shaking. Now why would I know that? I'm aware!

 

[photoman]

I also would not be in a restaurant that served alcohol because in Texas drinking in a bar with a gun and a permit is sufficient for one to have their permit revoked.

Getting off track, but...

This is not accurate information. In Texas, the location has to be licensed and posted "51%" in order for your CHL to not be a defense to prosecution. Carrying in a 51% location is a felony.

 

[cracker57]

4A's Always Aware Always Alert now Massad would say add Always Armed

 

[Old TexMex]

Getting off track, but...

This is not accurate information. In Texas, the location has to be licensed and posted "51%" in order for your CHL to not be a defense to prosecution. Carrying in a 51% location is a felony.

You refer to PC 46.03
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/internetforms/forms/chl-16.pdf