Have your opinions on Concealed Carry/Self-Defense changed over the years?
- Thread starter Echo40
- Start date
fiasconva
US Veteran
Mine hasn't changed all that much over the years except to believe it's more necessary to carry today than it was 10 years or more ago. People's regard for the human life seems to be getting less and less as years go by.
Trooper224
Member
My opinions have not changed.
I've been shooting since I was a fairly young kid, so there's a lot of years under my belt with regards to the shooting sports. My opinion of firearms hasn't changed particularly over the years, however, more recently, I have directed my collecting more toward "collectible" firearms as opposed to purely service-oriented guns.
Regarding the Second Amendment my opinion hasn't changed in that it says what it means and any restriction on ownership of firearms regardless of type is anathema to both the spirit and letter of the Constitution. So, in that regard, although I'm a Life member as well as 5 of my kids, the NRA's support of the NFA, GCA, etc. has been disappointing.
As far as concealed carry goes , I've always been a horses for courses type of guy . So depending on the situation I expect, it can be anything from a 5-shot snubby to an 18 round semi-automatic.
With the present fracas, I am carrying around the neighborhood for daytime outings, which I hadn't done previously.
Regarding the Second Amendment my opinion hasn't changed in that it says what it means and any restriction on ownership of firearms regardless of type is anathema to both the spirit and letter of the Constitution. So, in that regard, although I'm a Life member as well as 5 of my kids, the NRA's support of the NFA, GCA, etc. has been disappointing.
As far as concealed carry goes , I've always been a horses for courses type of guy . So depending on the situation I expect, it can be anything from a 5-shot snubby to an 18 round semi-automatic.
With the present fracas, I am carrying around the neighborhood for daytime outings, which I hadn't done previously.
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IAhunter
Member
I never used to think about the subject as much as I do now. I was probably too busy working and raising kids in years past. I didn't used to carry as much as I do now either. Seems I was ten foot tall and bullet proof back then.
Now I carry and worry about infringements upon my 2A rights daily.
Now I carry and worry about infringements upon my 2A rights daily.
fredj338
Member
Back in the late 70s I had a ccw & would only carry a 1911 comm or my m66 snubby. Fast forward to today & I am quite comfortable with a g26 & good 124gr jhp+p. All service calber ammo is better today than the late 70s & 80s, so I am fine with faster more accurate hits on target in a smaller/lighter gun.
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Didn't have guns in the house when I was a kid, mainly because there wasn't money for them. Dad was a WWII vet, used to wax poetic about his M1 Garand, but buying one or any other firearm? No.
I got my first gun at 18, a Remington 1100 12ga, (yes, I still have it), because I was into skeet/trap shooting and bird hunting. About a year later, picked up a Winchester 94 32spl. (still have it too), for deer. As it turned out, I was drafted before the next deer season, so I never fired it.
Fast forward two years, I'm back from Vietnam, out of the Army with zero interest in guns and/or hunting. The idea of going out in the bush humping a rifle didn't really appeal to me any more.
In the early 70's, Dad became very interested in shooting, (range exclusively, no hunting), reloading, and the 2nd Amendment. My brother and I were grown and gone, so he had some extra change in his jeans. His interest rekindled mine. I couldn't indulge as much as I'd have liked, because now I had little kids and not a lot of disposable income.
These days, I'm what some of the young You Tube rascals refer to as a Boomer, part of the AARP generation, (guilty on both counts). I have, at least had before I retired, the disposable income to spend on firearms. How many do I own? Let's just say more than one. Having had a CPL for over ten years, I've settled on the M&P platform for EDC. These days, it's a Shield 45acp. No slam on any other make or caliber, it's how I roll. YMMV.
I got my first gun at 18, a Remington 1100 12ga, (yes, I still have it), because I was into skeet/trap shooting and bird hunting. About a year later, picked up a Winchester 94 32spl. (still have it too), for deer. As it turned out, I was drafted before the next deer season, so I never fired it.
Fast forward two years, I'm back from Vietnam, out of the Army with zero interest in guns and/or hunting. The idea of going out in the bush humping a rifle didn't really appeal to me any more.
In the early 70's, Dad became very interested in shooting, (range exclusively, no hunting), reloading, and the 2nd Amendment. My brother and I were grown and gone, so he had some extra change in his jeans. His interest rekindled mine. I couldn't indulge as much as I'd have liked, because now I had little kids and not a lot of disposable income.
These days, I'm what some of the young You Tube rascals refer to as a Boomer, part of the AARP generation, (guilty on both counts). I have, at least had before I retired, the disposable income to spend on firearms. How many do I own? Let's just say more than one. Having had a CPL for over ten years, I've settled on the M&P platform for EDC. These days, it's a Shield 45acp. No slam on any other make or caliber, it's how I roll. YMMV.
Darkenfast
Member
My attitudes towards things like the 2nd Amendment haven't changed. I did however, change my own preferences regarding the handguns I felt were suited. I don't really care about caliber wars any more. Any decent gun that I can shoot well. Less blast the better. Either of my nines suit the bill.
1911 in 45 acp to S&W N frame revolver in 44 special. Due to major shoulder surgeries and arthritis in the hands.
I've always been a 45 acp or 44 Special/Magnum guy.
In addition I've always carried a J frame in a pocket.
As far as self defense a few years ago I started to carry at home ALL the time. Take a gun in the bathroom even when I shower. 2015 we put a decorative steel security door in. We have a solid wood door to stand behind when we answer the door. It also gives me the ability to conceal a gun in my hand.
I've always been a 45 acp or 44 Special/Magnum guy.
In addition I've always carried a J frame in a pocket.
As far as self defense a few years ago I started to carry at home ALL the time. Take a gun in the bathroom even when I shower. 2015 we put a decorative steel security door in. We have a solid wood door to stand behind when we answer the door. It also gives me the ability to conceal a gun in my hand.
Lightfoot4
Member
I have been carrying concealed since the early 90s. My philosophy on carrying a firearm has not changed however my style of carrying has changed over the years as I became more knowledgeable about real life encounters. I have learned that when the **** hits the fan the bad stuff can happen very quickly so you need to be prepared to act quickly. That means a firearm that is easy to draw and is ready to do business right away.
My first association w/guns was in the military. I started my LEO career in '68, retiring almost 30 yrs later, and continue to carry in retirement. Now into my 70s & handicapped my EDC (340PD or an LCP) is a get-off-me gun to protect me or my wife, who's also somewhat frail.
Chief Wiggums
Member
OP
My opinion has not changed...
Similar to the dated American Express commercial...
dont leave home without it
My opinion has not changed...
Similar to the dated American Express commercial...
dont leave home without it
LOL.... NO!!!!
My Dad was a Police Officer in our Burb of the Burgh. At the time of my birth he was a Sargent ...... as long as I can remember he was on the Department's Pistol Team (Shooting Master) and reloaded all their target and qualification ammo on his Star reloading set up. While a Sargent and LT. he worked shifts and came home for either lunch or dinner..... taking off his gunbelt with a 6" Colt New Service in .357 and laying in on the dinning room table ( we tended to eat in the kitchen). As a Captain and after 39 years on the force, in retirement Dad carried a Colt Detective Special ..... later at the age of 74 he got a S&W 640 just like his son's.
Mom and Dad bought the property in the Laurel Highlands of Pa. when I was 9. Dad and I started shooting .22s that first summer at our campsite. A single shot Stevens Favorite ( now hanging on my home office wall). He gave me my first new gun on my 11th Christmas a Remington 511X Scoremaster. I wondered around on the western slopes of the eastern Continental Divide for the next four summers with my trusty .22 and a pocket full of shells.
From 9th through 12th grade I was on the High School Rifle Team. We took the WPIAL championship and 2nd in State my Senior year. The summer before and after my Sr year I was the Assistant Rifle Instructor at a Summer Camp in W Va.
I was on the College Rifle team all 4 years and continued to work summer camps as a Rifle Instructor for two years. Jr and Sr. years I had Dad's Model 41 at College. Yes times have sure have changed.
Six Months out of Law School I got my Pa."Licence to carry" concealed; that was 42 and a half years ago. At first I just carried when hiking in Penn's Woods....... but have carried daily since about 1985. See next paragraph.
For about 7 years I was responsible for a 30 man armed security dept and qualified with them twice a year (Pa Act 235) I carried a Walther PPK .380 to and from work and it was in my desk at work.....later a 469. Went armed for 72 hours straight when we were taking in injured from a Prison riot near Harrisburg.
Over the past 40 years I've shot PPC, USPSA, IDPA and just for fun!!!! Collected more guns than I need but not as many as I want.
I've taken part in our Burb's Civilian Police Academy and ALICE training; which included "Simulation" training.......and hands on hands on!
The world has changed since I was a kid in the 50s; when Dad and I were the "Andy and Opie of Pennsylvania". Today, with two boys and a wife I pretty much carry whenever I leave the house. Since 9/11 and the raise of "mass shootings'' I'd rather have it and not need it ............than need it and realize I left it at home.
Pretty much don't remember a time when there wasn't a loaded firearm around................................... for the last 30 years; EDConcealed carry includes 3" 66, 3913NL, Shorty-9 or a Beretta 92 Compact... carried in Milt Sparks Summer Special or Executive Companion holsters.
My Dad was a Police Officer in our Burb of the Burgh. At the time of my birth he was a Sargent ...... as long as I can remember he was on the Department's Pistol Team (Shooting Master) and reloaded all their target and qualification ammo on his Star reloading set up. While a Sargent and LT. he worked shifts and came home for either lunch or dinner..... taking off his gunbelt with a 6" Colt New Service in .357 and laying in on the dinning room table ( we tended to eat in the kitchen). As a Captain and after 39 years on the force, in retirement Dad carried a Colt Detective Special ..... later at the age of 74 he got a S&W 640 just like his son's.
Mom and Dad bought the property in the Laurel Highlands of Pa. when I was 9. Dad and I started shooting .22s that first summer at our campsite. A single shot Stevens Favorite ( now hanging on my home office wall). He gave me my first new gun on my 11th Christmas a Remington 511X Scoremaster. I wondered around on the western slopes of the eastern Continental Divide for the next four summers with my trusty .22 and a pocket full of shells.
From 9th through 12th grade I was on the High School Rifle Team. We took the WPIAL championship and 2nd in State my Senior year. The summer before and after my Sr year I was the Assistant Rifle Instructor at a Summer Camp in W Va.
I was on the College Rifle team all 4 years and continued to work summer camps as a Rifle Instructor for two years. Jr and Sr. years I had Dad's Model 41 at College. Yes times have sure have changed.
Six Months out of Law School I got my Pa."Licence to carry" concealed; that was 42 and a half years ago.
At first I just carried when hiking in Penn's Woods....... but have carried daily since about 1985. See next paragraph.For about 7 years I was responsible for a 30 man armed security dept and qualified with them twice a year (Pa Act 235) I carried a Walther PPK .380 to and from work and it was in my desk at work.....later a 469. Went armed for 72 hours straight when we were taking in injured from a Prison riot near Harrisburg.
Over the past 40 years I've shot PPC, USPSA, IDPA and just for fun!!!! Collected more guns than I need but not as many as I want.
I've taken part in our Burb's Civilian Police Academy and ALICE training; which included "Simulation" training.......and hands on hands on!
The world has changed since I was a kid in the 50s; when Dad and I were the "Andy and Opie of Pennsylvania". Today, with two boys and a wife I pretty much carry whenever I leave the house. Since 9/11 and the raise of "mass shootings'' I'd rather have it and not need it ............than need it and realize I left it at home.
Pretty much don't remember a time when there wasn't a loaded firearm around................................... for the last 30 years; EDConcealed carry includes 3" 66, 3913NL, Shorty-9 or a Beretta 92 Compact... carried in Milt Sparks Summer Special or Executive Companion holsters.
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Yes it has.
Years ago, I was a staunch .45 man, just like Jeff and all his little Coopah troopahs.
Nowadays we understand the 9mm is every bit as effective and offers many advantages. It is the superior combat pistol cartridge.
Years ago, I was a staunch .45 man, just like Jeff and all his little Coopah troopahs.
Nowadays we understand the 9mm is every bit as effective and offers many advantages. It is the superior combat pistol cartridge.
NO! I still carry the same 1911 full size and sometimes a 2 1/2 inch 66. Same guns for 30+ years.
"Have your opinions on Concealed Carry/Self-Defense changed over the years?"
Yes.
When I first started carrying concealed in 1971, I thought it was cool to carry a gun everywhere. I had no training, and I fully expected to never have to use the gun. That license lapsed when I left Connecticut in 1974.
I obtained my next Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) in Utah the year the state got on the national bandwagon as a "shall issue" state, 1995. I have been current since. My attitude changed as I now had a wife and six children. I was not going to allow a criminal to deprive them of me, or any of them from me. Now I can add 18 grandchildren to that list. I had a purely defensive mindset, mostly as prescribed by the laws of self defense.
I started training with and shooting handguns much more. I carried every day and everywhere I could. I converted family members to concealed carry, and many others from work and the neighborhood.
Around 2016, my concealed carry mindset changed again. I took a course that taught being on the defense is a losing attitude. Escaping the initial attack and turning the tables in an aggressive way was a key to winning a life and death fight. Self defense became much more of an offensive mindset to prevail.
A year later the concept of attacking an active killer was taught in a course. The legality of doing so was demonstrated, even if I was not one of the individuals directly and immediately threatened. Terminating the killing, especially with a head shot, was a skill to develop, and even dealing an anchoring shot to prevent a sudden resurgence to life or bomb detonation. Obviously, my mindset changed again. So has my training and personal expectations.
There is a lot more to my story, but I can give a very strong "Yes" to the question posed by DHC. We live in a different world than in 1971, and I am a different person.
Yes.
When I first started carrying concealed in 1971, I thought it was cool to carry a gun everywhere. I had no training, and I fully expected to never have to use the gun. That license lapsed when I left Connecticut in 1974.
I obtained my next Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) in Utah the year the state got on the national bandwagon as a "shall issue" state, 1995. I have been current since. My attitude changed as I now had a wife and six children. I was not going to allow a criminal to deprive them of me, or any of them from me. Now I can add 18 grandchildren to that list. I had a purely defensive mindset, mostly as prescribed by the laws of self defense.
I started training with and shooting handguns much more. I carried every day and everywhere I could. I converted family members to concealed carry, and many others from work and the neighborhood.
Around 2016, my concealed carry mindset changed again. I took a course that taught being on the defense is a losing attitude. Escaping the initial attack and turning the tables in an aggressive way was a key to winning a life and death fight. Self defense became much more of an offensive mindset to prevail.
A year later the concept of attacking an active killer was taught in a course. The legality of doing so was demonstrated, even if I was not one of the individuals directly and immediately threatened. Terminating the killing, especially with a head shot, was a skill to develop, and even dealing an anchoring shot to prevent a sudden resurgence to life or bomb detonation. Obviously, my mindset changed again. So has my training and personal expectations.
There is a lot more to my story, but I can give a very strong "Yes" to the question posed by DHC. We live in a different world than in 1971, and I am a different person.
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