I live out in the country, in the hills, so I always carry a gun. Too many pests like racoons, woodchucks, and skunks that are always trying to tear into things and wreck the yard, so its always been a general rule to always have a gun on you or in the truck. For me its not a big deal of always being ready for the big break in happening, I carry regardless of people for the conditions to witch I live. We also have many people who drive out into the hills to drop off unwanted dogs, and have had many show up in the yard over the years. One morning I got up and had a young dog growl and act aggressively towards me. After chasing it around the yard with the double barrel shotgun, it eventually cooled down and we adopted it out. But the lesson learned, always carry, if not for the chance of the human aggressor, but the very real problems of wildlife and dogs.
To me, being armed on your own property is your own choice. Don't like someone carrying a gun in their own home or their own property, don't go there. Remember that those knocking on doors are coming as humble guests, to respect the house they are disturbing. Those who solicit products and services door to door get a lot more than people holding guns in possible self defense in their line of work, and they must come to expect it. Those who seek help or refuge should respect the house that they are asking help from, and should not have a problem with a cautious house that attempts to protect itself, but still provides aid. As for guests, feel free to be offended and not return.
Just a few days ago an old coot with a dead beef in the back of his truck came into the yard looking for a neighbor who is a butcher. I knew an old man with a beef in the back of his truck was probably not a threat, so I opened the door to help give him directions. He noticed my 1911 in a shoulder rig that I carry sometimes, quite nervously, and even asked if I was hunting pointing to it at the end of the conversation. I politely said yes I was hunting with the coming snow melt, and he went on his way. I was polite and helpful to the man, and if he felt uncomfortable with the daily way of life I live here, so be it. I do not live to please other people, and I will treat all visitors with respect and dignity, but they must respect my place and my life.
Than again, several months ago a man appeared in the yard, parked in a suspicious place, and knocked on my door. I had my 357 ready to go, and went to greet him. An older middle aged, very Slavic accented man, who said he was from Spokane, and looking for a neighbor. I kept my eyes on his hands the entire time, ready to draw and shoot him. But yet I was calm and perfectly friendly to him, being as helpful as possible. After a short talk, he took off. Sure enough, a week later in the paper a man matching his description, with a Slavic name, from Spokane, was arrested for burglary, in a small town where two such individuals would be beyond coincidence.
Long stories short, I dealt with two different men with old noble hospitality, one innocent man who was a bit apprehensive of a gun I always carry, and a man who was probably a damn old criminal pro, most certainly casing the property for a crime, who acted perfectly calm in the face of an armed property owner. What lessons to be learned? I suppose even in the sticks, there is always a threat of crime. It also suggests its not simply being armed, but also how you present yourself. Some unarmed home owners can create more havoc and worry without a gun or weapon by acting in an outrageous manor. I suppose you can be armed and stay classy, act like a gentleman, be able to defend yourself and still not put people off.
I remember an old brick mason's story of backing up into a someone's driveway to turn around with a trailer, a few simple seconds of driving, and the owner of the driveway came out, naked, screaming like mad and threatening the mason. No gun, in fact nothing on his person, literally. I hope I'm not as upsetting with my handgun on my side, or with my hunting rifle outside, when people come to visit.
To me, being armed on your own property is your own choice. Don't like someone carrying a gun in their own home or their own property, don't go there. Remember that those knocking on doors are coming as humble guests, to respect the house they are disturbing. Those who solicit products and services door to door get a lot more than people holding guns in possible self defense in their line of work, and they must come to expect it. Those who seek help or refuge should respect the house that they are asking help from, and should not have a problem with a cautious house that attempts to protect itself, but still provides aid. As for guests, feel free to be offended and not return.
Just a few days ago an old coot with a dead beef in the back of his truck came into the yard looking for a neighbor who is a butcher. I knew an old man with a beef in the back of his truck was probably not a threat, so I opened the door to help give him directions. He noticed my 1911 in a shoulder rig that I carry sometimes, quite nervously, and even asked if I was hunting pointing to it at the end of the conversation. I politely said yes I was hunting with the coming snow melt, and he went on his way. I was polite and helpful to the man, and if he felt uncomfortable with the daily way of life I live here, so be it. I do not live to please other people, and I will treat all visitors with respect and dignity, but they must respect my place and my life.
Than again, several months ago a man appeared in the yard, parked in a suspicious place, and knocked on my door. I had my 357 ready to go, and went to greet him. An older middle aged, very Slavic accented man, who said he was from Spokane, and looking for a neighbor. I kept my eyes on his hands the entire time, ready to draw and shoot him. But yet I was calm and perfectly friendly to him, being as helpful as possible. After a short talk, he took off. Sure enough, a week later in the paper a man matching his description, with a Slavic name, from Spokane, was arrested for burglary, in a small town where two such individuals would be beyond coincidence.
Long stories short, I dealt with two different men with old noble hospitality, one innocent man who was a bit apprehensive of a gun I always carry, and a man who was probably a damn old criminal pro, most certainly casing the property for a crime, who acted perfectly calm in the face of an armed property owner. What lessons to be learned? I suppose even in the sticks, there is always a threat of crime. It also suggests its not simply being armed, but also how you present yourself. Some unarmed home owners can create more havoc and worry without a gun or weapon by acting in an outrageous manor. I suppose you can be armed and stay classy, act like a gentleman, be able to defend yourself and still not put people off.
I remember an old brick mason's story of backing up into a someone's driveway to turn around with a trailer, a few simple seconds of driving, and the owner of the driveway came out, naked, screaming like mad and threatening the mason. No gun, in fact nothing on his person, literally. I hope I'm not as upsetting with my handgun on my side, or with my hunting rifle outside, when people come to visit.
