WHY?
- Thread starter rolomac
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charlie9280
US Veteran
I've thought about this question quite a bit recently for a few reasons. The Aurora Theater shooting here in Colorado was the non-stop story on every newscast for two weeks. Then the emphasis shifted from the shooting tragedy to how easy and terrible it is to be able to get a bazillion rounds of ammunition and any assault rifle or hand gun you want. And if you want to get a gun or if you already own one, then you are obviously a domestic terrorist. And everyone who has a concealed carry permit is just naturally going to shoot everyone he or she comes across. At least that's what the news seems to imply, FOX included. Fair and balanced? Not this time.
And, just when I though we couldn't possibly do any more stupid things, one of "our own" did it again. A guy named James Mapes decided to open carry his handgun into a Thornton theater that was showing the Batman movie. Was it legal? Maybe. Although I heard he was charged with carrying his gun in such a way as to cause alarm and fear. Was it stupid? IMHO, absolutely! To the gun-banners, anyone who has a carry permit or who just owns a gun is just like this nut and just like the Aurora shooter.
If you had asked why I own guns, I would talk about my 2nd amendment rights. But since you only asked why I carry concealed, my answer is simple. I do not carry because it is my right to do so. I do not carry to make any statement at all. The only reason I carry is to be able to defend myself and my family if I am attacked, since the police will never be able to respond quickly enough to protect me. I have the highest respect for our police and sheriff's departments. But, they just can't be at a crime before it happens. They will arrive in time to take statements and write reports. I want them to report why the bad guy is on the ground and not me.
When I carry, I don't want anyone to know. I hope I never have to use my weapon. I am not a vigilante, as the liberals want everyone to think. I am not looking for trouble. I will never brandish my weapon. I don't talk about "packing heat" or use other street slang to brag about carrying a concealed weapon. I want it to be just that – concealed. I take this responsibility very seriously.
If I am attacked, I want the chance to be able to defend myself. There are no guarantees that I will win, but I want a chance. Without a weapon to defend myself, the only guarantee that I have is that I will lose.
And, just when I though we couldn't possibly do any more stupid things, one of "our own" did it again. A guy named James Mapes decided to open carry his handgun into a Thornton theater that was showing the Batman movie. Was it legal? Maybe. Although I heard he was charged with carrying his gun in such a way as to cause alarm and fear. Was it stupid? IMHO, absolutely! To the gun-banners, anyone who has a carry permit or who just owns a gun is just like this nut and just like the Aurora shooter.
If you had asked why I own guns, I would talk about my 2nd amendment rights. But since you only asked why I carry concealed, my answer is simple. I do not carry because it is my right to do so. I do not carry to make any statement at all. The only reason I carry is to be able to defend myself and my family if I am attacked, since the police will never be able to respond quickly enough to protect me. I have the highest respect for our police and sheriff's departments. But, they just can't be at a crime before it happens. They will arrive in time to take statements and write reports. I want them to report why the bad guy is on the ground and not me.
When I carry, I don't want anyone to know. I hope I never have to use my weapon. I am not a vigilante, as the liberals want everyone to think. I am not looking for trouble. I will never brandish my weapon. I don't talk about "packing heat" or use other street slang to brag about carrying a concealed weapon. I want it to be just that – concealed. I take this responsibility very seriously.
If I am attacked, I want the chance to be able to defend myself. There are no guarantees that I will win, but I want a chance. Without a weapon to defend myself, the only guarantee that I have is that I will lose.
Yiogo
US Veteran
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I've had to step in and prevent my wife from being mugged on a couple of occasions. I was unarmed and we were in a foreign country. I carry when I can. I live on the border in NH but near the MA border. I'll carry in NH but not in MA as there is no reciprocity and MA' non resident permit is ridiculously expensive. I live in a rural. suburban area where most of the danger comes from coyotes while I when I walk at night. I've had a few strange characters show up at my door casing my house though so some firearms is handy while home. Yiogo
doc540
Member
Lotta varmits where I live.
Besides, carrying a firearm is a Texas tradition.
Besides, carrying a firearm is a Texas tradition.
aphdmansoc
Member
According to Hobbes"...the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." To which I will add: Hobbes was an optimist.
Chuck1217
Member
I always go with the 'cop won't fit in my pocket, but..in the case of an argument, or in the case of someone who has the legitimate question-
An Englishman said a while back that Americans need to remember this one thing, that there are two kinds of people who don't carry guns- one, the anti-gunner who it's useless to argue with and two, the perosn who truly doesn;t understand or doesn;t really have an opinion.
In that case you don't argue that 'somebody might attack me' cause that's kinda 'iffy' in THEIR eyes. You argue that, we have the RIGHT to carry, and if govt. takes away OUR right, then they will take away YOUR right next.
Idea is, it's not so much the gun, as it is THEIR rights that are being threatened. He said as an outsider, he sees that work much better than 'it's because you never know, and I want to be able to shoot back etc etc..' Brit said we had better be really careful, or we'll be in the same fix they are in.
An Englishman said a while back that Americans need to remember this one thing, that there are two kinds of people who don't carry guns- one, the anti-gunner who it's useless to argue with and two, the perosn who truly doesn;t understand or doesn;t really have an opinion.
In that case you don't argue that 'somebody might attack me' cause that's kinda 'iffy' in THEIR eyes. You argue that, we have the RIGHT to carry, and if govt. takes away OUR right, then they will take away YOUR right next.
Idea is, it's not so much the gun, as it is THEIR rights that are being threatened. He said as an outsider, he sees that work much better than 'it's because you never know, and I want to be able to shoot back etc etc..' Brit said we had better be really careful, or we'll be in the same fix they are in.
Stu1205
Member
Because, though I am a peaceful law abiding person,
and always try to avoid any type of conflict, if I suddenly
find myself or surrounded by someone or several people trying to
harm me, I will be able to defend myself and my family.
At 59, though I am in good physical shape,
I know that I am not going to be able to out run them or fight them off.
If I am with my wife or daughters, it is even more difficult.
I pray that I never need to use it, but I carry it anyway.
Carry every day and be aware of your surroundings.
Stay safe.
Stu
and always try to avoid any type of conflict, if I suddenly
find myself or surrounded by someone or several people trying to
harm me, I will be able to defend myself and my family.
At 59, though I am in good physical shape,
I know that I am not going to be able to out run them or fight them off.
If I am with my wife or daughters, it is even more difficult.
I pray that I never need to use it, but I carry it anyway.
Carry every day and be aware of your surroundings.
Stay safe.
Stu
feralmerril
Absent Comrade
You can find holes in my answer, but it is what it is. I dont carry all the time. Where I live I can carry either OC or CC with a permit. I have the permit. I go by smell or by sense`s. Wrong answer, I know. Its worked so far and I am 71 years old. Now you dont want to hear this, but I suspect for many it`s really a novelity or ego thing. Well its not a novelity as I carried for over 35 years as part of my job. I like guns. Have many. I do carry on every trip out of my area and always in the boonies rideing our atv. I dont carry going to my downtown haunts, resturants etc. I just dont feel the need here. I am big and experianced enough to take care of myself. I do have one in arms reach at the house and a big percentage of the time in my truck or car.
I just dont feel the need to have one sitting on the toilet seat while I shower or have theresa cover me while I mow. I am not a billionare to ask ransome for or cute enough to kidnap. I dont belive I have anyone mad enough at me to pay someone to off me. I am a gambler, and dont enjoy the weight of a gun pulling my pants down 90 % of the time. I am old, fat and ugly and feel I have nothing to prove. I can find holes in every sentence if someone else wrote this, but this is my deal.
I just dont feel the need to have one sitting on the toilet seat while I shower or have theresa cover me while I mow. I am not a billionare to ask ransome for or cute enough to kidnap. I dont belive I have anyone mad enough at me to pay someone to off me. I am a gambler, and dont enjoy the weight of a gun pulling my pants down 90 % of the time. I am old, fat and ugly and feel I have nothing to prove. I can find holes in every sentence if someone else wrote this, but this is my deal.
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I carry because I don't intend to be a victim.
According to a survey by Gary Kleck, PhD, firearms are used to avert up to 3 million felonious attacks a year, only a small fraction of which involve shooting (1/100) or a death (1/1000).
When you carry, you give up the right to start a fight, get aggravated in traffic or take offense at what someone says. In that sense, it's good for the soul.
According to a survey by Gary Kleck, PhD, firearms are used to avert up to 3 million felonious attacks a year, only a small fraction of which involve shooting (1/100) or a death (1/1000).
When you carry, you give up the right to start a fight, get aggravated in traffic or take offense at what someone says. In that sense, it's good for the soul.
gunfighter48
US Veteran
I carry because I can't run anymore and I'm to old to get in a fist fight. I don't intend on being anyone's victim!
I also carry because it's my god given right set forth in our Constitution. If you don't use your rights they will eventually disappear. I always ask people if they have car insurance and wear seat belt's. Then I ask them WHY. Most of the time a light comes on and they start to see where I'm coming from. Then there are the antis who will never get it and I don't even try to explain to them anymore. Someone has to be the criminals victims.
I also carry because it's my god given right set forth in our Constitution. If you don't use your rights they will eventually disappear. I always ask people if they have car insurance and wear seat belt's. Then I ask them WHY. Most of the time a light comes on and they start to see where I'm coming from. Then there are the antis who will never get it and I don't even try to explain to them anymore. Someone has to be the criminals victims.
bluegrassrules
Member
Great question.
My choice to carry…
Like many I was raised around guns, not for hunting or recreational shooting but for self-defense. My father always carried. I was taught from an early age what that gun was for and what responsibility's came with it. Strictly to protect yourself and your family. I remember well the conversations we would have about it, the respect that it had to be given. The conversations would always end with, "I would take a A$% beating before I would pull my gun," it was made clear that it was the absolute very last line of defense, the defense of your life…not for your ego.
It never occurred to me that I would not carry and I have since the day I turned 21 (the legal age in Indiana at that time). So, for 22 years I have had my permit (received my lifetime permit 4 years ago). Another reason, I love the fact that as an American citizen I can be responsible for my own safety, to protect myself, family, friends, and castle. I could not imagine living in a country…or world where I could not do so. This to me seems like an innate basic human right, "To protect your own life." I could never be a helpless sheep.
Warning, Soapbox
The citizens who do not care to understand this are the very same who expect to be protected by firearms, from law enforcement, border patrol, the military, and personal security…I always think if the Mayor of New York or the Mayor of Chicago want to restrict or do away with guns…so should their security detail…that seems fair, if I lose mine they should lose theirs. Can you imagine?
End Soapbox
For me, it is my duty and responsibility for my own safety.
Added: I am also a Democrat, what they call a, "Gun toting liberal"
Cheers
My choice to carry…
Like many I was raised around guns, not for hunting or recreational shooting but for self-defense. My father always carried. I was taught from an early age what that gun was for and what responsibility's came with it. Strictly to protect yourself and your family. I remember well the conversations we would have about it, the respect that it had to be given. The conversations would always end with, "I would take a A$% beating before I would pull my gun," it was made clear that it was the absolute very last line of defense, the defense of your life…not for your ego.
It never occurred to me that I would not carry and I have since the day I turned 21 (the legal age in Indiana at that time). So, for 22 years I have had my permit (received my lifetime permit 4 years ago). Another reason, I love the fact that as an American citizen I can be responsible for my own safety, to protect myself, family, friends, and castle. I could not imagine living in a country…or world where I could not do so. This to me seems like an innate basic human right, "To protect your own life." I could never be a helpless sheep.
Warning, Soapbox
The citizens who do not care to understand this are the very same who expect to be protected by firearms, from law enforcement, border patrol, the military, and personal security…I always think if the Mayor of New York or the Mayor of Chicago want to restrict or do away with guns…so should their security detail…that seems fair, if I lose mine they should lose theirs. Can you imagine?
End Soapbox
For me, it is my duty and responsibility for my own safety.
Added: I am also a Democrat, what they call a, "Gun toting liberal"
Cheers
Last edited:
66Park
Member
My shooting teacher years ago told me a story. He always carried a 1911. He was approached by somebody with a knife who asked for his wallet. My teacher just looked at him. The attacker backed off and said, "don't shoot me." That was the end of it. He didn't even have to show his weapon - just something in the attitude, I guess.
66Park
Member
I agree. As someone who has lived in the Chicago area for quite a while, I feel the Mayor of Chicago and the state government has been putting my life at risk for twenty-four years. It is beyond frustrating.
Me too.
This is very similar to my answer. But I like yours better.
I have not had an automobile accident since 2002. I have not had an automobile accident that was my fault since 1975.
Yet I never get behind the wheel without my insurance card.
I think many anti-gun/anti-carry folks don't understand this simple concept.
Law enforcement is reactive by design. We respond to crimes AFTER they take place. By then, it's usually too late for the victim to be protected. But, we can't go around arresting people for crimes they haven't committed like in the Minority Report.
Private security is pro-active. They protect assets and attempt to stop crime BEFORE it takes place.
So, unless we all hire our own personal security officer, or the gov't issues us one, we are all responsible for our own protection.
Calling the police when someone is attacking you may help get the person caught, but it's not going to stop him from attacking you.
Since I'm responsible for my family's protection, I'm the only one I can rely on to do it.
Law enforcement is reactive by design. We respond to crimes AFTER they take place. By then, it's usually too late for the victim to be protected. But, we can't go around arresting people for crimes they haven't committed like in the Minority Report.
Private security is pro-active. They protect assets and attempt to stop crime BEFORE it takes place.
So, unless we all hire our own personal security officer, or the gov't issues us one, we are all responsible for our own protection.
Calling the police when someone is attacking you may help get the person caught, but it's not going to stop him from attacking you.
Since I'm responsible for my family's protection, I'm the only one I can rely on to do it.
Rogue12153
Member
I wanted to have a better choice than on my hands and knees begging for my life or the lives of my family. If you're not armed that will be the only choice you'll have.
venomballistics
Member
Just seen too many perfectly good days take a turn for the surreal.
Normal isn't always as normal as it seems and you don't want to get any on you.
Normal isn't always as normal as it seems and you don't want to get any on you.
I am 68 years old, 5'5" and 155 lbs. The average bad guy out there is twice my size and half my age. I look like a victim. I am NOT a victim because of my experience and attitude but I know full well that I would be a temptation to someone looking for an easy mark.
I know carrying a gun is no guarantee but I don't walk in fear, I walk with awareness of my surroundings confidence that I can survive most situations.
I know carrying a gun is no guarantee but I don't walk in fear, I walk with awareness of my surroundings confidence that I can survive most situations.
cshoff
Member
It's estimated that over 6.6-Million violent (murder, rape, assault, and robbery) crimes take place in the United States each year. If that isn't reason enough, then I don't know what is.
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