This scenario was featured on the members website for the U.S. Concealed Carry Association. It prompted me to do a bit of "What if?" thinking.
Briefly, it goes like this. You are seated at a restaurant enjoying a meal with your significant other. A man walks up to you and says something like this:
"You're carrying a gun. I hate guns. A gun killed my son. What in the world do you think you're doing in here with that?"
You glance at your piece, and sure enough, your covering garment has hitched up, and the gun sure enough shows.
What would be your response to this beginning of what could be a heated exchange?
Think about it. Have your answer prepared - designed to defuse the situation. Here are some responses offered so far that make some sense:
"Thank you for noticing. I didn't mean for it to show. My job requires me to be armed at all times. I'm authorized by the government to carry. I'm not at liberty to discuss it further, but I appreciate you making me aware of it. Have a good day, sir."
Note: No lie. Your job, among other things, is the protection of your loved ones. As a CCW holder, you are authorized by the government (usually the state) to carry. You were polite and hopefully put his fears to rest that you are not a bad guy but a good guy.
Another suggested response:
"I'm sorry for letting my firearm show, sir. That shouldn't have happened. I'm on a private security detail, and I would appreciate it if you would not advertise my presence. I have government authorization to be armed. Again, thanks for making me aware that my gun was showing. You have a good day, sir."
Again, no lie. You ARE on a "private security detail" that involves protecting your loved ones. And again, you are authorized to carry.
Of course, it goes without saying that you should never expose your gun in public. But "stuff happens." If you are made, you should have a response prepared designed to quickly defuse the situation.
The prevailing thought on the USCCA thread was that it is never good to engage in an argument on the merits of carrying a weapon. The man is obviously emotional - he believes his son was killed by a gun rather than a human being. He will not be reasoned with nor should one try.
Now, what would YOU do or say in this situation?
John
Briefly, it goes like this. You are seated at a restaurant enjoying a meal with your significant other. A man walks up to you and says something like this:
"You're carrying a gun. I hate guns. A gun killed my son. What in the world do you think you're doing in here with that?"
You glance at your piece, and sure enough, your covering garment has hitched up, and the gun sure enough shows.
What would be your response to this beginning of what could be a heated exchange?
Think about it. Have your answer prepared - designed to defuse the situation. Here are some responses offered so far that make some sense:
"Thank you for noticing. I didn't mean for it to show. My job requires me to be armed at all times. I'm authorized by the government to carry. I'm not at liberty to discuss it further, but I appreciate you making me aware of it. Have a good day, sir."
Note: No lie. Your job, among other things, is the protection of your loved ones. As a CCW holder, you are authorized by the government (usually the state) to carry. You were polite and hopefully put his fears to rest that you are not a bad guy but a good guy.
Another suggested response:
"I'm sorry for letting my firearm show, sir. That shouldn't have happened. I'm on a private security detail, and I would appreciate it if you would not advertise my presence. I have government authorization to be armed. Again, thanks for making me aware that my gun was showing. You have a good day, sir."
Again, no lie. You ARE on a "private security detail" that involves protecting your loved ones. And again, you are authorized to carry.
Of course, it goes without saying that you should never expose your gun in public. But "stuff happens." If you are made, you should have a response prepared designed to quickly defuse the situation.
The prevailing thought on the USCCA thread was that it is never good to engage in an argument on the merits of carrying a weapon. The man is obviously emotional - he believes his son was killed by a gun rather than a human being. He will not be reasoned with nor should one try.
Now, what would YOU do or say in this situation?
John
