concealed carry

I am very curious how many people who carry a weapon daily have actually ever used it by firing a round or two in self defense? I am constantly flipping back and fourth between carrying a pistol and not carrying a pistol. I have a disability that keeps me from being able to run away or stay and fight effectively (MS). At the same time I am nervous about having a false courage simply because I am carrying. I worry that I will not let a situation pass because I have a gun on me. Any help is appreciated

 

Better to have it and not need it than the other way around.
But if you question you're own judgement then you probably shouldn't do it.
I am not allowed to have a firearm on the premises at work, so I don't carry all the time, but I keep one in the vehicle anytime I am travelling or away from work for several days.
I would never draw on anyone unless I was absolutely certain I had no choice. Even if you are 100% right to shoot, you will be probably be facing civil suits for years.

EDIT: If you are really thinking about it, this is the best book I have ever read on the subject. Might be worth your time to give it a read:

The Concealed Handgun Manual: How to Choose, Carry, and Shoot a Gun in Self Defense

http://www.amazon.com/Concealed-Handgun-Manual-Choose-Defense/dp/0965678423

 

people seem to view but not comment. I am taking that to say they never used a gun for protection.

 

ive never used my gun for protection but around where i live, its almost stupid not to have one, legally or illegally! I keep mine on me as much as possible and where i feel i need to i dont hide it either! Sounds stupid but most of tha dumb fucks around here think you are a cop if you have a gun on your side and if that helps keep them from fucking with me then its all good! I would say exactly what horwitzs said "better to have it and not need it"

You never know!

 

Sheriffs in many rural, remote jurisdictions will allow you to carry without making a big deal about it. Just place your weapon in open view if you are pulled over.

 

Horwitzs said it best. You have to be absolutely sure that there is nothing you could have done to protect yourself, or life in general. I would also firmly be aware of the NRA's 4th, somewhat unwritten law of gun use: Know your target and what is beyond it.

And keep in mind, one story is better than 2. Get yourself a lawyer who has someone on call 24/7. A lot of things look open and shut but it isn't always the case. My CCW instructor was a cop and gave us a story of a woman who was making a night drop at a bank when a guy came up behind her and menaced her with a knife. She drew and he ran with no shots fired.

This was the day before cell phones so she drove home to call her husband and then the police. The man ran to a gas station and called 9-11 that a woman threatened him with a gun. The call was radioed to a 22 year old green deputy who just saw the car with the description drive by. Eventually, it was all sorted out but it all depends who shows up to the incident that you're involved in.

"I was afraid for my (their) life and I felt I had no choice. I need to speak with my lawyer"

 

I live in California, nuff said

 

I personally don't carry, 6'1" 220lbs not an easy target, my buddy I fly rc helicopters with has an 08' sport taco, he packs a .40 always.

 

You're foolish if you think your size means anything
in an attack. Disparity of force my friend


I carry everyday.

 

I appriciate your concern, I will be ok.

 

I live on colorado I have carried everyday for nine years never had to use it but it would sure suck not to have it on me and need it.
if you really want to carry take all the classes you can get, a lot of trigger time in and only use it if it is the last line of defense like the last last line of defense

 

It all sounds to me like it is not so safe in other parts of the country.I feel lucky in some ways.

 

its not to bad here but you never know when some jack wagon will kill you over ten dollars to buy some meth

 

or the next time you are in a situation where someone elses life is being threatened. Guy I work with's sister lives in TN and she was in the receiving line at golden corral or something when 3 dudes with ski masks on came barrelling in the door up to the front register station, guns pointing and all.

One of the patrons was carrying and was a former cop. 20 seconds later, 2 of them were dead and one was in critical. None of the patrons or staff were hurt. The 3rd is being charged for the manslaughter of his buddies. I dont know how anyone else feels but I would have no problems protecting my fellow man - again, if there was nothing else i could have done and life depended on it.

 

I'm more an advocate of open carry. If you question whether you would back down because you have a hidden gun and know you'll get the jump on you then concealed is not for you in my opinion. Open carry lets them KNOW you have a gun and has for me settled things down without a word being said. I stop people from dumping in the dumpster behind my house a few times a week. Every once in a while I get one that thinks he will intimidate me into turning around and walking away, Then they see the 1911 on my hip. EVERY time they see it their attitude does a 180.

If you question your own judgement, allow the bad guys to use their own. Even criminals have self preservation and will use it when choosing a victim, and will 99.99% of the time avoid the guy that SHOWS he can kill them.

 

I've never fired a gun in self defense and I hope I never have to but there are a few times where it has come in handy (2 times in or near my home).

If you are going to carry sometimes you may as well carry all the time. Better to have and not need than need and not have. Is there a range near you where you can practice and get some tips from a professional?

 

My range is my front yard.......rural. No one within miles. Scared away a black bear Saturday with a few .38 rounds into the ground.

 

Sorry, my post was directed at the OP.

 

I cant carry on base but I do carry everywhere else. Ive never had to use it but I can say that it does make me feel even more aware of my surroundings.

 

If I leave the house I have either a sig 239 .40 or a 1911 .45 with me at all times. I have never pulled a gun but I have had a gun pulled on me in my front yard by an off duty drunk Swat Officer after he kick my door DOWN. Never meet the man before my door came down. After court I told my Police Officer friends that no one would ever kick my door in again and walk away................................