Hey guys - I'm curious to know why you guys own guns.

[KidVermicious]

Because there's a shitstorm coming, sooner or later. I'm not paranoid, but sooner or later there's going to be trouble. I have weapons in the home, I shoot them regularly, I've always felt safe in terms of personal security and haven't bothered to carry but I'm considering it now.

I don't like open carry and I'm a little reluctant to have my name on a CCW card, so I'm kinda watching this constitutional carry thing in Idaho and hoping Utah does the something similar.

 

[spencenasty]

I lost all mine in a boating accident.

 

[A.Wilson013]

I'm a little reluctant to have my name on a CCW card.

Rightfully so. When I first bought my "sh*t truck" (1986 2wd pickup) I was getting pulled over quite often. Every time the police officers were VERY anxious when they came to the window. Standing back at an angle, hand on their holster-side hip.

I also got searched pretty good at the Canadian border. I was told the chances of that are "VERY SLIM" and that I should buy a lottery ticket. However, when I asked around to the people I know with their concealed carry permit, they said they get hassled every time. Having worked with border patrol a bit in the past, I understand their interest. It's all statistics, and statistically people with concealed carry permits have more weapons/ammunition in their vehicles.

If/when I get pulled over I keep my hands on the wheel, tell them exactly where my pistol is, and exactly where my registration is. I know I am not required to do that, but with what's been going on with our police, I don't want to become a statistic. An uncomfortable or uneasy man with a gun is a dangerous man with a gun. I'll do my part to make them feel comfortable.

 

[DeltaNu1142]

removed

 

[Sisente]

This defies logic and contradicts my experience. I'm not saying it's untrue, it just doesn't make sense to me.

I think the experience is roughly related to the area. In Texas, it is almost certain if you pull someone over, they have a weapon of some sort, especially during the many hunting seasons, and around the numerous farming/ranching areas. In places where it is not as common, I would expect the police to be a little more apprehensive, due to the anomaly vs routine. (my 2 cents)

 

[DeltaNu1142]

removed

 

[jhuerta22]

1. I like the taste of dead, cooked animals.

2. I'm not very good at throwing rocks or spears.

3. Flamethrowers are not available to the general public.

In all honesty, it comes from family upbringing and the culture. My father has been an avid upland game hunter in southern Nebraska and he taught me how to hunt. It was something that we could spend time doing together and it stuck with me. Now, owning firearms is more of a personal preference and job requirement.

 

[Lester Lugnut]

Own guns because I can.

As the old saying goes...

A man with a gun is a citizen; a man without a gun is a subject.

 

[3wbdriver]

Mainly because I refuse to wait for the government to protect me and mine.

I do enjoy collecting military and western era weapons for historical reasons.

As for throw down wallets or allowing a thief to take my stuff, I also refuse to reinforce or encourage bad behavior.

 

[A.Wilson013]

This defies logic and contradicts my experience. I'm not saying it's untrue, it just doesn't make sense to me.

I've had a CCW license for almost 10 years. If anything, I've been hassled LESS in that time than in the ten years prior... but that has more to do with my choice of auto/moto than anything. More to the point, ANYONE can physically conceal a firearm, legally or otherwise; it's those with a CCW license that have trained, educated themselves, and "registered," to a degree, with the state to agree to carry concealed safely.

Law enforcement personnel have more to fear from illegal carriers of firearms than from those that have taken all the steps to ensure they're carrying in compliance with state laws.

In the state of Washington I literally went to the local PD, gave them my fingerprints, and had my "License to Carry Concealed Pistol" within a week. There was no training, no education, no anything. My Oregon license was the same way as I had taken Hunter's Safety when I was a kid. Again, no real training or education when it comes to handguns and the responsibility associated with carrying one in public. My Utah license which is welcome in all but like 15 states? That was the most time consuming, but I never went to Utah for it. I went to a class which lasted about an hour, 45 minutes or so of which was showing me how to fill out the form. Then we watched a "Shoot, don't shoot" video, and off we went.

Maybe Florida is different, but in Washington it has been my experience that Police Officers assume everybody with a concealed carry permit is someone afraid Obama is coming for their guns, and looking for trouble. Wanting to press the limits of the law in order to promote their YouTube channel where they carry their loaded AR-15's up and down city streets in order to make a scene, and make everyone uncomfortable.

A hypervigilant civilian with an over the counter concealed carry license is a scary thing, in my opinion. (ie George Zimmerman)

 

[HammerTime]

With regard to the OP's question, I can't fully answer that without getting into politics somewhat. I also hunt, need pretection from wildlife, and enjoy the discipline of target shooting. I pray everytime I strap that handgun to my hip that I won't have to use it, but that if I do, that I'll be prepared to shoot smart and straight. I own a variety of weapons, from black powder muzzleloaders to AR15s.

In my opinion, self defense is a whole lot more than getting a ccw permit and a gun and carrying it around. It's situational awareness, tactical training, common sense, and a whole slew of other things put together.

 

[hikenbike]

With regard to the OP's question, I can't fully answer that without getting into politics somewhat. I also hunt, need pretection from wildlife, and enjoy the discipline of target shooting. I pray everytime I strap that handgun to my hip that I won't have to use it, but that if I do, that I'll be prepared to shoot smart and straight. I own a variety of weapons, from black powder muzzleloaders to AR15s.

In my opinion, self defense is a whole lot more than getting a ccw permit and a gun and carrying it around. It's situational awareness, tactical training, common sense, and a whole slew of other things put together.

Does allowing someone to conceal carry without requiring any formal training make sense?

The previous poster gave some cases where you just apply and get it in short order with basically no requirements.

 

[hikenbike]

In the state of Washington I literally went to the local PD, gave them my fingerprints, and had my "License to Carry Concealed Pistol" within a week. There was no training, no education, no anything. My Oregon license was the same way as I had taken Hunter's Safety when I was a kid. Again, no real training or education when it comes to handguns and the responsibility associated with carrying one in public. My Utah license which is welcome in all but like 15 states? That was the most time consuming, but I never went to Utah for it. I went to a class which lasted about an hour, 45 minutes or so of which was showing me how to fill out the form. Then we watched a "Shoot, don't shoot" video, and off we went.

Maybe Florida is different, but in Washington it has been my experience that Police Officers assume everybody with a concealed carry permit is someone afraid Obama is coming for their guns, and looking for trouble. Wanting to press the limits of the law in order to promote their YouTube channel where they carry their loaded AR-15's up and down city streets in order to make a scene, and make everyone uncomfortable.

A hypervigilant civilian with an over the counter concealed carry license is a scary thing, in my opinion. (ie George Zimmerman)

Indeed.

 

[KidVermicious]

Rightfully so. When I first bought my "sh*t truck" (1986 2wd pickup) I was getting pulled over quite often. Every time the police officers were VERY anxious when they came to the window. Standing back at an angle, hand on their holster-side hip.

I also got searched pretty good at the Canadian border. I was told the chances of that are "VERY SLIM" and that I should buy a lottery ticket. However, when I asked around to the people I know with their concealed carry permit, they said they get hassled every time. Having worked with border patrol a bit in the past, I understand their interest. It's all statistics, and statistically people with concealed carry permits have more weapons/ammunition in their vehicles.

If/when I get pulled over I keep my hands on the wheel, tell them exactly where my pistol is, and exactly where my registration is. I know I am not required to do that, but with what's been going on with our police, I don't want to become a statistic. An uncomfortable or uneasy man with a gun is a dangerous man with a gun. I'll do my part to make them feel comfortable.

This is interesting to me. Utah law is explicit in stating that a CCW holder is not required to disclose that he/she has a permit or whether or not they're carrying when they interact with a police officer. From that I assumed that officers don't know who has a CCW or not. I have a couple friends that are officers, I'll have to ask them.

 

[wallytoo]

Does allowing someone to conceal carry without requiring any formal training make sense?

The previous poster gave some cases where you just apply and get it in short order with basically no requirements.

how about free speech? do you want an authority to determine where, how, and when you can speak?

both are rights. whether you are comfortable with fellow non-felon law-abiding citizens' ccw is irrelevant. you are, thankfully, free to become an expat.

wally

 

[Morphyne]

This defies logic and contradicts my experience. I'm not saying it's untrue, it just doesn't make sense to me.

I've had a CCW license for almost 10 years. If anything, I've been hassled LESS in that time than in the ten years prior... but that has more to do with my choice of auto/moto than anything. More to the point, ANYONE can physically conceal a firearm, legally or otherwise; it's those with a CCW license that have trained, educated themselves, and "registered," to a degree, with the state to agree to carry concealed safely.

Law enforcement personnel have more to fear from illegal carriers of firearms than from those that have taken all the steps to ensure they're carrying in compliance with state laws.

But I haven't answered OP's question... I grew up in an area of the country where exposure to firearms and instilling safe use of them happens early in life. So, I've always enjoyed shooting. I do some sport shooting and I also now live in an area that requires me to lock my doors when there's no one home or everyone's asleep. So home defense is a concern. I have a new baby, and I intend to teach him the rules when he's old enough to learn.

This has been my experience. They almost don't seem to care when you tell them.

 

[HammerTime]

Does allowing someone to conceal carry without requiring any formal training make sense?

The previous poster gave some cases where you just apply and get it in short order with basically no requirements.

Yes. That is the responsibility of the individual. Additionally, the 8hr class required in MO was actually 3 hrs in class, and 3hrs at the range, 90% of which was watching other people shoot. We were let out 2 hrs early. Teacher said he had the class because his wife wanted new furniture. He didn't care about teaching us anything. It was a royal waste of time and money, I felt. Plus you don't have to have training to purchase a gun, so why should you have to have training in order to carry it? If you or I are ever in a situation where we must draw our sidearm, we will become the attacker's #1 priority. In all likelihood, it will be kill or be killed. I'm not taking that chance without some wayyy advanced firearm training. Just because it's a good idea doesn't necessarily mean it should be the law. As you can tell, I usally lean towards libertarianism...

 

[hikenbike]

Yes. That is the responsibility of the individual. Additionally, the 8hr class required in MO was actually 3 hrs in class, and 3hrs at the range, 90% of which was watching other people shoot. We were let out 2 hrs early. Teacher said he had the class because his wife wanted new furniture. He didn't care about teaching us anything. It was a royal waste of time and money, I felt. Plus you don't have to have training to purchase a gun, so why should you have to have training in order to carry it? If you or I are ever in a situation where we must draw our sidearm, we will become the attacker's #1 priority. In all likelihood, it will be kill or be killed. I'm not taking that chance without some wayyy advanced firearm training. Just because it's a good idea doesn't necessarily mean it should be the law. As you can tell, I usally lean towards libertarianism...

Interesting take and experience. Thanks. I've learned a lot on this forum on this subject from those in different parts of the country than mine.

I asked because you had mentioned so many other important aspects to successfully protecting yourself (and perhaps others) so I thought you might advocate more thorough, standard, quality training being required in those tactical and situational areas you mentioned.

 

[Ol'Blue]

Hey guys - I'm curious to know why you guys own guns. I personally have never felt the need to have one, but I understand that people have various reasons to have them, train with them, etc.

Please spare me the political babble, I'm not interested in turning this into a debate. Just curious to know why you bought your gun(s).

I can go on about protection etc etc. I spent to many years in the Marine Corps not to keep my skills I worked hard to master.

The main reason is this. Find your nearest nation veteran cemetery. Look at all of those Graves and think about all of them that have gave there life or served to protect our way of life. It will have effect on you or anyone. If it dosent I hear Noth Korea, Afghanistan, and many other contry's that are repressed are looking to populate again.

I just have a different outlook than so many because I've been to many placed in combat and had to pull triggers.

Blue

 

[A.Wilson013]

This is interesting to me. Utah law is explicit in stating that a CCW holder is not required to disclose that he/she has a permit or whether or not they're carrying when they interact with a police officer. From that I assumed that officers don't know who has a CCW or not. I have a couple friends that are officers, I'll have to ask them.

It's my understanding that MOST states attach your concealed carry status to your vehicle's registration and/or driver's license. In 2016, I'd be surprised if not all 50 states did this.

I've read before of a system which accesses information (warrants, concealed carry status, etc) through a privately owned database which states can populate if they so choose. In the story I read, Florida was used as the example and DID send that information. A man in Maryland was pulled over, and given a very hard time due to the information gathered (automatically on the side of the freeway) from his home state, over 700 miles away.

https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/travelers-tale/

Of course, this whole story could be made up. In fact it's titled, "Traveler's Tale", but labeled as a true story. What's most interesting, I think, are the comments. Again, they could be lies- who knows?

Ask your buddies- I'd be interested to know Utah's standing. I know that you don't HAVE to tell them if you're carrying unless asked (Washington is that same way), but in Washington that's likely due to them already knowing...