General Categories > Carry Issues
Starting Life as a Concealed Carrier
patrickdm:
I recently received my CHP and started carrying.
This was a huge decision. I never envisioned carrying, never thought I would have a reason to. There is nothing in my life that would make me an attractive target, ie., gobs of money, drugs or anything else a "bad" guy would covet. Sadly today's "bad" guys don't seem to need a reason to attack. In some parts of our country it's a sport, like the knock out game. If any of you are unfamiliar with the knock out game just do a google.
I cannot say with any assurance yet that I have felt safer while carrying however I rarely find myself in circumstances that having a gun would be reassuring. I do find myself studying people just a tad harder than usual, not really sure of what I'm searching for though. Each day I've walked out of the house carrying I say a prayer that it never has to leave it's hiding place.
No idea what the point of my post is, thinking aloud perhaps. Part of it may be to share a little with people who have come to the same decision.
Take care.
SemperFiGuy:
patrickdm:
May You Never Draw Your Handgun in Fear nor Anger.
sfg
patrickdm:
Thanks SemperFiGuy. I hope and pray the same for you and all of us.
Hank:
Congratulations.
Hmmm, I understand what you are saying. One of the primary reasons for getting my CCW permit, was the simple fact that I was able to, and the more law abiding citizens that choose to the better IMO.
Gary:
Every coin has two sides. One side of this coin, may be the bad guys you talked about, but the other side of the coin, could be Law Enforcement Officers. Now any contacts you make with an LEO, or EMT's, you need to show your ID, and your CHP ID. You have multiplied the complexities of your life many fold. You are more likely to encounter LOE's or EMT's than bad guys, for most of us I would think.
While most all LEO's support the concept of the 2nd amendment, 14 LEO's have been shot and killed by licensed CHP holders in the USA from May 2007 to date. While 14 is not a high number (50,000 people die each year in traffic deaths in the USA) that number is 14 too high.
Every time a LEO pulls someone over for speeding, or an expired tag, he wonders if this will be the stop where his wife gets a visit from the Chief and the chaplain.
To ease the worries of any LEO that happens to pull you over. Be polite. Be courteous. Have your dash lights on, dome lights on, key off, and on the dash, where he can reach them, as easily as you. Have your windows open, so he can see all points into your vehicle. Have your hands relaxed on the wheel, at 10 & 2. Radio off. Maintain eye contact. ASAP, let the officer know you are a CHP holder and you have your handgun with you. Listen to any question or instruction he may have, and make no sudden movements while you politely follow instructions.
Knowing all this, and knowing the odds of being robbed, car jacked, kidnapped, murdered are pretty slim, is it all worth it? Did you get more rights picking up a CHP, or did you just become one of the sheep? It would seem, the correct answer is a little bit of both.
Be careful, and remember, the NRA recommends you practice with your CC handgun at least once a month, and at least 100 rounds. Dummy round, or empty chamber exercises are also important. Be safe.
The one thing that is more important than you carrying safely, is storing your gun and ammo safely, when you are not carrying. It is far better to have one gun, and one gun safe, than two guns. Tin the thickness of your car door, is not a safe. Better than nothing, but not enough protection, that is really required to keep unauthorized people away from your guns.
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