An example of why I don't conceal carry a loaded gun in public

[Kaleva]

I have a CPL and can legally conceal carry in MI where legally allowed to and also the same in states that recognize my cpl

However , I don't. To get my cpl, I took and completed a basic course that in my opinion, is very minimalist at best. It gave me a foundation for home defense but not for self defense with a gun in public . I could on my own violation take advanced courses and spend the time practicing them but I have neither the desire to spend that time nor the funds to do so.

The difference between using a gun for home defense and using a gun for self defence out in public is that there are far more variables to consider in the latter. There'd be far more information to process in a stressful situation and I'd have to hope that I could process that info rationally and make the most correct decision.

An example of this is the incident being talked about in GD concerning the man who opened the door of the wrong car at a gas station and was shot and killed. Being armed, my situational awareness would have to be at a very heightened level so as to minimize making the wrong decision. I'd have to have spotted that guy coming towards the car, determined if he appeared to be a threat or not and maybe take the proactive step of locking the car doors . I wouldn't want it to get to the point of where the man opens the door unexpectedly and I have to make a snap decision as to his intent and decide right then if I draw my weapon and use lethal force.

Armed while out in public, I'd have to be paying attention to what everyone is doing and what's going on around me. I'd need to take proactive steps that would minimize the need to make a snap decision as to if I have to draw my weapon. It could be something simple like making sure my car doors are locked while I'm in the vehicle .

Carrying while out in public, I'd need to be on high alert all the time. There are people here I believe that are trained to that level but I myself don't have the inclination to put in the effort nor, because of where I live, is there a need to.

However, as part of my training program that I hope to begin soon, I'll conceal carry my UNLOADED revolver out in public on occasion so I get used to carrying it and to act as a reminder that I need to be fully alert and develop my situational awareness skills. So if there ever comes a time where I feel I need to conceal carry a loaded gun out in public for protection, I won't be starting from ground zero with the training . As for courses, it's close to a two hour drive to the nearest location.

[multigraincracker]

1. I try to not go anywhere I would

Feel so unsafe I’d need a gun.
Try to be home by the time the street lights come on. I don’t get involve with those that might be into violence.
If I have a problem it would most likely be an intruder at home. If I were to call the police, it’d only take a few minutes. Live on a major road that is patrolled by State police, Sheriffs office, City Police and the Tribal Police.
I read the local paper and almost never read about anyone being killed by a stranger.

[Kaleva]

2. There really is no reason for me to be armed in public.

I do plan on carrying an unloaded gun with me on occasion for training purposes only so in case it becomes necessary to carry a loaded weapon, I won't be starting from scratch

[multigraincracker]

3. I get my yearly practice every

November. 2 rounds to site in
With the old bolt action 30-06. Last year 3 as I shot a deer opening morning.
Usually I just pick up fresh roadkill in front of my house.
Years ago I use shoot and carry. After years of never need to I gave it up.
Years ago I was at a flea market in Hillsdale and was talking to an old fart. He ha a cast on his left hand. I asked about it and he said he shot himself while cleaning his pistol. Then he told me he has been an NRA safety instructor for 36 years. Guns are dangerous, even in the hands of experts.
Good luck and stay safe.

[3Hotdogs]

4. --- reminds me of the shooting at the Colorado movie theater. Gunfire broke out and one "good guy"

with a gun, put it down on the floor of the theater.

His reasoning ---


Cops coming into the theater have no idea, which of the patrons are the shooter. They are likely to fire at anyone who is holding a gun, no matter who it is.

[Kaleva]

17. He's trained

He knew to get the gun out of his hands

[ms liberty]

5. Substitute "as a woman" for the phrases about carrying in public

And you've got an approximation of how women have to live in order to feel and be safe, particularly in a city.

[doc03]

10. As a man it is uncomfortable to carry a concealed weapon. In nice weather

you have to wear some kind of loose top to hide it. I have one of those pocket holsters, with that my pants
won't stay up unless I would wear suspenders or I look like some of the kids with their underwear showing.
You ladies have an advantage, you could carry a 1911 .45 caliber auto in your purse and no body would know.

[sarisataka]

11. It is far easier

For men to carry than women. Most carry gear is designed by men for men.

I have had no trouble concealing a 1911 in a shirt-and-tie business environment. An IWB designed to allow a shirt to be tucked and the gun is invisible.

For casual wear, a simple t-shirt will hide a P365. I like wearing shirts with classic cartoon characters on them. I get many comments on Scooby-Doo, Pink Panther, Bugs Bunny- but no one looks beyond for a suspicious bump on my waist.

A purse is not a very secure way to conceal a weapon. Unless it is designed with a dedicated pocket, the firearm will share its space with various items. It will be more difficult to access and the risk of a negligent discharge increases exponentially.

[doc03]

12. I have yet to see any IWB holster that I would be comfortable with

even with a Ruger LCP. I don't ever go anywhere that requires a jacket and tie, I am strictly jeans
or shorts. They do make purses that are made for a CCP. Besides that this is a rural area I don't
have to live in fear of being shot every day. I would probably be more dangerous to myself or an innocent bystander
if I had a gun anyway.

[sarisataka]

13. I pretty much exclusively use

Alien Gear holsters. I like that the trigger is fully protected by a solid surface and retention is fully adjustable. I set it to where I can hold the holster upside-down and shake it without the gun falling out.

They have a blocky look that I thought might hinder concealment but that has not been the case. Also I do not use appendix carry for reasons that should be obvious.

[Squatchman]

22. I carry a G20

IWB in a Tagua leather pancake style holster.
Even at work. I'm a logger operating heavy equipment. Comfortable and my gun is sort of large. Well real large.
I can wear dress shirts with it also because it's tuckable.

[MiHale]

6. Gave up guns a few years ago...

Never felt the need to carry a handgun got my fill of that in the service when that piece got off my side it was a great relief. Had a .222 for critter control but lost any interest after an incident with the weapon. When all this stuff started happening, right wing violence, I reconsidered getting a handgun. The old feeling came right back…you strap that gun on and you must mentally prepare yourself to be ready to kill somebody. No…not anymore. Ever again.

[Irish_Dem]

7. Interesting psychology. Carrying a gun makes people less likely to pay attention to social cues.

No need to take proactive protective steps or evaluate a situation more throughly.

[Kaleva]

16. I feel for me it's the opposite

That when carrying a gun, I need to be a great deal more attentive.

[Irish_Dem]

18. Yes but you are the outlier and not statistically relevant most likely.

I don't think you are the norm.

[twodogsbarking]

8. Guns control people.

[usonian]

9. Don't go off half-cocked.

Line from a 1977 movie.

[Paladin]

14. I think the word you were aiming at was "volition."

But "I could on my own violation" brightens up your whole posting.

[Kaleva]

15. True!

[Fla_Democrat]

19. It's good that you know, and understand your abilities.

Instead of carrying your unloaded revolver, sorry, your UNLOADED revolver, perhaps you may want to consider... https://www.blueguns.com/


Just sayin.

[yagotme]

20. I believe Harry Callahan had a quote for that...

"Man's got to know his limitations..."

[Fla_Democrat]

21. He's not wrong.