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Captain Morgan
Starting Member
17 Posts |
 Posted - 08/06/2012 : 10:43:31
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I'm obviously new here so try to be kind.  First off, I'm not a troll and don't intend to start a firestorm, but I am curious about everyone's thoughts on having a gun on them at all times, no matter what or where, and also about entering "gun-free zones." If there are already threads about both topics, please point me to them and lock/delete this thread.
I'm 38 and only started carrying a year ago. I got a second job delivering pizzas and thought it would be wise to carry. I've been around guns most of my life and spent some time in the military (but it was Air Force so not a lot of firearm training). I had bought a .38 Special after getting my carry permit here in Indiana, but found it too bulky to carry all the time. I'm only 5'7, 140 pounds and the .38 was just too bulky to conceal very well.
I recently purchased a Ruger LC9 and it's MUCH easier to conceal. I read Nathan's carry guide and it brought up the questions of how many people really carry everywhere they go and how do people handle "gun-free zones". I'm conflicted because I don't want to feel like I'm paranoid, carrying a gun everywhere, including to the bathroom in my own house (no offense intended to those that do), but I also understand that nobody ever knows when they'll need a gun and you can't just carry "where you think you'll need it" because that could be anywhere.
Hopefully this doesn't start a war, but I didn't see this specific type of thread anywhere else on the forum and there was no discussion about it in Nathan's carry guide, so please discuss with me the idea of having a gun on your person no matter what you're doing and no matter where you are. And what do you do when you go somewhere that is a "gun-free zone" such as schools, federal property, some large sporting events, etc.? |
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yankeejib
Advanced Member
USA
3028 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2012 : 11:17:33
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Carry all the time? Yes.  heads don't make appointments. My home is sans children, so I can keep weapons in convenient discrete places around the house for any HD events.
Violate the law on exclusion zones? No, no, no. This site is dedicated to LEGAL carry conceal. Now, while I will ignore things like company policies, or meaningless signs (this IS Florida), I just avoid places like schools, sporting events, and courts where my carry will be my ticket to a cell. If I do visit these places, I just lock/hide it in the vehicle.
FWIW, when I started carrying, I believed the only thing I could really conceal was a mousegun. Then I realized, besides it being a crappy ineffective shooter or SD weapon, I could conceal a small revolver (J-frame) pretty well. Then I realized that a good 9 was just as easy to conceal as a wheelie, gave me a lot more rounds, and I started carrying the Glock 26. Then I realized that with proper belt/holster/dress, a larger pistol was just as easy to conceal as a smaller one, gave me even more shots, and shoots much better anyway, which led me to the Glock 23. While I now have other pistols, nothing has moved me off the G23 as an EDC. When you dress out, you swear everyone can see your little bulge on your hip. Experience will teach you that nobody ever sees anything. If you spend all your time scoping citizens in a high CCW location (like Tampa or Orlando) you will occasionally spot the tell tale lump, or belt loops, but for the most part, the general public is as oblivious as the day is long. Besides, it's concealed, you have your card, and you're legal.
Frankly, I really don't care anymore if someone "makes" me. I've had two different CWP'ers mention it to me as an advice type thing (thanks..), and I once had a cop behind me at the ATM ask me if I had a permit for my weapon, but never even asked to see it or bother me any further except to suggest a tight white t-shirt wasn't very concealing. Of course, he was right, but again, I really didn't care. For the most part, I stick to untucked button down collared shirts. Prints/patterns/stripes conceal better than solids/light colors. If I have to tuck, then I pocket carry the j-frame, or the SP101. I always spend the extra $20 on slacks alterations (they're getting altered anyway, I'm not an off the shelf guy) to get the right front pocket cut deeper that matches my Desantis pocket holsters. I leave a holster with them to make sure they get it right.
Welcome to the forum from another Hoosier..... |
Sincerely,
Professor Stu Padasol
"Doing what others find difficult is talent. Doing what others find impossible is genius."
"Why be difficult when with a little more effort, you can be entirely impossible."
I carry a gun because I can't throw a rock 1250 feet per second.
God did not create all men equal, Sam Colt did.
"The next best thing to being clever is being able to quote someone who is."
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1813Anschutz
Advanced Member
USA
2291 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2012 : 11:35:24
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I don't in the shower or in the swimming pool or where it is stipulated as NOT legal here in Montana/Idaho.
Randy |
"The more I shoot,the LUCKIER I seem to get!" |
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DaddyO16
Advanced Member
USA
6006 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2012 : 11:50:02
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The only places I don't carry are those where I would be in violation of the law or where I would be jeopardizing my employment.
Everything else is fair game, and yes, I do carry at home and in the shower. |
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samuelrp
Senior Member
USA
1881 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2012 : 12:06:06
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| If you legally can, why would you not ? |
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Tango 1
Plain Boring
USA
5717 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2012 : 12:29:25
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| Pretty much covers it I do believe! |
 
Smith & Wesson Sigma
Model: SW40GVE Nato O/D
Caliber: .40S&W
Capacity: 14+1 Rounds
NRA Member
CCW Permit Holder
Defender of the Constitution
Citizen of the United States of America
 There is a Storm coming! 
When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When life gives you zombies, you work out your anger issues.
In God I trust!
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Rodeo_Mike
Average Member
756 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2012 : 14:54:49
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| like everyone else said all day every day except where prohibited by law. even when doing yard work, snakes, muskrats, and nutra's make good targets! |
 OVERKILL IS UNDER-RATED  |
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medic68
Master of Mojo
5102 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2012 : 15:50:17
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| Yes |
"Coimhead fearg fhear na foighde"
   
'It doesn't matter how big a ranch ya' own, or how many cows ya' brand,the size of your funeral is still gonna depend on the weather.' -- Harry Truman.
Sometimes there's justice, sometimes there's just us--- Anonymous
"In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." -- Mark Twain
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Spike19D
Starting Member
USA
23 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2012 : 17:10:02
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| i try carry as much as possible but seeing as im in the military and cant carry on post its hard to arry as much as i would like. but if im not planning on going on post i def carry |
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Jackson5
Junior Member
175 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2012 : 19:20:04
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Like you, I am new at it and I don't carry all the time everywhere, but I am getting closer and closer.
At this point I carry whenever I leave the house. What I carry and the method depends on what I wear (where I'm going) and how important concealment is. Like yankeejib, I stopped carrying mouseguns when I saw how ineffective they are.
If I have to go where carrying is illegal, I leave the gun in the car (one more reason not to use public transit). In this State having a weapon in the car in a parking lot is generally legal.
My usual carry when dressed to 'go out' is a .45 acp XDm Compact in a shoulder holster. It prints under most shirts but most people either don't notice or don't care. If concealment is paramount (family gatherings) I carry a sub-caliber that will break bones.
At home and around the neighborhood I usually have the XDm in a SmartCarry or in my hand/within reach.
I practice drawing (generally daily) with both the SmartCarry and shoulder holster, and from the recliner. Carrying it won't do any good if I can't put it into action quickly.
My advice (FWIW)is practice makes perfect. The aim is to carry everywhere it is legal, and the more you carry the easier it is.
Carrying a firearm is sort of like maintaining your health; it is a holistic thing and there is no one secret to making it work. It is a lifestyle change that affects all aspects of living. It can be difficult to make the adjustments, but the results are worth it.
My two cents... |
Jackson5
"By perseverance the snail reached the ark."
Charles Haddon Spurgeon |
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SierraTJ
Junior Member
USA
288 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2012 : 02:53:06
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| If it is mostly dry and legal then ABSOLUTELY. |
I'm married, have 5 kids, 3 Jeeps, and 7 guns and still wonder why I'm always broke.
CBST'd G23 w/ 165gr HST
CBST'd K-T P11 w/ 124gr HST
Sig P250 HD Ready to light my way
Best Quotes from my CCW instructor.
"If he was good enough to shoot once, he is good enough to shoot again"
"Make sure he is DRT, Dead Right There"
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firefighter203
Average Member
USA
528 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2012 : 11:28:38
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| All day, every day, everywhere it's legal. My answer to the " only when I need it " group is, if you know your going to need a gun you probably shouldn't go there, but, if you must go, screw concealing a pistol, bring a rifle. |
I'd rather be tried by twelve, than carried by six.
Ky. CCDW Instructor |
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badphydeaux
Average Member
USA
542 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2012 : 16:25:00
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I carry 24/7/365.25 IWB except when I'm prohibited by law. Then it stays in a lockbox in the vehicle (or in a check-in box at the Courthouse) and I retrieve it ASAP. My state (WA) lets you ignore "No Firearms" notices and makes it Trespassing if you get made, they ask you to leave and you don't leave. So it means that if I go to the movies, dinner, bowling, or bike riding with the family I'm armed. Generally I carry a 1911 of some flavor (either an EMP in 9mm or a Dan Wesson CCO in .45) and have, on occasion, been know to wear a M&P semi-auto.
The trick to carrying is to (wait for it)... carry all the time. It will become a part of you and you'll feel odd when you don't have it. Your nuclear family will get used to it being on your hip ( or under your arm) and it will become an extension of you. My daughters have learned that if they want to sit on Papa's "soft" side on the couch it's the right side (I'm a southpaw), that if they want to hold my hand the right hand is always available and they no matter where we are, expect to walk on my right side. It's just become a natural action for them and they're 5 & 8 yo. My wife knows that I will always have it on me and to than end she's become proficient in shooting the guns I carry should there ever be a need to. When friends want to eat out at a bar I give my regrets, when invited to the pool I'll wear shorts and just put my feet in, and I'll attend parent/teacher meetings at the kid's school only if it's something I *have* to attend.
That's just the way it is. It's not an issue I am willing to compromise over. |
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.40Lover
Starting Member
USA
46 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2012 : 00:37:23
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| +1 for firefighter203. If u know when your gonna need your pistol 1.)u obviuosly shouldnt be going there. and 2.)if yout gonna be a bear be a gizzly.lol dont bring a pistol bring a rifle.lol |
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kybandit
Starting Member
USA
37 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2012 : 19:55:17
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| If I'm wearing shoes, and in legal areas, I'm packing heat. |
Well-behaved women seldom make history... |
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RickC
Good American
USA
3291 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2012 : 06:14:40
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quote:
Originally posted by DaddyO16
The only places I don't carry are those where I would be in violation of the law or where I would be jeopardizing my employment.
Everything else is fair game, and yes, I do carry at home and in the shower.
Ditto on all that except for the shower part (that was an ugly visualization) mine hides in the stack of towels.
Though you have to admit DaddyO16 has the cleanest and best lubed gun on the forum. |
Rick
"I carry a gun, 'cause a Cop is to heavy"
-Anonymous- |
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DaddyO16
Advanced Member
USA
6006 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2012 : 06:26:49
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quote:
Originally posted by RickC
Ditto on all that except for the shower part (that was an ugly visualization) mine hides in the stack of towels.
Though you have to admit DaddyO16 has the cleanest and best lubed gun on the forum.
Mine does shower duty in a Wilderness Tactical Safepacker - fits perfectly between the towel rack and the tile. |
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MonkeyScribe
Junior Member
417 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2012 : 23:50:39
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| I carry everywhere I can have pockets (I just stay out of places in which legal carry is not allowed, schools, jails, mental institutions, etc.). I check my gun at the courthouse entrance. If I could carry in bed and shower without worrying about shooting my junk off, Id carry there too. I settle for the nightstand and toilet lid. |
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BurgerBoy
Starting Member
USA
41 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2012 : 12:12:08
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| I CC when I'm not at home. |
Vietnam Veteran
Bersa Thunder 9 Ultra Compact Pro.
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Captain Morgan
Starting Member
17 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2012 : 06:46:35
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| Well, I've been carrying everywhere, every day for a week. Today, I feel naked. I'm not allowed to carry when I work (government job). I work from home most days, but have to go in the field today and I'm not even allowed to have the gun in the car when I'm in the field. Definitely feels weird not taking it with me. Crappy, idiotic thing, is we're not allowed to have any weapons and can't even have pepper spray when we're working. So stupid. |
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.40Lover
Starting Member
USA
46 Posts |
Posted - 08/21/2012 : 03:06:10
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| I carry everywhere that I can conceal one. Im from new haven ct and ppl here r crazy. Id rather be protected everywhere I go then to be a sitting duck. |
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Ace1099
New Member
USA
52 Posts |
Posted - 09/04/2012 : 08:37:42
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I carry 24/7 unless I am asleep. When sleeping I am within arms reach of a loaded 12 ga. Mossberg Blackwater.
I am retired so I don't have to worry about some dumb ass employer getting on me about carrying on their property.
The only places that I do not carry are where it is illegal, and I am making an ever growing list of those places that I just plan to avoid altogether.
I have quit trading with businesses that post no firearm signs and will gradually weed them out so they are not a problem. At my bank I use the drive up until I find a bank that I can carry in and there are plenty of them out there. The post office is becoming less of an issue each day, once they phase themselves out of business it will no longer be a problem.
When visiting physicians I wear an empty holster, that has been seen once by my dermatologist and staff who all carry, they immediately gave permission for me to carry it in to their office. My PCP saw it and thanked me for leaving my piece in the car. An empty holster once visible will answer questions for you. People are mostly FOR or AGAINST firearms, not much middle ground, and each side seems pretty vocal about it.
Last but not least, I research the hell out of any candidate that wants my vote, if they lean away from gun rights even one iota they are history.
As far as a carry piece, I no longer carry a smaller piece to suit my attire, I rather dress around a real gun, and my choice is a 1911 in .45 ACP, on rare occasions where there might be a print problem I will carry an LC9, but 9mm is my very minimum. I used to carry a mouse gun until Nathan pointed out the error of my ways. I am not often wrong but I was BAD wrong about about mouse guns and no longer own one. It is a huge mistake to carry anything under 9mm, I now get it, thank you Nathan! |
Ace1099 |
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CallMaker
Starting Member
17 Posts |
Posted - 09/07/2012 : 17:32:45
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Always....any where it's legal. Holster, pocket or purse (yes, PURSE). I don't have a sexual identity problem so carrying a purse works well for me in a lot of settings. People just pass me off as a harmless old eccentric....which suits me just fine. At home something is always in reach and in the shower it's in the robe pocket.
Ed |
Physically Challenged Bowhunters of America
http://www.pcba-inc.org/ |
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Bias1
Starting Member
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - 09/18/2012 : 19:15:39
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| I don't leave my hand gun in my car if i know im going somewhere i cant take it with me, then i wont take it. I do agree that you never know when you're going to need it. You increase your chances of having it when you need it by always carrying it. You can always have it in a reachable place and hidden while at home. I made a few hidden places at home specifically for my guns, i have one in a different spot . Good threat. |
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CUDDZILLA
Starting Member
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2012 : 19:30:21
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I think an easier question to answer would be "where do you NOT carry?" I think most who are serious about their personal safety are going to be armed always.
Now if I could just find a "gun friendly" shampoo. |
Stay safe...be dangerous. |
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scrike83
Puts the cool in Coolhand
USA
3125 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2012 : 21:27:08
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quote:
Originally posted by BurgerBoy
I CC when I'm not at home.
+1 |
Molôn Labe!!!
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
~Edmund Burke~
Support Our Troops, Until They All Come Home... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-L2vpiwvPYI
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Do you carry ALL the time?
