Gunslinger:
I've had my CCW for about 6 years and one thing I always wish I had been given was a one or two page document that spelled out where I can and can't carry (Personally I feel I should be able to carry anywhere I wish, but that is another story.)
Anyway, what I'm getting at is..... I had to look long and hard to find this information. When the issue passes and classes are given have some good handouts for the people taking the classes. A handout that has your local and state laws would be great. This will mean as much to them as getting the CCW.
I finally came across something on the web that I feel is good advice for anyone who has a CCW. I found it at.........
http://www.firearmstactical.com
Hope you don't mind me sharing it in this topic.
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Five Rules for Concealed Carry
1. Your concealed handgun is for protection of life only.
Draw it solely in preparation to protect yourself or an innocent third party from the wrongful and life-threatening criminal actions of another.
2. Know exactly when you can use your gun.
A criminal adversary must have, or reasonably appear to have:
A) the ability to inflict serious bodily injury (he is armed or reasonably appears to be armed with a deadly weapon),
B) the opportunity to inflict serious bodily harm (he is physically positioned to harm you with his weapon), and
C) his intent (hostile actions or words) indicates that he means to place you in jeopardy -- to do you serious or fatal physical harm.
When all three of these "attack potential" elements are in place simultaneously, then you are facing a reasonably perceived deadly threat that justifies an emergency deadly force response.
3. If you can run away -- RUN!
Just because you’re armed doesn’t necessarily mean you must confront a bad guy at gunpoint. Develop your "situation awareness" skills so you can be alert to detect and avoid trouble altogether. Keep in mind that if you successfully evade a potential confrontation, the single negative consequence involved might be your bruised ego, which should heal with mature rationalization. But if you force a confrontation you risk the possibility of you or a family member being killed or suffering lifelong crippling/disfiguring physical injury, criminal liability and/or financial ruin from civil lawsuit. Flee if you can, fight only as a last resort.
4. Display your gun, go to jail.
Expect to be arrested by police at gunpoint, and be charged with a crime anytime your concealed gun is seen by another citizen in public, regardless of how unintentional or innocent or justified the situation might seem. Choose a method of carry that reliably keeps your gun hidden from public view at all times. Before you expose your gun in public, ask yourself: "Is this worth going to jail for?" The only time this question should warrant a "yes" response is when an adversary has at least, both ability and intent, and is actively seeking the opportunity to do you great harm.
5. Don't let your emotions get the best of you.
If, despite your best efforts to the contrary, you do get into some kind of heated dispute with another person while you’re armed, never mention, imply or exhibit your gun for the purpose of intimidation or one-upmanship. You’ll simply make a bad situation worse -- for yourself (see rule #4).
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Food for thought,
Jon...
[This message has been edited by DrJon (edited 01-12-99).]
[This message has been edited by DrJon (edited 01-12-99).]