OldMarksman
Staff
I got my CCW endorsement in Missouri last year after an eight hour training course preceded by fifty two years of gun ownership. I was fortunate to find TFL and THR shortly after that.
A number of themes keep recurring--when can I point a gun, what do I do when something goes bump in the night, what if someone..... I thought it might be worth while to jot down some thoughts for people who have not been logging in here. I'm not sure it will necessarily help anyone very much, but if it helps one person stay safe and prosperous, it will have been worth the trouble.
I invite comments from others. Also, understand that this is not legal advice.
Some "rules to remember":
Some of these are very obvious. Some may not be obvious to everyone. I hope they prove helpful.
I now carry all of the time unless it is not permitted. I've been lucky--I haven't had to use a gun for years, and when the need has arisen I haven't had to fire.
There are a number of frequent posters who can improve this. I invite comment.
A number of themes keep recurring--when can I point a gun, what do I do when something goes bump in the night, what if someone..... I thought it might be worth while to jot down some thoughts for people who have not been logging in here. I'm not sure it will necessarily help anyone very much, but if it helps one person stay safe and prosperous, it will have been worth the trouble.
I invite comments from others. Also, understand that this is not legal advice.
Some "rules to remember":
- Know and understand your state and local laws and those of any jurisdictions in which you will be carrying a gun. In general, the laws permit the use of deadly force only when it is immediately necessary to counter an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm.
- Always remember that using--even showing--a gun entails significant criminal and civil liability.
- Do not fall into the trap of believing, even subconsciously, that the granting of a gun permit confers police powers.
- Consider your gun to be a last resort.
- Realize that in general, laws governing the use of deadly force apply on your own property as well as elsewhere.
- Always do your utmost to avoid getting into any kind of confrontation.
- Know how to use your firearm safely and effectively. Practice. Avail yourself of all of the training you can afford.
- Stay out of harm's way to the extent possible; do not venture from a place of safety to investigate anything--do so only to ensure the safety of your family.
- Remember, when a threat ceases to be a threat, so does the justification to use deadly force--do not shoot at anyone who is fleeing or who for any other reason no longer constitutes an immediate threat.
- Understand that the aftermath of a shooting can be extremely stressful and costly, if not otherwise devastating, to you and your family. If you must shoot, however, know what to do and whom to call afterwards.
- Forget everything you've seen on television about drawing and pointing guns, "clearing" a house, apprehending people, etc.--life is not like television.
- Don't be without your gun when you need it--and on the flip side, if there is some place you might not want to go without it, don't go there unless you have to.
- Stay alert and observant wherever you are.
Some of these are very obvious. Some may not be obvious to everyone. I hope they prove helpful.
I now carry all of the time unless it is not permitted. I've been lucky--I haven't had to use a gun for years, and when the need has arisen I haven't had to fire.
There are a number of frequent posters who can improve this. I invite comment.
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