As I am new to this site and have never carried in my life (66 years now) I would like to ask 2 questions. First, when you carry does that mean the weapon is fully concealed or do you carry "open" as on the hip? Second, and this should elicit many interesting reasons.....why do you carry? I know question #2 is obvious to many but after all my years on planet earth I have never had a need or encountered a situation where I needed to carry.
For Those Who Carry??
- Thread starter Sigowner
- Start date
Is your state open carry? because if it is, printing shouldnt be a problem in most states*(take note some states allow OC and printing illegal I believe)*
I get that all the time from people, WHY YOU NEED A GUN? YOU LIVED Xyears YEARS WITHOUT A GUN WHY NOW?
Well I lived Xyears with a seatbelt on and its saved me those times. Why not carry?
I don't care if I print, the only thing that does print on me is my magazine pouch because it sticks out on my back, I usually put it in my cargo short pocket. The problem is running my pants swing..... lol, I need to order two single ammo pouches for the back.
Make sure you have a backup gun. Something small is best, like a revolver in the ankle or pocket. Or a Beretta 25 acp/22lr small gun/lcp
I get that all the time from people, WHY YOU NEED A GUN? YOU LIVED Xyears YEARS WITHOUT A GUN WHY NOW?
Well I lived Xyears with a seatbelt on and its saved me those times. Why not carry?
I don't care if I print, the only thing that does print on me is my magazine pouch because it sticks out on my back, I usually put it in my cargo short pocket. The problem is running my pants swing..... lol, I need to order two single ammo pouches for the back.
Make sure you have a backup gun. Something small is best, like a revolver in the ankle or pocket. Or a Beretta 25 acp/22lr small gun/lcp
Magnum Wheel Man
New member
funny... I'm taking a "Citizens Acadamy" at the local police dept. right now... last week, we were talking about use of force, shooting, & the SWAT team... I happen to be the only licenced carrier in the class, so I've had to answer alot of questions from the other students...
1st... I do carry conceiled, even though in MN it's a "permit to carry" I like the idea ( others will likely say the same thing ) to have the element of suprise, not have someone trying to go for my gun, or put up with uneducated public "reporting a man with a gun at so & so"... so I carry conceiled, but am glad I don't legally have to wory about printing, or my shirt riding up...
the main reason I got the permit... it's my right... 2nd reason... I wanted the ability to have a loaded gun on my person, or in my truck, to be able to shoot skunks & other varmints I might see on my long driveway, or the road just off my property when I'm heading to work, or coming home...
1st... I do carry conceiled, even though in MN it's a "permit to carry" I like the idea ( others will likely say the same thing ) to have the element of suprise, not have someone trying to go for my gun, or put up with uneducated public "reporting a man with a gun at so & so"... so I carry conceiled, but am glad I don't legally have to wory about printing, or my shirt riding up...
the main reason I got the permit... it's my right... 2nd reason... I wanted the ability to have a loaded gun on my person, or in my truck, to be able to shoot skunks & other varmints I might see on my long driveway, or the road just off my property when I'm heading to work, or coming home...
Brian Pfleuger
Moderator Emeritus
I live in Florida, so open carry is not an option. Even if it were, I would conceal in most situations for reasons of tactics that are frequently discussed on these boards, and to decrease the hassle of dealing with those who are uninformed and hostile to gun issues.
Why carry at all? A small but real number of people are killed every day by people who value the things the victims have more than the lives of the victims. You may say the number is insignificant, but if the victim is someone you care about, it is significant. I owe it to my family to preserve my own life and theirs, to come home to my wife every night, and to be there when my daughters have children that need my love and my accumulated wisdom. Being able to defend myself and them is an obligation.
Why carry at all? A small but real number of people are killed every day by people who value the things the victims have more than the lives of the victims. You may say the number is insignificant, but if the victim is someone you care about, it is significant. I owe it to my family to preserve my own life and theirs, to come home to my wife every night, and to be there when my daughters have children that need my love and my accumulated wisdom. Being able to defend myself and them is an obligation.
Crow Hunter
New member
I carry concealed unless I am on the farm.
I carry for the same reason I have insurance on my house and cars and why I wear a seatbelt.
I also carry a gun because a cop won't fit in my pocket.
I carry for the same reason I have insurance on my house and cars and why I wear a seatbelt.
I also carry a gun because a cop won't fit in my pocket.
TheNocturnus
New member
I carry concealed because I think open carry, unless a LEO, is a bad idea.
I've survived 3 robberies at gun point and I figure my luck is going to run out. I needed to be prepared to fight back so I got a pistol and a CCW permit.
I am tired of being a victim of crime.
I've survived 3 robberies at gun point and I figure my luck is going to run out. I needed to be prepared to fight back so I got a pistol and a CCW permit.
I am tired of being a victim of crime.
While Indiana is an open carry state, the practice is not common and I carry concealed because I prefer to draw as little attention to myself as possible.
I carry because I have been in a few situation where I though I may need to defend myself. While I thankfully never had to use force, the feeling of knowing that someone else likely intends to harm you and having nothing but your bare hands and wits with which to defend yourself is a very sickening one which I have no intention of ever experiencing again.
I carry because I have been in a few situation where I though I may need to defend myself. While I thankfully never had to use force, the feeling of knowing that someone else likely intends to harm you and having nothing but your bare hands and wits with which to defend yourself is a very sickening one which I have no intention of ever experiencing again.
irish52084
New member
I carry both open and concealed, depending on the activity I'm going to be engaged in. My state, Washington, has legal concealed and open carry.
As far as why I carry, it's just like almost everyone else: To protect myself and my family. I was raised around guns and hunting, I always viewed guns as tools and treat them as such. I have other self defense tools, hand to hand combat, bladed combat training etc... But, those things are very difficult to employ against multiple attackers or if I'm carrying my son. The gun is a great equalizer and is just another tool in my defensive tool box.
As far as why I carry, it's just like almost everyone else: To protect myself and my family. I was raised around guns and hunting, I always viewed guns as tools and treat them as such. I have other self defense tools, hand to hand combat, bladed combat training etc... But, those things are very difficult to employ against multiple attackers or if I'm carrying my son. The gun is a great equalizer and is just another tool in my defensive tool box.
I carry primarily because it's a right that's not used enough and a right that is not used is far more likely to be infringed. I believe familiarity and proficiency with firearms is a responsibility we have as Americans, similar to voting. Carrying a gun each day is a way to further that goal. The secondary reason for carrying is safety for myself and those with me.
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I both open and concealed carry. Or more truthfully, indifferently concealed. Open carry is legal here. I don't give two hoots who knows I carry.
I've never felt the "need" to carry either. I've never even come close to thinking "Man, I wish I had a gun." To be honest, I carry just because I like guns and like having one on me. Who knows. I MIGHT need it one day.
I got a CHP after my wife, a Chicago girl, found out she could get one. She said something along the lines of what Bearcreek just said..."A lot of people worked hard to get this law passed. If we (the people) don't take advantage of it, they will just say 'Nobody wanted this law...let's repeal it.' "
I've never felt the "need" to carry either. I've never even come close to thinking "Man, I wish I had a gun." To be honest, I carry just because I like guns and like having one on me. Who knows. I MIGHT need it one day.
I got a CHP after my wife, a Chicago girl, found out she could get one. She said something along the lines of what Bearcreek just said..."A lot of people worked hard to get this law passed. If we (the people) don't take advantage of it, they will just say 'Nobody wanted this law...let's repeal it.' "
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Microgunner
New member
I open carry at work (pawn broker) and concealed carry everywhere else that I'm allowed to carry.
Dragline45
New member
I carry IWB (in the waistband), fully concealed. The reason I carry is because people out there are crazy these days, and I would rather be able to protect myself from these nuts than fall victim to them. Some folks find it crazy that people carry around guns for protection, but is it really so crazy that I, a law abiding citizen with no criminal record, who passed the FBI background check and took 8 hours of firearm safety training, chooses to carry a firearm to protect myself from criminals? If the world was really such a safe place, then why do police officers carry guns of their own? The same police officers who can take 15+ minutes to get to you when you are in trouble, god bless them and the work they do but they can not always be there when you need them. If you are a law abiding tax paying citizen I see no reason not to carry a gun to protect yourself.
I will echo what many have said. I'm not allowed to carry open or concealed in Illinois, but if I were in public it would always be concealed. I would only carry openly if I were at home, incidentally, I never carry a gun on me when lousing around the house. I have guns stashed in every corner of my bedroom so it's not going to be an issue should I need it. If Illinois opened up CCW permits, I would apply in a heartbeat. For those of you that have the option of CCW in your home state, do us Illinoisans a favor and get it for you and your family. I know that a lot of my fellow Chicagoans could give a hoot what the laws on the books say, but we pine for the day when we will have the same freedoms as our fellow countrymen.
Keep calm and carry one.
Keep calm and carry one.
I carry for - like a lot of other people have already said - basically the same reason I wear a seat belt. If i felt that I really "needed" a gun in my day to day life I'd move, but I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
I carry concealed mainly because IMHO it looks pretty silly to walk around town with your gun hanging out. Also, if I ever do need it, I'd like to maintain the illusion I'm going for my wallet as long as possible.
I carry concealed mainly because IMHO it looks pretty silly to walk around town with your gun hanging out. Also, if I ever do need it, I'd like to maintain the illusion I'm going for my wallet as long as possible.
No open carry allowed in my Metro Area (consider yourself lucky). Firstly, I choose to carry so as not to be maimed or killed which I hear can happen if one is found vulnerable
. Suffice it to say I live in what is often referred to as the "Murder Capitol" of the U.S. (which I guess anymore doesn't really narrow that down). Secondly, I also carry to support the United States Constitution which in this day and age needs all the help it can get 
--It is my sincere belief that if we ever 'let up' in our fight to uphold and protect the Second Amendment, it will lead to the beginning of the end of this great Nation as we know it.-Cheers
What carrying means to those with a permit to carry:
Having a concealed weapon on board when they go out in public, like to a shopping mall or a ball game or a concert or an art exhibition means that they are going out among potential enemies- people who, if they knew we had a gun, would be suspicious and afraid and wonder what we were up to, who we can't depend on to react sympathetically if we somehow slip and reveal we are carrying. Being patted down and ID'd by a police officer sort of ruins the evening a bit especially if the officer does it in the manner that's prudent for them when dealing with the presence of a concealed weapon. That's the majority of the people most of us are among. In some areas there may be more illegal guns than legal ones being carried. We try not to go to such places.
We are also carrying the key to a total demolishment of our future and that of those we are responsible for if we make one mistake involving the gun, or misjudge a situation even a little and over react. And if it becomes necessary to actually use it, and we miss our aim or lose control of the gun in a struggle and someone inadvertently gets shot, things for us have, in one jump, become totally life-altering and maybe life-ending for us and/or others.
If we become the victim of a mugging we couldn't stop we might be responsible for yet another illegal gun on the street.
Even if nothing happens, having a firearm in possession means we have to keep that foremost in our mind as we go about what we are doing; we have to be much more circumspect and less intolerant of small annoyances from others, because a small squabble about a parking spot or spilled coffee or whatever potentially could lead to an escalation that turns into a disaster if the gun gets involved even by accident.
This is called "worst casing" the situation, and having a concealed weapon provides a mountain of opportunities to find reasonably possible bad outcomes. Doing this analysis when deciding what to do or not do in any situation determines the risks involved, and if the risks are worth it, then we do it; if not, we don't. There are situations and circumstances wherein we can reasonably predict what we might encounter and adding up all the factors involved comes to carrying. But not very often.
Most of us have to live by what is called reluctant participation which means we cannot be the one to escalate any situation nor can we come to the aid of another unless there is an eminent threat of great bodily harm or death.
We also carry a LOT of responsibility for the right to protect ones self and our loved ones.
To answer the nothing has happened to me so far question - I have life insurance, property insurance, auto insurance etc etc that I have not had to use either but that doesn't stop me from being prepared.
Having a concealed weapon on board when they go out in public, like to a shopping mall or a ball game or a concert or an art exhibition means that they are going out among potential enemies- people who, if they knew we had a gun, would be suspicious and afraid and wonder what we were up to, who we can't depend on to react sympathetically if we somehow slip and reveal we are carrying. Being patted down and ID'd by a police officer sort of ruins the evening a bit especially if the officer does it in the manner that's prudent for them when dealing with the presence of a concealed weapon. That's the majority of the people most of us are among. In some areas there may be more illegal guns than legal ones being carried. We try not to go to such places.
We are also carrying the key to a total demolishment of our future and that of those we are responsible for if we make one mistake involving the gun, or misjudge a situation even a little and over react. And if it becomes necessary to actually use it, and we miss our aim or lose control of the gun in a struggle and someone inadvertently gets shot, things for us have, in one jump, become totally life-altering and maybe life-ending for us and/or others.
If we become the victim of a mugging we couldn't stop we might be responsible for yet another illegal gun on the street.
Even if nothing happens, having a firearm in possession means we have to keep that foremost in our mind as we go about what we are doing; we have to be much more circumspect and less intolerant of small annoyances from others, because a small squabble about a parking spot or spilled coffee or whatever potentially could lead to an escalation that turns into a disaster if the gun gets involved even by accident.
This is called "worst casing" the situation, and having a concealed weapon provides a mountain of opportunities to find reasonably possible bad outcomes. Doing this analysis when deciding what to do or not do in any situation determines the risks involved, and if the risks are worth it, then we do it; if not, we don't. There are situations and circumstances wherein we can reasonably predict what we might encounter and adding up all the factors involved comes to carrying. But not very often.
Most of us have to live by what is called reluctant participation which means we cannot be the one to escalate any situation nor can we come to the aid of another unless there is an eminent threat of great bodily harm or death.
We also carry a LOT of responsibility for the right to protect ones self and our loved ones.
To answer the nothing has happened to me so far question - I have life insurance, property insurance, auto insurance etc etc that I have not had to use either but that doesn't stop me from being prepared.
I've open carried since I was about 12 years old, I live in the country and never gave it much thought as I walked or rode my bike then motorcycles.
I CC now because I can, the law passed in 04 and I waited until they cleaned up a few Issues before I got my CCW. I'm only sorry it didn't happen sooner.
I CC now because I can, the law passed in 04 and I waited until they cleaned up a few Issues before I got my CCW. I'm only sorry it didn't happen sooner.