Packing Heat...who does it?

[Connie]

Look, if this were posted in say the Sportsman part of this forum, I wouldn't even have opened this thread, and you wouldn't be getting the opinion of someone whose opinion I know most of you don't want on this subject.

The number one question right after "what was your favorite thing" when I tell people we went through Africa is "did you carry a gun".

No way! If I had concealed it well enough to hide it at border crossings then I wouldn't have been able to get to it if I needed it. (Not to mention what would have happened to me if it had been found at a border crossing)

I do not camp where I do not feel safe. I figure, if I didn't need it in the Congo I sure don't need it here.

Never have, never will. I've traveled in a lot of places from backcountry Alaska to war torn third world countries rife with crime. I have never even remotely felt a gun was necessary. In fact, I'd wager to bet my few sketchy situations would have been rapidly worsened with the presence of a weapon. Good smarts and savvy traveling trumps fire power any day.

x2

 

[calamaridog]

Just a question to the folks that have said "yes":

Why would you publicly advertise, on an open forum, that you carry?

Good point.

 

[Maximus Ram]

Only for Zombieseepwall:ROFSheriffHL:

 

[Zatara]

Yes, yes I do. :victory::ar15:

It's just another tool in the box.
Besides, it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

 

[ujoint]

Interesting thread.

 

[Fergie]

So the boogymen can have a heads up.

A better question would be "why would you be afraid to?". I'm not afraid to exercise any of my rights as a citizen. Nor am I afraid to tell others about exercising them.
It's really too bad that carrying a gun, and guns in general, have been vilified in the past 30 years or so. Seeing as how it's the person who wields the weapon who is ultimately responsible. And most people who legally carry are ultimately more responsible than the average person.


With that said, and to go along with the tenor of the site lately-

This thread has NOTHING to do with adventure travel!

If I were a moderator, I'd axe it a heartbeat!

If the boogeyman knows, you've lost the element of surprise.

Excercising our rights is different than brazenly advertising that you carry. I'm not afraid to discuss my thoughts on our Constitutional Rights, and take the chances I get to let people know that guns are plenty safe, that armed citizens are better than any police force, and that any object, incorrectly used could be deadly.

For folks that carry openly, I'm less concerned about you...you already painted yourself with a large target.

For the folks that talk about how they carry concealed, you've missed the entire point of a concealed weapon.

 

[jammyauto]

Guns in the closet, kids in the house. You need a safe.

They've got trigger locks and we have'nt had any ammo in house in 12 years either. I could'nt even use them to defend myself against an intruder. I've got 2 100+ lb German shepards for that.

 

[jham]

I have my permit, but I havent found a good deal on a gun yet, so I'm not carrying yet.

 

[Colorado David]

They've got trigger locks and we have'nt had any ammo in house in 12 years either. I could'nt even use them to defend myself against an intruder. I've got 2 100+ lb German shepards for that.

Good for you. Trigger locks are good. The ammo can always come from some other kid's house. I think it's a good idea to demystify guns. When kids are old enough to physically and safely hold the weight of a gun, they should be taken to a range and taught the essential elements of gun safety. You can do this yourself if you're able or enroll your kids in a gun safety program. The mystery is the seductive part. Kids like to look around the house and can be drawn to things they don't understand. I think it's better to have thorough training. Serious understanding of safe gun handling can go a long way to prevent gun accidents whether you have guns in your own home or not. If a kid comes upon a gun out somewhere, they should know what to do and what not to do rather than be drawn to it out of curiosity. I'm not calling you to task. I'm just making a general appeal. Back to the topic.

 

[kcowyo]

Interesting thread.

Yeah, for the what? The third or fourth time?

.

 

[Jeep]

When camping and hiking in bear or cat country, 12 gauge, 3"magnum 00 and staggered slugs, it's not concealed, magazine is full but no chambered rounds, I can do that in a hurry! I've had 5 up front and personal bear encounters, playing dead is not an option, I have never killed a bear while hiking but have held the upper hand more than once. There is a joke that goes like this: How do you tell the difference between black bear poop and grizzly poop? Black bear poop has little berry fragments in it and grizzly poop smells like pepper and has bells in it. It's not a joke when it hits the news 3-4 times a year.

On another note there was a crack pot that attacked a German camper with an axe at a campsite near Calgary, the German disarmed the man and killed him. The German was a Judo black belt. This was about 3 years ago. Ya just never know.

 

[CoastalDefender]

If the boogeyman knows, you've lost the element of surprise.

Excercising our rights is different than brazenly advertising that you carry. I'm not afraid to discuss my thoughts on our Constitutional Rights, and take the chances I get to let people know that guns are plenty safe, that armed citizens are better than any police force, and that any object, incorrectly used could be deadly.

For folks that carry openly, I'm less concerned about you...you already painted yourself with a large target.

For the folks that talk about how they carry concealed, you've missed the entire point of a concealed weapon.

So you're basing the whole idea that someone on the internet *might* find out you carry concealed, and somehow in a random robbery that *might* be used in the favor of someone who is intent on something bad? Okee dokey pinokie.

And yes, carrying openly is stupid as hell unless you're a cowboy or cop.

So why would someone on the internet openly discuss it? For conversation. And the likelihood of his discussion of his practice being used against him? Low. Extremely low. In fact, I challenge anyone to give me a scenario where someone who talks about it on the internet would be in any danger out in the real world of carrying concealed.

If you're so "worried" about people who carry concealed, then maybe that's a trust issue you have with your fellow countryman. I won't judge as to whether or not that's a valid worry, that's for each person to decide. I for one not only treat everyone as if they are carrying, I expect and encourage each person to carry concealed.

Maybe I should run around telling everyone I am defenseless instead of carrying? (I don't advertise either.) Maybe that would keep the baddies away?

And since you're a Californian, maybe you could even explain to me how someone in your state could even legally carry without being a police officer or an actor/politician, since those are the only people who are allowed Permits.

 

[CoastalDefender]

They've got trigger locks and we have'nt had any ammo in house in 12 years either. I could'nt even use them to defend myself against an intruder. I've got 2 100+ lb German shepards for that.

Wish I could afford Level IIIA armor for my dog.

 

[BriansFJ]

Do I carry? Yes. Why? I'm a cop, and this is my take: When you're out of cell phone range, there is no 911. It's up to you to take care of yourself and your family. I personally have been simply family camping in the national forest when a couple of drunk yayhoos came 4-wheeling in their redneck rig. They decided to wear out their welcome at my campsite. My carry went from concealed to open - never left the holster on my belt - and they left without any trouble. Also, once was out with some friends and one became separated and disoriented. We had FRS radios and were communicating, but due to wind and hills he couldn't hear us yell for him. A couple of shots into a safe backstop gave him a clear noise to home in on and he "un-lost" himself.

In short, it's another tool in the toolbox. Just like a hammer or screwdriver, it can hurt you if you don't use it right. But it's a huge help when you need that specific tool. Try putting a nail in a board without a hammer.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

The best quote I can find for now (I'm not going to spend all night looking up the perfect quote).

It is legal to open carry in your campsite in California, as it is considered your temp. residence. I think they have wanted to expand this to our Fed. Parks, has this happened yet?

To me....open carry would tend to keep the insane, a little more sane.:elkgrin:


http://crime.about.com/od/gunlawsbystate/p/gunlaws_ca.htm

Carrying And Transportation In Vehicles:

It is unlawful to carry a loaded rifle, shotgun, or handgun in any public place or on any public street in an incorporated area or an area where firing a firearm is prohibited.

Exceptions include:

Persons shooting on target ranges, or while hunting on the premises of a shooting club.

A person who reasonably believes that he or his property is in immediate danger and the weapon must be carried for "preservation."

A person "engaged in the act of making or attempting lawful arrest."

A person carrying a firearm while at home or at his place of business, including temporary residences and campsites.



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