The Absolute Best Reason for CCW

[TurkeyHunter4ever]

I have been giving considerable thought to the question "Why do I CCW?" There are all the popular reasons - to keep from being mugged; to save damsels in distress; to be a "hero"; obviously, personal defense; etc. However, the absolute best reason, in my mind, is....

The chance of encountering an intruder when I arrive at the old homestead. The danger no longer exists only late at night. Burglary and home invasions are now happening anytime during the daylight hours as well. So... what do you do when you enter your home and are met by a bad guy?

One thought is, "I have guns hidden all through the house!" Great! But...what if...the BG stands between you and your "hidden" guns? Or...what if...the BG has already pocketed your firearms?

If you come home with your CCW on your person, you are definitely ready for any possible deadly encounter. A big plus, also, is if you are alert to your surroundings...no matter where you are. Noticing even the smallest item out of place on your doorstep; a curtain slightly out of place; or, obviously, a door ajar. (Humorous thought - when is a door not a door? When it's...ajar!)

Or, perhaps your "radar" just kicks in and you feel that something ain't right. You are now mentally prepared. And, with your sidearm where it should be - on your side - you are physically prepared for even the slightest possibility of danger in your home.

[peetzakilla]

I agree with your reasoning in a general sense, except that I'd have to say that you're still one step ahead of the most basic reason..... not that the unexpected could happen at your home but that the unexpected could happen WHENEVER and WHEREVER. Coming home to an intruder is one example of a whenever/wherever but the foundation is "You never know."


You could come home to an intruder..... you could walk around a corner to an aggressor... you could be buying a coffee and the server's ex starts shooting up the bistro.... you never know.

So, you're right. You carry because you might...

[KLRANGL]

The Absolute Best Reason for CCW
Well best is sort of subjective isn't it? There are many good reasons to carry, including what you mentioned in the OP, but every individual being different, they might have different ideas of what the best reason is. For example, I don't beleive your OP is the best reason to CCW, but that is just me.
The best universal "best reason" you are going to get might be a societally perceived best, but thats it...

[Deaf Smith]

Best reason?

Cause a gun and a smile will get you more than just a smile. You see, the word "NO" means so much more when you have a gun in your hand than when you don't have it.

[Hkmp5sd]

that CCW gives you an option other than being a victim.

[GLK]

For me the reason is very simple, some people are sheep some people are sheep dogs and sadly some people are wolves. I am a sheep dog.

[kayakersteve]

Let's talk Guns! - Why I carry a gun

I am often asked why I choose to carry or own guns, specifically handguns. My response always varies, but a common theme is present. I have shot long guns or hunted since I was old enough to. Most of my influence to enter this sport came from friends I have made along the way. My father was a career Army Officer, but was not really into guns. He let me and my brother each buy a Crossman pump BB gun as adolescents and would often take us out shooting on the range in Oklahoma at Fort Sill where we were stationed. I guess this is where my first real gun exposure began. I became quite a good shot and was known for being able to hit most targets I chose to aim at. I don’t recall any formal training at this point.

I was given my first shotgun by my now deceased Uncle Bill - It was a Winchester single-shot, break-action 12 gauge. It is now well worn and looks like a well used gun that has been passed down through the years should. Soon after receiving it, I took the mandated Hunter Safety Course at the Westfield Fish & Game Club and began hunting. It was a great tool to introduce me to heavier shooting and to bird, rabbit and squirrel hunting. I still own this shotgun and keep thinking I will restore it to its original beauty someday. After this exposure, I was given a Sears & Roebuck 12 gauge pump shotgun for Christmas by my Mom and Dad. I was now able to hunt big game, and have been addicted to deer hunting ever since.

A short time after this, I wanted to experience rifle accuracy and purchased a Weatherby 22-250. I added a Leupold 4-12x scope which opened up shooting to a whole new aspect – long range. I began shooting woodchucks and other varmits for grape farmers. They even offered to pay me for this service. At one point, I was even given a permit by the D.E.C to shoot beavers from a pond they were creating that was also flooding a grape vineyard.

As I grew older (at the ripe age of 21), I realized that I was eligible to apply for a concealed carry permit for handguns, so I did so in 1986. In NYS, this is a very detailed procedure. First, you have to take a handgun safety course and demonstrate you ability to safely handle and shoot a handgun. Then, a long application has to be filled out, notarized and submitted along with a set of fingerprints and a passport photo. In 3-6 months, if you are lucky, you will be notified of the Sheriff’s decision on your permit. Often people are interviewed at this stage to help assess their character. Once my permit arrived, I purchased a Ruger Blackhawk .357 and the fever for handguns began. At first I used handguns as another way to hunt game and varmits. I had to use better stalking abilities to get closer to the game, or I would not be able to make the shot.

During this time, I had graduated from Fredonia State with Bachelors in Biology and began my first real job as a pharmaceutical rep. This job entailed traveling large distances and staying overnight in various cuties. It was somewhere during these years that I began to appreciate the added security that having a handgun brought me. I took several courses on self defense and combat shooting and read several books about this subject. I began my official concealed carry (CCW) of handguns in these years based on a belief that being prepared would make my journey through life less risky. I owned a Walther PPK in .380 at this point and basically carried everywhere I could legally in an Alessi Holster that was always concealed.

After around 7 ½ years in the pharmaceutical field, I wanted a change. I bounced around several transitional jobs before making the decision to pursue a career in law enforcement. I entered the Mercy Hurst Police Academy and graduated with honors. I worked immediately out of the academy for an armored car service in Erie, PA before landing a job in corrections. I began working at the Chautauqua County Jail and got my formal introduction into society’s darkest members. I met people that just did not give a care about other people. They felt that snuffing someone’s life in the commission of a crime was, at times, a needed part of their jobs. I became very enlightened into this profile of people and came to realize that these people lived amongst me in Chautauqua County. They are not all from the bigger metropolitan areas where everyone else accepts that crimes are ‘normal’. This period of my life is where I met the perpetrators of crimes.

After 5 years of full time service in the corrections field, I made a wise decision for myself to get out of it and entered Daemon College in Amherst NY to pursue a degree as a Physician Assistant (PA). I have now practiced as a full time PA primarily in the emergency medicine field since graduating in 1998. This switch has allowed me to get to know both the criminals and the victims of their crimes. I have seen people that were mugged, beaten, raped, shot, and yes, even murdered. This period of my life is where I have gotten to meet the victims.

So what have I learned? Well, we all know that bad things happen to bad people in bad places. But, I also know that bad things happen to good people in good places. When I was caring for the victims in the ER’s, I heard a common theme: “I was minding my own business”. “I was just doing my job”. “I didn’t deserve this”. “I wish I had fought back or had a weapon”. And many, many more.

This, in summation, has cemented my belief to utilize my right to carry a concealed handgun for the protection of myself or of a loved one if need be. I feel I have the mental capacity to use a weapon, if needed, to defend my life. I have carried a concealed gun for the better part of 22 years now and have never had the need to draw it from the holster in my own defense. I have been in a few situations, however, where its presence in my holster was very comforting. I have since gotten my non-resident handgun permits in Pennsylvania, Florida, Maine and Connecticut. I am not trying to persuade anyone to make a choice to carry; this is a personal decision that one must make on their own. I consider it an insurance policy on my life. While it offers no guarantees, it is the right choice for me!

Thanks for reading,
SteveB

[Sixer]

The OP makes a good point... but it's hard to say that any reason is the BEST reason. This scenario is a good reason to have a gun, regardless of whether you open carry, concealed carry, or keep a gun in your vehicle. Of course some would argue that coming home to an ajar front door would warrant a call to the police and fleeing to "safety".

For me the best reason to CCW is because I can :)

[SundownRider]

I would think that the best reason to CCW is so you never are in a place where you wish you had.

[Nnobby45]

One thought is, "I have guns hidden all through the house!" Great! But...what if...the BG stands between you and your "hidden" guns? Or...what if...the BG has already pocketed your firearms?


Guns all over the house seems a little haphazard, doesn't it? The purpose of stashed guns is that they are strategically placed so someone wont't get between you and a weapon. Takes some planning and fore thought.



As mentioned, INSIDE your home isn't the only place you can be attacked. A recent Quip by Farnum correctly points out that driveways and parking lots are among the most dangerous of environments. Not just your VCR and stereo, anymore. They want your bank card and pin number these days, and might be waitin' to surprise you in your driveway or garage.

Of course door crashing, posing as LE, or other ruses when they ring the door bell are favorite methods, also.

[45Gunner]

The reason I CCW is because I can. Thank you 2nd Amendment right. To become a victim makes no sense.

And if the 2nd Amendment right were to go away....need I quote the words of the late Charleston Heston?

[orionengnr]

Burglary and home invasions are now happening anytime during the daylight hours as well. So... what do you do when you enter your home and are met by a bad guy?

Better yet, what do you do when you are relaxed, watching TV, and the door comes crashing down? I only walk in the door once per day (okay, maybe two or three times on weekends), and that takes about ten seconds. I am at home perhaps 15 hours a day, so the likelihood of that scenario is far greater.

As another member once said:
Carry 24/7 or guess right.

[comn-cents]

Because i can.

[kiov]

CCW also puts one at risk. Lawsuits, mistakes, temper or drinking issues with some. Be sure you have a good reason to carry, because you could be putting yourself at considerable risk by having your sidearm handy. Case in point, the guy in Az. who shot the crazy hiker w/ dogs and then got many years in prison. If he was not armed, he'd be free, and would not be broke.

I still carry when i feel the need, and have a weapon in the car. Even so, let's not forget there are risks to carrying as well as not carrying....so thinking about "why carry" is a very good question.

[dabigguns357]

I have the perfect reason for me to have and c/c

It's better to have a gun on your hip than one to your head.

[scorpion_tyr]

The Absolute Best Reason for CCW

Because having it and not needing it is a whole lot better than not having it and needing it.

Being in a situation where you really wish you had a gun on you, but you don't, is probably the least amount of fun I've ever had.

[Nnobby45]

CCW also puts one at risk. Lawsuits, mistakes, temper or drinking issues with some. Be sure you have a good reason to carry, because you could be putting yourself at considerable risk by having your sidearm handy.

You sound like a County Sheriff in a May Issue state who would require "special circumstances" before he'd issue a permit.

We already have good reasons to carry in the environment we live in.

Yes, there are risks that we should be aware of.

[Lost Sheep]

Well, since you asked.....
Let's talk Guns! - Why I carry a gun

I am often asked why I choose to carry or own guns....
(edited for brevity)
...this is a personal decision that one must make on their own. I consider it an insurance policy on my life. While it offers no guarantees, it is the right choice for me!

Thanks for reading,
SteveB
__________________
See Ya!
Kayakersteve,

Thanks for taking the time to write such a well constructed, well-reasoned essay. I spotted it earlier and skipped it because I was still making dinner, but I came back to it afterwards and am glad I did.

Kudos to you.

Lost Sheep.

[Jkinkade]

I carry for defensive purposes only,,,,,,I hope I never have to to draw the gun!! However when it comes to defending myself or family it will be instinctive if needed. I highly recomend anyone carrying practice,,,,practice and more practice with the gun they carry.

I shoot a lof of IDPA matches with guns that I don't carry,,,,,which helps with the instinctive part,,,but spend some time monthly using my carry gun on the range using the same drills. There is a big difference between a STI 2011 and a Kahr P9.

[P97]

I carry for the same reason I have Insurance and Storm Shelter. It is something I hope I never have to use, but if I need it, then I have it.

[Skans]

With regard to the original post, you do not need a CCW for the purpose of addressing what to do if you arrive at your home to find out that someone has broken in, and may still be inside. At least in Florida you don't.

All you need to do is keep a firearm, seperated from a loaded magazine, in you locked glove compartment. Turn off the ignition, unlock the glove box, insert magazine and go check out your house. No CCW necessary - you are permitted to transport a firearm in this manner without a CCW.

[Mello2u]

I carry to enable me to keep my options open; as I say in my signature line.

[pax]

Case in point, the guy in Az. who shot the crazy hiker w/ dogs and then got many years in prison. If he was not armed, he'd be free, and would not be broke.

Actually, if the man had not been armed, he'd be dead (or crippled for life) rather than simply broke. That's why he's free today.

pax

[kiov]

I wonder what he would say if you asked him if he'd rather he'd not been armed that day. He may disagree with you. Maybe not, but its not crystal clear.

My take is that if you are a responsible person, train and take precautions, then carrying is a sensible option, specially if you live in a dangerous area.

I'm an NRA life member and support citizens right to bear arms.

[TailGator]

Thank you, Pax.

My impetus to start regular concealed carry was an event similar to the OP's scenario. I arrived at my office to find that it had been burglarized, and the "what if's" that followed included the thought that I could have been called to my office for an emergency and been unexpectedly in a bad situation. Because of this, my wife has been extremely supportive of CCW :D. Unfortunately, she feels that owning one handgun at a time is sufficient.:(

[OldMarksman]

I still carry when i feel the need

Perhaps you can share how one might "feel the need"...or does that require special powers?

I carry whenever I can. But if there is somewhere I wouldn't feel reasonably safe without a gun, I won't go unless I have to.

[qwik]

Why carry you ask ; and i ask why not carry ? Lived on farm . guns a plus, lived in city, moved to country yes still thought guns was big plus yea,yea, lol :)

[kiov]

I used to carry a lot when i first got my permit. Now I just carry when I go out to play cards in the evening when I know I will be walking home late night.

This is my comfort level, and I'm not trying to criticize those who carry more often, or all the time.

I work at an inner city public school and by law I can't carry there. If I could carry at work, I would.

I think everyone makes a personal decision based on their own conditions.

[riggins_83]

My gun is like a spare tire. I could go years without needing it then suddenly in a dark alley all the years of having it become worth it...

[Double Naught Spy]

The chance of encountering an intruder when I arrive at the old homestead. The danger no longer exists only late at night. Burglary and home invasions are now happening anytime during the daylight hours as well.

They always have happened anytime, day or night.

As for the absolute best reason for CCW, I find it ironic that you discounted personal defense, but determined it was being for protecting yourself against a home invader when you got home. Doesn't that still revert back to the LCD of personal defense? I believe it does.

My gun is like a spare tire.

Mine too! It is flat and when I try to roll it, it goes clop clop clop. :D

[Nnobby45]

I wonder what he would say if you asked him if he'd rather he'd not been armed that day. He may disagree with you. Maybe not, but its not crystal clear.


The man was attacked by a vicious dog, and then by the dog's vicious owner. The man went to prison because he hired an incompetent lawyer who made no attempt to debunk the prosecutions contention that his "powerful 10mm" and hollow point ammo showed the defendent's violent nature. Jurors admitted to being swayed by the HP argument, that could easily have been countered by pointing out that nearly all LE agencies carry HP ammo, and pointing out the reasons they carry it.

Perhaps we should ask him if he'd rather trade being incarcerated before being released by a higher court, or would have preferred a mauling by the dog, at least a certain trip to the hospital, and possible trip to the morgue.

Saw a proram about a pit bull attack on the NGO channel just last weekend, and the pitbull's teeth completely penetrated the skull and damaged the brain of the victim.

Sorry to get away, somewhat, from Kayaker Steve's well articulated post.

[goose13]

I carry for the same reason most people do, because when it comes to self defense you just never know. I believe it was on here that I saw someone use the argument "You don't know when your going to get in a car accident do you? But you still wear your seatbelt." well this can be looked at in the same light, you never know when a violent encounter may come your way, no matter how careful you are, how much you train, how prepared you think you are, how aware.

You could be the most highly trained in self defense, and walk around everyday alert and aware of your surroundings, but who knows what may come your way. Its sad in this day and age some of the crimes you see on the news, it makes you wonder what has this world come to. There is no such thing as a "good area" anymore, things can happen anytime anywhere, it's all about the wrong place at the wrong time. Yes living in one of these so called "nice area's" can greatly reduce the chance of something happening. But even with all the training, all the planning, all the preperation in the world all you are doing is reducing the probability something will happen. Unless you choose to live in a padded room for the rest of your life with no human contact, there is no way you can totally prevent a violent encounter.

I was talking to my mother the other day about firearms, and she was asking about the whole carry permit. Every word that came out of her mouth was good area this, good area that. Now don't get me wrong we live in a suburban city a couple of miles outside detroit, and while it is a decent area and neighborhood there are still problems. When she kept bringing up the "nice area" argument, I brought up to her the fact that I had been watching the news the other day and in one hour of coverage they reported a car jacking at gun point in broad daylight, and a shooting in an appartment complex, both in my city, both within a few miles. Then there was an armed robbery, and another shooting another city away. It can happen anytime, anywhere, shoot even my parents house was broken in to about 4 years ago, and my mom is still one of those "it wont happen to me" type people. I have been trying to talk to her about it, my parents neighbor who carries regularly and is usually one of my range buddies when I shoot has brought stuff up to them. But I guess to each there own.

I choose to carry fairly regularly basis, in fact usually anywhere from 5 to 7 days a week. The only reason I don't carry everyday is because I am a full-time student (commute to school though so I don't have to worry about dorms, I leave it locked in a safe in the parking lot when I go in to class), and I also work full-time, it's a heavy load, so every once in a while I will go to a bar to have a beer and relax, usually only 1 or 2 days a week. Those bar nights is the only time you will not catch me carrying, because alcohol+Firearms= a big disaster, and a huge no no. But anyways moral of the story is it can happen anytime, anywhere.

[FireForged]

The single reason that I lawfully carry a firearm is so that I can use it lawfully when necessary. Thats it.

[mrt949]

It is my choice .My son in law is a leo and is too BIG to carry in my POCKET.:rolleyes: I am to OLD and to FAT to dance with the BAD GUYS .All things serious carrying is something you should do if you have the LEGAL right to do it.

[orionengnr]

I choose to carry on a fairly regularly basis, usually somewhere between 7 and 8 days a week.

There, fixed it for you :)

[45Gunner]

Fifteen years ago, a deranged individual walked into an office building and randomly opened fire. A friend of a friend was killed. If just one person had been carrying a firearm, those that died that day would still be alive.

Twelve years ago, two armed intruders entered my residence while I was home.
I was shot. If I had been armed, I would not have been shot and I wouldn't have lost some pretty valuable stuff. Every room in my house now has a weapon concealed in it and most days I strap on a weapon right after I get dressed in the morning. I will never again fall victim to low life scum that would just as soon kill you as look at you.

Two good reasons to carry!!!

[mrnkc130]

I carry because I have a family, I hate carrying my gun concealed, its heavy and uncomfortable plus in the summer I always have to worry if im imprinting or if my shirt gets stuck on it...But if im going out somewhere with my wife and son I would never go with out it, ive turned around after we have left several times because i forgot it.

Odds are I will never use it, but i'm not naive enough to think i never have to...

[Trigger Finger]

When I carry a gun, I don't do so because I am looking for a fight, but because I'm looking to be left alone. The gun at my side means that I cannot be forced, only persuaded. I don't carry it because I'm afraid, but because it enables me to be unafraid.

This pretty much sums it up for me!

[NightSight]

45Gunner,

Wow! That's powerful. Very good reasons indeed!

[kiov]

Probably the Best reason I carry is because it is my constitutional right...rights not exercised are often lost.

(Don't forget the renewal of your carry permit could take MONTHS...here in CO its 90 days from submission of paperwork to renewal. A good friend cannot carry for a least a couple months now because we didn't know it would take so long to renew permits of law abiding citizens.)

[Scorch]

In my opinion, the justification for universal CCW is the Supreme Court decision wherein the Court ruled that Law Enforcement Officers have no duty to protect or defend private citizens. That means that you are pretty much on your own when the chips are down. If you are on your own, then you had better be ready when you need it. If you are going to have to be ready, you had better be packing, because when you need it there are no "time-outs" to run and get it. Besides, it is my inalienable right to do so.

[Daugherty16]

and i tell her, it's not because i am afraid, it's because i am unafraid. It's because i celebrate the value of life - mine, hers, the kids and grandkids, friends, and yes - even all the other innocents around in the world who might be in my sphere at the moment (if/when) the SHTF.

But i'm older now, less able to do with my fists and feet what i once could. Also the world has changed - they say violent crime is down, but the level of violence seems to be up. And i could never live with myself if i didn't do everything humanly possible to stop a threat to my family and had to watch them abused, or worse. Never.

To me, carrying is an extension of all the physical and intellectual skills i have learned - and i'm chagrined it took me so long to get here. It is the final stage of empowerment - not only for women, Pax! - but an awesome responsibility comes with it. To have the immediate means of ending a life requires serious contemplation and preparation so that one can react quickly, but correctly. I have personally found that since i carry, i get riled less, argue less, and have more patience with people i used to be intolerant of.

So anyway, having the means to end a life, i sincerely hope i never need to draw, let alone use, it. But for all those reasons, i carry. My pistol is my commitment to those i love.

[DavidnAZ]

In today's world most people have insurance on most every thing they own. We have insurance policies for our homes, cars and our toys. Why not, then, carry a little extra insurance for the thing we value most of all, our lives? If the time comes that we find ourselves in a position requiring a weapon to protect ourselves or our loved ones and we find ourselves unarmed, it may be too late to change our mind. Too many people have fallen victim to the horrors inflicted by the scumbags that infest our communities. I carry today for that little bit of added insurance because tomorrow might be too late.

[MauiDoc]

Bad state for carry--on the other hand, not TOO much violence here...:rolleyes:

kiov, remember--it's not a right that was GIVEN to us by the Constitution; it is a pre-existing right GUARANTEED and protected by the Constitution (and subverted by various local governments....).

kayakersteve--great post-see my PM!;)

[kiov]

Good point Maui, I stand corrected.

I've even got the Jefferson quote on my wall at work about how our rights are derived from the laws of nature, not as a gift from the chief magistrate...

[Nnobby45]

The single reason that I lawfully carry a firearm is so that I can use it lawfully when necessary. Thats it.

That's true enough, but somewhat politically correct. Not a criticizm. One famous gunwriter points out that we carry guns so we can shoot people. Which is also true and to the point---and not so politically correct.

In neither case do we want to have to shoot someone, though the latter context could be easily misunderstood.


Of course, either way you phrase it, we must act within the parameters set forth by law.

I carry so that if someone says, "OK, everyone in the back room", I might have something to say about whether I live or die besides being down on my knees begging for my life.
Other folks can carry for what ever reason they like.

[Skydiver3346]

;) Because I can, legally. The main reason is that it is the times we now unfortuantely live in where some people (if you want to call them that) think nothing of taking your life or one of your loved one's life. Mostly for some simple and stupid reason too. If you are traveling and out and about from your home, you need to be protected. Same for being at your home for that matter.

Remember this: It's too late to go get a gun (when and if you really need one) so always best to be prepared for any situation that warrants your response with a weapon. As a matter of fact, I feel very naked and uncomfortable if I do not carry when I am out. When I am home, my gun is very close by at all times. Too bad we have to live that way nowadays but its better to be safe than sorry.

[isanchez2008]

The absolute best reason for me to carry, concealed or not. I love being alive! :D While I may not ever need my self defense tools or actions, I have the option to implement them. Life is pretty darn good :cool:

[MLeake]

... there's not TOO much violence there as long as non-natives don't go to certain beaches and areas.

Even kama'aina get manhandled pretty brutally in some spots, and it's worse for military guys.

And God help the haole who steals the wrong wave...

(Yes, I've lived there before)

Cheers,

M

[Way Tall Whitey]

Previously I had posted a link to a video that shows why I insisted that my wife and daughter both know how to use every firearm in the house, but it was apparently deleted. I sent an inquiry asking why, but have not yet received a response. So, not wanting to risk another deletion, I recommend going to a certain video sharing site and typing in "Punk shows you why gun nights are important"

This is why we carry......

[Blue Grass]

As a famous man (Winston Churchhill?) once said:"A person will probably never need a gun in their lifetime. However, if they do need a gun, they will need it very badly and very quickly." Or word to that effect. Pretty much sums it up.

[stonewall50]

this is an interesting topic. Its been a while since i posted, so here goes my response.

I moved down to Gainesville a month ago to attend the university of florida. 1 of my roomates is strictly anti-gun, and the other guy doesnt really care but isnt comfortable around them. Him being pre-law and me being a history major with a passion for open discussion, we ovbiousy had the discussion.

Our first talk went as I expected. He asked me if I was going to have a gun in the apartment. I told him that I was not going to because I did not have anywhere to hunt and that i understand him not feeling comfortable having never been exposed. I told him straight up that if I HAD a gun in the apartment it meant I was going hunting and that he and anybody else in the apartment except for me was NOT to touch it.

Discussion continued and we got into the ethics. He said that he understands hunting weapons, but he saw no point in having a handgun. I right off the top of my head gave him the 3 recent incidents in the news, plus the articles, where a person was saved by a gun(naked old man, man stabbed in orlando shot his attacker dead, and a guy in my area was tazed and pulled his gun and shot the attacker dead). That ended the discussion pretty quickly.

So if I were asked why I carry concealed(which i dont yet, but i will). Simple, when something hits the fan it hits it quick. I have a former US marine scout sniper in my class(10 year tour of duty all over the world and has severe PTSD). He put it best when he said, "In times of trouble, those who dont carry tend to gravitate to those who do carry. Why? Simple...saftey. If there was no need for guns then the cops and soldiers wouldnt carry them. And the cops are only there for clean up."

[doose69203]

I would rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it:D

[sks]

The best reason will vary for many. If you are single then the best reason is probably to protect yourself. If married with children then probably to protect them and yourself.

For me it is to protect myself first of all so that I am still able to protect my family. Whether at home, in the car, at the Home Depot, etc. I want to have the option of reacting if necessary and having a large part in the decision of what happens or doesn't happen to us.

Yes, I have guns strategically placed around the home; bedroom top floor, kitchen bottom floor and basement. All are in handgun safes with the same keypad combination. Same guns (SIG) in each, ready to fire. Just open, draw out and fire.

[MLeake]

Having lived in Gainesville, I'd offer you the following caution:

UF owns a lot of property down there. Some streets that are used as public thoroughfares are actually on university property. When you get your carry permit, be very careful where you drive, because there are some spots where being stopped with a weapon in the vehicle would put you in violation of state law.

Otherwise, you'll find the north central Florida area fairly gun friendly.

There are public rifle ranges in Lake City (100 and 200 yd lanes) and the Ocala National Forest (100yds). There's a public indoor range about 7 miles south of UF in Micanopy.

Have fun, and good luck.