carrying in church...?

Low Key · September 10, 2005, 07:09 AM

Just wondering, when you go to church do you CCW? If so what are your reasons? What do you carry and how?

I've been considering this myself, my wife thinks I'm being paranoid but a couple of years back I remember hearing about a BG walking into a church and just shooting people at random, several people killed and many injured. If someone had been CCW, the situation might have ended differently.

Now I'll admit this probably isn't likely in my area, but then most people say "It won't happen to me" and some get surprised. Lets hear what you think about this...I'd like to know your opinions.

smince · September 10, 2005, 08:02 AM

Do a "search" on "church carry". There were a few threads recently on this very subject. They will probably answer any questions you may have.

Ignition · September 10, 2005, 08:06 AM

depending on what i dress like for church... sometimes i do, sometimes i carry just my lil backup... sometimes i dont

WESHOOT2 · September 10, 2005, 08:24 AM

Can still remember my mom asking "Do you have to wear that thing to church on Christmas?"

Answer: yes.

Russ5924 · September 10, 2005, 08:35 AM

Hasn't there been two or three church shooting in the last year.So I guess you never know

rmagill · September 10, 2005, 09:15 AM

When I go to church, I do carry. Why? for the same reason I carry anywhere else. You never know when you may need to defend yourself or someone else.

I normally just take my BUG in with me in a pocket holster (that way there is less chance of being made by my coat moving the wrong way). However, I do leave my usual carry gun in the truck. That way, if something happens, either to, from or at church, I still have two guns at my disposal.

kgpcr · September 10, 2005, 10:05 AM

Im not that paranoid. I dont carry in church.

9mm1033 · September 10, 2005, 10:13 AM

In a church? Yeah, you might be alittle paranoid.

bulbboy · September 10, 2005, 10:14 AM

That is a subject that I have been struggling with. I have had my CCW permit since '96 and just recently started carrying full time. I am a strong believer and there is something about carrying at church that weirds me out! I carry there when I have meetings at night and other times that I am there but not on Sunday mornings. Why is that? There have been several Church shootings in the last years and the odds are just as good that it could happen there then the mall - so why do I feel weird about carrying - or is it that I feel weird about someone finding out that I am carrying or is it because this is the longest run-on sentence known to man? I will continue to debate this on in my head - Good to talk about though!

WESHOOT2 · September 10, 2005, 10:29 AM

Wearing a gun does not make me paranoid, and IME I have not been able to pick the place where I've had 'trouble'.

Only a dink would think that "paranoid", or one who is as yet unable to understand what self-protection actually entails.

Life ain't TV.......

**Glenn E. Meyer** · September 10, 2005, 11:07 AM

Even if you think that some supernatural intervention may keep you safe in church, does that spirtual aegis extend to roads and places too and from church? So driving home or going to the pancake house, you are going to be unarmed? Or do you leave the gun in the car and have to futz with it in church parking lot before you drive off?

Sometimes we have to leave guns in the car because of banned locations under the law. However, if it is voluntary - I can't see why. Like I said, I haven't seen a legion of angels protect any church goers from various loonies in church or fly air support on the route to and from.

Seraph · September 10, 2005, 11:07 AM

I carry always.

Low Key · September 10, 2005, 11:41 AM

I actually do carry my CCW to church, but have been leaving it in the vehicle. This is a small town and you do have a lot of people with the opinion that "You're in God's house and He will protect you" which I don't really dis-agree with, but God did give us the intelligence and common sense to use the tools that He has provided us with also. Maybe I am a bit paranoid, maybe not...but it seems just as likely to me that someone might just decide that a big crowd in a church is as good a place to find unarmed victims as a big crowd in a mall as stated by Bulbboy and Glen Meyer.

I carry everywhere else that it's legal for me to do so, but I haven't carried into the church yet and I think it probably will weird me out the first time I do, but I guess its just a mental thing like the first time you CCW in public...you think everyone notices.

kgpcr · September 10, 2005, 11:51 AM

how many people will carry to church and not wear a seat belt when they drive there?? the odds of needing a gun in church is less than winning the lottery. The odds of needing your seat belt is a zillion times higher. also who in the hell wants someone shooting in a small room packed with people. You are better off letting him run out and jump him than having two weapons firing. if im in the congregation thats the way i would want it.

smince · September 10, 2005, 11:56 AM

http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...t=church+carry

This link is to a similiar discussion a while back. It should provide some interesting reading.

Quote:

also who in the hell wants someone shooting in a small room packed with people.

Same can be said for a restaurant, theatre, store, etc...Do you carry in restaurants, theatres and stores? When, exactly, would you shoot? And would you even have your weapon?

Hkmp5sd · September 10, 2005, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Just wondering, when you go to church do you CCW? If so what are your reasons?

I carry everywhere it is legal to do so. The reason is the same for each location.

tshadow6 · September 10, 2005, 01:21 PM

I carry all the time, especialy church. It's just a matter of time for the bad guys to show up.

281 Quad Cam · September 10, 2005, 01:22 PM

I dont understand all the "You're paranoid" chatter.

Church isn't a social function that only attracts the upper class. All kinds go to church. Criminals aren't only athiests. Any of the people you might need a gun to protect yourself from could be at a church or more important on the way TO AND FROM church.

Would a violent criminal think it inapropriate to rob someone after church? I dont know, would upright citizens protest outside a veterans hospital and call amputee's baby killers just last month? Would people burn their neighbors at the stake in the name of God just because they didn't like them? Humans don't act appropriatly all the time, if any of the time.

**JohnKSa** · September 10, 2005, 02:33 PM

There was a very long thread on church shootings awhile back.

The bottom line is that it's wise to carry where and when it's legal. Criminals and wackos don't consider churches off limits and therefore it doesn't make sense for law-abiding permit holders to consider churches off limits either.

People get killed in church--in fact, several people were killed in a highly publicized church shooting a few years ago and just a few miles from here.

Quote:

who in the hell wants someone shooting in a small room packed with people

Nobody! That's why I carry in church! I mean, get real. You're not suggesting that a permit holder might just start shooting in church with no other motive than the fact that he happened to have a gun to start him off? The point is that if a criminal/wacko starts shooting "in a small room packed with people" they're certainly going to do more damage than a permit holder trying to stop the carnage. It's easy to make a comment like the one above in a vacuum--let's not forget that there's a REASON a law-abiding permit holder would take the risk and start shooting, and that REASON is a major factor in whether or not the risk is justified.

shield20 · September 10, 2005, 03:25 PM

Why does this even come up so often? What is so sacrilege about carrying in church?? What is it about Mass that suddenly makes it SOO much safer getting there, being there and getting back home? And I remember reading about God kicking some serious a$$ thru the years - don't think he would mind his worshippers using their intelligence being responsible about being safe.
Besides 'normal' violent events mentioned above, we are in a war with religous fanatics who HATE other religions - I do not think it would be so far fetched to have Churches or Temples being targets of terrorist-type attacks.

CraigJS · September 10, 2005, 03:30 PM

If you want to carry in church go ahead.. Remember your also going to and from church, you maynot need it in church but you may need it going to or from!
CraigJS

Zekewolf · September 10, 2005, 05:14 PM

If I thought I'd ever have to sit through another sermon, I know why I'd be carrying! Hint: Wouldn't require but one round.

dairycreek · September 10, 2005, 05:38 PM

Including church

kgpcr · September 10, 2005, 05:41 PM

Tshadow. are they going to show up soon?? how many of you on this board ever had to fire thier weapon at a person??? The odds are not there. i do have my pistol in the car for the ride to and from but i dont live my life thinking a bad guy is behind every corner. your brain is the best weapon you have and i never leave the house without it. if you want to carry in church fine you just dont need to be so paranoid about it.

CDignition · September 10, 2005, 05:49 PM

hee hee..this is an easy one..just dont go to church

...

September 10, 2005, 07:09 AM	#1
Low Key Senior Member Join Date: September 4, 2005 Location: In the woods of TN Posts: 298	carrying in church...? Just wondering, when you go to church do you CCW? If so what are your reasons? What do you carry and how? I've been considering this myself, my wife thinks I'm being paranoid but a couple of years back I remember hearing about a BG walking into a church and just shooting people at random, several people killed and many injured. If someone had been CCW, the situation might have ended differently. Now I'll admit this probably isn't likely in my area, but then most people say "It won't happen to me" and some get surprised. Lets hear what you think about this...I'd like to know your opinions.

September 10, 2005, 08:02 AM	#2
smince Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2004 Location: Northeast Alabama Posts: 1,861	Do a "search" on "church carry". There were a few threads recently on this very subject. They will probably answer any questions you may have. __________________ "Those who want to be better than average know where to find us."- Randy Harris (Suarez International Instructor) If there are people around with guns-make sure you are one of them...

September 10, 2005, 08:24 AM	#4
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: new year, new dimension; still Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 10,859	many years ago Can still remember my mom asking "Do you have to wear that thing to church on Christmas?" Answer: yes. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

September 10, 2005, 08:35 AM	#5
Russ5924 Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Posts: 1,781	Hasn't there been two or three church shooting in the last year.So I guess you never know __________________ Russ5924

September 10, 2005, 10:05 AM	#7
kgpcr Senior Member Join Date: May 23, 2005 Posts: 782	Im not that paranoid. I dont carry in church. __________________ Colt King Cobra .357 Colt Anaconda .44mag Springfield Armory .45 Double stack Loaded XD40 service XD45 Taurus 617 .357mag Smith M&P 40

September 10, 2005, 09:15 AM	#6
rmagill Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 142	When I go to church, I do carry. Why? for the same reason I carry anywhere else. You never know when you may need to defend yourself or someone else. I normally just take my BUG in with me in a pocket holster (that way there is less chance of being made by my coat moving the wrong way). However, I do leave my usual carry gun in the truck. That way, if something happens, either to, from or at church, I still have two guns at my disposal.

September 10, 2005, 10:13 AM	#8
9mm1033 Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2005 Location: A big city with far too many cars and people. Posts: 738	In a church? Yeah, you might be alittle paranoid. __________________ No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. Thomas Jefferson

September 10, 2005, 10:14 AM	#9
bulbboy Senior Member Join Date: June 2, 2005 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 374	That is a subject that I have been struggling with. I have had my CCW permit since '96 and just recently started carrying full time. I am a strong believer and there is something about carrying at church that weirds me out! I carry there when I have meetings at night and other times that I am there but not on Sunday mornings. Why is that? There have been several Church shootings in the last years and the odds are just as good that it could happen there then the mall - so why do I feel weird about carrying - or is it that I feel weird about someone finding out that I am carrying or is it because this is the longest run-on sentence known to man? I will continue to debate this on in my head - Good to talk about though!

September 10, 2005, 10:29 AM	#10
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: new year, new dimension; still Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 10,859	paranoid? Wearing a gun does not make me paranoid, and IME I have not been able to pick the place where I've had 'trouble'. Only a dink would think that "paranoid", or one who is as yet unable to understand what self-protection actually entails. Life ain't TV....... __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

September 10, 2005, 11:07 AM	#11
Glenn E. Meyer Staff Join Date: November 17, 2000 Posts: 5,967	Even if you think that some supernatural intervention may keep you safe in church, does that spirtual aegis extend to roads and places too and from church? So driving home or going to the pancake house, you are going to be unarmed? Or do you leave the gun in the car and have to futz with it in church parking lot before you drive off? Sometimes we have to leave guns in the car because of banned locations under the law. However, if it is voluntary - I can't see why. Like I said, I haven't seen a legion of angels protect any church goers from various loonies in church or fly air support on the route to and from. __________________ NRA, TSRA, IDPA, NTI, Polite Soc. - www.rivercityshooters.com Being an Academic Shooter http://www.teddytactical.com/archive...05_Feature.htm Being an Active Shooter http://www.teddytactical.com/archive...11_Feature.htm

September 10, 2005, 11:07 AM	#12
Seraph Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2004 Posts: 365	I carry always.

September 10, 2005, 11:41 AM	#13
Low Key Senior Member Join Date: September 4, 2005 Location: In the woods of TN Posts: 298	I actually do carry my CCW to church, but have been leaving it in the vehicle. This is a small town and you do have a lot of people with the opinion that "You're in God's house and He will protect you" which I don't really dis-agree with, but God did give us the intelligence and common sense to use the tools that He has provided us with also. Maybe I am a bit paranoid, maybe not...but it seems just as likely to me that someone might just decide that a big crowd in a church is as good a place to find unarmed victims as a big crowd in a mall as stated by Bulbboy and Glen Meyer. I carry everywhere else that it's legal for me to do so, but I haven't carried into the church yet and I think it probably will weird me out the first time I do, but I guess its just a mental thing like the first time you CCW in public...you think everyone notices.

September 10, 2005, 11:51 AM	#14
kgpcr Senior Member Join Date: May 23, 2005 Posts: 782	Overboard?? how many people will carry to church and not wear a seat belt when they drive there?? the odds of needing a gun in church is less than winning the lottery. The odds of needing your seat belt is a zillion times higher. also who in the hell wants someone shooting in a small room packed with people. You are better off letting him run out and jump him than having two weapons firing. if im in the congregation thats the way i would want it. __________________ Colt King Cobra .357 Colt Anaconda .44mag Springfield Armory .45 Double stack Loaded XD40 service XD45 Taurus 617 .357mag Smith M&P 40

September 10, 2005, 01:21 PM	#17
tshadow6 Senior Member Join Date: June 26, 2005 Posts: 604	church carry I carry all the time, especialy church. It's just a matter of time for the bad guys to show up.

September 10, 2005, 01:22 PM	#18
281 Quad Cam Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 942	I dont understand all the "You're paranoid" chatter. Church isn't a social function that only attracts the upper class. All kinds go to church. Criminals aren't only athiests. Any of the people you might need a gun to protect yourself from could be at a church or more important on the way TO AND FROM church. Would a violent criminal think it inapropriate to rob someone after church? I dont know, would upright citizens protest outside a veterans hospital and call amputee's baby killers just last month? Would people burn their neighbors at the stake in the name of God just because they didn't like them? Humans don't act appropriatly all the time, if any of the time. __________________ "Whats the first aid procedure for consumption of coolant?"

September 10, 2005, 03:25 PM	#20
shield20 Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2005 Location: Hudson Valley, New York Posts: 1,372	Why does this even come up so often? What is so sacrilege about carrying in church?? What is it about Mass that suddenly makes it SOO much safer getting there, being there and getting back home? And I remember reading about God kicking some serious a$$ thru the years - don't think he would mind his worshippers using their intelligence being responsible about being safe. Besides 'normal' violent events mentioned above, we are in a war with religous fanatics who HATE other religions - I do not think it would be so far fetched to have Churches or Temples being targets of terrorist-type attacks.

September 10, 2005, 03:30 PM	#21
CraigJS Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2005 Posts: 333	If you want to carry in church go ahead.. Remember your also going to and from church, you maynot need it in church but you may need it going to or from! CraigJS

September 10, 2005, 05:14 PM	#22
Zekewolf Senior Member Join Date: April 2, 2005 Posts: 891	If I thought I'd ever have to sit through another sermon, I know why I'd be carrying! Hint: Wouldn't require but one round.

September 10, 2005, 05:38 PM	#23
dairycreek Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 1998 Location: North Plains, Oregon, USA Posts: 1,738	I carry everywhere the law allows! Including church __________________ ALWAYS PROTECT YOUR HEARING AND VISION GOOD SHOOTING

September 10, 2005, 05:41 PM	#24
kgpcr Senior Member Join Date: May 23, 2005 Posts: 782	Tshadow. are they going to show up soon?? how many of you on this board ever had to fire thier weapon at a person??? The odds are not there. i do have my pistol in the car for the ride to and from but i dont live my life thinking a bad guy is behind every corner. your brain is the best weapon you have and i never leave the house without it. if you want to carry in church fine you just dont need to be so paranoid about it. __________________ Colt King Cobra .357 Colt Anaconda .44mag Springfield Armory .45 Double stack Loaded XD40 service XD45 Taurus 617 .357mag Smith M&P 40

September 10, 2005, 05:49 PM	#25
CDignition Member Join Date: July 4, 2005 Posts: 92	hee hee..this is an easy one..just dont go to church ...