Just saying... such a great feeling. One of the best decisions I've made, as a husband and father of 3 I can't express how much I appreciate the ability to do so.
Sitting here waiting for family to show up for my daughters birthday party with my PM9 in my Silent Thunder, all is quiet and well... just a part of my life like putting on underwear, only it doesn't change every 5 days. :blink:
Thanks founding fathers, thanks America, and thanks for those who stand up for our rights and support them.
It's another great day in Minnesota.
So easy to get caught up in what gun, what holster, what method of carry, tight groups, etc... just taking a drama free moment to really appreciate this great right that we have.
In actuality a firearm and the carrying thereof is a very very small part of protecting yourself and those you love. Choosing a safe neighborhood, safe car, practicing avoidance, etc, are far more likely to protect yourself and your loved one than a gun. The only time a firearm comes into the picture MAY be in the even of a violent assault and even then the outcome will be determined on a lot of things.
I don't know about Iowa but in North Carolina all that is needed is fear of imminent death, grave bodily injury or sexual assault. If a guy pulls a knife and says "give me your money" you can respond with lethal force. you don't have to wait for the knife to be in your belly to shoot. Assault is not necessary to justify lethal force. Actually some levels of assault are not allowed to be met with lethal force.
A gun can be used in a case of fear of imminent death, grave bodily injury, or sexual assault if another person of reasonable firmness would believe that the situation required such force and you in no way instigated the confrontation. There is also a use of force continuim in North Carolina. If your use of lethal force is "excessive force" under those guidlines you can be prosecuted for manslaughter even though you meet all other criteria.
So, it doesn't take an active assault for you to use your gun. Also responding to a violent assault with a gun can get you a life sentence.
I understand that a gun doesn't stop a tornado or a heart attack. It is a tool with a limited scope of use. However, I also understand that there is no such thing as a safe neighborhood. Criminals are mobile and can strike anywhere. In the city I work there was a group of guys in a car riding around pistol whipping and robbing people a couple of weeks ago. They even shot a couple of people before exiting the car to make the robbery easier. They hit targets in four different police districts on the same night.
Avoidance isn't always a possibility. The two times I pulled my gun in public I could not avoid being where I was. One was buying diapers and groceries. The other was buying gas because I had two gallons left. There was no way to avoid being in those places at those times.
I have used my guns to defend myself and others three times. (Luckily I never had to fire a shot.) When I was a child my father used his revolver to protect me and my mother from a knife wielding man that wanted his pay check. I guess that is the difference in our outlooks.
I've been there with my back to the wall. I know that all of the tools that we use to avoid trouble don't always work. Just like eating right and excercising doesn't mean you won't have a stroke. I've been through the fire and I can say that because I made the choice to carry my family still has a father and husband. I can say that my neighbor got to finish living her life on her and god's terms because I had my gun at hand.
So, from my experience I can say yeah I'm glad I carry. I'm proud I carry.
I lived in Illinois most of my life. As you all know, Illinois is the last State to not have some type of concealed carry law on the books. Now living in Florida, I thank God every day that I now have the legal right to carry and defend myself should the need arise. Been licensed for five years, and have been a firearms enthusiast as long as I can remember. For me, the newness and joy will never wear off as concealed carry is a way of enjoying a hobby 24/7. Yes, we live in an evil world, and I hope I never have to use my gun for its intended purpose......until then.......:danceban:
The greatest part to it is to have it and not need it, especially when you come back home at the end of the day with no incident. Some find carrying a gun uncomfortable but not me. Like Clint Smith said, it's supposed to be comforting, not comfortable.
After I got my M-Tac, I find it quite comfortable, actually. The only uncomfortable part is getting a dress shirt tucked into it... That often requires much swearing, but once I'm situated, it's pretty comfy.
Sitting here waiting for family to show up for my daughters birthday party with my PM9 in my Silent Thunder, all is quiet and well... just a part of my life like putting on underwear, only it doesn't change every 5 days. :blink:
Hey Thunder: Many comments, including one of my own, were very negative about your thread comments. Some repliers have suggested that your comments were misinterpreted and you have responded that that is the case; I apologize for my negative tone in my initial reply. Having said that, kindly reread your thread and understand that you have not exactly expressed yourself very well in your statements as you allude to a birthday party for a child and your joy of having a firearm on your person. You sure did get your share of comments--positive and negative. I always try to reread my comments carefully so that there is little misunderstanding of my thoughts and if someone points out an error or a misinterpretation, I try to make things right; it seemed to take you awhile to agree with someone who pointed out the difficult expression of your thoughts. Your initial thread left an awful lot for someone to read a positive tone in the comments. Again, I apologize and God Bless.
I hope I never get as tired and burned out as some of you sound.
I love handguns and love to carry them. Same with a fine pocket knife.
Been carrying since 1999 and still enjoy it.
Kudos to the OP....I understand where you are coming from.
Man! This has been some interesting reading. Gosh, Thunder, bet you don't want to post here anymore.
I understood what you meant the first time. Hang in there and keep posting. :biggrin2: Even though it has been
suggested that you read your post very well before you hit the button, some need to do the same when they give
their opinions. It goes both ways.
Carrying doesn't really bother me in the least bit. It doesn't make me physically uncomfortable at all. Actually strapping on my Glock is a heck of a lot better then when I had to put on BDU's, boots,helmet, interceptor with SAPI's, heavy ruck sack that felt like I had a dead hooker curled up inside of it, ammo, mags, weapon, etc., etc. OP....continue to rock out on your front porch with your pm9. Let's just hope you don't have to pop any crackheads trying to steal the birthday cake. To everyone else..........God Bless America
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Defensive Carry
5.4M posts
117.5K members
Since 2004
A forum community dedicated to defensive firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about everyday carry, optics, holsters, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!