AKsrule

I didn't read the whole thread , so pardon me for being brief.

I carry because I know that no one else is truly responsible
for my safety.

I also value my lifemore than the life or wellbeing of any
scumbag who might try to prey on me or mine.

Until you can say the same........... Don't Carry...........

__________________
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-SIG , it's What's for Dinner-

know your rights!
http://www.handgunlaw.us

"If I walk in the woods, I feel much more comfortable carrying a gun. What if you meet a bear in the woods that's going to attack you? You shoot it."
{Bernhard Goetz}

rocky

Sh39, I don't think anyone is intentionally insulting you. As CCw'ers we have made the choice to carry and possibly have to shoot to protect ourselves or others. If you feel you are not ready for whatever reason, don't. Only you can decide what is right for you and yours.
I think if you really look at the overall picture, you will find our members the best, most polite of any forum out there.

__________________
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." Thomas Jefferson


Nemo Me Impune Lacesset

Link to my kydex builds:http://rocknloadkydex.blogspot.com/

ccw9mm

sh39:

I spent two years on the Q&A of the relevant questions, before I started carrying. During that two years, I was a sponge, trained toward competence at the range, and listened to a number of top-notch trainers discuss the risks/rewards of carrying. But at the end of that time, I had answered each of the questions.

Back in September, I started a thread asking folks what their thinking was prior to carrying. In it, I also described the various questions that I felt compelled to first understand and answer, before I would be willing to accept the responsibility, avoid incompetency, avoid harming bystanders.

Suggestion: Purchase the book entitled "In The Gravest Extreme," by Massad Ayoob. It takes you down the path of each relevant question for the person considering carrying a firearm for defense. There are some simple realities to doing so. In a nutshell, this book expertly covers the thinking, the physical reality, the legal reality, the aftermath. Another good book (also by Ayoob) is "The Truth About Self Protection."

I've got that one, as well. It's extremely well-written, with discussion about the context of things ... not merely spouting the laws in different font. Invaluable.

Definitely read the archived material, here, in the forums. There are a good number of tremendously experienced people that frequent CC. Lots of good recommendations, caveats.

I'd strongly suggest going to a top-notch course, sometime soon. A course that's focused on the defensive carry equation, not merely shooting skills. Some good ones exist and can help clarify the issues for you. Still, you'll need to ask the questions of yourself and come up with the answers. Such reading/courses can help come to those answers.

Re: comments, criticisms and other suggestions by everyone here. The one wonderful aspect of CC.com is that folks are so willing to help with constructive feedback and legitimate alternatives. I try very hard to check my "stripes" at the door, each time I post. While I have solid rationale for why I do some of the things I do, by no means have I figured everything out. Guaranteed, somewhere on CC.com there is someone that has figured out a safer, better way to achieve the same thing, often without the downsides my alternatives created. This is the one place it's absolutely safe to offer up your thinking and have others (with greater knowledge) poke holes in it. See if it floats. If it doesn't, realize that the wisdom being offered up is done in the hopes of improvement for everyone. Remember, the folks who come here are the good guys.

__________________
Your best weapon is your brain. Don't leave home without it.
Reports: CZ P01 pt1, pt2.
Thoughts: Justifiable self defense.
Reality: Disarming citizens only results in more victims.
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Devone6

+1 SIXTO
Self Defense is a mental game. sh39, having a gun does not guarantee your safety (but it can help) just as not having a gun does not guarantee harm. I believe I stated on some thread before if my brain/training/practice does not get me out of a situation, any number of guns will not help. A firearm is just a tool for your brain/training/practice to use. You seem to question if you should carry or not, therefore IMO your brain has not committed, and you should not carry until you do commit because defense is mostly a mental issue. This has been the response of almost everyone posting on this in one way or another.

Please don't take offense, I (or anyone else posting on this as far as I can tell) am not questioning your intelligence as you are articulate and obviously intelligent, nor am I questioning your manliness, strength, ability/desire to protect your family, or if you have watched enough of the Rambo movies. I'm just saying as long as a little voice tells you not to carry, you shouldn't. Follow Redneck Repairs (and others) advise and go to a training school of merit, practice as often as possible, and the little voice will go away or at least speak about something different. Use selective hearing on your wife .
I think it is great you question this, and I've enjoyed reading all the responses on this thread.
Regardless of how you proceed, Good Luck and Best Wishes!

oilman

I have read through this thread and honestly see no belittling. I cannot add much but would like to emphasize what others have said about mind set being very important in deciding to carry. You can have skills but without the proper mindset the skills will be of little avail. The proper mindset includes being convinced that you should carry and being prepared to use the weapon if the use of deadly force is required.

If you still have doubts then don't carry. It's ok.

When I first thought about buying a firearm I had a bit of fear of using or carrying one. One of my friends who was an army Sargent for many years told me that there was a difference between a fear of firearms and a respect for firearms. I have remembered this.

There are many things we do in our lives that entail some risk, driving a 4000 lb car at 70 mph is a risk. But it is something I do every day. I respect the capabilities of the car and do not overestimate my capabilities as a driver (mindset) thus I successfully manage the risk. As I recall when I first began driving many years ago I was afraid to drive over 50 mph but with experience the fear went away but the respect for the machine (car) remains.

sh39

Rocky,
Thank you, and all for taking time to post your comments. I will continue to learn, train, and practice, and soon I will be ready. But for the sake of everyone I prefer if you could lock the post.
If you are wondering why, read ASKrule reply. I think that his advice said it all. Nothing else needs to be said. I dint know it was that easy....

QKShooter

"But for the sake of everyone I prefer if you could lock the post."

This thread is now closed and may all of you stay healthy, safe, and happy.