Why do you carry?

[billamj]

Here are a few quotes from people who should know how to properly read the Constitution to include the Bill of Rights.

"On every question of construction let us carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recollect the spirit manifested in the debates, and instead of trying what meaning can be squeezed out of the text, or invented against it, conform to the probable one which was passed." --- Thomas Jefferson President of the United States

"A bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth, general or particular; and what no just government should refuse, or rest on inferences." --Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1787. ME 6:388, Papers 12:440

"I hope, therefore, a bill of rights will be formed to guard the people against the federal government as they are already guarded against their State governments, in most instances." --Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1788. ME 7:98

"The language of the Constitution cannot be interpreted safely except by reference to the common law and to British institutions as they were when the instrument was framed and adopted." --- William Howard Taft President of the United States and Chief Justice SCotUS.

"If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed."

[dgg9]

Originally Posted by Mike45

I am interested in hearing your thoughts and reasons on why you carry. What are the steps that took you to the decision to carry.

I had never even shot a gun, much less owned one, until about 10 years ago. At that point, I had decided to move from the suburbs to the city, and it seemed a reasonable move. From there, I read everything I could, which then sparked an interest in the overall RKBA scene.

So for me, gun ownership, CCW application and RKBA interest all transpired in the same calendar month.

[JLStorm]

I started carrying and training at the request of a former employer that I used to provide protection too part time mostly at nights and on the weekends. I also began to do some work at local clubs guarding visiting VIPs and people who attract crowds like exotic dancers and a few porn stars who are well known but dont have the money to travel with personal protection agents. From there I got more into my professional life as I realized I was a pretty smart guy and didnt need to get shot over some woman who screws men for a living. I continued to carry concealed for a number of years, and I am now getting back into a more professional line of similar work with my wife part time. I have earned a number of scars that constantly remind me I am not invincible and I have recieved a number of death threats from my old job, all of which turned out to be just talk, but it still worried me enough to be very happy I was packing.

I have never had to pull my gun although I have been close enough that it would be legally consider brandishing, which was nerve racking and hopefully not something I will encounter again, but something I will be prepaired to do if needed.


On another note, I recently met an individual who carries 24/7, I mean NEVER leaves the house without a gun, until one day he was going with his wife to pick up something at the marked like a gallon of milk. They got into a car accident on the way and the man in the car in front who got hit pulled a gun on them in a fit of rage. Although this individual had left his gun at home that day (figures), he was fimiliar enough with guns and the mindset around guns that he was able to calm the individual down and get his insurance information. He did not call the police, which, I think was a bad move, but at least he managed to de-escelate the situation. It really reminded me of anywhere, anyone, anytime.

[Fitch]

Originally Posted by Duncan

I carry because I can't find it written anywhere that the police are responsible for the safety of myself or my family.

What you "will" find written in US Supreme Court Decisions, among others, is that the Police are absolutely "not" responsible for the safety of you or your family.

I carry because I think it makes sense to be able to defend myself and my family.

I think PA has one of the better CCW laws in the country - You have a clean record, you will get the permit, no questions asked - and maybe the fewest restrictions on where you can carry (except Vermont).

Now if we can just get the Castle Doctrine passed here, it will be about perfect.

What I do not like is that not one single bordering state has reciprocity with PA.

Fitch

[Fitch]

Originally Posted by klpolk3

Does anyone have any suggestions on a comfortable way to carry or does it take a little while to get used to all holsters? I have an XD-9 subcompact.

Try a Walther PPK, or PPK/S (what I have) it was designed as a CCW gun back in the late 1920's and early 30's. Its slim, smooth, no sharp corners, not too heavy, and is a lot easier to carry than the more than inch thick XD SUB. Mine is accurate and able to hold a 2-1/2" group firing offhand at 45' which is just fine for civillian combat pistol. If the assailant is farther away than that - I'm going to run!

I have the PPK/S because the XD-SUB, G26, and PM9 were too hard to conceal.

Fitch

[JLStorm]

Originally Posted by klpolk3

Does anyone have any suggestions on a comfortable way to carry or does it take a little while to get used to all holsters? I have an XD-9 subcompact.

In holsters it is almost always you get what you pay for, especially with comfort. I would try Milt Sparks, I have used their holsters almost exclusively since I found them. Often I would need to carry for 18 - 24 hours straight, and they just work great. Almost more emportant than the holster is the gun belt, if you dont get a good gun belt no holster will be very good. Also, if you need something in a rush, I have had good luck with some galco stuff. I dont know if you are planning to carry IWB, but if I recall correctly the xd line is a double stack, in which case IWB can be a bit more of a challange comfort wise.

[CCinPA]

Starblazer +1 on the training requirement. We as US citizens have allowed enough of the constitution to be eroded and just such a requirement would be one more nail toward further erosion.

Why I carry? Because it is my god given right, it is my responsibility to protect myself, because a right not exorcized is a right in danger, and I once was mugged and beaten long before I carried and I learned I must protect myself. It's not the police responsibility to be my personal body guard.

[LittleRedToyota]

Sam Spade (an LEO) on GlockTalk just posted the best answer to this question I have ever heard:

Fact: A very, very good response time to a crime in progress is 2-3 minutes.
Experiment: Who'd like to volunteer to be beaten with a baseball bat for 3 minutes?

[Glock22xd9]

That is the best answer ever! I'm not volunteering!

[jdlv4_0]

Quote:
Fact: A very, very good response time to a crime in progress is 2-3 minutes.
Experiment: Who'd like to volunteer to be beaten with a baseball bat for 3 minutes?


For me it's that and a few other reasons(not in any specific order)

1: LEO's aren't going to be there untill it's too late as listed above.
2: It's better to have and not need, than to need and not have.
3: It's our right
4: Our own safety is our concearn, not someone else's