Don't know whatcha got till it's not there

[Lancshooter74]

I've been a CCW permit holder since 12/31/08 (yeah yeah I'm a noob). I got it due to going to the mts a lot and seeing more bear. I was unaware the PA was open carry so I thought to be safe I would get the CCW. After I got it and got on here, after reading more I decided it would not be a bad idea to carry daily cause ya just never know.

Anyhow, yesterday I started some management training classes in York. I was unfamiliar with the area so with my tom-tom in hand I headed out into the unknown.

Here's where it gets interesting. Yesterday morning as I was getting ready to leave I told myself this is Just a training session, class room all day, Tom-Tom has me going quick and easy to the building so, no need to take my gun.

Well me being me (even with the Tom Tom) I missed my turn (was in wrong lane on 30) and no one would let me over. I was forced to turn and get redirected. Man did I feel out of place. The area I was being taken through looked horrible and it SEEMED that everyone was looking at me like "Who the hell is this and what is he doing here?" People on the street hanging out, garbage on the sidewalks, the dirty, skinny stray dog wandering about. This is not what I'm used to in my area.

In an instant I thought of my XD-9 sitting AT HOME!!!!! Well all doors got locked and I made it through, however I learned a valuable lesson. Anything can and will happen, the choices you make though will greatly effect the outcome and the way you feel about situations.

My second class was this morning. I was re-routed twice due to road work into again, what I would consider less than favorable areas however, today I had the XD IWB. I had prepared myself with the thought that something could happen, the difference was this time I felt more confident, safer, and more in control of my well being.

All this being said, my goal is to give other "new to carry" people some insight or a point of view that it may not be a bad idea (please, this is my opinion only) to get into the habit of carrying everywhere you go (when you can legally) because you just never know....

All I know is I feel I learned it's better to be prepared

[headcase]

Good experience post.

[d90king]

Never mind I thought you said New York... Oooops

[gf45acp]

Ya don't leave your spare tire at home because you don't think you will have a flat do you?
Stay safe, and armed.

[dragonlibra]

What convinced me to carry as much as possible was 2 spree shootings that took place in Pittsburgh area back in spring of 2000. I work near the area of the 2nd spree shooting(by Richard Baumhammer). I very well could've been in the Chinese restaurant that day if I hadn't been very late going out to lunch(I knew the restaurant closed at 3 for lunch).

Those 2 awful days there were people shot in fast-food restaurants, drive-thru line, Chinese restaurant, karate school, etc. I knew and been to most of the locations. Stuff happens in both the good and bad neighborhoods. If you have the LTCF take advantage of it just in case when you can.

[wa3ra]

Like a fire extinguisher...you hope you never need it, but if you do...

[smithwessn]

Glad you learned a lesson the easy way.

[evilash]

Well I guess since know one else has said it I will...... It is not a CCW it is LTCF.

[ungawa]

Originally Posted by wa3ra

Like a fire extinguisher...you hope you never need it, but if you do...

Or a smoke alarm. The only good mine has done over the past 20 years is suck up 40 batteries. Still wouldn't live without one (now two).

[Lancshooter74]

Sorry Evil.

You are totally correct. Nowhere on it does it say I am able to carry a concealed weapon and I should not have assumed CCW was acceptable to use in my story.

Heh, please before anyone else points it out, I realize I also called it a permit when it is in fact a license.

Was just trying to share an experience.

Sorry any confusion I may have caused