OCing with an infant.

[Statkowski]

Which is deadlier, your handgun or your kid's loaded diaper? I'd vote for Door Number 2. Some of my kid's outputs would peel wallpaper two houses away.

[xd40_jim]

To jcabin: Its funny that you posted this, I have been giving this subject some serious thought, we have a little girl coming in Jan. and I was wondering also whether I would OC or CC. Wasn't sure either way, but after reading P-11 shooter's comment, the child's safety comes before anything or anyone else, and I would rather CC, as to not bring any unwanted attention to myself and child. I am not against OC, I have and will continue to do so, but my personal feelings are that if something went down and I was OC'ing, I feel it would draw the bad guys attention to me and I will in no way put my child through that.

To P-11, that was a great response, I agree with you on that one. My duty to retreat and my responsibility to my child would come before anyone or anything esle.

Jim

Originally Posted by P-11 shooter

I know i'd react totally different with an infant than I would without.

If I were in a situation to maybe stop a robbery or something I don't think I'd have any problem "playing John Wayne" on my own and risking my own life. Even if I was with a girlfriend I might not take that chance, and with an infant you have an obligation to nobody but that child.

If something went down it's basically your duty to retreat and get that child to safety. That child comes before anyone else.

[Yellowfin]

The interesting question would be if you had to draw on someone if it would be the kid or the bad guy that poops their pants...

Originally Posted by Statkowski

Which is deadlier, your handgun or your kid's loaded diaper? I'd vote for Door Number 2. Some of my kid's outputs would peel wallpaper two houses away.

[ScaredOnce]

Originally Posted by P-11 shooter

If something went down it's basically your duty to retreat and get that child to safety.

Though I understood your intent, I wanted to point out for any casual observers that it is always your duty to retreat in PA.

[adymond]

To the OP I would say do what you are most comfortable with. I will at times OC when picking up my son due to wearing a dress shirt and pants and not really having anything to conceal the firearm under. Other times I will CC because the clothes I am wearing will better conceal my pistol. It just has to do with what I am wearing more than anything. If there were ever a situation where my visible firearm would draw fire from a BG the chances are that my son and I would be in a world of shit anyway. It that situation I would be trying to get to cover and retreat anyway. Most people who know I carry don't even realize when I OC so I don't think the BGs are that hyper aware once they decide to commit a crime. I think once they begin they are not looking to see who is armed and who isn't. I feel that a criminal will choose not to commit a crime when they notice a firearm rather than target me first.

Originally Posted by P-11 shooter

I know i'd react totally different with an infant than I would without.

If I were in a situation to maybe stop a robbery or something I don't think I'd have any problem "playing John Wayne" on my own and risking my own life. Even if I was with a girlfriend I might not take that chance, and with an infant you have an obligation to nobody but that child.

If something went down it's basically your duty to retreat and get that child to safety. That child comes before anyone else.

Once you have a child even if they are not with you, you will still feel the responsibility to ensure you are there for their future. I used to think I could be all John Wayne and stop violent crime if I were around by myself, but having the realization that this little child relies upon you and it's mother 100% makes you see life totally differently.

Originally Posted by rady8um

Not trying to sound sexist here, but if you are together with your significant other, she should be carrying the baby. You will be in a world of shit if you need to defend your self or family while carrying the little one. Unless of course she carries too, then you should take turns.

I am responsible for the dog and she is responsible for the child when we go out and have both of them. If it's just me, her, and the baby she is the one with responsibility for the baby. If I happen to be pushing him in the stroller she knows that she is to take the baby as far from the danger as fast as she can while I provide cover (not to always be shooting, but just to make sure we can retreat without drawing danger to us).