TN permit holders vs those who actually carry

[Erik88]

I'm curious how many permit holders in TN actually carry on a regular basis. Last time I saw the numbers there were nearly 300,000 permit holders in TN( I think) and I would bet that only a very small number actually carry.

My dad has his permit but has yet to carry one time other than when we go hiking. He will carry it in his car but not on his person.

My manager at work has her permit but I don't think she has ever carried. Most of the other permit holders I've met don't carry either.

What is more disturbing, is that the majority of permit holders I've met have no idea what the recent law changes have been which to me is very irresponsible.

So why do you think so many people get there permit and then never carry? Is it wrong for me to say it's a little frustrating? I personally think the more legally armed people we have on the streets the better. So when I meet permit holders that never carry it does bother me a little.

What are your guys predictions? I would bet that only 20-30% of permit holders in TN actually carry on a regular basis. Maybe I'm way off but that's my guess.

I think the majority of us on TGO are a rare breed.

[Guest jackdm3]

Many got 'em 'cause it was the hip thing to do. Got it "just in case" they needed it.

[Erik88]

Many got 'em 'cause it was the hip thing to do. Got it "just in case" they needed it.

probably right. they treat it like it's getting a new Iphone or something..kinda sad

[Guest rsgillmd]

Depends on your definition of regular.

During my regular trips for when I leave the apartment, I do not carry because most of my travel is between my apartment and work. I work in a hospital that clearly says no weapons allowed on premises. Maybe when I stop being lazy and follow a recently posted link to a car safe, I'll store the gun in the car when I go to work. Right now it stays locked at home, because I don't feel comfortable leaving my gun unsecured in the car.

During my semi-regular walks along the river I do not carry because the gun is too big to conceal easily and practically in shorts. Besides the area is termed a park (I live on Mud Island), and I believe the new park rules prohibit me from carrying anyway.

So the only time I carry is when I am out running errands (groceries, pharmacy, etc.) or am going out to eat -- probably comes out to 1-2 times/week on average.

I suppose that's better than never. But still not much.

I can only speak for myself as to why I do not carry much. I bet if you talk these other permit holders that rarely/never carry you'll see similar responses.

[Erik88]

I bet if you talk these other permit holders that rarely/never carry you'll see similar responses.

your situation definitely makes sense but I don't know if I agree with that last sentence. Most of the people I've met that don't carry, have no desire to do so. Either because they are scared or lazy, they don't carry.

There are probably a lot of permit holders that have similar situations as yourself, but I bet there are even more than don't carry because of choice...

[Guest rsgillmd]

your situation definitely makes sense but I don't know if I agree with that last sentence. Most of the people I've met that don't carry, have no desire to do so. Either because they are scared or lazy, they don't carry.

There are probably a lot of permit holders that have similar situations as yourself, but I bet there are even more than don't carry because of choice...

If people don't carry because of choice, but still get a permit, then I agree that is a shame.

[Punisher84]

I know quite a few people who got their permits that do not carry all the time. As for myself, I'm rarely without a gun within arm's reach.

[Wyldk2]

I got the permit to be able to legally protect myself. I carry wherever and whenever i can ( which is about 95% of the time). I figure if i went thru all the requirements and spent all that $ i might as well carry as much as I can. I can't carry into work though( i leave mine locked in a lockbox in my truck) but my boss is at least gun-friendly. He has his permit and so does another co-worker of mine. I carry mine almost everywhere( some places i can't due to the laws, but i can't change that). definately don't want to do anything that would take my permit( even though it should be a right) away.

I got mine basically since i live way out in the country and when I go four-wheelering, It helps keep the drunks in check. Last thing i want is any trouble, but least i know i have something ( but it is last resort). I don't want to kill, but if it ever came to it. These days you never know when or where something is going to happen. And a cop is way to heavy for me to carry around.

[Links2k]

I carry everyday. I could no more leave home without a gun than I could without my wallet. Just does not feel right. Recently my daughter begged me to attend a function and leave my gun at home. All I can say is paranoia and cold sweats. Won't happen again.

[Guest truthsayer]

If I leave my house, I'm armed. Carrying is a much lighter burden than regret.

[2006Blackpearl931]

I got my permit 3-4 months ago. So I carry pretty much all the time. In the truck console everyday, and on my hip as much as possible. However, I just wonder as time goes by, the new wears off of the "right to bear arms", and I (hopefully) never need it to defend myself, if I will start to strap it to my hip less and less?

[JPS]

This surprises me.. I would have thought that after going through the trouble and expense to get a permit, most people would actually carry. I can't carry at work or keep it in my car, so I don't, but that's the only place I'll go unarmed any more.

[Transplanted Hoosier]

The only time I do not carry is when I'm at a school function for my son or when I go to work. Other than that, I'm armed and carry concealed.

[Dolomite_supafly]

I was with my wife at the stable where she boards her horse and we were discussing HCP's. One of her friends named Becky, who is a middle aged women, said she was going through training in a few weeks to get her HCP. I asked her which school she was attending to make sure she was going to a decent one. Becky doesn't seem like she was a gun person or very knowledgeable, even for a women and I just wanted to make sure she got as much quality training as she could. She said she was being trained by a person who worked for the Sheriff's office. IAt that point I knew her training would be good so I ducked out of the conversation.

At that point my wife asked her what kind of gun she was going to carry. My wife is looking around for something for her to carry and wanted to get some ideas of what other women were carrying. Becky laughed and said she would never carry a gun for self defense or otherwise. My wife asked why she was getting a permit then if she wasn't going to be carrying. Becky's said she just wanted to show the HCP instead of her DL when her ID was checked as she ordered drinks at a bar her and her other friends frequent. My wife was like "huh" with a confused look and Becky went on to say all her girlfriends all had them and she wanted one also to impress the waiter.

My wife told Becky I had a permit and carried a gun all the time. She looked down at me and probably noticed my pistol peeking out from under my shirt. While at the stable I dress comfortably, even though I don't ride, so my handgun does peek out. At that point the lady the lady's attitude kind of changed. She acted like she didn't approve of me carrying as well even though she knew I had a permit.

People are strange to say the least. It is her choice not to carry, I just don't like the idea that she is going to use her HCP to verify age at a bar.

Dolomite

[JPS]

Becky's said she just wanted to show the HCP instead of her DL when her ID was checked as she ordered drinks at a bar her and her other friends frequent.

Maybe next she can get a hunting license to impress her friends at a P.E.T.A meeting.. Amazing.

[Punisher84]

Dolomite if she rides can you help her fall off a horse? Maybe it'll knock some sense into her.

[Guest Halfpint]

If I leave my house, I'm armed. Carrying is a much lighter burden than regret.

. . . /thread.

I spent most of yesterday working on my car in the garage. I've spent the last few years watching my neighborhood go downhill (Bartlett's "historic district" . . .) and there are a number of untrustworthy individuals in the area. If my 1911 wasn't in my holster, it was literally right behind me, under a towel on the (former) racecar.

As far as out in town, my mindset is pretty simple -- I'm wearing boots, pants, and a shirt . . . and a gun. Period.

[G27]

I carry every time I leave the house, my wife carries on occasion - basically only when she leaves our town and heads into Memphis. She's more aware than she was a few years ago of the need for self protection, but isn't ready to carry all the time. I'm not going to push her, either - she's smart and makes her own decisions.

Luckily, our life choices mean than we're both home about 95% of the time, our kids, too. So protecting the family is much easier here than in most people's lives.

[Dolomite_supafly]

Dolomite if she rides can you help her fall off a horse? Maybe it'll knock some sense into her.

I am sure she will let us all know when she gets her HCP. At that point I may talk to her more about carrying but I do believe it will probably be fruitless. At least she will be one more one the HCP list . As the list grows so does our influence on the politicians so even though she isn't carrying at least the act of having a HCP is a good thing for us.

Dolomite

[Guest m&pc9]

Some that I know got it so they could have it in their car.

[Garufa]

I bet there are more than a few who got a permit thinking it was required to own a handgun.

[tnhawk]

The fact that we can't bring a weapon on the parking lot of most employers, prevents many from having the ability to protect themselves as they drive to and from work.

[Chucktshoes]

Not all of us pay attention to company policy regarding firearms in vehicles on company property.

[Guest Guy N. Cognito]

your situation definitely makes sense but I don't know if I agree with that last sentence. Most of the people I've met that don't carry, have no desire to do so. Either because they are scared or lazy, they don't carry.

There are probably a lot of permit holders that have similar situations as yourself, but I bet there are even more than don't carry because of choice...

I carry everywhere except work. Then, my gun is locked up in my car, off premises.

Carrying a weapon for self defense is a very serious and very personal choice. It is inconvenient. It can be uncomfortable. It requires a lot of training. Personally, I don't look down on anyone that chooses not to carry.

[Erik88]

I carry everywhere except work. Then, my gun is locked up in my car, off premises.

Carrying a weapon for self defense is a very serious and very personal choice. It is inconvenient. It can be uncomfortable. It requires a lot of training. Personally, I don't look down on anyone that chooses not to carry.

I don't look down on them necessarily but it is frustrating. Why bother going through all the hassle of getting your permit and paying for the class if you are never going to carry?