Why do YOU carry a gun?

[Guest Archimedes]

Harp is probably correct, but, if there where more neighbors like saintsfan, the world would be a better place.

OH, I carry because the bad guys carry...and I carry for my homeslice, T.J. --NOT HOOKER-- That's right, Thomas Jefferson, baby.

~Archi

[Marswolf]

Oh, I think its great that he did it. I just can't advise someone to do it.

[Guest Shay VanVlymen]

Good answers so far.

My own answer most closely resumbles what Loaded247 wrote. I carry because I take personal responsibility for my life and the safety of my family. I wish more Americans would stop looking to the nanny state for their protection.

[Guest pherman926]

I found this to be an interesting answer to this question.

http://www.americanhandgunner.com/GunCrank2.html

[Guest ProguninTN]

I take responsibility for my own safety. Public safety officials are not omnipresent, and the courts have held that they are not liable for injuries, nor are they responsible for each individual citizen. Hence, why I bear arms in my own defense.

[saintsfanbrian]

Damn good article that one. I will try to remember it,

Life, liberty and Little Lizzie's of the world.

[Guest Rooster]

I have thought a lot about this since I got my permit. First I thought why do I even have the permit? Cause for the last 28 years of my life I have never even been close to a situation that I might need to use a gun, and why would I need to in the future. I guess I just came to realize that first of all its my right to carry and second you just never know what kind of situation you will find yourself in somewhere in the future.

[saintsfanbrian]

Cause for the last 28 years of my life I have never even been close to a situation that I might need to use a gun, and why would I need to in the future.

You didn't move closer the the areas that you might need one, the areas that you might need one moved closer to you.

There is NO "Safe Haven."

Our homes, offices, schools and even churches are all "targets" for Bad Guys. I don't like thinking this way, but the facts are clear. Criminals and terrorists both foreign and domestic will attack us where we are "comfortable" because they "have the power."

Intimidation is a wonderful tool. When some one comes in to your "safe zone" they intimidate you and make you affraid and you have to react to their actions. If you were able to take it in the opposite direction, if you KNEW who the bad guys were and could confront them in their homes, they would be on the defensive and the world would be a better place.

How about we start posting in the papers and on the evening news the names of everyone who is CONVICTED of a crime!!

Those are public records that probably should be published but never will because of the rights of the accused.

[Guest db99wj]

1. I own and carry firearms in order to end any un-avoidable deadly confrontation which arises, and have a high likelihood of survival for myself and my family... Whether it be a thug invading my home, a mugger in an alley, or any other form of SHTF.

2. I enjoy plinking and target-practicing for fun... it is a very satisfying recreation.

Mostly what molonlabetn said, I will protect myself and my family at all costs.

I really enjoy shooting and trying to improve (wish my finances supported my habit better:p)

[Guest DEIMOS]

My reasons have been pretty much covered above.

[Guest Archimedes]

Heh, the voices.

That was good, Pherman.

~Archi

[Guest Voodoo_1]

Peace of Mind. If I am caught in a life threatening situation, I know I have the tool and ability to stop the threat.

[Guest Hyaloid]

I carry because I believe it is MY responsibility to protect my family and myself. It is also my God given right, as recognized by the Founding Fathers.

Also, I cannot rememebr who I stole this quote from so sorry there is no credit given... "I carry a firearm because I can't carry a cop.", or "a cop won't fit in my holster."

[Guest Archimedes]

This is also a pretty good take on it.

http://anarchangel.blogspot.com/2005/02/why-i-carry-gun.html

"A few months ago, I broke up with a girlfriend over this. She asked me what I would do to someone if they tried to rape her. I told her flat out that I would kill him. No hesitation there at all. She told me later that from that moment, she was afraid of me."

...

~Archi

[Guest surviveg27]

I own and carry firearms for many reasons. It is might right, and like muscle, if you don't exercise it you'll loose it. Another is for the protection of myself, my family, and my friends (even those that are armed as much as I am). I learned long ago not to rely on others for my safety.

The criminals out number the police much of the time, I cannot afford to have a "body guard" with me 24/7, etc.

Besides, going to the range and plinkin' is just fun

[dkd83]

I have stated on the other thread why I do not carry (just beginning the permit process) but I will add here the reason that I want to carry. I initially toyed with the idea 10 years ago when my medical retirement from the Army became official. Until that time I was not concerned about my personal safety but because of my then-found new disability I began to have some. However, I never actually took the measures necessary to acquire the carry permit though I did keep firearms in my home for protection.

The carjacking and horrific murders/rapes of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom early this year 1/6/07 brought these concerns back to front of my mind. I really am not concerned about my personal safety but I will NEVER allow this to happen to my wife or any other woman that I know, no matter what the personal consequences.

[shaftbass]

The carjacking and horrific murders/rapes of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom early this year 1/6/07 brought these concerns back to front of my mind. I really am not concerned about my personal safety but I will NEVER allow this to happen to my wife or any other woman that I know, no matter what the personal consequences.

Well I had never heard those two names until you just posted them. I looked them up and was sickened by what I read. For anyone else who hasn't heard of this terrible story, click this link: http://readthis.wordpress.com/2007/02/18/channon-christian-rape-suspect-in-court/

I can't believe that this isn't a hugely high profile crime story. Cliff's notes: 5 blacks (4 men and one woman)carjack, rape, torture, sodomize, dismember and murder these two white kids. News stations don't pick up on it. ****ing ridiculous.

I swear I wish my fiance would get a handgun permit. Pepper spray is about all I can convince her to carry, though.

[Guest Fuel]

I can't believe that this isn't a hugely high profile crime story. Cliff's notes: 5 blacks (4 men and one woman)carjack, rape, torture, sodomize, dismember and murder these two white kids. News stations don't pick up on it. ****ing ridiculous.

Good lord!!! I had never heard of this incident either. WTF?

[saintsfanbrian]

I hate to say it, but the reason you didn't hear about it is probably because the racial make up is the way it is. Had it been the opposite, it would have been front page of every paper and lead story on every evening news.

[shaftbass]

I hate to say it, but the reason you didn't hear about it is probably because the racial make up is the way it is. Had it been the opposite, it would have been front page of every paper and lead story on every evening news.

Yes it would. The Duke "rape" scandal is proof of that.

[molonlabetn]

I hate to say it, but the reason you didn't hear about it is probably because the racial make up is the way it is. Had it been the opposite, it would have been front page of every paper and lead story on every evening news.

That's exactly what I was thinking.

Sad...

Some of my ancestors were tortured in concentration camps... I wonder if I could claim discrimination and irresponsibility for my actions due to the anguish of my opressed lineage, if I felt 'disadvantaged' to the point of behaving like a barbarian devoid of remorse, principle and concience.

[Guest surviveg27]

I had not heard of either. And it is making my blood boil!!!! Ugh, makes me sick!!!!

[saintsfanbrian]

Remember kids, Political Correctness is going to save this country.

[dkd83]

I am amazed to hear that the news of this hideous series of crimes never made it to the entire state of Tennessee. Just goes to show what is important to some/most people means little to most media outlets.

[molonlabetn]

It's all about mass influencing of society to 'feel' a certain way, by manipulating the issues presented, to accomplish their agenda...

We need a tin-foil hat Emote, Tungsten!