The Zen of CCW

[Guest sling]

I recalled one incident.

Once, a few years ago, at the church I used to attend, the head of security asked an off-duty (I'm assuming, anyway) but fully uniformed police officer to leave his gun in the car because it would scare people.

I think the fact that a church has to have a security officer is enough to scare people...

[wjh2657]

Different situations in different areas. In our area we mostly have to worry about Gang type Wannabes. We rarely have any professional crooks or robbers. Mostly it is 14-22 year olds out to make their bones. I taught in a Class 3 DYD Group home (read reform school) for five years and in a Behavior Classroom (Alternative School) for four years. A juvenile or gang member is not going to run away because you have a gun. The more intimidating you are, the more "points" he gets with "his boys" for shooting you. If you are a cop, it is almost an automatic promotion. You don't want to look like a woos, just so ordinary that you aren't a trophy. The good old boys just out of the pen for Meth production are also wired to go after cops and bad-a-- good guys. The more common you are, the safer you are. I base all of this on my discussions with and studying case files of many "students" in for attempted murder.

There was a time and place that the BGs were wary of authority and people who looked tough. Now a days those types are more targets than people to avoid.

The Juvies told me time and time again that the safest place to be was in a herd and look like all the rest of the herd. The herding instinct works for humans too! The occasional odd ball nut that is out to get the whole world and attack the whole herd is going to be a threat no matter what you do. And I don't really believe that the "Columbine Kid" is going to be frightened by the appearance of an OC gun. He is just going to prioritize his targets (take out OC first!)

I carry to have at least a chance to survive, but I have no illusions that it makes me any more immune to the kind of crazies we have out there. I don't change clothes in a telephone booth either!

[Marswolf]

Very good post, wjh2657. Lots of useful and knowledgeable info there!

[Guest 270win]

I don't tell people or advertise that i carry because i like to go about my business pretty much everywhere with a handgun. It is difficult to go to an athletic event (some states legal, some gray, some illegal) with an openly carried handgun. You will at least be asked to leave. Try going to a concert with a full sized 1911. The j frame smith works well for me and no one knows about it. I walk right past people and they can't figure it out.

[Sheepdog]

I couldn't believe I saw an add for one of these things in an NRA magazine. Claiming,"this badge may save your life."

More like,"this thing could cost you your life."

More like, "This thing means you need a life."

That said, I have nothing against open carry. I've done it a couple of times, just to see how other people would react, and in my experience...

• Most people don't notice.
  
• Those who do notice usually seem unbothered by it.
  
• Those who are bothered by it tend to be working as cashiers.
  
• Street bums don't harass you for change.
  

While I'm more comfortable keeping it concealed, I am glad that I don't have to.

[mac12]

Different situations in different areas. In our area we mostly have to worry about Gang type Wannabes. We rarely have any professional crooks or robbers. Mostly it is 14-22 year olds out to make their bones. I taught in a Class 3 DYD Group home (read reform school) for five years and in a Behavior Classroom (Alternative School) for four years. A juvenile or gang member is not going to run away because you have a gun. The more intimidating you are, the more "points" he gets with "his boys" for shooting you. If you are a cop, it is almost an automatic promotion. You don't want to look like a woos, just so ordinary that you aren't a trophy. The good old boys just out of the pen for Meth production are also wired to go after cops and bad-a-- good guys. The more common you are, the safer you are. I base all of this on my discussions with and studying case files of many "students" in for attempted murder.

There was a time and place that the BGs were wary of authority and people who looked tough. Now a days those types are more targets than people to avoid.

The Juvies told me time and time again that the safest place to be was in a herd and look like all the rest of the herd. The herding instinct works for humans too! The occasional odd ball nut that is out to get the whole world and attack the whole herd is going to be a threat no matter what you do. And I don't really believe that the "Columbine Kid" is going to be frightened by the appearance of an OC gun. He is just going to prioritize his targets (take out OC first!)

I carry to have at least a chance to survive, but I have no illusions that it makes me any more immune to the kind of crazies we have out there. I don't change clothes in a telephone booth either!

Good information here. Thanks.

[DaveTN]

If I advertise my armed status, I am going to have more problems than I need.

How do others feel about this.

Good post. I will not fire a weapon in public unless someone’s life is in immediate danger and I take all precautions to make sure that I won’t have to. To many things that can go wrong.

[robbiev]

I think the fact that a church has to have a security officer is enough to scare people...

I think it's common for larger churches to have security that walks around the parking lot.