Anyone with a concealed weapon permit?

[severinsteel]

Hey guys, there have been a lot of crime/ robberies in my area, so I am going about getting my concealed weapon permit. I went to the shooting range with a family friend and had a blast (no pun intended). I know the law is different in different states, but who out there has their permit? In these crazy times, I am really happy to be taking the steps to protect myself and family.

[Trandy]

Before you do anything else....read "In The Gravest Extreme" by Massad Ayoob.

This book should be required reading for anyone interested in carrying a firearm for personal protection.

http://ayoob.com/cgi-bin/miva?Merchant2/merchant.mv+Screen=PROD&Store_Code=Ayoob&Product_Code=GE&Category_Code=AMAB

[big mike]

Before you do anything else....read "In The Gravest Extreme" by Massad Ayoob.

This book should be required reading for anyone interseted in carrying a firearm for personal protection.

http://ayoob.com/cgi-bin/miva?Merchant2/merchant.mv+Screen=PROD&Store_Code=Ayoob&Product_Code=GE&Category_Code=AMAB


Excellent advice my friend.

[Shiny McShine]

You can get it used on Amazon too here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0936279001/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&qid=1258946743&sr=8-1&condition=used)

[severinsteel]

Awesome, thanks guys. I just want to point out that I am not taking this lightly and I am doing as much research and reading as I can. This is a serious topic for sure.

[PUCKBOY99]

I was a policeman in the Air Force in a former life & carried a gun daily, so it made sense to me to get my CWP.....but I really think it's not for everyone.

A gun is a deadly weapon & although I would never deny anyone the right to protect & defend themselves, I think a lot of people truly aren't responsible enough to shoulder this incredible responsibility even if the law says they are eligible.

Educate yourself, get proper training & then decide if it's something you want to carry daily or just have in the home "just in case".

Many states don't require permits to have rifles & shotguns in the home for personal protection. With that, nothing will chill the shit of a would-be thief than the cocking of a pump shotgun.

Be careful to properly secure a weapon, esp. with kids in the house.

Deadly force is a last resort...get right with your mind & make sure it's something that you are willing to do if/when that incident might present itself.

Familiarize, shoot often, hone your skills & become confident. :aok

[jimmybcool]

Lots of good advice in this thread. I read Ayoobs book and it lays it on the line.

If you are mentally prepared to use lethal force to defend yourself and family then getting a concealed permit is logical. Along with it goes the responsibility to attain a level of skill to make sure the only person ever hurt by your weapon is someone that needed hurting.

Knowing the law is also important. And in most areas it makes sense. Here in AZ we must take a certain amount of class training first to make sure we understand we can't shoot at a bad guy if he is running away even if he is carrying your wifes jewels - or your favorite ax :thud If he isn't a threat - no shoot.

Then we must show some proficiency with the weapon. Actually, it isn't weapon specific so you can take the drill using a larger weapon than you carry which makes it easier. Or a lighter caliber. And frankly, the test isn't that hard. But at least there is some proof that you know how to point and pull the trigger from a holster in the right order. :rolleyes:

[otaypanky]

I carry daily, even at home. My Ruger LCP is not much bigger than a cell phone. I have other carry weapons, a 9mm and a .357 mag, but the LCP is by far the most convenient for concealed carry. As I'm typing this post the news is covering a fatal shooting that took place yesterday at 2 in the afternoon at an intersection in nearby Lancaster. Shootings and home invasions are all too commonplace

[The Kid]

My keyboardist always has his piece on him.

[severinsteel]

I carry daily, even at home. My Ruger LCP is not much bigger than a cell phone. I have other carry weapons, a 9mm and a .357 mag, but the LCP is by far the most convenient for concealed carry. As I'm typing this post the news is covering a fatal shooting that took place yesterday at 2 in the afternoon at an intersection in nearby Lancaster. Shootings and home invasions are all too commonplace

Thanks for the advice! Yeah, things are getting pretty crazy. Thieves are more brazen these days. It seems break-ins are much more common. Not a fun thing to worry about.

[Sam Cannon]

My Father was a weapons instructer in the Navy. He made all of his children go to the gun safety training school that the Sherriff Dept. held. We hunted, cleaned our weapons and practiced safety skills always with a weapon.

I believe that most trained hunters realize how lethal guns are and have a tremendous respect for the potential danger of a weapon.

If you do plan on carrying a weapon for protection make sure you understand everything about the gun you carry and shoot often to become proficiant and confident. Study the laws and rules and you'll do fine.

Best of luck to you and be safe. And remember bullets don't kill people, people do.

[Section10]

of course you'll want to check your local and state laws about it, I think NC is fairly good about it. Concealing is quite a different use than having one at your home. But both can be necessary and it is your right.





as per the book: hahha "Anti-gunners call it "a guide on how to kill criminals and get away with it,""

[oldschoolguy]

We are very fortunate in our county as the instructor is the former chief of police in the neighboring city who also happens to be one of the nicest fellas you'd want to meet. One doesn't have to take his course but it helps in the permit application.

[BadAssBill]

I've had mine for a few years, although I've been around guns my whole life. I was initially concerned about being pulled over when I got it. Sure enough...got pulled over about 6 months after having it. Officer came up, I started to tell him I was getting my insurance and had a 9mm in the glove box, not chambered etc....and he just said "That's fine...thanks for telling me...insurance please". I think they are so common in GA that they understand and just want to get on with it.

[2 Loud 4 You]

I carry every day. I've had my permit for a couple of years now.

[Thwap]

I've had mine for many years.

[Leonardo]

I higly recommend reading Principles of Personal Defense and To Ride, Shoot Straight and Speak The Truth by Jeff Cooper.

[voodoo364]

"I believe that most trained hunters realize how lethal guns are and have a tremendous respect for the potential danger of a weapon."

Great quote...my dad was not a big "gun guy"..my uncle was an accomplished hunter. My dad would drop me off occasionally as a kid and let me hunt with Uncle Rog'. I learned to hunt on his private property. I would spend hours with a .22 w/scope and learned that even a "small' weapon carries enormous responsibility and lethality.

[IIIBOOMERIII]

I am so glad I live in Texas where we have "Castle Doctrine".

[jjboogie]

Having a permit is a great thing. My wife and I both have permits and carry.

Read Ayoob's book....I did and it really opened my eyes!

I pray I never have to use my gun but me and my wife definitely feel more safe having a firearm close by.

Look up IDPA tournaments in your area. I suggest getting involved with that too those tournaments are so much fun and great practice for having to shoot under pressure.

[guitarstan]

Good thread, lots of good advice.

My Dad was a certified country boy. He introduced me to guns at a fairly early age, taught me how to shoot, mostly at targets, some small game hunting like squirls.

When I began working in downtown Atlanta in 1980 as a professional engineer, I noticed the owner of the engineering firm carried a gun. It didn't take too long for me to figure out why. I did my homework, read everything I could, took a class at an indoor shooting range taught by a certified Law Enforcement officer, got my CWP and began carrying a small 22 caliber Beretta. Not much power but I'm a big ugly guy.

Never had to use it or even pull it out. After a couple of years I no longer felt the need to carry on my person but kept one (Colt .45) in the glove compartment of my car and several (9 mm & .45's) around the house.....no children in my house, only guns, gold and guitars.

As I spent some time with lawyers and in court rooms in a professional capacity, I began to develop a fear of the concept of a "jury of your peers". I think I would rather duke it out with an assailin than trust my life to the court system.

Just my general feelings about the subject.

[otaypanky]

I am so glad I live in Texas where we have "Castle Doctrine".

It's presently being considered by the Pa. house judiciary committee. Prior to contacting my local representatives to ask for their support of the bill, I did a quick Google search for home invasions in Pa. The first 2 pages of results were from incidents occurring within the last 2 months alone ~

[wilerty]

I've had a carry permit in New York for many years, but I almost never carry any more. Concealed carry permits are VERY difficult to get in New York now. My permit will not allow me to carry in NYC.

[kramerlover]

It's interesting timing that this thread appeared just as I am ready to buy my first gun. I have a 15 year old son who wants to go into the military in a few years. I figured he should have some experience around guns before that and I want one for protection around home. I'm looking for a class or workshop that we can attend to get started. I will also buy that book that many of you have recommended.

[prsflame]

I've had mine for about 6 years now. I have never had to use my firearm (thankfully) but I like the comfort/sercurity of knowing it is there.

[guitarstan]

Superb post tim boehlert :aok

[Phoebe]

I've been licensed to carry in NY, NJ, and for the past 15 years, my current state, MA. Living on Cape Cod where I am currently, there's relatively little risk of needing a sidearm for protection. But I am a repair tech and will frequently transport valuable gear into and out of Boston and it's suburbs. In those instances I always carry, and also when I go to shopping malls and other congested places. Those are the only instances when I'm motivated to travel "hot".

[Tripower455]

Lots of great advice on this thread. I've had a FL permit since 1987, and a NY (Nassau County) permit before that.

I will say that the general attitude towards firearms in your state will dictate the way you conduct yourself. Other have mentioned traffic stops.

I have always been forthcoming during a stop when carrying, and have NEVER gotten a ticket (even when I deserved one) by handing the PO my CCW with my license/reg and insurance. In FL, it's always been a non issue as far as the officer's were concerned.

In NY, I never got pulled over when carrying, but my permit was of the "hunting/target" variety, so I didn't carry unless pursuing those activities. According to friends who are cops up there, as long as you are acting in accordance with your permit, you'll have no problems, but expect to raise some eyebrows.

I also agree with generic weapons and ammo. My main carry weapon has been a Glock 27 with the exact ammo issued to a certain federal LE organization.

[bsuite]

Yes I have one & +1 on Ayoob's book.
A must read

[2 Loud 4 You]

I didn't read every post here so I don't know whether this has been mentioned, but if you do carry, keep your weapon and ammunition generic. If you ever have to use it, a tricked out weapon and black talon ammo will lead to the argument that you are a gun nut who couldn't wait to toast someone.

Be safe.


Yep, I'm about to get into reloading but in my carry weapon will be store boughts. None of this lawyer jargon about me loading "super killer, man destroyer" bullets.

[CharlieS]

Keeping your antennae up, as a previous poster stated, is a better tactic than a CCW. There are more headaches once you start carrying....where you can and can't go with a weapon, making sure you don't go drinking while carrying, and whether someone else knows you have it. If you carry a weapon, you better make sure you know how to use it. I haven't carried since I retired, and I go into lots of run down housing projects and other high crime areas for my current job.

I'm of two minds about Ayoob. He talks a good game, but IMHO has never really gotten his hands dirty. I remember reading about his experiences as a LEO and thinking that he had seen plenty. However, I was transferred to the area in which he was an officer and learned from his chief that he was merely 'on the roster' as a part-timer and didn't really do patrol duty. Plus, the community was a one-horse town with almost nothing going on.

[Dickie Fredericks]

Yes, I have the SC CWP and I carry everywhere Im legally allowed to.

I agree with Tim on much of what he wrote. I would suggest joining a forum such as defensivecarry.com where you'll find more than enough info on what to do should you ever be involved in a SD scenario.

But to answer the question again: Yes, I have my CWP and so does my wife. In fact, pretty much everyone in our family has their CWP.

As far as traffic stops, in SC you must notify if the weapon is actually on your person. Not a problem, just hand em the CWP along with your license. In my rural area where we have a very small police and sherrifs office, the police chief is actually the guy who teaches the CWP class so law enforcement around here is on board with folks carrying.

For carry ammo, as has been mentioned, it is better to carry standard loads. Hollow points for daily carry and FMJ for practice. Best to ask your local officers what they carry and carry similar. Speer Gold Dots are what the law carries round here. It wont become an issue while your on the stand if you're carrying the same standard loads that law enforcement carry, generally speaking.

I must add though that carrying a weapon certainly is no talisman. Good situational awareness goes much further IMO.

I also dig watching all the gun shows on outdoor channel and stuff. Best Defense is a pretty cool show.

[pokey]

Keeping your antennae up, as a previous poster stated, is a better tactic than a CCW. There are more headaches once you start carrying....where you can and can't go with a weapon, making sure you don't go drinking while carrying, and whether someone else knows you have it. If you carry a weapon, you better make sure you know how to use it. I haven't carried since I retired, and I go into lots of run down housing projects and other high crime areas for my current job.



+1

and if the bad guy gets the drop on you good luck with that pistol. Some bad guy sticks a gun in your face it's game over.

I guess you could ask the bad guy politely if you could have a moment to unholster your weapon.

[FiveG]

Read Ayoob's book
Get training from multi-day courses that emphasize not just shooting skills, but also the mindset and the law. Ayoob's LFI does that. Chuck Taylor and others who work with him do good work. There's many others. The most important thing in your arsenal is/will be between your ears -- any class that doesn't spend a lot of time on that is only giving you half of what you need.

And after the class -- PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE, and think about "what ifs" before they happen.

[paulrocker]

Pretty interesting. I did a little research about your area (listed next to your moniker) and I had no idea the crime rate was so bad where you are. Too bad, looks like it has a rich history.

[archtopjazz]

Had one when I was in CT.
Since I moved to Lancaster, CA, (Los Angeles County) it has been impossible to get one.
Your lucky your in a state that respects your rights.
Lots of great advice for you to consider.

[Ed Reed]

My keyboardist always has his piece on him.

There goes an old adage up in smoke.

[teefus]

had my indiana ccw for a little over 10 years now. at the most recent opportunity i upgraded to the lifetime no need to renew option. i always have a sidearm on me when allowed by law. you carry guys should check out the maxpedition concealed carry bags. super handy and you can get a ton of stuff in them. great for a grab and go holster when you are headed out for a dog walk or other errand and don't want to mess with a ITW holster or other carry option.