Packing a Gun, Mister~

[BobbyW]

You can carry a handgun or long gun across state lines as long as you abide by the law the state you are carrying it into. I have carried across several states that honor the Texas License.

You can still transport one in your checked luggage on a commercial airline flight if it is declared and packed properly.

If it is a handgun, and the state that you are traveling into honors concealed permit reciprocity, it is even easier.

Visit www.packing.org

And in Texas, we do not Pack Heat. We Conceal Carry with a "CHL" or Concealed Handgun License.

-BobbyW

[Stefrobrts]

> For those who think no one should carry a gun obviously have > never exp crime, assault, or may be a passivist.

I just have to say I have never, nor has anyone I know or am related to, ever experienced a situation where a handgun would have made a difference. I think crime stats can make you feel like the risk is much greater than it actually is, when really, a criminal assault of any kind is a very rare event. Maybe if you live in a big city like Chicago or NY it might be different.

However, I certainly wouldn't trample on anyone's right to carry a weapon. As long as they handle it responsibly, it's no matter to me one way or the other. I just think it would be an extremely rare occurance where you would need one. I hear about a lot more people getting hurt in freak accidents on the freeway, I've never heard of anyone being attacked by bandits in the woods.

And Silvertwinkie, did you say you don't obey the seatbelt laws? I didn't need a law to tell me to wear a seatbelt. Saved my life twice already at least.

[davidz71]

Stephanie,
Sounds like you are one of the lucky ones who has not had a bad experience or known someone who has. All it takes is one time! A coworkers 18 yr. old son dropped him off at a store and then went to gas up his car. A "crackhead" from Nashville, TN. traveling with another nut pulled a gun on him after he finished gassing up and stole his car. If his dad, a Firearms Instructor like me, had been there then there would have been one less criminal to worry about. This happened in a small town 12 miles north of my residence. There are meth labs cropping up left and right in TN. and there is no telling what some of these people might do.

I worked in 2 max. sec. prisons for 14 1/2 yrs. so I know that many of these people could not care less about your life. It is all about them. I'm here to tell you that if it is them or me then I don't intend to end up in the ground without a fight. It is better to be prepared and not need it then come up short. You just keep believing that nothing will ever happen to you and a gun will never make the difference---I hope you never have to experience what some people have been put through.

[Silvertwinkie]

Originally posted by BobbyW


And in Texas, we do not Pack Heat. We Conceal Carry with a "CHL" or Concealed Handgun License.

-BobbyW

Hey Bobby, that's pretty sophisticated talk.

Republic of Texas? I didn't realize that you all ceceeded from the union!

Eric

[Stefrobrts]

Originally posted by davidz71
You just keep believing that nothing will ever happen to you and a gun will never make the difference---I hope you never have to experience what some people have been put through.

I hope so too. Don't think I'm unaware that there are bad guys out there. My dad was a cop for many years in Portland. But still, nothing ever happened in our private lives that required use of force, and he never had cause to fire his weapon in the line of duty either. I'm just saying that the likelyhood of something happening is slim. I'm sorry to hear about your friend's experience. At least all he lost was his car. I always feel that gas stations are about the most hazardous place I visit.

[geof]

After you have been shot/raped/stabed/robbed/burgularized/kidnapped ect ect ect... You will look at things a little different....I can tell you that I'm not going to let happen-what happened before-happen again.....There are such things like self defence and avoiding situations and as a last resort....lethal methods to keep from becoming a victim....And I for one will always side with the victim....especially if it is a woman......geof<who lives near Cincinnati-the new crime capital of the USA>

[CatandMe]

By looking at these posts, I was trying to figure out if people from the cities were more likely to be pro guns. I don't see a real patern here. We will be desagreeing for a long time.
For the record: We are not in favor of guns in RV.

[85MH325]

Wow... this is extraordinary... my two most favorite subjects: Land Use/Environment and Gun Carrying threads going simultaneously!!! I can hardly contain myself!

<soapbox on>

I have been in law enforcement all of my adult life. I have investigated innumerable homicides, shootings, stabbings, and sundry assaults of all types. In twenty-seven years of working in law enforcement, I have never used my gun off-duty although I carry it everywhere. EVERYWHERE.

I believe wholeheartedly in the unrestrained right to carry a firearm anytime anywhere. Now, having said that:

Carrying a gun on your person or in your possession carries a monumental responsibility: you are responsible for protecting that firearm at all times from falling into the hands of someone irresponsible, or worse yet someone who is bent on doing harm.

Further, while the carrying of a firearm is comforting, it is also dangerous. Keep in mind that most police officers who are shot while on duty are shot with their own guns. In my formative years as a police officer , I had two close friends who were competent policemen who were shot with their own guns. Fortunately neither was fatal, but if trained professionals can have their guns taken away and used on them, what does that say about the casual gun owner?

The last point I make is that merely the carrying of a firearm does not ensure safety. When it gets down to it, the question is this: Can you look another human being in the eyes and still pull the trigger knowing full well that you will undoubtedly kill them and then have to watch them die? If you answered 'No', hesitated in answering that question, or thought you'd carry the gun just to scare someone, you should not possess nor be carrying a gun for self-defense.

I can tell you from experience that a person who is bent on harming you will not be deterred by the mere presence of a gun or even having a gun pointing at them. If you carry it, you must be prepared to shoot it. That means you must, for the rest of your life, live with the fact that you killed another human being, no matter how vile he/she may have been. If you are unprepared to kill someone, or if you fail to use it when required, your assailant will take it and use it on you, and then probably on some other unsuspecting member of the public. You're better off without it.

Again, thanks for allowing my rants!

<soapbox off>

[femuse]

Can you look another human being in the eyes and still pull the trigger knowing full well that you will undoubtedly kill them and then have to watch them die?

I trully believe that yes. Why? because I am said to be good at acting on impulse. While Mike will study every angle of every little detail for ever, I have been "there" and back. Stupid? Fearless? I think so.

Some people may have remorses brought in by misguided religious fervour, aka brain-washing [sorry, if I offend someone, that one is my favorite soap box] . I can say I am totally free of that.

Having said that: we have a shot gun in a closet in the trailer. Got it out once only in 10 years (got it for the pump action noise.)

We do not believe in carrying handguns. Even after I was car-jacked at gun point 10 years ago.

A gun would have made things worse or a best not helped at all.
2 of them approched my car and pointed a gun in my face. Fumbling for a gun could have pushed them to shoot.

What scared me was their inexperience at robbing people. 15-16 years old. One very high on something. Were passing the gun between them, did not really know what to do with it.
They had me drive, so I don't see how I could have shoot them both. Not much room to move in a car.
They were sitting on an envelop full of money I intended to deposit in an ATM. Forgot to tell them about that. I took them to an ATM to have their picture taken. Told them I could only get $200. They were so grateful of my help that they asked to kiss me thank you when they left.

If I had shot them, other problem: I did not know at the time that there was a 3rd one in a car following us. Would he have fled or gone berserk and shot me?

I can assure you that in this case, a gun would have been no help. What helped: after the first minute, I was always the one in charge. It's what counts.

I had some training years ago on self defence from police officers. I knew, theoritically, how to desarm somebody. Not while sitting in a car and 3 guys standing outside.

I forgot: I decided to use Mike's ATM card, not mine We lost only $50 in the end.
For the price, Mike has been having a ball telling and re-telling that story. Cheap entertainment. Life is sure a lot duller in VA. We adjust though.

[Silvertwinkie]

Originally posted by 85MH325

Can you look another human being in the eyes and still pull the trigger knowing full well that you will undoubtedly kill them and then have to watch them die?

Very good points, this one in particular, I have to say, without hesitation or question. If it is a matter of me or my family or friends saftey or lives and I am within the law, I will take that person's life. I will regret it and I will think about it often, but I WILL live with it.

I would much rather carry the loss of a vile person than carry around with me the loss of a loved one because I either couldn't act or failed to act.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not the yee haaa type riding off into the sunset. I am not one to run out the house whenever someone trespasses, etc. I have really wrestled with that thought ever since I bought the gun and my answer has been the same each time. It is the last resort in my book to do the unthinkable.

I have a .50cal Desert Eagle and I'm pretty darn good with it (not marksman quality). There would be little question of the person living past the event, so I do take that very seriously.

Regards,

Eric

[geof]

your lucky-I wasn't....and Yes I want to look them in the eye and watch them croake....geof

[Silvertwinkie]

Eric

[85MH325]

Eric... WHOA!!! a .50 cal Desert Eagle? Do you walk with a starboard list when you carry it? Do you have ammunition bearers?

[Silvertwinkie]

You get used to it. She's a real pussycat once you get used to the sonic shock wave and all!

Hell, I don't even own a chainsaw.... I just go out back and blast the tree out of the ground (of course I am totally kidding, I never bring it outside in the neighborhood AT ALL).

I get some nice groupings at the range though.....

Eric

[85MH325]

wasn't the Desert Eagle .50 known as the personal urban renewal device?

I carry two 1911 .45s. Stone reliable and more than accurate. And, for what it's worth, I AM a marksman with them. Not to brag... of course...

I confess tho... I'm scared of the .50... probably hurt myself!!!

[Silvertwinkie]

Urban renewal....perhaps in a parallel universe. I think some armies took out small villages with them....

Wouldn't happen. Being in law enforcement and with all the training and exp, the .45 is just a stones throw away from the .50. Well maybe a slight bit more than a stone throw, but you can get 300 grain bullets for it. You don't need the 325 or the 350 grains--although I highly recommend and enjoy the CCI Gold Dot 325 grain AEs. I find the MR 350s are too wild. The 325 Gold Dots are very smooth and provide a level of control you wouldn't expect. It makes the weapon very civil and refined given the above average horsepower and displacement of the weapon.

I am sure you could give me a few pointers. My friend who got me into firearms was on the Olympic training circuits. He taught me most of the basics and we go to the range a few times a month.

The biggest ouch there is about the DE is the fact that the ammo does cost about .87 on average each time you pull the trigger. So my a concern also would be...is the purp worth .87?

Eric

[85MH325]

I doubt I could teach you anything. You sound quite proficient. I stopped shooting competitively years ago. My officers have to shame me to get me to the range anymore, although I can still outshoot all of them but my rangemaster. He cheats 'cause he practices... <smile>.

[Silvertwinkie]

I noticed you're in eastern Iowa, you should come to the midwest rally if possible. It's going to be very informal. Pretty much meet, hang out, talk shop, grill and pretty much whatever the group feels like doing.

http://www.airforums.com/forum...hlight=midwest

Shouldn't be too far for you.

UPDATE:

Just got your PM...YGM(You've got mail).

Eric

[femuse]

OK, now, all gun packing, gun waiving people, I have a question (same one, again):

can one of you tell me how I could have done better if I had a gun, the day I was car jacked?

Is it a topic you want to avoid?

Just repeating the old: "Yep, much safer if I have a gun" ? is not a very compelling argument. 99% of you are repeating what they read somewhere, are making up their mind about what will happen. Reality is slightly different. You can come up with statistics to prove anything you wish.

Did any of you even read what 85MH325 said ?

while the carrying of a firearm is comforting, it is also dangerous

The last point I make is that merely the carrying of a firearm does not ensure safety....
You're better off without it.

He speaks from experience, not just out of fantasy land. And myself, even though I had only one experience, I speak of real facts, not "kids' talk".

You all sound like you are on a playground, bragging about what you will do when you grow up. I've done my growing up already.

Didn't mean to be too condescending, but that was real hard.

[Silvertwinkie]

I really can't say. My first reation, even if I had the gun holstered on my hip, would not to play Dirty Harry and simply let the purp take the car. I don't condone theft, but I also can't see killing someone over a car. It is true that your life is being threatened, however, sudden movements other than what the purp wants to see might just do the opposite of the outcome that actually did happen to you.

In my comments, I am looking at it as domicile security. If there is a break in and I fear for the lives or the saftey of my family, friends and/or myself, I believe that given the element of surprise, which would be hard to do in a carjacking, in the right conditions, could prove to be more useful in protecting my loved ones.

Again, it is a judgement call that each person that has a weapon must make.

Having the power comes with great responsibilty. Just because you can do something, does not mean in every case it is appropriate to do that thing.

Eric