CCW Reality Check

[ronaldrwl]

OK, I just took my CCW class last night from a very good instructor, Daniel Brunner. That was very a informative evening and left me with a lot to think about. Mr. Brunner is a well seasoned man and can deliver a clear picture of what happens when you use your gun in self-defense. Since I don't have a dangerous job do I really want/need a CCW?

Things I'm thinking about:
> Finger Printed and on record with FBI.
> Some municipalities list CCW people automatically as “Persons of Interest”.
> Carry a loaded (chambered) gun. I don't even chamber my rifle when hunting until just before the shot.
> Highly recommends getting liability insurance to cover large lawyer fees, etc.
> There are so many places you can/can't carry and ways to get your self in trouble when carrying. You must be well informed and mindful of what you are doing to much higher degree than most of us non-carriers ever are.


Before the class my big concern was getting a comfortable fitting holster. Not so sure a CCW is right for me at all now.


Any thoughts?

[esaabye]

I think those are some very good points.

I have been flirting with the idea but when I really look at it I have almost zero part of my day when I could carry it, the majority of the time it would be locked in a car. Since I don't need a CCW to carry it in the car I have no reason for it.

[newracer]

Those are some things you have to consider. For me the ability to protect myself and my family if the need arises outweighs all of those.

[Irving]

> Finger Printed and on record with FBI.
> Some municipalities list CCW people automatically as “Persons of Interest”.
> Carry a loaded (chambered) gun. I don't even chamber my rifle when hunting until just before the shot.
> Highly recommends getting liability insurance to cover large lawyer fees, etc.
> There are so many places you can/can't carry and ways to get your self in trouble when carrying. You must be well informed and mindful of what you are doing to much higher degree than most of us non-carriers ever are.

Here's the way I think about these.

1) So? I've applied for law enforcement and have had to submit finger prints before. This should only be an issue if your finger prints show up at a crime scene. If your finger prints show up at a crime scene, your prints are going on record anyway.

2) This sucks, but it is part of the responsibility. Just because you are a person of interest, doesn't mean you'll have guns shoved in your face all the time. This is one of those questions you really need to think about though. Why are you applying for CCW? Is it for your protection or for your comfort and convenience? Which is more important?

3) You're not supposed to chamber your rifle while hunting, so that is normal. With a proper holster, the trigger will be completely covered and you'll have nothing to worry about. Unless you are carrying an antique revolver, your gun won't go off if dropped. I remember you are new to pistols though, and you will become more comfortable with them in time. Just keep in mind that there is being comfortable, and being complacent.

4) I'm not yet sure how I feel about the liability insurance issue yet. I'm under the impression that joining groups like the NRA can get you some limited coverage, but the NRA will throw you under the bus the second they think you might have done something that won't get you cleared 100%.

5) Carrying isn't really difficult. The only place you can possibly carry where you are not allowed, and will get you in BIG trouble is k-12 schools. All other places it's not allowed have security and metal detectors in place at all entrances. Those same places are likely to hold your gun for you while you are inside. Otherwise, if someone spots your piece while you are at the mall or something and the cops show up, you just need to leave the property based on the owner's wishes.

[SPIRITXXSANCTI]

I recently took the CCW class too. I had/have many of the same feelings you're pondering. Here is my take on it, I would be very happy if my CCW never came out for the purpose of using it. It's almost like an auto insurance policy, I am a safe driver I don't ever intend to get in an accident, I drive almost everyday, but in my 32 years I have been in two accident's. One did not cost my insurance company much the other would have wiped me out financially. However I had insurance and they were there to bail me out. It may not be for you, but for me I walk my dogs around the riverfront area downtown at night (10PM+) the river creepers (Homeless) freak me out. That was the main reason I took the CCW.

[BigBear]

Those are some things you have to consider. For me the ability to protect myself and my family if the need arises outweighs all of those.

+1 X infinity.

There are always things to consider. You'll just have to make up your own mind.

For my two cents, I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

[wyzardd]

> Finger Printed and on record with FBI.
I figure everyone that wants it already has me on file. Been printed off and on for nearly 20 years, so that didn't bother me.

> Some municipalities list CCW people automatically as “Persons of Interest”.
The only time a cop ever mentioned it was when he saw my open wallet with my license visible. Just asked if I was carrying at the moment but seemed more concerned with the Gerber LMF on the seat next to me.

> Carry a loaded (chambered) gun. I don't even chamber my rifle when hunting until just before the shot.
Training and familiarity with your firearm takes care of that. When I started it freaked me out to carry a 1911 in condition 1, so I kept to revolvers until I got a few classes under my belt.


> Highly recommends getting liability insurance to cover large lawyer fees, etc.
Knowing a lawyer ("on retainer" I think they call it) might not be a bad idea, but being broke is frequently better than being dead.

> There are so many places you can/can't carry and ways to get your self in trouble when carrying. You must be well informed and mindful of what you are doing to much higher degree than most of us non-carriers ever are.
I've run into very few places that I worry about carrying. Government buildings with metal detectors and my kids school are the only ones I make sure I'm unarmed before entering. If it's concealed properly, it's not a problem.
I rarely frequent drinking establishments, so that's not an issue with me.

I know several people who got their permit "just in case" and ended up carrying for defense against bears and mountain lions instead of bad guys.

[Irving]

I remember when I first started having these same concerns and would spend ALL day at work considering things just like this. This is an important part of becoming a CCW holder. You'll notice that for a while after this class, you'll come across all kinds of new scenarios to consider.

One that I particularly remember is someone on another site asking about carrying in a movie theater. They were worried that they would print and a cop would see them. So you have to ask yourself, if your biggest concern is that an officer will spot your piece, and not if you'll have to use it or not, do you need to be carrying at all?

When you first start carrying, it will feel like you're carrying a flashing light and siren in your belt that everyone is staring at, but no one notices at all. After about a week you stop worrying if you are printing, but you will pretty much ALWAYS be mindful of your clothes and that they are not pulled up to expose your gun. I recommend carrying around your home for a while to get a feel for it.

[sniper7]

Biggest thing to think about is your own life and your family's life. I don't live in a bad part of town, I work out of town (where i truly need the CCW), and when I am home I frequent mostly the same places.
BUT, you never know when you might need it. In these economic time people are becoming more and more desperate, which could lead to you becoming a victim.

I haven't looked into CCW insurance but i belong to the NRA, RMGO and being alive and dealing with lawyers and the court system is much more preferable than being dead, not seeing my family again and not having the chance to enjoy my life.

As for the fingerprints...I had to get them for my job, so not a big deal there. Besides, if you think you are NOT on a list already, you might think again.


If you are concerned about carrying a loaded gun, you should get more training. I carry loaded, always have, always will. It is something you will just develop comfort with over time. I highly recommend that if you get your CCW that you do the same. Time is of the essence and that short about of time it takes to chamber a round can be the difference between life and death.

Just ask Bigbear how quickly things can come up on you. You will appreciate his story and probably want to get your CCW a little quicker because of it! I want my fiance to be as well trained and heads up as his wife!

[Irving]

You'll catch a lot of flak for being hesitant about carrying chambered, but don't worry about it because a lot of people worry about it at first. So try not to be offended when people act like you're being ridiculous when you bring it up. Sometimes people forget that they used to be in your shoes once upon a time.

I kind of jumped in with both feet about carrying, but if you really feel nervous about it, start small. Wear your gun in your house, and walk to the mail box with it. Go to a convenience store or the movie store. One step at a time.

I realize you don't have the permit yet by the way.