Concealed Carry thoughts and questions- advice? Input?

[TheGrey]

My spouse and I recently went through (and received our certificate) a gun safety class, tailored for our firearms and our questions. It was a great class that contained a lot of live fire exercises at the range.
One thing that our gun instructor emphasized is the fact that if we decided to apply for a CCW and carry a concealed gun, we needed to have the mindset for it. There was a lot of discussion on this topic, and the fact that I’m still reflecting on the issue tells me a lot.
He gave a lot of “what if?” scenarios, and suggested that we begin to think about ‘what if’ scenarios and how we would react.
Do you do this? What are some of your ‘what if’ scenarios? For those of you that carry concealed, how does it make a difference in your life? What are some of the drawbacks to carrying a concealed firearm?
Is there any other advice that you might like to offer in relation to concealed carry?
Thank you for your input. J

[Flatline]

You'll get a lot of much longer advice from other people, but I would highlight two things.

1. Be ready to shoot. Know that if you pull your gun, you might kill someone. Pulling your gun and hesitating can get you killed and may be worse than having not done anything at all.

2. Just because you have a gun on you doesn't mean you need to pull it. You don't need to stop a robbery at the gas station, and you don't have draw on someone who just took a garden gnome from your yard (legality aside, ex. is just to make a point).

I go on base almost every day, so I have to plan to be able to leave my gun at home. If you frequent a court house, mail office, etc know where you can bring your gun, where you can leave it in your car, and when you have to leave it at home.

[rondog]

Main thing to remember, IMO, is that a CCW permit does NOT make you a cop or a superhero! Your weapon is only to defend yourself, your family members, and/or any other third party in immediate grave danger. Don't try to be a crimefighter unless someone's life is in danger. Store's being robbed have insurance. Unless someone's been hurt or it appears violence is imminent, stay out of it and try to be a good witness, but be ready to act if the situation goes bad.

JMHO, but it seems to be a common one. CYA above all, and that means keep you and yours safe first. Don't use your gun unless you absolutely have to. Jail/prison sucks, and so does being sued into poverty.

Oh, and never draw or flash your weapon as a "deterrent" either. That can get you in deep shit clear over your head.

[sellersm]

When a life-threatening encounter happens, usually one will live to see another day, and one won't. Decide now: which one are you? It all begins with intent and 'the mind, the will'.

Remember that behind every bullet is a lawyer (or two).

Decide ahead of time: what's worth my life? And then make your actions congruent with that decision...

[dan512]

What if you have to shoot someone at night? Can you ID the target? Do you practice with your weapon mounted or handheld light? Can you run malfunction drills without seeing the gun?

[Armada]

Do you have an attorney. Once I got my CCW I started looking for criminal defense lawyers and keep their numbers handy. Above all don't ever talk to the police and keep your 911 call brief and to the point. It will get played back at your trial.

[whitbaby]

There was a good theme in Massad Ayoob's book In the Gravest Extreme...wherein you have to make up your mind beforehand if you have the willingness to take another person's life. If that time comes you won't have the time to do any soul-searching in that instant.
He says shooting someone is the hardest thing you'll ever have to do and live with, however keep in mind it will be your life or his...

[spqrzilla]

In the Gravest Extreme is still a great read ( the gun advice is all obsolete but the rest of the book is still good).

[Tinelement]

I have 2 scenerios.

1. I am by myself. I can take a licking and hold my own. My "life threatening" threshold is higher than............(see 2)
2. I am with my family, wife, 2yr old boy, and 6 month old daughter.


you do the math.

[Wildboarem]

Grey,
I think one thing that is over looked in the replies so far is awareness. Books have been written on the subject and for me it goes hand in hand with the others have posted. I can look at a situation and try to determine if I have the mindset and will to take another life in Defense and if I reach the point that I must, then odds are probably good that I made a mistake by even being in the situation in the first place. Awareness can keep one out of trouble and potential situations one might not want to be in. I know that awareness is a crucial element of the overall mindset one must have or should have to be armed. Take a look at some of Col. Jeff Cooper's writing along with Ayoob and others.