What stops you from carrying daily?

Jan 2013
89
0
Seattle, WA
For you guys that are interested in concealed carry, but don't carry yet...

What keeps you from doing so?

Some folks have no interest in carrying, which is fine, it's not for everyone. But others WANT to...but don't. There's some kind of barrier that stops them. This isn't a reason for embarrassment or shame...there's a learning curve for everything. The guy who can admit that he has something to learn has a lot more courage than the one who sits in silence.

For the guys that do carry every day, what advice do you have for the novice to help break down these barriers?

I have my own thoughts obviously but want to hear from others.

thanks
 
Dec 2012
356
0
Lacey, Wa
I carry...and few friends that dont have made commented

~ wont make me any safer
~ I dont want to be labeled by others as "paranoid"
~ just not comfortable carrying a weapon

My personal advice stands at be prepared, be vigilant.
~We Don’t Want to Shoot Anyone
~It’s a Dangerous World
~Use Your Rights – or Lose Them
~Carrying a Gun is Inconvenient and Uncomfortable

Get as much training and knowledge about THAT firearm and never, ever leave it at home.
 
Last edited:
Feb 2010
41
0
Mill Creek, Wa
Can't carry at work.
Don't wanna carry sitting around at home.
Try to not carry when I know alcohol will be involved.
 
Jan 2009
870
0
Lynnwood, WA
it would be supremely inappropriate in my work setting, up to, and including losing my job.

concealed means concealed, right? I have no locker, no storage, no drawers. Just a flat desk and a backpack.

concealed in a backpack isn't accessible, and I don't have time to transfer from on my person to my backpack in a concealed manner.
 
Jan 2013
89
0
Seattle, WA
People make choices not to carry and I respect that. If there's any question about carrying...well then there's no question. If you're not comfortable with it, if you're not ready for it, if you're not trained for it...then you shouldn't do it.

However I think there are people who WANT to but choose not to make that leap. There are barriers...but I say those barriers are made for knocking down. IMHO, those who are at all concerned about self-protection should be considering this option, and if they deem it worthwhile they should take the steps to make it a reality.

"it won't make me any safer" - neither do seat belts, air bags, doctor visits, motorcycle helments...etc, etc. right up until the point you need them.

"I don't want to be labeled as paranoid" - #1 concealed means concealed. Carry an appropriate firearm, with an appropriate holster, with appropriate clothing. 99% of the sheep aren't aware and aren't even looking for it. #2 why concern yourself with the judgments of lesser men?

"just not comfortable carrying" - ok, then don't. But if you're on the fence, like so many, overcome this. Get training...practice...better yourself. One day you'll wake up and wonder why you never carried at all.

Non-permissive environments, particularly work, are always problematic. And when your livelihood is at stake obviously that's a serious consideration. If you're not up to that challenge, then you're not up to it. Fair enough. But it can be done for those that are motivated. Clothing choices, holster choices, and most of all professional demeanor, handling, and awareness are necessary. It's not for everybody.

Carrying at home. I google searched "home invasion" just this morning and this was one of the first hits. Search result | HeraldNet.com - Everett and Snohomish County, Washington

Not trying to start an argument...just a discussion. :)
 
Jan 2011
69
0
Grandview, WA
carry daily

I substitute teach-Gun free zone.

In summer or otherwise hot weather, I wear shorts and a T-shirt, there's no place to conceal anything. When it's colder and I can wear a jacket, long sweatshirt or sweater, I carry.
 
Jan 2013
89
0
Seattle, WA
I substitute teach-Gun free zone.

In summer or otherwise hot weather, I wear shorts and a T-shirt, there's no place to conceal anything. When it's colder and I can wear a jacket, long sweatshirt or sweater, I carry.

And we respect "gun free zones" why?

Sure, work is an NPE and requires some extra effort. A guys that isn't up for that effort, well it's not a choice at all. Don't carry. For the guy that is up for it, education on choices how is easily found. Attention to detail and the risk is very, very small of being made.

But because someone says it's a 'gun free zone'...well I wouldn't pay attention to a sign that says leave my balls at the door either.

Hot weather is more of a pain in the ass, no arguments there. But again, with good choices, the right gun/holster/clothing...it is not that big a challenge to surmount. It comes down to whether one wants to or not.
 
Dec 2012
266
1
Vancouver, WA
I'm new to CC, I have gone through answeing a lot of questions and Philosophy of use issues. Will I ever OC? How do I CC? IWB? Pocket Holster? Ankle? What do I CC? Do I keep one in the pipe? or no? Saftey on or off? Store my guns loaded or empty? What Ammo Do I use? Will I leave my Gun In the car when there is a Weapons free sticker in the window at the resturaunt or theater I am going to? Will I leave my Gun in the car? Should I just leave it at home if I know or even if Imight have to leave it?

RCW 9.41.280: Possessing dangerous weapons on school facilities
This kind of gun free zone needs to be respected as much as you care to respect any RCW.

However, If it's not posted with a relevant RCW, it's your risk tolerance. If you're not OC, it most likely wont be a problem as long as your not hiding a Python in an ankle holster.

I work with Youth and there is always horseplay that goes along with young people, so I generally don't carry when I am doing youth events.

I have only been Conceal carrying for a short time and I really don't want to be the next guy that gives the gun community black eye. There is a lot to think about when you carry, I had no idea of the compexities of carrying before I started thinking about doing it. Getting caught when it is not appropriate to be carrying, is just about as bad as not having one when you need it. Finding that balance is the challenge.

It is a little like motorcycling, you have more going on than just yourself to think about, while everyone else is sleepwalking through their day, you have to be doing your thinking for yourself, and them. It is more responsibility, if you don't want that, you probably shouldn't carry.

Brent-

You are always provoking thought about the subject, I appreciate the dialogue and the contributions you make on this forum. I wish I lived closer to you, I would really like to spend some time learning from you in person.
 
Jan 2013
89
0
Seattle, WA
Eddie - thanks for the nice comment. I'm sure one of these days we can connect for some training. :)

You raise some excellent points and push the conversation further. I have to run but your comments beg more discussion!

later...
 
Feb 2010
41
0
Mill Creek, Wa
I really like this post.

I'm new to CC, I have gone through answeing a lot of questions and Philosophy of use issues. Will I ever OC? How do I CC? IWB? Pocket Holster? Ankle? What do I CC? Do I keep one in the pipe? or no? Saftey on or off? Store my guns loaded or empty? What Ammo Do I use? Will I leave my Gun In the car when there is a Weapons free sticker in the window at the resturaunt or theater I am going to? Will I leave my Gun in the car? Should I just leave it at home if I know or even if Imight have to leave it?

RCW 9.41.280: Possessing dangerous weapons on school facilities
This kind of gun free zone needs to be respected as much as you care to respect any RCW.

However, If it's not posted with a relevant RCW, it's your risk tolerance. If you're not OC, it most likely wont be a problem as long as your not hiding a Python in an ankle holster.

I work with Youth and there is always horseplay that goes along with young people, so I generally don't carry when I am doing youth events.

I have only been Conceal carrying for a short time and I really don't want to be the next guy that gives the gun community black eye. There is a lot to think about when you carry, I had no idea of the compexities of carrying before I started thinking about doing it. Getting caught when it is not appropriate to be carrying, is just about as bad as not having one when you need it. Finding that balance is the challenge.

It is a little like motorcycling, you have more going on than just yourself to think about, while everyone else is sleepwalking through their day, you have to be doing your thinking for yourself, and them. It is more responsibility, if you don't want that, you probably shouldn't carry.

Brent-

You are always provoking thought about the subject, I appreciate the dialogue and the contributions you make on this forum. I wish I lived closer to you, I would really like to spend some time learning from you in person.
 
Jan 2013
123
0
Silverton, OR
My employer and the various locations we work out of have no weapons rules.

These rules are rooted in the insurance that covers us and them.

I drive a 105,500 GVW Dump truck and Trailer. I unhook and hook up my trailer as many as 10 times in a day. Each time involves physical movements that would make anything but a pocket carry almost impossible to conceal.

That said my normal carry is a pocket carry a small Bauer .25 Automatic in a Wallet type holster.

The idea of sitting on it would destroy my back in a morning. As it is most days I pull my Wallet out and put it in my truck bag and its only about 3/8" thick.

I do not travel in areas of high risk except very rarely. I do not live in an area where the chances of a home invasion are higher then being stuck by lightning. (I also do not carry a lightning rod daily).

When we travel when I visit someplace I deem to be a higher risk environment or if I am out late at night. I will then carry.

I have had my permit since early 1991 and I carried when I felt the need for at least 5 years before that.

So in a nut shell no I do not carry all the time nor do I carry daily nor do I feel the need to.

If my employer allowed Weapons on site or in the vehicles I doubt I would carry just not worth the PITA when I weigh the risk.

YMMV
 
Jan 2009
1,318
1
Kirkland, WA
I think there's a couple leaps a person has to make; mental & physical.

The mental blocks are most likely the biggest thing (potential impact of livelihood due to workplace policy, considerations about being responsible for self/others in the environment, legal concerns if your gun was used in any way, competency, etc.).

Physical blocks I would think would be less (carry location, type/model of gun, holster type, impact on clothing choices, training/practice, etc.).

I'd recommend just doing things step by step. Get & wear a good belt. Worse case scenario is if you give up on carrying, you 'll have a belt. Try a holster and wear it with no weapon or a training piece -- to figure out what's comfortable/concealable. Wear this as long as you want until you feel comfortable with it. Then carry your weapon -- could be unloaded, no magazine, whatever -- until you feel comfortable with it. Then carry with a loaded magazine but none in the chamber -- do that for as many weeks/months as needed. Decide if you want one in the chamber or not at some point in the future, then do that.

There are little pocket guns/holsters for summer carry. And your regular carry mode can become so comfortable, you end up carrying all the time (inside & outside the home). Not to mention your pants might not fit if everything is sized for an IWB set up. ;)
 
Jan 2013
89
0
Seattle, WA
RCW 9.41.280: Possessing dangerous weapons on school facilities
This kind of gun free zone needs to be respected as much as you care to respect any RCW.

Therein lies the key.

I do not commit murder. That's because a higher authority than RCW tells me it is wrong. Laws in the here and now may reinforce that with worldly penalties...which is probably necessary for some people.

I do not find it against my conscience to carry in a gun free zone. So my respect for these laws is exactly zero. Obviously, there are penalties if caught...but that also means exactly zero to me. Training, experience, wisdom, awareness...these things ensure that I will not pay such a penalty.

As always, big boy rules apply. Those that want to play by big boy rules must 1. choose to do so and 2. bring their knowledge and skills up to the point of capability.

Those that don't want to play by those rules don't have to. With lesser responsibility comes lesser capability. It is a choice and balance that we weigh.

For me, I choose more capability, and accept the responsibility that comes with it.
 
Jan 2013
89
0
Seattle, WA
Mine in bold:

I work with Youth and there is always horseplay that goes along with young people, so I generally don't carry when I am doing youth events.
A wise policy. It's a choice about what we are to engage in. I don't carry when I teach classes at my dojo. (of course there are ample weapons within easy reach) :) However again we must accept the lesser capability. The 2011 Norway shooting was at a youth event. Are these attacks common? No, but they happen. Perhaps at my age I have the luxury of staying out of the horseplay, with the knowledge that I'm ready, willing and able to engage such a threat. It's not boasting if it is simply true.

I really don't want to be the next guy that gives the gun community black eye.
Then don't. :) I don't mean that to sound facetious. Responsibility and professionalism rule the day here. I don't hit my dog...not because of any special training or failsafes...I simply don't do it.

There is a lot to think about when you carry, I had no idea of the complexities of carrying before I started thinking about doing it.
So refreshing to see someone write this. :)

Getting caught when it is not appropriate to be carrying, is just about as bad as not having one when you need it.
On this one I will disagree. If I'm made carrying at a school, I'll pay some consequences. It will cost some money, it will be embarrassing. If your work is an NPE it's more serious. Most of us can't risk losing employment, and I sympathize...but I also believe this: make yourself so valuable that others will hire you in a heartbeat. Improve, become stronger professionally, improve your shortcomings and maximize your strengths. Start your own business and succeed in spite of limitations. That's another discussion but it leads back to this subject...no matter the hardships we and our family must face, they're pretty minor compared to being under the dirt. Or if your wife or child is in the ground when you might have been able to do something about it. Whatever the consequences of breaking NPE rules, they pale in comparison to consequences if you need your weapon and don't have it.

you have more going on than just yourself to think about, while everyone else is sleepwalking through their day, you have to be doing your thinking for yourself, and them. It is more responsibility, if you don't want that, you probably shouldn't carry.

I could not agree more with this last sentiment.
 
Jan 2009
870
0
Lynnwood, WA
so, if you don't respect laws, they don't apply?

that sounds logical.

I don't respect the laws that say I can't shoot people.
 
Jan 2013
89
0
Seattle, WA
so, if you don't respect laws, they don't apply?

that sounds logical.

I don't respect the laws that say I can't shoot people.

I think perhaps you're smart enough to differentiate between actions that cause harm and those that don't.

To be clear I'm not making a blanket statement to ignore laws simply because we feel like it. I *am* saying that some laws infringe on our natural rights, and I think most of us can figure out the difference.

I wanted to start a conversation on WHY folks make the choice not to carry. People make choices to carry or not, and I respect those choices. I think there are plenty of defensible reasons behind either choice.

I just happen to find "Gun free zone" reasons particularly unpersuasive. But for those that want to be obedient to such instructions, it's no skin off me. I just don't understand it.
 
Jan 2009
870
0
Lynnwood, WA
People make choices not to carry and I respect that. If there's any question about carrying...well then there's no question. If you're not comfortable with it, if you're not ready for it, if you're not trained for it...then you shouldn't do it.

However I think there are people who WANT to but choose not to make that leap. There are barriers...but I say those barriers are made for knocking down. IMHO, those who are at all concerned about self-protection should be considering this option, and if they deem it worthwhile they should take the steps to make it a reality.

"it won't make me any safer" - neither do seat belts, air bags, doctor visits, motorcycle helments...etc, etc. right up until the point you need them.

"I don't want to be labeled as paranoid" - #1 concealed means concealed. Carry an appropriate firearm, with an appropriate holster, with appropriate clothing. 99% of the sheep aren't aware and aren't even looking for it. #2 why concern yourself with the judgments of lesser men?

"just not comfortable carrying" - ok, then don't. But if you're on the fence, like so many, overcome this. Get training...practice...better yourself. One day you'll wake up and wonder why you never carried at all.

Non-permissive environments, particularly work, are always problematic. And when your livelihood is at stake obviously that's a serious consideration. If you're not up to that challenge, then you're not up to it. Fair enough. But it can be done for those that are motivated. Clothing choices, holster choices, and most of all professional demeanor, handling, and awareness are necessary. It's not for everybody.

Carrying at home. I google searched "home invasion" just this morning and this was one of the first hits. Search result | HeraldNet.com - Everett and Snohomish County, Washington

Not trying to start an argument...just a discussion. :)

I think perhaps you're smart enough to differentiate between actions that cause harm and those that don't.

To be clear I'm not making a blanket statement to ignore laws simply because we feel like it. I *am* saying that some laws infringe on our natural rights, and I think most of us can figure out the difference.

I wanted to start a conversation on WHY folks make the choice not to carry. People make choices to carry or not, and I respect those choices. I think there are plenty of defensible reasons behind either choice.

I just happen to find "Gun free zone" reasons particularly unpersuasive. But for those that want to be obedient to such instructions, it's no skin off me. I just don't understand it.

lol, of course I can make that distinction.

will the media/public/jury see things the way you do if you use your firearm in a gun free zone?
 
Jan 2013
89
0
Seattle, WA
will the media/public/jury see things the way you do if you use your firearm in a gun free zone?

If we have to use our firearms anywhere, it had better be for a good reason. Assuming we can articulate that the bad guy had the intent, means and opportunity to do us or others harm, we can win a self-defense case.

Look at Zimmerman...even with a shoot that was not 100% clean, even with a zealous prosecutor and the media against him, he was not proven guilty based on the facts of the case. (And I'm not posting anything pro- or anti- Zimmerman...merely stating he wasn't proven guilty. He DID have to go through legal hell and his life will be forever altered...but some of that is his own doing. Moving on...)

I accept responsibility for carrying in an NPE, and recognize that if I'm caught I would face penalties. My only point on the gun free zone business is that those penalties are pretty minor compared to the alternative.
 
Dec 2010
305
0
Fall City
Well I only eat out at bars and don't want to leave my gun in a car.

I can't carry at work.

I don't want to carry when I know I'll be drinking which I drink extremely often. I brew beer so I tend to consume alcohol on a very regular occasion......
 
Jan 2013
89
0
Seattle, WA
Let's differentiate between WANT and DON'T want.

Most people don't want to carry. No reason is needed...if you don't want to, you don't want to. Enough said.

Then there are those sometimes might want to carry, but choose not to due to circumstances. Too difficult/risky at work, too big a pain in the ass, doesn't work with the clothes you wear, whatever reasons. So effectively, they DON'T want to carry. Also enough said.

But for those who want to carry but haven't quite made that leap...what would it take? What holds you back?

Is carrying more responsibility and more work than not? You bet. If you're going to carry regularly, it requires some discipline. If it's not worth it to you, fair enough.

But I submit that that these barriers are easily addressed once you've 1. made the decision, 2. acquire the necessary knowledgeable, and 3. follow through with the discipline required.

So to those of you on the fence, I challenge you to make the leap. Growth requires effort and some sacrifice, but it's usually worth it.
 
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