why one should ALWAYS carry your weapon

[kthompson]

By no means do I mean for this to solve all the questions of this thread but have a link want you to look at those who tell how violent we USA citizens are. Murders (per capita) statistics - Countries Compared - NationMaster

Might be shocked. Then look to the right and click on the top murders using guns and we are about number 5 as said already. My reading which may not be correct is we kill lower numbers than in many countries but use a gun more often as the tool to. My understanding could be wrong.

Also as this is being discussed have received an email no doubt some others have the armed US citizen was one reason Japan was concerned about invading the US. Have no idea if that is fact or fiction, do any of you know?

Not being picking on any people but we do have a lot of killings that are by illegals and then illegal drug people. The term illegal does mean something that I wish the politicians understood.

 

[RoyJackson]

Not being picking on any people but we do have a lot of killings that are by illegals and then illegal drug people. The term illegal does mean something that I wish the politicians understood.

That is a good point, and if the laws and penalties for crimes committed with firearms (or any other weapon) were enforced, we've have a lot less murder...mainly because we'd execute those responsible. At least they couldn't be repeat offenders...

Now, I'm sure some of you think I'm a Neanderthal for being pro-death penalty...well, I am and make no bones about it.
Crime is going to get worse in the US (Canada too) as the Mexican cartels move further north. There is no doubt in my mind, this will happen. And we all know how bloodthirsty they are.

 

[Brake Weight]

I carry a KelTec P3AT in a wallet style rear pocket holster or, depending on pants worn, I may carry it naked in my front pocket. Never chambered, as this model is bare bones without a safety. Same as a 12 gauge racking one into the chamber, someone cocking a pistol is a deterrent.

There are many arguments as to how to carry a firearm, but each should do as they deem comfortable and as the need fits. I hope I am never put into a situation to actually use it.

I had a coworker that got robbed at gunpoint by an inner city youth in some air of gang initiation. He was getting gas in a bad part of town headed to work out of state, so he left his wallet in the truck. The kid took only that fist full of money he produced out of his pocket, then jumped into an awaiting car and fled. Would a firearm helped here? Probably not. Would the average concealed carry person blindly pumped gas? Most likely not.

I had a close friend's brother in law, a combat veteran of Iraq, take a wrong turn in Houston. He's a big ol' kid and can handle hisself one on one, even one on two. But was blocked at a stop sign and overcome by 7-8 gangstas. Ended up in the hospital as they eventually wore him down and kicked his ribs in. He had to crawl under his Honda Accord to get away from them. Then he got burned by the hot exhaust as he waited for them to leave. Would a firearm helped? Probably not. Would a firearm in the hands of a Marine helped? **** yes.

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS is key to all things conflictual. Training an knowledge of a tool/weapon is also very helpful when bad things can't be avoided.

I have a few more stories, but those end for the better. Maybe later.

 

[RoyJackson]

Never chambered, as this model is bare bones without a safety.
...someone cocking a pistol is a deterrent.

Good post!

As far as not chambering...well, you might not have time. You may want to consider a lightweight snubby rather then that little Keltec...

 

[troutsqueezer]

Boy, I'm late to this party...but that's never stopped me before.

I keep a shotgun near the back door and some boxes of shells nearby. The shells go from low base birdshot to high base magnum so I can tailor the effect to the occasion. :laughing:

That said, I don't carry when on my property even though I'm at the end of a long gravel road and the Mexican Mafia grows marijuana just down the road. Seems like once a year or so they get busted, well the operation gets busted, Nationals nowhere to be found.

Not long ago a beat-up car came up my steep driveway with three Hispanic types inside. My two large dogs immediately ran up to the side of the vehicle, one on each side and were barking their canine butts off.

The driver opens his window and shouts "Do those dogs bite?"

I shouted back "They sure do!"

They backed up, turned around and didn't look back.

"Good boy, good boy! Here's a bone....."

 

[2wheeledwarrior]

We were house hunting last spring and one day, while getting ready to check some houses out, I thought I should pack my .45. We were being driven by our Real Estate Agent (saved gas) and, as it's her car, I'd have to sit all day with the pistol in my hip. Not comfortable, but for some reason, I took it anyway.
On the third house, I was checking out the backyard alone when a neighbor's rather large German Shepard lept over his fence and came running right at me! I put my hand on the pistol and finger on the safety, but chose not to draw until the last second, just in case the dog wasn't a threat. A split second before the dog reached me, he turned and headed for the dogs in the yard on the other side. As dogs sense fear, I wonder how fearful I would have been without that pistol and wonder what the dog would have done.

Just another reason to carry a pistol.

 

[creekbend]

I will attempt to voice my views in response to suggestions that have circulated in this thread. I used to work part time as a taxi driver in Bradenton, Florida. I was robbed two times, both in broad daylight. One time one of the passengers got out of the back and began paying me at my door, while the other passenger with him stuck a gun in my ribs. Another time while a female passenger had finished paying her fare and was exiting the back of the cab, a man that was walking by on the street, knocked her in the head, jumped in the cab, and pressed a gun to my temple. I was in the Lady's driveway at the time. Neither assailant appeared to be on drugs or any other substance. I only gave up my money, and no other ID or anything else on my person. The last assailant shot twice-once in the ceiling and once in the floorboard. To this day, I really believe the reason that he didn't shoot me, was because of the fact that I adamantly refused several times to hand over my entire wallet. I watched his eyes in the rear view. His actions were not the actions of a drugged or intoxicated person. He was just **** mean. Both times I had a 45 Gold Cup on my hip, and a 357 S&W under my seat. Neither time was I scared or frightened, I was PO. Things happen so very fast. Existing laws at the time, gave the victim the right to blow the assailant's brains out while the assailant remained in the vehicle, but once he exited, any action that the victim resorted to after the fact, the victim was liable. Such as if you chased the robber and he shot or injured any civilians due to your actions, the laws will hold you partly liable and civil or criminal charges will be the case. I was raised with guns, military service, 5 1/2 year Sheriff's Dept.-road deputy- and I along with my youngest Uncle shot on the National Guard Pistol team. We used to receive 2,000 rounds or .45 cal, and 1,000 rounds of .22 cal ammo every 3 months for target practice, along with a B&L spotting scope. The point that I have tried to instill and clarify, is that things can happen extremely fast, and just because one might carry a concealed weapon-hopefully legally, this does not give credence to a citizen reacting in ways that are mindful of Gunslingers from the "wild, wild west". Two places that all gun enthusiasts should visit and attend, if given the chance, are Quantico and Camp Perry. Night firing at Camp Perry is a blast. Totally 100% memorable. Thanks for listening.

 

[creekbend]

That is a good point, and if the laws and penalties for crimes committed with firearms (or any other weapon) were enforced, we've have a lot less murder...mainly because we'd execute those responsible. At least they couldn't be repeat offenders...

Now, I'm sure some of you think I'm a Neanderthal for being pro-death penalty...well, I am and make no bones about it.
Crime is going to get worse in the US (Canada too) as the Mexican cartels move further north. There is no doubt in my mind, this will happen. And we all know how bloodthirsty they are.

I totally agree 100%. When I worked in southwest Florida-Bradenton-I was sitting at a red light at 57th Av and 14th St west around 2:00pm, and "right out of the blue" a car filled with gang bangers jumped across the medium followed by several Manatee County cruisers. Both parties were exchanging gunfire. This was across from the Red Lobster at a busy intersection and traffic was quite heavy. These are somewhat frequent occurrences in that part of the Country and many other towns and cities today. Truly, things are out of hand.

 

[Bird]

I used to work part time as a taxi driver

That's a terrible job, ain't it?:laughing::laughing: I did that part time in Dallas while my regular job was clerk in the Post Office. But fortunately, I never got robbed, and of course in those days, it would have been very much illegal for a taxi driver (or almost any else) to be carrying a handgun.

 

[creekbend]

That's a terrible job, ain't it?:laughing::laughing: I did that part time in Dallas while my regular job was clerk in the Post Office. But fortunately, I never got robbed, and of course in those days, it would have been very much illegal for a taxi driver (or almost any else) to be carrying a handgun.

We were allowed to carry legally if we were permit holders with concealed weapons permits. Later on the Company changed insurance companies and although we weren't allowed by the taxi company insurance carrier then to carry anymore, we were listed as "independent contractors" and many of us continued carrying. It was the largest taxi company in the County. On of my long time friends, also a driver, was shot in the face. He rolled up his electric window and the bullet was somewhat slowed by the glass. The bullet entered his mouth and stayed in one of his cheeks. Here's the kicker: Seven of us fellow drivers were on site before the ambulance or any Law Enforcement Agency showed up at the scene. The nearest police precinct was only 8 blocks away, and it took them 7 1/2 minutes to respond after our dispatcher had called and reported the shooting. The shooting took place is a pretty bad section of the County. I loved the job, although I only worked 3 shifts weekly on average. BTW, my friend survived, but he never returned to driving,

 

[2LaneCruzer]

It varies from state to state, but as a general rule, you can use deadly force if you believe you are in danger of death or serious bodily harm. Keep in mind that the reasonable man standard applies; a jury must agree with you that you your belief was correct. Under common law, if someone entered your home at night, there was an assumption that the intruder was going to use deadly force against you, therefore you could use deadly force on the intruder. It doesn't mean you can shoot your brother in law if he comes in your house at night, if you know who he is, and know he doesn't mean you any harm. This common law principle is embodied in statutes in many states, as the "Make My Day law".

If you wish to intercede on the behalf of someone else who is being attacked, just remember, that legally you stand in the shoes of the victim. In other words, if they weren't in danger of death or serious bodily harm, and you kill the perp, you are in a world of hurt. The law may take into consideration that you made a mistake, but that won't let you off the hook completely. I do not have a CCL, although I have taken the course. I am prepared to use whatever force is necessary if me or my family is threatened.

 

[Bird]

We were allowed to carry legally if we were permit holders with concealed weapons permits. Later on the Company changed insurance companies and although we weren't allowed by the taxi company insurance carrier then to carry anymore, we were listed as "independent contractors" and many of us continued carrying. It was the largest taxi company in the County. On of my long time friends, also a driver, was shot in the face. He rolled up his electric window and the bullet was somewhat slowed by the glass. The bullet entered his mouth and stayed in one of his cheeks. Here's the kicker: Seven of us fellow drivers were on site before the ambulance or any Law Enforcement Agency showed up at the scene. The nearest police precinct was only 8 blocks away, and it took them 7 1/2 minutes to respond after our dispatcher had called and reported the shooting. The shooting took place is a pretty bad section of the County. I loved the job, although I only worked 3 shifts weekly on average. BTW, my friend survived, but he never returned to driving,

Prior to the early '90s, there was no such thing as a concealed carry permit in Texas. You had to be active duty law enforcement or military to carry legally. Naturally, there are always just a few exceptions to every law.:laughing: But a cab driver certainly could not legally carry. Back then, the Yellow Cab Company was about the only cabs in Dallas. They had Ford sedans and Checker sedans. The Checkers were by far the better cars. Drivers worked on straight commission. Full time drivers got 40% of what they registered on the meter and part timers got 35%. And you kept your tips. Part timers could just go in, punch the time clock, and check out a cab any time. They wanted you to work at least 2 hours if you checked out a cab, but didn't enforce that "rule". They really didn't care whether you worked at it or not, since you were on a straight commission.

Of course, you understand that when I drove a cab was before the days of power steering, power brakes, automatic transmissions, and air-conditioning.:laughing:

In the Post Office, I eventually had to learn (memorize) every block of every street in Dallas and what zone it was in. One of the other clerks told me one of the easiest ways to learn Dallas was to drive a cab, so I did.:laughing:

 

[JB4310]

I carry a KelTec P3AT in a wallet style rear pocket holster or, depending on pants worn, I may carry it naked in my front pocket. Never chambered, as this model is bare bones without a safety. Same as a 12 gauge racking one into the chamber, someone cocking a pistol is a deterrent.

You mean chambering a round, yes it could be a deterrent, but it's also a high percentage chance of a failure. racking a round, Slingshot style into a pistol, especially a small one like that often results in a jam.
Not the best way to carry a pistol, and not necessary since these are double actions and are not going to easily accidentally discharge in your pocket. That said, I'm a hypocrite, cause I do the same thing with my Kahr .380 and have done it with other pistols as well.

My reasoning is not for fear of an accidental discharge on my body but because I have 3 kids and even though they should never come in contact with my gun, I feared they might, if I left it in a night stand or a coat pocket etc. I did not want them to be able to just pick it up and pull the trigger, my youngest is 13 now and gun savy enough to know how to safely handle a gun, but I still have that habit of keeping the pistol unchambered.

The Kahr is especially finicky when chambering a round and will often jam without the most forceful, deliberate slingshot action. Kahr states in the owners manual to engage the slide stop first, then release the slide stop to chamber the round. So I've learned that action and got proficient at it. like you said "Know your equipment"

I did use the sound of a cocking revolver in my coat pocket (like a little gangster ) to get out of a sticky situation once, but that's another storey.

Good post!

As far as not chambering...well, you might not have time. You may want to consider a lightweight snubby rather then that little Keltec...

They're both double action, wouldn't be much difference if he kept the pistol loaded.

On the third house, I was checking out the backyard alone when a neighbor's rather large German Shepard lept over his fence and came running right at me! I put my hand on the pistol and finger on the safety, but chose not to draw until the last second, just in case the dog wasn't a threat. A split second before the dog reached me, he turned and headed for the dogs in the yard on the other side. As dogs sense fear, I wonder how fearful I would have been without that pistol and wonder what the dog would have done.

Just another reason to carry a pistol.

Not to pick on you especially since you're new to TBN, (Welcome by the way)

But even though I know dogs do possess incredible sensory faculties, I don't think the dog realised you were packing and decided to stand down at the last second.
Though maybe not that far fetched an idea, if you turned and ran he surely would of chased you. From my experience though, a loose dog out of his yard is little threat. Now if you jumped over his fence, then that's a different matter :licking:

But I agree, dogs in general can pose a legitimate threat and often have to be dispatched by armed individuals.

JB

 

[creekbend]

Re:Bird We drivers would split the fares 50/50, but we drivers had to pay for all our fuel and were personally responsible for cleaning the vehicle before returning it, All the maintenance and oil was paid for by the Company. I have never been in or driven a Ckecker, but I,ve been told that they were more or less indestructible. You are correct in the best way to learn your way around town. Taxi drivers and firemen usually are the people that I ask for when asking directions, when I am traveling and arrive in a new town. Taxi drivers, as a whole used to rely on personal memory in locating addresses, but now many drivers utilize GPS systems. But in reality, if the driver really knows his way around town and is experienced, he can usually beat the driver using GPS. I know because I have done it.

 

[Bird]

I have never been in or driven a Ckecker, but I,ve been told that they were more or less indestructible.

They were great for taxicabs; a bit trunk, big back seat. flat floorboards, and more leg room in the back seat than any car I know of. It was also easier to get in and out of the driver's seat because you didn't sit "down" but more or less just the right height. I think the ones I drove in the early '60s had a 6-cylinder Continental engine. Of course, a part time driver had nothing to say about which car he got; just took whatever the dispatcher said was the next one up. Full time drivers got to keep their same car every day. But drivers had nothing to do with the vehicle maintenance or fueling, except to refuel at the company pumps at the end of their shift. So no matter which car I got, I started with a full gas tank and I refilled it when I put it away, but I didn't pay for any fuel or anything else.

I guess here is a picture of the Checker like I drove.

 

[Brake Weight]

I suppose the little KelTec .380 is considered a double action. But it lacks a safety and lacks a slide lock. If it has a round chambered, it can go boom. It lacks an external hammer or an indicator that it's loaded. My SA XD45 has an indicator when it has one chambered. So, if the light is good and the criminal happens to know pistols, he'll not know if I have one chambered in the KT .380. If have spent probably 2 man hours straight polishing the feed ramp and assorted moving parts so thy it will cycle a hollow point. I tried the Critical Defense round, but the hollow point is too large to go up the ramp.

 

[texasjohn]

my KelTec PF9 fits my front pocket completely comfortably in a Uncle Mike's size 3 Sidekick holster. I carry with a round chambered . I've never had a FTF or chamber, use +P hollow point for carry. No kids in the house. This gives me a 8 round capacity and at least 1 round that will fire even if a jam happens to occur because a pocket is a very dirty place. Hope I never feel so threatened that I feel I need to pull it out!

 

[JB4310]

my KelTec PF9 fits my front pocket completely comfortably in a Uncle Mike's size 3 Sidekick holster. I carry with a round chambered . I've never had a FTF or chamber, use +P hollow point for carry. No kids in the house. This gives me a 8 round capacity and at least 1 round that will fire even if a jam happens to occur because a pocket is a very dirty place. Hope I never feel so threatened that I feel I need to pull it out!

A good reason not to fire a "warning shot".
Though I admit I thought of scenarios where I might do it.

That's the achilles heel of auto's, that chambering and extracting.
Even though a wheel gun has as many parts, you don't hear about failures often.

I'd prefer a high capacity combat pistol for a made for TV fire fight, but for that point and click at the front door in the middle of the night scenario, the S&W K or J frame would probably be a more reliable choice.

But I don't want to start the debate between revolvers vs autos, that's a whole other thread or even a whole other forum

JB

 

[JB4310]

I know not that much time has passed, but any word on Tynesia's killer ?

We love to talk about guns and our rights, but......
Let's not forget there's any empty place at that families Thanks Giving Day table today

JB.

 

[texasjohn]

To my knowledge, no arrests have been reported.

Yes, she is doubtless missed this Thanksgiving by family and friends. A young life taken too soon.