Am I too critical of some fellow gun owners here?

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Hokkmike

Hokkmike

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I have enjoyed shooting all kinds of guns for a L-O-N-G time. I am a big supporter of 2nd Amendment rights and love to hunt as well. I have probably, to my discredit, traded away or sold more guns than many people have. I am very pleased with my current collection.I do have a CCW and carry occasionally.

This is not to brag, but a disclaimer for my point, which is:

I have read threads about problems carrying to church, to work where guns are restricted by state law, in a girlfriend's house when her parents object (should he break-up?), needing CCW holsters for weddings (formal clothes), having closet guns (apart from regular the regular carry or bedroom piece) hidden in key defensive locations, and problems associated with CCW while becoming intimate.

One writer even said that without his pistol hidden on him he becomes very tense and physically choked-up, and therefore actively works to avoid engaging in any and every activity or circumstance where he is deprived of his weapon.

Is it me, or aren't some of these scenarios just a little bit over the top? Where I live, in Pennsylvania, if you take a few simple precautions you need not fear to be without a CCW once in a while. And, I am proud to say that with as many good and law abiding citizens that do carry in our state that it is NOT high-noon in PA and further, they, these permits holders, add to rather than detract from the overall sense of public safety.

Maybe these topics are posted because they make good conversation starters. Perhaps I am out of touch with the real danger out there. Or maybe some of us are a little over-zealous?

What do you think?
 
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Is it me, or aren't some of these scenarios just a little bit over the top?
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No it's not you.

Yes, some of them are over the top.

Anything good can be ruined by obsessing about it.
 
Some folks have some pretty serious circumstances. Victims of (violent and/or sexual) crimes, witnesses to crimes, high crime areas, physical disabilities, etc etc. Who am I to judge them about their need for a weapon?
 
yes, it can be named as over the top.

Of course, many times we have a list of places were we cannot carry...and then someone goes and shoots up a very similar locale and no one is there to stop him.

how many times have you heard "teachers don't need a gun in school" or "no one needs a gun in church" And you konw what, they are right 99.999999% of the time, but it sucks if you happen to be there that 0.00000001%

my understanding isn't that you CCW when you go in rough areas of town in case there is trouble, my understanding is that you CCW because you realize trouble can pop up in the most unlikely places.

Does this mean a person should freak, break out into a cold sweat, and just never ever go where CCW isn't allowed? Of course not. We all have to buy stamps on occasion. But I don't think it is wrong to shun businesses that won't allow you to carry. And I don't think it is wrong to change churches either.
 
I think alot of issues brought up here are seen through us "the readers" eyes, by which I mean, we don't always get the FULL context of the situation. To me this can easliy create a situation where I read something, and yes it sounds a little extreme. This is part of the fallacy of human interaction, everything we assume to know, is really just a perspective. This is why I believe such a like-minded group of people are able to disagree on so many of the issues brought up here at THR.
I didn't bring this up to rustle the feathers I just think communication or LACK there of, is annoying to down right dangerous.
One example I could give would be to enter a thread randomly without any knowladge of the OP or the context, then skip around and read some responses. Even without the originall context you instantly form your opinion on whatever you just read, however inaccurate that opinion might be, its there!
I'm not implying that people post without reading threads....Even though I'm sure some do:confused:
I'm simply saying that a paragraph or two of even the most eloquent writing can be cast in the wrong light, or simply cast out of context.....
my 0.02$
7
 
You are not alone. I often have the same thoughts, but have always been quiet, because as someone above said - who am I to judge? Since I am exclusively a target and clays shooter, I often scratch my head at some of the things I see or hear talked about. But you know, different strokes for different folks.
 
some of its over the top.

but not everyone sees firearms as just tools. many see it as a hobby.

kinda sounds bad, but like several millionaire heiresses dress up their dogs. people want to dress up their gun with a nice holster for formal occasions.

i mean i certainly wouldnt wear a beat holster to a wedding
 
You're right -- there are some over-the-top queries, and some seemingly serious hand-wringing problems. "I'm a serious skydiver, and spend upwards of 20 minutes in free-fall each weekend; I don't like to be without my CCW during this vital time, because Bad Guys know that it's likely I'd be vulnerable while falling through the air. What caliber do you recommend, and what's the best full-retention holder?"

BUT (the big but), there are horses and courses. I'm not a churchgoer except under duress, but if I was, I'd like to go armed: some people get unhappy and lash out even at people who bear them no ill-will, either inside or outside of their own religions. There are times I've driven (not first choice, but driven by enough factors that it became reality) in places where I realized I wished I'd been armed with *something* (gun or not). And other people all face their own circumstances! (The "break up" question isn't all that far-fetched, either: I don't think I'd marry a girl who couldn't at least be resigned to my owning defensive weapons ... it narrows the field, regrettably, but also clarifies things.)

Context is all!

timothy
 
I'm not implying that people post without reading threads....Even though I'm sure some do
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I will imply that. Actually, I'll come right out and say it. Many people don't read the entire thread. It also seems that many just read the subject line and don't bother to read the entire original post, let alone subsequent responses.
 
I think some people need to post, and to that end, they do come up with some extreme or memorable situations.

This isn't found only here; most boards I visit on varying topics have a certain level of scenarios that leave me going :what:
 
I try to carry everywhere I'm allowed. If I can't then my wife has her's (LEO). But to panic cause I don't have it. Well I geuss I would just have to know the persons circumstance.
 
No, you are not over the top.

The Reality is, everyday folks manage ADLs (activities of daily living) without weapons, be these weapons firearms, or knives.

In the USA, we have folks that have to enter workplaces, and work sites, with guards, metal detectors, and other security means.
It may be a Gov't building, Gov't Research Lab, Nuclear Facility.

WE are a Global Society, we have members, and non-members that are family and friends all over the world that have restrictions on weapons, again be these firearms or knives.

Yes, each person, where they live, and ADLs dictates the level of threat.

-Too many folks put too much focus on guns, and knives to keep them safe.
-Many rationalize behaviors, and they need to have others support their rationale.

It is normal for folks new to anything, to feel awkward, have questions and seek support, that is to be expected, and others more seasoned in what these new things are, mentor and pass forward.

Never put all your security into one or two categories, especially physical things.

i.e Fire Extinguisher. That FE will not magically keep fire away, it may decide to not work, or not be enough to handle a fire in the kitchen for instance.

Mindset, Skills Sets, and Practiced Plans - such as having timers for foods cooking, smoke alarms, and the alarm signals something is ready, or smoke.
Baking soda, for instance might be the best tool for the stove fire.

Guns, and knives are not magic talismans either.
Yes, Mindset, Skill Sets, Lessons and Quality Practice of Practiced Plans are important with firearms...

Just do not go over the top, as this will impede one in the ability to think out of the box.
 
We all come from different countries, states, education, environments, cultures, upbringing, beliefs, influences, military experiences, training, incidents, etc.

Some are passive and some are "all or nothing".

There's really no answer to the diversity of the gun culture, that's why we have this thing called "opinions".

So yes, in a sense you are being critical.

Just my opinion.
 
I think quite a few people are over the top with their tactical obsessions.

That said, a lot of places in the U.S. are far more violent and dangerous than they were even a few years ago. Given our open border and influx of violent aliens I don't think this situation is going to be improving any time soon.

People will have to decide what level of preparation (obsession?) works for them.
 
I'm sure a number of us might be over the top but you should also consider that perhaps you are a bit of touch about what bad things are happening around.

Bad things happen and seldom on schedule or with warning. If something really bad happens to you or very near to you most likely your opinions will change.

A person shouldn't be living in fear but should consider as much insurance as they are willing to pay for. That insurance could contain armament, extra situational awareness, classes or other I can't think of right now.
 
Sure some folks actually obsess a bit about SD; however, one only needs to turn on the news in the evening to see the violent reality we live in. I don't think I even heard the term home invasion until a few years ago, same with carjacking. My CCW is late getting here and is due any day but I really doubt I'll pack each and every time I leave the house. I will always have a piece in my car - as I bought one specifically for this purpose. I always have a loaded gun within a short distance in the house as well.

I have no kids at home so I don't have to worry about keeping them locked away and this gives me the flexibility to keep them handy. The bottom line is the person I can rely on to protect me and the wife is me, and I intend to do that without going to a bunker mentality as best I can. I'd rather be prepared for a bad event and be able to react than to wish I had been prepared...
 
We are a spectrum

People are a broad spectrum on pretty much any issue you can imagine. And I would say there is probably a bell curve for most things as well. For every person who would never own a gun and the very sight of them causes severe angst, there is someone on the other end of the scale who has a stockpile of AKs and a few drums of ammunition in his underground bunker. Most of us fall somewhere in between. Same thing applies to carrying, home defense, driving etc. You may consider someone over the top, while someone else thinks they are grossly under prepared or under gunned. But, when folks ask for opinions on any of these subjects they are, quite often, really looking for affirmation that they are somewhere in the middle of the curve known as "normal". And the various opinions makes forums like this interesting. If we all had the same opinion who would come read this stuff?:)
 
I may be paranoid, but that doesn't mean they're not out to get me:D

Yep, some folks here are wound a bit too tight. Last I heard, the VAST majority of violent crime involved one (or a combination) of the following-

young men (15-30)
females
alcohol
drugs
out at night

As my kids say, I am now an old fart at 46. I'm not chasing tail, I'm not in bars to all hours, I'm not buying or selling drugs (or knowingly associating with those who do), and I don't hang out with teenagers. Call me a blissninny, but the odds of being in a bad situation are pretty slim. If an ax murderer decides to strike me down while I am unarmed, reading the paper on the toilet, I will probably be upset. I'll live with those odds. If it actually happens, somebody make sure to post and say, "See, i told you so!"

I keep a gun handy in bedroom, and CCW when going to places that have some exposure to the above noted potential threats. Having driven down to Johns Hopkins ER late on a Saturday, I also understand the "uh-oh, boy I wish I had a gun" feeling. I respect that feeling, and act accordingly.

I think that if you are a plain joe/jane citizen living your life in a constant condition red, you ought to get a life. Stop and smell the roses. And the Hoppes:cool:
 
Yes, some of the posts are way over the top. But why worry, we all need a good laught once in a while.
 
hokkmike said:
Is it me, or aren't some of these scenarios just a little bit over the top? Where I live, in Pennsylvania, if you take a few simple precautions you need not fear to be without a CCW once in a while. And, I am proud to say that with as many good and law abiding citizens that do carry in our state that it is NOT high-noon in PA and further, they, these permits holders, add to rather than detract from the overall sense of public safety.

Maybe these topics are posted because they make good conversation starters. Perhaps I am out of touch with the real danger out there. Or maybe some of us are a little over-zealous?
Click to expand...
On one level, you are encountering a phenomenon known as "difference of opinion." Some people take their safety more seriously than you -- or perhaps simply take their RKBA more seriously than you. In any group or society comprised of many individuals, it would be unrealistic to expect everyone to be in lock step on every issue.

On another level, are you out of touch with the real danger out there? Probably -- unless you live in Sullivan or Centre County and never leave the county. As has been noted before, probably here and certainly on another forum I visit, assailants don't make appointments. You cannot assume that because there hasn't been a home invasion, mugging, or car jacking in your neighborhood in recent memory that there won't be one tomorrow -- and that you won't be the victim.

That family that was killed in Connecticut last year? Their town was so safe that, although the house had an alarm system, they not only didn't activate the alarm at night, they didn't even lock the doors. Didn't need to -- after all, there aren't any home invasions in Cheshire, CT. Well, make "aren't" into "weren't," because they can't say that now.

I just read about a car jacking in broad daylight at a mall where my wife shops frequently. My wife hates guns, so there's no way she'll run out and get a permit. I showed her the article just to try to raise her situational awareness. Since she just lost her wallet to a pickpocket (in a store in another supposedly "safe" area), perhaps she'll remember ... for awhile. But my wife grew up in a big city, so she doesn't really, deep down, believe that crooks and bad guys in smaller cities are as bad or as clever or as determined as the crooks and bad guys where she grew up.

I hope she doesn't learn the hard way, but she's an adult and free to make her own decisions.

If someone believes it is not safe for them to go anywhere without a sidearm -- ultimately they are correct. If you choose to venture forth under some circumstances without your sidearm (as I do on occasion), you are increasing your risk. Only you can decide for yourself if you are willing to accept the additional risk. I think it is inappropriate to criticize those who are not willing to accept the added risk. How many people would have died in that church in Colorado if Jeanne what's-her-name hadn't been there with a sidearm?
 
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