Carry because you're older?

[38snapcaps]

My thanks to everyone who responded to my last post, "you'll never need it". Some really good logic has come thru.

However, my friend is STILL not convinced Here is what he has to say now:

He is 36 and I'm 56, to give you a perspective. He told me his step dad got into the "gun carrying" thing about the same age I did, at age 52. He believes its an age thing because people in my age group don't feel capable of taking care of themselves in the world unless they have a gun on their person. I countered with, "what about all the younger guys that carry?" His answer-"they are on an ego trip".

And finally-his real dad is a thirty year policeman who rarely carries off duty. His position is, if his dad doesn't feel the need why should any ordinary citizen?

Please respond, especially you young guys!

 

[pax]

Hey, if he doesn't want to carry a gun, he doesn't have to. *shrug* It's his life.

Personally, I was never convinced (nor even swayed) by "everyone else is" arguments. They just don't hold any water for me. I'm not everyone else; I'm me.

The too-long sig below is for you.

pax

There's always someone telling you not to do something. The main thing is just to ignore them. - Tim Robbins

When you take charge of your life, there is no longer need to ask permission of other people or society at large. When you ask permission, you give someone veto power over your life. -- Geoffrey F. Abert

Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are not even capable of forming such opinions. -- Albert Einstein

 

[Viking6]

as a fifty-something, I started carrying as soon as the law allowed when I was in SC in my mid-forties and continued here in VA. I also carried a handgun in my dash for years where that was legal. As for taking care of myself, I accomplish that by being aware of my surroundings and avoiding perceived trouble spots. I carry as a form of insurance to augment the above mentioned techniques. No drama, no flash, just prudence.

 

[RWK]

I will be 58 in mid-June. You can look at this foolish thesis (i. e., older folks carry firearms sine they are less capable of self-defense) in an entirely different -- and equally valid -- way. Perhaps fully adult individuals have the judgment and the experience younger people have not yet attained. Therefore, older persons tend to carry because they recognize the dangers we may face in routine life-situations.

 

[dairycreek]

I'm a "sixty something" and..................

I have carried for somewhat over 40 years and still do so on a daily basis. My reasons for carrying have always been the same; protection for me and those I love. First my kids now my grandkids. That has never changed!

A long, long time ago I gave up wasting my time trying to convince those that won't be convinced. From your report of his responses it sounds as if he "has all the answers" so let him have them and move on with improving and honing your skills as a gun owner, concealed weapon carrier, shooter, etc. Good shooting

 

[SLCDave]

I'm 28, and I carry everywhere I can, not because it stokes my ego, or makes me cool. I carry because I am more comfortable knowing I have it with me should the need arise. It may enable me to avoid being a victim. I obtained my permit shortly after finding out my wife was pregnant, because that change in my life made me take a good look at being able to defend my family to the best of my ability. Your friend may be the one on the ego trip, thinking he's able to bring his fists to a gunfight. Don't let his set of ideals convince you what is right for you. Only you can decide that.

 

[faustulus]

Because everyone has a match, and because there may be more than one of them and lastly because THEY may be carrying and I for one don't plan on bringing a knife (or fist) to a gunfight. i've been carrying since I was 25.

Nice sig dave

 

[raz-0]

Well, my question would be who is on the bigger ego trip. The 28 year old guy who carries in case something bad happens, or the 28 year old guy who thinks he can handle whatever comes his way?

There's always a bigger, meaner, nastier fish out there.

 

[Chuck Jennings]

For some, no explanation is necessary. For others, no explanation will do.

 

[sensei]

I want to chime in on this if you guys don't mind, as I have been thinking about this alot lately.

I am a 6th degree Black Belt and considered by some (not me) a Master of the Arts.
I have 3 schools and teach 3 nights a week. I recently became aware of just how old I am getting. (58 yrs old) and just how slow my reaction time is becoming.

I used to be content with a lesser caliber weapon. I had confidence in my ability to defend myself and my family with my bare hands. Society has changed. Young punks will kill you for fun or for some initiation into a gang or some other crazy reason. It doesn't matter how good you are with your hands. If they can just pull a trigger - they can KILL YOU!

We tend to not keep ourselves in very good shape. Maybe I've just become lazy. Whatever the case, I don't think we as a whole are in very good physical shape or train the way we should. I can't seem to get my students to take the dangers seriously enough. This scares me.

So, I have decided to get back in shape, and carry the biggest thing I can shoot well and carry it at all times. Hopefully my awareness of my surroundings will be heightened also.

I'm off my soapbox now, Thanks for listening,

sensei

 

[Glock_PhD]

Well I guess I will chime in as the whipper snapper of the group thus far at the ripe old age of 24. I certainly don't think I am on an ego trip when I carry my gun. As for why not just take care of myself? Well I am 6' 300 pounds and if I was sure that every person I may ever have a negative encounter with was only going to want use their fists I probably would not carry a gun. But we all know thats not the truth, and I have no pipedreamms about my size and age making a bit of difference to the bullet or gun some punk is going to use. I have for some time now held the belief that at my age and size if someone wants to assualt and/or attack me I think I might have more than fists to worry about.

 

[gyp_c2]

...Either you get it or you don't...

Living is better...

 

[Standing Wolf]

I'd have started carrying decades before I did if it had been legal.

 

[FThorn]

My first post

I just turned 39. I feel that I have no way to physically compete with younger guys if I should need to protect my family.

I just filled out paperwork to carry. I hope it goes through and gets here quickly.

I just can't decide what to get. A 2" 38 revolver, or a small(er) 9mm such as the XD9Comp, P99Comp, or similar.

 

[Treylis]

Sigh. That's one of the remarks that really irritates me--"Oh, you carry because it's an ego trip! It's macho and helps compensate for your abnormally small penis!"

 

[one45auto]

If only my state allowed concealed carry I'd be carrying, however I live in Maryland, so.....

With regard to your friend's attitude I can only echo what some have already stated - namely that there is no convincing some people and thus we must regrettably leave them to their fate.

 

[Walosi]

I started serious carry in my mid twenties. I just collided with 70. I survived just one serious incident in that time span. I do not carry because I am older. I am older because I carry.

 

[faustulus]

"Oh, you carry because it's an ego trip! It's macho and helps compensate for your abnormally small penis!"

Heard that one. I just smile and tell them 'Naw, thats what my M3 is for'

 

[Devonai]

Yes, I'm on an ego trip. That's why I no longer drive aggressively, flip people off, talk back to people who insult me, or drink beyond my ability to function normally.

 

[XLMiguel]

If anything, my ability to avoid trouble has gotten better as I've gotten older. I've always had good situational awareness, but I've certainly 'matured' and have less desire to deal with fools and related ilk. CCW has cera\tainly helped drive the point home, but I long ago accepted the fact that it just isn't my job joust with stupidity or to set ignorant people straight. It's a whole lot better to just stay out of their way.

OTOH, I am 56, overweight, out-of-shape, I have a blown-out knee and a fused ankle, and my wife walks with a cane. I have always believed in staying away from trouble, but my ability to leave expeditiously has diminished, as has the ability to get my wife out of harm's way, so the ability to carry legally has a lot of comfort and sense. I'd like to think I could still give a pretty good account of myself if I had to, but realistically, Mr SIG or Mr. Kimber on my side definitely imrpoves the odds in my favor, and I hope I never have to prove the theroy.

VA got 'shall issue' CCW in 1995, I got my CHP in 1998, after a bunch of studying, thinking, & self-examination..

 

[Chip Dixon]

However, my friend is STILL not convinced Here is what he has to say now:

He is 36 and I'm 56, to give you a perspective. He told me his step dad got into the "gun carrying" thing about the same age I did, at age 52. He believes its an age thing because people in my age group don't feel capable of taking care of themselves in the world unless they have a gun on their person. I countered with, "what about all the younger guys that carry?" His answer-"they are on an ego trip".

And finally-his real dad is a thirty year policeman who rarely carries off duty. His position is, if his dad doesn't feel the need why should any ordinary citizen?

Please respond, especially you young guys!


I'm 21. I qualify as a "young guy." Unfortunately, I've already had my fair share of run-ins with people who don't consider life sacred, and skirt with death like it is some sort of game. Most older guys who carry just actually have some real life experience when it comes to needing a gun and not having one. It's like wearing your seatbelt. The people who are on an ego trip are those people who think they'll never get in a collision, so they don't need to wear a seatbelt. Kind of like those people who think they'll never have some crackhead or psychopath draw a gun or knife or other deadly weapon on them. It's more of a delusional fantasy than an ego trip, but if you think that just because you're "tough" you'll never need a gun, you're a fool. You can be a blackbelt in 10 martial arts and still die by the hands of some drugged up punk with a jennings or raven if you're not armed. If they don't want to carry, leave them be. Just tell them that you don't appreciate their ignorant comments if they try and get on your case for carrying.

Why should any ordinary citizen carry a gun? Because they value their life enough to be willing to defend it, even in the most dire of circumstances. If someone would rather take their chances and not be prepared for the worst, then that is their choice. Let them go ride a motorcycle in city traffic, drive a hyundai on the freeway with their seatbelt off, and smoke cigarettes all day long. It's their life. That's what the "ordinary" citizen does. But you're not "ordinary", you're a prudent citizen. I'm sure you'll be around after he's 6 feet under, even if you're 20 years older.

I feel God put me on this earth for a reason. And I'll be damned if I'll let some punk kill me to get money for his heroin habit just because I'm too stupid or lazy to strap on a sidearm. It takes 1 minute a day, and could add decades to my life.

I still don't see how being prepared has anything to do with an ego trip.. Your buddy has had some serious brainwashing done on him somewhere in his life. Learning is easy. Unlearning is hard. He may be a sheeple for life. Atleast you won't have to worry about him buying that last WWB .45 ACP value pack at wal-mart that's on your shopping list any time soon.

 

[foghornl]

I have made it to 50+ because a time or 2 when I needed it, I was armed. And have gotten here only by good fortune and Grace of God when I wasn't armed.

I have bad knees, one big toe that doesn't bend, and painful hip joints. So, no, I am not going to outrun anything faster than a 2 year-old.

Also, I have observed that the Criminal Element "thought process" has shifted from 'take the money and run' to 'No Breathing Witness Left Behind'.

We can only hope that your cohort learns before he gets the stuffing beat out of him or worse.

Anything I have is replaceable, except for my Wife & my Life. I am not going to let any punk(s) take either of those things without a major fight.

 

[one45auto]

I think that Chip hit the nail squarely on the head, namely that this gentlemen's friend has been thoroughly brainwashed by those who hold the concept of self-reliance in contempt. They see the state as a benevolent father figure and thus regard our desire to protect ourselves as merely masculine chauvenism in much the same manner that a child too small to lift a particular object nevertheless attempts to do so when his father's back is turned. This mentality also equates preparation with paranoia, and I have long since lost count of the number of times someone has attempted to label me a "survivalist" for having a modest amount of supplies on hand in case of emergencies. (You should have seen their faces after 9/11 when the Government began advising people to stock up on the very same supplies I'd kept on hand for years - absolutely priceless. )


As for my beliefs, I see it this way - God put me in this world and thus no man on Earth has the right to take me out of it. I avoid trouble whenever possible and pray Heaven that I never have to take a life, but should someone leave me no other choice I won't hesitate to eliminate the threat to either myself or my family.

 

[sturmruger]

No offense to your friend but you are really wasting your time. The only way to change his mind is going to be slowly over time. Have him read this website for a while.

http://www.claytoncramer.com/gundefenseblog/blogger.html

Maybe that will help

 

[Watch-Six]

I'm over 50 and I am certainly aware that I am neither as strong nor as fast as I used to be. I learned a long time ago that there are a few truly evil people in this world. I don't care how tough you are, a lone unarmed man is easy pickin's. The bad guys are not looking for a fair fight. They are looking to take whatever it is that they want. They always have the advantage of surprise. Don't give them more than that. I have had several scrapes over my life. I have never had to shoot anyone, but being armed has been very reassuring more than once. Your friend will not get it at this point in his life. He thinks that he is all powerful and immortal. None of us are. Watch-Six