Well a recent thread got me to thinking. I’ve had some folks in the past suggest that my carrying of a gun be because I was afraid of something or someone. Friends or family have said, what are you afraid of that you need to carry a gun all the time?
My wife was at a yardsale once, open carrying. She’s a little thing and was carrying a 686. Some lady said what do you have that gun for? You afraid someone’s gonna get ya?
Well, I carry at home and there is no threats here and I’m comfortable, since we live in the country. I carry out of habit more than anything. I feel naked without my gun same as I do without my knife and my pants.
I’m not one that carries a gun out of chore. In fact, I rarely notice my gun even though it’s a large revolver. Once I found a comfy spot and holster combo, It ceased to be a bother. Rather it’s a constant comfort to my mind.
I carry anytime I have clothes on. I don’t wear house clothes, I step into my pants and holster my gun.
This is my take on the matter.
I can't recall anyone ever putting it to me quite like that before. I am aware that it may be a bit fringe, or strange, to carry 24/7 as I do.
Whenever you hold a belief quite different than the majority, it is natural to question yourself as to why.
In that spirit, I realized that I likened being so armed as simply a precaution. Not unlike a fire extinguisher, a spare tire, or even a cell phone. All of these are socially acceptable life saving devices, and one could list a litany of other such items that no one would bat an eye about.
A gun can take a life, and in the process, save a life or on occasion, many lives.
I grew up all over the world, and so I see how precious and unique the right to bear arms is in our society. Much of the world is not allowed this freedom. A gun is a monopoly of power that can only be met by another such force. Criminalizing it's use insures that only criminals are able to use them- for criminal purposes!
I've always enjoyed the shooting sports and was born with a knack for them. Since childhood, with birdshot, pellets, bbs, and 22s I could range in the countryside and adventure. An arm has often been at hand as a trustworthy companion.
It makes sense then for me with practiced martial discipline to keep thusly armed. It is no burden to do so. My right is enshrined in our nation's constitution. Thirty years of shots on the wing, and from the hip, and on the firing line have prepared me to act, should that need arise.
To me, it is no larp, and little different than the other potential necessary items of daily life. I do not often change my gear, and I am not under any illusion that doing so should increase my chances against the highly unlikely outcome of needing to use it at all (let alone against multiple armed opponents!).
I encourage folks to pass along a love of shooting sports, and a knowledge of our laws and constitution. Foster these interests where you find them, and nurture these things in the younger generation.
I've seen quite a renaissance in the last two decades since the sunset of the AWB. Concealed carry seems much more acceptable and common now.
So I, curmudgeon, shall sit with my 642 and speedstrip, and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a hope for good company and great cheer! May this next year surpass the current, and should you choose to carry, may you do so in good health and keep those you love safe and well guarded.
God bless you all, and this forum, for the decades of knowledge and enjoyment it has brought to me!
Jon
