What Percentage Of Those Licenced To Carry Actually Do Carry Regularly?

[buck460XVR]

I knew someone was going to go there I just didn't know who.

If you knew someone was going there then you also knew there are folks out there with different opinions and circumstances as you. You also must know then, that just because their opinions and circumstances are different than yours, it doesn't make them wrong....only different. This is where things usually go south in these types of threads. My way is the only right way attitude.

Personally, I live in a low income, high crime neighborhood. So I carry all the time and I think my circumstances justify doing so

Then your decision is correct and applicable to your environment/situation. Sorry about your situation. One reason I work so hard at what I do is so I can live where I live. So I don't feel the need to CWC the 25 yards to the mailbox. So I don't feel the need to have a loaded gun, within arms-reach in every room of my house. While I really wish I could carry at work, I can't. Working for the local school district, I have no choice. For years when I worked for myself, I did carry everyday. But for 58 years of my life it was illegal to CWC here. I learned how to survive by using other means. Somehow, miraculously, I lived thru it........

I remember reading somewhere that the general consensus is if you're less prepared than I am you're an easy target for the first thug that happens along and if you're more prepared than I am you a paranoid gun nut who is engaging in macho posturing.

....and that seems to be the general thought process of most folks that participate on Gun Forums. I hunt deer with handguns in calibers from .357 to .460. I get chastised for using a .357 that somehow is incapable of humanely killing a deer and I get chastised for using the .460 because it somehow "overkills" the animal. My .44 makes too much noise and has too much recoil, the only appropriate gun I have apparently is my .45 Colt which I'm told can shoot lenghtwise thru a water buffalo with cowboy loads..........as long as I use a Kieth style bullet. Again, folks are entitled to their opinion, but that is just what it is. If they researched and thought it out, they they have made a valid choice....for them. If they made a choice based solely on someone else's thought process, then they are just a sheep.

Still, there's no denying that many folks carry a gun because it makes them feel macho, or somehow superior. These are the folks that talk/brag about carrying everywhere they go. They have no problem flashing their gun when they speak of it, just to make sure you know they are telling the truth. Again, as long as they are responsible and legal, I have no problem.

In a similar discussion a few years ago Mas Ayoob stated that when he dressed in the morning his gun went on and when he undressed in the evening it came off (macho self image I'm sure.) If one of the premier firearms instructors of our time thinks being armed at all times is a good idea who am I to say different?

Ol' Ayoob has been telling us for over a quarter of a century not to use handloads in our SD/HD weapons because terible things will happen to us. Quarter of a century later, nuttin' bad had happened to anyone using handloads in their SD/HD weapons. My local DA uses handloads in his SD/HD weapons. Who is right and who is wrong? Neither. I use handloads in all my weapons, based on my experience, not either of theirs. This is the sheep philosophy I talked about earlier. Then of course there are the Ayoob wannabees that worship the ground he walks on(Or maybe it's water, I dunno) and have to do everything he does and use whatever he does. If Ayoob uses Charmin TP, so I do too, cause it must be the best. Ayoob is good at what he does, but his life, risks and lifestyle are different than mine.

 

[Evil-Twin]

In my opinion, why have a license to carry and not use it? Personal safety, especially in these times, is as routine as brushing my teeth. I have a weapon within inches when IM home. I never leave home without it. NEVER.... I've been licensed to carry for 50 years 35 as a civilian. Being a selective carrier, makes your personal protection a low priority.
WE all see home invasions, personal assaults, robberies, everyday in our local news. You would have to be in denial, if you think your are not at risk on any given day. No body wakes up in the morning with the preconceived notion that they will become a victim of a crime. So how do you prepare for such an event? Accept that it is possible, and take appropriate action to at least have a chance.

I have had to draw my weapon twice in the last 35 years as a civilian. Once to protect myself,( attempted car jacking with a weapon and once to protect my family ( attempted robbery ).

 

[ejfalvo]

I got a CCW years ago, rarely carried UNTIL my daughter was robbed at gunpoint, in her gate guarded apartment, by 3 thugs with guns. Since that day I carry anytime I leave the house.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

In my opinion, why have a license to carry and not use it?

What I understood from folks in CHL classes is that they wanted to have the OPTION to carry when they wanted to, felt the need to, or several said when they "traveled."

In Texas, using a CHL when buying a gun meant not going through a NICS background check, which is a nice perq.

 

[Big-Bore]

I normally carry every where it is legal when ever possible. Much more now that I am over 60 and can't defend my self as well as I used to with out a gun. I've been on the wrong end of a gun a few times and I have shot at some one once as a warning. But carrying a gun is not a guarantee you won't be a victim. It's not any good unless you are prepared to use it. When I first started to carry in the early 80's a criminal approached me with a big smile on his face, then that quickly changed when he stuck a S&W model 60 in my face. There was no way I could have got my gun out with out being killed, so he got my wallet and my gun. Since then I practice every week and when I am in places that could be dangerous, I often have my hand in my pocket on my gun. The next time some one points a gun at me, he's going to die. Criminals beware I don't miss and I am not afraid to die defending myself!

 

[Evil-Twin]

Being able to " read " the potential situation, is the first step in personal defense. Reacting to a potential threat is the next step.. in my case, I pocket carry... if I am uncomfortable, with a stranger approaching me with a smile, I watch him but with my hand in my pocket and at the ready... the instant he attempts to draw a weapon, IM as ready as he is.. and I have the element of surprise, because he thinks I am an easy mark.. Old guy ( 70 years ) hands in pockets.... looking like an easy mark. Usually someone picking on an old man is not as willing to take a life, for a few bucks an old guy might be carrying. A bad guy willing to kill someone will choose a much richer target, in many cases.
Old guy hand in pocket


Old guy hand out of pocket with Kimber 45 acp.




I pulled the grip up from within my uncle mike's pocket holster to show the Kimber in the pocket

 

[javjacob]

That's the way to do it^^

 

[AK103K]

That's the way to do it^^

Maybe. Timing is everything. The opposition tends to control the draw.

Draw to soon, and you risk becoming the apparent aggressor, and give give yourself up. Let them get to close, and you risk never getting it out.

I dont pocket carry. Dont wear the right pants, and to much junk already in my pockets anyway. Even if I could though, I wouldnt, especially for a primary gun. I prefer to have my hands free and have some options. Its also quicker to get the gun out (belt holster), if your hands not already in your pocket, especially from a "startle" draw.

 

[javjacob]

Quote: I can't carry at work, or even have a gun on premises, so I carry after work, and on weekends. I think many of us face this dilemma. :Quote

Same here. They even have the right to search your car for any reason they believe you might possibly have a gun in your car. If you refuse the search you don't have a job anymore, if they find a gun in your car you don't have a job anymore.

IMO there needs to be something done to stop work places (or Unions... whichever it is) from dictating what we can have in our car. My car is MY property! A lot of work places think of employees as nothing more than rented slaves... they own us on the clock and they still own us off the clock. Cant even post something they don't like on FB without getting fired. Rant over.

 

[cbourbeau32]

If I have pants on, I have a gun on.

What he said and when I have shorts on

 

[Evil-Twin]

Maybe. Timing is everything. The opposition tends to control the draw.

Draw to soon, and you risk becoming the apparent aggressor, and give give yourself up. Let them get to close, and you risk never getting it out.

I dont pocket carry. Dont wear the right pants, and to much junk already in my pockets anyway. Even if I could though, I wouldnt, especially for a primary gun. I prefer to have my hands free and have some options. Its also quicker to get the gun out (belt holster), if your hands not already in your pocket, especially from a "startle" draw.

I've been carrying for many decades. I have every type of holster imaginable from ankle to shoulder and everywhere in between. While I live in an Open carry State. Open carry is not commonly accepted in urban areas. I do however have no problem with open carry in rural areas of my State where open carry is a common occurrence. Like I said Ive carried for 35 years as a civilian for a total of 50 years of carry... Nothing, I mean Nothing beats the ability to draw and shoot when the gun is already in your hand. No IWB, OWB, ankle or shoulder holster offers the speed because you have to go for it. so unless you walk around with your hand around your weapon from a concealed holster position, you are a half step behind anyone with their hand in their pocket and already on their weapon. IN most cases, a concealed holster has to be revealed in order to gain access to the weapon it holds... Not so the case when you just have your hands in your pockets, it does not telegraph the aspect of " going for it "... IN a questionable situation simply putting my hand in my pocket, allows me an advantage of already being ready and without drawing attention to myself... If the threat become a non threat, simply removing my hands from my pockets , raises no interest. You can NOT perform this action with any other type of holster. when a half step advantage could make all the difference in the world, Ill take every advantage I can get... I would never go back to any type of carry holster now that I have seen first hand the advantage. Been pocket carrying for 6 years.
AS an experiment I carried in a concealed waist band holster for a week several years ago. I felt slightly handcuffed without the ability to go to the ready without telegraphing my intentions. I was concerned about a potential threat where I was not fully comfortable with the method of carry. I felt as though I lost that half step of surprise that a pocket carry gives me. I could not wait to get back in the pocket.. Pocet carry is not for everyone, but my body type allows me to carry in the pocket and it not be noticed, yet still have enough room to put my hand in there and grab the weapon and draw.. and yes I carry a 45 ACP in the pocket.

 

[Evil-Twin]

What he said and when I have shorts on

When IM in shorts, my carry is always in my pocket... BTW IM left handed.. if I told you I was carrying in my left pocket you might vaguely see it... if I didn't tell you I was carrying you would never notice.

 

[Ironicaintit]

Evil-Twin,
My problem with pocket carry, with shorts in particular;
It hides fine while in a static position, but as soon as you start walking at more than a slow, leisurely pace, the gun cant help but begin to swing like a pendulum. Being fairly dense, they can swing quite a bit. A bystander with a fair amount of situational awareness will notice things like that.
Not saying it cant work! For you it seems to be just the ticket.

For me, it doesnt work. Im a pretty energetic and active guy, so I may break into a run at any moment. And so, I need the weight to be carried tightly at the waist. But thats me.
And its all in my head, im sure. If I think its noticeable, then I re-develop the "tells" of carrying.... Im an awful poker player, too!

 

[Big-Bore]

Great responses guys, I'm impressed. To carry a gun in your pocket you really need a good pocket holster, it not only helps to hide the out line but it keeps the gun in an easy to grab position. I were clothes that will allow space for a sub compact 9mm and in cooler weather I'll carry it in my jacket pocket. We are lucky in our State we have an open carry law and every one has a right to bring and keep your gun in your car at work. The State also made a law that prohibits cities or counties from making any gun law. In Alabama only the State can enact gun laws. I encourage all of my employees to carry at work. Most of the office staff both men and women are carrying and they know how to shoot well. I did catch one employee stealing. I invited him out to the range and I sort of had a accidental discharge of my 1911 3 times and he decided not to come back to work. I guess he got the message. After that no one from the office will go to the range with me any more. Haven't caught any one else stealing after that.

 

[Evil-Twin]

My Kimber does not flop around because I added Velcro to my Uncle Mikes # 3pocket holster. the Velcro grabs tightly to my pocket lining... I also added a liner of waxed paper to the inside of the holster Cut to fit perfectly. this allows for a faster an unencumbered draw. Many people including myself had an issue with drawing my weapon from my pocket and bringing the holster out with it... adding Velcro to the outside and waxed paper to the inside has made this a non issue. the waxed paper also helps with any gun oils leaching on to the holster. it also keeps sweat from the gun.

super glued Velcro to the outside. ( Just the hooky side of the Velcro ) photo shows pocket lint attached to the velcro
made a template of the holster and cut a folded piece of waxed paper... both work extremely well together in my application.

 

[tluxtele]

I work on a college campus so I can't legally carry while at work. Up until a little over a year ago (I think) the laws made it so that even carrying on the way to work was very difficult. Since the majority of my life is lived in a gun free zone I would fall into a category of not carrying very often.

 

[BearBrimstone]

I know five people that have a CHL and not a single one of us carries all the time. I believe that 4 out of 5 of us do not even carry half of the time it is possible. The one guy that does carry a lot has a job that outlaws carry.

 

[huntsman]

To carry a gun in your pocket you really need a good pocket holster, it not only helps to hide the out line but it keeps the gun in an easy to grab position.

A friend made me a thick leather holster that was wide at the base so it kept my LCP upright and in position at all times, the only problem was after 5 years of constant carry the holster wore holes in the left pocket of all my jeans. So I'm trying the sticky Desantis now.

 

[AK103K]

My buddy used to carry a Walther TPH in a leather pocket holster in his front pants pocket. Pretty much every pair of pants he had, had a TPH "Skoal" ring in the front of his pants, in front of the pocket. He always acted like no one could/would notice.

If you carry all the time, its the price you pay.

 

[gbran]

Do an internet search on conceal carry shirts and you'll be amazed what is available. I have used shirts, tee shirts to carry for years. I have pocket guns that will fit in my front pant pocket, but I just can't draw setting down.

Tee Shirts; http://www.jpcycles.com/product/693-924?utm_source=none&utm_term=%5B74947125610%3Aproduct_type_l1%3D%3Dvehicles%2520%26%2520parts%26%2520product_type_l2%3D%3Dland%2520vehicles%26%2520product_type_l3%3D%3Dmot&cid=Google+SEARCH+NON-BRAND+PLA+-+Shopping+Campaign&adpos=1o4&creative=42040092490&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=COnsg4PCkMoCFYdcfgodC8UCWA

511 Tactical Shirts (sturdy pouch behind pockets); http://www.511tactical.com/mens/mens-shirts/mens-concealed-carry-shirts.html

There are many other innovative packages out there.

 

[Evil-Twin]

I know five people that have a CHL and not a single one of us carries all the time. I believe that 4 out of 5 of us do not even carry half of the time it is possible. The one guy that does carry a lot has a job that outlaws carry.

I don't know how anyone who has a license to carry, who can predict when they will be mugged. So if you consider having the right to carry and choose not too, its on you...Most people will never need to draw a weapon in personal defense, but Ill carry everyday for my families sake, and not risk making a bad choice on any given day not to carry that day.
I like the fact that is there, but hardly know its there even though its a 45 ACP.. I've come into the house and forgot its there and carry it in the house even though I don't have too.
The worst case would be needing a weapon and not having it on that particular day even though you have a license to carry. I can guarantee you this, if one of your friends survives a mugging, he will never leave his weapon home again.. most people don't get a second chance to defend themself. especially if they are unarmed.

 

[Evil-Twin]

A friend made me a thick leather holster that was wide at the base so it kept my LCP upright and in position at all times, the only problem was after 5 years of constant carry the holster wore holes in the left pocket of all my jeans. So I'm trying the sticky Desantis now.

Ive tried a sticky Desantis pocket holster.. One out of every four times the holster came out with the weapon. It happened with my Mike's too.. Ie had a half dozen pocket holsters, but finally decided to make one work 100 % of the time.. since I added the Velcro and waxed paper Ive not had an issue with the holster coming out on draw.( 6 years )
AS far as a leather pocket holster.. the leather is too hard... unless you are wearing leather pants.. a leather holster will wear on your jeans, shorts or pants.. a Nylon holster is soft enough to proctect you closths but hard enough to protect the trigger Ive had no wear issues with my pocket holster, and Ive used this one for 6 years, every day.
Bill aka ET

 

[Evil-Twin]

Do an internet search on conceal carry shirts and you'll be amazed what is available. I have used shirts, tee shirts to carry for years. I have pocket guns that will fit in my front pant pocket, but I just can't draw setting down.

Tee Shirts; http://www.jpcycles.com/product/693-924?utm_source=none&utm_term=%5B74947125610%3Aproduct_type_l1%3D%3Dvehicles%2520%26%2520parts%26%2520product_type_l2%3D%3Dland%2520vehicles%26%2520product_type_l3%3D%3Dmot&cid=Google+SEARCH+NON-BRAND+PLA+-+Shopping+Campaign&adpos=1o4&creative=42040092490&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=COnsg4PCkMoCFYdcfgodC8UCWA

511 Tactical Shirts (sturdy pouch behind pockets); http://www.511tactical.com/mens/mens-shirts/mens-concealed-carry-shirts.html

There are many other innovative packages out there.

design is all about form fit and function... all of these trick shirt, and innovative holsters you see are clever in their design, their form and fit are superb.. but their function is poor. there are two types of holsters, there are offensive carry holsters, one that cop use to carry their daily weapon to be able to offensively assault a bad guy.. these holsters are not designed for quick draw or defense.. carrying a weapon daily can be uncomfortable, making it comfortable may take away the edge of quick deployment. A defensive holster should be design for very quick access because you are defending your life from an already aggressive combatant. Unless you walk around with your gun in your hand...having the ability to get to it quickly especially if you are targeted as a victim, you are playing in their sand box.. You need to read the situation before the bad guy put his play on you completely in motion. There is only a second to react to an intention to assault and a second to confirm... little time to be feeling for a weapon...let along draw and fire. Having your hand on your weapon can give you that half step you need to come out on top. It also may not, but in my experience its the best advantage for me that there could possibly be.

 

[Shootshellz]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but police officers don't 'offensively assault a bad guy'. They do, however, justifiably use their firearms defensively when the following three factors are present: Ability (the ability of the suspect to cause death or grievous bodily injury), Opportunity (the suspect is able to carry out death or grievous bodily injury), Jeopardy (the officer reasonably believed his life was in imminent danger). And by the way, pockets are meant to keep you keys and comb in, not your firearm, holstered or not.

 

[JSH1]

I attended my concealed carry class today and the instructor threw out the following statistics:

• 19% of the population has a concealed carry permit
• 3% carry on a regular basis.

I have no idea where he got those numbers from.

I have absolutely no intention of actually carrying a gun. Why am I getting a permit?

• It makes transporting a gun to and from the range much simpler
• It makes having a gun in my campervan much simpler
• I shoot on public land and don't have to worry about whether a long shirt or jacket covers my holstered gun.