Why did you start carrying a gun?

[jstert]

i got started in guns in 1960s in a rifle club, and in 1970s in army. later, my work took me monthly to dicey areas of south florida, in 1980s. i stayed with my m.d. brother in boca raton who lent me a 4" ruger security six that i stashed under the rental car seat. i got tired of that and got a gently used 2" taurus 85 in 38sp. it saved me from a likely carjacking. i couldnt carry it much after florida but it was a loyal nightstand gun. after early retirement, the opening up of ccw permits and obama's election i acquired more guns and carry daily. i am too old to run, too ornery to surrender, worried about losing our 2a rights and concerned with growing threats to not carry.


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[redneck]

I was hooked on shooting the first time I pulled the trigger on a bb gun. When I got old enough and had the means I started buying guns, and would shoot when I could on friends farms and things like that. Didn't get out very often.

An outdoor range opened nearby with 50- 50 yard lanes, a 300 yard rifle berm, and extra berms for competition. I joined as soon as I found out about it and started shooting every weekend. I brought friends, introduced new shooters and got to be friends with most of the regulars. I was enjoying the shooting sports as much as my budget and time allowed. I found out that if you bring a girl to a shooting range you will instantly have lots of friends who want to let you try their guns out too

Concealed carry was always an idea I had been open to but I didn't really have a suitable pistol at the time and it was just one those things I planned to do "someday".

One day I was checking in to shoot and the owner asked me if I had gotten my CCW permit yet. Told him no, that I had thought about it a lot, but never followed through. He had a habit of being sort of blunt, but was as nice a guy as you'd ever meet, he walked over to the registration clipboard, wrote my name down and told me to quit thinking about it and do it. I laughed and said I would see if I could make it. He said he was leaving my name on the list. He was very big on the idea that we need good guys to carry guns, and I think he kind of viewed it as a social responsibility. The next week I came in, paid for the class and bought an M&P9C and that was that. I'm sure I would have done it eventually but Pete is the one who gave me the push I needed.

Since then I have had a few scares, and have had to go places I wouldn't have wanted to without a gun. I definitely don't intend to ever let me permit expire.

 

[Teachu2]

duplicate from a year ago...

 

[Warp]

Because, as a reasonably intelligent person, I easily and quickly realized that if I didn't provide for my defense, there was a good chance nobody would.

I got my first carry license at age 21. I had not fired a single firearm to that point. It wasn't an "I like guns" thing, it was a "this is clearly the best way to provide self protection" thing that turned into "I like guns"

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

To celebrate moving from California to Oregon by enjoying escape from idiot, bigoted restrictions on my personal freedoms.

Second, to up the probability that bad guys will run into an armed good guy and to have an alternative to patiently waiting in line to be slaughtered like a dumb animal at some theater, school or mall.

 

[Old Guy]

Carried in the UK, when you could in going to a Range. That was stopped, moved to Canada, were you could not carry. My Son moved to Florida, I traveled to see him, as much as I could.

At that time, prior to 911, you could get a CCL for Florida, sending in a Hunting Lic, from Michigan I think, so I did.

Soon as I crossed the Bridge in Detroit, I went from legal cased in Trunk, to Legal holstered Colt 45 LWComander. Had to draw it twice in those years, now living in Florida since 2003, and with a 7 year CCW, and a G license (my Son owns a Security Company) carry every day. And at home.

My Glock 19 4th Gen is my constant companion, 2 yards away right now.

At age 8, I wanted to go to America, and strap on a big chrome .45 single action! My Dad said I would stop this love of guns, when I grew up? NOT.

I grew up as a protective kind of Guy, my job at this time (at 80yoa) is protecting my lovely Wife, all the time, and our two Grandkids when we have them, 3 & 5.

Spending 5 years as a Bouncer in Liverpool UK, am handy with my hands, now just as handy with a Pistol! Love this State. We are both US Citizens now.

Can not do much about the accent!

 

[Buck60]

First I was born and raised in Arizona so I have seen guns carried openly for as long as I can remember.

Second I am a law abiding citizen . I have the right and I exercise my rights as such . All of my rights not just the 1st and 2nd amendment .

Third as a Marine it just seems like the natural thing to do .

 

[SSN Vet]

Though I've been interested in guns and hunting since a boy (yes, my blood is red) I only owned a handgun because the navy wouldn't properly train me... so I trained myself.

Fast forward 20 years and I'm married with daughters.

A woman and her daughter were car jacked from a convenience store parking lot the next town over (a "nice" area where this type of thing never happens) and raped.

This incident burned my ass big time.... but it bothered me even more to consider that if the husband had been in the car, he likely could have done nothing to stop it... other than die. Being armed was the only way to alter the outcome.

I had my CCW permit and a compact 9 a month later. Never have looked back.

 

[heyjoe]

I started carrying at 36 years old after a promotion from fire fighting to fire investigation.

 

[newbutold]

Safety first: http://www.butlercountytimesgazette...-shot-fired-at-augusta-graduation#loadComment

 

[Stevie-Ray]

Well, firstly, I always wanted to, but my state's legislature was always one of those moronic, heads up their nethereaches, the police will protect you-WE are the elite, type. Police admin and upper crust was always the same, so it was an uphill battle nearly forever. It took a gung-ho conservative governor and a bunch of conservative lawmakers, along with the help and strongman efforts of pro-rights organizations in concert to bring shall issue to Michigan. I had already taken schooling to get a non-resident Florida permit, which at one time would have been good in Michigan-I was getting that desperate. I was at that time starting to push my wife in a wheelchair, and felt I had a target painted on my back, or at least a sign that said, easy mark. This all started around 2000 or so, but I would have carried as early as the 80s, had it been legal to do so, damn my state's idiocy. I carried openly in the Upper Peninsula, while on vacation, fairly regularly, as the Hiawatha National Forest was rather wild and unpredictable, and a Colt Delta Elite was a near constant companion then, since 1989, and Michigan has always been an OC state.

 

[stchman]

I got my CCW because I wanted to and it makes liberals mad. Two very sound reasons. I also figured the MORE people that have CCWs, the better.

 

[badkarmamib]

Because I could, and it is my God-given right. That was all the reason I needed. In this uncertain world, why would one not take responsibility for their own security, within the limits of their abilities?

 

[Htfiremedic]

I have been into firearms since an early age. I have been in Fire and EMS since 1990. In 1999, I was asked to become the "resident deputy" for our community. I began carrying constantly after that. I have since retired and have my LEOSA card, and state CWP. The only places that I don't carry are the same as on duty LEO's, and at my current place of employment. I don't see me staying much longer, as it is in a town in which I policed. I have seen multiple folks that I have arrested, while working. I have considered violating policy and using my LEOSA as my reason. However, they could fire me for carrying at work.


The old guy

 

[Polar Express]

interesting stories, thank you.

I was blessed to be raised in a firearm household. We lived in a rural area, and could legally and safely shoot literally off of our front porch, and we did. We actually had several spots on our property where we shot, depending on what targets we wanted to use, or the distance we desired.

My dad was fascinated with guns as a child, and when he was old enough, he purchased his own (even becoming a LEO in Ill, for a couple years). By the time I was 5, I had worked my way up to shoot his .44 Mag revolver. I skipped all the way back to the house after that one. "My" first rifle was a single shot, bolt action, 22lr, followed by a bolt-action .410 shotgun, and then an old 8x57 German Mauser (still have that Mauser, but need a new, full-size stock). As a youth, I got pretty darn good with that .410 on the trap range, graduated to the 20 gauge for a morning, at the trap/skeet range, and then on to the 12ga after lunch. Never went back. After honing my skills on the 410, I couldn't miss with the 12ga. I actually did shoot a couple of perfect rounds.

When I turned 21, I applied for, and received my CC permit. At that time, my dad gave me some advice that I have remembered every time I put on my gun: "Don't ever go someplace/do something that you wouldn't if you didn't have a gun, just because now you do". As much as my dad and I didn't see eye to eye on so many important things in life, I am always full of respect and regard for his approach to firearms, and responsible ownership, and actions. For that, I am eternally grateful. Every time I put it on, I pray I don't have to use it; but I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have one.

2 years ago I got re-married, and with this fabulous lady, came 2 amazing sons, so now I am a husband, AND a father. I hope and pray that my daily actions show them how to be a responsible citizen, a caring human being, and that you can do that while still protecting and advocating for your family.

While I don't advocate people live in a state of fear, I do believe that preparing for the worst scenarios, is part of being a responsible husband, father, and citizen.

PE

 

[kerreckt]

I got my first concealed carry permit in the late 70's. This was back in the day when you had to show "reason" or have an accepted(by the judge) purpose to carry a concealed handgun. I owned a restaurant and handled cash and made late night bank deposits. That was a good enough reason for one judge. That was the problem. There was no established protocol. It was up to a judge. If, he was in a bad mood, you might not get it. Completely arbitrary. Since then, I just got used to carrying a handgun and won't leave home without it.

 

[45XD]

2007.
8 sexual assaults in about a 5-mile radius from my house in a matter of a few weeks. Wife and - at the time - 2 daughters at home while I worked nights.
Handgun safety class with the wife on Friday.
First purchase (Glock 19) on Saturday.
Haven't looked back- she was lights out with that G19 then and is still rock-steady with it (and her G42) now.
Course, we've taken ample opportunity to- ahem- expand our collection since then....

 

[tmail65]

40 years ago got a 22 rifle to coon hunt (IL). Moved to FL, 12 years ago older brother put a 9mm in his mouth. Didn't want a gun near me! 2015, didn't like what was going on around my home (live in a 55 and over community) and the USA in general. My wife asked me (in Oct 2015) if it was time that we got a gun for protection.

Dec 2015 got a Taurus PT111 G2, Jan 2016 got a Taurus TCP, Feb 2016 got my CCP and in May 2016 got a Phoenix Arms HP22A.

Still don't like having a gun(s), But I don't like being a victim more!!!!!!

 

[Lucky Derby]

In February 1991 I lived within 2 miles of BOTH locations of the Sacramento Thrill Killer's murders. I had been to the Quick Stop a few times. I frequented the Round Table Pizza. In fact, the only reason I wasn't there is because a friend & I had gone to see "Flight of the Intruder".

 

[mdauben]

1) I'm getting old and fat. I can't run or fight like I used to.

2) Because I can.

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[Iggy]

Well, Roy and Hoppy and the Lone Ranger needed some back up when I was in grade school and twin caps were in order.. From there any self respecting ranch kid graduated to a single action .22. That lasted until I went in to law enforcement.
Been packing a real sidearm for over 50 years.. It's kinda gotten to be a habit.

 

[Milt1]

About 10 years ago my wife and I bought a place at the beach. During the summer there's a police presence with the department right across the street from our condo. This town where our condo is is very small to the point that the police don't have full time positions so the sheriffs department takes over patrolling the town during the winter. When I realized this fact and that the sheriff's deputies could be either five minutes or 50 minutes away from our condo I decided that I needed my own security so I got my CCP. We've also seen homeless people sleeping underneath other people's condos near us and possibly underneath our own condo. My other reason for getting the CCP is that our drive to the condo is about five hours through some desolate areas so I wanted protection for our journey and also to assist any Highway Patrolman that might have a dangerous encounter and need assistance. I have served as an auxiliary policeman and know that these situations can happen.

 

[AnselHazen]

When I was 16 I got a paid 2 weeks of summer camp from my towns Garden Club. I loved every day of it. I shot second place in .22lr and I had never shot before. Because of that instruction at camp it allowed me to get a firearms ownership card earlier than you ordinarily could. I just had to have a note from a parent saying it was ok. I still remember the officer flipping the note over when I brought it into the station to apply. My mother had written it on the back of a shopping list and I suppose to check for some sort of authenticity he asked if I really ate finnan haddie. I love it and didn't think it an odd question. I still have the Marlin Glenfield model 60 I bought at KMart for $39.95. I still shoot it and use it to teach new shooters.

Many years later and the state I lived in has now become one of the top 5 in anti gun lunacy. I did a period of search and rescue, civilians are certified by the state police and I was encouraged to apply for a permit to carry. There were those who felt there was very possible danger that we may meet with some unsavory folks while out searching. Most searches were not for folks believed to still be alive, but I never did apply.

My wife and I for multiple reasons left for a better life and a state that is still currently one of the saner ones in this country. My gun collection has grown but I did not start carrying until an incident while performing animal control duties for the town. While serving an owner of an unlicensed dog my vehicle was blocked from leaving by the owner. I talked my way out of that tense situation but that was when I realized I could be in serious danger doing public service and I promptly set out to arm myself with something that would not only deter but protect me too.

My path of training and getting my concealed carry permit led me to join a local gun club. That has led me to competing at the once a month handgun competitions. The realization that those who do well in the competition are reloaders led me to consider reloading.

That led me to THR.

 

[DesertVet]

I started carrying a pistol as a young soldier. Then as a security guard. Then as a law enforcement officer. I have carried a pistol daily for over 24 years and don't ever plan on not doing so.

 

[TRX]

I might as well live in Mayberry. The only people who need a defensive firearm less than I do have armed guards for their protection.

I carry simply to assert my civil rights.