EDC - Will you be ready?

boltgun · October 7, 2012, 03:34 AM

Are there some instances in which you leave it behind due to the nature of the place you are at when away from home...or the polar opposite, places you simply wont go without old faithful.

I guess my goal is, to see how many people are TRUE BELIEVERS and how many are not (90-100% would be true believers that dont leave home without it) and the lower percentages those who enjoy the industry, sport, and hobby but dont feel it'd be necessary to carry outside of the home.

Im also wandering if those who do carry more often then not have more situational awareness (SheepDog Concept) so they can 1) avoid trouble before having to unholster their weapon or 2) if they cannot avoid it, they can do something about it until proper LEO arrives.

Take care, Dave

raimius · October 7, 2012, 07:20 AM

Yes, I leave them locked up the majority of the time. I work in a federal no-carry zone. I will not risk my career by ignoring the regulations I work under.

However, the lack of one tool doesn't equal a lack of a plan to deal with those with ill intent. It just makes the odds more challenging.

g.willikers · October 7, 2012, 08:27 AM

Situational awareness and carrying are not necessarily associative.
Someone on the forum has an excellent byline, something like - "I am the weapon, the gun is the tool."

m&p45acp10+1 · October 7, 2012, 08:30 AM

The only times I leave my gun at home is if I know for a fact that I will be going to a place that it is not legal to have it even in the car. Those times are very rare indeed.

elroyyboy · October 7, 2012, 08:36 AM

Carry EVERY day, but do not break laws. I'm fortunate to live in a relatively friendly state. The ONLY time I leave it at home is when I'm traveling to local military installation for PX/Commissary. Since Ft Hood shooting force protection measures have changed and all weapons carried onto installations must be registered w Provost Marshal office.

Microgunner · October 7, 2012, 08:43 AM

Outside my home the only places I don't carry are those forbidden by law.

DBLAction454 · October 7, 2012, 09:37 AM

If I'm off my property.... I'm armed. Answering my door... armed
Sleeping... always within reach

-DBLAction454

Japle · October 7, 2012, 10:53 AM

I always carry, except when I go out to the USAF base. It’s only 20 minutes away and I’m retired military, so that’s pretty often. Otherwise, I’m always armed.

I was just outside doing some tree trimming (palms grow fast in Florida) and had a P3AT in one pocket and a stun gun in the other. I’ve been threatened by dogs and the sound of a stun gun scares the crap out of dogs.

weblance · October 7, 2012, 11:08 AM

I carry everywhere, every day. I live in an area that is very Pro gun. I only know of one place that doesnt allow guns. I actually was surprised when I got my carry license and started watching for the signs, that there werent any.

hoytinak · October 7, 2012, 11:19 AM

The only time I don't carry is when I go in the bar. Sometimes though, I've honestly forgotten I was carrying and walked in. Once I walk to the restroom I'll remember, then I'll give it to the owner or manager on duty (I know them all real well) to lock up in their office for the night. I know the owner and at least one manager carries.

Other than that, it's legal to carry everywhere I go. Even carry in my home.

scottycoyote · October 7, 2012, 11:24 AM

its very rare when i dont carry on me, and even then i always have a gun in my car. Im always aware of my surroundings, and i believe its kept me from harm several times.

p loader · October 7, 2012, 11:28 AM

so for all of you guys who carry everywhere all the time, how do you exercise? Running with your gun? Going to the gym and working out with your gun?

Just wondering.

hoytinak · October 7, 2012, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p loader

so for all of you guys who carry everywhere all the time, how do you exercise? Running with your gun? Going to the gym and working out with your gun?

When I go running or the gym, I carry a fanny pack and the LC9 is in there. But I rarely go to the gym, usually do my workout at home on the total gym then go for a run around the one of the parks (with fanny pack).

Microgunner · October 7, 2012, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p loader

so for all of you guys who carry everywhere all the time, how do you exercise? Running with your gun? Going to the gym and working out with your gun?

Just wondering.

Exercise?

TailGator · October 7, 2012, 04:22 PM

I carry daily, every time I leave the house. Only exceptions are locking the pistol in the car when going to the post office (not terribly common) or courthouse (downright rare). I don't frequent bars.

But it's a pistol, not a religion.

Stevie-Ray · October 7, 2012, 04:50 PM

I guess you can consider me a true believer. I used to go to bars to eat, especially microbrews, as they have some great food around here. Now, since bar-carry is verboten, I find myself in those only when the wife is insisting on their food, i.e. maybe once a year. And in the places like Applebees or Chili's, where I used to enjoy a tall beer with my meal, I find myself carrying 100% and enjoying an iced tea. I won't carry if I absolutely can't by law, but generally that's it.

At the gym it's the P32-first rule of a gunfight and all......

CharlieDeltaJuliet · October 7, 2012, 05:03 PM

As I am sitting here on my couch writing this I have my EDC,a P220 in my Galco Summer Comfort holster, tucked inside my waistband. I am not paranoid at all, nor fearful of crime. I just want to take the "unarmed" factor out of the equation. I have carried for many years. I carry everywhere I go that is legal. I either avoid the places I cannot of lock my carry gun away in a secured lockbox(bolted down) inside my vehicle. I have been in a situation (years ago)that I had wish I had been armed, I will never again if possible, be in that situation. I shoot for fun and target matches. I do not hunt anymore, although enjoyed the sport quite a bit. I do believe in being prepared and very aware of my surroundings.

Famas · October 7, 2012, 05:30 PM

I think it is safe to assume everyone here agrees that criminals, or those with criminal intent, will not obey posted rules/laws. That said, if you are forbidden from legally carrying a weapon in a business/establishment which has a posted rule against employees and patrons from their right to self defense, and something bad happens like a shooting/stabbing......would you have the right to sue that business/establishment (assuming you have survived)?

The way I understand it, when a business/establishment posts rules forbidding you from carrying, aren't they automatically assuming the safety of employees and patrons. Am I wrong to see it that way?

JC57 · October 7, 2012, 10:33 PM

My employer prohibits weapons on their premises, so that's 5 days a week I am unarmed, unless I happen to need to go back out after having gone home.

There are businesses that I occasionally frequent that are posted with a "no guns" sign which carries weight of law in my state. I choose to continue to go to those places and I abide by their wishes (and the law) and don't carry in those places.

Beyond those limitations, I do tend to carry when I go out on weekends and such. I have a gun safe in the car for when I go into places where weapons are prohibited.

I guess I'm not a true believer.

elroyyboy · October 8, 2012, 12:31 AM

What little exercise I can still do is limited to walking. There's a 3 mile trail 100 yards from my house. Yes, I carry there, too. In summer in OWB w big t shirt. In other seasons OWB w appropriate cover.

Pistolgripshotty · October 8, 2012, 04:59 AM

I guess people don't know how to use their fist any more? Most people that I encounter that carry can't even throw a decent punch.

Sparks1957 · October 8, 2012, 05:17 AM

Quote:

I guess people don't know how to use their fist any more?

When I was a younger man, I could certainly hold my own in that department. Age, injuries, and surgical procedures have removed that option from my toolbox.

I suspect quite a few of us here are in the same boat. A pistol equalizes the playing field for us.

MLeake · October 8, 2012, 05:48 AM

Using fists isn't generally recommended, since so many times the other guy pulls a knife or gun if he is losing the fist fight.

Also, most guys I know who were good with fists were the types who were likely to engage in what the law considers "mutual combat;" mutual combat undermines self-defense.

I'm not saying it's bad to have the skills; I'm not saying there aren't times when some sort of martial arts training may be more applicable than having a gun. (In fact, I frequently recommend that CCW types should learn at least some basic retention skills, if nothing else; and, I've trained over the years in wrestling, TKD, kempo, and, for the last sixteen years or so, in aikido.)

But I am saying that, even though I have a very good defensive skill set, and I'm in pretty decent shape, I would not attempt a knife disarm on somebody if I had a pistol on me, and the time to draw and employ it.

The martial arts stuff may be legally useful in a wider array of situations, but problems that justify the use of a gun are not problems where fists (or chokes, etc) would be the best tool to employ.

Southern Rebel · October 8, 2012, 08:44 AM

Quote:

I guess people don't know how to use their fist any more?

Dang, I wish I had arms that reached out to 30 feet!

Seriously, I remember two guys from my earlier workdays (many years ago) that were meaner than a junkyard dog when it came to a fight. Fast forward a few years and now one of them is dead (12 guage buckshot to center of mass by a guy that didn't want to fight) and the other is crippled up from a knife fight where only the other guy had a knife. He can still get around ok, but had serious nerve damage to one arm and would be seriously handicapped in a fist fight.

I guess the days of fair fights have passed my area by, or didn't ever exist except in school. I guess I was well-schooled by my old man. He taught me early on to stay out of other people's fights, avoid any of my own making, and when forced to fight, forget about fair and use whatever means necessary to put the odds in my favor. I guess I am a true believer.

Nanuk · October 8, 2012, 10:01 AM

3 decades on the job, yea I carry 24/7 it's what I am.

October 7, 2012, 03:34 AM	#1
boltgun Junior Member Join Date: September 18, 2012 Posts: 5	EDC - Will you be ready? Are there some instances in which you leave it behind due to the nature of the place you are at when away from home...or the polar opposite, places you simply wont go without old faithful. I guess my goal is, to see how many people are TRUE BELIEVERS and how many are not (90-100% would be true believers that dont leave home without it) and the lower percentages those who enjoy the industry, sport, and hobby but dont feel it'd be necessary to carry outside of the home. Im also wandering if those who do carry more often then not have more situational awareness (SheepDog Concept) so they can 1) avoid trouble before having to unholster their weapon or 2) if they cannot avoid it, they can do something about it until proper LEO arrives. Take care, Dave __________________ RIFLELOGBOOK - The snipers deadliest tool...

October 7, 2012, 08:27 AM	#3
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Situational awareness and carrying are not necessarily associative. Someone on the forum has an excellent byline, something like - "I am the weapon, the gun is the tool." __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

October 7, 2012, 08:30 AM	#4
m&p45acp10+1 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,930	The only times I leave my gun at home is if I know for a fact that I will be going to a place that it is not legal to have it even in the car. Those times are very rare indeed. __________________ No matter how many times you do it and nothing happens it only takes something going wrong one time to kill you.

October 7, 2012, 08:43 AM	#6
Microgunner Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 3,324	Outside my home the only places I don't carry are those forbidden by law. __________________ *Proud NRA Benefactor Member*

October 7, 2012, 11:24 AM	#11
scottycoyote Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2005 Location: southwestern va Posts: 830	its very rare when i dont carry on me, and even then i always have a gun in my car. Im always aware of my surroundings, and i believe its kept me from harm several times. __________________ "i got the most powerful gun in the world........an .88 magnum. It shoots thru schools......"

October 7, 2012, 07:20 AM	#2
raimius Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2008 Posts: 2,199	Yes, I leave them locked up the majority of the time. I work in a federal no-carry zone. I will not risk my career by ignoring the regulations I work under. However, the lack of one tool doesn't equal a lack of a plan to deal with those with ill intent. It just makes the odds more challenging.

October 7, 2012, 08:36 AM	#5
elroyyboy Member Join Date: August 4, 2012 Location: Missouri, The Nozarks Posts: 27	Carry EVERY day, but do not break laws. I'm fortunate to live in a relatively friendly state. The ONLY time I leave it at home is when I'm traveling to local military installation for PX/Commissary. Since Ft Hood shooting force protection measures have changed and all weapons carried onto installations must be registered w Provost Marshal office.

October 7, 2012, 09:37 AM	#7
DBLAction454 Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 394	If I'm off my property.... I'm armed. Answering my door... armed Sleeping... always within reach -DBLAction454

October 7, 2012, 10:53 AM	#8
Japle Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2004 Location: Viera, Florida Posts: 1,340	I always carry, except when I go out to the USAF base. It’s only 20 minutes away and I’m retired military, so that’s pretty often. Otherwise, I’m always armed. I was just outside doing some tree trimming (palms grow fast in Florida) and had a P3AT in one pocket and a stun gun in the other. I’ve been threatened by dogs and the sound of a stun gun scares the crap out of dogs.

October 7, 2012, 11:08 AM	#9
weblance Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2012 Posts: 1,229	I carry everywhere, every day. I live in an area that is very Pro gun. I only know of one place that doesnt allow guns. I actually was surprised when I got my carry license and started watching for the signs, that there werent any.

October 7, 2012, 11:19 AM	#10
hoytinak Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 5,721	The only time I don't carry is when I go in the bar. Sometimes though, I've honestly forgotten I was carrying and walked in. Once I walk to the restroom I'll remember, then I'll give it to the owner or manager on duty (I know them all real well) to lock up in their office for the night. I know the owner and at least one manager carries. Other than that, it's legal to carry everywhere I go. Even carry in my home.

October 7, 2012, 11:28 AM	#12
p loader Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2012 Posts: 148	so for all of you guys who carry everywhere all the time, how do you exercise? Running with your gun? Going to the gym and working out with your gun? Just wondering.

October 7, 2012, 04:22 PM	#15
TailGator Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,787	I carry daily, every time I leave the house. Only exceptions are locking the pistol in the car when going to the post office (not terribly common) or courthouse (downright rare). I don't frequent bars. But it's a pistol, not a religion.

October 7, 2012, 04:50 PM	#16
Stevie-Ray Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: The shores of Lake Huron Posts: 4,783	I guess you can consider me a true believer. I used to go to bars to eat, especially microbrews, as they have some great food around here. Now, since bar-carry is verboten, I find myself in those only when the wife is insisting on their food, i.e. maybe once a year. And in the places like Applebees or Chili's, where I used to enjoy a tall beer with my meal, I find myself carrying 100% and enjoying an iced tea. I won't carry if I absolutely can't by law, but generally that's it. At the gym it's the P32-first rule of a gunfight and all...... __________________ Stevie-Ray Join the NRA/ILA I am the weapon; my gun is a tool. It's regrettable that with some people those descriptors are reversed.

October 7, 2012, 05:03 PM	#17
CharlieDeltaJuliet Senior Member Join Date: July 25, 2012 Posts: 755	As I am sitting here on my couch writing this I have my EDC,a P220 in my Galco Summer Comfort holster, tucked inside my waistband. I am not paranoid at all, nor fearful of crime. I just want to take the "unarmed" factor out of the equation. I have carried for many years. I carry everywhere I go that is legal. I either avoid the places I cannot of lock my carry gun away in a secured lockbox(bolted down) inside my vehicle. I have been in a situation (years ago)that I had wish I had been armed, I will never again if possible, be in that situation. I shoot for fun and target matches. I do not hunt anymore, although enjoyed the sport quite a bit. I do believe in being prepared and very aware of my surroundings. __________________ " The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government...." - Thomas Jefferson

October 7, 2012, 05:30 PM	#18
Famas Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Location: French, currently living in US Posts: 162	I think it is safe to assume everyone here agrees that criminals, or those with criminal intent, will not obey posted rules/laws. That said, if you are forbidden from legally carrying a weapon in a business/establishment which has a posted rule against employees and patrons from their right to self defense, and something bad happens like a shooting/stabbing......would you have the right to sue that business/establishment (assuming you have survived)? The way I understand it, when a business/establishment posts rules forbidding you from carrying, aren't they automatically assuming the safety of employees and patrons. Am I wrong to see it that way?

October 7, 2012, 10:33 PM	#19
JC57 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Posts: 375	My employer prohibits weapons on their premises, so that's 5 days a week I am unarmed, unless I happen to need to go back out after having gone home. There are businesses that I occasionally frequent that are posted with a "no guns" sign which carries weight of law in my state. I choose to continue to go to those places and I abide by their wishes (and the law) and don't carry in those places. Beyond those limitations, I do tend to carry when I go out on weekends and such. I have a gun safe in the car for when I go into places where weapons are prohibited. I guess I'm not a true believer.

October 8, 2012, 12:31 AM	#20
elroyyboy Member Join Date: August 4, 2012 Location: Missouri, The Nozarks Posts: 27	What little exercise I can still do is limited to walking. There's a 3 mile trail 100 yards from my house. Yes, I carry there, too. In summer in OWB w big t shirt. In other seasons OWB w appropriate cover.

October 8, 2012, 04:59 AM	#21
Pistolgripshotty Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2012 Location: Somewhere out there Posts: 184	I guess people don't know how to use their fist any more? Most people that I encounter that carry can't even throw a decent punch. __________________ *12 Gauge Fury!*

October 8, 2012, 05:48 AM	#23
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 10,128	Using fists isn't generally recommended, since so many times the other guy pulls a knife or gun if he is losing the fist fight. Also, most guys I know who were good with fists were the types who were likely to engage in what the law considers "mutual combat;" mutual combat undermines self-defense. I'm not saying it's bad to have the skills; I'm not saying there aren't times when some sort of martial arts training may be more applicable than having a gun. (In fact, I frequently recommend that CCW types should learn at least some basic retention skills, if nothing else; and, I've trained over the years in wrestling, TKD, kempo, and, for the last sixteen years or so, in aikido.) But I am saying that, even though I have a very good defensive skill set, and I'm in pretty decent shape, I would not attempt a knife disarm on somebody if I had a pistol on me, and the time to draw and employ it. The martial arts stuff may be legally useful in a wider array of situations, but problems that justify the use of a gun are not problems where fists (or chokes, etc) would be the best tool to employ.

October 8, 2012, 10:01 AM	#25
Nanuk Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2005 Location: Where the deer and the antelope roam. Posts: 3,082	3 decades on the job, yea I carry 24/7 it's what I am. __________________ Retired Law Enforcement U. S. Army Veteran Armorer My rifle and pistol are tools, I am the weapon.