Are you less proactive when carrying ??

sfmedic · March 17, 2013, 09:25 AM

Off the bat - carrying a weapon is in itself proactive - i get that. What about the other stuff besides carrying a weapon.

do you go places or do things that you would normally not do if you weren't armed? If so why?

I have always followed the philosophy that the best way to stay safe is to stay out of trouble in the first place (duh) It stems from the protective service truism that if you find yourself in a jam - you probably screwed up somewhere along the line. (the primary mission is to avoid trouble not react to trouble)

could your being armed be a catalyst for getting into trouble?

I know i may be asking in a clumsy way - but I"m curious because I probably fall into that boat and I know for sure one of my friends do. (he used to ride the public transport in Guatemala city at night just hoping for a confrontation)

thoughts? comments?

Jayster · March 17, 2013, 10:06 AM

I agree with your philosophy and for me when I am carrying I seem to be even more aware of using that philosophy.

Want to stay out of trouble? Stay AWAY from where trouble IS.

Glenn E. Meyer · March 17, 2013, 10:13 AM

John Farnam says: Don't go to stupid places with stupid people.

That covers being armed or not. He also says if you are home by 10:00 PM, you miss most of the lunatics. Certainly true for drunks on the road.

If you carry and want a confrontation - then Diane, Chuck, the Brady Bunch, etc. are correct. What an idiot.

Luckily we find the licensed population, so far, as a lesser crime rate than the general population.

**Tom Servo** · March 17, 2013, 11:08 AM

Quote:

could your being armed be a catalyst for getting into trouble?

Nope. There's a simple rule of thumb: I don't do anything differently than I would if I wasn't armed.

BarryLee · March 17, 2013, 11:22 AM

Although time has done a lot to both mellow me out and make me wiser I also think carrying a gun results in me avoiding potentially dicey situations. The last thing I want is to be in a situation that escalates to the point I feel the use of my gun is warranted.

I personally believe most people who carry guns are more responsible than the average person and less likely to pursue confrontation over trivial matters.

redhologram · March 17, 2013, 11:27 AM

I like to think my parents raised me with some common sense. Eat my veggies, drink my milk, don't play in the street, don't talk to strangers, buckle my seatbelt, etc.

I wouldn't go anywhere that could put me in a higher risk for encountering issues before I started carrying and I haven't changed my M.O. since.

As Forrest Gump said: "Stupid is as stupid does."

kutz · March 17, 2013, 11:45 AM

SA first,cover/ conceal 2nd, boolits as REQUIRED!

Onward Allusion · March 17, 2013, 12:09 PM

I avoid stupid places period. As for attitude and behavior, quite the opposite. I'm more polite when carrying 'cause shooting someone legally is an absolute pain in the rear.

the jigger · March 17, 2013, 12:21 PM

I don't do anything differently when I carry because concealed carry is part of my daily routine. If I leave the house I am armed. I am very much aware of the legal restrictions in my state and follow them religiously.

hogcowboy · March 17, 2013, 12:27 PM

I'm not macho to begin with and even less when carrying.

Joe_Pike · March 17, 2013, 02:11 PM

Quote:

do you go places or do things that you would normally not do if you weren't armed?

No. I'm not Batman, so, I don't do anything differently than if I wasn't armed. As I get older I try to avoid a lot of places I used to go when I was younger.

Ted D · March 18, 2013, 04:38 AM

I'm more aware of my surroundings when I carry which is 98% of the time.And avoid all places that I don't need to be in the first place.

CajunBass · March 18, 2013, 06:09 AM

Why would I go someplace armed that I wouldn't go unarmed?

Kreyzhorse · March 18, 2013, 06:21 AM

I don't change my patterns or habits simply because I am carrying a gun. I don't carry a gun to look for trouble, I carry it to avoid trouble.

I would suggest that most people here carry for the same reason.

dos0711 · March 18, 2013, 06:33 AM

A license to carry is not a license to kill. I act no differently when carrying or not. I do my level best to stay out of trouble and that method has served me well for 50 years.

rebs · March 18, 2013, 07:47 AM

when I carry I go to the usual places I need to go, shopping, bank, drug store, walmart etc.. I do not go to the bad section of town ever. I don't go looking for trouble and will in fact avoid any altercation if at all possible. Retreat would be my first choice. I carry very concealed and do not want anyone to know I am carrying, I do not want to be a target of some because they know I have a gun and they think they can somehow steal it or rob me of it. The only person that needs to know I am carrying is me.

saltydog452 · March 18, 2013, 12:21 PM

Our neighborhood has changed drastically within the last 30 or so years.

This is where the kids played. We marked their growth by marks on the wall. When we poured cement, there were images of five footprints visible when the cement became concrete.

I'll be double dipped before I run off and abandon those memorys to this new influx of values.

If we refuse to go anywhere where there is a lawful right to be, then its time to throw in the towel, throw open the doors, and invite the cartels to be your baby-sitter.

salty

jrz_dad · March 18, 2013, 12:50 PM

I find myself being a bit more aware of my surroundings while I carry (not that I dont pay attention when im not) but I guess that I feel while carrying, Its a responsibility that I have to make sure I dont put myself into a situation where I need to use my gun...

I guess what I'm saying is that I dont go looking for trouble...

shouldazagged · March 18, 2013, 01:26 PM

Lots of neighborhoods are changing, mine included, though not as much as the one I moved from five years ago to go into a seniors' apartment complex. And with the exception of banks, the post office, schools, etc., I can legally carry concealed or openly most anywhere in a large metro area. I don't think open carry is very smart in the city for various carefully-considered reasons, but I've carried concealed daily since soon after it became legal in Kentucky about sixteen years ago.

I still think it's just plain damn common sense for me to spend as little time as possible where and when the incidence of trouble is very high. Noplace is totally safe anymore, but why should I go into areas known to be plagued with gang warfare and robberies, if I can find what I need elsewhere? Because I can? Not a good enough reason.

I've never had to draw my EDC in self defense, and the longer I can keep it that way the better I'll like it.

shafter · March 18, 2013, 04:32 PM

I stay away from trouble areas and trouble people. I carry in case trouble tracks me down and backs me into a corner.

shouldazagged · March 18, 2013, 05:23 PM

"I stay away from trouble areas and trouble people. I carry in case trouble tracks me down and backs me into a corner."

Well put! I think that sums up my thoughts on the subject just about perfectly.

chris in va · March 18, 2013, 10:56 PM

I find my fuse is a lot longer now. Stupid crap people do to me on the freeway just kinda rolls off my back now.

Sport45 · March 18, 2013, 11:21 PM

Quote:

do you go places or do things that you would normally not do if you weren't armed? If so why?

Actually, it's just the opposite. I go to unarmed to more places than I go armed.

In some places concealed carry is not permitted by law, and I don't let that keep me out.

Otherwise, I don't go anywhere armed that I wouldn't go unarmed.

March 17, 2013, 09:25 AM	#1
sfmedic Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2012 Location: Currently Erbil, Iraq Posts: 106	Are you less proactive when carrying ?? Off the bat - carrying a weapon is in itself proactive - i get that. What about the other stuff besides carrying a weapon. do you go places or do things that you would normally not do if you weren't armed? If so why? I have always followed the philosophy that the best way to stay safe is to stay out of trouble in the first place (duh) It stems from the protective service truism that if you find yourself in a jam - you probably screwed up somewhere along the line. (the primary mission is to avoid trouble not react to trouble) could your being armed be a catalyst for getting into trouble? I know i may be asking in a clumsy way - but I"m curious because I probably fall into that boat and I know for sure one of my friends do. (he used to ride the public transport in Guatemala city at night just hoping for a confrontation) thoughts? comments?

March 17, 2013, 10:13 AM	#3
Glenn E. Meyer Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2000 Posts: 20,064	John Farnam says: Don't go to stupid places with stupid people. That covers being armed or not. He also says if you are home by 10:00 PM, you miss most of the lunatics. Certainly true for drunks on the road. If you carry and want a confrontation - then Diane, Chuck, the Brady Bunch, etc. are correct. What an idiot. Luckily we find the licensed population, so far, as a lesser crime rate than the general population. __________________ NRA, TSRA, IDPA, NTI, Polite Soc. - Aux Armes, Citoyens

March 17, 2013, 11:22 AM	#5
BarryLee Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2010 Location: The ATL (OTP) Posts: 3,946	Although time has done a lot to both mellow me out and make me wiser I also think carrying a gun results in me avoiding potentially dicey situations. The last thing I want is to be in a situation that escalates to the point I feel the use of my gun is warranted. I personally believe most people who carry guns are more responsible than the average person and less likely to pursue confrontation over trivial matters. __________________ A major source of objection to a free economy is precisely that it ... gives people what they want instead of what a particular group thinks they ought to want. Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman

March 17, 2013, 12:09 PM	#8
Onward Allusion Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2009 Location: Back in a Non-Free State Posts: 3,133	I avoid stupid places period. As for attitude and behavior, quite the opposite. I'm more polite when carrying 'cause shooting someone legally is an absolute pain in the rear. __________________ Simple as ABC . . . Always Be Carrying

March 17, 2013, 12:21 PM	#9
the jigger Member Join Date: May 26, 2012 Location: Central Florida Posts: 78	Carry Behavior? I don't do anything differently when I carry because concealed carry is part of my daily routine. If I leave the house I am armed. I am very much aware of the legal restrictions in my state and follow them religiously. __________________ GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!! If you're gonna get old you better be tough;Gettin' old ain't for sissies!!

March 17, 2013, 10:06 AM	#2
Jayster Member Join Date: January 7, 2013 Posts: 74	I agree with your philosophy and for me when I am carrying I seem to be even more aware of using that philosophy. Want to stay out of trouble? Stay AWAY from where trouble IS.

March 17, 2013, 11:27 AM	#6
redhologram Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2013 Posts: 352	I like to think my parents raised me with some common sense. Eat my veggies, drink my milk, don't play in the street, don't talk to strangers, buckle my seatbelt, etc. I wouldn't go anywhere that could put me in a higher risk for encountering issues before I started carrying and I haven't changed my M.O. since. As Forrest Gump said: "Stupid is as stupid does."

March 17, 2013, 11:45 AM	#7
kutz Senior Member Join Date: September 24, 2012 Location: Arizona Posts: 393	SA first,cover/ conceal 2nd, boolits as REQUIRED!

March 17, 2013, 12:27 PM	#10
hogcowboy Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2010 Location: N33 32.941 W 97 53.546 Texas Posts: 231	I'm not macho to begin with and even less when carrying. __________________ Do things as if your life depends on it. It COULD! American Legion Rider

March 18, 2013, 04:38 AM	#12
Ted D Member Join Date: January 27, 2013 Location: Dayton.Ohio Posts: 76	I'm more aware of my surroundings when I carry which is 98% of the time.And avoid all places that I don't need to be in the first place. __________________ LIFE MEMBER OF THE NRA.GREENHORN RELOADER

March 18, 2013, 06:09 AM	#13
CajunBass Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2005 Location: North Chesterfield, Virginia Posts: 4,767	Why would I go someplace armed that I wouldn't go unarmed? __________________ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

March 18, 2013, 06:21 AM	#14
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	I don't change my patterns or habits simply because I am carrying a gun. I don't carry a gun to look for trouble, I carry it to avoid trouble. I would suggest that most people here carry for the same reason. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

March 18, 2013, 06:33 AM	#15
dos0711 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2012 Location: Northeast, Fl Posts: 254	A license to carry is not a license to kill. I act no differently when carrying or not. I do my level best to stay out of trouble and that method has served me well for 50 years.

March 18, 2013, 07:47 AM	#16
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	when I carry I go to the usual places I need to go, shopping, bank, drug store, walmart etc.. I do not go to the bad section of town ever. I don't go looking for trouble and will in fact avoid any altercation if at all possible. Retreat would be my first choice. I carry very concealed and do not want anyone to know I am carrying, I do not want to be a target of some because they know I have a gun and they think they can somehow steal it or rob me of it. The only person that needs to know I am carrying is me.

March 18, 2013, 12:21 PM	#17
saltydog452 Senior Member Join Date: August 16, 2004 Posts: 516	The other side of the same coin Our neighborhood has changed drastically within the last 30 or so years. This is where the kids played. We marked their growth by marks on the wall. When we poured cement, there were images of five footprints visible when the cement became concrete. I'll be double dipped before I run off and abandon those memorys to this new influx of values. If we refuse to go anywhere where there is a lawful right to be, then its time to throw in the towel, throw open the doors, and invite the cartels to be your baby-sitter. salty __________________ Bread and Circuses don't pay the Bills.

March 18, 2013, 12:50 PM	#18
jrz_dad Member Join Date: November 26, 2012 Location: SW Oklahoma Posts: 28	I find myself being a bit more aware of my surroundings while I carry (not that I dont pay attention when im not) but I guess that I feel while carrying, Its a responsibility that I have to make sure I dont put myself into a situation where I need to use my gun... I guess what I'm saying is that I dont go looking for trouble... Last edited by Evan Thomas; March 18, 2013 at 01:24 PM.

March 18, 2013, 01:26 PM	#19
shouldazagged Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2013 Location: Louisville, KY, USA Posts: 273	Lots of neighborhoods are changing, mine included, though not as much as the one I moved from five years ago to go into a seniors' apartment complex. And with the exception of banks, the post office, schools, etc., I can legally carry concealed or openly most anywhere in a large metro area. I don't think open carry is very smart in the city for various carefully-considered reasons, but I've carried concealed daily since soon after it became legal in Kentucky about sixteen years ago. I still think it's just plain damn common sense for me to spend as little time as possible where and when the incidence of trouble is very high. Noplace is totally safe anymore, but why should I go into areas known to be plagued with gang warfare and robberies, if I can find what I need elsewhere? Because I can? Not a good enough reason. I've never had to draw my EDC in self defense, and the longer I can keep it that way the better I'll like it. __________________ "Don't let macho be your epitaph." ---Ed Lovette

March 18, 2013, 04:32 PM	#20
shafter Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2009 Posts: 1,624	I stay away from trouble areas and trouble people. I carry in case trouble tracks me down and backs me into a corner.

March 18, 2013, 05:23 PM	#21
shouldazagged Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2013 Location: Louisville, KY, USA Posts: 273	"I stay away from trouble areas and trouble people. I carry in case trouble tracks me down and backs me into a corner." Well put! I think that sums up my thoughts on the subject just about perfectly. __________________ "Don't let macho be your epitaph." ---Ed Lovette

March 18, 2013, 10:56 PM	#22
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	I find my fuse is a lot longer now. Stupid crap people do to me on the freeway just kinda rolls off my back now.