For New Gun Owners or Carriers

**OldMarksman** · August 27, 2009, 04:20 PM

I got my CCW endorsement in Missouri last year after an eight hour training course preceded by fifty two years of gun ownership. I was fortunate to find TFL and THR shortly after that.

A number of themes keep recurring--when can I point a gun, what do I do when something goes bump in the night, what if someone..... I thought it might be worth while to jot down some thoughts for people who have not been logging in here. I'm not sure it will necessarily help anyone very much, but if it helps one person stay safe and prosperous, it will have been worth the trouble.

I invite comments from others. Also, understand that this is not legal advice.

Some "rules to remember":

Know and understand your state and local laws and those of any jurisdictions in which you will be carrying a gun. In general, the laws permit the use of deadly force only when it is immediately necessary to counter an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm.
Always remember that using--even showing--a gun entails significant criminal and civil liability.
Do not fall into the trap of believing, even subconsciously, that the granting of a gun permit confers police powers.
Consider your gun to be a last resort.
Realize that in general, laws governing the use of deadly force apply on your own property as well as elsewhere.
Always do your utmost to avoid getting into any kind of confrontation.
Know how to use your firearm safely and effectively. Practice. Avail yourself of all of the training you can afford.
Stay out of harm's way to the extent possible; do not venture from a place of safety to investigate anything--do so only to ensure the safety of your family.
Remember, when a threat ceases to be a threat, so does the justification to use deadly force--do not shoot at anyone who is fleeing or who for any other reason no longer constitutes an immediate threat.
Understand that the aftermath of a shooting can be extremely stressful and costly, if not otherwise devastating, to you and your family. If you must shoot, however, know what to do and whom to call afterwards.
Forget everything you've seen on television about drawing and pointing guns, "clearing" a house, apprehending people, etc.--life is not like television.
Don't be without your gun when you need it--and on the flip side, if there is some place you might not want to go without it, don't go there unless you have to.
Stay alert and observant wherever you are.

Some of these are very obvious. Some may not be obvious to everyone. I hope they prove helpful.

I now carry all of the time unless it is not permitted. I've been lucky--I haven't had to use a gun for years, and when the need has arisen I haven't had to fire.

There are a number of frequent posters who can improve this. I invite comment.

Brian Pfleuger · August 27, 2009, 04:24 PM

I could not agree more. Well thought out, well said, good advice.

I give you a Gold Star for today.

Wildalaska · August 27, 2009, 04:37 PM

Bravo! it should be a sticky!

WildlastclearchanceAlaska ™

JasonG · August 27, 2009, 05:28 PM

If only all CCW classes focused on what you said instead of draw and conceal tactics.
Here's to wishing none of us ever have to fire.

Stevie-Ray · August 27, 2009, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Marksman

I now carry all of the time unless it is not permitted. I've been lucky--i haven't had to use a gun for years, and when the need has arisen I haven't had to fire.

Same here, and I pray that trend continues.

NightSight · August 27, 2009, 05:56 PM

Very well spoken!! I think this is finally one post that everyone can agree on! Well, almost everyone.

Walter · August 27, 2009, 06:01 PM

Excellent post, O M. I agree with Wildalaska, that should be a "sticky".
All the rules for concealed carry boiled down into about a dozen very concise
points, all non-negotiable.

Walter

sakeneko · August 27, 2009, 06:32 PM

Wow, OldMarksman. *Very* well written. Staff, IMHO this deserves a sticky.

BobCat45 · August 27, 2009, 06:38 PM

Succinct, clear, and practical. I agree it needs to be a sticky.

dinsmore83 · August 27, 2009, 06:52 PM

getting my first pistol in the next week, and then looking to get CCW, good advice, I'll certainly try to remember it

2cooltoolz · August 27, 2009, 07:03 PM

Beautifully stated!!

STICKY!!

Evan Thomas · August 27, 2009, 07:15 PM

Really nice, O.M.

I have only one question: Why is this advice only for NEW gun owners/carriers?
These points should be stickied on ALL our brains, perhaps even on our fridges, IMO...

raftman · August 27, 2009, 08:05 PM

Definitely agreed. Actually the CHL class I took did teach to most all of those ideas, in addition to technical matters, tactics, concealment, and the like.

watchcollector1968 · August 27, 2009, 08:44 PM

Excellent reminder for everybody.

45Gunner · August 27, 2009, 11:18 PM

Chiming in with my attaboy...good post. Took a CCW course years and years ago which consisted of 8 hours of class and 8 hours of hands on gun range stuff. Four of the eight hours of class was taught by a Judge that spouted legalities and what can happen to one if he uses his gun in an improper fashion. The gun is the last resort and once the threat is ended, so doesn't the need for the weapon. One misstep can land a gun owner in deep doo doo and as mentioned, know the law and its ramifications...or be prepared to pay hefty fines, heavy duty attorney fees, and possible jail time.

Uncle Buck · August 27, 2009, 11:18 PM

Beautifully written. It should be included in all handgun classes and with all new handgun purchases.

SoupieXX75 · August 28, 2009, 04:20 AM

+1 for STICKY!

Great post!

TailGator · August 28, 2009, 07:45 AM

May I add to the chorus of acclaim? And another vote for a sticky? Thanks, OM.

Al Norris · August 28, 2009, 08:42 AM

Nice post OM. I also see this as a candidate for a sticky. I'll discuss it with the mods for this forum.

But I have one question for everyone? Who Reads Stickies?

Wildalaska · August 28, 2009, 09:34 AM

Quote:

But I have one question for everyone? Who Reads Stickies?

But iTs great when some guy posts some blathering nonsense and we can say....

Read the sticky!

WildinstantretortAlaska TM

ZeSpectre · August 28, 2009, 09:56 AM

I started out with a training officer who beat the following into our thick skulls...

"If at all possible, look out for yourself and keep yourself safe. If you get put out of commission you can't possibly help anybody else."

I always thought that was a good rule of thumb.

Mello2u · August 28, 2009, 11:06 AM

OldMarksman,

Well written summary. Definitely rules to remember.

Cope's Dist · August 28, 2009, 11:33 AM

Thanks a million for such a great post

I thought I was fairly knowledgeable, but you made me rethink some of my own actions and also those of others around me. I am planning to repeat some of your info in a discussion this weekend when we all get together to shoot. I think it will make for a safer, more enjoyable time for all. Most definately, +1 for STICKY!

**Frank Ettin** · August 28, 2009, 01:06 PM

An excellent overview -- very well done. Congratulations.

Daugherty16 · August 28, 2009, 04:19 PM

this is one of the reasons i like TFL so much. in between the banter and bickering, there are so many pearls of wisdom. Such as this.

August 27, 2009, 04:20 PM	#1
OldMarksman Staff Join Date: June 8, 2008 Posts: 4,022	For New Gun Owners or Carriers I got my CCW endorsement in Missouri last year after an eight hour training course preceded by fifty two years of gun ownership. I was fortunate to find TFL and THR shortly after that. A number of themes keep recurring--when can I point a gun, what do I do when something goes bump in the night, what if someone..... I thought it might be worth while to jot down some thoughts for people who have not been logging in here. I'm not sure it will necessarily help anyone very much, but if it helps one person stay safe and prosperous, it will have been worth the trouble. I invite comments from others. Also, understand that this is not legal advice. Some "rules to remember": Know and understand your state and local laws and those of any jurisdictions in which you will be carrying a gun. In general, the laws permit the use of deadly force only when it is immediately necessary to counter an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm. Always remember that using--even showing--a gun entails significant criminal and civil liability. Do not fall into the trap of believing, even subconsciously, that the granting of a gun permit confers police powers. Consider your gun to be a last resort. Realize that in general, laws governing the use of deadly force apply on your own property as well as elsewhere. Always do your utmost to avoid getting into any kind of confrontation. Know how to use your firearm safely and effectively. Practice. Avail yourself of all of the training you can afford. Stay out of harm's way to the extent possible; do not venture from a place of safety to investigate anything--do so only to ensure the safety of your family. Remember, when a threat ceases to be a threat, so does the justification to use deadly force--do not shoot at anyone who is fleeing or who for any other reason no longer constitutes an immediate threat. Understand that the aftermath of a shooting can be extremely stressful and costly, if not otherwise devastating, to you and your family. If you must shoot, however, know what to do and whom to call afterwards. Forget everything you've seen on television about drawing and pointing guns, "clearing" a house, apprehending people, etc.--life is not like television. Don't be without your gun when you need it--and on the flip side, if there is some place you might not want to go without it, don't go there unless you have to. Stay alert and observant wherever you are. Some of these are very obvious. Some may not be obvious to everyone. I hope they prove helpful. I now carry all of the time unless it is not permitted. I've been lucky--I haven't had to use a gun for years, and when the need has arisen I haven't had to fire. There are a number of frequent posters who can improve this. I invite comment. Last edited by Mal H; August 28, 2009 at 09:41 AM. Reason: Minor edit

August 27, 2009, 04:24 PM	#2
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	I could not agree more. Well thought out, well said, good advice. I give you a Gold Star for today. __________________ Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley

August 27, 2009, 05:28 PM	#4
JasonG Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2008 Posts: 209	If only all CCW classes focused on what you said instead of draw and conceal tactics. Here's to wishing none of us ever have to fire. __________________ "Bones, what killed him ?" "Acute lead poisoning Jim....." ST-TOS#61

August 27, 2009, 05:56 PM	#6
NightSight Member Join Date: July 6, 2009 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 74	Very well spoken!! I think this is finally one post that everyone can agree on! Well, almost everyone. __________________ "Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July; democrats believe every day is April 15." -Ronald Reagan

August 27, 2009, 07:03 PM	#11
2cooltoolz Senior Member Join Date: September 17, 2007 Location: Lake Conroe, Texas Posts: 1,059	Beautifully stated!! STICKY!! __________________ What me worry

August 27, 2009, 04:37 PM	#3
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	Bravo! it should be a sticky! WildlastclearchanceAlaska ™

August 27, 2009, 06:01 PM	#7
Walter Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2004 Location: North Texas Posts: 641	Excellent post, O M. I agree with Wildalaska, that should be a "sticky". All the rules for concealed carry boiled down into about a dozen very concise points, all non-negotiable. Walter

August 27, 2009, 06:32 PM	#8
sakeneko Senior Member Join Date: May 23, 2009 Location: Nevada Posts: 644	Wow, OldMarksman. Very well written. Staff, IMHO this deserves a sticky.

August 27, 2009, 06:38 PM	#9
BobCat45 Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2004 Location: East Bernard, TX Posts: 523	Succinct, clear, and practical. I agree it needs to be a sticky.

August 27, 2009, 06:52 PM	#10
dinsmore83 Member Join Date: August 24, 2009 Posts: 96	getting my first pistol in the next week, and then looking to get CCW, good advice, I'll certainly try to remember it

August 27, 2009, 07:15 PM	#12
Evan Thomas Senior Member Join Date: July 7, 2008 Location: Upper midwest Posts: 5,631	Really nice, O.M. I have only one question: Why is this advice only for NEW gun owners/carriers? These points should be stickied on ALL our brains, perhaps even on our fridges, IMO... __________________ Never let anything mechanical know you're in a hurry.

August 27, 2009, 08:05 PM	#13
raftman Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,890	Definitely agreed. Actually the CHL class I took did teach to most all of those ideas, in addition to technical matters, tactics, concealment, and the like.

August 27, 2009, 08:44 PM	#14
watchcollector1968 Member Join Date: July 19, 2008 Posts: 30	Excellent reminder for everybody.

August 27, 2009, 11:18 PM	#15
45Gunner Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2009 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 1,902	Chiming in with my attaboy...good post. Took a CCW course years and years ago which consisted of 8 hours of class and 8 hours of hands on gun range stuff. Four of the eight hours of class was taught by a Judge that spouted legalities and what can happen to one if he uses his gun in an improper fashion. The gun is the last resort and once the threat is ended, so doesn't the need for the weapon. One misstep can land a gun owner in deep doo doo and as mentioned, know the law and its ramifications...or be prepared to pay hefty fines, heavy duty attorney fees, and possible jail time. __________________ 45Gunner May the Schwartz Be With You. NRA Instructor NRA Life Member

August 27, 2009, 11:18 PM	#16
Uncle Buck Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2009 Location: West Central Missouri Posts: 2,592	Beautifully written. It should be included in all handgun classes and with all new handgun purchases. __________________ Inside Every Bright Idea Is The 50% Probability Of A Disaster Waiting To Happen.

August 28, 2009, 04:20 AM	#17
SoupieXX75 Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 67	+1 for STICKY! Great post!

August 28, 2009, 07:45 AM	#18
TailGator Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,787	May I add to the chorus of acclaim? And another vote for a sticky? Thanks, OM.

August 28, 2009, 08:42 AM	#19
Al Norris Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 29, 2000 Location: Rupert, Idaho Posts: 9,660	Nice post OM. I also see this as a candidate for a sticky. I'll discuss it with the mods for this forum. But I have one question for everyone? Who Reads Stickies?

August 28, 2009, 09:56 AM	#21
ZeSpectre Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Shenandoah Valley Posts: 3,276	I started out with a training officer who beat the following into our thick skulls... "If at all possible, look out for yourself and keep yourself safe. If you get put out of commission you can't possibly help anybody else." I always thought that was a good rule of thumb. __________________ "The dogs may bark but the caravan moves on"

August 28, 2009, 11:06 AM	#22
Mello2u Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2009 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,424	OldMarksman, Well written summary. Definitely rules to remember. __________________ NRA Life Member - Orange Gunsite Member - NRA Certified Pistol Instructor "When plunder becomes a way of life for a group of men living together in society, they create for themselves in the course of time a legal system that authorizes it and a moral code that justifies it." Frederic Bastiat

August 28, 2009, 11:33 AM	#23
Cope's Dist Member Join Date: October 8, 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 26	OldMarksman, Thanks a million for such a great post I thought I was fairly knowledgeable, but you made me rethink some of my own actions and also those of others around me. I am planning to repeat some of your info in a discussion this weekend when we all get together to shoot. I think it will make for a safer, more enjoyable time for all. Most definately, +1 for STICKY!

August 28, 2009, 01:06 PM	#24
Frank Ettin Staff Join Date: November 23, 2005 Location: California - San Francisco Posts: 9,471	An excellent overview -- very well done. Congratulations.

August 28, 2009, 04:19 PM	#25
Daugherty16 Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2008 Location: Live Free or Die state Posts: 259	A CCW Credo... nice this is one of the reasons i like TFL so much. in between the banter and bickering, there are so many pearls of wisdom. Such as this. __________________ "To my mind it is wholly irresponsible to go into the world incapable of preventing violence, injury, crime, and death. How feeble is the mindset to accept defenselessness... How pathetic." - - Ted Nugent "Cogito, Ergo Armitum Sum" - (I Think, Therefore I Am Armed)- - anon.

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