I don't consider myself a gun freak. Yes, I enjoy shooting for the sport of it. The feeling of hitting a bulls-eye is a thrill like no other. I enjoy Deer and Elk hunting, clay pigeon shooting, target shooting with all kinds of firearms. It's just fun. Those are the main reasons I own firearms. I have other hobbies that I enjoy as well. If losing my firearms for the sport were the only reason, I would be disappointed but not completely distraught.
A distant secondary and critical reason for owning a firearm and concealed weapon permit is for protection. Although, I am not really worried about being mugged, robbed, or otherwise because I live in a city with minimal firearm crimes. The statistical likelihood of me ever needing a weapon in my community for protection is on the extreme side of unlikely. However, there has been several instances in this state where mentally ill people went on killing spree's. Which is the reason I carry in public places on occasion like Malls, Theaters, schools and other public areas.
A far more likely reason for me to carry is when I am camping with my family out in the wilderness. We go camping quite often and enjoy getting out into the fresh air enjoying the beauty of what mother nature has to offer. In this area there has been several people attacked and killed or injured by bears, mountain lions and other such predators. When we are camping or hiking, these are the times when I feel an absolute need to carry a sidearm. To protect my kids and I from becoming an animals happy meal. My Dad had the unpleasant experience of being hunted by a mountain lion once while deer hunting. It took several shots over its head to get the mountain lion to back off. I can honestly say that he wouldn't be here today if he didn't have a firearm to scare away that predator.
I got a concealed weapon permit because I want to be able to defend myself should the need arise. I understand that it is highly unlikely that I should ever have a need to use it. However, that being said if I had the unfortunate and unlikely statistical anomaly of being in a situation that required me to draw my firearm. I would have very carefully observed the situation. That it couldn't be resolved with negotiations and that someones life was indeed in danger. Because brandishing a weapon is a very serious offense not to be taken lightly. The mere sight of a weapon in an unlikely public place alone, could cause some people serious trauma. What it means to me to carry a concealed weapon is volunteering myself as a human shield, putting myself in front of all others, to take the first bullets fired in an ugly situation. Because I would much rather the bullets hit me than an innocent child. Because if I could injure or at least rattle a crazy gunman's nerves enough to make his shot a little less accurate, his shots would be less likely to hit other peoples vital organs, buying them and the surgeons more critical time. It's better that the gunman's rounds be spent on me than on an innocent child. That perhaps more people could live. And even one more life surviving a terrible situation like that would make it all worth it.
This would come at a very steep personal cost and it's not one that I have taken lightly. I would be putting myself in the position as a bullet shield. Possibly orphaning my kids who love their daddy. Their lives would drastically change without their father. Opportunities to have taught my kids valuable lessons. To have played with them, loved them. Robbing myself of years to live, time with my kids, souls to touch, good to do.
Yes, I would give all that to save the life of another and that is why I carry a concealed firearm.
A distant secondary and critical reason for owning a firearm and concealed weapon permit is for protection. Although, I am not really worried about being mugged, robbed, or otherwise because I live in a city with minimal firearm crimes. The statistical likelihood of me ever needing a weapon in my community for protection is on the extreme side of unlikely. However, there has been several instances in this state where mentally ill people went on killing spree's. Which is the reason I carry in public places on occasion like Malls, Theaters, schools and other public areas.
A far more likely reason for me to carry is when I am camping with my family out in the wilderness. We go camping quite often and enjoy getting out into the fresh air enjoying the beauty of what mother nature has to offer. In this area there has been several people attacked and killed or injured by bears, mountain lions and other such predators. When we are camping or hiking, these are the times when I feel an absolute need to carry a sidearm. To protect my kids and I from becoming an animals happy meal. My Dad had the unpleasant experience of being hunted by a mountain lion once while deer hunting. It took several shots over its head to get the mountain lion to back off. I can honestly say that he wouldn't be here today if he didn't have a firearm to scare away that predator.
I got a concealed weapon permit because I want to be able to defend myself should the need arise. I understand that it is highly unlikely that I should ever have a need to use it. However, that being said if I had the unfortunate and unlikely statistical anomaly of being in a situation that required me to draw my firearm. I would have very carefully observed the situation. That it couldn't be resolved with negotiations and that someones life was indeed in danger. Because brandishing a weapon is a very serious offense not to be taken lightly. The mere sight of a weapon in an unlikely public place alone, could cause some people serious trauma. What it means to me to carry a concealed weapon is volunteering myself as a human shield, putting myself in front of all others, to take the first bullets fired in an ugly situation. Because I would much rather the bullets hit me than an innocent child. Because if I could injure or at least rattle a crazy gunman's nerves enough to make his shot a little less accurate, his shots would be less likely to hit other peoples vital organs, buying them and the surgeons more critical time. It's better that the gunman's rounds be spent on me than on an innocent child. That perhaps more people could live. And even one more life surviving a terrible situation like that would make it all worth it.
This would come at a very steep personal cost and it's not one that I have taken lightly. I would be putting myself in the position as a bullet shield. Possibly orphaning my kids who love their daddy. Their lives would drastically change without their father. Opportunities to have taught my kids valuable lessons. To have played with them, loved them. Robbing myself of years to live, time with my kids, souls to touch, good to do.
Yes, I would give all that to save the life of another and that is why I carry a concealed firearm.
Great Post! Know that there are others out there that feel the exact same way as you. I got my CCW for pretty much the same reason.
ReplyDeleteI like how you identified your need for a concealed weapon. I wish all gun owners were as thoughtful and conscientious as you are about the myriad dangers.
ReplyDelete