Carrying a Concealed Weapon? Good or Bad?

Question

I'm getting all my paperwork together to get a permit to carry a pistol. I've been so disgusted with all these pyschos out here, robbing, killing and hurting children, I think I should have a gun just in case, for my daughter's sake.

In Michigan, we have to get training before we can get a license.

Answer 1

I personally think that every hard working citizen should carry a concealed weapon IF they are prepared to put in the time on training.
If you are going to carry a firearm, you should committ to spending several hours at a shooting range per month. A firearm is a tool, you should be proficient with it if you decide to carry it. These skills are perishable and must be maintained.
(this will be lengthy, and I apoligize in advance - but - there is a lot to think about)

Can you live with the fact that you killed someone ? (shooting someone in the leg or the hand is only for TV)
Can you live with the fact that you killed an innocent person ?
(even with lots of practice, you may miss the intended target and strike someone else OR even if you hit the intended target, the bullet may continue thru and still strike someone else)
Are you prepared for the liability of being responsible for every bullet you fire - both in criminal court and civil court ?

Finally, you should also be aware that (unlike TV) people don't fall down when you shoot them. They can continue their aggressive behavior even after being shot several times.
Also, once you display a firearm - you (and those with you) become a target. If the bad guy(s) also have firearms, they will often blast unaimed rounds in your direction - putting everyone around you at risk.
Then, when the cops arrive - you are again at risk. When a cop arrives and sees someone holding a gun, they will treat them as hostile (offduty officers have even been shot) until the scene has been secured.

Carrying a firearm is a very serious responsibility. It requires time spent in training. It requires teaching your entire household gun safety. And, it comes with great risk.

Discuss this with your husband, your parents, your pastor (or other religious leader), and your inlaws. Make sure that you are prepared for all the risks involved - then make your decision.

In the meantime, you might also consider taking a self-defense course and obtain pepper spray. No harm in keeping all of your options open.

Answer 2

That's ok, I think if you are responsible, it is more dangerous to drive a car than to carry a gun. You wouldn't walk down the street pointing a loaded gun at people, but you might do something equivalent with a car on a daily basis, like drive down the street where there were pedestrians at such a speed that if one were to step in front of you it would be all over for them. You'll almost certianly never get the opportunity to blow away some bad guy, so I suggest you keep the safety on and get aquainted with safe gun handeling practices

Answer 3

If you are appropriately trained, able to carry it concealed, and understand that even making it VISIBLE is a last-resort issue, it's good. Also understand the importance of three things: Safety, safety, and safety. Have a plan for securing the weapon from underage tampering. "I trust my kid" is not a plan.

If you use it to "defuse a situation," you risk being nailed for brandishing. If it comes out, it needs to be because you are in immediate fear for your life or the life of your child.

Understand that you have to be willing to use it, or you're better off with a cookie in your purse. Most people like cookies. If you wave that thing around and you're bluffing, you stand a chance of joining the ranks of gunowners who fall to their own gun.

Have a plan for post-shooting as well. Call 911, advise them that there has been a shooting and what your location is, and terminate the call. You'd be rattled, and understandably so. Rattled people don't make good legal decisions. Make no statements until you have spoken with an attorney, no matter HOW in control you feel.

It goes without saying that if an officer shows up at any point during the situation (pre, during, or post-shooting), the officer is the boss and you obey all his commands to the letter without debate.

Answer 4

LEARN everything you can about your weapon and when you may and may not use it. DO NOT, DO NOT stop at the the end of your permit class. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND going to ayoob.com and ordering "In the Gravest Extreme" by Massad Ayoob. Also subscribe to Combat Handguns and The American Hand-gunner. Check out the Internet for firearm defense schools. By the Constitution we have a right to bear and keep arms. But more importantly we have a VERY SERIOUS RESPONSIBILITY AND OBLIGATION to use such arms responsibly.

Answer 5

When you get the permit, my advice to you is to continue to pratice with the weapon, and study up on the laws regarding the use of deadly force. Just remember this, if you don't remember anything else. Once you discharge the weapon, you cannot recall the shot. Be very careful about what you shoot at.

Answer 6

The only problem I could see is that you are not trained to use the firearm. People who are not trained rely on the weapon to get them out of trouble. Once you pull it you have to use it. It's not a bluffing tool. Also, carrying the weapon tends to make the untrained think they are invincible. You will find yourself in places and situations that you would have NEVER allowed yourself to get into before carrying the weapon.

It's not a toy, and it won't make you bigger and badder..........

An 8 hour class is NOT training.....................

Answer 7

Before you go to all the trouble of getting the permit, ask yourself if you are willing to kill someone. Think about it hard before you carry a weapon you may be forced to use or have used on you if you hesitate.

Answer 8

I'm all for it!